WOODWARD'S

COUNTRY HOMES, BY

GEO. E. & F. W. WOODWARD, ARCHITECTS, =Authors of "Woodward's Graperies and Horticultural Buildings. "=

FOURTH THOUSAND. 

 NEW-YORK: GEO. E. & F. W. WOODWARD, 37 PARK ROW, Office of the HORTICULTURIST. 1866. 

 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1865, by GEO. E. & F. W. WOODWARD, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Southern District of New York. 

 STEPHEN HALLET, PRINTER, No. 74 Fulton Street. 

CONTENTS. 

 PAGE. INTRODUCTION. Domestic Architecture and Embellishment 7

 DESIGN NO. 1. A Laborer's Cottage 25

 DESIGN NO. 2. A Small Frame Cottage 28

 DESIGN NO. 3. A Compact Frame Cottage 30

 DESIGN NO. 4. A Rural Cottage of moderate extent 34

 DESIGN NO. 5. A Gardener's Cottage 40

 DESIGN NO. 6. Stone Stable and Coach House 45

 DESIGN NO. 7. A Farm Cottage 46

 DESIGN NO. 8. Design for a Timber Cottage 50

 DESIGN NO. 9. Design for a Rural Church. 53

 DESIGN NO. 10. A Suburban Cottage 58

 DESIGN NO. 11. An Ornamental Summer House 64

 DESIGN NO. 12. Stable and Carriage House 66

 DESIGN NO. 13. A Model Cottage 68

 DESIGN NO. 14. A Cottage Stable 75

 DESIGN NO. 15. Design for an Ice House 76

 DESIGN NO. 16. A Suburban Cottage 79

 DESIGN NO. 17. Stable and Carriage House 86

 DESIGN NO. 18. School House at Irvington 87

 DESIGN NO. 19. A regular Country House 93

 DESIGN NO. 20. A Country Chapel 96

 DESIGN NO. 21. An Old House Remodeled 99

 DESIGN NO. 22. Coach House and Stable 104

 DESIGN NO. 23. Fences 106

 DESIGN NO. 24. Plans of the Residence of C. F. Park, Esq. 108

 DESIGN NO. 25. Carriage House and Stable 111

 DESIGN NO. 26. Residence of T. H. Stout, Esq. 113

 DESIGN NO. 27. A Chapter on Gates 119

 DESIGN NO. 28. Mr. Tristram Allen's House at Ravenswood, Enlarged 131

 DESIGN NO. 29. Plans of the Residence of L. M. Ferris, Esq. 134

 DESIGN NO. 30. A Model Suburban Cottage 139

 DESIGN NO. 31. Head Stone 149

 BALLOON FRAMES. Balloon Frames 151

WOODWARD'S

COUNTRY HOMES. 

IN presenting to the public a new work on DOMESTIC ARCHITECTURE, it isour aim to furnish practical designs and plans, adapted to therequirements of such as are about to build, or remodel and improve, their COUNTRY HOMES. 

The rapid progress in rural improvement and domestic embellishment allover the land, during the last quarter of a century, is evident to theobservation of every traveler, and, as we have found during severalyears of professional experience, there has grown up a demand forarchitectural designs of various grades, from the simple farm cottage tothe more elaborate and costly villa, which is not supplied by theseveral excellent works on this subject which are within the reach ofthe building and reading public. 

Among the permanent dwellers in the country this spirit of improvement, fostered as it is by the diffusion of publications in the variousdepartments of Rural Art, and by a wider and more genial general cultureas the means of intercommunication and education are increased, isbecoming more manifest every year. But besides these intelligent farmersand tradesmen who make the country their home the year round, there is alarge class of persons whose tastes or business avocations compel themto reside a considerable portion of the year in our cities orsuburbs--prosperous merchants, bankers, professional men, and wealthycitizens--who have the tastes and means to command such enjoyments andluxuries as the country affords; who need the change in scenes, associations, employments and objects of interest, for themselves andtheir households, and who enjoy, with a keen relish, the seclusion, thecomparative freedom from restraint, the pure, sweet air, the broad, opensunshine, and the numerous other rural advantages which are essentiallydenied them in their city homes. 

In former years this class of people resorted, almost exclusively, tothe sea-side, and a few popular mineral springs, taking in, perhaps, Niagara in their transit, and rarely venturing into the wild andunexplored regions of Lake George. They returned to town in the earlydays of September, with many a backward, longing look at the attractionsand delights from which they reluctantly tore themselves away, andsettled down again to the weary tread-mill of business. But for someyears past this class has largely increased in number, and instead ofconfining themselves to their former resorts, they now seek the uppercountry, and prolong their stay into the glorious days of Autumn. Manyof them have provided permanent summer homes, among the hills and on thelake or river shores. They have bought, and built, and planted, untilthey have identified themselves with the chosen spot, and as their treeshave taken root in the fertile soil, so have their affections taken rootin the beautiful country. They hasten gladly to these rural scenes withthe opening Summer, and they leave them with regret when the exigenciesof business require their presence in the city, --when the Summer sunshave ripened the luscious fruits, and the flowers fade with the frostykisses of the cold, and the passenger birds fly Southward. This class ofour population know where to find all the facilities for the bestcountry enjoyments, and their ample means assure them a free choice ofsummer resorts, and adequate command of all the appliances of pleasantcountry living. 

But there is another and still larger class of citizens who have neitherthe means to enable them to keep up both town and country residences, nor such command of their time that they can pass two or three months ofevery summer away from their business. There are thousands of clerks andsubordinate officers in the banking and insurance institutions in ourcities and in our large commercial houses; there are many merchants whoare making their way slowly and surely to competence and wealth, whowould gladly compromise for one-third of such a summer vacation. Theseare men of intelligence, and sometimes of a good deal of social andintellectual culture and refinement. Many of them were born, and theirboyhood nurtured amongst the hills. They love the country with theintensity and purity of a first love, and they long for communion oncemore with nature in all her moods of loveliness. Their sweetest dreamsstill, when they forget the hard realities of life, are of green lawnsand sloping hill-sides, of waving trees and cool streams. And they wouldwish that their children should become familiar with the same wholesomeassociations, and be moved by the same attachments and inspirations. Inthe city they are constantly exposed to its excitements, and subjectedto the restraints of its artificial modes, with few outward influencesto counteract upon their development; with very little, indeed, exceptthe discipline and the affections of home to emancipate them from thetendencies to a trivial, artificial, and sordid life. They would gladlysupply to them the healthful tone and vigor--the outer and inner bloomand freshness--which are the product of out-door life in the pure air ofthe country. But they are compelled by considerations of economy, toforego most of these advantages, and allow their children to grow upwith city tastes and habits. They long for the country but think theymust content themselves with the town, until the time comes when theirfortunes will enable them to command the coveted indulgences. 

The time may come, sooner than they anticipate, when they will beobliged to choose the country. 

Our towns are rapidly overflowing their local boundaries, and spreadingout into suburbs, more or less beautiful and desirable. As far as NewYork city is concerned, it is simply a question of time how soon ourmiddle-class citizens, who desire to live comfortably, with due regardto economical conditions, will be obliged to choose the country fortheir homes. 

During the last forty years this city has increased in population with arapid and uniform rate. Within the memory of persons now living, it hasgrown from an inconsiderable commercial town, until it has become one ofthe great cities of the world. This rapid stride and steady progressfurnish us with the elements for calculating the period when the wholeisland will be covered with buildings, and there will remain no morevacant space for the use of its commerce, or the domestic accommodationof its citizens. The present population of the city is estimated atfully one million. The entire territorial capacity of the city, thedensity of the population remaining the same as it is at present, cannot much exceed two millions. The ratio of increase during eachperiod of five years, since 1820, is about twenty-eight per cent. Itwill thus be seen that the utmost limit of the city's capacity will bereached within the next sixteen or seventeen years, and New York will bea solid and compact city from the Battery to Westchester County. 

Meanwhile, the expenses of living in the city are increasing every year. Rents are higher now than ever before, and there is no prospect of theircoming down for many years. 

For it must be remembered that when we renew our building operations, which have been nearly suspended for the last four years, in consequenceof the unsettled condition of the country, we shall have to provide notonly for the current increase in population, but for the deficiencieswhich result from the past four years or more, when comparatively fewhouses were erected. At the present time the rent of a convenient andrespectable house, suitable to the requirements of a family having afair income, and occupying a desirable position in society, is anexcessive item of cost. 

And the remedy for this is to go into the country. Along the lines ofour railroads and navigable waters there are localities where land iscomparatively cheap, --beautiful, healthy regions, where the comforts ofa rural home may be secured, with all the advantages of society, and ofreligious and educational establishments and institutions. Thefacilities for reaching these country homes are already adequate forgeneral purposes, and will be increased every year, as the demand forthem grows. Railroads and steamboats are built and run for the purposeof profit on freight and passenger transportation. According to thegeneral law of trade, the supply will equal the demand, and as thepopulation increases along our lines of travel, the facilities andaccommodations for transit will be multiplied. 

Why, then, should the man who loves the country, and possesses tastesand capacities for its enjoyment, and yet is compelled by circumstancesto practice economy in his mode of living, be restrained to the citylimits? It is quite a practicable thing for him to realize hiswishes, --live in the country and enjoy its best luxuries, withoutabandoning the city as far as its commercial advantages are concerned. There are localities _within an hour_ of the city hall, where land canbe purchased at reasonable rates, and where all the advantages of healthand beauty, of retirement, pure air and attractive scenery can beenjoyed for less money than is now expended in the narrow house in thecrowded street, where every sense is offended--with no open sky ordistant horizon tinged with the glories of the dying day or risingmorn--no grassy lawns, or waving trees, or fragrant banks of flowers. 

For such accommodations as he has, he pays, we will say, a rent of onethousand or twelve hundred dollars. In the country he might purchase twoacres of land and build a cottage, which would afford him all, or more, conveniences than he now has, without the necessity of climbing four orfive flights of stairs--at an outlay, at the usual cost of building, notexceeding six thousand dollars. The interest on this sum would be fourhundred and twenty dollars. The difference between this amount and hispresent house rent would in a few years pay the whole cost of the place, and he would have a _home_--a centre and gathering place for hisdomestic interests and affections. 

And this is no fancy sketch--no exaggerated statement of possibilities. We know of localities which can be reached from Wall Street in as manyminutes as would be required to go to 50th Street, where land can beobtained for about five hundred dollars an acre, where there are all theconditions of health, good water, pure air, extensive and attractiveviews, and whatever else is desirable for a country home. In thedirection we have now specially in mind, there are at least twentyrailroad trains which daily stop at convenient stations, between theearly morning and ten o'clock at night. For the ordinary purposes ofbusiness, and social intercourse, this is ample travellingaccommodation, and as we said before, these accommodations will beincreased in the proportion that the country population in theneighborhood of our cities becomes more dense, and thus creates a largerdemand for such facilities. 

The necessity and desirableness of country homes being thus easilydemonstrable, it is of importance to know how to choose sites for them, and how to build. The Poet-author of "Letters from under a bridge, " hasgiven a wise and admirable suggestion in regard to choice of sites, "leaving the climate and productiveness of soil out of the question, themain things to find united, are, _shade_, _water_, _and inequality ofsurface_. With these three features given by nature, any spot may bemade beautiful, and at very little cost: and fortunately for purchasersin this country, most land is valued and sold with little or noreference to these or other capabilities for embellishment. " There is anaffluence of choice sites all over the country, and what we need most tolearn is how to develop their capabilities, and add such fittingembellishments as belong to beautiful and convenient houses. Here it isthat the popular taste requires additional cultivation. The impulsealready given in this direction should be kept up. There is nodeficiency of wealth for the appropriation and culture of theseattractive places, and there is often a lavish expenditure upon countryhomes which ought to make them complete and even magnificent. Butunfortunately we see, every year, costly establishments, designed forsummer residences, or for permanent homes, built up with as littleregard for taste, as for expense. The deficiency is found rather in theculture than in the dispositions and means of our people. And the remedyand supply for this must be provided by the dissemination of workstreating upon this and kindred topics of rural art, by means of whichthe public taste may be refined and elevated to a higher standard. 

In constructing country houses there are several prime conditions to beobserved, such as adaptation, accommodation, and expression. Byadaptation is meant not only the arrangement of the main structure, asto form and material, to suit the locality and character of the grounds, but a fitness as respects the real wants--the habits and condition--ofthe occupants and the purposes of a country home. Nobody wants a moderncity house planted down in the open country, nor should any sensible manseek a refuge from the bare streets of the city in the little less barestreets of a country village. There is no congruity between theclassical forms of Grecian Architecture and the varying climate of ourland. 

The material used in the construction of our country houses has not beensufficiently considered by us. Timber is abundant in almost all parts ofthe country, and the facility with which anestablishment--mansion-house, office, and outbuildings--can be built upin a few weeks, of this material, has been the main reason, we suppose, why we have so many abortions, in the shape of Grecian temples, andminiature Gothic cathedrals and castles, scattered over the land. Let itbe considered, that in building our country houses, we are not simplyproviding for ourselves, but for our children--we are constructing ahomestead. It is for the want of this consideration that we have so few_homes_ in our country, so few home associations, around and among whichour deepest and purest affections are entwined. Our thin lath andplaster constructions, which rattle and tremble in every wind and leakin every rain, do not afford very good or permanent centers for theseassociations and affections. 

We have some native woods that are durable, out of which we may buildhouses that will last for several generations; but with these, even, thecost of frequent repairs and painting is so great, to say nothing of theannoyances thereby entailed, that, in point of economy, wood is by nomeans the most desirable material. Nor is it, in any way, the mostdesirable. The prevailing taste in country dwellings, before Mr. Downing's time, was defective enough. A large, square, wooden house, painted intensely white, garnished with bright green Venetianblinds--standing in a contracted yard--inclosed with a red or whitewooden fence, was the very beau ideal of a gentleman's country dwelling. We are thankful that this dispensation has passed away; and we reverethe memory of Downing, and of others like him, who were instrumental inbringing in a better taste in such matters. 

