On the exterior I have endeavored to show how a simple square cottage, constructed in this style, may be made exceedingly picturesque. This is not accomplished by any straining after effects, but each line seems to fall naturally into its place, and the whole appears a legitimate outgrowth of the requirements suggested by the peculiarities of our climate.

It is often remarked that these broken and irregular roofs are pretty enough to look at, but very uncomfortable to live under. This is because the ceilings of the second story are frequently cut off and made to follow the sloping lines of the roof, so as to interfere with the headway; and, being directly on the rafters, there is not sufficient space to protect the room from the external changes of heat and cold. But these in conveniences are far from being unavoidable; they are simply blunders of the builder, and can always be avoided in a well-studied plan. The roof in this design not only permits the second-story rooms to be square, but serves as a protection from the elements by covering the triangular space over the veranda, which may readily be utilized as closets.

The attic has a similar protection in a loft, which is lighted and ventilated by louvre boards in the peak. This loft maybe roughly floored, and used as a storage and trunk room.

One of the most effective, and at the same time convenient, features of this design is the recessed balcony coming under the main roof. This to the chamber is like the veranda to our living-room, and where in pleasant weather most of our time is spent. Here, amidst flowers and twining vines, we may vary our literary occupation by attention to our gold-fish and canary, or from its height observe the fleeting cloud shadows along the mountains, or descry the signals on the passing yachts, without the fear of interruption.