But it may chance that no basement story is wanted. If so, the building might be arranged as before, or two more of the small structures might be united to the four larger ones which it was proposed to use in the former case. The barn would then present a rather low appearance; but if the peaks of the curb roof were properly treated, that is, clipped ([Fig. 120]), the structure would not be void of beauty. The rebuilt structure, in any case, should be placed on continuous walls, not on stone piers. If the posts of the old structures are of unequal length, the wall which supports those having the shorter posts may be built higher than for those having the longer posts, provided, however, there is not too great a difference in the length of the posts of the several small structures. If there are four or more feet difference, it would then be best to splice the short posts.
Fig. 116. Trussing where a post is removed.
Fig. 117. A trussed frame, where a post is removed.
Fig. 118. Old style of roof below, and new style curb roof above.
The first story in most of the old barns is entirely too low. This may be remedied by building the outside supporting walls of the proposed remodeled building two to three feet above the level of the ground. This will add as much to the lower story as the wall is above the ground, less the room required for placing the basement floor. If treated in this manner the old inside sills, sleepers, and joists should be removed and the inside post supported on stone or brick piers. All this will give opportunity to construct the basement floors on the ground, or near to it, and of such shape and material as the new plans call for. In this case the floor might well be made of grout, since lumber is expensive, and an effort should be made to build permanent and durable structures. If stable floors are placed well up from the ground and have numerous cracks between the planks, they are extremely uncomfortable for the animals. They are, perhaps, the most uncomfortable of all floors, as the air finds access to the stable through the floor, and it is nearly impossible to keep such stables comfortable in cold weather. Such construction of floors is also wasteful of manures, tends to produce “scratches” and other foot and leg diseases in horses, and is unsanitary and altogether undesirable.
Fig. 119. This shows the farmstead in [Fig. 114], after the barns are gathered in.