The first cost of a stone or brick dwelling somewhat exceeds that ofwood, even in places where these materials are readily obtained. But ifthey are properly constructed, such buildings will need very few repairsfor many years. It is often objected, on the other hand, that suchbuildings are damp and unwholesome. This is, undoubtedly, true of manyof the old stone houses which we find scattered about the country. Andit is true, because they were not properly built. When properly built, they preserve the most equal temperature at all seasons. They are warmin winter and cool in summer, and the sudden changes which affect theweather without, need scarcely be felt by the delicate invalid withinthe walls of the stone mansion, if suitable attention is given to thesimple matter of ventilation. 

But let us return to the subject of adaptation. The illustrations whichoccur to us may serve to furnish a somewhat clear idea of what we meanby the prime conditions necessary to be observed in building. 

By the term adaptation, we mean such choice of style, material, sizeand arrangement as shall fit the structure: 1st, to the site; 2d, to theclimate; and 3d, to the uses for which it is built. 

And, first, as to the site: It would be obviously incongruous to erectthe same house on these two different sites, with their differentcharacteristic features and surroundings; for example, _the one_ anearly level plane gently rising, perhaps, as you approach from the roadthe position where the house shall stand, and sloping away again towardsother broad green fields and the fertile meadows beyond--with nobackground of hills or mountains, no irregularly formed lake, but with aplacid, lazy stream, half-sleeping, half-gliding by the weeping elms, and among the scattered groups of stately, old trees:--_the other_, aromantic hillside in the native forest, with its neighboring mountainrange, where in the bright summer-time, the noisy, laughing brook keepstime to your thoughts and fancies as you wander among the hills, and inthe bleak winter the winds sigh mournfully through the pines or uttertheir clarion calls to the spirit of the storm. 

The one situation would be appropriate to the Italian villa, with itsflat roof, and overhanging cornices, its spacious verandahs andbalconies, all having that depth and boldness and variety of outlinenecessary to secure the proper effects of light and shadow which, theabsence of all variety of form in the landscape, would renderindispensable. But no man with an artist's eye would think, for amoment, of building such a house as this on our wooded hillside. Hewould construct there his English cottage in good solid stone, whosesteep roofs would shed with facility the summer rain and the wintersnow, whose irregularities of form and outline would harmonize withnature's Gothic work in precipice and rock, in trees and climbing vines. Or else, he would place there his Swiss chalét, which would be inharmony with the scene, and a pleasing object to the eye of theobserver. On the broad, open plane the villa should be made, or seem, tocover a considerable space, while the nice cottage might be built morecompactly. 

But here let us remark, that many of our attempts at the Englishcottage, generally known as the Gothic, have been failures, and some ofthem sad abortions. 

This comes from defective models and plans, and these defects arisemainly from these sources--the lack of boldness and variety in the mainoutlines, and in the construction of the roofs and chimneys. Such acottage, to be pleasing and satisfactory, must have irregularities inform, variety in ornament, and boldness in treatment. A square housewith additions of gables, and dormers and pinnacles, and ridge crests, will not give us an English cottage. It is a work of art, like a poemor a picture, and not a mechanical aggregation of Gothic features andornaments. We were about to say that it should never be attempted in anyother material than stone, but as many of us cannot command the meansfor such permanent buildings, we will concede that it may be allowablefor us to put our wooden buildings into the cottage form, using the besttaste and the most beautiful and picturesque styles, even if thematerial is objectionable. 

One other observation, before we return to our main topic, may beindulged. It is simply the suggestion that too little attention has beenpaid to the _sky-outlines_ of our country houses. Roofs and chimney-topshave been treated as necessary evils, instead of being made, as they maybe, highly ornamental. The unity of the plan, as a work of art, is lostas you ascend above the eaves, all the rest seeming like excrescencesgrowing out of structures otherwise commendable and satisfactory. Thesuperior horizontal lines of the roof will depend somewhat upon thebackground of the house. When a building is placed upon the crest of ahill, or upon a slope descending from the main point of view, so thatits outlines are seen against the sky, the treatment of the plan will beobviously different from that required where the background is solid, asa hill or a forest. In any case, however, the horizontal lines should bebroken, as far as practicable, by making the roofs of the several partsof the house of unequal height. 

It will be apparent, without special argument, that our choice of stylein our country houses should be controlled essentially by the climate. In our northern climate, the flat roof is objectionable, and we areobliged to modify the Italian styles somewhat in this respect, toobviate inconveniences. The hot summer sun, when, as on an August day, in the city, "The pavements all are piping hot, The sky above is brazen, And every head as good as dead The sun can shed his rays on, "

will be more than likely to open the joints and seams of the flat roof, and the sudden shower coming down with the force of a tropical storm, will find its way through, sadly to the detriment of our ceilings, ourstuccoes and frescoes, as well as to the comfort and the commendableequability of temper of those who suffer the invasion. The heavy wintersnows, too, require a steep roof, from which they will readily dislodgethemselves without injury. 

And so in the interior arrangements of the house, the provisions forheating and ventilation, for summer freedom and winter coziness, fordomestic comfort and the exercise of the commendable grace of countryhospitality, due regard must be had to the conditions of climate. Theremust be a proper adaptation to them, if we would secure satisfactorycountry homes. 

And this brings us to our last topic, the uses for which our countryseats are built. The place designed simply for a summer residence forthe citizen, who is obliged to be at his office or counting room daily, bating the few weeks of summer vacation, need not be so complete in itsappointments and arrangements, as the permanent country residence. Oneessential condition, however, in this case is, that there shall be _roomenough_, with ample verandahs, and shaded gravel walks, which willafford opportunities for open air exercise in all states of the weather. There is nothing, perhaps, that interferes so essentially with thecitizen's enjoyment of the country, as the want of facilities for outdoor exercise. It is too hot or too dusty to ride or walk, before theshower, and after its refreshment has come, it is too wet and muddy. Spacious verandahs, shaded with vines, and well-made walks, always firmand dry, bordered with shrubbery, or overhung with trees, will give us"ample scope and verge enough. "

But the uses of country seats depend mainly upon the tastes andhabitudes of the occupants; and their adaptation in style size andarrangement should be accordingly. We believe there is no law against aman's building an elegant library and picture gallery, though he mayhave no taste for literature or art, but having plenty of money, chooses to make this display of it. There are a great many absurditiesto which poor, frail humanity is liable, against which the legislature, in its wisdom, has not thought it worth while to make solemn andpositive enactments; it is better for the general moral condition ofsociety, perhaps, that the vulgar rich man's ambition for display shouldmanifest itself in books and pictures, rather than in fast horses. Mightnot the cultivation of the garden--vegetables, fruits and flowers, --takethe place of both, as simple means of display? These are wholesome andagreeable employments even for those who have passed that time of lifewhen a taste for books and art may be acquired. 

A country seat should combine and express the real uses which arerequired by the intellectual and social condition of its occupants, andnot attract attention as blazoning the wealth and money importance ofthe owner. If he is rich, let him make it as complete and simply elegantas he will, and this he may do without proclaiming to every passer-byhis miserable pride of wealth. 

With these preliminary observations, we submit our work to the judgmentof those who are interested in these subjects. We have not included inour present volume any considerable number of designs for the morespacious and costly Villa, the work being designed for popular use andto meet a demand which is unprovided for by previous publications. 

DESIGN No. 1. 

[Illustration: FIG. 1. --_Front Elevation. _]

[Illustration: FIG. 2. --_End Elevation. _]

This design as shown in figures 1 and 2, is for a laborer's cottageintended to be erected on the grounds connected with a fine estate onthe western slope of the Palisades in New Jersey. It is to be built ofrough stone, plainly finished. It is 16 by 24 feet outside, having aliving-room with bed room on the first floor, (Fig. 3, ) a large pantry, stairway, etc. , and a fine cellar below. The second floor (Fig. 4, ) hastwo bed-rooms, well lighted and ventilated, and large closets to each. This size will admit of several different arrangements; the rear doormight open out from the pantry, and afford more convenient access to thecellar stairs, to get in heavy articles, and shut out some cold inwinter, but would interfere with the fine ventilation so necessary insummer to a generally heated apartment, as a kitchen, dining, andliving-room combined. A porch might be placed over the rear door, orbetter still, at a small additional expense, a summer-kitchen andwood-house might be added. A house of this accommodation is usually thefirst one put up by settlers on the western prairies. They are built ofwood, balloon frame, with a plain pitch roof, without ornament. 

[Illustration: FIG. 3. --_First Floor. _]

[Illustration: FIG. 4. --_Second Floor. _]

The elevations as shown, give a greater variety than is usual in thisclass of building, and a house thus constructed may afterwards become avery pretty portion of a larger and more expensive structure. 

DESIGN No. 2. 

[Illustration: FIG. 5. --_Front Elevation. _]

[Illustration: FIG. 6. --_Side Elevation. _]

[Illustration: FIG. 7. --_First Floor. _]

The second design (Fig. 5, ) is for a frame building giving more varietyof outline. The plan (Fig. 7, ) separates the sitting room from thekitchen and dining room, and insures more privacy. There is also agreater abundance of closets, though smaller. One of the bed rooms abovemight be divided into two, and thus increase the accommodation. Aportion of the cellar may also be finished for a kitchen, and theliving room used as a dining room. This plan admits of future additionsbeing made without destroying the harmony or proportion of the building. To one of moderate means, such a mode of building presents someattractions, as it affords a house for immediate wants, to whichadditions may be made as one's means increase. Such houses, iftastefully furnished and embellished with suitable surroundings, as neatand well-kept grounds, fine trees, shrubbery, flowers, and climbingvines, will always attract more attention and admiration than theuninviting aspect of many more expensive structures. Money tastefullyexpended in this manner will always yield gratifying results. 

[Illustration: FIG. 8. --_Second Floor. _]

DESIGN No. 3. 

[Illustration: FIG. 9. --_Front Elevation. _]

[Illustration: FIG. 10. --_Side Elevation. _]

This design is similar, in some respects, to design No. 2, and gives, perhaps, the most compact arrangement of rooms for a building having soirregular an outline. Exteriorly considered, there is much to be admiredin variety, and light and shadow, the different elevations beingentirely unlike each other, and affording a constant change from everypoint of view; an object, we think, very much to be desired in cottagearchitecture, and when well managed never fails to make a pleasingimpression. A high, bold appearance, without the overhanging eaves ordepth of shadow, is not suitable for a country house; a feeling iscreated that something is wanting to make up the accessories of anagreeable habitation. 

[Illustration: FIG. 11. --_Basement Plan. _]

In this plan, (Fig. 11, ) the kitchen is in the basement, convenient tothe cellar, and with a good pantry attached to it. It is put there forthe purpose of economizing in the construction. Our own preference is toput the kitchen in a well ventilated wing on a level with the mainfloor, and thus avoid, as much as possible, the necessity of running upand down stairs. This can be done at any future time when desired, as, indeed, can any addition of other rooms be made to meet the wants of anincreasing family. A dumb waiter connects the kitchen with the diningroom, and thus saves many steps. 

[Illustration: FIG. 12. --_First Floor. _]

The first floor (Fig. 12, ) gives parlor, dining room, and a library, with a roomy vestibule, and a side door or private entrance, andsupplies all the wants of a small family. The library might be used fora bed room. On the second floor (Fig. 13, ) are 3 bed rooms with closets. 

The engravings are intended to tell their own story as far as possible, and but little explanation is necessary to make them fullycomprehensible. In the matter of cost, one can hardly give a price thatis reliable; the enormous advance in some building materials and slightadvance in others, disarrange all old standards of estimating. Localities, of course, have much to do with the cost; yet, above allothers, the business management must be considered. A good manager, thoroughly familiar with the qualities and values of materials, whoknows how to direct labor to the best advantage, will execute work at aless cost than one who undertakes his own building without a previoustraining. 

[Illustration: FIG. 13. --_Second Floor. _]

DESIGN No. 4. 

This is a perspective view of a cottage, designed to afford a reasonableamount of accommodation for an average sized family, and which, iftastefully furnished, and fitted with suitable landscape surroundings, will convey a pleasing impression to all; much more so than dwellings ofa more expensive class, where sufficient attention is not given to suchaccessories. 

[Illustration: FIG. 14. --_Perspective. _]

The plans of this house are compact, the rooms opening into each otherin such a manner as to afford easy communication and economy in heating. The porch is spacious, and more pleasant than the long, narrow verandah. The supply of water for all purposes is from a filtering cistern, whichis connected with the kitchen sink, by a pump. The entire house may beheated by a furnace, hot water, or steam, as is most preferable; orstoves may be used in nearly all the rooms, if first cost is to beclosely considered. A passage underneath the staircase connects with theside door from the vestibule, and, with the exception of the library, all parts of the house are accessible without passing through otherrooms. 

