A pair of 12-foot
logs were then laid in position. The next pair of 16-foot logs were laid
about 20 inches in from the sides, and after a pair of the cross logs had
been set in place a third pair of logs were laid about 40 inches from the
sides. Finally, a single 16-foot log was set in place at the center, to
serve as the ridge beam of the roof. The roof logs were all carefully
tested to see if they were sound before we laid them in place, because we
did not want to run any risk of the roof falling in, particularly in the
winter time, when it would be heavily covered with snow. A chalk line was
drawn from the ridge beam to the lower roof beam, and the cross logs were
sawed off along this line, as indicated in Fig. 271. Several slabs were
now procured and laid across the roof beams to serve as rafters. These
rafters projected about 18 inches beyond the side walls of the cabin, so
as to support the eaves. Over the rafters we laid a roofing of slabs;
starting with the bottom and lapping them, as we had done on our tree
house.
[Illustration: Fig. 271. How the Roof Logs were Laid.]
[Illustration: Fig. 272. The Finished Roof.]
The Door and Window Frames.
We were now ready to cut out and frame the doors and window openings.
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