308 



THE PLANT LIFE OF MARYLAND 



ing piece of ground, the cellar is excavated so far as necessary from 

 the bank, or hill, and the foundation is built so that a basement story 

 of eight to ten feet is secured. Usually about two-thirds of the depth 

 from front to back of the cellar wall is in the bank, the rest being 

 in the clear for its full height. This detail varies with the shape of 

 the hill against which the barn is built, but the greater warmth 

 which the excavated cellar gives as compared with one built above 

 ground makes the presence of the former the rule through the dairy 

 region. The main doors of the barn are of a convenient height for 



Pig. 9 Map of Maryland showing the relative Valuation of Farm Buildings. 



driving loaded hay wagons, or other farm teams directly upon the 

 floor. To do this easily the approach is usually built as a gentle 

 grade from the road, or directly to the door if the natural condi- 

 tions make this possible. 



The main structure of the barn, in n large number of cases, pro- 

 jects over the barn-yard for six to ten feet. This projection, called' 

 the ''overhang," affords a shed-like protection to stock, from sun or 

 rain, and makes a drier passage way for the farmer as he goes from 

 one part of the stable to another. The stalls for the draft animals 

 are commonly of the box type, the cattle having stanchions or neck 

 chains in ordinary instances. Ventilators are inserted at intervals 



