CONVICT LABOR FOR ROAD WORK* 139 
STRUCTURES WITH GALVANIZED-METAL ROOF AND CANVAS SIDES. 
Buildings of this general type are in common use in the convict 
camps of Virginia. As shown in Plate XII, figures 1 and 2, they 
consist simply of a V-crimped tin or corrugated galvanized-iron roof 
laid on 1 by 10 inch purlins which rest on 2 by 6 inch rafters spaced 
about 3 feet on centers and braced with 2 by 4 inch ties. The 
rafters rest on 2 by 6 inch plates which are spiked to 6-inch rough 
posts, which in turn are planted about 3 feet in the ground. The 
gables usually are covered with metal of the same weight as that 
used in the roof and the sides are protected with drop curtains of 
10-ounce duck. The continuous wooden platforms, 6 feet 6 inches 
wide, raised about 18 inches above the floor and extending along the 
two sides of the building in the sleeping quarters, take the place of 
separate bunks or cots. The pallets are laid on these platforms, side 
by side, with usually no space between them. The mess building, 
officers' quarters, and storehouses are similar in construction to the 
quarters or "cell house," the mess building, however, usually being 
unnoored. 
The buildings in use in the Virginia camps are not fly-proof, and 
the investigation indicates that the cracks and crevices in the sur- 
face of the bunk platforms afford excellent lodging places for vermin 
and filth. These faults may be remedied by inserting screens between 
the 6-inch posts and by substituting separate metal cots for the 
wooden bunk platforms. If double, instead of single, decked cots be 
used, a wider separation of the inmates will be possible in quarters 
of the same size. 
With these modifications, this general type of structure will be 
satisfactory for use during the summer throughout the United States 
and the year round in the extreme southern section. That it does 
not provide adequate protection against the winter weather in Vir- 
ginia is the testimony of camp officials whose opinion was sought. 
Buildings of this type may be considered relatively portable, and 
the use of the metal roof makes them somewhat more durable than 
tents, but they are neither so readily moved nor so durable as the 
portable buildings previously discussed. To provide for all the 
necessities of a camp of 40 men the following buildings of this type 
would be necessary: 
One building 20 by 70 feet for convicts' sleeping quarters and 
clothes storage; one building 20 by 70 feet for dining room, kitchen, 
and pantry or commissary; one building 20 by 40 feet for office and 
officers' quarters* and a wall tent 16 by 20 feet to be used for bath- 
ing purposes. 