[Illustration: FIG. 15. --_Basement Floor. _]

[Illustration: FIG. 16. --_First Floor. _]

[Illustration: FIG. 17. --_Second Floor. _]

In the vicinity of large cities, and more particularly the city of NewYork, there are reasons which have a money value to them, why moreattention should be given to suburban architecture, and why capitalists, as well as individuals, should undertake the construction ofmoderate-priced buildings, that shall command attention from theharmonious combination of fine architectural effects. It requires but avery limited experience to become aware of the fact, that dwellings ofprecisely the same cost, and similarly situated, will differ in theirrental at least one half, and it is mainly owing to the reason that oneis properly designed, and the other perhaps an amateur performance, modeled after the ill-proportioned Greek pediment style, too prevalentto be countenanced for a moment by any one who prides himself on hisgood taste. There can be no question that a fitly designed cottage, conveniently arranged, adds, independently of its own cost, a large percentage to the value of the acres which surround it, and is the pointwhich arrests the eye and secures the purchaser. Rapid rail-roadfacilities, lower rents, more healthful localities, and the fact thatthe growth of this city "_Spuyten Duyvelward_" has reached a pointbeyond the convenient access of the strictly business man, necessarilyturn the attention of those who look to the full measure of comfort, toa suburban life, ten to fifteen miles away from the unceasing noise andhurry of the city, where the business of the day is forgotten, and freshair, fresh milk, butter and eggs, fruits, flowers, birds, &c. , areluxuries unknown in town. Taking a strictly money view of buildingoperations, for sale and rent, in suburban localities, and moreparticularly about New York, it would promise, by every course ofreasoning, a remunerative return, if the plan were judiciously andtastefully carried out. The wants of the public, however, are sounequal, and their opinions so varied by the circumstances under whichthey are formed, that, unless an attractive beginning can be shown, very desirable property may remain a long time on the market. If wecanvass real estate thoroughly, we shall find that property sells first, and at the best prices, which has ever so humble a cottage on it, astarting point in which one may temporarily reside, and lay out hisplans of future operations; for the construction of a country place isof all things one with which to make haste slowly. With those activelyengaged in business, and to whom time is every thing, there is nodisposition to add the labor and annoyances of building; the demand isfor a home ready for occupancy; the thought is entertained, and thewish gratified, simply because the opportunity presented itself; but itis far less trouble for young and middle-aged business men to stick tothe city, than to give the time for building, particularly when theyundertake their own architecture. Let capitalists invite them by snug, well-built, convenient, and tasteful cottages, and the demand willalways be in advance of the supply, in all healthy localities, havingrapid, reliable, and frequent communication with the city. 

[Illustration: FIG. 18. --_First Floor Enlarged. _]

DESIGN No. 5. 

A GARDENER'S COTTAGE. 

The accompanying design was made for William C. Bryant, Esq. , by Fred'kS. Copley, Esq. , Artist, Tompkinsville, Staten Island, and was erectedon his beautiful estate at Roslyn, Long Island, in 1862. It stands onthe hill above his residence, overlooking the bay from the village tothe Sound, possessing one of the finest views on the Island. It wasintended as a gardener's lodge, and to accommodate one or two families, as circumstances might require, (one on each floor, ) giving each threerooms, and a joint right to the scullery, sink, and cellar. 

[Illustration: FIG. 19. --_Perspective View. _]

_Arrangement. _--The first story is 9 feet in the clear throughout, withevery convenience suitable for the health and comfort of the occupants. From the porch, a small hall, lighted from the roof, is entered, withdoors on either hand, to parlor or living room, and staircase passage infront, communicating with the kitchen at the back, chambers above, andcellar beneath. 

[Illustration: FIG. 20. --_First Floor. _]

The chamber floor, second story, is 9 feet in the clear through thecentre, and 6 feet at the sides, (from the floor to the plate, ) the roofcutting off three feet of the ceiling at the sides at an angle of 45degrees. This loss of a few feet of the ceiling is more than compensatedby the cottage-like effect it gives to the rooms, harmonizing the insidewith the external appearance. The two principal chambers are providedwith fire-places and ample closet room. The one over the parlor has twoclosets, built outside the frame, and a door into the single room, overthe porch, forming a most desirable family chamber. Both these roomshave ventilators in the same chimney breast, and the small one may bewarmed by a stove leading thereto. The other has a large closet over thestore-room for trunks, linen, &c. The attic room over the kitchen wingis intended for the domestics. 

[Illustration: FIG. 21. --_Chamber Floor. _]

By reference to the plans, it will be seen that every room is of goodsize and form, cheerfully lighted, thoroughly ventilated, and of easyaccess one to another, at the same time that privacy, so essential, ismaintained throughout. 

_Construction. _--The building is constructed of wood, vertically sided, and battened, (with 1-1/2 inch tongued and grooved pine plank, ) withhorizontal strips in line of the window sills and floors, to hide thebuts, and small triangular pieces in the corners, which gives the prettyeffect of paneling. The whole is stained by a mixture of oil, &c. , thatheightens the grain of the wood, and gives a brightness of color, andthat cheerfulness of effect, so desirable in rural dwellings. The roofis of slate, in bands of purple and green, and the chimneys aresurmounted by terra-cotta pots. The whole is filled in with brick. 

This cottage is built in a substantial and plain manner, with cellarunder kitchen, cemented on the gravel the same as the cistern, and allthe interior wood work is oiled and stained. 

As a specimen of cottage architecture, (on the smallest scale, lodgeclass, ) it will rank as one of the best. For simplicity, variety ofform, symmetry of proportion, with convenience of arrangement andeconomy of space and construction, it forms a model cottage, that anyone might live in and many covet, besides being an addition to thelandscape and an ornament to the grounds. 

DESIGN No. 6. 

STONE STABLE AND COACH HOUSE. 

[Illustration: FIG. 22. --_Perspective. _]

This design was erected on the Hudson, during the past year, of thebeautiful rock faced stone so abundant between the Spuyten Duyvil andthe Highlands, and is a good example of such a building as will meet therequirements of a moderately extensive establishment. It is convenientlyarranged, enabling all the work to be done with the most ease, and givesthorough light and ventilation, so essential to the health and comfortof animals. The time has gone by to give prospective prices foranything, but we have seen the day when this building might have beenerected for about $4, 000. A room for the coachman may easily be made onthe second floor, and the plan increased or decreased to suit the wantsof any one. 

[Illustration: FIG. 23. --_Ground Plan. _]

DESIGN No. 7. 

A FARM COTTAGE. 

[Illustration: FIG. 24. --_Perspective View. _]

We show in this design a style of cottage which, in these high pricedtimes of lumber and labor, can be erected at a very reasonable figure;and although prepared for a farm cottage, will admit of such changes aswill adapt it to the wants of those who require a higher grade ofaccommodation. It is the most natural thing in the world for any one totake up a plan and suggest innumerable changes and additions, alwaysforgetting the unalterable condition of price, situation, and object, which restrained the architect while working it up. To prepare a designregardless of expense is a very different matter from devising one thatgives the largest amount of accommodation within a fixed limit of cost. We shall arrive gradually at the precise figures, and endeavor to getthe accommodation wanted by some of our readers. 

[Illustration: FIG. 25. --_Cellar. _]

[Illustration: FIG. 26. --_First Floor. _]

[Illustration: FIG. 27. --_Second Floor. _]

It has been frequently observed that the gate lodges and farm cottagesattached to large estates are generally more attractive in theirarchitectural proportions and beauty than the mansion itself; and thishas been usually attributed to the education of the proprietor's tastes, the cottages being the latest erections. This impression is not, however, always true; for there is a peculiar beauty and attractivenessabout cottage architecture which can not be produced in buildings of alarger and more commodious class. Certain it is that a prettily designedcottage will always arrest attention. "Among the first and mostpleasing impressions, " says a late writer, "of our trite friend, theintelligent foreigner, as he entered England by the old Dover road, werethose suggested by the little whitewashed and woodbined cottages whichcaught his eye at every turn. All books of travels on English ground arefull of them. Snugly sheltered in its bower of apple trees, or morestately group of walnuts, approachable only by its rustic stairs, ordotted at neighborly distances along the straggling village, with itstrim garden of lavender and wall flowers, seen through the wicket gateor over the privet hedge, the English cottage, above or below, near orin the distance, was alike the delight and envy of the traveler, thetheme of the journalist and the poet. 'There is scarce a cottage, ' saysan American tourist just landed from America and France, 'between Doverand London which a poet might not be happy to live in. I saw a hundredlittle spots I coveted with quite a heart-ache. ' Whether or not Rogerswould have given up his picture-lighted snuggery in St. James' Place forhis 'Cot beside the hill, ' and really preferred to have his latch liftedby the pilgrim, instead of his knocker by a London footman, it iscertain that the cottage homes of England that border the main roadshave long possessed a beauty far beyond the houses in other landsbelonging to classes much higher in the social scale, and have beencoveted, sometimes not without reason, by those who could, if theychose, have purchased them fifty times over. "

DESIGN No. 8. 

This design for a timber cottage is simple and at the same timepicturesque, and built upon a site adapted to it, and in harmony withthe architectural expression, the effect could not fail to be in a highdegree pleasing. 

[Illustration: FIG. 28. --_Perspective View. _]

It will be seen that some of the principal timbers of the frame areintended to show on the outside, and that there is a designed contrastbetween the horizontal siding extending to the top of the posts, and thevertical and battened covering of the pediment above the ornamentalstring course. The brackets and posts which support the roof of theporches, should be chamfered, and these timbers should be of sufficientthickness to avoid any appearance of meanness, while at the same time, they should not be too heavy, and so destroy the proportions of thedesign. 

[Illustration: FIG. 29. --_Cellar. _]

The roof should be covered with shingles having their ends clipped orrounded. 

[Illustration: FIG. 30. --_First Floor. _]

[Illustration: FIG. 31. --_Second Floor. _]

The cellar may be divided in such way as to serve the wants of theoccupants. A portable furnace might be placed at the foot of thebasement stairs, which would warm the rooms on the first floor, andtemper the air of the chambers above. 

The interior accommodations and conveniences are readily seen oninspection of the plans--(Figs. 30. 31). There is no waste of room, andfor the uses of a small family, the accommodations would be found asample as could well be obtained in a cottage of such size and cost. 

DESIGN No. 9. --RURAL CHURCH. 

DESIGNED BY THE REV. DR. CRESSY. 

This design is intended for a church which is to occupy a beautiful andcommanding site on the western shore of Lake George, in the midst of theoriginal forest, and is now in process of erection. It will also meetthe requirements of several correspondents who have requested plans forrural churches which could be erected as economically and cheaply aspossible, with due regard to proportion, fitness and beauty ofexpression. 

This design will be found to comprehend, we may say, in an eminentdegree, variety of outline, correctness of detail, force of expressionand purity of taste, with simplicity of execution, and in those parts ofthe country where lumber is abundant, and labor not exorbitant, it canbe erected at a low cost. 

[Illustration: FIG. 32. --_Perspective. _]

We have a right to congratulate ourselves on the improvement which thelast quarter of a century has witnessed among our people in the buildingand adorning of our edifices devoted to Christian worship. Downing, inhis time, said, "that the ugliest church architecture in Christendom, isat this moment to be found in the country towns and villages of theUnited States. " And speaking of the influence of what our churchesshould be, in the beauty of their proportions, and in the expression ofthe sacred purposes which they embody, and the feelings of reverence andharmony with God and man which they suggest, he fitly says--"We fearthere are very few country churches in our land that exert this kind ofspell, --a spell which grows out of making stone, and brick, and timber, obey the will of the living soul, and express a religious sentiment. Most persons, most committees, select men, vestrymen, and congregations, who have to do with the building of churches, appear indeed wholly toignore the fact, that the form and feature of a building may be made toexpress religious, civil, domestic, or a dozen other feelings, asdistinctly as the form and features of the human face:--and yet this isa fact as well known by all true architects, as that joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain, are capable of irradiating or darkening thecountenance. Yes, and we do not say too much, when we add, that rightexpression in a building for religious purposes, has as much to do withawakening devotional feelings, and begetting an attachment in the heart, as the unmistakable signs of virtue and benevolence in ourfellow-creatures have in awakening kindred feelings in our own breasts. 

[Illustration: FIG. 33. --_Floor Plan. _]

"We do not, of course, mean to say that a beautiful rural church willmake all the population about it devotional, any more than that sunshinewill banish gloom; but it is one of the influences that prepare the wayfor religious feeling, and which we are as unwise to neglect, as weshould be to abjure the world and bury ourselves, like the ancienttroglodytes, in caves and caverns. "

Happily we are coming to appreciate these truths, not only in ourcities, but in the country, and the ugly, unsightly, and unseemlystructures which have so long deformed the land are giving place toedifices in which the true ideas of harmony, grace, proportion, symmetryand expression, which make what we call Beauty, are brought out in dueproportion. 

The church we present is designed to be of wood, the country about thesite affording an abundance of that material, at the lowest cost. Aninspection of the design will show that the principal timbers of theframe are intended to be visible externally, --the weather-boarding beingset back from the face of the posts and beams. This exterior covering isintended to be made of sound _rough_ plank, from ten to fourteen incheswide, and at least one and a-half inches thick. These are to be tonguedand grooved, so as to make a close joint, and nailed to the frame in a_vertical_ manner. The joint is to be covered with a narrow strip, orbatten, of one and a-half inch plank. These unplaned plank may bepainted with two good coats and sanded, or they may be left to take suchtints and complexion as time and the weather may give them. 

Lumber, at the proposed site, being cheaper and more easily obtainedthan lime, the interior of the church will be neatly ceiled with narrowboards, which will be lightly stained and oiled. The roof will be "opentimber" of simple construction. All the wood work of the interior willbe of pine, smoothly planed, stained and oiled, without paint, exceptthe ceiling of the roof which should be colored, in order to givesomething like warmth of tone to the interior, the lack of which isoften sadly felt in our country churches, particularly. 

This mode of weather-boarding and "open timber" finish is now so commonthat a more particular description is unnecessary. 

This church will seat, comfortably, about two hundred persons. Its costwill depend entirely upon the price of lumber and labor, of course, andthese vary with different localities, and are particularly uncertain atthis time. We will only add that it will cost no more to build withcorrect proportions and in good taste, than in disregard and defiance ofthese desirable and commendable principles. 

DESIGN No. 10. 

