1836.] 



Syrian Roofs. 



116 



nary potters clay used in making pots and tiles, moulded on 

 the native wheel, and baked or burnt, precisely in the same 

 manner ; the difference consisting, solely, in the shape of 

 the cones. 



The want of timber is assigned as the original cause of 

 the invention of these roofs, in Palestine and Syria, where 

 they are stated to be in general use. They have been tried 

 in Bengal, and are reported to have answered fully the ex- 

 pectation formed of them ; but whether from prejudice, or 

 other cause, they have apparently again fallen into disuse. 



These roofs, it is believed, are never quite flat, but are 

 formed into arches of every curve ; and from their construc- 

 tion must be capable of resisting very great pressure ; they 

 are formed of hollow cones of pottery, about 10 inches long, 

 the broader extremity, which is closed, being about 3 inches 

 in diameter, and the narrower, which is open, between 2 and 

 3, but they may probably vary, according to the span of the 

 roof intended to be built ; they are placed by the side of each 

 other, the interstices being filled with mortar ; they are 

 found to leak with the first rains and crack slightly, but a 

 coat of oil is applied over the surface, which is afterwards 

 found to render the roof impervious ; it is probable that a 

 course of flat tiles, with a plastering of chunam, would answer 

 the purpose in India. 



I have been given to understand that the Syrian roof has 

 been successfully constructed at Bangalore, a station where 

 the destruction of every kind of wood by white ants is felt 

 as a most serious evil ; should any of your correspondents 

 be enabled to furnish you with particulars, as regard section 

 of the roof, form and dimensions of the cones, and the cost 

 of making them, I have no doubt the information will prove 

 both interesting and useful. 



Adverting to the ravages of white ants, it may be useful to 

 mention that the.Naptha, or Petrolium, produced in abund- 

 ance on the Tenasserim Coast, and to be purchased in the 

 bazars of Madras, under the denomination of earth oil, or 

 munnoo tylum, is an effectual remedy ; it may be used as a 

 paint, alone, or mixed with common tar ; or mixed with 

 chunam as a plaster. 



Madras, March 1836. M. 



