|
Main
- books.jibble.org
My Books
- IRC Hacks
Misc. Articles
- Meaning of Jibble
- M4 Su Doku
- Computer Scrapbooking
- Setting up Java
- Bootable Java
- Cookies in Java
- Dynamic Graphs
- Social Shakespeare
External Links
- Paul Mutton
- Jibble Photo Gallery
- Jibble Forums
- Google Landmarks
- Jibble Shop
- Free Books
- Intershot Ltd
|
books.jibble.org
Previous Page
| Next Page
Page 26
"Possibly, and this is still more so: 'Warmth is the vital atmosphere
of life, and a living flame imparts to us some of nature's own
mysterious vitality. Hence, the sun's rays and the blaze of burning
fuel give not only a material but a spiritual comfort and cheer, which
mere warm air is powerless to impart. Here is another reason why direct
radiation, even from a black iron pipe, is preferable to a current of
warm air brought from a distance: in a room warmed by such a current
nothing is ever quite so warm as the air itself unless so situated as
to obstruct its flow, but every solid substance near a hot stove or
radiator absorbs the radiated heat and is satisfied, while the air for
respiration remains at a comparatively low temperature.'"
"There may be a little sense in that," said Jack, "but the rest is
several fathoms too deep for me. Has he any practical advice to give?"
"That depends upon what you call practical. 'I have little patience,'
he says, 'with the common objection to direct radiation, that it brings
no fresh air. Fresh air can be had for the asking under a small stove
or radiator standing in a room as well as under a large stove or boiler
standing in the cellar; neither does the dampness or dryness of the
atmosphere depend primarily upon the mode of warming it, while, as for
the appearance of steam pipes, if they are not beautiful as usually
seen, it only proves that art is not wisely applied to iron work, and
that architects have not learned the essential lesson that whatever
gives added comfort to a house will, if rightly treated, enhance its
beauty. Steam-pipes or radiators may stand under windows, behind an
open screen or grill of polished brass, or they may be incorporated
with the chimney piece, and need not, in either case, be unsightly or
liable to work mischief upon the carpets or ceilings under them.
Wherever placed, a flue to bring in fresh air should be provided and
fitted with a damper to control the currents.'"
"I like the notion of putting them beside the fireplace," said Jack.
"When they are both running, it would be like hitching a pair of horses
before an ox-team or a steam engine attachment to an overshot
water-wheel. It means business. Uncle Harry improves. What next?"
"He expounds his theories of light and shade, of plumbing, sewer-gas
and malaria, and casually remarks that 'the variation of the north
magnetic pole and the points of compass are not yet fully understood in
their relation to human welfare.'"
"I should hope not! He must be writing under the influence of a full
moon. Let us try a fresh correspondent."
"Very well. Here is Aunt Melville's latest, with a new set of plans.
There will be neither trancendentalism nor vain repetitions here:
"'MY DEAR NIECE: Since writing you last I have had a most
interesting experience, and hasten to give you the benefit of
it. You remember Mr. Melville's niece married a young attorney
in Tumbledonville; very talented and of good family, but poor,
_desperately_ poor. He hadn't over two or three thousand
dollars in the world, but he has built a marvelous little
house, of which I send you the plans. You enter a lovely hall,
positively larger than, mine, an actual room in fact, with a
staircase running up at one side and a charming fireplace at
the right, built, if you will believe it, of common red bricks
that cost only five dollars a thousand. It couldn't have taken
over two hundred and fifty to build it.--'
[Illustration: THE ATTORNEY'S FLOOR PLAN.]
"Just think of that! A charming fireplace for a dollar and a
quarter!--"
"Communicating with the hall by a wide door beautifully draped
with some astonishingly cheap material is the parlor, fully
equal in every respect to my library, and adjoining that the
dining-room, nearly as large. On the same side is a green-house
between two bay windows, the whole arrangement having a
wonderful air of gentility and culture. I am convinced that you
ought to invest three-fourths of your father's wedding present
in some safe business, and with the remainder build a house
like this, buying a small lot for it, and defer the larger
house for a few years. Keeping house alone with Jack and
perhaps one maid-of-all-work will be perfectly respectable and
dignified; the experience will do you good, and I have no doubt
you will enjoy it. It will not only be a great economy in a
pecuniary way, but society is very exacting, and a large house
entails heavy social burdens which you will escape while living
in a cottage. This will give you plenty of time to improve your
taste in art, which is indispensable at present. There will be
great economy, too, in the matter of furniture. A large house
_must_ be furnished according to prevailing fashions, but in a
small one you may indulge any unconventional, artistic fancy
you please.'"
Previous Page
| Next Page
|
|