the blocks of tile are put in layers, the inside of the stove being lined with heavy fire-brick, leaving the flue not more than ten inches in diameter. From this wall of fire-brick run a series of small valves up and down and around, carrying the hot air to a number of caps at the top and bottom of the stove, and thence into the room. Wood or turf is used, and it is astonishing how little fuel is necessary. A fire is started in the morning, the damper remains open until the gases have all passed up the chimney, and only the smouldering ashes remain, then the damper is closed, and no more fuel is needed for twelve hours; if, before retiring, the process of the morning be repeated, it will remain warm through the entire night. The stoves are not unsightly, but in many instances ornamental, having a clean and well-polished surface, with doors and caps of brass highly burnished. In the centre of the stove is a receptacle for warming dishes or keeping a supply of hot water. The stoves are placed close up in the corner, or form part of the partition between rooms so as to be out of the way and heat two rooms. To some cottages there is an outside stair leading to the second story, or even to the third, if there be one, for these houses are frequently the property of several owners. The peasant who, in the Valais, possesses the third part of a mule and the fourth part of a cow, has often only the half or third of a house. “The Jura cottage has no daintiness of garden nor wealth of farm about it,--it is indeed little more than a delicately-built chalet, yet trim and domestic, mildly intelligent of things other than pastoral, watch-making and the like; though set in the midst of its meadows, the gentian at its door, the lily of the valley wild in the copses hard by. My delight in these cottages, and in the sense of human industry and enjoyment through the whole scene, was at the root of all pleasure in its beauty.”[86] Within and without these chalets are mural inscriptions and symbols: “Quarter’d o’er with scutcheons of all hues, And proverbs sage, which passing travellers Linger to read, and ponder o’er their meaning.” They are put upon the beam, upon panels, carved in the cornices everywhere to catch the eye. They are most various in character, friendly welcomes, praises of their native land, exhortations to unity, to freedom, and to courage. On the great projecting beam supporting the roof, called _sablière_, are often painted, amid ornaments and flowers, the initials J.M.J. (Jesus, Mary, and Joseph), as well as the name of the man for whom the house was made, and that of the master carpenter who built it. Those of the Bernese Oberland have inscriptions reminding man of his duty and the solemnity of life; of which the following are samples: “The friends from whom we needs must part ’Twill pleasure give to meet again. ’Gainst malice, lies, hypocrisy, Closed may this house forever be.”