No such objections can be urged against tin roofing. A short shower cleanses it thoroughly. Water-pipes leading into the cistern in every case should have a cut-off attachment within easy reach.
There are several on the market, but those having no inside arrangement to get out of order, or obstruct the direct passage of water into either the cistern or waste-pipe, are the best. The water should be strained before entering the cistern. This can be built of brick and be underground, or a cask can be used above ground. A strong, iron-bound linseed oil barrel answers the purpose. Its construction is very simple. Take out one end of the cask and perforate it with a sufficient number of one-inch auger holes; lay four brick on edge in the bottom of the cask, and let the perforated cask head rest upon them. Then fill the cask three-quarters full of charcoal, pounding it down on top pretty hard. Put on top of the charcoal clean, coarse gravel to within three inches of the top of cask; make a covering with an opening to receive the water which flows from the roof, and convey the water from the bottom of cask to the cistern. At least once a year this filter should be emptied and cleansed, putting in new charcoal and washing the gravel carefully. Let no summer months’ water run into the cistern. See that the first rain of a shower is used to wash the dust and soot from your roof before it is turned into the cistern, and you will have an abundance of water not equaled by any well or spring.
BUILDING PAPERS.
NEPONSET PAPER is absolutely water-proof and air-tight, is clean to handle, not tarred felt, but far more durable. Its resistance to air and dampness renders it unsurpassed under clapboards, iron roofing and wood or tin shingles.
CLIMAX is a light, clean, pink, colored paper; useful for any purpose where building paper is required; is much cheaper than Neponset, but not water-proof. The use of building paper under roofing or clapboards adds greatly to the ease of warming a building. By its use you save fuel and your house is more comfortable. Its cost is nominal compared with its advantages. We keep a large stock and fill orders promptly.
COLORS AND HOW TO MAKE THEM.
- Blue and yellow makes green.
- White and yellow makes buff.
- White, yellow and black makes drab.
- White and black makes lead.
- White and black makes gray.
- White, black and blue makes pearl.
- White and lake makes pink.
- White, blue and black makes slate.
- Red, black and blue makes brown.
- Red, black and yellow makes maroon.
- Red and yellow makes orange.
- Blue and lake makes purple.
U. S. Marine Barracks, Navy Yard, Pensacola, Fla., October 22d, 1887.