27 NOVEMBER 1920, Page 14

PISE IN THE PAST.

(To rut Burma or rwz SpEcrwroa."l

ara much interested in Mrs. Du Boulay's letter in the Spectator concerning " Beatlands," Sidmouth, in which 1 lived for eleven years from 1899 to 1909. I write to confirm her statement that the walla were absolutely hard and dry, and the house cool in summer and warm in winter. It was almost impossible to knock a nail into them. I understood from the inhabitants of Sidmouth that it took very long to build, other. wise it would seem that Pied building is one of the strongest and best where suitable earth can be found.—I am, Sir, he., ARABELLA B. Fumes. 75 Campden Hilt Court, Kensington, W. 8.