d in among the props. After this has been well packed down and
filled in as closely as possible, set up your water-screws, wheels, and
drums, and let the space now bounded by the enclosure be emptied and
dried. Then, dig out the bottom within the enclosure. If it proves to be
of earth, it must be cleared out and dried till you come to solid bottom
and for a space wider than the wall which is to be built upon it, and
then filled in with masonry consisting of rubble, lime, and sand.

6. But if the place proves to be soft, the bottom must be staked with
piles made of charred alder or olive wood, and then filled in with
charcoal as has been prescribed in the case of the foundations of
theatres and the city wall. Finally, build the wall of dimension stone,
with the bond stones as long as possible, so that particularly the
stones in the middle may be held together by the joints. Then, fill the
inside of the wall with broken stone or masonry. It will thus be
possible for even a tower to be built upon it.

7. When all this is finished, the general rule for shipyards will be to
build them facing the north. Southern exposures from their heat produce
rot, the wood worm, shipworms, and all sorts of other destructive
creatures, and strengthen and keep them alive. And these buildings must
by no means be constructed of wood, for fear of fire. As for their size,
no definite limit need be set, but they must be built to suit the
largest type of ship, so that if even larger ships are hauled up, they
may find plenty of room there.

I have described in this book the construction and completion of all
that I could remember as necessary for general use in the public places
of cities. In the following book I shall consider private houses, their
conveniences, and symmetrical proportions.

BOOK VI

INTRODUCTION

1. It is related of the Socratic philosopher Aristippus that, being
shipwrecked and cast ashore on the coast of the Rhodians, he observed
geometrical figures drawn thereon, and cried out to his companions: "Let
us be of good cheer, for I see the traces of man." With that he made for
the city of Rhodes, and went straight to the gymnasium. There he fell to
discussing philosophical subjects, and presents were bestowed upon him,
so that he could not only fit himself out, but could also provide those
who accompanied him with clothing and all other necessaries of life.
When his companions wished to return to their country,