I9i i.] 
Labourers' Cottages. 
107 
which, moreover, require to be of a higher class than formerly, 
owing to the general improvement in taste and rise in the 
standard of comfort which have resulted from the wider 
diffusion of education and sanitary science. 
The main deterrent to the provision of such cottages is, 
perhaps, the increased expenditure in all building operations, 
chiefly owing to the advance in the price of labour. It is 
generally recognised that the return on the outlay in building 
cottages is so small as to be unremunerative if the rent that 
can be obtained is the only consideration. When the rates, 
taxes, and other outgoings (including the provision of a 
sinking fund where a loan has been obtained) have been set 
against the rents that can be expected from labourers, it is 
obvious that the return will be a small one, though the fact 
that the land has an enhanced value attached to it by the 
equipment of such cottages and the convenience afforded by 
having labour close at hand, must not be overlooked. 
Cost. — The cost of erection varies in different parts of 
Great Britain, local circumstances being the chief governing 
factor. For instance, where stone, gravel, sand, &c, can be 
obtained on the site, it is possible to reduce the cost of build- 
ing, as haulage is a serious item in many instances. 
The accompanying illustrations show : — (Fig. 1) A single 
cottage to cost from ^"200-^225 ; (Fig. 2) a pair of cottages 
to cost from ^300-^350; (Fig. 3) a block of three cottages 
to cost from ^"550-^600. These are applicable to any variety 
of site, and, in order to keep down the cost as much as 
possible, are simple in plan and unpretentious in design. 
Experience of the erection of small houses and cottages in 
Hertfordshire and the Midlands within recent years shows 
that it is possible to build cottages of this type in a thoroughly 
substantial manner for between qd. and 4-j-d. per cubic foot. 
It is very undesirable to have cottages erected which are 
likely to require a considerable amount of attention or outlay 
in repairs. 
Accommodation. — Opinions differ on the question as to 
whether a parlour is necessary, but there are some tenants 
who would not live in a cottage were not this additional 
luxury provided, and in any case, if not needed as an addi- 
tional sitting-room, it can be utilised as a bedroom, or the 
