A Trip to Europe and the Facts Gleaned on the Way; Observations, Narratives and General Notes of Travel as Viewed and Given by a Primitive Pennsylvania Farmer. Also a Collection of Numerous Interesting Facts Relative to the Places and Countries Visited. with (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1911. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... GENERAL PLAN OF GERMAM FARM BUILDINGS. 1. Families quarters. 2. Hall. 3. Main entrance. 4. Rear. 5. Horse stables. t5 and 7. Grain barns. 8. Cow stables. 9. "Schnaps" brewery. 10. Either hog or sheep pens and probably a corner for poultry. 11. Other half of wing for implements with entire front side open. 12. Place for light wagons and the "kutche" (a kind of light German coach.) On inquiry I was informed the cost of erecting one of these substantial buildings for a farm of a hundred hectares (a hectare is nearly two and one-half acres), is from 40,000 to 50,000 marks (about 10,000 to $12,000). This sounds rather steep in comparing the cost with the average American farm buildings, but in the end the former are the cheapest for all, as they are built to stand for many centuries to come, while the American buildings will often last only for several generations. From these facts we may not wonder why the German farmers are merely rental farmers and do not own the farm themselves. The buildings are erected in accordance to the size of the farm, consequently the buildings on smaller farms cost less. A number of farms were visited in which these figures would not near cover the expense of building. One farm, especially, I remember whose buildings were erected only a few centuries a;'o, cost at least 75,000 marks. The buildings of this big farm are built in such a style as to form an entire square. The yard which they enclose, to my estimation, is over one-half acre in area. The space taken up with-building and all (including the yard mentioned) comprises an acre or more. By taking into consideration' the dimension of the yard just described, it will give you a clear conception as to the immensity in size of these larue farm dwellings. There are other "hofs" whi...