We wish to draw our readers' attention to the second
edition of Mr. Williams-Ellis's book on Collage Building in Cob, Pise Chalk and Clay (with an introduction by Mr. J. St. Loe Strachey). (Country Life. 7s. 6d. net.) We cannot, obviously, comment upon the merits of this book, but can only say that the reader will find that a great deal of additional matter on ping de terre is now included in it. There are half a dozen or more plans and photographs of the Newlands Corner piss cottage, and the exceedingly interesting letter on the theory of ping de terre by the Swedish scientist, Mr. Karl Ellington, which first appeared in these columns, is here reproduced in full. Our readers will remember that he discusses the question of the grip which the particles in ping have upon each other, whether it is mechanical or is due to gravity or some form of magnetic or electrical energy. He compares the formation of natural rock with the making of ping, and suggests one or two ways in which he con- siders ping building might be improved. Mr. Williams-Ellis is very emphatic upon the harm done by those who do not make sufficiently sure of the suitability of their soil and their own ability to complete the proposed work before beginning to build in piss. He points out how much a few well-meaning enthusiasts who fail may do to prevent the wider adoption of a useful method. " Misguided enthusiasts will not suffer from self-reproach alone for having failed ; all believers in ping will view their failures with as much anger as sorrow."
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