ABSTRACT
I once saw a fire break out at the end of a row of these farmhouses, and, fanned by the breeze, destroy the entire settlement. The straw-thatched roofs caught the sparks and spread the fire faster
than the excited bucket brigade could put it out. Modern fire-fighting apparatus has lessened the losses from fire. When a stream of water from a fire engine was first turned on a hOllse of this type, the force of the water skewered the building. The fire was extinguished but so was the house! We cannot help envying the Japanese the fun they have had in trying out all kinds of modern equipment for the first time.
