The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1912-01-03
The Arrangement
Of Farm Buildings.
BY T. S. Cooley, Superintend-
ent Montana Farmers lnsti-
tuteS.
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That the buildings on many farm
eteads are not conveniently or artis-
tically arranged is a matter of com
mon observation. This may be due
either to lack of any definite plan,
lack of artistic appreciation, or lack of
knowledge. Whichever of these rea-
sons may be the right one, there is a
possibility at the outset of overcoming
its tendencies and unfortunate results.
A careful consideration of the situa-
ton will help to correct the first err
ror; an artistic instinct may be cult
waited eve from very embryonic be-
g%innings; and a lack of knowledge
may be remedied by study. A book
entitled The Farmstead, by Roberts,
published by the Macmillan Company,
may help some who really wish to Sc
cure ideas on the subject.
The farmhouse is the first considera-
ton in planning the farmstead. 1t
should be given the very choicest loca-
ton in respect to convenience and
beauty of outlook. 1t should generally
be situated on the side nearest to
town, beside the highway, although
some natural vantage point may indi-
cate a modification of this general
rule.
The house yard should be ample in
size and proportionate to the struc-
ture. A lawn fifty feet in length and
breadth goes we'll with a one-story
square, while 100 feet square of lawn
for a commodious two-story residence
is not toe much.
In planting the house yard the lar
gel trees and shrubs should be kept in
the background, corners, and sides.
Smaller ornamental plants may be
banked in front of these and flower
beds flank the house and greedsward.
which should be as broad and un-
broken as possible.
Avoid planting distractions to the
view from the house windows and do
not cut up the lawn with flower beds,
unnecessary walks, or shrubbery.
Corners and angles may be modified
by judicious paintings.
Barns should be commodious and
convenient, and as substantial Is cir
cumstances will permit. One large
building is preferable to a cluster Of
little ones. Build for the future as
much as is practicable. Study the
needs of the years Immediately ahead.
Plan so as to saw steps and econo-
mize labor, that most expensive item.
Remember that wastes of time, prod
ucts and materials may be great and
that the value of things wasted will
repay a considerable outlay in money,
, and the pride and satisfaction in hav-
ing things right are immense.
Barns ought to be from 100 to 200 feet
distant from the house, in the rear of
1t, preferably on lower ground, and so
arranged as not to obstruct the out
look from the house. Ugly features
may be screened by judicious plant
ings.
One of the worst errors in locating
barns is to place them across the pub
lie road from the house. Seldom can
such a breach of good taste be justi-
fed.
Particularly is it desirable to have
the horse barn and carriage house so
arranged that n doesn't have to get
out and open gates on leaving home
or returning from town. Not only is
opening such gates a nuisance and
bother, but 1t may be even risky If one
drives young and spirited horses.
Approaches to the farmstead and
drives to house and barn are more
artistic If slightly curved than if alb.
solutely straight, but there should be
an apparent reason for such devia.
lions from a straight course. Such
reasons are easily provided by plant
lngs of shrubs or trees, which form
obstacles to avoid. Do not Overdo the
curves, however; a very slight devia.
ton from a straight line will give the
desired effect without noticeably in
creasing the distance to travel.
These are merely a few of the car.
dinal principles of laying out the
farmstead and some hints of the pos,
sibilities. The main thing is to think
and plan ahead and secure enough