GERMAN PEASANTRY.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2486, 16 June 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

GERMAN PEASANTRY.

The apartments of the family aro at one cud of the barn, and aro separated from the storeroom for hay and grain by a brick partition. The sleepiug apartments aro made in the walls of the room, thoso in tho dining-room being used by the family, while the one in the parlour is reserved for the stranger within their Kates. The walls selcoted for the beda aro tho outside ones, as they aro think enough to make a bed of the average width. The walls are plastered nicely, and tho beda are simply a niche largo enough for a bed ; the wall presenting an unbroken surface, save the opening where you go into bed. These openings are sometimes of an ordinary height, while others require a step-ladder to reach them, to the complete discomfiture of the festivo bed-bug. The beds are made first of a lot of loose straw, surmounted by a thick feather mattress. This is oovored with a sheet, while above it is another mattress of fine feathers, made light enough to serve as covers. Just imagine the feelings of an American who has to make and unmake his toilet after setting into bed! The openings in the wall are closed by a calico curtain, except the epare bed in the parlour, which has doors of wood that are opened and shut at pleasure.