156
small wire strands in them for the purpose of toughening them and would it is believed answer the purpose better than exposed metal in any form. The spaces between the steel purlins would be filled in with breeze concrete and not only prevent leakage but protect the metal from the effects of heat. The covering slabs not being rigidly fixed but depending on the purlins would adapt themselves without fracture to the expansion or contraction of the metal framework of the Dome. The Granolithic Company advise that this construction is practicable and would be efficient, but they suggest that it would not be necessary to obtain the material from them; that with the granite at hand and imported cement the slabs whether for the flat roofs or the dome covering might be made by local artificers under the supervision of a competent foreman who might be sent from England to direct the work.
15. The information given in this para: has been kept in view in designing the roof &c. The roofs over the small Court and the Library and also that over the rooms on the Garden front are arranged to be covered with local tiles. The roof behind the Pediment on the Street front being necessarily of a lower pitch may perhaps be more safely covered with thin granolithic slabs and covering ribs as suggested for the dome.
The concrete floors through, would be best covered with solid, block flooring 14" thick and about 12" x 3" if there are artificers available to lay them. The hard wood alluded to in Director of Works Report above quoted should make excellent floors treated in this way.
External jalousies opening either into the reveals or lying flat against the exterior face of the walls have been provided for all window openings.
-4-
The