[Illustration: FIG. 34. --_Perspective. _]

We give below a somewhat different example of Cottage Architecture, of aform that is compact and every way available, at the same time affordingevery convenience in the arrangement of rooms desirable for a family ofrefined tastes and moderate means. This cottage may be built of wood, or, better still, in favorable localities, of brick or stone, and ifsuitably surrounded with tasteful landscape embellishments, will make asnug, pretty, and attractive home. One can, by the exercise ofappropriate taste, produce the right kind of an impression in a house ofthis character. It should become a part of, and belong to the acreswhich surround it; it should be an indispensable accessory to the placeitself, and the grounds should be laid out and embellished in such amanner that the whole combination impresses all with harmonious beauty, and not, as is too frequently the case, seek to make up the wretcheddeficiencies in the grounds by elaborate expenditure and display aboutthe house. A true appreciation of country life will not tolerateslovenly, ill-kept grounds, and no house exhibits its true value unlessthere is a harmony in its surroundings. If this be attended to, a highdegree of effect can be produced in houses of very moderate cost;houses that shall be roomy, warm, substantial, and in every wayagreeable to their occupants. 

[Illustration: FIG. 35. --_Basement Plan. _]

The plans show the arrangement of rooms, and these can be made larger orsmaller, or be differently disposed, to suit almost any fancy. In thisdesign the kitchen apartments are below stairs; in future plans we shallgive some with kitchen, laundry, etc. , on the principal floor; or theycan be readily added to this plan. The cost of a house is the one thingdesirable; every one asks for it, and yet every one within our knowledgewho has built a house himself at a stated price has been sadly deceived. Close specifications are very dry reading, and not appropriate here, and it is questionable how much service they would be to any butprofessional builders. It is reasonable to suppose, that if one withoutbuilding experience undertakes it, he will have to pay somethingadditional for the knowledge he will gain. If he places it to the properaccount, then we can not be accused of misleading him. 

[Illustration: FIG. 36. --_First Floor. _]

[Illustration: FIG. 37. --_Second Floor. _]

Most men contemplate, at some period of life, the construction of adwelling-house, but few deem it necessary to study their wants orprepare their plans until they have selected their site and made allother arrangements for building, and then proceed with all possiblehaste to plan a home. That which should have been the study of months oryears, is hurried through in as many days, imperfectly done at the best, and the cause of frequent annoying and expensive changes after the workhas commenced. It is true, that the site has very much to do with thedistribution of rooms, but any ingenious architect can readily adapt aproper combination of rooms to suit the exposures and views of aparticular site. It would be vastly better for those who prefer toarrange their own plan of rooms, (and there are but very few who donot, ) that they take abundant time to consider well every thing relatingto them; and although the hope of building may be very remote, it shouldnot be considered time lost to begin to give one's thoughts a definiteform of what he thinks a house should be; for if nothing else results, it may furnish a valuable hint for a friend, and will certainly enlargeone's information and experience in these matters. Almost every one iscapable, with such hints as have been freely given in the volumes of theHORTICULTURIST, in the leading papers which treat on rural art, and thenumerous valuable publications on rural architecture, to make such acombination of rooms as will best suit his peculiar wants, tastes, orfancies, and then, with the aid of an architect, it can readily be freedfrom mechanical impracticabilities, and put into a proportionate andharmonious form. Architecture, both in design and construction, is aprofession that requires long years of study and practice to develop anexpert, and those who really want a good thing at the least cost, usually seek such assistance; those who prefer to do their own designingand building, find out with absolute certainty the most expensive modesof erecting very ugly and ill-proportioned structures. 

DESIGN No. 11. 

A SUBURBAN SUMMER HOUSE. 

[Illustration: FIG. 38. ]

In the adornment of ornamental grounds, some considerable attention hasbeen given to summer houses, and similar structures; but these have beenmainly _rustic_ in their design and finish, and in this respect welladapted to their purpose and surroundings. The good taste of thesestructures will not be called in question. There are locations, however, in the more immediate vicinity of our large cities, where a style lessrustic would seem to be more in harmony with the architecture which isfound to prevail. We refer to residences on the outskirts of our largecities, with inclosures containing a few city lots. Here thearchitecture, so far from being rural, is, on the contrary, stiff, sharp, and sometimes very ornate. A rustic summer house in such a placewould be an incongruity. A rustic house is in itself a beautiful object;but there is a certain charm in association which can not be widelydeparted from without doing violence to our conceptions of the fitnessof things; and hence a purely rustic house without rural surroundings isdestitute of the chief elements which give rise to the beautiful. Mostpersons would say it was out of place. 

The design herewith presented was prepared to meet the requirements ofsuch a case; it is consequently somewhat elaborate. It is located on asmall plot of ground within the city limits, and in full view from threestreets. The grounds are laid out with a few rectangular walks, and suchshrubs as the small size of the place would admit of. The house, wethink corresponds with its surroundings. Its faults, if any, are alittle too much ornament, but something of this kind seemed to berequired in the absence of that more beautiful ornamentation produced bythe drapery of Nature. The house is so located that it receives themorning sun for a few hours, but during the rest of the day is in theshade; it therefore constitutes a pleasant place of retreat for thefamily at all hours, and is used by the children freely as a play house. The floor is laid in narrow stuff, and is elevated a foot above theground for the sake of dryness. Easy seats, a handsome centre table, anda hanging lamp complete the interior. Venetian blinds afford ampleprotection on a misty day or a chilly night, or admit the soft summerbreeze on a hot and sultry eve. --_Horticulturist. _

DESIGN No. 12. 

STABLE AND CARRIAGE HOUSE. 

This stable affords abundant accommodation for three horses, withcarriage house, feed room, and a large harness room on the first floor, while the loft above may contain a coachman's room, and leave amplespace for hay and straw. 

If required, a shed and cow house can be extended on the side oppositethe carriage house, thus adding considerably to the effect of theexternal appearance. Under the stable there should be a cellar for thestorage of roots for feed, and, if desirable, the winter stock ofvegetables for household use. This stable may be built of wood, or ofstone or brick. 

[Illustration: FIG. 39. --_Stable. _]

[Illustration: FIG. 40. --_Stable Plan. _]

DESIGN No. 13. 

This design is intended to cover, at a low cost, as much comfort andconvenience as a moderate-sized family would require, and to distributethe same as much as possible on one floor. 

The cellar or basement kitchen is dispensed with and only enough cellarroom provided to meet the wants of those who occupy suburban places of afew acres in extent. Where large quantities of vegetables are stored, orwhere cellar room is required for farm purposes, we think it better tobuild cellars separate from the residence, (an arrangement much morehealthful, as well as convenient and desirable. ) For the preservation inwarm weather of meats, milk, and other perishable articles, arefrigerator, or, better still, an ice closet, can be set up at one endof the laundry. This can be supplied with ice through an outside door, and is infinitely better and more convenient than any cellar or springhouse. 

The kitchen is without a fire-place, but is provided with a ventilatorin the chimney near the ceiling. The cooking may be done by a stove, which, if properly contrived, is one of the most effective ventilators, and preferred by many housekeepers for all kitchen purposes. Or a rangecan be placed in the chimney, if desirable, or a fire-place, if itshould be considered indispensable. 

[Illustration: FIG. 41. --_Elevation. _]

[Illustration: FIG. 42. --_Plan. _]

A door under the stair-way separates the front and rear halls, anddisconnects the kitchen apartments from the rest of the house. All thedoors opening into the rear hall should be hung with the new spiralspring butt, the best door spring that has come under our notice. It isentirely concealed, and works without a fault. 

The closets in the dining room are finished to give an interiorappearance of a bay window. The dining room and the two chambers above, are intended to be heated by a fire-place heater set in the chimney, thus warming three rooms, at pleasure, with one fire. A small stove inthe library will keep that comfortable. Or, in place of all this, thewhole house may be heated by any of the approved modes, in the use ofhot air, hot water, or steam. 

[Illustration: FIG. 43. --_First Floor. _]

The library, parlor, or general living room in a country house--and welike these rooms in one--should have the cheerful, healthful luxury ofan open fire-place, and we know of no more elegant, cleanly andeffective contrivance for this purpose than Dixon's low down, Philadelphia Grate, in which wood, coal, or any other fuel can be usedequally well. The advantages combined in this grate are these:--thefire flat on the hearth, and radiating the heat from an oval cast ironbacking: cold air supplied from below, and ashes, dirt, &c. , shaken downinto an ash-pit in the cellar, beneath the grate. We speak confidentlyof this invention, after a trial of two winters, and do not hesitate tosay that, compared with this, the ordinary grate is worthless. Largerooms can be kept perfectly comfortable in the coldest weather, withoutheat from any other source. 

[Illustration: FIG. 44. --_Second Floor. _]

This house is supplied with a cistern, constructed with the utmost care, ten feet in diameter, and ten feet deep, holding 6, 000 gallons ofwater. The roof is of slate, and the rain-water is therefore of greatpurity, free from color, and the woody taste usually imparted to it byfalling on a shingle roof. 

At the laundry sink is one of West's lift and force pumps, which drawsthe water from the cistern. This pump is a simple and effective affair, and works with remarkable ease, is always in order, and may beconsidered one of the best pumps known. We have given it a thoroughtrial, and speak from personal knowledge. 

On one side of the laundry sink there is also one of Kedzie's large sizerain-water filters, which holds several pails full of water, and whichwe commend as an admirable contrivance for the purposes intended. Itpossesses every merit claimed for it, and after more than a year's use, the water drawn from it is of such crystal purity and sweetness as toattract the attention of all to whom it is offered. 

No well has been dug or contemplated on the premises connected with thiscottage. About one-half the cost of a well has been expended upon aslate roof, a large and carefully-constructed cistern, West's pump andKedzie's filter--the other half has been safely invested in U. S. 7-30's, and instead of hoisting water fifty feet, for household, garden, and stable uses, the turn of a croton water tap is not more easy andconvenient, and the finest flow of a silver spring of soft water, isnot more beautiful than that delivered by West's pump and Kedzie'sfilter, which supplies for all purposes of the cottage, stable, andgarden, water unsurpassed in its pleasant and wholesome properties. Those who seek the most convenient and reliable modes of procuring thepurest and sweetest water, will find this to be the least costly and themost satisfactory. 

For a compact, convenient cottage, with every facility for doing thework of the household, with the least number of steps--in which all theessential modern conveniences are introduced, without the modern pricesattached--for a low-priced, elegant cottage, we do not know of any planmore appropriate than this. 

In the construction of this house a bay-window was introduced in front, in the parlor, (Fig. 43. ) and the veranda was made half octagon. Thesealterations add much to exterior appearance, as well as to the capacityof the parlor. On the side of the parlor and dining room an addition iscontemplated, which will relieve the apparent want of variety which nowexists, and essentially improve the external appearance. 

DESIGN No. 14. 

[Illustration: FIG. 45. --_Cottage Stable. _]

[Illustration: FIG. 46. --_Plan. _]

Fig. 45 shows a design for a cottage stable, giving accommodations for ahorse and cow, two carriages, one or two wagons, and two tons of hay. The main building is so proportioned, that three more stalls may beadded, and it may then become the wing of a larger building, to be usedfor carriage room and other purposes. For those who keep but one horseand cow, this design affords abundant room. 

DESIGN No. 15. 

ICE HOUSE. 

It is only within a few years that ice, in all seasons, has been classedamong the necessaries of life. In large cities it is indispensable, butthe cool spring-house or cellar in the country impresses many with theidea that ice, in summer months, can only be regarded as a luxury. Alongwith other conveniences in keeping with this progressive age, theice-house has its place, and a country-seat of any pretensions is notcomplete without it. 

It is simple in construction, and can be built very cheaply of roughmaterials, or made as elaborate as is desirable. It forms a prettyfeature about the grounds, if treated with some architectural taste. 

[Illustration: FIG. 47. --_Ice House. _]

[Illustration: FIG. 48. --_Ground Plan. _]

[Illustration: FIG. 49. --_Perspective. _]

DESIGN No. 16. 

This design, with the accompanying plans sufficiently explain themselveswithout minute description. The arrangement, as will be seen uponexamination, secures a very large amount of accommodation, with goodsized rooms, and ample store and closet conveniences. The building iscompact, and at the same time presents a pleasing variety in itsexterior appearance. By carrying up the library, two dressing rooms, forthe two principal chambers, may be secured. 

When one contemplates building, and has put his thoughts and wishes intoa tangible form, the leading question asked is, how much will all thiscost? for what price in dollars and cents, without extras or additionalcharges of any kind, can this dwelling be erected in a good andworkmanlike manner, in accordance with plans and specifications, andsatisfactory to the owner? This is precisely the plain English of what abusiness man wants to know; for we hold that it is right and proper, that every one should look right through all the connected links andcomplications that require a considerable expenditure of money, and seethat he lands carefully in the place anticipated. To start with theintention of disbursing $5, 000, and wind up with an expenditure of$12, 000, is not only annoying in a money point of view, but animpeachment of one's judgment and good sense, not pleasant to hearoutsiders reflect on; for however much one might wish to shift theresponsibility on others, it is one of those things that time willalways place where it belongs. As long as men consider the arts ofdesigning and constructing buildings to be of no special importance, orthat they are qualified, without instruction or experience, to practicethem, expensive blunders will naturally result, and sooner or later itwill be discovered that such wisdom is dearly bought. There are many, however, who prefer to manage their building affairs thus, and who canonly learn more agreeable and less expensive modes by actual experience;some do it from ignorance, some from supposed economy, and others fromthe supposition that they are best qualified. 

