a slight depression should be formed, into which the
water would fall. This shallow ditch should be perhaps two feet wide,
as the drops will not always come down in straight lines. It may be
paved with small stones or bricks, between which the grass will grow,
or it maybe more carefully lined with asphalt paving. If it is desired
to conduct the water to a certain point, this drain can descend
slightly toward it, and, if the lawn will not be injured by an
occasional inundation, even the shallow ditch may be omitted, making
merely a one-sided slope, hardened to prevent the water from wearing a
ragged, unsightly channel around the house. The advantages of disposing
of the water in this way, dispensing with the gutters, are its economy
and its permanence. Whatever the material may be of which they are
made, gutters attached to the eaves or roof cause more or less trouble
and expense from the time they are put in place till the house is given
up to the owls and the bats. They are liable to be corroded by rust, to
be clogged with leaves and dust, to be choked with ice, or to become
loosened from their fastenings. If used at all, they should be frankly
acknowledged. This is not, however, a point on which I am in need of
instructions, but would remind you that one of the interesting
illustrations of the happy skill of the old masters in making a virtue
of necessity is found in the effective treatment of the waterspouts and
conductors. They made them bold, quaint and picturesque in appearance,
far removed from the tin contrivances that we hang in frail awkwardness
to our roofs."

[Illustration: A GARGOYLE]

"How perfectly delightful!" exclaimed Bessie. "Those horribly grotesque
old gargoyles are just glorious. Don't you delight in the antique, Mr.
James, when it isn't too horrible?"

"Yes, they are awfully jolly. We had a great time with them last
'Fourth.' I got myself up as a pirate king--black flag, skull and
cross-bones, you know. It was awfully jolly."

"I never saw any of that kind, but you _will_ have some gargoyles,
won't you, Jill?"

"Possibly, for the architect says' whether you have gutters entirely
around the house or not; it will doubtless be necessary to catch the
water that would fall upon the steps or balconies in short
eave-troughs, and as they are certain to be conspicuous they should be
respectfully treated. As they add to the comfort of the house they
should also add to its beauty.' Now what shall be s