2219. An ice-cold chamber is found of great use in horticulture, in preserving vegetables, as peas, beans, cauliflowers, &c., in a fresh state for some time after they are gathered. Potatoes and other tubers and bulbs, also plants in pots, cuttings, &c., may have their vegetation retarded by being placed in so cold an atmosphere. Several icehouses, Neill informs us, excellently adapted not only for the main purpose, but for these secondary views, which nowise interfere with the other, have lately been constructed in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh, under the directions of Hay, particularly at Dalmeny Park and Dundas Castle. These ice-houses have double walls, a passage being left between the outer and inner. In the thick wall immediately enclosing the ice, are four recesses, with stone shelves for receiving the vegetables or fruits. In the outer wall the same object is provided for. The roof, it may be added, is arched with stone, and has a hole in the top, over the centre of the ice-chamber, for introducing the ice. The passage between the two walls is likewise arched, and has two or three small grated apertures, which are closed with fitted stones, and may be opened for the purpose of admitting light and air when wanted. (Supp. to Encyc. Brit. art. Hort.)