The design for a house or other building, and a plan of the interiorarrangement of each floor, prepared by a professional man who makes suchthings the business of his life, is now very generally admitted byintelligent men to be essential; but the management or superintendenceof the work by the party who has studied and designed it, does not seemquite so apparent. An architect prepares the drawings for a dwelling tocost $5, 000; now whether it actually will cost $5, 000, $8, 000 or$10, 000, in the hands of another superintendent, is an unansweredproblem. A prevailing folly which we find very general, is to supposethat all men can build the same house, in all places, for precisely thesame amount of money; and but few are willing to admit that they, of allothers, are not the most competent to carry through the whole businessof building at the lowest figure. Some must find out in the mostexpensive manner, that the profession of an architect, or the skill of abuilder, can only be attained by long years of careful application. 

[Illustration: FIG. 50. --_Basement Plan. _]

[Illustration: FIG. 51. --_First Floor. _]

What a house will cost to build is a question always asked with theutmost simplicity, and a prompt and reliable answer always expected, andif not forthcoming at once, gives rise to a suspicion that one'sprofessional ability is not of the most thorough character. There areso many conditions to govern results in house building, that even anapproximate estimate may fall very wide of the mark. Two houses may bebuilt from the same plan, and we may also say, from the samespecifications; one by day's work, and the other by contract, and theyshall be so exactly alike in all respects when finished, that anunprofessional observer would detect no difference, and yet one mayhonestly cost just double the amount in money expended on the other;even the same builder may build two houses precisely alike in allrespects, and yet the cost be quite unequal. On one site stone may beeasily obtained, a sand bank on the premises, a running brook close athand, saw mills, brick yards, and lime kilns within moderate distancesand accessible by good roads. The other site may be quite the reverse insituation, or have some decided disadvantages in obtaining some verynecessary materials. We once built a fine stone house where stone wasabundant and close at hand, but all the lumber and brick had to behauled thirteen miles over hilly roads; the cost of that house hasnothing to do with the cost of a similar house in a different locality. 

[Illustration: FIG. 52. --_Second Floor. _]

A competent business superintendent has a great deal to do with the costof a house; one that understands all the tricks of every building trade, that knows the market well, and the value and quality of all buildingmaterials, and where inferior workmanship and materials can be used toan equal advantage with those of first class. To slight work and yet doit justice; to give it all the strength and endurance necessary, requires one of skillful acquirements. A mechanic may persuade aproprietor into many a long day's work, as it pays well to nurse goodjobs when other work is slack, but an architect who understands suchthings would save the value of useless work. 

The cost of a house depends on a well-studied plan; this plan does notconsist alone in the arrangement of rooms, windows, doors, etc. , butinvolves a careful study of the anatomy of construction. One may save bya proper distribution of timbers, as well as make a very great saving bythe arrangement of rooms. Good management is of the greatest importance, not only as a matter of economy, but as securing the best class ofworkmanship, and the most judicious use of materials. Good or badmanagement produces the same results in building operations as in war orany other pursuit. 

One takes up a capital work on rural architecture, written perhaps tenor fifteen years ago, before the general introduction of furnaces, steampipes, gas, baths, marble basins, etc. ; they find a house that suitsthem, which the book says will cost $6, 000, and that is just the amount, by close figuring, that can be raised for building. The house isordered, put in the hands of the best mechanic to finish all complete, and he goes ahead; he is unrestricted except by the book, and the authorof it is a man of reputation. In the way of details perhaps nothing hasbeen said; they are therefore extravagant in the use of materials, andelaborate in workmanship; as it is not considered good policy for aworkman who has a good order, to make suggestions calculated to decreasethe amount of work. When the bills to the amount of $6, 000 have beensettled, the house is found to be half finished, and an additional$6, 000 is necessary to complete it; less that one year's interest ofwhich would have amply sufficed to secure the services of one who hasspent the best years of his life to learn how to design and to managework to cost a specified price. 

When an architect says a house can be built for a certain price, it isto be understood that materials delivered on the ground shall not exceedan average cost, that the payments made are to be in cash, and that hemanages the work. To hold an architect responsible or blame him forblunders in the cost of work that he designed and did not superintend, is manifestly unjust, yet it is a frequent occurrence. The cost of workis a question easily answered, when one is fully acquainted with all itsbearings and has it under his control, but no one can say at what pricea novice in building operations can execute it. 

DESIGN No. 17. 

[Illustration: FIG. 53. --_Stable. _]

[Illustration: FIG. 54. --_Stable Plan. _ (_Reversed. _)]

Fig. 53 is a design for a cottage stable, with stalls for two horses, and the necessary carriage room and other conveniences. This design, inits exterior, presents as great a degree of variety in the combinationsof form and shadow as the price will admit of. It answers the purposesof comfortable protection and convenience, as well or even better thanthe most costly structures. A horse needs a dry, well-ventilatedapartment, and enjoys fresh air, daylight, and sunlight as well as humanbeings. Unless these very inexpensive wants are provided, nocompensation is afforded by elaborate detail and workmanship. 

DESIGN No. 18. 

SCHOOL HOUSE AT IRVINGTON, ON THE HUDSON. 

Our architectural series would be by no means complete if devotedentirely to dwellings; and as the resources of an extensive professionalpractice in the arts which embellish and beautify our country may belargely made use of, we present here a design for another class ofbuildings. 

A school-house is not a building which every one contemplates erecting, and yet a large proportion are, or ought to be, interested in developingin structures of this class such architectural principles as shall maketheir impressions in early life, and influence future tastes. 

[Illustration: FIG. 55. --_School House. _]

This building is designed to accommodate about fifty scholars, being 25by 40 feet, with a front projection 10 by 18 feet. In the basement alarge furnace and abundant accommodation for coal. The main floor isdivided into school-room, two recitation rooms, hat and coat room, washcloset with sink, and water closet, above which is a large tank, supplied from the roof. An outside cistern supplies cool drinking-water, the purest and healthiest water known, and renders the use of iceunnecessary in summer. The height of all these ceilings is nearlyfourteen feet, and each room is thoroughly ventilated; the belfry isprovided with a one hundred pound bell; indeed, nothing has been leftundone that is calculated to promote the health and comfort of thepupils. 

The partition between the doors to the recitation rooms is made insections, and can be easily removed, thus making one large room forexhibition and lecture purposes. The stage, in this case is to be placedat the left end of the room. The capacity of the building can be nearlydoubled by occupying the entire floor as a school-room, and building anaddition 12 by 24 feet directly in the rear, opposite to the frontprojection, for recitation rooms. 

The situation of this building at Irvington, on the Hudson, sometwenty-five miles above the city of New York, is in a charming, healthy, and delightful locality; one made famous by the pen and residence ofWashington Irving, and noted for its magnificent scenery, its views ofriver and mountain, and the fine taste displayed in landscape andarchitectural embellishments by those who have made their homes in thisvicinity. 

We have always thought that those educational institutions possess themost attractions that are so situated that all surroundings shall have afavorable influence; and there is nothing like example in earlytraining. Bring up and educate a boy among those who know nothing of therefinements of life, away from the progressive examples of art andtaste, in a tumble-down, unplastered, ill-heated and ventilatedapartment, and he never can become, with all the aid of books andteachers, as thoroughly cultivated and fitted for the duties of life, asone who has enjoyed associations of a higher order. School architecturehas a meaning in it; there is value in proportion, harmony, beauty, light and shade, as applied to school buildings, that is notcomprehended by all. A recent writer says better than we can say it, that "It is the duty of teachers, as well as parents and schoolcommittees, to see that the circumstances under which children study aresuch as shall leave a happy impression upon their minds; for whatever isbrought under the frequent observation of the young must have itsinfluence upon their susceptible natures for good or evil. Shabbyschool-houses induce slovenly habits. Ill-constructed benches may notonly distort the body, but, by reflex influence, the mind as well. Conditions like these seldom fail to disgust the learner with hisschool, and neutralize the best efforts of his teachers. On the otherhand, neat, comfortable places for study may help to awaken theassociations enchaining the mind and the heart to learning and virtuousinstruction with links of gold brightening forever. "

[Illustration: FIG. 56. --_Principal Floor. _]

[Illustration: FIG. 57. --_Perspective View. _]

DESIGN No. 19. 

This design was prepared for erection in the vicinity of Goshen, OrangeCo. , N. Y. , and the accommodation limited to a price not exceeding ----. It presents in hall, verandas, and large parlor, some of the verynecessary attractions of a country house, and is a good example of whatcan be done for a limited sum. While the plan is a parallelogram, andthe roof free from hips and valleys, the general arrangement is such asto show considerable variety in outline, and one, we think, that willhave a pleasing effect. 

Such houses, erected in the vicinity of New York, and many of our largecities, would add a large value to the ground they stand on, and pay ahandsome rate of interest on their cost; better than any other class ofbuilding investments, as the supply is in nowise equal to the demand. Itis so simple a matter, with present prompt and rapid railroadfacilities, to invite a fair proportion of the young business men of ourlarge cities to make their homes in the adjoining country, that wewonder capitalists and real estate owners do not more frequently makemoney for themselves and others by erecting tasteful, low-pricedsuburban homes. 

In former times, a house of this class erected in the country, would bepainted exteriorly a pure white, with no relief, except probably in theviolent contrast of bright green venetian blinds to the windows. Thissort of taste unfortunately still remains, although in the progress ofrural taste and art, the country is much improved in this respect. 

[Illustration: FIG. 58. --_Cellar. _]

There is a variety of colors, known as neutral tints, which are suitablefor exteriors, and the effect produced by them is altogether pleasing, while a house painted white can never be an agreeable object in anylandscape, however admirable its architectural proportions and finishmay be. 

The tone of color for a house will depend upon its size, form, andsituation, and it often requires a nice and cultivated eye to determinewhat would be most appropriate and effective. 

[Illustration: FIG. 59. --_First Floor. _]

For such a house as this, we should choose a light fawn color--notyellow--and paint the cornice, window-frames and other projecting andornamental parts two or three shades darker than the body of thebuilding. This will give a depth of shadow and expression which cannotbe obtained in any other way. 

Large houses, with massive features of construction, will bear to bepainted with darker colors, but they should not be too sombre, so as togive a gloomy appearance to the house. The country, with its brightsunshine, its rich adornments of flowers, and its numberless forms ofbeauty and grace, is eminently cheerful. It often happens that thepainter does all he can to mar this cheerfulness and beauty, bystartling contrasts of colors, and by destroying the harmony whichpervades the landscape. 

[Illustration: FIG. 60. --_Second Floor. _]

DESIGN No. 20. 

A COUNTRY CHAPEL. 

[Illustration: FIG. 61. --_Perspective. _]

We present in this design a plan for a substantial and permanent chapel, having capacity for seating about four hundred. For the purpose forwhich it was designed, no distinct chancel was required. Such achancel could be arranged, if desired, in a recess taken off the lectureor class room in the rear of the chapel. It could be lighted at theroof, or on the sides. 

[Illustration: FIG. 62. --_Ground Plan. _]

This chapel, built of stone throughout, with an open timber roof andstained glass windows, would be an ornament to any country locality, anda credit to the taste and liberality of those who built it. 

Every thing about such a chapel should be _real_, and no suspicion ofsham or unreality should be tolerated in any part of the work. Thepractice of building the fronts of churches of stone, while the side andrear walls are constructed of rough brick, painted and marked off toresemble the stone, is very common, we know, both in town and country, but it is a species of deceit and false pretence which ought not to be. If the best and costliest material cannot be used for the entirestructure, let the rougher and inferior material be fairly shown, inevery part. If the means and liberality of the parish cannot provide oakor walnut for the interior finish, let the wood work be plainly painted, or what is better still, simply oiled, but there should be no cunningdeception of graining, to represent the costlier wood. It is not_honest_, and, we take it, a church, built for religious worship, is thelast place that should betray our human meanness and want of honesty. 

DESIGN No. 21. 

We show in this design what can be done with a substantial old farmhouse; how easily and beautifully it can be changed into a suburban homeof elegant exterior, and comfortable and convenient interiorappointments. 

[Illustration: FIG. 63. --_View of the House at the time of Purchase. _]

[Illustration: FIG. 64. --_The same remodeled. _]

This class of spacious and substantial farm houses, with the gambrel, curb, or Mansard roof, as shown in Fig. 63, is very numerous about thesuburbs of New York City, and more particularly in the "neighboringprovince of New Jersey, " where one finds them nestled in the valleys orby the road side, as best fitting to the taste of our early Dutchsettlers, who prized seclusion and protection above bleak exposure andfar-reaching views. 

[Illustration: FIG. 65. ]

As a general thing, the better class of New Jersey farm houses of thistype were built of squared and hammered red sand-stone, laid up inregular courses, and in many instances the character of the workdiffered on all sides, the front being the most finely finished. And inmany of the most pretentious of these houses, brick was substituted forthe front, as being less common. 

There is, perhaps, nothing more difficult in an architect's experiencethan to make a fine thing out of a subject so destitute of beauty ofform or proportion, and yet preserve the substantial walls and otherbelongings, that have stood for half a century, and are now stronger, and promise a durability that exceeds those of other houses built inthis progressive age; and yet here is a "presto change" that will almostdefy the keen eyes of the old settlers to recognize any trace of theancient landmark that for fifty years has overlooked the beautifulvalley of the Tenakill. 

[Illustration: FIG. 66. ]

There are very many of these old houses that are equally well adapted towear a modern face, though but few purchasers can look through all suchchanges with the eye of a professional expert, and select that to which, at a low price, a certain beauty can be added, which, when done, shallindicate the wisdom of their choice. First impressions many times aresadly against all hopes of success. 

 "With weather-stains upon the wall, And stairways worn, and crazy doors, And creaking and uneven floors, And chimneys huge, and tiled and tall. "

But these difficulties are the least troublesome to adjust, if thewalls are good, and ceilings of a fair modern height. It may then be abetter choice to adapt such a house to the present cultivated tastes andrequirements, than to build anew from the foundation. 

