35 



The upper frame is'similar. To join the two frames 

 into a crate vertical battens 2J inches wide are nailed 

 on, eleven along each side and 2 at each end thus :— 



Fig. 4. — End View of a Ruche to show Details of Construction. 



p. Piles driven into the Mud to give a firm Foundation ; 

 s. Side Props or Stays. 



It will be noted as a useful detail in construction 

 that the side battens are nailed upon the outer side of 

 the rectangular lower frame but upon the inner side 

 of the upper frame ; this permits the ends of the tiles in 

 the bottom row (laid transversely) to rest upon the side 

 bars of the lower frame, while the side bars of the top 

 frame serve to give purchase to buttressing stakes. The 

 ruches are bought ready made from local carpenters and 

 cost, tarred ready for use, exactly one rupee each at the 

 factory. The life of a ruche is three to four years ; each 

 year the repair and preparation of the old ruches occu- 

 pies a good deal of the parkers' time and attention — they 



