UNITED KINGDOM, 
 
 CONTAIN [NO 
 
 P L A N S, 
 
 ELEVATIONS, AND DESCRIPTIVE 
 VIEWS OF CHARACTERISTIC 
 DESIGNS FOR COTTAGES. 
 By RICHARD ELSAM, Architect, 
 
 Author of an Essay on Rural Architecture. 
 
 
 
 
HINTS 
 
 FOR 
 
 IMPROVING THE CONDITION 
 
 OF THE 
 
 PEASANTRY 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
’ J 
 
HINTS 
 
 FOR 
 
 IMPR 0 VIJVG THE CONDITION 
 
 OF THE 
 
 PEASANTRY 
 
 IN ALL PARTS OF THE 
 
 UNITED KINGDOM, 
 
 BY PROMOTING COMFORT IN THEIR HABITATIONS : 
 
 INTERSPERSED WITH 
 
 PLANS, ELEVATIONS, AND DESCRIPTIVE VIEWS 
 
 OF CHARACTERISTIC 
 
 DESIGNS for COTTAGES, 
 
 CONTRIVED FOR 
 
 THE USE AND CONVENIENCE OF THE PEASANT AND SMALL FARMER, AS WELL AS OCCASIONAL 
 RETREATS FOR PERSONS OF MODERATE INCOME. 
 
 ILLUSTRATED ON 
 
 TEN PLATES, 
 
 HANDSOMELY ENGRAVED IN AQUATINTA, AND EMBELLISHED WITH PICTURESQUE SCENERY, 
 ELEGANTLY COLOURED TO IMITATE THE DRAWINGS. 
 
 TO WHICH ARE PREFIXED, 
 
 Introductory Observations on the cheapest, best, and most approved Manner 
 
 BUILDING THEM, 
 
 Under the impression that the Materials of every Description will be found by the Landed Proprietor. 
 
 TO WHICH ARE ADDED, 
 
 EXPLANATIONS AND ESTIMATES MADE ACCORDINGLY. 
 
 JBy RICHARD ELS AM, 
 
 ARCHITECT, 
 
 AUTHOR OF “AN ESSAY ON RURAL ARCHITECTURE,” 
 
 - “ A BOLD PEASANTRY, TIIEIR COUNTRY’S PRIDE, 
 
 WHEN ONCE DESTROY’D, CAN NEVER BE SUPPLIED.” 
 
 Goldsmith. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 Printed for and Published by R. Ackermann, No. 101, Strand; 
 
 AND MAY BE HAD OF 
 
 THE AUTHOR, 15, SOUTHAMPTON ROW, RUSSELL SQUARE. 
 
 1816. 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
i n/iori~Pub. f-thsyih LMlO.lyltJlak&TriGJinJOl J'fran.i^ 
 
. 
 
ftemdor,.. amt descriptive view ofa.Z>esiffn.fdr ajPeasarU or farmers Cottage 
 
IIA 
 
 Han. Blevatum. awf itnvrr'r/fffivr -y/cwj ofa£arie/n /e>r a Kwas/A' <»■ r 
 
Flan.Eteva.tiou.atid descriptive ririr.i■ of'a Design tor a Feasant or Firmer.:- Cottage 
 
TlatzIX 
 
 / > &at,j5Uuatfu>7i.<#ttl descriptive view ofa Design, /%r a/’easant or J^am/z/'/x Cottue/c 
 
i.Pub.JtCarch L/f.fty ft Art 
 
TO 
 
 THOMAS WILLIAM COKE, Esq. 
 
 OF 
 
 HOLKHAM, 
 
 MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT 
 
 FOR THE 
 
 Count)? of Motfolfc, 
 
 THIS WORK, 
 
 ENCOURAGED BY HIS FAYOR AND HONORED BY HIS PATRONAGE, 
 IS DEDICATED, 
 
 AS THE 
 
 FRIEND OF THE PEASANT AND PROMOTER OF AGRICULTURE, 
 
 BY 
 
 HIS MOST OBEDIENT AND MOST HUMBLE SERVANT, 
 
 RICHARD ELS AM. 
 
r 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 i 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 * 
 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TO THE READER. 
 
 This work embraces a general view of our peasantry in all parts of the 
 united kingdom, with the causes of their distress in certain districts, as also 
 the ulterior advantages that may be expected by the kingdom at large, and 
 in particular by the landed and agricultural interest uniting to promote the 
 comfort, health, morals, and condition of those useful members of the com¬ 
 munity ; at the same time introducing a more characteristic style of building 
 their habitations than at present prevails. In studying designs of this 
 description, simplicity, utility, and economy are the chief points to be con¬ 
 sidered ; and if, consistently with these ideas, a portion of interest can be 
 produced, it is a proof of good sense to encourage their adoption in situations 
 where they are likely to inspire the rising generation with a spirit for improving 
 the general appearance of the country. With the intention of cultivating 
 these principles, and of improving the condition of the peasantry, the follow¬ 
 ing work has been undertaken; and, in the hope of rendering it still more 
 useful and interesting, the plans have been so arranged, that they may be 
 converted at a small expence into occasional retreats for persons with 
 moderate incomes. The designs are select, but few in number, and consist 
 of plans, elevations, and descriptive views, which have been drawn, and 
 redrawn to large and small scales, and are handsomely engraved in aqua- 
 tinta upon ten plates, which are coloured to illustrate their general effects, 
 combined with picturesque scenery: to which are prefixed, introductory 
 observations on the cheapest, best, and most approved manner of building 
 
viii 
 
 them ; concluding with illustrative explanations and estimates, made accord¬ 
 ing to the average prices of labor, exclusive of the materials, which in all 
 cases are presumed to be found by the landed proprietors. Many of the 
 suggestions contained in this little work, owe their origin to various con¬ 
 versations with country gentlemen intimately acquainted with the state of 
 agriculture, as well as the condition of the peasantry in the parts where they 
 reside ; which, together with a variety of miscellaneous information obtained 
 upon the subject, in a series of journies through the different parts of the united 
 kingdom, has given birth to the present publication; in contemplating which, 
 the principal object has been to improve the condition of our numerous 
 and interesting peasantry; and in order that country gentlemen, with the 
 assistance of their agents, stewards, or bailiffs, may be enabled to carry any 
 of the following designs into execution, without further instructions. An 
 additional plate is given to the number before mentioned, which will fully 
 explain the manner of finishing the windows, external doors, chimney 
 stacks, and fire-places, so as to produce comfort, as well as the most 
 pleasing and picturesque effects: but should any further instructions be 
 required, the author will feel great pleasure in giving such information as 
 may be requisite. And from having been engaged near thirty years in 
 various parts of the kingdom, in designing and estimating public and private 
 buildings, as well as improvements and additions to country seats, in the 
 Grecian, Roman, Gothic, and Castle styles of building, he is induced to 
 embrace the present opportunity of stating, that he will be happy to assist 
 such gentlemen as may be about to build, and to furnish all sorts of plans, with 
 such written instructions as may be necessary for tire execution of their 
 intended works; and if required, he will be happy occasionally to superintend 
 them, in order to give directions from time to time, as well as to measure and 
 value the several works during their progress. 
 
HINTS 
 
 FOE 
 
 IMPROVING- TIIR CONDITION 
 
 OF THE 
 
 PEASANTRY. 
 
 NOW the blessings of peace are restored to these happy isles by the united 
 efforts of our countrymen, who have bled in the field of battle to protect our 
 civil rights and independence, it is the happy moment when we should turn 
 our eyes towards the condition of the poor, and in particular to our interest¬ 
 ing peasantry, whose comfort in every part of the united kingdom at the 
 present period either more or less calls for attention; and, as monarchs, 
 statesmen, and philosophers in all ages have concurred in opinion, that the 
 riches of a nation are the people, and as the peasantry constitute so con¬ 
 siderable a portion of our wealth, it is doubtless the duty of those in whose 
 hands Providence has placed the means, to assist in promoting their welfare. 
 The comforts and advantages derived in society by their laborious exertions, 
 make it absolutely necessary that the greatest pains should be taken to 
 improve their condition. It is therefore a subject of deep concern, that the 
 miserable state of their habitations in many parts of these countries have 
 never been seriously taken into consideration. 
 
 Peasants cottages are the habitations of rural labourers, and may be design¬ 
 ed to create considerate interest: they are in general detached buildings on 
 the estates of men of fortune, in the vicinity of the family mansion, or 
 country villa: sometimes they compose entire villages or hamlets, and fre- 
 
 B 
 
o 
 
 HINTS FOR IMPROVING TIIE 
 
 quently present the most pleasing assemblage of picturesque buildings, as 
 well as the most happy scenes in human life ; 
 
 -“ Where cheerful guests retire, 
 
 “ To pause from toil, and trim their evening fire. 
 ***** 
 
 “ Where all the ruddy family around, 
 
 “ Laugh at the jests, or pranks, that never fail, 
 
 ** Or sigh with sorrow at some mournful tale.” 
 
 In various parts of the kingdom numerous examples of these buildings 
 present themselves to view, not less admirable for their exterior beauty and 
 situations, than for their interior neatness, comfort, and contrivance; and 
 the care with which they are in some places preserved, blended with the 
 fertile scenery of the country, convey to the spectator the most pleasurable 
 sensations. But in many parts of the united kingdom these habitations are 
 the most miserable huts that can he described. The traveller is however in 
 some degree compensated for this disappointment, by the greatest variety 
 of wild and romantic scenery ; but, as the friend of mankind, anxious for 
 the welfare and comfort of his fellow-creatures, he cannot but lament the 
 fate of many thousands who, in these hospitable isles, are destined to live 
 under hovels fit only to shelter the inhabitants of the forest from the incle¬ 
 mencies of the weather; nor is there any hope of extensive improvement, 
 unless the landed proprietors in all parts of these countries could be induced 
 generally to reside on their estates, and in the midst of those to whose 
 industrious applications they are so much indebted; then, and not till then, 
 can we hope to see the fruitful vallies, rich glens, and mountain scenery 
 throughout these fertile countries clothed with peasants in comely attire, and 
 in the occupation of cottages suited to their humble stations. 
 
 “ Ill fares the land, to hastening ills a prey, 
 
 “ W’here wealth accumulates, and men decay. 
 
 “ Princes or lords may flourish or may fade, 
 
 “ A breath can make them, as a breath has made; 
 “ But a bold peasantry, their country’s pride, 
 
 *' When once destroy’d, can never be supplied.” 
 
CONDITION OF THE PEASANTRY. 
 
