West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1914-12-31

u
During the winter farmers will ind
1t profitable TO make every possible
arrangement for harvesting and ricr-
ing such ice az may be available In
their localities. Ice Is luxury rad
yet In many sections OF the country
II may be had for the gathering IL tie
farmer is prepared for the harvest IT
the tight time. The cost OF harvest
ing and storing ice is not great COM
pared with the comfort that II brings.
and an ample supply of this luxury is
OF greater importance in the country
home than in the city residence. Even
such farmers as are not near lakes
or streams often gather quite a sup
ply of ice by putting out pans or
wooden troughs filled with water and
removing the ice after the water has
frozen.
While city people may purchase
perishable supplies as needed, the re-
moteness OF country homes from mar
kets makes II necessary to use more
| canned. corned. or smoked meat pro-
ducts at season when the table
might be supplies with other meats
IL there was an available supply OF
| Ice to keep II.
Not only is ice appreciated because
of Its use In the preservation OF fresh
meats. butter. and other table sup
plies but production of high-grade do
nestle dairy products Is almost i'm
possible without II. Many markets to
which milk Is now shipped demand
that 1t be cooled before shipment to
a degree not attainable without the
use OF ice. Modern methods OF mar
teting show that other products be-
sides milk. such as fruit and eggs, II
chilled before being taken to market
arrive in much better condition. Ice
in the country home, therefore. is OF
value for a greater number of pur-
poses than at first might seem.
The source OF the ice supply varies
with local conditions. In many sec
Il
AFFORD supply of suitable ice with
out special plan or preparation on the
part of man. In other instances.
where such natural sources are not
'asily accessible. small streams or
,ven the water from a spring can be
stored in an excavation or by means
IL dam, 80 as to afford sufficient
water surface to provide the desired
&c supply. The harvest area or sur
ace will depend upon the tonnage to
De stored and the normal thickness
II Ice in the locality. In central New
tork the normal ice supply ranges
rom to IL inches in thickness. while
n eastern Virginia 4 to inches is as
treat thickness as can usually be
ounted upon.
The stream or pond from which the
supply OF ice is taken should be fed
rom source free from contamina-
ion or pollution. II the stream is so
sluggish that water weeds thrive in Il.
tllvegetation must be removed to pre-
gent It's freezing in the ice. Decaying
vegetable matter frozen in ice is very
Objectionable because as the Ice melts
his matter is deposited in the ice box
pr refrigerator. rendering 1t unncces-
''ariiy filthy and dangerous to health.
Ponds in which green spawn or al
gaze grow profusely can be rid OF these
pests by the use of copper sulphate
The crystals can be placed In a cloth
tack which is hung to pole and
rallied through the water until the
iaits are dissolved. One or two
1reatments OF the sulphate during the
season at the rate of l pound to IOO.-
200 gallons of water will be sufficient
20 keep down such growth and make
he water pure and clear 1t is impos-
'ible to have pure ice unless the pond
OF stream Is clean and the water is
rec from contamination.