Note 348 — Chapter XIII · ARCHITECTURE, DRESS, AND DIET OF THE CHINESE.
Reading edition
It is said that when Ghengis in his invasion of China took a city, his soldiers immediately set about pulling down the four walls of the houses, leaving the overhanging roofs supported by the wooden columns—by which process they converted them into excellent tents for themselves and their horses.—Encyclopædia Britannica: Art. China.