 3 
 
 To observe our fellow-creatures employed in carrying on any occupation 
 in which we are interested, and performing their services with cheerfulness 
 and alacrity, is a rich source of gratification to a liberal and feeling mind, 
 well worthy of being purchased by acts of benevolence, approbation, and 
 reward. In taking this view of our subject therefore, it appears to be not 
 only the moral put political duty of those who are the proprietors of large 
 estates, if possible, to reside upon them, and by every means in their power 
 to cultivate the friendship of the peasantry, by embracing every opportunity 
 of improving their condition ; and in those parts of the united kingdom 
 where the nobility interest themselves to this effect, the comforts and advan¬ 
 tages in society are obvious to the community at large- 
 
 To preserve health, to promote the comforts of the labouring classes in 
 society, and to save numbers from an untimely grave, are objects of interest 
 to the parent, the politician, and man of feeling. In every point of view, 
 therefore, it appears incumbent on those who are prevented from residing on 
 their estates, and whose ample fortunes will permit them to improve the 
 condition of the peasantry, not only by causing suitable habitations to be 
 erected for their comfort, but in allowing- them such advantages as will 
 enable them to bring up their families with comfort in the principles of 
 morality, virtue, and religion. 
 
 And to the resident proprietor who enjoys the means, how pleasant must 
 be the task of commencing an undertaking, whose end is to promote the 
 happiness of those useful members of society, and at the same time to 
 improve his estate; and how happy must he feel in the bosom of those whose 
 comforts have been studied, and who have been raised by his benevolence 
 from a state of misery to that of comparative independence. 
 
 To see the cottages in the neighbourhood of opulence clean and comfort¬ 
 able is most creditable, and, besides the gratification it affords, it has the 
 sanction of good policy; it is likewise a great temptation to peasants with 
 clean and industrious habits to seek such situations; the holders of land' 
 
4 
 
 HINTS FOR IMPROVING THE 
 
 therefore may, with very little expence anil trouble, have the most respectable 
 labourers in the country. The cost of having these habitations annually 
 repaired and white-washed, is but trifling, and contributes not only to com¬ 
 fort, but to health. 
 
 A farther attention to the cottager’s comfort is attended with but little 
 expence : a small garden well planted with fruit trees, as well as the walls of 
 the cottage, will afford not only wholesome food for the family, but the 
 surplus being sold, will procure other necessaries ; and, with regard to the 
 time requisite for cultivation, it will not break in upon his labour, nor will 
 it in any degree tend to injure or oppress him. 
 
 Where it occurs, which is frequently the case, that the peasants have to 
 traverse over considerable tracts of land to arrive at their work, the loss is 
 great, as it takes up a large portion of their time, independent of what is 
 requisite for rest and proper relaxation. Now, as half an hour lost in the work 
 any labourer in the course of a year amounts to a fortnight’s labour, it is 
 certainly worthy of consideration in all great concerns, if possible, to avoid 
 this evil by suitable arrangements : it is therefore much to the advantage of 
 the agriculturist to have his labourers reside in the adjoinino- villao-e, or as 
 near to the farm as possible, to receive orders, in case the weather or other 
 circumstances should require an alteration in the plan of labour for the day; 
 but where the land intended for cultivation, or the work to be performed, is 
 at a distance, detached cottages are indispensable ; in which case, the greatest 
 pains should be taken to select the best and most picturesque situations, in 
 order that w hen grouped with judicious plantations, they may become objects 
 of interest in the various rides through the domain; and, for the comfort of 
 the peasant, in disposing of the apartments, great care should be taken to 
 avoid the keen blasts of the northern wind, and to embrace all the local 
 advantages of warm and genial aspects, that when the weary peasant retires 
 from the toils of the day, he may sit himself down to his humble fare, the 
 monarch of his mansion, and enjoy the endearing smiles of his family in the 
 cheering presence of the setting sun. 
 
CONDITION OF THE PEASANTRY. 
 
 We have the best authority for stating, that it, is not only practicable, but 
 within the power of every country gentleman, to create a spirit of enthusiasm in 
 those whom he employs, and to turn it to the best, of purposes. In some parts it 
 may be a difficult undertaking, but the difficulty constitutes the merit. It maynot 
 be the work of a short period, but that a system may be established for bring¬ 
 ing it about cannot be disputed. The plan proposed, and which we understand 
 has received the sanction of some of the first agriculturists, on the recomendation 
 ot a most worthy and patriotic improver, is the taking apprentices sons 
 of the peasantry, which might be easily and advantageously done in every 
 large farming establishment; a certain but moderate degree of education 
 suitable to their future employment, as well as their quickness of comprehen¬ 
 sion, would be necessary ; and their rise and confidence should be gradual, 
 and altogether proportioned to their exertions. In lads it is no difficult mat¬ 
 ter to create a spirit of emulation and rivalship, and this directed to proper 
 objects, would scarce fail of rendering them valuable servants during their 
 time of service, and afterwards useful members of society. This is not 
 suggested as a mere speculative opinion, but one which has been acted 
 upon for many ye.ars in the north of England, where, if the apprentices 
 conduct themselves to the satisfaction of their employers, on the expira¬ 
 tion ot ot their indentures they receive a present of ten guineas, or 
 more ; but this entirely depends on their own good conduct. They are in¬ 
 structed in reading, writing, and arithmetic, which not only enables them to 
 acquire a more perfect knowledge of the business they are engaged in, but 
 fits them afterwards to establish themselves, and to be able to turn to their 
 own advantage what they have seen practised from their earliest days. 
 No plan appears better calculated than this for improving the condition 
 of the peasantry, or for more generally diffusing experimental knowledge 
 in agriculture. And if all the great landed proprietors throughout the empire 
 were once to take this subject into their serious consideration, there is 
 little doubt but the prevalence of the example would quickly take effect, 
 and that the peasantry throughout these countries in the course of a few 
 years would be superior to any in the world. 
 
 c 
 
6 
 
 HINTS FOR IMPROVING THE 
 
 To obtain general information on this subject, the traveller must expect 
 and be prepared to witness the greatest scenes of distress, particularly 
 in some parts of the kingdom, where the sorrows of many thousands can 
 be alleviated in no other way than by ameliorating the sufferings of the 
 peasantry, who in their present habitations are destitute of the most 
 common comforts of life; and these remarks are made in the ardent hope 
 they may prove useful in bettering their condition : the knowledge of 
 whose situation has been acquired by visiting their habitations, and in¬ 
 quiring into particulars which, though they would be tedious and unin¬ 
 teresting in detail, are of importance in the consideration of plans inten¬ 
 ded for their comfort. 
 
 Now as these useful and interesting members of the community have 
 in general large families, it is absolutely necessary they should be pro¬ 
 vided with more than one sleeping room, independent of a spacious kitchen, 
 with a roomy and comfortable tire place : and this observation is made in 
 consequence of remarking, that it is a very common circumstance to find 
 poor cottagers in the occupation of huts, with a considerable number in 
 family, crowded together in one room, with a cow, a pig, and sometimes 
 a quantity of poultry, with no other aperture than a door in a mud wall 
 to let out the smoke. Surely nothing can be more pernicious to the 
 health, or more injurious to the morals, than this mode of living; yet it 
 is to be lamented that in many parts of the united kingdom the condi¬ 
 tion of the peasantry is much worse than it is here described. In plans, 
 therefore, intended for their comfort the greatest care should be taken to avoid 
 the evil complained of by dividing the interior of the spaces, to be occupied 
 in such manner, that with greater facility the apartments may at any time 
 be subdivided, to make provision for children as they progressively advance to 
 maturity. 
 
 Where an interest is taken in the welfare of the peasantry, they are in 
 general sober, honest, and industrious, careful of their families, neat and 
 clean in their persons and habitations, humble and dutiful to their superiors, 
 
CONDITION OF T11F. FEASANTRY. 
 
 7 
 
 happy and content in their stations, punctual in discharge of their moral 
 obligations, and constant in their attendance at divine service; nor are thev 
 less proud of their situations than prompt in compliance with the wishes of 
 their employers; but where they are treated with neglect, which is almost 
 invariably the case in the sister country, their habits, manners, and general 
 conduct is the reverse of what we have described, and their ruinous habita¬ 
 tions the most deplorable scenes of misery and distress ; yet, notwithstanding 
 their treatment, when called upon to assist in defending the interests of the 
 empire at large, they never fail in conjunction with the best of troops, boldly 
 to manifest their loyalty and attachment in the field of battle. By their 
 toil and their blood they have in every part of the world contributed to 
 maintain the pride, honour, and independence of the British empire. 
 Under these circumstances we cannot but sincerely lament, that their 
 comforts and general condition in society have never been fairly taken into 
 consideration by the friends of humanity in either of the houses of parlia¬ 
 ment. 
 
 It is true that numerous plans for their education have been devised with 
 the best of motives ; but it is in vain to think we can improve their minds 
 when we neglect their bodies; for, who ever heard of a people desirous of 
 education, who had not clothes to cover them, bread to eat, or houses fit to 
 shelter them from the inclemencies of the weather ? nor can it be expected 
 that people under such circumstances have any appetites for moral in¬ 
 structions. 
 
 How the owners of the soil can therefore reconcile it to their feelings or to 
 their interests, to remain silent spectators of the present state of things, or 
 how they can refrain from the pleasure of setting the example upon their 
 estates, of building suitable cottages for improving the condition of the 
 peasantry, is a subject of universal surprise. 
 
 By the landed proprietors residing upon their estates, and reletting their 
 farms at moderate rents proportioned to the times, and by various acts of 
 
8 
 
 HINTS FOR IMPROVING THE 
 
 kindness, it is in their power to be of infinite service. These are the natural 
 and most amiable remedies for the discontents of the peasantry in that part 
 of the kingdom, which, if put into practice, would speedily conciliate their 
 affections, and render them tranquil and happy. But, alas ! the poor unfor¬ 
 tunate creatures in most parts of that neglected country are treated with 
 so much indifference, that in cases of the slightest commotion, they seldom 
 fail to manifest their sentiments by conduct which make it absolutely neces¬ 
 sary for the government of the country to resort to coercive measures, the 
 painful but urgent necessity for which is generally created by local disputes 
 among the small farmers or peasants about tithes, renewals of leases, or 
 grievances ot minor importance, which might be redressed by the inter¬ 
 ference and presence of their landlords, who it is natural for them to hope 
 and to consider as their friends and benefactors; and it is in consequence of 
 a succession of such disturbances, that few people think of visiting that part 
 of the united kingdom except upon business, or to view the romantic 
 beauties of the county of Wicklow, the enchanting lakes of Ivillarnev, or the 
 still more wonderful and stupendous rocks of the Giant’s Causeway; and 
 those who are induced to take this tour, generally set out with so many 
 unfortunate prejudices on their minds, that they seldom tarry long : and for 
 these reasons, generally speaking, the people of England are not so much 
 acquainted with that part of the united kingdom as with many others, and 
 foreigners are still less, for it being in some degree a remote country, that is, 
 from its not being in the direct way to any other, is seldom visited by them ; 
 but, for its numerous and abundant population, internal riches, and general 
 importance, it is of inestimable value. In a country, therefore, where the 
 opulent and respectable inhabitants are so much reputed for their hospitality, 
 it is to be regretted, that a bold and interesting peasantry, the pride, orna¬ 
 ment, and strength of a nation, should be no better provided for. It is 
 however worthy of observation, that although the poor laws do not extend 
 to it, yet, independent of the county infirmaries and other public charities, 
 collections are weekly made in the different parish churches, which are 
 regularly distributed to the most deserving, under the direction of the 
 ministers and churchwardens. Nor is it less worthy of observation, that 
 
CONDITION OF THE PEASANTRY. 
 
