In designing these, it is of more importance to bear in mind general principles, than to adhere to particular forms and dimensions. Security from vermin is an essential requisite in the construction of the floor and walls of every part of a house, and more particularly of those parts where provisions are kept. The power of thorough ventilation of the atmosphere of every apartment, even of the cellars, when requisite, is another desideratum. Light is more or less essential to every office, except the cellars for wines and liquors; and it is in an eminent degree required for the kitchen, and all those places where food is prepared for the table. A larder, if thoroughly ventilated, may preserve meat without much light; but a pantry requires abundance of light, to insure cleanliness. Light, in the case of meat kept in safes, or in other situations, is unfavourable for the preservation of the meat, as it collects together flies, which are never found in an active state in the dark; and in such cases it ought to be under command; but, in general, it is much more desirable to have tight in excess, than to have a deficiency of it.

A command of the temperature is a desideratum in the offices of every dwelling, no less than in the living-rooms. Among the first requisites to this are, that of having all the walls, floors, and ceilings made of non-conducting materials; and that of having the ground on which the building stands rendered thoroughly dry by underground drainage, and by a vacuity all round the outside of the foundation walls.