[Artemisia] Daily medieval life - was worst farm jobs

[L.J. Richards]

re the 1st floor barn or room next door:
    It is thought to be more likely that the animals were kept close at hand 
because of protection from night-prowling animals (think wolves, bears, 
thieves, outcasts, etc.).  And weather also played a part in it.  The major 
problem was disease.  When animals, chickens, etc., were moved away from the 
living quarters to a 'barn', various diseases had less impact on the 
populace.  There is a reference to these 'facts' in [the book whose name 
just disappeared from my brain - geez!  It was published about 5? years ago, 
and the author writes about how various diseases and related bugs and 
animals have shaped civilizations.  Am sure one of 'out' librarians will 
know which book I am referring to - I do have it at the office - I 
think....].

Bronwen of Irenwold