 9 
 
 hi some districts where the land-owners reside, that the condition oi' the 
 peasants cottages are superior to the general view we have before taken 
 of them, and that the peasantry are much better attended to, particularly in 
 cases of sickness or distress, where their wants are taken into consideration 
 with the greatest humanity and attention, and under circumstances which 
 reflect the greatest honor upon the ladies of a certain rank in the country, 
 who are in most places tolerably well versed in the simple compounds of 
 medicine, which they distribute to tbe labouring poor, accompanied with the 
 most friendly advice. 
 
 The pleasing effects of order and industry, when combined with olenty, 
 must always afford ample gratification to the benevolent mind, and in 
 particular to those entrusted with the happiness of tbe inferior orders of 
 society. When we therefore see wretched and dirty cottages, miserable 
 and dilapidated farms, upon good but ill-cultivated ground, scantily stocked 
 with poor cattle, what are the sensations which such objects naturally 
 excite P To the reflecting mind one or both of these must present them- 
 selies. either that the proprietor has been ruined by his improvements, 
 or is possessed of so much blindness, as neither to feel for himself or others. 
 W hen poverty, misery, and distress approximate too near the fencing which 
 surrounds the villa, the castle, or stately mansion, these are the natural 
 and almost unavoidable conjectures. Yet the traveller is frequently in¬ 
 formed. that this originates in a cause widely different, and that these 
 apparent circumstances are intended to act as mere foils, that the spectator 
 may believe and admire with surprise, that barrenness and fertility can be 
 so nearly allied. The contrast in many instances is very striking, and 
 cannot fail to produce the desired effect; but, with great deference to these 
 opinions on picturesque scenery, we beg leave to differ, conceiving that the 
 country mansion never appears so appropriately adorned, as when sur¬ 
 rounded by well-conditioned peasantry, and farms in the highest state of 
 cultivation : and wherever this is the case, it is manifest that the proprietor 
 has wisely considered, that to secure his happiness, it is essential, nay 
 absolutely necessary, to consult the welfare and comfort of those in the 
 
 D 
 
10 
 
 HINTS FOR IMPROVING THE 
 
 vicinity where he resides, and particularly that class of the community from 
 which the very nutrition of his existence is to he derived. 
 
 For the tranquillity and future welfare of the people of these countries, 
 it is much to lie lamented that the legislature lias not hitherto paid more 
 attention to the subject of tithes, the collection of which creates so much 
 dissatisfaction in all parts of the empire, but more particularly where the 
 majority of the people dissent from the established church. It is said, that 
 the late Mr. Pitt, for whose sound system of politics we are so much in¬ 
 debted, once had it in contemplation to lay down a plan for the commu¬ 
 tation of them ; and that the administration which succeeded him had the 
 same object in view, to relieve our neighbours in the sister country; and 
 it has also been insinuated, that the same subject lias been thought of by 
 those at present in power. Much would it be to their honor, and fortunate 
 would it be for these countries, if the measure could be accomplished. 
 Considerable pains have been taken to ascertain the state of the Protestant 
 clergy in both islands, and it must be the sincere wish of every friend to his 
 country, that some plan should be adopted to make a better provision for them, 
 and to remove what is found so vexatious a grievance. There is not any doubt 
 but the plan would be highly acceptable to the clergy, who, with few exceptions, 
 are disposed to be satisfied. Their incomes are not always adequate to their 
 rank and condition in life ; and this is particularly remarkable in most parts of 
 Wales, and in many parts of England, but in the sister country their revenues 
 are in general very considerable, and where they have not so many duties 
 to perform, in consequence of the largest proportion of the people being 
 of a different persuasion. The tithes in that country are therefore seriously 
 complained of, and it is the opinion of many well-informed men, that the 
 complaints of the greatest portion of the people are not ill founded ; for, 
 independent of their own clergy, they are compelled by the ecclesiastical 
 law to contribute their full share to the support of another establishment. 
 It is true, that dissenters of every description are obliged to comply in 
 like manner; but, as the people in that country are chiefly of one way of 
 thinking upon religion, the tithe laws are more keenly felt, and therefore 
 
CONDITION' OF THE PEASANTRY. 
 
 11 
 
 the people more loudly cull for redress; and until some generally approved 
 measures are adopted to alleviate their complaints upon the subject in ques¬ 
 tion, it will we fear be in vain to calculate upon the time when we may 
 hope to see the well-intentioned people in that part of the united kingdom 
 in a state of perfect tranquillity. It is, however, absolutely necessary lor 
 the interests of the established church, that our venerable prelates and 
 respected clergy should everywhere be maintained; yet, it is to be regretted 
 that no mode has hitherto been discovered to bring this desirable plan to 
 a crisis, so as to be more congenial with the feelings of those who have 
 to pay, and at the same time less prejudicial to the interests of the people, 
 who are without doubt materially interested in deriving as much benefit 
 from the earth as possible ; but where tithes are taken in kind, it must 
 prove injurious to agriculture, for although the law only allows a tenth 
 of the produce, it is said to be one-fifth of the manure, inasmuch as it 
 requires about two acres of straw to yield manure for the cropping of one. 
 This may not be exactly the case in all parts of these countries, because 
 the same mode of manuring the earth is not alike in all places, but on a 
 general computation it is presumed to be correct. The tithe-laws, therefore, 
 being calculated to lessen the industry of the agriculturist, must also in a 
 certain degree impoverish the interest of the poor and industrious peasant, 
 whose condition in society it is the interest of the nation to improve. 
 
 The peaceful and humble demeanor of the peasantry in North Britain, 
 and their exemplary conduct in society, at once prove that no ordinary pains 
 have been taken to cultivate their minds. They are in general well educated, 
 sober, and industrious; and, in eases of emigration, they seldom fail by 
 their propriety and integrity of conduct, to attract that notice which clears 
 the way for their future promotion in life. Their habitations are much 
 inferior to those of the peasantry of England ; but, under the fostering 
 protection of the nobility, they are verging towards improvement. 
 
 Nor can the inoffensive and hospitable manners of the Welch peasantry 
 escape the notice of the observing and considerate traveller. Their general 
 
12 
 
 HINTS FOR IMPROVING TIIE 
 
 comforts are not much superior to those of the sister country, but their 
 habitations are many degrees better. This however does not prove that 
 their situation is enviable ; but from the spirit for improvement which prevails, 
 the most favorable expectations may be entertained. 
 
 By travelling through England it is impossible to help becoming tolerably 
 well acquainted with the general condition of the peasantry', and in a partial 
 degree, with the cause of their distress in certain districts. We shall there¬ 
 fore make a few cursory observations concerning them, in order to elucidate 
 their relative situation in society, compared with the peasantry in the parts 
 we have before mentioned, and at the same time recommend the expediency 
 of a suitable attention being paid to the improvement of their habitations, as 
 well as their general condition in life. In the most distressing times and under 
 the worst of circumstances, we are convinced that ample provision is yearly 
 made for their protection ; and that distressed families may at all times be 
 relieved by making proper application to the guardians of the poor in the 
 different parishes where they reside. But to strangers who are not altogether 
 unacquainted with the humanity of our laws, it appears extraordinary that 
 so many idle persons should be seen wandering through the country in the 
 character of regular and established mendicants. In those countries where 
 the poor laws are not in force, it is natural to expect them in great abundance, 
 but in a country like England, the practice cannot admit of any defence. 
 
 The subject has lately occupied the attention of our senate, and we may 
 speedily hope to see that some wise and salutary measures will be taken to 
 put an end to the impositions which are daily practised on the credulous 
 philanthropist. The enormous sums which are annually collected throughout 
 the country for the maintenance and protection of the poor, and the com¬ 
 fortable, and in many instances splendid establishments which are built for 
 their reception, at once prove that the people of England are the most 
 considerate, and perhaps the most hospitable of all the nations in the world. 
 True hospitality consists in taking care of the poor, in protecting the aged 
 and infirm, and in educating the offspring of the indigent, in order that they 
 
CONDITION OF Till! PEASANTRY. 
 
 13 
 
 may become useful members of society. Contrast this country with any 
 other, and where can we find, among all the nations of the earth, its equal 
 for charitable institutions, or for its genuine hospitality ? It is not only the 
 emporium of riches and commerce, but the asylum for the distressed of 
 all nations. Under these circumstances, therefore, it is with a pang of 
 regret that we are compelled to observe, that the peasantry, which are the 
 pride and boast of our country, should in any part of it be neglected. When 
 they once become dependent on their parishes for relief, they cease to feel 
 that honest pride which is the best incentive to industry. 
 
 Now, as the grandeur of a nation depends upon its population, it is cer¬ 
 tainly a subject worthy of consideration, that the peasantry, which constitute 
 so considerable a portion of the empire, should be everywhere suitably 
 lodged and provided for; the numbers which annually fall victims to disease, 
 arising from poverty while living under the hovels we have before described, 
 make it absolutely necessary that the greatest pains should be taken to preserve 
 their health by promoting comfort in their habitations. 
 
 Having now, as we conceive, sufficiently shown the necessity of improving 
 the condition of the peasantry in the manner proposed, we shall proceed to 
 make a few introductory observations to the following designs for peasants 
 or farmers cottages, pointing out the cheapest, best, and most approved 
 manner of building them, under the impression that the materials of every 
 description will be provided by the landed proprietors. 
 
