1917] RURAL ENGINEERING. 687 



bins, Is more liable to cause an explosion when a naked light comes in contact 

 with it than the dust quietly floating in a room or bin." 



Building' code suggestions (Nat. Lumber Manfrs. Assoc, Engin. Bur. Tech. 

 Letter 4 {1916), pp. 12, figs. 10). — Fire stops, careful workmanship, and proper 

 selection of materials are discussed as safeguards in frame dwelling con- 

 struction. 



Building code suggestions (Nat. Lumber Manfrs. Assoc, Engin. Bur. Tech. 

 Letter 5 (1916), pp. 11, figs. 9). — Chimneys, smoke pipes, and fireplaces are dis- 

 cussed in their relation to the fire hazard in dwellings, and detailed provisions 

 for incorporation of these features in building codes are given. 



Tests of fi.re retardents, with special reference to tlie shingle roof, H. and 

 A. VON ScHEENK (Nat. Lumber Manfrs. Assoc, Engin. Bur. Tech. Letter 2 

 (1916), pp. 4< fiffs. 2). — Preliminary tests of fire retardents for use on shingle 

 roofs are reported. 



The tentative conclusion is drawn that " several compounds are now avail- 

 able which, if properly applied to wooden shingles, will give a shingle roof a 

 very high degree of fire resistance. These same compounds at the present time 

 have every guaranty of permanence, so far as this can be determined from a 

 chemical investigation. They are insoluble in water and give a roof a pleasing 

 appearance. For interior work, or for such places where direct weathering is 

 of secondary importance, a very considerable number of compounds can be recom- 

 mended, ranging from good mineral paints to more expensive materials." 



The construction of cow houses (Bd. Agr. and Fisheries ILondon], Leaflet 

 241 (rev.); Jour. Bd. Agr. [Londcml, 23 (1916), No. 5, pp. W-4o9, figs. 4).— 

 This article deals with the principal factors to be considered in the construction 

 of cow houses in England, as follows : Site, general construction of buildings, 

 internal design, air and floor space, ventilation, and lighting. 



The construction of dipping tanks for cattle (Rhodesia Agr. Jour., IS 

 (1916), No. 4, pp. 523-534, P^- 2). — Specifications and working drawings of a 

 serviceable and economical dipping tank are presented and discussed. 



Ice houses and ice supply, F. M. White and C. I. Gbiffith (Nat. Lumber 

 Manfrs. Assoc, Trade Ext. Dept. Farm Bui., 6 (1916), pp. 23, figs. 5). — This 

 bulletin gives general information on ice harvesting and ice houses and dis- 

 cusses factors in the construction of ice houses, including size, insulation, 

 foundation and floors, walls, doors, and ventilation. Designs for a farm ice 

 house, a combination ice and cold storage room, and a homemade ice box are 

 included. 



Design of bins for materials, E. McCcnxouGH (Cement Era, 15 (1917), No. 

 1, pp. 4^H^ fiQ- !)• — This article deals with the design of circular reinforced 

 concrete bins for grain, coal, and other materials. Curves of data are included. 



Farm sanitation, C. L. McAbthxjr (Arlcansas Sta. Bui. 127 (1916), pp. S-24, 

 figs. 9). — This bulletin deals with the location of farm buildings, the farm 

 water supply, farm privies and sewage disposal, disinfection, flies and mos- 

 quitoes, and disposal of waste material and dead carcasses. 



Sewage purification, H. VEBRifisE (Ann. Fonts et Chauss4es, 9. ser., 32 (1916), 

 pt. 1, No. 2, pp. 159-224, figs. 2).— This article deals at some length with causes 

 of the pollution of surface waters, the dangers of such pollution, self purifica- 

 tion of surface waters, and circumstances making artificial purification of 

 sewage necessary. 



Some theoretical considerations bearing on the performance of biological 



sewage purification plants, G. T. P. Tatham (Jour. Soc Chem. Indu^., 35 



(1916), No. 13, pp. 711-715; abs. in Chem. Abs., 10 (1916), No. 21, p. 2779).— A 



theoretical discussion of the mean time of contact of sewage liquid with filter- 



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