FIREPROOF MATERIALS.
[To THE EDITOR OF TED " SPECTATOR."'
Sin.,—As regards Mr. Goodwin Brown's note in the last number of the Spectator, I think he has not got a fair economic price. Concreting, like other things, is done at various prices. He does not take into account the new method of reinforced concrete, which has the gain of lightness as well as other advantages. It is a mistake to undertake such work unless the materials for it are at hand, as they are often in various parts of the country where good gravel and sharp sand are to be found. But these are not the only materials one can use. I remember seeing in the suburbs at Lyons some very interesting examples of cottages built of cinders and clinkers and. refuse of factory fires, and a more fireproof material could not be found, and whitened over it does not look so bad. One should bear in mind that one concrete roof will do the work of several roofs, and if well done will last for genera- tions; whereas the sloping roof is a never-ending source of repairs and of danger also. The flat roof gives us a chance of saving our rain-water in a pure condition, which the sloping roof with its gutters, &c., does not do. Concrete also may be made of home materials, whereas timber has to be imported, and the cost of importing it is plus the cost of the thing itself. Very interesting fireproofing ways may be studied in French, Italian, and American work, and although a recent practice it is certain that much good work may be
done.—I am, Sir, &c., W. ROBINSON. 63 Lincoln's /nn Fields, London, W.C.
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