136 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [P. D. 4. 



Partitioning the Cellar. 

 In most houses the heater is situated under the main part of 

 the house, and where there is an ell with the cellar extending 

 under it, this may be partitioned off and used for storage. A 

 double brick partition with an air space betvv'een the two walls 

 and the interstices between the brick thoroughly plastered, 

 makes a fairly good barrier, if supplied with a door on each 

 side. A double door is necessary for insulation. Where it is 

 necessary to enter the storage cellar and go through it to reach 

 the heater, the doors should be arranged with springs or weights 

 to close them. A double board wall may be used nailed to 

 upright 2 by 4 timbers. These walls may be lined with heavy 

 building paper. Where eelgrass, commonly known as seaweed, 

 is available, the spaces between the boards may be filled with 

 this, as it is one of the best insulating substances. Sawdust, 

 ground cork or mill shavings may be used. All of these ma- 

 terials must be dry when put in and must be kept dry. The 

 storage cellar should be ceiled overhead with matched boards 

 and heavy building paper, or by using plastered ceiling. A still 

 better but more expensive plan is a double ceiling with the 

 paper between the boards. Ventilation may be secured by 

 using a cellar window or windows, by means of which cold 

 air may be let in. Windows should be double, or, better still, 

 have a wooden shutter on the outside of each window frame. 



Storage Closet in Cellar. 

 An inexpensive closet may be made in a heated cellar, which 

 will contain all the fruits and vegetables needed for an ordinary 

 family. A corner of the north side of the cellar should be 

 selected containing a window if possible. Otherwise a window 

 should be put in for ventilation. The cellar furnishes two sides 

 of the closet, and the others may be made from boards, con- 

 crete or brick. Hollow tile makes excellent partitions, but in 

 any case space of at least 6 inches should be provided between 

 the walls, and they should be made tight, and lined with heavy 

 paper. If boards are utilized it may be necessary to use con- 

 crete or cement to m.ake a tight joint where the walls join those 



