Before taking a house, be careful to calculate that the rent is not too high in proportion to your means; for remember that the rent is a claim which must be paid with but little delay, and that the landlord has greater power over your property than any other creditor.

2817. Having determined the amount of rent which you can afford to pay, be careful to select the best house which can be obtained for that 6um. And in making that selection let the following matters be carefully considered:

2818. First - Carefully regard the healthfulness of the situation. Avoid the neighborhood of graveyards, and of factories giving forth unhealthy va pours; avoid low and damp districts, the course of canals, and localities of reservoirs of water, gas works, etc.; make inquiries as to the drainage of the neighborhood, and inspect the drainage and water-supply of the premises. A house standing on an incline is likely to be better drained than one standing upon the summit of a hill, or on a level below a hill. Endeavor to obtain a position where the direct sunlight falls upon the house, for this is absolutely necessary to health; and give preference to a bouse the openings of which are sheltered from the north and east winds.

2819. Second - Consider the distance of the house from your place of occupation; and also its relation to provision markets, and the prices that prevail in the neighborhood.

2820. Having considered these material and leading features, examine the house in detail, carefully looking into its state of repair; notice the windows that are broken; whether the chimneys smoke; whether they have been recently swept; whether the papei on the walls is damaged, especially in the lower parts, and the corners, by the skirtings; whether the locks, bolts, handles of doors, and window-fastenings are in proper condition; make a list of the fixtures; ascertain whether all rent and taxes were paid up by the previous tenant, and whether the party from whom you take the house is the original landlord, or his agent or tenant. And do not commit yourself by the signing of any agreement until you are satisfied upon all these points, and set that all has hern done which the landlord had undertaken.