 Amongst the various writers upon cottage buildings, very few of them 
 have condescended to enter into an investigation of the present subject, 
 conceiving perhaps that the most ordinary mechanics are everywhere equal 
 to such undertakings as those at present under our consideration, and which 
 is doubtless the case ; but as it seldom occurs, particularly in the remote 
 parts of these countries, that men in those humble spheres of life have 
 been favoured with many, if any, opportunities of improving on the primi¬ 
 tive style of building, it cannot be expected that their works will be very 
 
 E 
 
14 
 
 IIIXTS FOR IMPROVING THE 
 
 interesting; not indeed tliat it is necessary to indulge in any luxuriant 
 fancies, capricious conceits, or excursions of refined taste in the composition 
 of designs for their habitations; hut as experience tells us, that whatever 
 has a tendency to improve the general appearance of the country, has like¬ 
 wise a tendency to improve the general morals, manners, and condition of 
 the people. It is certainly worthy of some consideration to ascertain what 
 means should be taken to infuse into all parts of the united kingdom those 
 improvements which are the best calculated to spread their beneficial influ¬ 
 ence among the labouring classes of society; and as neatness, cleanliness, 
 and a love of order is particularly conducive towards improving their habits, 
 too much pains cannot he taken to inculcate such principles, and which 
 cannot be better effected than by improving their habitations ; and this wc 
 are assured, to a certain degree, is in the power of every country gentleman, 
 who will devote only a portion of his time in attending to his own as well as 
 to the interests of the community where he resides. From this view of the 
 subject it is evident, that the first step towards improving the condition of 
 the peasantry, is to promote their personal comfort, and then we may hope 
 to see the benevolent plans laid down for their education conducive to the 
 general interests of mankind. 
 
 Materials in building, says an ingenious writer, are like words in our 
 language, they may be so arranged as to excite contempt, and even ridicule ; 
 but when combined with truth and expressed with energy, they actuate the 
 mind with unbounded swav. An able writer can move in rustic lang-uao-e, 
 and in like manner mac a scientific builder with the rudest materials produce 
 not only the most pleasing but enchanting etfects. The peasant’s cottage, there¬ 
 fore, as well as the palace may at all times be rendered not only an object 
 of interest but of admiration, particularly when surrounded with picturesque 
 scenery ; and if this can be done without creating any unnecessary ex pence, 
 it is a proof of good sense and discrimination in the proprietors of large 
 estates to adopt such plans as will not only make the peasantry pleased but 
 happy, and content in their situations, and at the same time add lustre to the 
 country. 
 
CONDITION OF THE PEASANTRY. 
 
 ■i 
 
 In the earlier ages we are informed that men lived in woods and inhabited 
 caves ; but finding these recesses damp and unwholesome, in imitation ot 
 the birds, they built huts to shelter themselves from the intensity of the 
 weather, which they ingeniously contrived by fixing boughs of trees in 
 the around in a circular form, and binding: them tog-ether with oziers, and 
 covering the outside with plaster, consisting of reeds, mud, and clay. This 
 shape being inconvenient on account of the sloping sides, the square and 
 oblono- figures were adopted, but the fiat roofs being- ill contrived to throw 
 off the wet, the pointed forms were substituted, and by these means the first 
 sort of huts, cottages, or cabins were brought to a certain degree of per¬ 
 fection, and from that period mankind have been continually improving, till 
 by degrees they have been enabled to erect the most magnificent edifices ; but 
 as the present subject relates entirely to buildings of the humblest descrip¬ 
 tion, and for persons in the humblest walks of life, it would be superfluous 
 to advert to any other. 
 
 Since the origin of building, considerable pains have been taken to discover 
 the best and cheapest methods of building cottages with bricks, stones, 
 wood, mud, and plaster; but, among the various materials enumerated, 
 there cannot be any doubt which has the preference. Sound bricks and 
 good building stones well incorporated with mortar of a good and binding- 
 quality, will last for centuries, while those of wood and plaster, mud or 
 clay, are continually out of repair, and therefore ought never to be introduced 
 in countries where better materials can be procured. 
 
 Pisan or Italian mud walls have been strongly recommended to the at¬ 
 tention of the rural improver, but experience has taught us that they are 
 not calculated for these inconstant climes; many attempts have been made 
 to introduce them in various parts of these countries, but without success. 
 At Pis a, in Italy, from which place they derive their name, they may answer 
 the purpose extremely well, but in these moist climates, unless prodigious 
 pains are taken in compounding the materials, and in protecting the walls 
 against the effects of the weather, they will soon moulder away ; and, as 
 
16 
 
 HINTS FOR IMPROVING THE 
 
 our immortal Shakespear has somewhat similarly expressed it, that like the 
 baseless fabric of a vision, they will fall and leave not a wreck behind. 
 
 Mud walls, however, made in the common manner, with clay well tempered 
 and mixed with sharp grit sand, will last for many years ; but as the occupiers 
 ot these tenements are frequently their own operators, the work is too 
 speedily performed, and the consequence is, that the fruits of their labors 
 are in most instances hut of short duration, the ruinous effects of which may be 
 seen in the different towns, villages, hamlets, and suburbs of cities throughout 
 the empire. 
 
 J-'or obvious reasons it is necessary that the greatest economy should be 
 observed in the construction of peasants cottages, and for these reasons 
 the apartments should always he on the ground floor, which will render it 
 unnecessary to build the walls more than six, seven, or at most eiarht feet 
 high, and where mud walls are introduced, the lower they are the better, in 
 which case they should be made to batter on the outside to resist tlie pressure 
 of the roof, the covering of which should project as much as possible to 
 throw off the wet, as well as to produce effect; hut, in situations where it 
 is necessary to build them one story above the ground floor, and where the 
 country yields but scanty supplies ot hard bricks and good building stones, 
 the skeletons of the buildings may he framed with forest timber or loppings 
 ot trees, and their outsides plastered on laths, with mud mixed with lime 
 and chopped straw, and when dry, if promiscuously dashed with a wash, 
 consisting of yellow ochre, lime whiting, and sharp grit sand, they will 
 produce very pleasing and harmonious effects, particularly w hen constrasted 
 w ith the neutral tints of shady scenery. 
 
 Yf alls eighteen inches or two feet thick, carefully built w ith common rouo-h 
 stones and lined in the inside w ith sound well burnt bricks, headers and 
 stretchers alternately, when finished, lime whited, and the outsides rouo-h cast 
 or pebble dashed, are the warmest, best, and ultimately the cheapest that 
 can be adopted in these countries, particularly in the neighbourhood of good 
 
CONDITION OF THE PEASANTRY. 
 
 17 
 
 quarries, and where bricks, lime, and sand can be procured at a moderate 
 expence. Walls built entirely with common rough stones, are extremely 
 cold and uncomfortable, and when plastered, unless upon battens, studding, 
 and laths, are constantly damp. Where the materials of every description 
 are provided by the landed proprietors, which is generally the case in 
 England, the expence of building cottages is but trifling; for, as the peasan¬ 
 try by their daily employment in making and mending ditches, building 
 and repairing walls, and making drains, are tolerably expert in the manage¬ 
 ment of the spade, the axe, and the trowel, the principal part of the work 
 in building their dwellings is performed by themselves : the facility, therefore, of 
 thus promoting the general comfort of the peasantry in the manner proposed, 
 may be easily effected, and by only a little attention. 
 
 As the roofs of peasants cottages are generally covered with thatch, it is 
 necessary in the arrangement of such plans, where picturesque buildings of 
 this sort are required, to consider what forms are the best adapted to suit the 
 intended coverings, at the same time bearing in mind the necessity of pro¬ 
 ducing as many pleasing outlines in the groupings of the roofs as are re¬ 
 quisite to characterize the peculiarity of cottage architecture, some parts being 
 higher than others, every part however possessing its due and just degree of 
 interest, that when the walls of these humble mansions are reared, and the roofs 
 put on, their general assemblage or variety of broken parts may be balanced 
 by opposite and distinct masses of light and shade, altogether harmoniously com¬ 
 bining with the surrounding scenery, each view presenting from the different 
 points of sight to the preambulating spectator the most pleasing, imposing, and 
 picturesque effects. Nor is it less worthy the attention of the rural improver 
 who may be anxious to acquire information on our subject, to observe, that 
 in the construction of buildings of this description, the greatest care should 
 be taken to give sufficient pitch or elevation to the different roofs, that 
 where they join in the several vallies they may be connected with advantage, 
 in order that the water during heavy rains may be conveyed as speedily as 
 possible to the places intended, without loitering on the way, and by that 
 means obtaining time to insinuate into the thatch, which, however thick 
 
 F 
 
18 
 
 HINTS FOR IMPROVING TIIE 
 
 or well laid, is not proof at all times against the water, under the circumstances 
 we have mentioned, unless the declivities forming the sloping sides of the 
 roofs are steep enough to prevent any considerable lodgment of wet, the 
 destructive effect of which is everywhere observable in the ruinous cottages 
 to be seen in most parts of the united kingdom; and as thatch is the warmest, 
 cheapest, best, and most characteristic covering for the roofs of peasants 
 cottages, and as straw or reeds of a suitable quality can he procured in most 
 parts of these countries, we cannot conceive what apology can be offered for 
 the introduction of either tiles or slates of any sort, which, though excellent 
 materials for covering habitations almost of every description, are quite out 
 of character and perfectly inconsistent upon the peasant’s humble cot, parti¬ 
 cularly red tiles of any quality, which produce nearly the same disagreeable 
 effect, as scarlet houses or cottages built with red bricks, the obtrusive and 
 unpleasant appearance of which never fail to destroy the harmony of the 
 most tranquil and beautiful scenery. When cottages, therefore, are built 
 with the materials we have just mentioned, and it is desirable that they 
 should associate with the neutral tints of the surrounding objects, they 
 should be coloured accordingly; but where they are built with rough build¬ 
 ing stones mingled with bricks, a strong wash of lime whiting mixed with 
 umber and sharp grit sand indiscriminately dashed on the walls, is all that 
 is requisite to give them a rich and mellow effect when viewed with the 
 surrounding scenery: and as the chimney-stacks appertaining to peasants 
 cottages may be made to form very striking and interestino- features rising 
 out of the roofs, we cannot take leave of the present subject without ob¬ 
 serving on the variety of pleasing effects they produce when built diagonally, 
 octangularly, or in groups two, three, or four together, and crowned in the 
 manner described in the last plate. 
 
 Having studiously considered the beauties of cottage architecture, we 
 cannot help uniting in opinion with those who have written before us, that 
 very few parts of the most approved cottages contribute more to their exterior 
 beauty or interior comfort than their windows: the subject is therefore 
 worthy of some consideration, and particularly as it regards the economy 
 
CONDITION OF THE PEASANTRY. 
 
