A HOUSE ON A TREE-TOP.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 88, 15 April 1899, Page 6

A HOUSE ON A TREE-TOP.

This singular dwelling, a photograph of which is reproduced here, is built at a height of forty feet above the ground-. It is situated among the jungles of Eastern Nicaragua, and is the abode of one Samuel Wilderson, a native, of Louisiana. He came to the country several years ago, and built his house with lumber brought from the United States. The structure cost him some £700. He lives in his impregnable home alone, with the exception of his negro cook, and never meets his neighbours. There are many curious stories told about the hermit in the neighboxirhood, though little is known of him. The house is three storeys in height. It is built around a giant ebo tree, which passes through the middle to the roof. The tree is four feet in diameter, and fur-

nishes a stable foxiridation. The lumber used in building .it is planed and painted white. The v lower storey is used as a kitchen and storehouse. Above this are the parlour-and bedroom, which- have ten windows and two doors. The upper storey is a bath room, with a window on each side. The bath is supplied with -water caught from the roof in barrels. The tropical rains are so frequent and heavy that there is always an abundant water supply. The;, house is reached by means of a lift. A car is attached to a- rope which passes through a pulley inr the kitchen. When any one enters the cage,, his weight being about equal to that of the iron weight makes it an easy matter to pull the elevator to' the top. When the proprietor has once hauled himself up and shut the door, he can be sure there will be no unwelcome visitors. The furniture is simple. There are only a few articles—such as a table, a few chairs, and a bed, and no carpets. The tree house is probably the most healthful abode in the district. Its height, far above the swamps, keeps out wild beasts as well as fever-laden air which rises from the swamps.