In the plans, the dotted lines show the centers of the old partitions. Six feet have been added to the length of the wing, thus improving thekitchen accommodations. 

This house is situated some fifteen miles from the great commercialmetropolis, on one of the new lines of Railroad, and in a locality ofeasy access to New York business men. 

DESIGN No. 22. 

[Illustration: FIG. 67. --_Stable. _]

[Illustration: FIG. 68. --_Plan. _]

This stable may be constructed either of wood, or of stone. It containsstalls for four horses, and affords space for their accommodation, together with a harness room and a tool closet. This latter is aconvenience very essential to the comfort of the owner, as well as tothe proper care and preservation of such implements as belongespecially to the carriage house and stable. 

This building should be surrounded and screened with fruit trees andshrubbery, and then, with its evident architectural effects, it willbecome an attractive feature in the landscape of which it becomes apart, with the other accessories of the elegant country home. 

DESIGN No. 23. 

FENCES. 

In spite of all laws to the contrary, cattle will intrude upon one'sproperty, and each and all must at great expense build and maintainfences for their own protection. There has not as yet been devised anypracticable mode by which the enormous sums annually spent in fencingmight be saved. The theory advanced, that it is cheaper for each tofence his cattle in, than to fence his neighbor's out, has not as yetbeen practically illustrated, if we except a few suburban localities. 

[Illustration: FIG. 69. ]

[Illustration: FIG. 70. ]

Fig. 69 represents a substantial fence, with a paneled base, of simpleconstruction, and yet quite effective in appearance. In Fig. 70 thework is somewhat more elaborate, while the base is of stone, or brick. Each engraving shows two panels, with a gate in the centre. 

With chestnut or cedar posts, the pickets cut from 1-1/2 inch plank, andthe whole kept painted, such a fence would last many years. 

DESIGN No. 24. 

RESIDENCE OF CHARLES F. PARK, ESQ. 

This residence of which we show only the floor plans, occupies acommanding position on the northern end of the Palisades, on the westernside of the Hudson, some twenty miles above the city of New York, theriver, mountain, and inland views from which are exceedingly fine, embracing the villages of Dobbs' Ferry, Irvington, Tarrytown, Sing Sing, Piermont, Nyack, and Tappan, as well as Tappan Zee and Haverstraw Bay, the distant Highlands of the Hudson, and the beautiful valleys of theSparkill and the Hackensack, a section of country rich in historicassociations, and highly appreciated by those who seek suburban homes. 

[Illustration: FIG. 71. --_First Floor. _]

[Illustration: FIG. 72. --_Second Floor. _]

[Illustration: FIG. 73. --_Third Floor. _]

This house was designed principally for a summer residence, being nearlyfifty feet square, with wide halls and spacious verandah, and commodiousand well ventilated sleeping apartments, the plans showing thearrangement of rooms. The style of architecture selected is thatgenerally known as the Rural Gothic, which, perhaps, is the most usefuland most beautiful of any that are adapted to the requirements of ourclimate. The almost square form of the plan is one of the most difficultto treat successfully in this style, yet has been carried out in themost satisfactory manner. This style admits of an almost never-endingvariety of form and proportion, and in effects of light and shadow atall hours of day is unequaled. Its comparative expense but littleexceeds the hipped and Mansard roofs. 

The building is constructed in the most thorough and workman-likemanner, and is as well adapted for a winter residence as for summer. Theframe is built in the balloon style, (the strongest known form offraming, ) with deep studding filled in with brick, having double airchambers, is thoroughly finished throughout, is covered with a slateroof, and fulfills all the requirements of a substantial and commodiouscountry residence. 

DESIGN No. 25. 

CARRIAGE HOUSE AND STABLE. 

The accompanying design for a carriage house and stable affords aboutthe same amount of accommodation as Design 22. The arrangement, however, is somewhat different, and the exterior quite unlike it. In this planthe portion appropriated to the stalls is more ample, and the means forventilation abundant. 

[Illustration: FIG. 74. --_Stable. _]

[Illustration: FIG. 75. --_Stable Plan. _]

DESIGN No. 26. 

RESIDENCE OF THOS. H. STOUT, ESQ. , IRVINGTON, ON THE HUDSON. 

Irvington is a noted locality for the higher grades of country homes, there being many fine examples of substantial, roomy, and elegantlyappointed mansions. Far within the gradually extending circle whichlimits the daily intercourse of the business man to the city of NewYork, it has become, in virtue of its position, healthfulness, finescenery, and ease of access, one of the most favored of the suburbs ofthis city; a city whose rapid increase of population and correspondingdecreasing comforts in conveyance from one portion to another, isturning the attention of those who like ease of transit, and the quietand health of the country, to a residence among its beautiful andattractive suburbs. What the last ten years have accomplished inintroducing rapid and reliable communication, and building up andimproving the country about New York, will probably be repeated severaltimes over in the next decade. An impetus has been given to rural life, that will increase with every facility that is offered, and it will notbe many years before the suburbs of New York will compare with any cityin the world; and we question, even now, if elsewhere can be found asuburban locality comparable with the east bank of the Hudson, fromNew York to the Highlands. 

[Illustration: FIG. 76. --_Residence of Thos. H. Stout, Esq. , Irvington, on the Hudson. _]

The accompanying engravings illustrate a country house that embracesmany of the best features of exterior variety, and interior compactnessand convenience. The workmanship and materials throughout have been ofthe best description, and no pains have been spared to make it firstclass in every respect. 

Situated on the slope of the eastern bank of the Hudson, it overlooksthe broad expanse of "Tappan Zee, " and commands the views peculiar tothis locality, that reach from the Highlands to the ocean. 

To build well, and to do so at a low price, is always desirable; and tobuild artistically, imposingly, attractively, does not imply elaboratefinish or profuse ornament. Sand paper and decoration will never make anill-proportioned building attractive to an educated taste, while a roughexterior of harmonious lines and forms will pass current with those whohave an eye to the artistic. 

One of the most important lessons that the art student learns is that ofeffect; that effects can not be produced by smoothly finished surfacesor details; and that in architecture, as well as in sculpture orpainting, there must be a strong bold manner of execution, when there isa desire to convey an impression of strength or power. 

[Illustration: FIG. 77. --_Cellar. _]

Where stone is conveniently obtained as a building material, its use inrural architecture deserves far more consideration than is usuallybestowed on it; and in its unchiselled, quarried form it becomesdesirable in an economical point of view. There is an imposing grandeurin the unhewn stone that asserts its presence in both near and distantviews, and, with the proper combinations of proportion, and light andshade, will illustrate the finest architectural effects. Prevailingprejudices are too apt to consider it not only cheap, but inferior inprotection and durability to finely wrought surfaces and smooth, close-fitting joints. We are too apt to estimate the value and beauty ofa stone house by the amount of labor lavished on its exterior, as if thechisel possessed the power to make the joints more impenetrable, andbestowed an endurance commensurate with the story of expense that ittells. So long as we build well and honestly, with a proper regard toprotection from the weather, in a substantial and workmanlike manner, good taste and sound sense will uphold the use of quarried rock, anddiscover a permanent strength and power in this Cyclopean masonry thatelaborately finished surfaces and delicately wrought ornaments fail toexpress. 

[Illustration: FIG. 78. --_First Floor. _]

Dressed in squared blocks and hammered lines, stone becomes an expensivebuilding material, and preference is then given to something else lesscostly; but if used in its quarried form, irregular in size and shape, it becomes, wherever conveniently obtained, among the economicalmaterials used for building, and is unsurpassed for its impressivenessand durability. No paint is required to preserve it from the weather, and no color is so good as the color of the stone; time softens itstints, and the clambering vine that lays hold of the massive walls is adecoration beyond the resources of architecture. 

[Illustration: FIG. 79. --_Second Floor. _]

"If a building, " says Mr. Ruskin, "be under the mark of averagemagnitude, it is not in our power to increase its apparent size by anyproportionate diminution in the scale of its masonry; but it may beoften in our power to give it a certain nobility by building it of massystones, or, at all events, introducing such into its make. Thus it isimpossible that there should ever be majesty in a cottage built ofbrick; but there is a marked element of sublimity in the rude andirregular piling of the rocky walls of the mountain cottages of Wales, Cumberland, and Scotland. 

"And if the nobility of this confessed and natural masonry were morecommonly felt, we should not lose the dignity of it by smoothingsurfaces and fitting joints. The sums which we waste in chiselling andpolishing stones, which would have been better left as they came fromthe quarry, would often raise a building a story higher. 

"There is also a magnificence in the natural cleavage of the stone towhich the art must indeed be great, that pretends to be equivalent; anda stern expression of brotherhood with the mountain heart from which ithas been rent, ill-exchanged for a glistering obedience to the rule andmeasure of men. His eye must be delicate indeed who would desire to seethe Pitti Palace polished. "

DESIGN No. 27. 

A CHAPTER ON GATES. 

We present in the following designs, several illustrations of theprinciple of the truss applied to wooden gates. It was described by us, several years ago in the _Country Gentleman_. 

[Illustration: FIG. 80. ]

[Illustration: FIG. 81. ]

[Illustration: FIG. 82. ]

[Illustration: FIG. 83. ]

Since then, in our professional rambles, we have accidentally noticedsome thirty gates erected after these designs in different sectionsof the country, and, for aught we know to the contrary, it is one of themost popular gates that swing. The principle of this gate is best shownin figure 80, and consists of four panels of braces crossing each other, and held firmly in position by five iron rods, which can be tightened bythe screws at the bottom. The braces are not tenoned, and there are nonails about the gate. There can be no sagging under any circumstances;but should such a thing occur from unequal shrinkage, it can easily beremedied by placing a thin strip of wood or sheet lead under the footof the braces running forward. There is economy in the construction ofthese gates, as they can be made with a less number of joints, andgreater strength and stiffness secured with lighter materials, than inany other style of gate we know of. The principle is the one used inrailroad bridges and roofs of great span, and our own experience withthem, having built and tested all the gates here illustrated, is, thatthey possess very decided merits. [Illustration: FIG. 84. ]

[Illustration: FIG. 85. ]

[Illustration: FIG. 86. ]

[Illustration: FIG. 87. ]

[Illustration: FIG. 88. ]

[Illustration: FIG. 89. ]

Fig. 81 is the principal entrance gate to one of the finest estates onthe Hudson, above Tarrytown, and although similar in appearance tofigure 82, has some very decided differences, the cross braces in thiscase reaching only to a second rail; the rods, however, pass through tothe bottom; it is much more elaborate in workmanship, and the additionof a moulding on the top and bottom would increase its effect. 

Fig. 84 is the entrance gate at the New Windsor, N. Y. , Parsonage, andhas been hanging six years without a perceptible change. The braces inthis are one inch square and doubled; they are not halved, but crosseach other, two one way and one the other, in the manner shown in figure85. 

There is no other mode of constructing gates in which rustic work can bemade such good use of. The chief objection to all things made in therustic manner is, that they soon fall to pieces, limbs shrink and twist, and nails do not hold; but a rustic gate held together by iron rods willremain good until the last brace has decayed. 

Fig. 86 is the principal entrance gate to one of the most finelyfinished country seats on Newburgh Bay. 

Figs. 87, 88, and 89, illustrate a novel style of hinge, peculiarlyadapted to this gate, and is really stronger than any other. It requiresless iron and less blacksmith work. 

Fig. 87 shows the top hinge corner, and figure 88 the bottom hingecorner. The iron which secures this end of the gate, passes through bothtop and bottom hinge, and binds them and the gate securely together. Theadditional fastenings for hinge are made with carriage-bolts. Nothingbut a power beyond the enormous tensile strength of iron and thecompressible strength of wood, will cause the gates to yield in ordinaryuse. 

Fig. 89 is a perspective view of the hinge, showing how it may becounter-sunk, and thus almost entirely concealed. Figs. 80, 81, 82, and83, also show the hinge, and four different styles of stone gate piers. 

[Illustration: FIG. 90. ]

Fig. 90 is intended for a farm gate. The cross rails are secured bycarriage-bolts passed through them and the main braces. Each end of thegate has an iron rod only, which is made heavier than the others, andsaves framing. The hinge is made by having the iron rod project beyondthe bolt head and nut, and the upper end is passed into an eye, as shownin Fig. 91, which is screwed into the post; the lower end is pointed, and is placed in a stone as shown, or it may rest on solid iron ofsimilar form to the eye. Any intelligent laborer, with an axe and auger, can, with the iron work, make these farm gates. 

[Illustration: FIG. 91. ]

This principle of constructing gates admits of an infinite variety ofdesigns; those given are merely suggestive. It admits of all classes ofworkmanship, from the plainest to the most elaborate, from the simplestfarm gate to those required for the finished park, and in beauty, strength, and economy stands unequaled. 

Fig. 92 and 93. --Plan and elevation of an entrance gate, which we haveexecuted in oak, and presents an effective appearance. 

[Illustration: FIG. 92. --_Elevation of Entrance Gate. _]

[Illustration: FIG. 93. --_Plan. _]

DESIGN No. 28. 

RESIDENCE OF TRISTRAM ALLEN, ESQ. , RAVENSWOOD, N. Y. 

The accompanying view of Mr. Allen's house is a good example of themethod of adding to a dwelling which has ceased to be of sufficientcapacity for the requirements of the family. By reference to thebasement or cellar plan, the outline of the old house and the foundationof the new will be distinctly seen. The addition transforms the cottageto a villa, and in a manner which preserves the proportions asharmoniously as if the whole had been erected at one time and from oneplan, thus illustrating a prominent advantage in this style ofarchitecture, which admits more freely than any other, successiveadditions, which, when properly designed, add to the variety of outline, and its beauty of light and shade. The different floor plans show thearrangements of rooms and their connection with the original building, which, it will be seen, are convenient and compact. 