 19 
 
 of time, and consequently in a certain degree the interest of the peasantry, 
 whose families are generally obliged to live in their kitchens between the 
 intervals of rest; it is therefore absolutely necessary to make those rooms as 
 large as the nature of circumstances will permit, not only for the sake of 
 health, but for the purposes of conducting the domestic concerns of large 
 families : in such rooms, therefore, it is desirable to obtain as much cheerful 
 light as possible, and to take the advantage ol the most pleasing aspects, 
 in order that the occupants may embrace every moment of their time in 
 pursuing with pleasure and profit their useful employment of spinning, 
 knitting, or whatever is most conducive to their interest. And these rooms 
 also, to which we have been alluding, should not only be lit by large 
 windows, but should likewise have roomy fire-places fitted up for the pur¬ 
 poses of frugal cookery, consisting of small grates, ovens, and boilers, so 
 as to unite general comfort with economy in the burning of fuel. And, as 
 few circumstances contribute more to a poor man’s comfort after the toils 
 of the day than the presence of his wife and children round the clean hearth 
 and cheerful fire side, the greatest care should be taken in building the 
 chimney flues to prevent their smoking, which may he easily prevented 
 by building double flues, and making them circular within, and conical 
 towards the top, in the way described in the last plate. And from the man¬ 
 ner of framing and glazing the windows in the following designs, it is pre- 
 sumed they will be found cheaper than casement or lattice lights glazed in 
 broad lead and fixed in iron frames, less liable to be broken, and equally, 
 if not more, characteristic than any other description of windows at 
 present in use for the same purpose. The apertures are of various sizes 
 proportioned to the magnitude of the rooms, and the wood-work wrought, 
 framed, and rebated to receive the glass, the panes of which should lap 
 over each other, and be closely puttied in the manner of hot-house lights ; and, 
 to give them a certain degree of interest, they should l>e divided about two 
 thirds of the way up by transoms, and the perpendicular subdivisions finished 
 with obtusely pointed heads and labels extending along the tops of the open¬ 
 ings to divert the water trickling down the walls from running into the 
 apertures, the further particulars of which are also explained in the last 
 
20 
 
 HINTS FOR IMPROVING THE 
 
 plate; and, in order to their being opened as often as required, they should 
 he hung upon centers, which will afford the inhabitants frequent oppor¬ 
 tunities of inhaling as much fresh air as the full sizes of the apertures will 
 admit without much, or the usual risk of breaking the glass, which is one 
 of the evils of casement lights fixed in iron frames ; besides which, they 
 seldom fit close, and are consequently very cold, but by the windows being 
 hung in the way described, the apartments will not only he warm, but may 
 be ventilated with great care, which is frequently necessary where so many 
 persons almost constantly reside. And, to add to the further comfort of these 
 humble mansions, they should be paved with brick on edge paving laid 
 in sand, which is much warmer and more conducive to health than any 
 sort of rough flagging, plaster, or mud floors; the latter of which, though 
 much cheaper, can never he made to look clean; and with respect to rough 
 flags, though more durable, they are not so pleasant to the occupants as 
 brick floors, which, when kept clean, make the apartments very desirable. 
 Boarded floors for the bed rooms would be more comfortable, but in peasants 
 cottages we forbear to recommend them, on account of the expence. 
 
 The annexed Plate 1. represents the perspective view of a design for a 
 peasant’s or farmer’s cottage, with scenery adapted to give effect to the 
 building ; the plan, elevation, and two smaller views of which are detailed in 
 Plate V. : and this view is given upon a large scale, in order more forcibly 
 to illustrate the subject in question than the elevation and smaller views 
 can possibly produce, and will give the best and certainly the most pleasing 
 idea of the design when executed. Perspective views of buildings drawn to 
 small scales, are like miniatures of the human face, which, whether hand¬ 
 some or ordinary, seldom fail to please. To form an accurate idea therefore 
 of the effect of any intended building, it is necessary first to contemplate the 
 conveniences of the plan with the practicability of a well-arranged eleva¬ 
 tion, always keeping in view what the positive impression will be when 
 reduced to practice: and to correct the judgment on this point, it is in 
 all cases advisable to ascertain by one, two, three, or more perspective views, 
 drawn to large and small scales, certain determined opinions, that by com- 
 
CONDITION' OF THE PEASANTRY. 
 
 21 
 
 parison the judgment may be assisted, and brought to a state of maturity. 
 Drawings at best are but weak or specious representations of the originals : 
 to give as just an idea, therefore, as possible of the few subjects which 
 illustrate this work, they are drawn and redrawn to large and small scales, 
 in order more fully to exemplify what it is conceived should characterize the 
 contour or general appearance of these humble dwellings. A cottage too 
 large, or a castle too small, are equally inconsistent; every building should 
 convey to the idea of the spectator the use for which it is intended ; and as 
 we understand by the word peasant an humble individual, the character of 
 his habitation should mingle w ith such an association of ideas as are most 
 likely to approximate with the occupier’s humble station. The lower these 
 buildings are therefore kept the better, not only for the sake of characteristic 
 effect and economy, but for the comfort of the occupants, whose habitations 
 being low, they are less liable to be injured by stormy w eather, which at 
 particular seasons of the year prevail in most parts of these countries. In 
 situations, therefore, where the ground is drv, it is sometimes advisable to 
 descend into the apartments by live or six steps, making the window sills 
 even with the surface of the ground. In elevated situations, and where the 
 surrounding circumstances are favourable for diverting the water, this mode 
 of building peasants cottages is found to answ er extremely well, by which 
 means they assume no more than their proper features in the country, and 
 if arranged with judgment, they never cease to produce the most pleasing 
 effects, particularly when studded among plantations of underwood or cop¬ 
 pice scenery. Villages, hamlets, or groups of cottages built in situations of 
 of this description on the banks of the murmuring river, or within view 
 of the rippling stream, are the most pleasing and agreeable objects which 
 can adorn the extended domain in the vicinity of tire country mansion : and 
 with the intention of promoting the adoption of such plans the present work 
 has been undertaken, in the sincere hope it may at the same time produce 
 the desired effect of improving our numerous and interesting peasantry in 
 every part of the united kingdom. 
 
 The annexed Plate II. represents also another view of a design for a 
 
 G 
 
22 
 
 HINTS FOR IMPROVING TIIE 
 
 peasant s or farmer’s cottage, with appropriate scenen ; tlie plan, elevation, 
 and two smaller views of which are given on Plate VI. and this view has 
 likewise been introduced with the same intentions as are explained in the 
 preceding description. It will perhaps occur to those who may seriously 
 consider the nature of our work, that the following designs have been 
 studied chiefly to produce picturesque effects ; and that the fore and back 
 grounds, consisting of trees, &c. are introduced with the sole object of 
 arresting the attention of persons who may not be the best or the most 
 competent judges of building. We anticipate such observations from having 
 been accustomed to hear them, and therefore are prepared to give our 
 reasons for adopting this mode of giving the most pleasing effects to the 
 designs in question. We all know by experience that drawings are more or 
 less seductive, in proportion to their being well executed and artfully coloured ; 
 and from hence it may be justly inferred, that engravings in imitation of 
 them will produce nearly the same effects ; and tor these reasons representa¬ 
 tions of the present description, it may be said, are likely to lead the mind 
 astray ; and it may also be fairly stated upon these principles of reasoning, 
 that the views of such buildings as form a component part of this work, 
 do not require to be treated in the manner they are, it being manifest that 
 plantations about them are not requisite, and that therefore the perspective 
 views and landscapes are particularly calculated to mislead; and to all these 
 ideal objections we are in a certain degree inclined to subscribe, as far as 
 the justice ot such observations can be maintained, but, upon mature 
 reflection, it is presumed they w ill be found to have little or no weight. To 
 those who have been accustomed to travel, and have carefully watched the 
 playful effects of nature and her fascinating powers, we think they will 
 concur with us, that rural buildings owe many, nay, indeed most of their 
 charms to the scenery; and that without the aid of trees, broken fore¬ 
 grounds, herbage, and the surrounding circumstances, the peasant’s cot¬ 
 tage, as well as the villa, may be justly compared to a fellow-creature cast 
 on the desert island. Trees, and the whole vegetable creation, are man’s 
 best and most innocent companions. Rural buildings, therefore, however 
 well contrived or handsome, unless combined with their natural appendages, 
 
CONDITION OF THE PEASANTRY. 
 
 S3 
 
 will neither yield pleasure or delight, and the same principle of reasoning 
 may be applied to works of the greatest magnitude. St. Paul’s Cathedral, 
 which is so much and so justly admired for its beautiful and sublime effect, owes 
 much of its importance and exterior grandeur to the houses which surround 
 it; but if this magnificent structure stood in the middle of Salisbury Plain, 
 without any objects near it by which ils magnitude and beauties could be 
 appreciated, it would appear as uninteresting as a distant view of the pyra¬ 
 mids of Giza on the plains of Egypt, and as forlorn as the peasant’s cottage 
 on the desert bogs of Allen. Buildings therefore of every description, whether 
 in great cities, towns, villages, or detached from those busy scenes, should 
 be considered accordingly, so that all the most favorable circumstances being 
 combined, they may add to the general effect; and the architect who does 
 not take into his serious consideration what we have only cursorily touched 
 upon, will labor in vain to make his designs, when carried into execution, 
 interesting or correctly imposing. The student in architecture, therefore, 
 who is anxious to acquire information after having studied the dry rules 
 of his profession, should apply himself to the general study of scenery, in 
 the pursuit of which he w ill discover many of the beauties of a science, 
 the hidden mysteries of which are frequently developed by minutely reflect¬ 
 ing upon the subjects in question. We do not mean, however, the mere 
 copying of drawings, or the perusal of prints, but a general, close, and 
 studious application to the works of nature, as well as the best specimens 
 of art, which in all ages have been universally esteemed. 
 
 On the annexed Plate III. is also represented a specimen of a peasant’s 
 or farmer’s cottage, with appropriate scenery, the plan, elevation, and two 
 smaller views of which are given on Plate VII. In this, as well as the re- 
 lnainder of the few designs which illustrate this work, the plans are without 
 exception irregular. Upon the principles and beauties of irregularity so 
 much has been written by intelligent authors, that it would be a difficult 
 undertaking to urge any thing new' or interesting. Yet, as the subject is 
 in a measure connected with what we have before written, we shall take a 
 view of some of those buildings in which we think the architect may with 
 
24 
 
 HINTS FOR IMPROVING THE 
 
 great propriety deviate from the strict rules of his art, regularity in the higher 
 orders of architecture is indispensable; but such is the prevailing taste 
 for irregularity in modern improvements, that it is almost dangerous to 
 propound any thing new in architecture which does not relate to irreo-ular 
 structures or to the picturesque in building, the ideas for which are even day 
 creeping into our public streets, and in many parts of the metropolis, it must 
 be confessed they have been carried into effect with no small share of 
 success. But, indeed, to such an extravagant pitch is this desire for varietv 
 carried, that the pure principles of Grecian and Roman architecture are 
 laid aside, and are only partially taken into consideration as mere appendages 
 to massy buildings, but which, in many instances, are very judiciously 
 contrived to produce the most beautiful, contrasted, and even striking effects. 
 Designs of this description are certainly not without considerable merit; 
 yet, not ^infrequently, in proportion as they surprise they cease to please, 
 and this takes place as the mind begins to repose, and to reflect upon 
 the sudden causes and effects of such transitions ; and this, we conceive, 
 is a sure proof why the present taste, or rather predilection for the pic¬ 
 turesque, should not be indulged on every occasion and in every situation, 
 to the prejudice of the pure and genuine principles of architecture. The 
 most correct forms and beautiful proportions are only to be found in works 
 which unite simplicity with regularity. Buildings, therefore, which are 
 regular in all their parts, but irregularly disposed, whether in streets, squares, 
 or elsewhere, may create for a few seconds new and extraordinary effects, 
 combined with the surrounding; circumstances; but where designs are carried 
 into effect, which are manifestly calculated to destroy the beautiful symetry 
 of our best and most regular streets, we cannot help thinking that the 
 genius of architecture has taken an excursion into the regions of fanev, 
 intoxicated w ith the charms of variety. In country mansions of a certain 
 classification, these ideas may be carried into effect with great ease, and 
 in most instances with much propriety. Among the buildings where the 
 principles of irregularity may be entertained, we shall notice such as are 
 every where sanctioned by men of reputed taste. Castellated houses built 
 in the baronice style of architecture, are much esteemed for their excellence. 
 
