The ideal setting for this kind of investigations is an isolated place, like a farm in the countryside, without any nearby neighbors. That way you can make whatever you want, even all the smoke & noise you want (like air compressors and gas/wood/coal furnaces at full blast, for example), even at late hours of the night and early morning, without bothering anyone or arousing the curiosity of nosy neighbors. In lack of that, an area of town with little or no other residents. Finding a proper place to be able to more comfortably carry out these investigations is an old problem. Chaucer, for example, puts the following words in the mouth of the assistant of the honest but frustrated "multiplier" who is the subject of the introduction to The Canon's Yeoman's Tale, as a response to the host's query about where he and his master dwell:
"That does not matter, good Yeoman," said our Host;
"Since thou knowest of the cunning of thy lord,
Tell how he does, I pray thee heartily,
Since he is so crafty and so sly.
Where do you dwell, if it can be told?"
"In the outskirts of a town," said he,
"Lurking in hiding places and in dead-end alleys,
Where these robbers and these thieves by nature
Hold their private fearful residence,
Like those who dare not show their presence;
So fare we, if I shall say the truth."
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