FRUIT-ROOMS. 3G1 



leakage commences. All manner of expedients have 

 been tried, and failed to prevent this. It is unnec- 

 essary that the fruit-room be such an elaborate 

 structure, or that so large an expense be annually 

 incurred in procuring the supply of ice, and in re- 

 pairs. The humblest can have one, containing all 

 the princijDles of the very best, which will be within 

 the reach of all, pecuniarily. Thus a small barrel, 

 set within a large one, will answer the purpose. 

 The space between the two should be carefully 

 closed at the top, so as to preserve a close stratum 

 of air between them, and a cover, pierced with holes, 

 fitted upon the inner one. Fruits have been kept 

 thus for a long; time. 



Upon a more extended plan an excavation is 

 made in the side of a hill of the size required for 

 the room, exceeded by about three feet in each 

 direction. It is then enclosed by a wall, and the 

 top arched over, the earth being thrown over the 

 whole ; or it may be covered by a wooden roof, if 

 trees are planted so as to shade it. The inside of 

 this wall is covered with cement. Within this the 

 frame of the fruit-room is raised, and covered with 

 well-matched boards, so as to leave a close air- 

 chamber between it and the wall. From the top of 

 the room should be ample ventilation, but not con- 

 nectino; with the surroundins; air-chamber. The 

 entrance should have double doors, and the passage 

 between them be also lined with matched boards 

 31 



