Page:The crater; or, Vulcan's peak.djvu/348

 108 THE CRATER; vegetable substances in the group, to produce fevers ; and so long as the person could be kept dry, there was little danger to the health. Four sorts, or classes, of houses were erected, each man being left to choose for himself, with the understanding that he was to receive a certain amount, in value, fro~i the commonwealth, by contribution in labour, or in materials. All beyond that amount was to be paid for. To equalize advantages, a tariff was established, as to the value of labour and materials. These materials consisted of lum ber, including shingles, stone, lime and bricks; bricks burned, as well as those which were unburned, or adobe. Trails were also delivered from the public store, free of charge. Of course, no one at first thought of building very largely. Small kitchens were all that were got up, at the commence ment, and they varied in size, according to the means of their owners, as much as they differed in materials. tSjme built of wood; some of stones; some of regular bricks; and some of adobe. All did very well, but the stone was found to be mucTi the preferable material, especially where the plastering within was furred off from the walls. These stones came from Rancocus Island, where they were found in inexhaustible quantities, partaking of the character of tufa. The largest of them were landed at the Reef, the loading and unloading being principally done by the Kan- nakas, while the smallest were delivered at different points along the channel, according to the wishes of the owners of the land. More than a hundred dwellings were erected in the course of the few months immediately succeeding the arrival of the immigrants. About half were on the Peak, and the remainder were in the group. It is true, no one of all these dwellings was large ; but each was com fortable, and fully answered the purpose of protection against the rain. A roof of cedar shingles was tight, as a matter of course, and what was more, it was lasting. Some of the buildings were sided with these shingles; though clap-boards were commonly used for that purpose. The adobe answered very well when securely roofed, though it was thought the unburnt brick absorbed more moisture than the brick which had been burned.