[To THE EDITOR OF THE SPECTATOR "] Sia,—Mr. Thackeray Turner's
remarks on hollow walls, in Ids communication published in your issue of March 29th, seem to me important in pointing out the weakness of such walls when they consist of two thin ones connected with iron ties. Walls ought never to be so built above one story in height, if at all. The best way to build a wall for strength is of course to build it solid. But a solid wall transmits moisture, and makes a house both damp and cold, unless it be in some way shielded. The hollow wall is therefore preferable if
rightly constructed. There should be a solid wall of not lean than nine inches in' thickness, with an outer wall of four and a half inches in thickness—tied to the main wall by iron ties on every third course of bricks—outside of it for protec- tion from the weather. There ought to be a clear interval of from two to two and a half inches. and this should be venti- lated by small open gratings near the foundation, and at the top of the wait If the walls of a house be thus built, and have proper damp-proof courses just above the ground, with a damp-proof course on the last course of bricks in every chimney just before it comes through the roof, and if small lead-covered hoods be fixed on the ventilating openings, to keep off water from driving ruins, the house will always be dry and warm, as I can testify from experience.—I am, Sir, Le.,
CEURLES H. Moons.
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