REPORT OF MR. NELSOX L. DERBY.
399
ings, in this city, are also worthy of note. Openings are very often made in the upper portions of the walls connecting with the chimneys, and in these a gas-flame assists the draught. These are sufficient to carry off’ a large portion of the smoke and vitiated air, but unless some provision is made for introducing fresh air at various points, this is sure to make its entrance by the cracks of the doors and windows, thus causing disagreeable and often dangerous draughts.
One method of obviating these is, to pass pipes connecting with the external air through the stoves, or fireplaces, used for heating the rooms, in which way a draught is produced and the current is warmed. The practical result is immediately evident in the cessation of the cold currents from the cracks of the doors and windows. These particulars, and many others of interest, are contained in a little work by Ludwig Degen, architect of the city of Munich, on the subject of ventilation. As regards the applicability of the methods of building described in this Report, in a country like America, where labor and material are dear, it can only be said that they would effectually prevent the recurrence of the great fires which have proved so destructive there. It is very doubtful whether our government is sufficientl} r powerful to establish the regulations cited as prevalent in Vienna; but certainly a description of what other nations are doing (as the result of the experience of centuries) is of value, and will impart the information on the basis of which the necessity of such restrictive laws can alone-Improperly appreciated. A step can be taken in the right direction by the proper construction of government buildings, and by the application of the necessary restrictions to theatres, hotels, school-houses, and other buildings where fires could be productive of great loss of life. Beyond this, men of wealth and patriotism could set a good example by the erection of private edifices of the sort described, which would have the additional advantage of helping to check the spread of the flames, in the same naanner that the Boston Post-office has already once done.
I have been repeatedly assured that it is impossible to induce the people at home to build fire-proof buildings,