Turkish Baths

48 THE TURKISH BATH:
darium, he must ascend the steps under hanging towels.
The arrangement that will be found the most convenient
a direct importation from the East is to suspend a
hoop from the ceiling, and from this hang cords attached
to towels. The hoop can be swung by an attendant
over the end of the bath, and in it the bather can dry
himself
his couch.
and be wrapped in towels before proceeding to
Whether the plunge bath be placed in a separate
chamber, in the lavatorium, or partly in the frigidarium,
its construction will remain essentially the same.
If not
in shape and size, in other respects it is a small swimming
bath. The weight and pressure of the water must
be remembered. A good foundation must be prepared
for the bath, with a thick
layer of concrete passing well
under the side walls and covering the whole floor.
The side walls should be built of concrete and lined with
white glazed bricks.
In certain soils, the excavation for
the bath may be puddled with advantage, but if properly
constructed, this should be unnecessary. The bottom of
the bath need not be flat, as the most economical method
of constructing a plunge bath is to make its deepest part
about two-thirds of its length from the end at which the
bather enters. This may be about 4 ft. 6 in. in depth
from bottom to water-line. From this point the floor will
slope towards either end, gradually towards the entering
end, and more rapidly towards the exit. At either end,
where the depth of water should be about 3 ft, must be
provided steps for ascent and descent. If the bath be
not more than 6 ft. wide, these should occupy the whole
width, and be of marble or slabs of some cheaper material