IN SCOTLAND.
135
Where the circumstances of the case admit, the farm-house ought always to front the south, by which means it issheltered from the cold north winds, and the fold yard, at thesame time, enjoys the benefit of the sun in winter. The farm-stead is usually placed on a well-aired and dry spot of ground,and, where that can be had, an elevated situation is pre-ferable. It is not only healthier for the farmer, his family, andhis servants, but in this way another advantage of considera-ble importance is obtained, namely, it puts it in the power ofthe farmer to see what Is going forward around him *.
2. A command of water is essential, more especially if aquantity sufficient to drive a threshing-mill can be procured.It is desirable, on that account, that the house should be si-tuated near some river or stream ; but if that cannot be ob-tained, ponds, wells, troughs, &c. for conveying water to thedairy, and to the feeding-houses, should be constructed. No-thing can be more injurious to stock, than to compel them todrink at ponds, where the water is not perfectly salubrious.A bore, made according to Elkington’s plan, will in manycases raise water to supply any part of the offices f.
3. A judicious farmer also endeavours to have easy access, ,not only to and from all the fields belonging to the farm, butalso to any good roads in the neighbourhood leading to mar-ket towns, to harbours where the grain is shipped, to lime,coal, &c. To attain so important an object, he lays it downas a rule, to keep his farm roads always in good repair.
4. The farmer’s house and offices are generally on a scaleproportionate to the size and produce of the farm. It is cer-tainly an object of primary importance, to provide the farmerwith comfortable and convenient buildings, for the accommo-dation of himself and family, and with cottages for his servants,together with offices for the reception of his live stock and the