Fergusson, James: A history of architecture in all countries, from the earliest times to the present day: in five volumes (Band 3) (London, 1899)

Chap. IV.

TEMPLE OF NAKHON WAT.

071

both base and capital. This outer range supports what may be called
a tie-beam, the one end of which is
inserted into the inner column just
below the capital. So beautifully, how-
ever, is this fitted that M. Mouhot as-
serts the inner columns are monoliths,
and, like the other joints of the masonry,
the junction cannot be detected even in
the photograph unless pointed out. The
beauty of this arrangement will at once
strike anyone who knows how difficult
it is to keep the sun out and let in the
light and air, so indispensable in that
climate. The British have tried to
effect it in India for 100 years, but
never hit on anything either so artistic
or convenient as this. It is, in fact, the

Diagram Section of Corridor,
Nukhun Wat.

37J.

View of Exterior of Nakbon Wat. (From a Photograph by Mr. J. Thomson.)