Fig. 10.—A well-ventilated privy in Montana.
A privy ventilated in the manner before described is shown in [figure 10]. The cowl, however, is open on four sides instead of two sides as shown in figures [8] and [9]. The working drawings (fig. [8] and [9]) show that the construction of a privy of the kind is not difficult. [Figure 11] gives three suggestions whereby a privy may be conveniently located and the approach screened or partially hidden by latticework, vines, or shrubbery.
Vault type.—A primitive and yet serviceable three-seat dry-earth privy of the vault type is shown in [figure 12]. This privy was constructed in 1817 upon a farm at Westboro, Mass. The vault, made of bricks, was 6 feet long by 5 feet wide, and the bottom was 1 foot below the surface of the ground. The brickwork was laid in mortar, and the part below the ground surface was plastered on the inside. The outside of the vault was exposed to light and air on all four sides. Across the long side of the vault in the rear was a door swinging upward through which the night soil was removed two or three times a year, usually in the spring, summer, and fall, and hauled to a near-by field, where it was deposited in a furrow, just ahead of the plow.
Especial attention is called to the shallowness of the vault and the lightened labor of cleaning it out. The swinging door at the rear facilitated the sprinkling of dry soil or ashes over the contents of the vault, thus avoiding the necessity of carrying dirt and dust into the building and dust settling upon the seat. This privy was in use for nearly 100 years without renewal or repairs. When last seen the original seat, which always was kept painted, showed no signs of decay. Modern methods would call for a concrete vault of guaranteed water-tightness,[3] proper ventilation and screening, and hinging the seat.
[3] Directions for mixing and placing concrete to secure water-tightness are contained in an article entitled "Securing a dry cellar," U. S. Department of Agriculture Yearbook, 1919; published also as Yearbook Separate No. 824, and obtainable for 10 cents from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C.
Fig. 11.—Screening the approach to a privy. A, Raised platform with lattice sides, suitable for short distances, convenient and easily cleared of snow; B, walk hidden by lattice work; C, walk enclosed by an arbor.
Fig. 12.—A primitive vault privy in Massachusetts. Note the tight, shallow, easily cleaned vault. A, Brick vault 5 by 6 feet, bottom about 1 foot in the ground; B, water-tight plastering; C, rowlock course of brick; D, door hinged at top; E, door button; F, three-pane window hinged at top; G, passageway.