556
attained that the white ants had been exterminated and of the trusses decayed are almost entirely destroyed and it is only due to the support obtained from the ornamental brackets at the ends of the ties that the roof has not fallen in now.
It is understood that they left in proportion under the cravages. The whole of the boarding is filled with the white ant, which has already eaten about two thirds of the entire surface. It is absolutely necessary to take down and remove three quarters of the roofing; if any part is left, it will be readily attacked and the damage would extend to the new work.
Under these circumstances, I have the honor to submit to you a report on the dangerous state of the roof, but without the removal of the whole, no certainty could be given of the cost. The estimate for the removal of the present roof of the Nave and Transept of the Cathedral and its restoration entirely in New Hard Wood, according to its present design and form, totals $54,257.