[Illustration: FIG. 94. --_Perspective. _]

[Illustration: FIG. 95. --_Basement. _]

[Illustration: FIG. 96. --_First Floor. _]

[Illustration: FIG. 97. --_Second Floor. _]

Ravenswood is one of the most elegant of the suburbs of New York, beingnear at hand, and having frequent and rapid communication with the city. Situated on the Long Island shore, opposite the centre of ManhattanIsland, overlooking the great metropolis and its outlying cities, ofeasy access to the Central Park by the Hell Gate Ferry, amid all therefinement of fine gardens, polished landscape scenery, andarchitectural taste, it presents at once all the enjoyments that acombination of city and country life can afford. 

[Illustration: FIG. 98. --_Attic. _]

DESIGN No. 29. 

RESIDENCE OF LINDLEY M. FERRIS, ESQ. , NEAR POUGHKEEPSIE, N. Y. 

The residence of Mr. Ferris, of which we give the plans only, is locatedsouth of the city of Poughkeepsie, and almost or quite within itssuburbs. The surrounding estate, of 150 acres of handsomely rollingland, possesses all the attractions of beauty and fertility so generallyawarded to the finer portions of Dutchess county. In the immediatevicinity are some of the highly finished and well-kept country seatswhich adorn this portion of the Hudson, and make up the attractionswhich taste and refinement always add to country life. 

[Illustration: FIG. 99. --_First Floor. _]

The object aimed at in the design of this house, was that of asubstantial and commodious mansion, suited to the requirements of alarge family, and that should express its purpose in the simplest mannerat a moderate expense. It was therefore desirable to avoid all costlyirregularity of form, and all the fanciful varieties of gimcracks. 

The style selected as best illustrating this purpose is the Chateauroof, Louis XV style; the main building being 43 feet square, with arear addition 25 by 29 feet; the plan illustrating the arrangement ofrooms, verandah, etc. The first floor gives double parlors, (one ofwhich may be used as a bed-room or library, ) a sitting-room orreception-room, dining-room, and a large kitchen, with necessaryclosets, an inclosed verandah, water closets, etc. The second floor, main building, gives four large bed rooms and two smaller rooms forother purposes, and in the rear are four servants' rooms and abath-room. The attic story, main building, has now five rooms, finishedwith closets, and two rooms more can be added by putting up twopartitions. These upper rooms, in a roof of this character, are cool, well ventilated, well lighted, and agreeable in warm weather, therebeing roomy air chambers between the attic ceiling and the upper roof, and also between the walls of the rooms and the outer wall of the house. There is but little difference in the value of these rooms and those onthe floor below, except convenience of access. 

The house is built of brick, in a first class manner, the lower roofslate, the upper one being tin; is thoroughly finished throughout, andis in all respects a convenient, durable, and commanding structure, giving the largest amount of room in a desirable and attractive form, with the most economy of means. It is situated on a knoll overlookingall the surrounding grounds, which include a number of other fine sites, one or two of which, we think, even more desirable than the oneselected. It is not, however, an easy matter to choose one from a dozensites, each almost equally good. 

[Illustration: FIG. 100. --_Second Floor. _]

A new road is now being laid through these and the adjoining premises, to connect two of the principal drives southward from Poughkeepsie, which when completed, will add a new attraction to the beautiful suburbsof this city. The views from the grounds, more particularly from the topof the house, are varied and extensive. The mountain panorama, whichsweeps three-fourths of the horizon, beginning with the Fishkillmountains, and ending with the Catskills, is exceedingly fine. Theeastern view embraces the Vassar Female College, the noble gift ofMatthew Vassar, Esq. , to the cause of female education. In theforeground and middle distance are the rich rolling landscapes ofDutchess and the fertile hillsides of Ulster counties, the glitteringspires of Poughkeepsie, the lordly Hudson, and southerly are seen thefamous Beacons and the Highland Pass, "Where Hudson's wave o'er silvery sands Winds through the hills afar. "

DESIGN No. 30. 

MODEL SUBURBAN COTTAGE--IN THE OLD ENGLISH OR RURAL GOTHIC STYLE. 

BY FREDERICK S. COPLEY, ARTIST, TOMPKINSVILLE, S. I. 

The general appearance of this Cottage, as seen from the road, is shownin the engraving, (Fig. 101. ) which is a perspective view of the Northand East Fronts. 

It is situated at Montrose, on the lake-like shores of Hempstead Harbor, near the village of Roslyn, Long Island, a spot noted for its beauty andhealthfulness. 

[Illustration: FIG. 101. --_Perspective. _]

Size of building, 44 by 38 feet. Principal Plan (Fig. 103. ) 10 feethigh. P. Shows a recessed porch, with double doors of oak, (oiled) theouter ones open, to be closed only at night and stormy weather, behindthe one on the right is a space for wet umbrellas, &c. , the inner doorshave glazed panels to give light within, and should always be closed. V. Is the vestibule, containing a spiral staircase, with walnut steps andrail (oiled). The floor laid with encaustic tiles, with ceiling groined, and walls finished in imitation of stone in the sand coat. On the left(under the stairs) is a private door opening into a lobby, fitted withwash-basin, water, &c. , and lighted by a narrow window, that also servesto light the front basement stairs, so that a servant could answer acall, at either front or back doors, without passing through the centralhall; which would not only be more convenient for them, but would be tothe family and guests, especially in time of company, when the hallwould form a central room, by closing the doors that lead to the stairs:nor would this interfere in the least with the domestics, or theirduties: as they can go from cellar to attic without disturbing theprivacy of a single room: and the guests could ascend, unseen to thedressing rooms above, (from either entrance) or depart in the samemanner. 

[Illustration: FIG. 102. --_First Floor. _]

The hall screen, separating the vestibule, should be of real oak, (oiled) and lighted in the panels with stained glass, which would imparta soft and pleasant light to the hall, and produce a fine effect oneither side, day or night. The hall is here placed in the centre of theplan, and so happily arranged are the doors and rooms, as not only togive it a symmetrical effect, but to unite the whole, _en suite_, without disturbing the individuality of either. Also, the hall lamp andstove would light and warm, equally, every room, besides passage, vestibule, and stairs. The cloak closet is in the passage which containsthe back stairs. 

P. Is the Parlor, which would be the favorite living room in the summer, as it faces the north, and has a large bay-window commanding a fine viewdown the harbor to the sound. 

[Illustration: FIG. 103. --_Second Floor. _]

L. Is the Library, and living room, connected with the parlor by slidingdoors, with recessed book-cases, on each side, and the same on the sidesof the bay-window, here facing the south, and possessing a beautifulview of the bay and hills, with the village in the distance, which makeit the favorite quarters in winter, being fully exposed to the genialinfluences of the sun during the absence of foliage at that season. Onthe right of the mantel is a private closet for plate, papers, &c. , boththese rooms have windows opening on the west veranda, with a fine viewacross the harbor. D. Is the Dining room, and a most cheerful one, (asit should be, ) with a large ornamental window on the east, admitting themorning sun, and a fine bay-window on the north, looking down the roadand harbor, possessing a charming prospect of land and water. Toharmonize with the bay (on the other end) is the sideboard recess with adumb-waiter on the right, and a china closet on the left; on one side ofthe mantel is the door opening into the lobby, which communicates withthe hall, and basement plan below, and fitted with wash-basin, water, &c. , which would be found most convenient to wash hands or glasses, delicate or valuable articles of use not wished to be trusted tocareless servants. It will be seen that the three bay-windows on thisplan, are of different forms, and each fitted with inside shutters. C. Is the principal chamber, or boudoir, facing south and east, with finelarge windows in each. The one on the south has closets on each side, and opens into the conservatory, making this a most delightfulladies'-work-room. It will be seen that all the rooms on this floor, although not large, are of the most comfortable size, perfect andelegantly proportioned, and arranged with every conceivable conveniencerequisite for the enjoyment of all the comforts and luxuries of life. 

Chamber Plan (Fig. 103. ) is nine feet high, and in keeping with therest, in its admirable arrangements, furnishing five excellent rooms, with a bath room, convenient to all, fitted with the latestimprovements, (the water closet enclosed, and vertical pipes, whichwould make freezing impossible). The four principal rooms are aboutequal in size and attractiveness, as they possess the same fine views asthe corresponding ones beneath, and each finished with fire-places andample closet room. The small room windows open on a balcony, with acharming view of the bay; and would afford an agreeable lounge in summerevenings, to enjoy the setting sun, or cool breeze. All the rooms onthese two floors (except the last) to be fitted with Dixon's patentgrates, and Arnott's ventilating valves, which would secure sweet, healthy, and warm rooms, without draughts. The hall, as will be seen, is well lighted and ventilated, not only by the staircase window, on thenorth, but by the ventilating sash-lights over the doors of every-room;the bath room door is also lighted in the panel with ground glass. Between the doors, on the east side, is the lift, or dumb-waiter, anddust register, which being in the centre of the plan, is of equalconvenience to all. 

[Illustration: FIG. 104. --_Attic and Roof. _]

Fig. 104. Roof and attic plan. The attic contains five good rooms forthe accommodation of the servants, storing fruit, trunks, &c. , anddrying clothes. As this plan has the same central arrangements as allthe rest, consequently the same advantages in economy of space, and ofdirect and easy access to every room, stairs, &c. The landing here islighted in the same way as the hall below, and by the same staircasewindow, with the addition of a large sky-light and ventilator in thecentre, which would keep the rooms sweet and cool. 

Fig. 105, shows the Basement and Cellar plan, nine feet high, andcontaining every requisite convenience for the domestic duties of afamily. As they are on the same level, and under the principal story, the noise and smell of the kitchen would be excluded. The gardenentrance is shown by the steps on the southwest corner of area, whichextends the whole of the west side, round to the hall door on the south;and covered by verandah, would make these rooms dry, cool, and pleasant, as they are but little below ground, and well lighted on two sides, witha large bay-window in each; the north bay fitted with wash-tubs, as thiskitchen is intended as a back one, or scullery, and for cooking induring the heat of summer, it has a sink closet on the left of thefire-place, and dresser and shelves for pots and pans on the south side, by which, is a door opening into the basement, and one out on the area. The basement would be a cheerful room, facing the south with a largebay-window with seats and inside shutters, on the opposite side is adresser fitted with plate rack, &c. On the east is the range and pantry;behind the range, in the hall, is a warm closet for clothes, shoes, &c. , and opposite, under the stairs, is a dark one, for potatoes. At thenorth end of the hall, (and behind the scullery, fire-place, &c. ) is thefurnace room and front basement stairs. On the east side of the hall isthe dumb-waiter, or lift. The coal cellar has two bins placed under theshoots, for large and small coal, with two on the east side for ashesand wood. Against the middle window is a wire gauze safe, for cookedmeats, &c. ; between this and the wine cellar is the dairy; the otherdivision is for stores in general. All the partitions are made open, soas to admit the free circulation of light and air. 

[Illustration: FIG. 105. --_Basement and Cellar. _]

On observing the relative position of the different doors and windows, in the several plans, it will be found that the house may be ventilatedby through drafts in every direction at pleasure; a luxury to beappreciated in the heat of summer. Also, by carrying the lift, ordumb-waiter, to the top of the house, and communicating with everyfloor, its full value would be secured, besides forming a ventilatingshaft for the whole building, from cellar to attic. Another valuablelabor-saving convenience (next to the water-works and lift) is the dustshoot, which is simply a tin tube, with registers in the floors of thedifferent plans, to sweep the dust into, from the rooms, where itdescends to the cellar, and is caught in a barrel, to be removed whenfull. It is here placed in the hall, by the side of the lift, on everyfloor, which by this central arrangement is at the door of every room. 

Construction, although of wood, is made nearly fire proof, by making thefloors, walls, partitions and stairs solid. The walls and principalpartitions are formed of slats of one inch thick by four inches broad, securely nailed one on the other, so as to form a one inch groove onboth sides, to plaster on. This forms a good strong six inch solid wall, fire and vermin proof, and dryer than any built of stone or brick. Thestairs to have their skeletons of iron work, filled in solid withcement. The floors of basement and entry to be of earthenware tiles, thekitchen and cellar cemented. That of the principal plan, (forming theceiling of the basement, &c. , the seat of danger, ) should be formed ofbrick, arched on iron girders, and filled up with cement, and laid withlarch, (as that burns less freely than any other wood). The hall, &c. , to be laid with encaustic tiles. The floors of the chamber plans shouldhave their timbers coated with plaster paris, and filled up with mortarand laid with larch, the plastering of the ceilings, &c. , on wiregauze, instead of lath; a slate roof, and the walls of the basement planof hollow brick, and plastered on the inner surface. By these simple andinexpensive means, the house would be nearly fire proof, and life andproperty secure. 

The exterior is covered by a sand coat, of a cheerful and rich lightbrown ochre tint, it being the most befitting for the situation anddesign, besides possessing the advantages of economy, and imparting amore substantial effect, it avoids that harsh and disagreeable glare andglisten of paint. 

DESIGN No. 31. 

The design on the following page, for a Head Stone, was published by usin the May number, 1864, of the HORTICULTURIST. It attracted theattention of one of our most intelligent subscribers and valuablecontributors in Western New York, who desired to set up, in theirbeautiful Cemetery, a memorial of one of his household who "who had gonebefore. " The monument was executed in this city, under the supervisionof the friend who furnished the design for the HORTICULTURIST. It wascut from the Caen stone, and the execution was every way satisfactory. The gentleman for whom it was made says in a letter advising of its safearrival:--"Last week I had it set in a solid foundation, and my highestanticipations are more than realized. I do not see how the monumentcould be better, as to material, design, and inscriptions. It is unique, yet chaste, highly significant and satisfactory. I have only words ofpraise and feelings of gratitude for a result that so fully answers tomy ideal. "

[Illustration: FIG. 106. --_Head Stone. _]

"BALLOON FRAMES. "

 "If it had not been for the knowledge of balloon frames, Chicago and San Francisco would never have arisen as they did, from little villages, to great cities in a single year. "--SOLON ROBINSON. 

