F THE mistakes commonly made in homebuilding none is more frequent than faulty designand construction of chimneys and fireplaces.Though the use of the fireplace is one of the oldestmethods of house heating there are few who understandthe principles of its action, and even experiencedmasons frequently fall into errors in buildingwhich seriously detract from the efficiency of theinstallation. No defect in the construction of thehouse detracts more from the comfort of the homeand none is a greater menace to life and propertythan a poor chimney and fireplace. Bad chimneydesign is also the cause of much avoidable expensein heating the house.

This bulletin is designed to give the householderand prospective builder, and especially the farmeror other rural resident who builds or superintendsthe building of his own home, a working knowledgeof the principles to be observed in planning andbuilding these important parts of the house, which,if they are observed, will go a long way to promotethe comfort of the home and insure the safety of theproperty.

Contribution from the Bureau of Public Roads
THOS. H. MacDONALD, Chief