Bermuda's houses, some of them two or three hundred years old, and instantly recognisable by their white roofs supported by huge chimneys that seem to grow out of the ground, have long been acknowledged as one of the Island's glories.

And although many of them were sacrificed to the bulldozer in Bermuda's rush to progress, there has been an increasing awareness in recent years of their unique features. Fortunately, through the help of such organisations as the Bermuda National Trust, Bermuda has embarked on a programme which will preserve as much as possible of our remarkable architectural heritage.

There is, however, another style of architecture that, until a few years ago, was prevalent. Now, only a few examples are left.

These are Bermuda's wooden houses and cottages, which have received little attention, either aesthetically or in any practical sense.

Mr. Dale Butler, principal of St. George's Secondary School and a chronicler of Bermuda's past, is concerned that an important aspect of the Island's heritage is passing into oblivion. So he has spent the last couple of years taking photographs and recording, for posterity -- and before it is too late -- as many wooden structures as possible. Some of them already appear to have deteriorated beyond repair.

"I'm very interested in Bermuda's history and it bothers me that these houses are disappearing so fast. These buildings have a history, but no effort, until now, has been made to record or film them,'' he says.

Now Mr. Butler is appealing to people to supply him with information and historical data about their wooden homes. He is concerned that people are not aware that, in their own way, these structures are "treasures that should be kept in good condition''.

Although he has travelled all over the Island, he is sure there are still some buildings he has missed.

"I'd like to hear from people who deliver mail, for instance, who are a very valuable source of information.'' He says that once people realise he is interested in these wooden homes, they are very helpful in bringing them to his attention.

The majority are in St. David's, where he believes there are about 25 in all, although every parish has its share of wooden homes.

Mr. Butler is anxious to make a record for future generations, and to this end, he is planning to compile a book. He is inviting comments from historians and architects which he hopes will be included in his publication.

Anyone interested in supplying Mr. Butler with further information is asked to telephone him at 236-9841.

SAFEGUARDING BERMUDA'S PAST -- Mr. Dale Butler, seen in front of one of Bermuda's best preserved wooden houses, in Middletown, Pembroke, is anxious to record their contribution to Bermuda's architectural heritage for future generations. Greenfield Lane, Somerset Parson's Road, Hamilton Hawthorn Lane, Southampton Cut Road, St. George's.