TO THINK ABOUT

Why do people need houses? For what do animals use their houses?

Where to-day do people live in tree-houses? What are the advantages of such houses?

What are the habits of people who make tent-homes? What peoples do you know of who live in tents? What kinds of climates do they have?

What kinds of homes do Indians of the Southwest build to protect themselves from their enemies?

Can you find out anything about the homes of other Indians through reading or visits to museums?

Why did our European ancestors build stone castles and walled towns with thick walls and narrow windows? Read about these in a history to find out how they were lighted, heated, ventilated and kept clean. Then decide if you would like to live in a castle like that.

In what ways are good modern homes better than these other homes?

CHAPTER II

THE PLAN OF THE HOUSE

THERE is nothing else quite so hard in life as waiting. That was what Paul and Ruth thought all during supper time. They were so full of their playhouse scheme that they could scarcely eat, but as soon as Father saw Uncle George, he had said, "You are just the one I want to see about that investment." Then he and Uncle George had begun to talk about stocks and securities and other incomprehensible things, until Ruth began to fear that Uncle George had forgotten all about the play-house.

But as they rose from the table, Uncle George said, "And now, John, there is something else that we must talk about-something very important, isn't it, Paul?"

"Oh, yes, lots more important than any old stocks and bonds," cried Paul.

"It's a perfectly gorgeous idea for giving us more room. You know you said we really needed more room," said Ruth.

"Yes, and it really won't cost any more than it would to build a wing onto the house," added Paul:

"And it will help to keep the house all nice and tidy, because we'll be playing out there all the time," exclaimed Ruth.

"Well, well, do put me out of my suspense and let's hear all about this marvelous idea," said Father.

So Father sat down in the big rocker with Paul on his knee, while Ruth perched on the arm of Uncle George's chair. Then they unfolded to Father the wonderful scheme, and after Uncle George had explained that he would help to plan and build it and that he could get all the lumber and fixtures cheaply, because he was an architect, Father said, "Well, if Mother is willing, so am I."

Both children rushed into the kitchen where Mother was sprinkling clothes and dragged her into the sitting-room. Then Uncle George had to explain all over again. "I think it would be a very sensible plan," said Mother. "It will mean an extra place to put company. The children can keep all their toys and things there. It is about time that they both learned something about housekeeping, and besides, I always wanted a play-house when I was a little girl and never had one. I think I shall enjoy it almost as much as Ruth and Paul.”

"Oh, goody!" shrieked Ruth.

"Let's draw a plan of it," suggested Paul.

"All right," agreed Uncle George. "Get me a sheet of paper, Paul, please. Now how many rooms shall we have?"

"Not many, " said Mother. "I think two bedrooms and a play-room will be enough."

“Oh,” sighed Ruth. "I hoped we could have a cunning little kitchen. Don't you think we might, Mother?"

"Oh, yes, do let's have a kitchen," begged Paul. "You know you said yourself, Mother, that every

boy ought to learn cooking just as much as the girls do."

"Well," said Father, "suppose we lay out a plan of the way we'd like to make the house and then later we can discuss the cost.'

“I want a cunning porch with seats each side, said Ruth.

"One like this," said Father, holding up a rough sketch.

"I think the porch should lead right into a big sitting-and-work-and-play-room," said Uncle George. "Oh, couldn't we have a fireplace?" urged Paul. “It's such fun to pop corn and roast apples and things."

"Perhaps we might, if we all turn in and help build it," said Father.

"Oh, we'll all work at it every day," assented Ruth, eagerly.

So, with suggestions first from one and then from another, Uncle George drew the plan of the playhouse. It provided a fine big room where the children could work and play and Paul could sleep, a tiny

kitchen with a back porch off it, a bedroom for Ruth and a bathroom.

"I'm afraid it will cost a good deal," said Mother, "but it will leave Ruth's room in this house for a guest-room, and I'll turn Paul's room into a sewingroom—I've always wanted one."

"I can get all the materials at cost," said Uncle George, "and if we build it ourselves, it won't be very expensive."

"Dear me," said Mother, "how much more chil