Q. In this climate, what is the average temperature of sewage in cold weather? and would an intercepting cesspool be liable to freeze under the following conditions: Cesspool or grease-trap, to intercept the waste of house with eight inmates, to be of 300 gallons capacity, tight, with arch just under surface of ground, a cold, open winter, and the ground over cesspool to be covered with a foot and a half of straw, held down by boards?

A. The average temp erature of sewage in winter in this climate (near New York City) is considerably above the freezing point. It could not freeze when in a tight cesspool, protected as above described. Even if the covering of straw were omitted, there would be no frost if the drain were constantly used by a continual flow of water, except a condensation of hoar-frost on the underside of the cover, and possibly a disturbance of the upper courses of the brick-work and plastering near the top of the ground. If, however, ample ventilation were provided by any means which would cause a circulation of cold, frosty air through the interior, the fluids would probably freeze over, and possibly obstruct the pipes by ice in a winter like the last one.