THE VALUE OF THATCHED ROOFS.
[To THE EDITOR 07 THE "SPECTATOR.1
SIR,—Farmers, landowners, and all who love the country must feel an interest in this subject; and a copy of the little pamphlet recently issued, containing a few from among many letters from persons well qualified to speak, will gladly be sent by me to anyone on receipt of a postcard. The value of thatch as a roofing for all kinds of stock is emphasized by men of the highest authority, both for its general utility and economy in the long run, for houses, barns, and all rural buildings ; while its beauty and fitness in rural surroundings cannot be surpassed. I am inclined to think that the complaint of the scarcity of men to do the work is exaggerated, for in many districts there are plenty of good thatchers; a recent Devon directory gives one hundred and twenty-three in that county alone, and I know that they are not all old men. And needless to say, when the demand increases lads will learn thatching who would otherwise go into other callings. It does not seem to be generally known that Lloyd's will insure thatched buildings of stone, brick, or cob at only half-a-crown per cent. This minimizes an often-urged complaint ; while another objection to thatch, that of harbouring fleas, &c., can, I believe, be guarded against by dressings of corrosive sublimate. I will send particulars of fire-proofing prepara- tions, or insurance at the rate mentioned above, to anyone interested in the subject, and shall be glad to receive any suggestions for maintaining the use of the beautiful, service- able, and typically English roof-covering beneath which millions of our forefathers lived and died. The pamphlet referred to contains the signatures of prominent agricul- turists, medical men, architects, and artists; and architects of the highest standing are using thatch in many parts of the country, well knowing its intrinsic value and rejoicing in its harmony with our matchless English countryside.—I am,
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