Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 2, 1802).djvu/104

86&#93; 86] C O U CO U corner rooms, or passages. These the size may be proportioned to principles, and the form of the house the ability and intention of the pro- here represented, being adhered to, prietor. In this design, there are Feet. Feet. 2 Passages, in the clear 21 by 9 r 5 s each 200, both 400 4 Rooms, the corners 12 by 12 144, 576 2 Ditto, - - - - 20 by 21 420, 840 Whole area 1816 The cut consists of an elevation and plan, fronting the south. The entrance is either on the east or west sides, which require but little light. Between the deling of the uppermost story, and the platform roof, there should be a clear space 2 or 3 feet deep, with holes through the opposite walls. The hot air will thus be carried off, and a void space left for inspecting the- state of the lower part of the platform. These air-holes may be 8 or Id inches in diameter, with lattices of wire, or twine, well soaked in the composition of tar and oil, in order to exclude birds ; and, during the winter, they should have close shutters on the inside, to keep out the snow. Dimensions of the Height. Basement elevation of the walls - - - Second story Third story - Vent space - 9+1 = 10 feet 12+1 — 13 9+1 = 10 2 + 1= 3 3(5 The thickness and strength of the walls should be proportioned to their height. A three-story house would have a wall 36 feet above the ground ; one of two stories, 2d feev; and that of one story, 15 feet: so that if one story require a wall one brick thick, two stories may have the basement one and a half, and three stories two brickr thick. The foundation-wall should be 3 feet deep in the ground, that it may acquire stability, and be out of the reach of severe frosts. For some families, it may be sufficient, and perhaps more convenient, to have only one or two stories of rooms. The tower the walls are, the greater will be their Btrength and durabi- lity. The basement and second sto- ries may be divided according to the views of the builder, rather than the annexed Plan. The third story, having the four square re- cesses at the corners of the design thrown into closets about 2 5 -10th feet deep, will leave an area, that may be divided into four roomy bed- chambers. "The middle wall, which crosses the passages, and divides the large rooms, will support the greatest part of the weight on the roof, and should, therefore, be par- ticularly strong. The joists of the platform extend from this wall, in both directions, north and sOuth, to the exterior walls. The recesses should be as shallow as possible j 1 and,