15 



The woodwork and shelves have had two coats of Solignum (an excellent wood, 

 preservative, so pungent that it banishes insect life and also makes the surfaces 

 impervious). This can be renewed every lew months. 



This larder stands on a north verandah, in a position which allows a free circulation 

 of air all round it ; where also ample light reveals dust, grease spots or stains. 



Daily and Seasonal Care of the Larder. 



Daily in summer, at longer intervals in winter, the shelves should be wiped over 

 with a strong solution of formalin (one tablespoonful of formalin to six of water). This 

 is not only a good disinfectant but a destroyer of injects. 



In cold weather it is advisable to minimize the inconvenience of frozen food by 

 surrounding the larder at night, or all day in snowy weather, with a washable curtain 

 of burlap or heavy sheeting. 



A U-wful Supplementary Larder 



for winter use is shown in Fig. (8), which is in general use in the United States. The 

 box should exactly fit outside a north window, and should come half-way up the lower 

 sash. It should be about 18 inches deep and fitted with a shelf. When the window is 

 opened the contents of the box are easily accessible ; and in cold weather the sash may 

 remain raised, in order ihat the warm air from the room may keep the food from 

 freezing. Of course, its contents must be protected from the dust of the room by a 

 muslin curtain, and the inside of the box should be well treated with Solignum or 

 creosote ; or the box may be lined with white oilcloth. 



Legal Powers 



to insist upon suitable accommodation for the domestic storage of food are exercised in 

 England by the London County Council and other large municipalities. The owner who 

 occupies or lets on hire any house, rooms, or lodgings without such provision is liable to 

 a penalty of $10, and a fine of $5 a day, until he obeys the Council's order to supply a 

 " sufficient and suitable" larder for each occupant from whom he receives rent. 



Cellar-storage of Food 



is only allowable under the following conditions : The cellar must be perfectly dry. 

 The walls and floor should be laid in concrete or, better still, in cement, to keep out 

 moisture. This allows them to be washed at intervals and kalsomined twice a year. 



A cellar used for food-storage must be well ventilated and light. Therefore there 

 must not only be windows, but they must be kept clean and made to open. It is also a 

 good plan to have small openings in the walls, well distributed, and covered with 

 mosquito-netting. Through currents of air will thus be ensured. 



During the winter, when roots and potatoes need storing in the dark, a curtain 

 can be hung over one or more windows, and periodically removed for sweeping. 



A cellar so constructed and kept is serviceable during the heat of summer for 

 storing fresh provisions, always supposing that strict cleanliness be practised. 



THE PRESERVATION OF GROCERIES, FRUIT, VEGETABLES, ETC., 



IN THE HOME. 



It will now be realized how sound are the methods in common use by the well- 

 trained housewife for protecting foodstuffs from the attacks of micro-organisms, though 

 often she may have been unable to give a reason for what she does. 



Potatoes and root vegetables remain plump and fresh when kept dry and sheltered 

 from the attack of moulds, etc., by a covering of dry earth. 



Cranberries are correspondingly protected by the water in which they are 

 immersed. 



