ENORMOUS PENDULUMS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXI, Issue XVII, 22 October 1898, Page 543

ENORMOUS PENDULUMS.

The only structures in Japan which seem to be earthquake proof are the pagodas, which are erected before the temples. There are many which are seven or eight hundred years old and as solid as when first built. There is a reason for this, and it lies in their construction. A pagoda is practically a framework of heavy timbers which starts from a wide base.and is in itself a substantial structure,but is rendered still more staple by a peculiar device. Inside the framework and suspended from the apex is a long heavy beam of timber two feet thick or more. This hangs from one end. and to the other end are bolted, at each of the four sides, foui- more heavy timbers, ami if the pagoda be very lofty, still more timbers are added to these. The whole forms an enormous pendulum which reaches within six inches of the ground. When the shock of an earthquake rocks the pagoda, the pendulum swings in unison and keeps the centre of gravity always at the base of the framework. Consequently the equilibrium of the pagoda is never disturbed, and this is the explanation of the great age of many of them, when from their height, one would suppose them to be peculiarly susceptible to the effects of an earthquake.

HIS STATUS. Askins: ‘What do you think of Buffington?’ Grimshaw: ‘O. he is the kind of a man who thinks that when he steps on one end of the country the other end flops up in the air.’ BORN FINANCIER. Jack: ‘I made a remarkably successful speculaltion on 'Change the other day.’ Harry: ‘Why, I heard you lost every cent you had.’ Jack: ‘So I did, but I'm now engaged to the daughter of the man who broke me.’