Fig. 162.

Fig. 163.

Figs. 162 and 163.—Front and Side Elevations of Shelter for Tennis Lawn.

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.

Fig. 167.

Fig. 168.

Fig. 170.

Fig. 165.

Fig. 166.

Fig. 169.

Fig. 165.—Connecting Plates to Corner Post. Fig. 166.—Fixing Sleeper to Posts. Fig. 167.—Section of Flooring. Fig. 168.—Finial. Fig. 169.—Detail of Garden Shelter at Front Eaves. Fig. 170.—Section of Seat.

The rustic summer-house or tennis lawn shelter illustrated in front and side elevations by [Figs. 162] and [163] is constructed from straight saplings and twigs that have had their bark removed, and have been subjected to a reasonable period of seasoning. A new feature in the design is the accommodation under the seats for the reception of the croquet or tennis gear, and also the extended eaves and floor (see [Fig. 164]) and the open front, giving at once an uninterrupted view of the game and shelter from the direct rays of the sun.

The shelter is 10 ft. long by 5 ft. 6 in. wide, the height from the floor to the eaves being 6 ft. 3 in., and from the floor to the ridge 9 ft. The four posts are 6 ft. 9 in. long by 6 in. in diameter. The middle and lower end and the back rails are tenoned to the posts, a flat being formed on the post by the mortise and a corresponding shoulder on the rails. The remaining portion is worked to fit roughly the contour of the post.

The plates are 5 in. by 5 in. in section, and are secured to the posts with long galvanised bolts and nuts and a 3½-in. square washer under the heads of the bolts. When halving the front plate, allow it to house into the side plates 1½ in.; by this method it will have a bearing on both posts. In [Fig. 165] the left-hand plate represents the front. The front posts are connected at the floor line by a scantling, 4 in. by 3 in., which also forms a sleeper for the floor joists; see [Figs. 166] and [167].