Page:The writings of Henry David Thoreau, v2.djvu/91

 tell exactly what their houses cost, and fewer still, if any, the separate cost of the various materials which compose them:

Boards................................ $8.03+ (mostly shanty boards.) Refuse shingles for roof and sides.... 4.00 Laths................................. 1.25 Two second-hand windows with glass.... 2.43 One thousand old brick................ 4.00 Two casks of lime..................... 2.40 (That was high.) Hair.................................. 0.31 (More than I needed.) Mantle-tree iron...................... 0.15 Nails................................. 3.90 Hinges and screws..................... 0.14 Latch................................. 0.10 Chalk................................. 0.01 Transportation........................ 1.40 (I carried a good part on my back.) -- In all.............................. $28.12+

These are all the materials, excepting the timber, stones, and sand, which I claimed by squatter's right. I have also a small woodshed adjoining, made chiefly of the stuff which was left after building the house.

I intend to build me a house which will surpass any on the main street in Concord in grandeur and luxury, as soon as it pleases me as much and will cost me no more than my present one.