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Classic
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page 396
THE CELLAR AND ICE-HOUSE.
The cellar, when properly constructed and cared for, is the most useful room in
the house, and no dwelling is complete without one. It is economy of expense and
ground-space to build it under ground, and this plan gives the best cellar
whenever the site of the house permits thorough drainage. The base of the
foundation-wall of the house should be laid a little below the floor-level of
the cellar, and the first layer should be of broad flag-stones, so placed that
the edges will project a few inches beyond the outer face of the wall. This
effectually prevents rats from undermining the cement floor, which they often do
when this precaution is neglected, digging away the dirt until the floor breaks
and gives them access to a new depot of supplies. In burrowing downwards, they
invariably keep close to the wall, and when they reach the projecting flagging,
give it up and look for an easier job. To secure the cellar from freezing, the
wall, above the level of the deepest frost, should be double or "hollow," the
inner wall being of brick four inches thick, with an air-space of two inches
between it and the outer wall, which should be of stone and twelve or fourteen
inches thick. The brick wall should be stiffened by an occasional "binder"
across to the stone. The hollow space may be filled with dry tan-bark or
sawdust, or left simply filled with the confined air, "dead air" being the most
perfect non-conductor of heat known. The windows, which should be opposite each
other when possible, to secure a "draft" and more perfect ventilation, should be
provided with double sash, one flush with the outer face of the wall, which may
be removed in summer, and the other flush with the inner face, hung on strong
hinges, so that it may easily be swung open upward and hooked there. In winter,
this arrangement lets in light, but with its space of confined air, keeps out
the frost. A frame covered with wire-netting should take the place of the outer
sash in summer, to keep out every thing but the fresh air and light. The walls
should be as smooth as possible on the inner side, and neatly plastered; also
the ceiling overhead. The floor should be first paved with small stones, then a
coat of water-lime laid on, and over this a second coat, as level as a planed
floor. There should also be double doors, one flush with each face of the wall;
and a wide out-door stairway, through which vegetables, coal, etc., may be
carried, is indispensable. The depth should be about eight feet.
Such a cellar may always be clean, the air pure, and the temperature under
complete control. It will consequently keep apples and pears two or three months
longer than an ordinary cellar, prolonging the fruit season to
"strawberry-time." If it extends under the whole house--the best plan
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