670 THE AMERICAN FARMER. 



Essentials in Building Ice-Houses. Various methods and plans are employed in 

 the construction of ice-houses. Some prefer them built entirely above ground ; others recom 

 mend that they be built partly, or almost entirely, under-ground. When suitably constructed, 

 either method will answer the purpose well. As a general rule, the plan of building may be 

 safely left to the skill of those who know what is required to secure the preservation of the 

 ice when properly packed. When these essentials are well understood, any farmer, with the 

 common tools and materials found on every farm, can easily construct one at but slight 

 expense. The principal rules in building houses that will be successful in preserving ice may 

 be briefly summarized as follows, viz.: a good non-conducting wall; perfect drainage, with 

 air-tight foundations; ample ventilation at the top of the structure; solid ice, closely packed; 

 sufficient protection between the packed ice and walls; storing the ice in dry, cold weather. 



It is always well to construct an ice-house considerably larger than will contain what 

 would be used during the season, as there will always be some waste, while, if the succeeding 

 winter should be too warm to supply a good crop, enough may be left over to supply the 

 deficiency. Besides, it costs but little more to build one of considerable size than a small one, 

 and it is better to have an abundance of ice than to be limited in its use. A small ice-house 

 also requires much more care in constructing than a large one, since the larger the quantity 

 of ice stored within it, the better its temperature is preserved, and the less proportionate 

 waste there will be from melting. A small quantity of ice stored requires very careful packing 

 to prevent melting. Some prefer double walls packed tightly between with dry sawdust, 

 or ground bark ; others prefer single, tight board walls of one thickness, and fill in a foot of 

 dry sawdust around on all sides between the ice and walls. This may be done to good advant 

 age, as the ice is deposited in successive layers, and the sawdust may be filled in perhaps 

 more compactly and perfectly, than in the space between two walls or partitions, where it 

 would be liable to settle, or openings form from other causes. Whether double or single 

 walls are constructed, we should recommend that sawdust be always used in packing between 

 the ice and walls. 



A hill-side is sometimes chosen for the location of an ice-house, and the gable of one 

 end built above the surface of the ground, in which an opening is made to put in the ice. 

 The other end of the structure in which is the entrance, is exposed, being on a level with the 

 floor. An under-ground ice-house is sometimes made by digging a cellar under a shed or 

 well-ventilated building, and providing means for perfect drainage. An ice-house with a 

 small room partitioned off in such a manner that it shall have ice on two or three sides of it, 

 is a great convenience, as furnishing a nice cool place for keeping milk, meats, butter, or 

 fruit in warm weather. We have seen plans of one that had ice on three sides and the top, 

 and the exposed side opening on the north side of the structure. A milk-room adjoining 

 an ice-house, by which it is kept cool, should have double walls and windows. 



Plans for Ice-Houses. Various plans and methods might be given for constructing 

 ice-houses, but our space will not admit of but two or three, which, together with previous 

 instructions relative to the essentials in such a structure, will serve to furnish suggestions for 

 various plans that may be made according to the requirements of circumstances. 



A dry foundation with perfect drainage is essential. Where the soil is retentive of 

 water, drainage should be provided by the use of drain-tiles or other equally effective means 

 of securing it and conducting the water away. An ice-house 16 feet square and 10 feet .high 

 will hold 50 or more tons. The foundations may be of stone or brick; many simply lay 

 down heavy planks or bed the sills in the earth. A stone or brick foundation will, of course, 

 be more durable, although requiring more labor. Inside make a floor of cement, slightly 

 concave, with an opening at the lowest point for conducting the drainage off by means of 

 tiles. The walls may be double or single. If double, there should be a tight packing of saw 

 dust or pulverized bark from eight to ten inches thickness between them. If single, at least 



