26 Primitive Architecture. 
peoples of one family occupying rectangular dwellings. The truth 
is, that the development of both the rectangular and the circular 
house is merely a plain case of natural development. First, we have 
a simple breakwind, a single strip of bark. Then comes one on two 
sides, another is added, and it is only necessary to close the remain- 
ing side to complete the square. These changes can be illustrated 
by numerous examples, but it is only necessary to mention two; the 
breakwind of the Australian savage represents the first stage, and 
the Patagonian tent,^ formed of skins stretched on three sides of a 
square, the second. The shape of the dwelling does not, as might 
be supposed, depend on the manner in which the logs forming the 
sides are laid. When horizontal, we invariably have the rectangular 
hut, but they are placed vertically in both rectangular and circular 
dwellings. Nor is the explanation difficult, for the shed, supported 
by upright poles, is easiest enclosed by placing logs parallel to the 
first, and the rectangular house with walls of vertical logs is ob- 
tained. 
The manner of life is an essential element in determining the 
form and character of a dwelling. In the earliest times man was 
constantly moving, seeking new shelter, new resting-places, new 
food. He could carry nothing with him in his migrations, for he 
had no means of conveyance. He was equally satisfied with a cave 
or a heap of leaves. Later, when he has learned to use a few 
simple tools, to skin animals, to prepare their skins, and to build 
his hut with ponie little care, he carrie.i it with him. Hence the 
dwellings of nomadic peoples fall naturally into the two divisions of 
transportable and non-transportable, and the former are agam 
subdivided into those covered with mats and those covered with 
skins. 
of Nonn 
transportable 
Being easy of construction, mat tents are used by the rudest 
peoples. The Abipones pass their lives under two poles and a mat ; 
the Zulus, standing higher in the social scale, find comfort in cages 
pliant sticks, covered with finely woven rush mats.^ 
tents 
are used by more advanced races, since their use implies knowledge 
of the manufacture of the weapon with which to kill the animal, 
and of the mode of skinning and preparing the skin. They are 
, 197. 
