We give herewith a set of twelve complete framing plans for a high-grade modern residence, (two photographic views of same being shown elsewhere), from which a correct idea of the most approved methods of modern construction may be obtained.

The complete and thorough method of bracing in the exterior walls will be observed, long braces of 3 x 4-inch or 4 x 4-inch material being used. The interior walls or partitions are similarly braced, there being something like forty braces in the entire frame, all fastened in the most thorough manner with 5 or 6-inch wire spikes. This method is known as semi-balloon framing, and allows practically the full strength of all the timbers, instead of cutting them full of mortices, as was formerly the custom. The roof of this house is covered with selected extra-quality cedar shingles, which after being spread out to dry several days were dipped in creosote stain, and were then fastened on with large galvanized wire nails.

The valleys are shingled open, 3 1/2-inches at top, and 4 1/2-inches at bottom, so that ice and snow will not get lodged therein. The flashings of the valleys, etc., are of 16-oz. copper, 14 inches wide. The walls of the house are covered with very heavy waterproof paper (not tarred paper) before being clapboarded, and a layer of this paper was put between all of the floors, thus making a very warm house. Zinc flashings are put on over all window frames and also over the water table. The chimney is built entirely of selected hard-burned bricks and is topped out with Portland cement mortar, the top being protected by a slate stone cap.

The large and numerous closets are a special feature of this house. Opening from the parlor chamber there are two closets each 4x5 feet, one for the owner and one for his wife. If, however, it should be thought more desirable to occupy the southwest chamber in the winter season (that being more sunny), there are two closets opening from this room also, - one of them opening from both rooms, as will be seen by the plan. There is ample chance in the attic to finish off several large rooms if desired, and one or two rooms could easily be finished off in the cellar. For a house for a small family where the lady prefers to do her own work, it is doubtful if a more convenient plan can be found. Of course the rooms can be made smaller if desired.

Several minor changes can easily be made in the plan of this house. For example: If a separate sitting room (or library) and dining room is required, a dining room can be added on the westerly part of the south side, entrance being had through the pantry and also through the china closet, the present window in the latter being put on the west side instead of on the south side - the cupboards on the west side being omitted.

If back stairs are desired, they can be had by two methods: first, by making the addition for the back entry and its large closet two stories high instead of one, and having winding stairs where the closet now is, these stairs leading to the kitchen chamber; secondly, by omitting the lavatory, and having a half flight of back stairs that shall lead up to the landing of the front stairs. In order to get necessary head room for these, put the bath tub and the water closet on the south side of the bath room, and the wash bowl on the north side, then head room can be obtained where the water closet is now situated. One oversight was made by the architect, and that was in having the cold-air box for the furnace enter from the east side, which caused a down draft in the hot-air registers when the wind blew strongly from the west or northwest as it usually does. This defect has since been remedied by having the inlet for the cold-air box come on the north side under the front piazza. The cold-air inlet should always be on the weston north or northwest side of the house, then the wind entering the cold-air inlet forces the heated air that is in the furnace out through the registers, thus giving a good circulation of warm air and keeping the house comfortable. A sliding damper should be built in the cold-air box near the cellar wall, so that the opening may be partly closed, if desired, when the wind blows too hard; of course a screen of strong galvanized-wire mesh should be put over the outside of the cold-air inlet so as to exclude animals and vermin. The area of a cross section of the cold-air box should be a little in excess of the combined areas of all the hot air pipes; if it is smaller, then there is a liability of a down draft in some weakdraught register trying to make up the deficiency. With a large double-dome wrought-iron furnace (giving large radiating surface) fed with stove-size coal, there is no trouble in keeping warm, especially if storm windows are placed on some of the most exposed windows.

Perhaps it is needless to remark that houses built on speculation, - or to sell, are not built and braced in as thorough a manner as this one is, as the average purchaser is not willing to pay the price that the thorough work costs; and since most builders do not carry on business merely for the fun and excitement to be derived from it, but are trying to get a living, they are frequently obliged to scamp the work, and run up houses in such a manner that they can sell them at a fair profit - they are obliged to build a house to fit the probable price the customer will be willing to pay, or as some call it, " cut the garment according to the cloth." The purchaser doubtless congratulates himself on getting "a bargain," and will say that "it is cheaper to buy a ready-built house than to build," but usually he gets just about what he pays for.