The Book of Houses, by the Author of 'Wonders of the Sea Shore' (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1851 edition. Excerpt: ...glazed windows; and the upper chambers were entered by a ladder and gallery. The eaves or roof projected all round, so as to form a sort of shelter outside. As the visitors approached this cottage, they heard the voices of children; and, upon opening the door of the lower part, a strange medley presented itself. Immediately on the right from the entrance was an infant in a cradle, and near it a circle of half a dozen children neatly dressed, and of cleanly appearance, who were repeating their catechism to a girl about twelve years of age. On the left were seen a cow, a calf, two goats, and four sheep, and the motley group of living creatures helped to keep each other warm. It was the common sleeping-chamber for them all; for leaves and straw generally compose the bed of these simple peasants. After the visitors had listened a few minutes to the instruction which the young peasant girl was giving her brothers and sisters, they mounted to the upper part of the cottage, where they found the father and mother. The apartment was about twenty feet square, and offered a sight only a little less curious than that below. Here was a variety of articles of household use, cleanly and well-scoured vessels for milk, cheese presses, and churns, and a few wooden platters and bowls, not lying carelessly about, but sorted and disposed each in its proper place. There were also several implements of husbandry, spinningwheels; and a large frame for weaving; for almost everything that is worn by these cottagers is made at home. On a crate, suspended from the ceiling, were fourteen large loaves of black bread. Bread, it appears, is an unusual luxury among them, but the owner of this cottage was of a condition somewhat above the generality; he had a few acres of his...