_Of the Disposition of Fabricks_.
[Sidenote: _Lib. 6. Chap. 6._]
The Disposition or Distribution of Fabricks contributes much to their
Convenience, when each thing is so plac'd, that it is in a Proper place
for the Use for which the Fabrick is Design'd; and for this reason the
Town-House and the Market-Place ought to be in the Middle of the City,
unless it happen that there be a Port or a River; for the Market ought
not to be far distant from those places where the Merchandize is.
The Houses of Private Men, ought to be differently disposed, according
to the divers Conditions of those that Dwell in them: For in the Houses
of Great Men, the Apartments of the Lord, must not be at the Entry,
where ought to be nothing but _Portico's_, _Courts_, _Peristyles_,
_Halls_, and _Gardens_ to receive the great Number of those who have
Business with them, and make their Court to them.
The Houses of Merchants ought to have at the Entry their _Shops_ and
_Magazines_, and all other places where Strangers are to come about
their Business.
[Sidenote: _Lib. 6. Chap. 9._]
The Country Houses ought to have a different Order and Disposition from
those of the City.
For the Kitchen ought to be near the Ox-house, so that from their
Cratches they may see the Chimney and the rising Sun; for this makes the
Oxen more Beautiful, and makes their Hair lie better.
The Baths ought likewise to be near the Kitchen, that the Water may be
more conveniently heated.
The Press ought not to be far from the Kitchen, for that will much
facilitate the Service that is necessary for the Preparation of Olives.
If the Press be made of Wooden Beams, it ought to have at least for 16
Foot Breadth, 40 Foot of Length, if there be but one; or 24, if there be
2.
Not far from the Press, must the Cellar be plac'd, whose Windows must be
turned to the North, because the heat spoils the Wine.
On the contrary, the Place where the Oil is kept, ought to be turned to
the South; to the End, the gentle heat of the Sun may keep the Oil from
freezing.
The Houses for Sheep and Goats ought to be so large, that each of them
may at least have 4 Foot for his place.
The Stables must likewise be Built near the House in a warm place, but
not turned towards the Chimney; for Horses that often see the Fire, are
generally ill Coated.
The Barns and Granaries, as likewise the Mills, ought to be at a pretty
distance from the House, because of the Danger of Fire.
In all sorts of Fabricks, a particular Care must be taken that they be
well lighted; but the Light is principally necessary in the
_Stair-Cases_, _Passages_, and _Dining-Rooms_.