SIMPLICITY AND REGULARITY OF PLANNING.—The roof runs uninterruptedly from end to end, by which unnecessary roof complications are avoided; the chimneys have been grouped together to diminish trimming and flashing, always costly items, and have been brought to the highest point in the roof to prevent smoky flues, consequent upon down draughts; and the building throughout is of a very inexpensive character. Further, the eaves run uninterruptedly, for the windows are not allowed to complicate the spouting and roofing by breaking through the roof, the wall-plate nevertheless being kept at a fairly low level. In all cottages of this class, compactness and regularity should be always aimed at in planning, and the wall lines—set out at right angles—should be as long and unbroken as possible. ARRANGEMENT OF OUTBUILDINGS.—The W.C.’s, here isolated, are in the Bournville blocks of four planned under the main roof, which arrangement is for many reasons preferable. As many as possible of the outbuildings should, in the case of small cottages, be arranged under the main roof. Often, where the outbuildings of these rows of cottages are extensive, one or more of the houses suffers through the projecting eaves of the other, and there is a narrow outlook upon a cramped yard. The better view of the garden obtained from the back rooms by the avoidance of this is an important consideration. The kitchen, in small property, is as much used as the living room, and the value of the restful glimpse of green to the housewife should not be ignored. (The isolation of the W.C. in the example under notice does not obstruct the light.) In the case of a corner site it is preferable to close in the yard at the back of the house, so that the week’s wash may not be exposed to the public view. It may be advanced, however, that such a domestic display is not really unsightly, but gives a pleasant human interest to the surroundings. Such an opinion, nevertheless, will probably not find general acceptance. HEIGHTS OF ROOMS.—The height of the building will also be reduced to the lowest limit. The heights of 8 ft. 3 ins. for the ground floor, and 8 ft. for the chamber floor, are quite adequate for the average cottage, so long as sufficient ventilation is provided. There is some difficulty in getting the artisan to recognise this, for a lofty and often draughty and cold room seems to have an unaccountable attraction for him. As, however, floor space is the essential, the reduction of heights is in every way a legitimate means of economising the brickwork; moreover, the scale of the building is at the same time rendered more pleasing. With the height reduced, it will be necessary to introduce the casement window, as the sash kind requires a loftier elevation. This, however, will be no detriment, as the former is more agreeable and appropriate to the cottage home.