STOCK ARTICLES.—Economy may always be exercised by using what are _worthy_ stock articles of building, and in the case of a model village, where large orders will be given, the architect should make it his business to introduce new lines—moulds, doors, grates, mantels, etc.—the quality of which is first well proved. Stock sizes of building materials should be selected, and the planning should be adapted to them to avoid waste. For instance, joists should always be of such sizes as will prevent waste in the cutting of timbers. Joists are stocked in a definite number of foot lengths. Rooms of 12 ft. 4 ins. width, with 4 ins. bearing allowed at each end, will require joists of 13 ft. lengths, in which case there is no waste; on the other hand, rooms with 12 ft. 6 ins. width, with the same bearing, will require 14 ft. joist lengths, in which case 10 ins. in timber and the labour in cutting will be wasted, which the extra 2 ins. gained does not warrant; 12 ft. 4 ins., 13 ft. 4 ins., 14 ft. 4 ins., and so on, are therefore preferable dimensions. Again, if the size of the joists be 9 ins. × 3 ins., 27 ins. cube is obtained, which is not stronger than 11 ins. × 2 ins., giving 22 ins. cube. If the latter be chosen, therefore, 5 ins. cube are saved. True, the house will be raised in height, but not sufficiently to appreciably increase the cost. This is only one instance of how selection of material may be profitably studied. GENERAL.—In the example given the staircase runs between the houses, and gives them a good wide frontage, bringing the outer houses nearer to the extremity of the land, and enabling a more convenient division of the gardens. It will be noticed that the bath in these small cottages is the “Cabinet” patent, which is strongly recommended on account of its being easily shut up and stowed away (see page 51). The interior fittings are of the simplest and most inexpensive kind, such a thing as the ingle nook, however pleasing and comfortable, being reserved for a better class of cottage. Ample cupboard room, nevertheless, is provided, and it should be noted that such conveniences as cloak rails, cup-rails and hooks, picture rails, etc., are fixed in all the cottages dealt with. Small gas cookers or grills should be included in all cottages, whether large or small. White’s patent steam exhaust should also be fitted in all cottages. THE LAYING OUT OF GARDENS. The garden, a feature of such importance in the model village, or garden city, should have no less care and attention in the planning than the house itself. The accompanying plan is one frequently adopted at Bournville where the aspect is suitable. The arrangement is modified in the case of the smallest cottages by the reduction or omission of turf. The bedding, with the various trees and shrubs supplied, is indicated on the plan. [Illustration: GARDEN PLAN.]