Coal Supply For University

The University of Michigan evidently does not intend to be caught short of coal at any time this winter, no matter what the situation may be in the coal fields. To supply the University during the winter about 13,000 tons of coal are required and this amount has been purchased and is being shipped in, 3,000 tons having been already received. In order to store this vast amount of fuel the Ann Arbor railroad has furnished the University with sufficient space in its Madison street yards to build a monster storage shed and this is now in process of erection. The shed or bunker- for it will have no roof at present- will be 300 feet long and 36 feet wide, and in its construction there will be used 600 inch plank 18 feet long and averaging six inches wide for the floor and as much more for the sides and ends.

One of the problems in the storage of such a vast amount of coal is to keep it safe from spontaneous combustion, but Supt. Reeves thinks he has solved the problem and has devised an ingenious system of ventilating flues which he is satisfied will render sweating and consequent overheating impossible. These flues are made by making a sort of trough of two planks bored full of holes and set bottom up. These are connected with upright flues at each side of the bin and in the center and it is the idea of Mr. Reeves that by placing enough of these in the bin the coal will be so thoroughly ventilated that no trouble will arise.