Various suggestions may be given for finishing the inside of the roof. Supposing that round or half-round larch stuff has been used for the rafters (the latter is to be preferred for shingles, as giving a level surface to board upon), the space between the rafters may be covered with bark--virgin cork or otherwise--the chinks being stuffed with moss. But if this is done it will be well to fix the bark with screws, as the vibration caused by driving nails would displace or loosen the shingles.
A second plan under the like circumstances would be before nailing the boards upon the rafters to stretch matting across the latter--either ordinary garden bast matting or, better, the more substantial rush matting, both of which are very inexpensive. These have a pleasant natural colour (the last-named especially, of a greenish hue), and are so unartificial in their structure as to appear in no way out of place among rustic work.
Or it may so happen that suitable larch stuff is not to hand, and that ordinary sawn scantling has to be used for the rafters. If so, the whole roof may be hung with ling; or the rush matting may be stretched across the lower side of the rafters and tacked there, being afterwards more completely secured and finished by nailing a split hazel or other rod down the middle of each rafter. This last plan makes a neat and pleasing roof.
[Illustration: Figs. 162 and 163.--Front and Side Elevations of Shelter for Tennis Lawn.]
[Illustration: Fig. 164.--Part Roof, Seat, and Floor Plans for Tennis Lawn Shelter.]
It scarcely needs to be said that to make such a summer-house look its best the wall on each side ought to be covered with ivy or other creepers; and it will also be obvious that, if the height of the wall permits the floor of the summer-house to be raised a step or two above the surrounding level, the structure will gain thereby both in effectiveness of appearance and in pleasantness as a place in which to sit.
[Illustration: Fig. 165.--Connecting Plates to Corner Post.]
[Illustration: Fig. 166.--Fixing Sleeper to Posts.]
[Illustration: Fig 167.--Section of Flooring.]
[Illustration: Fig. 169.--Detail of Garden Shelter at Front Eaves.]
[Illustration: Fig 170.--Section of Seat.]