1 APRIL 1916, Page 15

MUD HOUSES.

[To THE EDITOR OP THE " SPECTATOR."1 San,—Tufo, volcanic mud solidified into semi-stone, was largely used in Pompeian days, as now in Italy, for house-building. It evidently Jet the damp through. Where beams were let into the wall, provision was made that the beam rested on hard tiles and had air space round, so that the end should not rot in contact with the damp tufo, and thus the life of the house was prolonged. Perhaps this may be of use to you in your campaign for durable and cheap house-building. I find that oak timber, cut and put into old farmhouses green, seasoned where it crossed from wall to wall, but with the ends in the wall, no doubt

from damp and no air, rots.—I am, Sir, &c., VIATOR.