CONDITION OF THE PEASANTRY. 
 
 and it generally occurs that the most admired of these buildings are irregular 
 in their plans and combined assemblage of exterior parts. The square, 
 the round, and octangular lowers, rising out of their general masses at inter¬ 
 mediate distances, which, intermixed with buttresses, battlements, chimney 
 stacks, and groupings of irregular buildings, impose upon the mind very 
 pleasing, singular, and sometimes extraordinary 7 effects, which cannot con¬ 
 sistently be produced in the Roman and Grecian styles of architecture ; and 
 for these reasons, in most instances the castellated mansions are to be preferred, 
 and particularly in the mountainous parts of these islands ; and we are much 
 prepossessed in favor of this style of building in such situations, and lor 
 the best of reasons, that the bold appearances of the country in many 
 parts of these islands, seem to favor its adoption ; and without doubt it is the 
 best calculated to harmonize with the general effects of the kind of scenery 
 alluded to; and as stone, as well as other materials of a suitable description, 
 can be easily procured in most parts of such countries, it will, we are of 
 opinion, be found ultimately the cheapest, not only on account of the easy' 
 access to such materials, but as country masons are better acquainted with 
 building stone walls than the superior sort of workmen sent from great 
 towns, the expence of building will be much more reasonable; and where 
 there is not any serious objection to this style of building, it ought in most 
 cases to be preferred, as well for its grandeur as for its being the most 
 characteristic style of residence for our ancient nobility. Gothic buildings 
 of every description may likewise be treated in the same manner as those 
 just adverted to : irregularity in structures of this sort, if not carried to 
 excess, in general please. And with regard to the rustic cottage, supposed 
 to be contrived by the uneducated peasant, nothing can be more characteristic 
 or consistent than its irregularity, it being presumed that the occupier, who 
 is generally the builder, is unacquainted with any but the rude principles 
 of building, and therefore his humble mansion never appears so interest¬ 
 ing, as when it has the appearance of being reared in the most artless 
 manner. Chance is often very superior to design; in the consideration 
 therefore of plans of this description, the rural architect should bear in 
 mind the most pleasing outlines of similar buildings which have been 
 
 H 
 
26 
 
 HINTS FOR IMPROVING TIIE 
 
 erected by the most ordinary builders, who have made convenience and 
 necessity the first object of their thoughts : we do not mean, however, that 
 he should copy their imperfections, hut merely the characteristic simplicity 
 ot their original ideas, which, il improved upon, may frequently he made 
 extremely interesting, and when carried into effect, add very much to the 
 picturesque appearance of the country, and at the same time inculcate a 
 spirit lor improvement; but we have seen nothing in the various publications 
 since our last, to induce us to give up any of our present or former ideas 
 of the regular principles necessary to he observed in the construction of 
 certain buildings of a superior description, intended for persons in the higher 
 orders of life, or for public buildings. We admire, with the zeal of the 
 painter, the leading features of the picturesque, and are fully convinced of the 
 many truths contained in the arguments which have been very ably supported by 
 ingenious writers upon the subject; but, whenever the ancient and approved 
 principles of architecture are in danger of being injured by capricious 
 ideas founded upon imaginary beauties, it is the duty of professional men 
 to inquire into the opinions of such theorists, and to protect the dignity of a 
 noble and most interesting science, and in the performance of which, we 
 are induced to believe that we have done no more than our duty. 
 
 And on the annexed Plate IV. is likewise represented another example of 
 a peasant’s or farmer’s cottage, with scenery; the plan, elevation, and two 
 smaller views of which are explained in Plate VIII. In the title page of 
 this work the reader is informed, that the following designs “ are adapted 
 for the use and convenience of the peasant and small farmer, as well as 
 occasional retreats for persons of moderate income.” It occurred to us while 
 making the few sketches which form a part of this work, that if the plans 
 could be contrived to answer the latter purpose, the work might prove in¬ 
 teresting to persons who sometimes, in the neighbourhood of great towns 
 or cities, are in want of rural retreats during a few months in the summer 
 season; and, in order to give these designs a certain degree of interest some¬ 
 what above the habitations of the ordinary peasants, or common sort of 
 farmers, the windows are in a slight degree ornamented, and the scenery 
 
CONDITION OF THE PEASANTRY. 
 
 27 
 
 rather more embellished than perhaps is requisite ; and this has been done 
 that their general effects might prove in some measure equal to the expecta¬ 
 tions of persons of moderate income, who, in point of comfort, would be 
 satisfied with one large comfortable room, and three or four bedchambers, 
 pantry, &c. Now, as it frequently occurs that people in trade with young 
 families residing in great cities, towns, and other places, are anxious for 
 such retreats, it is presumed, that by fitting up the apartments in a suitable 
 manner, that any of the following designs, with a few additions and altera¬ 
 tions, may be made to answer as occasional retreats for small families of the 
 description we have mentioned ; and as the expence of erecting any ol these 
 buildings will be very trifling compared with the expence of such habita¬ 
 tions as are usually erected for that purpose, we are induced to hope they 
 will answer the intention, and be more characteristic and rural than the 
 generality of such buildings as are termed cottages, which, independent of 
 their being very expensive, have not the slightest pretension to that name. 
 It may however be very justly stated, that if they are comfortable, what more 
 can be required ? It is true that, where man is content and happy, it is a 
 matter of no consequence to him what style of building be resides in : “ true 
 happiness is of a retired nature, she haunts groves and valleys in which 
 situation nothing can he more appropriate than the thatched cottage ; and 
 the citizen who seeks to enjoy peace and tranquillity from the busy scenes 
 of life, unless his rural mansion is appropriate to the chosen situation, and 
 to his circumstances, he will be foiled in the accomplishment of his wishes to 
 acquire happiness in retirement. The modest trader, who retires to his 
 humble cottage, provided the expence of such an establishment is not too 
 great, will find as much pleasure in it as the Grecian villa or chateau ol 
 large dimensions. The truth is, that country houses are very expensive ; yet 
 it is absolutely necessary for the health of people closely confined to business, 
 to have occasional retreats for themselves, their wives, and children, and we 
 are of opinion that buildings of this description will answer the purpose of 
 persons in the rank of life we have mentioned, whose plans are those ol rigid 
 economy; and cottages of the present description, with a garden and a 
 small quantity of land to each for a cow and a horse, it is presumed will 
 
HINTS FOR IMPROVING THE 
 
 ■>8 
 
 be quite sufficient. And any of the following designs, when built in a suitable 
 manner, will not cost more than perhaps two hundred pounds, includin O' the 
 materials, which, if sold when complete, with the improvements of planting, 
 will always ensure to the owner nearly the original cost. But it is neces¬ 
 sary to observe, that the greatest economy must be attended to in building 
 them ; and, in order that such objects may be accomplished, we feel it our 
 duty to recommend a careful perusal of the foregoing and following ob¬ 
 servations on the cheapest and best manner of building them. 
 
 Upon the annexed Plate V. is exhibited the plan, elevation, and two small 
 i lews of a peasant’s or farmer’s cottage, the view of which is given in 
 Plate I. to a large scale, and of which we have before given a particular 
 description, with our reasons for the designs being drawn to large and 
 small scales. The plan consists of one large kitchen, with three bed chambers, 
 a large and a small closet, and, where labor is reasonable, it might be built for 
 about thirty or forty pounds. It must however be observed, that this, as well as 
 the following estimates, include only the workmanship, it being in all cases 
 presumed that the materials of every description will be supplied to the 
 peasantry by the landed proprietors, free of every expence ; and this 
 is inferred, because it is impossible to suppose that a poor peasant w ith a 
 family can have the means, or could afford if he had those means, to lay 
 out such a sum upon the estate of his employer. Yet, in some parts of the 
 united kingdom, landlords are unreasonable enough to expect it, and 
 absolutely direct the timber on their estates to be cut down, and sold to the 
 peasants for this purpose; and this, in some degree, accounts for the 
 miserable habitations of the poor peasants in the parts we have before 
 adverted to. It is, however, with pleasure we observe, that this practice does 
 not universally prevail, and that by far the greater proportion of benevolent 
 landlords not only give the necessary materials but likewise afford every 
 possible assistance ; nay, in truth, it is the business of the landed proprietors 
 to erect these buildings for the peasantry, and if they give up their time in 
 assisting to erect them, it is as much, and indeed more, than ought to be 
 expected. “ The constructing of cottages for the laboring classes in society. 
 
CONDITION OF THE PEASANTRY. 
 
 29 
 
 anil the keeping them in constant repair are objects of the first national im¬ 
 portance, as it is from the active and laborious exertions of these industrious 
 people that every other class of the community derive the greatest proportion 
 of the comfort they enjoy ; it is therefore absolutely necessary that every 
 tldno- should be done to encourage cleanliness among them, aud to add to 
 their personal comfort and convenience, and which, it carried into effect, in 
 due course of time, cannot fail in all parts of the united kingdom to have 
 the most salutary effect on their general conduct and character, and tend in 
 a very essential manner to make them infinitely more useful in their several 
 stations of life. It is therefore of great importance to the rich and opulent 
 that the dwellings of their dependants should be very frequently taken under 
 consideration, and particularly as the requisite improvements might in most 
 instances be made with very little attention and trouble, and at a tiifling 
 expence if attended to in due time. The study ol cottage scenery opens a 
 very wide field for amusement; and in constructing or repairing dilapidated 
 cottages, the ideas of the rural improver would be much assisted by carefully 
 observing what has been the effect of mere chance. Necessity is frequently 
 
 O 
 
 superior to design in the production of true characteristic simplicity, the 
 nobility, therefore, who lay out so many thousands in improving the landscape 
 scenery about their domains, ought never, if possible, to overlook the in¬ 
 teresting cottage, or neglect taking into consideration the neighbouring village; 
 for by introducing improvements on these objects, they would contribute much 
 to their own pleasure, not only by producing the most pleasing and picturesque 
 scenery, but at the same time add considerable comfort and pleasure to their 
 fellow-creatures.” 
 
