aid on this subject?
His opinion appears to be that if we do not need to save the water for
use, and if it will do no harm upon the ground around the house, it
will be best to omit them except where protection is needed for
something below. He sends some sketches and says 'they represent a few
of the methods by which the water may be caught and carried to the
ground. Number two and number three will prevent the sliding of the
snow from the roof, which is sometimes desirable, but not always.
Gutters made in this form should be so near the eaves that in case of
accidental injury the water could not find its way inside the main
walls. Number five has the advantage of leaving the house uninjured
whatever happens to the gutter itself. It may leak through its entire
length or run over on both sides without doing other harm than wasting
the water.' I don't see," said Jill, laying down the letter, "how we
can give instructions without dictating in matters of 'construction and
design,' concerning which the architect distinctly objects to advice."

[Illustration: A CHOICE OF GUTTERS.]

"Tell him we don't care what becomes of the water and the lawn will
take care of itself. Then 'instruct' him to exercise his own
discretion. That's what he is for. What next?"

"He would like to know our wishes in regard to fireplaces."

"I thought the heating question had been decided once according to
Uncle Harry's doctrines."

"Not fully. We shall have both steam and open fires; the architect
understands that, but he doesn't know how many fireplaces nor what
kind. We can tell him how many easily enough: one in each room of the
first story except the kitchen, but including the hall, and one in each
of the bed-rooms."

[Illustration: "A SIMPLE RECESS."]

"Including the guest chambers?"

"By all means. There is nothing that makes one feel so thoroughly
welcome, so delightfully at home as a room with an open fire. Mahogany
four-posters, velvet carpets and sumptuous fare are trivial compliments
in comparison. Concerning the style and cost he says: 'Of designs there
is an endless variety, and there is a wide range in cost, from the
simple recess in the side of a plain brick chimney'--"

"One of the kind that Aunt Melville builds for a dollar and a quarter."

"'--to the elaborate affairs that cost as much as a comfortable
cottage. It would be idle for me to attempt to give you a full
description of them all--my letter would appear like a ma