RorH] HUTS AND HOUSES 259 
305. Another variation (pl. 57, fig. 1 C) is the presence of three 
main posts (aaa) fixed close together in the same plane, supporting at 
their forked extremities a ridgepole (m), with a corresponding alter- 
ation in the shape of the building from a circle to a slight ellipse, 
the wall plate and purlin becoming proportionately modified. The 
longer pair of sticks composing the crosstree incloses the three main 
posts and lies in the 
longer axis of the 
structure. The mid- 
dle main post is 
finally supported by 
attachment to the 
center of the middle 
tiebeam. Certain of 
the rafters, m addi- 
tion to being tied to 
the crosstree and cor- 
responding purlin, 
rest on or are other- 
wise kept in position 
on the  ridgepole. 
This type of building 
bears interesting 
comparison with the 
long elliptical strue- 
tures of the Makusi, 
ete. 
306. The most in- 
teresting variation of 
all, however (pl. 57, 
fig. 2), was seen in a 
very small Taure- 
pang house (about 15 
feet in diameter) on 
the “short cut ” be- ; 
. Fig. 74.—Permanent house, elliptical type, with two posts. 
tween Mount Rorai- © Gonsteuction of framework. © Reference letters as in pre- 
maand Kuatin Creek, ceding figures; ss are the collar ties. 
not very far from the latter. Here there were but two pairs of side 
framing posts and no center post, crosstree, or purlin. The place of 
the crosstree, etc., was taken by a miniature ridgepole (m), both ridge- 
pole and rafters being supported by two wooden rods or braces (7) 
tied crosswise beneath them. The use of braces is not unknown in 
other varieties of comparatively modern Indian houses (sec. 310). The 
occupants of the building—the only one of its kind that I saw—being 
away at the time of my visit, I was, unfortunately, prevented gleaning 
