Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 8.djvu/52

32 "The two baths, which entered into the arrangement as at first designed, are easily distinguishable from the subsequent work in this interesting portion of the remains, by their depth, and the steps for descent to them, the newer constructions having been raised to the level, or nearly so, of the principal floor. The whole of the tessellated work is of the same common kind, and perhaps there was not much difference of time in the construction, the necessity for superseding one of the baths appearing, it may have been, before the completion of the house. The provision made for the quick riddance of the waste water from the floor of the new bath is plainly seen, the greater portion of the floor being slightly lower than the rest, and so laid, as to conduct the water to the centre on one side, at which appears the aperture or drain, with the skirting well-formed and rounded off in order to facilitate the passage of the water. As the tesseræ would be more susceptible of injury at this place, a tile, 8 inches by 7, was laid in front of the aperture, the communication with the drain being a flue-brick, 19 inches in length, and 4 inches square on the inside; the drain itself being 12 inches wide, with sides, bottom, and cover formed of tiles of the common kind. Against the opposite wall, and nearly facing the drain, a stone was inserted in the floor, 24 in. by 15 in., but its use is by no means certain.

"That the bath first described was superseded by the one just noticed, becomes evident by the destruction of the drain connected therewith, in order to form the new branch, and to unite it with the main line on the outside of the wall, as shown in the accompanying plan. This is an excellent piece of construction, wholly of brick, and for some reason now unknown, instead of being carried in a straight line past the corner of the building, was returned at right angles just within the end wall, where its width is 23 inches, and the outlet 20 inches, the boundary wall being sloped away to avoid impediment. At the point, where the drain reenters the building, the wall over was carried upon an arch, which is one of the most curious features among the ruins, and remains in perfect preservation.