Before beginning to build, it.will above all things be necessary - to select a well located spot, either on some river or bay, suitable for the settlement, of a village or hamlet. This is previously properly surveyed and divided into lots , with good streets according to the situation of the place. This hamlet can be fenced all round with high palisades or long boards and closed with gates, which is advantageous in case of attack by the natives who heretofore used. to exhibit,their insolence in new plantations.

Outside the village or hamlet other land must be laid out which can in general be; fenced. and: prepared at the most trifling

expense. ;

Those in Ne ew Netherland and especially in New England, who have no means to build farm houses at. first according to their wishes, dig a square pit in the ground, cellar fashion, 6 or 7 feet deep, as long and asibroad.as,they think proper, case the earth inside with wood.all round the wall, and line the wood with the bark of trees.or something else to prevent the caving in of the earth ; floor this cellar with plank and wainscot it overhead for a Ceiling, raise a roof of spars clear up and cover the spars with bark or green sods, so that they can live dry and.warm in these houses-with their-entire families for, two, three and four years, it being understood that. partitions are run through those cellars which are adapted to the size, of the, family. The wealthy and principal men in New England, in the beginning of the Colonies, commenced their first dwelling houses in this, fashion for two