 On the annexed Plate VI. there is also represented another plan, elevation, 
 and two small views of a peasant's or farmer’s cottage, the view of which 
 has been given to a large scale in Plate II. The plan consists ot a large 
 kitchen, three bedchambers, a closet, and entrance porch, the cost of which 
 will be about forty pounds. In giving our opinion of the expence, it is done 
 with some degree of caution, it being almost impossible to torm a very 
 accurate idea of the actual expence, the value of labor differing so much 
 
 I 
 
30 
 
 HINTS FOR IMPROVING THE 
 
 in every province and county throughout the united kingdom. It is there- 
 lore but fair to state, that the opinions formed upon this subject are derived 
 by a comparative view of the price of labor, and by a general reference to 
 precedents, and which information it is presumed is the most that can be 
 expected in a work of this description. Estimates in general, unless made 
 upon the spot where the work is to be done, can never be relied on. It is 
 therefore very difficult to advise those who are about to build, unless a clew 
 is given to the price of labor, materials, land and water carriage, as well 
 as to the usual allowances made at the place where the work is to be done, in 
 measuring, &c.; and this is one of the causes why estimates in general are 
 exceeded, and sometimes it arises from the parties who build not makino- 
 up their minds on the plans they have it in contemplation to pursue. Those 
 who build are often extremely wavering in their ideas, and after thev have 
 commenced change their designs from time to time, till at length their 
 original ideas are almost entirely abandoned. Under these circumstances 
 it is extremely difficult to ascertain the expence before-hand ; it is however 
 always more candid and generous to state these difficulties as the alterations 
 take place, unless there is a general building contract, in which case clauses 
 should be introduced to protect the employer as well as the employed, by 
 stating, that whatever additions or deductions are made from the plans 
 agreed upon, that such allowances shall be mutually accounted for to each 
 ot the contracting parties at the conclusion of the work ; and, furthermore, 
 that no alteration or addition shall in anywise vitiate the contract; in this, 
 and in no other way, can the architect protect the employer, the builder, 
 and himself, from the imputation of having given perhaps indiscreet 
 advice ; and for the want of this previous and candid understanding, disputes 
 frequently arise which might be easily avoided, and at the same time strict 
 justice done to all parties concerned. It is a work of great labor to make 
 accurate and detailed estimates, and it very frequently occurs, that those who 
 make the plans are not always qualified to make the estimates ; and if they 
 should, are perhaps too indolent, and therefore employ others, who not 
 being much interested about the event, the operation is performed in such 
 a slovenly manner, that many very material omissions are made for the want 
 
CONDITION OF TIIE PEASANTRY. 
 
 31 
 
 of "accurate and detailed specification, which, together with the working 
 drawings, should all be made out before any estimate can be safely com¬ 
 menced. Persons therefore who are about to enter upon works of great 
 magnitude, should not begrudge the expence of having minute estimates 
 laid before them, with the several bills specifying the exact cost of each article, 
 which, when done, will enable the architect and parties about to build to 
 curtail the expence according to existing circumstances. 
 
 The making of estimates is one of the most important duties of an 
 architect, and perhaps no duty is so much neglected; and this arises in many 
 cases from the employer being unwilling to incur the expence of obtaining 
 this necessary document, which is ultimately, and very frequently, seriously 
 regretted ; and, notwithstanding what may be said to the contrary, accurate 
 estimates may be made before a brick or stone is laid. An architect, 
 like a chymist, should be able to analyze his substances, that, as those ol 
 the profession term it, he may be able to take the whole building to pieces, 
 and ascertain the expence before a single shilling is expended. But it 
 too frequently happens that estimates are made by the square, the length, 
 and breadth of the intended structure being multiplied together, and a 
 certain sum allowed for every superficial hundred feet, and to which a 
 price is affixed in proportion to the number ot stories, and to the presumed 
 style of finishing. This may be sufficient to give a general idea of works 
 of a similar description, built and finished in the same manner, and in the 
 same place, but cannot generally be relied upon; and estimators ot this 
 description seldom or ever hit the mark, and are so tar wide of it, as. to bring 
 reproaches on themselves, and very olten the most distressing and perplexing 
 difficulties on all concerned. 
 
 And on the annexed Plate VII. is represented another plan, elevation, 
 and two small views of a peasant’s or farmer’s cottage, the perspective 
 view of which is given on a large scale, with scenery, in Plate III. '1 he 
 plan will afford accommodation for a small family, and consists of a large 
 kitchen, with three bedchambers, a dairy, and cow shed, &c. the expence 
 
3 a 
 
 HINTS I'OR IMPROVING THE 
 
 of which will be about fifty pounds. “In the construction of cottages, 
 their situations and general outlines should be particularly attended to, 
 in order to produce picturesque effects, where the country abounds in 
 curved or varied outlines, consisting of hills, mountains, glens, valleys, and 
 trees, to form their back grounds, straight or square roofs cannot be objected 
 to ; but where the roofs are opposed to the sky, the general contour or 
 outlines of the cottages and their perspective, from the various situations 
 where they can be viewed, should, as it is of some consequence, be well and 
 maturely considered. The foregrounds, as they are called by painters, or the 
 spaces immediately before the cottages, are also of much importance to the 
 general effect of the scenery; every possible advantage therefore should be 
 taken of rising grounds, broken ascents, rocks, or whatever circumstances will 
 tend to produce just and correct impressions;” for, as we have before 
 observed, the effect of these buildings materially depend upon their situa¬ 
 tions, and, as the intelligent writer we have quoted upon the subject very 
 justly observes, “ it is with the general outlines that the effect of light and 
 shade is closely connected, and it is upon these general principles that the 
 entire effect ot the picturesque depends. The same proportion of light and 
 shade which is requisite in an extensive building, is by no means requisite 
 in a small one, for when the spectator approaches so very near a larn-e 
 building as to be able to distinguish all its parts, the eye seldom embraces 
 at one time much more than the body of the building itself; and for these 
 reasons it is necessary to introduce into the front of the building, or some 
 conspicuous part of it, an effect of light and shade, to produce a picture : 
 but in a small simple cottage, where the eye embraces all the surrounding 
 objects at the same time, the trees in general produce this effect. In 
 countries, however, where they are scarce, other means should be resorted 
 to, in order to give interest; a porch judiciously contrived, or a part of the 
 building standing forward, will in most instances produce the desired 
 effect.” 
 
 And on the annexed Plate VIII. is also represented another plan, elevation, 
 and two small views of a peasant’s or farmer’s cottage, the view of which 
 
CONDITION OF TIIE PEASANTRY. 
 
 33. 
 
 is exhibited on a large scale in Plate IV. It is contrived to give suitable 
 accommodation to a small family, consisting of a large kitchen, three bed¬ 
 chambers, pantry, dairy, &c. and might be built for about forty pounds. In 
 a former part of this work, we have alluded to what are called Pisan or 
 Italian mud walls, and have strongly urged our reasons against their 
 adoption; but, for the information of our readers, we have subjoined the 
 following description of building them. “ The foundation must be of brick 
 or stone, raised about eighteen inches or two feet above the surface of the 
 ground, and upon this foundation a moveable wooden ease is fastened with 
 wedges and common earth from the fields, which does not retain much 
 moisture, is rammed into the case till the entire is perfectly hard. The case 
 is then moved about as maybe necessary, until the building is completed; 
 and when the walls are dry, they are covered with a thick coat of plaster, 
 consisting of lime and sand.” Of the propriety of adopting walls of this 
 description, we shall leave our readers to exercise their own discretion. 
 Suffice to sav, we have seldom or ever known them to answer the purpose 
 intended, and therefore feel it our duty to caution the rural improver against 
 their adoption. “ In the construction, however, of walls for peasants or other 
 cottages to be erected with bricks, a very great saving may be made in the 
 materials without sacrificing much in regard to strength, by leaving the walls 
 hollow. Hollow walls nine inches thick may be built in the following 
 manner -the foundations being solid, the remainder of the work may be 
 completed by building with brick on edge on either side, every alternate 
 brick being laid across to tie the walls together, and the cavities filled in with 
 gravel, broken flints, or lime stones, well grouted with strong mortar ; the 
 external quoins and jambs of the doors and windows being built solid, 
 at least eighteen inches thick, this will produce a saving in the article of 
 bricks, and the walls being tied in throughout by chains of timber at 
 the tops and bottoms of the windows, and by the wall plates to receive 
 the roofs, will make the walls sufficiently strong. The divisions of 
 the apartments may also be accomplished on a similar plan of economy, 
 by building the walls with brick on edge, which being tied together 
 by horizontal and diagonal inter-ties of timber, will make the divisions 
 
 K 
 
34 
 
 HINTS FOR IMPROVING THE 
 
 and subdivisions complete. The chimney jambs and other walls, where 
 absolutely necessary, should be built solid. In cottages intended for persons 
 ot moderate income near great towns, they might be thus built at a very 
 small expenee ; great care, however, should be taken in building walls of this 
 description, and that the mortar used for the purpose is of the very best and 
 most binding quality; but in country places, where stone is plentiful, and 
 bricks can be procured, we should recommend the walls described in a 
 former part of this work for all sorts of rural or other buildings, 
 which are certainly more durable than any description of hollow brick 
 walls, or solid mud, flint, or any other sort of walls. A fourteen inch 
 wall might also be built, with the width of two bricks laid flat, each four 
 inches and a half w ide, leaving a cavity of five inches in the middle. Bricks 
 in width might be tied in throughout at every three or four feet, as might be 
 found most convenient for the strength of the walls : horizontal ties of 
 timber being also run through at the heights before described, the latter 
 description of walls w ill be much stronger than those before-mentioned, but 
 certainly not so cheap, as they will consume nearly half as many more bricks. 
 And walls constructed in this manner eighteen inches thick, will not require 
 so many bricks as solid walls of fourteen inches thick ; and w here lime is 
 cheap, and clean gravel, broken flints, or lime stones can be procured on the 
 spot, very strong walls may be made by filling up all the cavities in the 
 manner before described ; but no more lime should be slaked than can be 
 immediately used, because lime soon loses a great deal of its cementing 
 quality when kept after it has been mixed with water. Brick walls of this 
 description will be much cheaper than solid brickwork, and if properly 
 built, w ill be extremely durable.” It is however but fair to observe, that they 
 are only calculated for the use we have pointed out, and to answer plans 
 of strict economy. 
 
 And on the annexed Plate IX. is represented another plan and elevation 
 of two small views of a peasant’s or farmer's cottage, which consists of a 
 large kitchen and only two bedchambers, with pantry and porch, the cost 
 of which will be about forty pounds. Hollow walls of the latter description. 
 
