Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 91.djvu/796

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��Popular Science Monthly

��19" Layer of straw

��with sod or dirt roof is in most general use. As a rule, the excavation for the cheaper structures of the dugout pit or cellar type when erected on a level or nearly level land does not . exceed 3 ft. The soil removed from such an excavation, particularly if the dugout is of considerable size, is ample for banking the side and end walls and also for the roof. The cost of con- struction may be greatly modified according to the character of the location.

In the cheaper dugouts, where the soil is of such a nature as to remain intact, it is allowed to form the side and end walls, the roof being supported on plates resting on the soil and held together by boards or joists. This form of construction involves a deeper excavation and a constant element of risk from a cave-in. In the more expensive and substantial structures the side and end walls are built of concrete.

Insulated frame potato storage houses are not used very extensively. As a rule they are better adapted to southern than to

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��house is not to be recommended for north- ern locations, nor is it advocated for the South except where poor drainage condi- tions will not permit the use of the dugout

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•^.lo'layer of earth

���A cross-section of an end elevation of a potato storage cellar successfully used on a western ranch

���l potato storage cellar showing constructing the aerated bin

��northern climatic conditions. The con- struction feature of such houses is the thorough insulation of their walls, ceiling, doors and windows. This type of storage

��or cellar style of house for the purpose.

While it appears that the dugout is more or less familiar, a general description of one will be considered. Generally speaking, the potato cellar should be located in a spot convenient to the dwelling house, be- cause in very cold weather it requires rather close attention to guard against the frost. Where side hills, or knolls, are available it is advisable to take advantage of them, because, as a rule, by their use better drainage and ground level entrance at either one or both ends of the house are secured. Where these conditions are not available and a central driveway is planned, an inclined drive, which should be carried back far enough to permit easy approach, is necessary. Where no wagon entrance is contemplated, provision is usually made for placing the potatoes in the cellar through an opening in the roof, in which chutes are inserted to convey the tubers. In this type of storage house a bulkhead entrance is provided in order to permit easy access for the removal of the stored crop.

Occasionally, where the land is level and there is danger from irrigation seepage, the storage house is built entirely above the ground. In this case, while the construc- tion of the side and end walls and the roof is practically the same as the preceding, the cost is usually increased on account of the greater quantity of soil required to cover the roof and the side and end walls.

Where a tough sod is available, such as that formed by flags or other wiry rooted plants, the side and end walls above the

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