Building Contract, made this first day of June, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-six, by and between John Smith, of Pieasantville, Mass., and Thomas Sawyer, of Pieasantville, Mass., builder.

The said Thomas Sawyer does hereby agree with the ft, %, <_/ said John Smith to make, erect, build, and finish in a good, substantial, and workmanlike manner, a wooden dwelling house upon land of said Smith, located on First street, in Smithville, Mass., Union County, said house to be built of good and substantial materials and in accordance with the drafts, plans, explanations or specifications, furnished or to be furnished to said Thomas Sawyer by John Smith; and to be finished complete on or before the first day of November next.

And the said John Smith does hereby agree to pay for the same to the said Thomas Sawyer the sum of twenty-five hundred dollars as follows: When the cellar is in and first floor laid, two hundred and fifty dollars. When the frame is up and boarded, and roof is shingled, five hundred dollars; when the plastering is completed, four hundred and fifty dollars; when outside carpenter work is completed and painted one coat, three hundred and fifty dollars; when inside carpenter work is completed, two hundred and fifty dollars: when everything is finished, two hundred and fifty dollars: and 31 days after last work is done, four hundred and fifty dollars, provided there are no mechanics' or other liens on the work, unless security against the same shall he furnished. In event of failure to complete the work on time, a forfeit of fifteen dollars per week for such delay shall be allowed No alterations shall be made excepting upon written request of said Smith, and such charge or allowance shall be made as is just and reasonable.*

And for the performance of all and every the articles and agreements above mentioned the said John Smith and Thomas Sawyer do hereby bind themselves, their heirs, executors, and administrators, each to the other, in the penal sum of five hundred dollars, firmly by these presents.

n fojttnesa iufjereof we the said John Smith and Thomas Sawver hereto and to another instrument of like tenor, set our hands the day and year first above written.

Executed und delivered in presence of Samuel Johnson. Abel Adams.

JOHN SMITH. [seal.]

THOMAS SAWYER, [seal.]

* It is best to have the plans and specifications in duplicate, all being signed by both parties, both retaining a copy of each, as well as of a copy of the contract. Any additions or alterations to be requested in writing, and a price given also in writing, and a letter-press copy of all such requests and replies should be taken. While these things may seem needless and somewhat troublesome, yet a little care used here may save a great deal of worriment and expense of litigation later on, and avoid3 any chance for the owner to feel that he is being roasted on extras.