surface drainage, are prone to dampness, and, are easily contaminated
by leakage from drains and sewers, and other filth communicated to them
through the soil. These conditions are largely counteracted by the
concrete and cement flooring, which also bars the entrance of ants and
other vermin. The communication of damp cellar air, polluted by
noxious gases from sewers and decaying vegetable matter, to the upper
parts of the house is responsible for many an otherwise unexplainable
case of rheumatism, consumption, typhoid, and other diseases, and any
outlay of time and money which can render the cellar wholesome and
immune to ravages of agents external and beyond our control, must not
be grudged.



VENTILATION

One who owns his home can adopt preventive measures, such as outside
area ways or air spaces, impossible to the renter; but certain ounces
of prevention are available to all. For instance: if drain pipes run
through the cellar, have them examined often for leaks; if there is an
open drain, wash it out frequently with copperas and water, and give it
an occasional flushing with chloride of lime or lye in strong solution
to destroy any possible odor arising from it; and see that the roof
drains do not empty too near the house, thus dampening the cellar
walls. Whitewash the walls semiannually, not only for sanitary reasons
but to lighten the "darkness visible," and above all else--_have
sufficient ventilation_! A perfect circulation of air is insured when
there are opposite windows; but whatever their location, all windows
should hang from the top on hinges, or be so put in that they can be
easily removed from the inside; for open they must be, and that all the