room similar pieces run to this central ridge; below this they are
joined together, at intervals, by means of horizontal poles and
cross-beams. To this framework are lashed strips of _palma brava_,
supports for a covering of closely laid _runo_, on which rests the final
topping of flattened bamboo. The ridge pole is always at a sufficient
height above the floor to give the roof a steep peak, and is of such
length that, at the top, the side roof overhangs the ends. The roof
generally rises in two pitches and always extends past the sides of the
room.

In house building, the roof, which is made first, is raised to the
desired height, thus serving as a shelter for the workers until the
structure is complete (Plate XIII). Resting on the cross-beams, just
below the rafters, a number of loose boards are laid to form a sort of
attic or storage room where all unused articles, and odds and ends are
allowed to accumulate.

The sides of the room, which are of flattened bamboo, are about six feet
in height, and extend only to within a foot of the roof. In the walls
small peep holes are cut so that the inhabitants can look outside
without being seen (Plate XIV).

The flooring, which is generally made of strips of _palma brava_, is in
two levels, forming a narrow elevated platform at one end of the room on
which a part of the family sleep.

The furniture of this house is very scanty. Near to the door is the
"stove" (Fig. 8)--a bed of ashes in which three stones are sunk to form a
support for the pots and jars and nearby stand a few native jars and
sections of bamboo filled with water. On a hanger above the fire may be