FARM BUILDINGS. 671 



twelve inches of sawdust should be closely packed between the ice and wall. The walls ) 

 when double, are usually built with separate studding and posts, in which case the studs are 

 joined by cross strips every few feet in order to strengthen the walls. Every precaution 

 should be taken to render the foundation perfectly air-tight. 



The drainage from the ice might be utilized in a more elaborate structure, by having it 

 conducted to a milk-room, where it could be used for cooling the milk, or by constructing an 

 apartment for this purpose pardoned off from the ice-house. By this means the drainage 

 from the ice could all be utilized, and the consumption of ice economized. The building 

 may be covered with rough unplaned clapboards, and the roof shingled. The covering 

 should be very close and tight, to prevent the entrance of warm air. If the walls are double 

 and filled, the doors should be the same. A small door above the large one, will be convenient 

 for removing the ice until it is taken out down to the lower door, when the latter can be used 

 for the purpose. 



Another plan for constructing a cheap ice-house which will hold from 35 to 40 tons is 

 given by a good authority as follows: The sills to be bedded in the ground, 2 by 12, and 

 the inner studs, 2 by 6, sheathed on both sides with common boards, the outside to be covered 

 with felt paper, the space formed by sheathing to be filled as compactly as possible with dry 

 sawdust, or tan bark. The outer studding to be 2 by 4, spiked to outside of sheathing and 

 covered with common siding, leaving a space under frieze, and above base, of three inches. 

 The foundation to be of porous, sandy soil, or if of soil that will not admit of the ready 

 escape of water, to be underd rained with tile. The floor to be constructed by spreading from 

 six to eight inches of sawdust or tan bark, and after leveling it, cover with common boards, 

 leaving about an inch space between each for the water to escape. The plates to be the same 

 as studs, 2 by 12, rafters 2 by 4. The roof should be shingled. Ventilators in the top of 

 the roof 2 feet 6 inches square, to be surmounted by a small cupola with open slats. Doors 

 double and filled with sawdust. 



The full bill of lumber for the above is given as follows: Eight pieces, 2 by 12 by 14, 

 for sills and plates; thirty pieces, 2 by 6 by 12, for inner studs; five pieces, 2 by 6 by 12, for 

 hip-rafters and collar-beams; thirty-eight pieces, 2 by 4 by 12, for outer studs; twenty pieces, 

 2 by 4 by 12, for rafters and the ventilator; 750 feet siding, 14 feet long; 2,000 feet common 

 boards, for sheathing, floor, roof, etc.; twenty-four pieces fencing, surfaced, 12 feet long, for 

 corner-boards, etc. ; 80 yards building-paper; 3,000 common shingles. 



An elaborate structure is not necessary in order to preserve a good supply of ice; one of 

 rough boards, and so simple in its construction that any farmer can make it who is in the 

 least skilled in the use of tools, will answer the purpose, providing the essential rules previ 

 ously given for its successful construction be observed. 



How to Cut Ice. In cutting a small supply of ice, such as the quantity required for 

 a farm or dairy, but few tools will be needed. These may be comprised in a cross-cut saw, 

 with one thimble and handle removed, or an ice-saw made especially for the purpose, an ax, 

 and an ice-pole. The latter implement has two sharp points, one projecting at the end to push 

 the blocks of ice, and the other bent down at right angles with the pole to draw with. 

 Where very large quantities of ice are stored, horse-markers and cutters are used. The ice 

 to be stored should always be cut into square, even-sized blocks. These should be marked 

 out from sixteen to twenty inches each way by means of a long line stretched across the ice 

 to guide the saw. Unless the blocks are cut of uniform size, so that they can be packed 

 closely without empty spaces occurring between, ice will not keep well, even in the very best 

 ice-houses. A farmer in Michigan, Mr. N. Atwell, gives his method as follows: 



&quot;A good cross-cut saw is the most convenient tool to use. A good pair of ice tongs is 

 the best instrument with which to haul the cakes out of the water, and also to handle and 

 load them. The cakes should be as large as they can be without inconvenience in handling. 



