Page:Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal, Volume 1, 1869.djvu/409

 1868.] Plumbing: Water Supply and Waste Pipes. 331 In comparing these distinct modes of decorative treatment in grounds, it is apparent, that they are both defective, in forming a complete design, if used, exclusively of each other, in connection with buildings. An excess of archi- tectural ornament and geometrical forms is no more at variance with good taste, than are those examples, where the above features are entirely absent. But the practice of these extremes, and the discussions they originated, along with the effect of cultivating and refining a truer taste, have made Landscape Gar- dening subservient to the wants of man- kind, and applicable to the comforts of life and the progress of society. Washington, D. C. W. S. PLUMBING: WATER SUPPLY AND WASTE PIPES. By W. G. R ho ads.* LET us examine this dwelling-house, pleasantly located near the centre of Philadelphia : good entrance and hall, pleasant parlor, dining-room and kitchen on first floor. We go up stairs, into the back buildings; pass through the comfortable sitting-room, and come to the bath-room containing a bath-tub with hot and cold water, and water- closet. "Mr. Jones, this must be very conve- nient ?" " Yes ! But we only have the use of it in the summer !" " How so ?" " Well, the bath-room is frame, you see, projecting from the brick building ; and the pipe runs up on one of the posts supporting it, where it is exposed to the weather ; the hot-water pipe is also ex- posed, where it comes through the wall of the kitchen, to enter the bath-room. Then, the trap of the water-closet is in the floor ; and, of course, freezes and bursts, the first cold weather; and, just when we begin to feel the advantage of having it in the house, we are obliged to abandon it for the winter. After patiently pa3'ing the plumber's bills, for mending leaks and thawing pipes, we turn off the water in despair, and close the entire arrangement until spring." " Sawdust about the pipes ?" " Yes ! by the cart-load ; and a pleasant confidence in them is broken by a terri- ble leak, just where we thought all was right!" Mr. Jones has had alterations made in his back-building; old bath-room replaced by brick one ; pipes run on in- side of building, to prevent freezing; and branches taken from the pipes, and carried under the floor, to supply those beautiful marble-top wash-basins, a most convenient and elegant addition to the house ; and then the ceiling and walls have all been replastered and walls painted. Mrs. Jones is delighted ; has been thinking of nothing else for a month; Mr. Jones, returning from the store, secretly rejoicing that he has arranged for the comfort of his family, in such a complete manner, is met by Mrs. Jones : " Oh ! Mr. Jones, it is too bad ; the dining-room ceiling is all stained and spoiled ; and I do believe the plaster will fall clown ; the water has run down the walls, and ruined the beautiful paint ; and we have had to take up the carpet ; and it is dripping from the ceiling all over one end of the room ! What shall we do ? It is outrageous to have things so spoiled ! Servants out of humor, and every thing goes wrong!" Mr. Jones runs for the plumber, to see what the matter is. The plumber brings his long key, and shuts the water off in the street, thus preventing its use throughout the house. It costs too
 * JlcCollin & Khoads, Plumbers, 1221 Market street, Philadelphia.