In these days of BALLOONING, it is gratifying to know that there is onepractically useful, well tested principle, which has risen above thecharacter of an experiment, and is destined to hold an elevated positionin the opinions of the masses. That principle is the one which istechnically, as well as sarcastically, termed Balloon Framing, asapplied to the construction of all classes of wooden buildings. 

The early history of the Balloon Frame, is somewhat obscure, there beingno well authenticated statements of its origin. It may, however, betraced back to the early settlement of our prairie countries, where itwas impossible to obtain heavy timber and skillful mechanics, and thefact is patent to any one who has passed through the pleasures and thevicissitudes of the life of a pioneer, that his own necessities haveindicated the adoption of some principle in construction, that, with thematerials he has at hand, shall fulfill all the necessary conditions ofcomfort, strength and protection. To these circumstances we must awardthe early conception of this frame, which, with subsequent additionsand improvements, has led to its universal adoption for buildings ofevery class throughout the States and cities of the West, and on thePacific coast. 

The Balloon Frame has for more than twenty years been before thebuilding public. Its success, adaptability, and practicability, havebeen fully demonstrated. Its simple, effective and economical manner ofconstruction, has very materially aided the rapid settlement of theWest, and placed the art of building, to a great extent, within thecontrol of the pioneer. That necessity, which must do without the aid ofthe mechanic or the knowledge of his skill, has developed a principle inconstruction that has sufficient merit to warrant its use by all whowish to erect in a cheap and substantial manner any class of woodenbuildings. 

Like all successful improvements, which thrive on their own merits, theBalloon Frame has passed through and survived the theory, ridicule andabuse of all who have seen fit to attack it, and may be reckoned amongthe prominent inventions of the present generation, an invention neitherfostered nor developed by any hope of great rewards, but which plainlyand boldly acknowledges its origin in necessity. 

[Illustration: FIG. 107. --_Isometrical Perspective View of the BalloonFrame. _]

The increasing value of lumber and labor, must turn the attention of menof moderate means to those successful plans which have demonstratedeconomy in both, and at the same time preserved the full qualities ofstrength and security so generally accorded to the old fogy principlesof framing, and which, we presume to say, is inferior in all the truerequisites of cheap and substantial building. Light sticks, uninjured bycutting mortices or tenons, a close basket-like manner of construction, short bearings, a continuous support for each piece of timber fromfoundation to rafter, and embracing and taking advantage of thepractical fact, that the tensile and compressible strength of pinelumber is equal to one-fifth of that of wrought iron, constituteimprovements introduced with this frame. 

If, in erecting a building, we can so use our materials that everystrain will come in the direction of the fibre of some portion of thewood work, we can make inch boards answer a better purpose than footsquare beams, and this application of materials is one reason of thestrength of Balloon Frames. 

[Illustration: FIG. 108. --_Floor Plan. _]

The Balloon Frame belongs to no one person; nobody claims it as aninvention, and yet in the art of construction it is one of the mostsensible improvements that has ever been made. 

That which has hitherto called out a whole neighborhood, and required avast expenditure of labor, time, and noise, can, by the adoption of theballoon frame, be done with all the quietness and security of anordinary day's work. A man and boy can now attain the same results, with ease, that twenty men could on an old fashioned frame. 

The name of "Basket Frame" would convey a better impression, but thename "Balloon" has long ago outlived the derision which suggested it. 

[Illustration: FIG. 109. --_Elevation Section--manner of nailing--A. Corner stud, 4 by 4--B. Joist, 3 by 8--C. Stud, 2 by 4. _]

[Illustration: FIG. 110. --_D. Upper Edge of Joist--E. Stud. _]

The moment the foundation is prepared, and the bill of lumber on theground, the balloon frame is ready to raise, and a man and boy can doall of it. The sills are generally 3 inches by 8 inches, halved at theends or corners, and nailed together with large nails. Having laid thesills upon the foundation, the next thing in order is to put up thestudding. Use 4 by 4 studs for corners and door posts, or spike two 2 by4 studs together, stand them up, set them plumb, and with stay lathssecure them in position. Set up the intermediate studs, which are 2 by 4inches, and 16 inches between centres, toe or nail them diagonally tothe sill. Then put in the floor joists for first floor, each joist to beplaced alongside each stud, and nailed to it and to the sill. Nextmeasure the height to ceiling, and with a chalk line mark it around theentire range of studding; below the ceiling line notch each stud oneinch deep and four inches wide, and into this, flush with the insideface of the studding, nail an inch strip four inches wide. This notchmay be cut before putting up the studs. If the frame be lined on theinside, it will not be necessary to notch the strip into the studs, butsimply to nail it to the studding; the object of notching the studdingis to present a flush surface for lathing, as well as to form a shoulderor bearing necessary to sustain the second floor; both of these areaccomplished by lining inside the studding--(for small barns andoutbuildings that do not require plastering, nail the strip 1 by 4 tothe studding)--on this rests the joists of the second floor, the ends ofwhich come flush to the outside face of the studding, and both ends ofeach joist are securely nailed to each stud; the bearing of the joist onthe inch strip below is close by the stud, and the inch strip rests on ashoulder or lower side of the notch cut to receive it. This bearing isso strong that the joists will break before it would yield. Havingreached the top of the building, each stud is sawed off to an equalheight; if any are too short they are spliced by placing one on top ofthe other, and nailing a strip of inch board on both sides. The wallplate, 2 by 4 inches, is laid flat on top of the studding, and nailed toeach stud; the rafters are then put on; they are notched, allowing theends to project outside for cornice, &c. The bearing of each raftercomes directly over the top of each stud, and is nailed to it. 

[Illustration: FIG. 111. --_Side Elevation. --G. Manner of splicingsills. --F. Manner of splicing studs. _]

[Illustration: FIG. 112. --_End Elevation. _]

A Balloon Frame looks light, and its name was given in contempt by thoseold fogy mechanics who had been brought up to rob a stick of timber ofall its strength and durability, by cutting it full of mortices, tenonsand augur holes, and then supposing it to be stronger than a far lighterstick differently applied, and with all its capabilities unimpaired. 

Properly constructed, and with timber adapted to its purposes, it willstand securely against the fury of the elements, and answer everypurpose that an old fashioned timber frame is calculated to fulfill. 

When the building is supported on posts, heavy sills are necessary, andthe frame should be securely nailed or spiked together. The bents may be16, 24 or 30 inches apart, and covered in the usual manner. The thrustof both the rafters and contents of the building are outward; the tie, 1by 4, is abundantly strong, as each one will practically sustain, in thedirection of its fibre, three tons. The floor joists are nailed to studsat each end. No one need fear any lack of perfect security, as theseties exceed in strength any hold that tenons could have. 

Fig. 113 illustrates the manner of framing buildings of one story, suchas are used about almost every farm or country seat, as tool houses, granaries, wash-houses, spring houses, &c. , &c. 

[Illustration: FIG. 113. --_Isometrical Perspective Balloon Frame. _]

Very small buildings, if unplastered, will not require ceiling joists; atie at each end will be all-sufficient. Moderate size buildings will bestrong enough if the ceiling joists are left out, and collars put onhalf way up the rise of the rafter. According to the size and uses ofthe building, the collars or ceiling joists may be put on every rafter, every other, or every third rafter; floor joists should be about 16inches between centres, and the studding may be from 16 inches to 8 feetapart; in the last case only, every sixth floor joist is nailed to thestud, the intermediate ones being arranged equally distant from eachother between the studding. Where the studding is placed wide apart, theplate must necessarily be heavier to sustain the roof; if verticalsiding be used, it should be nailed to the sill and plate, and to anintermediate horizontal strip spiked in between the studding; if donein this way, the plate may be lighter; when horizontal siding is used, the studding should not be more than 4 feet apart--in small buildings, say 12 by 20 feet, we should cut all our stuff, except joists, from1-1/4 inch plank. Studs 4 inches wide, rafters 5 inches wide; floorjoists should be 2 by 9 inches, and put all up 30 inches betweencentres. 

In Fig. 114 is shown the manner of constructing frames for buildings ofthree stories. The corner stud, 4 by 4, is composed of and built up withtwo 2 by 4 studs, which are nailed together, breaking joints as thebuilding progresses in height; the splicing of studs is done in the samemanner, being nailed together as fast as additional length is required;the joists of the last floor are laid upon the plate, and they act astie-beams to sustain the thrust of the rafters. We consider the splicewhere the studs butt and have side strips nailed to them, to be the mostsecure; the lapping splice is very generally used, however, and found toanswer every purpose. 

Ribs for vertical siding may be put on in two ways; one as shown, bywhich the ribs run over the sill, and are nailed to it; a strip of thesame thickness as ribs, say 1-1/4 inches, nailed on to the sill to fillup the space between the ribs, and is then covered by the outside plinthor base. The other plan is to set the studs back 1-1/4 inches from faceedge of sill; then let the end of ribs bevel down on the sill, ordovetail them into the edge. 

[Illustration: FIG. 114. --_Three Story Building. _ _Balloon Framing. __Details. _

Fig. 115. Joist notched down on plate. 

Fig. 116. Side girt not gained in for small unplastered buildings. Fig. 117. Inside lining--answers the same purpose as a side girth. 

Fig. 118. Joist bearing on sill. ]

Either outside or inside lining may be used, or both together. Wherediagonal lining is used, it should be reversed or run the other way onthe opposite side of the house. 

[Illustration: FIG. 120. --_Diagonal Ribs for Vertical or BattenedSiding. _]

The lining of a Balloon Frame adds immensely to its strength, particularly so if put on diagonally; it may be done outside or inside, though on the whole the inside is preferable. If done outside, it shouldbe carried over the sill and nailed to it; the sill being wider than thestudding, in order to get a larger bearing on the masonry, and the floorjoists being in the way, does not admit of inside lining being put on inthe same manner. 

A first-class Balloon Frame should be lined, if for vertical siding, outside the studding--if horizontal siding is used, line inside; itmakes the frame stiffer and the building warmer. Some line diagonally, say from centre next the first floor towards extreme upper corners bothways; others line one side diagonally in one direction, and the other inan opposite direction. This makes assurance of strength doubly sure. Iflined inside, nail perpendicular lath to the lining 16 inches fromcentres, and on this lath horizontally for plastering. 

[Illustration: FIG. 121. --_Showing lengthwise and crosswise manner oftying frame. _]

The principle of Balloon Framing is the true one for strength, as wellas for economy. If a mechanic is employed, the Balloon Frame can be putup for _forty per cent. Less money_ than the mortice and tenon frame. Ifyou erect a balloon frame yourself, which you can easily do without theaid of a mechanic, it costs the price of the materials and whatevervalue you put upon your own time. 

Fig. 23 shows the manner of attaching the flooring to gable endstudding, and in those buildings in which the thrust of the rafters isin the direction of the flooring--if every third stud be bolted to thejoist in the manner shown, it makes the tie equal if not superior tothat in the direction of the joists. 

[Illustration: FIG. 122. --_Manner of Framing Large Barns. _]

Fig. 122 explains the manner of framing the largest class of barns. Wideopenings, like bays, require the use of heavy timber, and the mortice, tenon and brace, only so far as the gallows frame is concerned; thebalance of the frame is of light stuff, studding 2 feet to 2-1/2 feetapart, 2 by 6 inches, every third one 2 by 8 inches, into which isgained the side girt, it being nailed to the others. On this rests oneend of the temporary floors, the gallows frame supports the roof, andthe rafters are secured to it, so that they become ties. The side ofthis building is like a floor turned on edge, and is firmly secured bythe floor joists at the bottom and the rafters at the top. 

Warehouses, depots, and other buildings of a very large size, can bemade stronger by using the Balloon Frame, instead of the heavy timberframe. Those who prefer to err on the right side, can get unnecessarystrength by using deeper studding, placing them closer together, puttingin one or more rows of bridging and as many diagonal ribs as they like. In large buildings there is no saving in timber, only the substitutionof small sizes for large--the great saving is in the labor, which isquite important. 

The following are some of the advantages claimed for the Balloon Frame:

1. The principal labor of framing is dispensed with. 

2. It is a far cheaper frame to raise. 

3. It is stronger and more durable than any other frame. 

4. Any stick can be removed, and another put in its place, withoutdisturbing the strength of those remaining--in fact, the whole buildingcan be renewed stick by stick. 

5. It is adapted to every style of building, and better adapted for allirregular forms. 

6. It is forty per cent. Cheaper than any other known style of frame. 

7. It embraces strength, security, comfort and economy, and can be putup without the aid of a mechanic. 

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Transcriber's Notes:

Obvious punctuation errors repaired. 

This text uses both hyphenated and spaced forms of its rooms, i. E. Bed-room and bed room. Also used were variations on hyphenated and notwords such stair-way and stairway. 

Page 16 "ofwhich" changed to "of which" (of which the public)

Page 28, "accomodation" changed to "accommodation" (of thisaccommodation)

Page 34, "accomodation" changed to "accommodation" (amount ofaccommodation)

Page 83, "understand" changed to "understands" (one that understands)

Page 104, "accomodation" changed to "accommodation" (for theiraccommodation)

Page 124, "posesses" changed to "possesses" (possesses all theattractions)

Page 148, "desends" changed to "descends" (where it descends)

Page 164, "23" changed to "121" (Fig. 121 shows the manner)