CONDITION OF THE PEASANTRY, 
 
 35 
 
 mentioned under the head of the last plate, “ being thicker than those 
 generally built, a much better effect of light and shade may he produced in 
 cottages, by fixing the door and window frames deeper in the walls than 
 cottao-e walls will generally admit, and by these means there will be sufh- 
 cient depth for inside shutters, which ought certainly to be preferred to those 
 on the outside.” We do not, however, think that folding shutters are the 
 best adapted for the peasant’s cot—flap shutters hung at the tops of the 
 windows are no doubt more convenient, from their being more out of the way, 
 and considerably cheaper; and we are also of opinion with the writer upon 
 hollow walls, “ that the construction of walls according to the Pisan process 
 might be adopted, by using clean gravel flints or broken lime stones instead 
 of common earth from the fields, Where any of these materials can be 
 procured on the spot, and lime is cheap, it would not in our opinion be much 
 more expensive than the simple method followed at Pisa. The gravel flints 
 or lime stones should he composed of particles of different sizes, from the 
 smallest-sized hazel nuts to those of walnuts of the largest size. The lime 
 as soon as it is slaked should he mixed with water, to the consistence of thick 
 lime wash, and then be thrown on a heap of any sort of the materials 
 described until all the particles are wet. In this state the materials collected 
 should be rammed into a wooden frame according to the method used in 
 buildino- Pisa walls, the lime being slaked and the stones mixed with it only 
 as it is used.” The hardest cements which can be found in old castle walls 
 are composed of very sharp grit sand, and very frequently mixed with flints, 
 small stones, and lime, only sufficient to bind the particles together. Now, 
 if sand and gravel (lints and other stones form the strongest cement, we 
 can see no reason why the same materials will not make the strongest and 
 most durable walls. In countries, therefore, where the materials we have men¬ 
 tioned are plentiful, it is worth while to try the experiment in building 
 peasants cottages in the way last-mentioned ; and as the process to he ob¬ 
 served is simple, the workmanship might be performed by the peasants 
 themselves. A few examples of buildings of this sort would soon spread 
 through the country, and in a very short time in an essential degree improve 
 their habitations. “ Where flints and broken lime stones are used,care should 
 
36 
 
 HINTS FOR IMPROVING THE 
 
 be taken to place them as close as possible, that from their irregular shapes 
 they may as it were dovetail or key into each other. It would," says the 
 same writer, “ be of great advantage to cottagers where fuel is dear, if the 
 kitchens w here they generally reside were to be wanned by stoves instead 
 of open fire-places, which might be constructed of bricks, and contain a 
 number of flues; the spaces over the fire-places being left open so as to 
 admit small boilers, that when the boilers were not wanted, they might be 
 covered with cast-iron plates, on which tea kettles or small pans might be 
 boiled. Iron ovens might also be conveniently introduced, and always heated 
 when the stoves where used. These stoves would certainly not be so cheer- 
 tul as open fires, but where fuel is dear, cottagers can seldom afford to have 
 fires to sit by. 'I here appears a great deal of economy in this arrange¬ 
 ment, but as a fire-side in the winter evenings creates social mirth and in¬ 
 structive conversation, we are of opinion that tlie description of fire-places 
 explained on the last plate of this work are the best-contrived to promote 
 comfort, and certainly better adapted to improve the condition of our 
 peasantry, who are always more intelligent and more industrious where they 
 enjoy the comforts of an open cheerful fire side. 
 
 And on the annexed Plate X. which is the last but one, is exhibited the 
 plan, elevation, and two small views of a peasant’s or farmer’s cottage, 
 which, with a few slight deviations, was built by Daniel Ryan, Esq. in the 
 year 1813, in the vicinity of a mountain called the Devil’s Bit, in the county 
 of Tipperary'. The plan consists of a large kitchen, w ith two bedchambers, 
 pantry, and dairy', the cost of which will be about forty pounds. In de¬ 
 scribing the characteristic outlines of the roofs of peasant’s cottages, we 
 have in a former part of this work very fully given our sentiments on the 
 inconsistency of introducing any other sort of covering than thatch, which, 
 where straw or reeds can be procured, ought certainly to be preferred ; but 
 as it sometimes, nay indeed, frequently happens, that no other covering 
 than tiles or slates can be procured, we shall take a cursory view of those 
 materials which are usually adopted as substitutes, and unite our own with 
 the opinion of other writers upon the subject. There are but two sorts of 
 
CONDITION' OF THE PEASANTRY. 
 
 37 
 
 tiles which are made in these countries for dwelling's or other buildings. 
 The one sort are called plain or flat tiles, and the other sort are called pan¬ 
 tiles. Pantiles are the cheapest, hut in consequence of the strong lines of 
 light and shade produced by their twisted forms, the roofs covered with them 
 attract too much attention ; the neat, snug, and compact style of plain tiling 
 upon a cottage roof has a much better effect. The objection, however, to 
 tiles of either of the descriptions mentioned upon cottages is their colour ; 
 these tiles however are sometimes coloured with quick-lime, sharp sand, and 
 soot mixed together with water. This composition produces a grey colour 
 not unpleasant to the eye ; hut for picturesque cottages intended to harmonize 
 with rural scenery, we should prefer something in imitation of brown thatch 
 a few years old. In some parts of the kingdom, particularly in the north 
 riding of Yorkshire, the tiles are glazed of a dark lead colour, hut the effect 
 they produce is not equal to our wishes. Grey slates of a moderate size have 
 rather a handsome appearance on cottages, and in some places may be procured 
 much cheaper than any other sort of covering, and this is particularly the case 
 in most parts of North and South Wales, and in some parts of the sister coun¬ 
 try. Blue slates may likewise he procured in many other parts of these islands, 
 “ but we have seldom or ever seen them introduced to advantage on cottages ; 
 their cold plain colour is not calculated to harmonize with picturesque 
 scenery, except when inclined a little either to a rich brown or to a greenish 
 colour somewhat resembling our Westmoreland slates. Bed tiles, therefore, 
 in most cases are to be preferred to blue slates, as the tiles, from the roughness 
 of their surface, may be coloured to stand a considerable time, and in the 
 vicinity of trees they will soon acquire moss and weather stains, which will 
 make them blend with the harmonizing tints of rural scenery. There are 
 various methods of colouring tiles as well as walls, but the durability of the 
 colour depends in a considerable degree on the materials being made rough 
 to retain it—-coarse bricks answer this purpose extremely well.” For colour¬ 
 ing red or any other sort of bricks, we have before given some general hints; 
 but as we are anxious to give our readers as much information upon the subject 
 as possible, we have subjoined the following opinion of an intelligent writer 
 on the subject, who says, “ For colouring coarse or rough bricks, we should 
 
 L 
 
38 
 
 HINTS FOR IMPROVING THE 
 
 recommend the best stone lime immediately after it has been slaked and 
 sharp grit sand mixed with water, and coloured by means of lamp or ivory 
 black and yellow ochre ; what is called blue black, and prepared from char¬ 
 coal, ought perhaps to be preferred; where good quick lime cannot be pro¬ 
 cured, lime or whiting, and the same colour may be mixed with the liquor 
 of boiled linseed. This colour will last for a long time upon bricks or tiles.” 
 Any colour, however, is better than red bricks, tiles, or walls approximating to 
 whiteness: in rural scenery they have just the same disagreeable effect as 
 they have in pictures, in the composition of which landscape painters carefully 
 avoid the glaring effects of either. The common sort of stucco is also very 
 frequently applied to brick cottages, and if well and carefully executed, is 
 almost as durable as some kinds of free stone. The lime should be of the best 
 quality, and be used immediately after it is slaked, and the sand ought to be 
 as clean as possible, and the particles of the largest size. The proportion of 
 lime to the sand will depend on the quality : in general, two portions of sand 
 to one of lime is deemed requisite. In some parts, however, where the lime 
 is of a superior quality, three portions of sand to one of lime is introduced, and 
 this is the case in most parts of the sister country, where the lime as well as the 
 land in general is much superior to the generality of our English soil. 
 
 for cottages, a single coat of this stucco laid on with an uneven surface, fo 
 give it the appearance of undressed stone, will produce the desired effect, 
 and look much better than colouring or the common sort of rough-cast, or 
 "hat in some parts of the kingdom is called pebble-dashing. In many parts 
 of the country the walls of cottages are first plastered, and then stuck with 
 irregular stones about the size of small nuts. This is what the Italians call 
 PAURETTA work, and we believe it is known by that name in most parts of 
 these countries. It has a very pleasing appearance, and not only adds very 
 much to the durability of the walls, but to the comfort of the inhabitants, as 
 by this means the walls are kept constantly dry, and of course the apartments 
 are much warmer.” 
 
 And the annexed Plate XI. which is the last, exhibits the detail of one of 
 the cottage windows in the foregoing designs, on a large scale, so as to pro- 
 
CONDITION OF THE PEASANTRY. 
 
 39 
 
 duce the general effects represented in the elevations and views, without 
 incurring the expence of iron frames, with lead lights ; the particular manner 
 of finishing which we have before described. This plate also illustrates the 
 most characteristic manner of finishing the stacks of cottage chimnies, with 
 the most approved and economical manner of building and fitting up the 
 kitchen fire-places, so as to unite general comfort with economy in burning of 
 fuel, and likewise the most approved and characteristic style of finishing 
 external cottage doors. Having now given, it is presumed, sufficient in¬ 
 formation on our subject, we shall conclude the foregoing hints by observing, 
 that wherever the peasants cottages are in a state of ruin, surrounded by 
 filth, pigsties, and other buildings equally prejudicial to health, that they 
 never fail to inspire misery; and that where this is the case, it is the surest 
 proof that the morals, manners, and habits of the occupiers correspond with 
 the surrounding circumstances. Yet it is singular that in many parts of 
 the united kingdom their local aversion to decency is so great, and this arises 
 for the want of due care and attention being paid to their condition, that 
 a poor cottager would be ridiculed by his village friends for being more 
 decent and cleanly in bis general habits than his neighbours. 
 
 The improvement of the peasantry opens such a boundless space for the 
 researches of the human mind, that it would be extremely difficult to prescribe 
 to it any limits. To accomplish so desirable an undertaking upon a grand 
 scale, it would be necessary to enter into a minute investigation of the local 
 interests of the people throughout every province and county in the united 
 kingdom ; but as such views cannot be comprised in a small work of this 
 description, we must content ourselves with having pointed out the necessity 
 of improving their condition, as far as relates to their habitations, trusting 
 that the ulterior advantages to be derived by taking into consideration their 
 personal comfort, may at no distant period be productive of general good to 
 the empire at large. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
 PRINTED BY FRANCIS MARSHALL, 
 31 , Kenton Street, Brunswick Square. 
 
Sr 5 
 S>?T 
 
 GETIY CENTER UEMRY 
 
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