114 MISCELLANEOUS FARM SUBJECTS 



system of distribution could be adopted, whatever the method used 

 for collecting the flow from the house. The liquids are retained 

 for a certain length of time and then rapidly discharged into open- 

 jointed tiles, laid near the surface, thus securing a uniform dis- 

 tribution throughout the entire length of the drain. While the 

 tank is refilling time enough is allowed for the water to pass away 

 and the air to enter and accomplish its work. This manner of puri- 

 fying the liquid wastes of the household where the water-closet is 

 or is not used has been tried with entire satisfaction. 



Another method of getting the liquid wastes on the land is by 

 surface irrigation. The most marked feature of the change from 

 the privy to the water carriage system is the great dilution which 

 the organic matter undergoes. Instead of concentrated organic 

 wastes, unsuited for direct use as a fertilizer, we now have a dilute 

 mixture which seldom contains more than 1 part in 500 of any- 

 thing but water. Of course this can not be discharged in a hap- 

 hazard manner upon the land, but if the discharge be regulated to 

 avoid saturation of the ground, the sewage can be disposed of with- 

 out unsightly or offensive results. The area of the ground required 

 is about the same as for subsurface disposal. A sloping surface in 

 grass, or partially wooded, or a cultivated field, say of corn, would 

 be entirely suitable. The area required depends upon the charac- 

 ter of the soil and the amount of sewage to be purified. For a 

 family of five, if the soil be reasonably porous, a plat of ground 40 

 feet by 50 feet should be ample. 



The third method of exposing the liquid wastes to the action 

 of the bacteria is used when the available area of the land is limited 

 or if on account of the character of the soil too large an amount of 

 drains would be necessary to handle the sewage to be purified. Un- 

 der these conditions specially prepared beds of sand, gravel, or 

 screened cinders are used as a filter material. The sizes of these 

 beds vary with the amount and character of the sewage and its 

 previous treatment, but for a family of five under reasonable con- 

 ditions and a proper preliminary treatment, a bed 25 feet long, 4 

 feet wide and 4 feet deep should answer, although one 5 feet deep 

 would give a purer effluent. 



It is the regular taking care of the little things that advances 

 housekeeping to a fine art.- The more promptly and regularly all 

 refuse of the household is harmlessly disposed of the better for the 

 healthfulness and comfort of the home. If the ashes are kept free 

 from organic wastes they can be used to advantage on the garden 

 walks or to fill up low places. When taken from the stove or fur- 

 nace they should never be stored in wooden boxes or barrels or in a 

 fixed ash pit, but in a galvanized can, not too large to be easily 

 emptied, tnat is fitted with a tight lid. Many serious fires have 

 been started from the inexcusable carelessness of using a wooden 

 receptacle for ashes. 



The kitchen refuse from the preparation of the food can be 

 saved for the pigs and chickens. It should be collected in galvan- 

 ized-iron pails furnished with tightly closing covers to prevent 



