252 AMERICAN AGRICULTURE. 



for use. Alternate layers of gravel, sand, and charcoal at 

 the bottom of the first, and sand and gravel in the last, are 

 sufficient ; the water being allowed to pass through the 

 several layers mentioned, will be rendered perfectly free 

 from all impurities. Some who are particularly choice in 

 preparing water, make use of filtering stones, but this is not 

 essential. Occasional cleaning may be necessary, and the 

 substitution of new filtering materials will at all times keep 

 them sweet. 



THE CARRIAGE HOUSE, STABLE AND GRANARY. 



The carriage house and horse stable sometimes occupy a 

 distinct building, which is a good precaution against fire, and 

 where this is the case, it is frequently convenient to have the 

 upper loft for a granary. The propriety of having this 

 proof against rats is obvious. Yet it should be capable of 

 thorough ventilation when the grain is damp or exposed to 

 injury from want of air. Entire cleanliness of the premises, 

 is the best remedy against weevil and other noxious insects. 



The corn crib. If there be more Indian corn on the 

 premises than can be thinly spread over an elevated dry 

 floor, the corn crib for storing it should occupy an isolated 

 position. This should be made of upright lattice work, with 

 a far projecting roof, and sides inclining downwards to each 

 other, so as to avoid the admission of rain. The corn in the 

 cob is stored in open bins on either side, leaving ample 

 room in the centre for threshing or the use of the corn 

 shelter. Close bins may occupy the ends for the reception 

 of the shelled grain. All approach from rats and other ver- 

 min may be avoided by placing the building on posts, with 

 projecting stones or sheet iron on the top, and so high that 

 they cannot reach it by jumping. 



A TOOL HOUSE AND WORK SHOP ought always to have a 

 place about the premises. In this building, all the minor 

 tools may be arranged on shelves, or in appropriate niches , 

 where they can at once be found, and will not be exposed to 

 theft. Here too the various farming tools ^may be repaired, 

 which can be anticipated and done in those leisure intervals 

 which often occur. Ample shed room for every vehicle and 

 implement about the farm, should not be wanting. Their 

 preservation will amply repay the cost of such slight struc- 

 tures as may be required to house them. A wagon, plow, 

 or any wooden implement, will wear out sooner by exposure 



