In shipping fish to inland places, a beautiful sight is often observed in a slab of crystal ice about three feet square and eight inches thick, within which a dozen or more fish have been frozen. They are as beautiful in appearance as when seen in their native element, while no occasion exists for commenting upon the utility of this method of transporting them. Altogether ice is a prime necessity in this business in all departments--the fisherman, the shipper and dealer, and the consumer. It would not do to close this chapter without referring to the oyster. The association of oysters and ice are so intimate that they are usually seen together. The trays of oysters and ice may be seen in every direction during the season, on their way from the oyster beds to delight the palates of their admirers who are found everywhere. CHAPTER IX. RETARDING CELLARS AND HOUSES. Cold Storage in Modified Form, Without Ice--Ventilated Storage and Packing Houses for Fruit and other Produce. It is well known that cellars which are dry, cool and well ventilated are of great service in preserving fruit and vegetables. In Sicily, where oranges have long been produced in great quantities, they are kept in cool caves, which are numerous among the mountains of that island. Its volcanic origin no doubt has particularly favored their formation, and the porous nature of the rock insures ventilation combined with a dry cool air. CAVES FOR STORAGE.--There is much of the natural phenomena of caves which is interesting, and definite determination of their philosophy would be of value. There are caves in which ice is formed during the hottest weather, and in which it disappears during the winter. Shafts sunk in mining have exhibited the same peculiarity. The even temperature and dryness of the air in many caves is remarkable. While the facts are yet to be determined scientifically regarding these natural formations, some of their characteristics may be secured by artificially constructed cellars. STORAGE CELLARS WITHOUT ICE have been in use for years, with profit and convenience to their owners. A convenient place is to locate them in the side of a slight hill, as shown in Fig. 89. A cross section is shown in Fig. 90. An excavation the width of the cellar is made, the earth being thrown up against the outside of the stone wall, which is built on the lower hillside. The opposite wall is formed by the cut face of the hill. The rear end is constructed in the same manner as the lower hillside. The front wall and doors are made of a double thickness of boards, with six inches inclosed space filled with sawdust. [Illustration: FIG. 89. PERSPECTIVE VIEW OF FRUIT CELLAR.]