Builder and Wood Worker

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wood-worker
and
Builder
1
BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER
FOR
1882
A JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ART,
DEVOTED TO THE
BUILDING, WOOD-WORKING AND DECORATIVE INTERESTS.
Volume XVIII.
FRED. A. HODGSON. . . . . . . • • •• Manager.
PUBLISHED BY
CHAS. D. LAKEY, 176 Broadway,
NEW YORK.
THE NEW YORK
PUBLICLIBRARY
1 224 1 6
ASTOR, LENOX AND
TILOEN FOUNDATIONS.
R 1899 L
INDEX.
A. H. Page.
Page. Page. Recent Improvements and Patents . 109
About Plans 19 Hard-Wood Finishing &8 Ready-Made Houses 117
American Workmen 42 House Decorations l^, 188
A New T Square 54 How to Make a Corner Chair. 208 S.
American Mechanics 58 Stability of Structure 28, 46, M
American Artist* 98 Shaky Buildings 59
A Solid Building 188 Intercommunication 9,87,50,69,86, 105, 129 Society of Archit. Iron Manufacturers 101
A New Pony Planer 145 Increased Cost of Building 104 Strikes 118
Indifferent Workmen 138 Specifications of Cottage 121
Insurance that Insures 196 stability of Piers and Buttresses 124
Buying Machinery 78 Items of Interest. 213, 233 Stairs and Hand Railing 148, 172
Building in Japan 81 Stability of the Architecture 165
Book Notices US, 179 Suggestions *o Students of Archl 181
Building Site 301 Strength of Timber 202
Lithographic Illustrations 2, 20, !18
Lincrnsta Walton 55 Stairs 805,225
C. London Builders 137
Congratulatory 1I T.
Chimney Stack Cornices 5! Turners' Clubs 2
SI. Taste 19
Correspondence 12, 51, 06, 85, 104, 149, S3i Manufacture of Joinery 84
Chats with Correspondent*..17, 37, 57, 74, 96, 113. The Building Trade 3»
133, 153, 177, 199, 216, 2.32 Management of Workmen * 54
The .Esthete 39
Cabinet Work by Machinery 31 Measuring Dressed Lumber 66
The Cross-Cut Sow 43
Careful Workmen 39 Mathematics for Mechauic* 81
The Wood-Working Industry 54
Chats with Carvers i Illustrated) 61, 144 Modern Jacobean Panels ' 85
To Our Readers "8
Charges In Bricks , 74 Maple for Cabinet Work 89
The -Etna Life 86
Chimney and Smoke Flues 118 Measuring Timber 173
Talks About Tools 90
Cutters for Wood-Working Machines 164 The Broken Palcqne 98
Chimneys 193 The Stability of Structures 100
Chat About Mitres (Illustrated) New Publications The American Workman
16,36, 55 105
New Money Order System The Vassar Brothers' Institute
97 120
D. New Horizontal Boring Machine 196
Trade Literature 132
Durability of Buildings 19 The Stability of Arch 140
Dining Koom Decoration 152 Technical Education 153, 161
Damp Houses 162 Ornamenting Punches The American Institute Fair 161
8
The Eddystone Lighthouse 178
Decorative Art 208 Our Illustrations. . .49, 59, 79, 98, 138, 162, 182, 202, 222
Decorative Pane] . 229 Obituary The Evils of Sewer Gas.. 181
109
Tin Roofs 809
Ornamental Wrought Iron 229
Tiles 209
F.
Editorial Clippings 16 Terra Cotta Lumber 213
Encouraging Words 17 Theatre Fires 221
Egyptian Decorations 187 Planing Mills 2, 22, 61. 82, 185 The Mathematical Knowledge of Mechanics ..... 224
Exhibition of Native Woods 805 Polytechnic Discussion 81 To Join the Ends of a Band Saw 224
Plumbers' Specifications 78
Paper Hangings 109 V.
Falling Buildings 1 Planing Machinery 120 Ventilation of Halls 83
Foundation 4 Publishers' Column 185, 155, 177.800. 217
Fireproof Floors 40 Preliminary to 1883 199 w.
Florida Woods 201 Planer Cutter Heads 204 Wooden Buildings 40
Practical Hints 225 Wood Polish and Stain from Carnauba Wax 69
e. Wall Paper 90
Grindstones. 5 Wood Carving 98
Cum Wood 118 Recent Improvements in Mechanic Arts 66 Wonders of Simple Tools 91
General Reviews 2S9 Reviews of Trade Literuture 74, 94, 155, 200. 286 Wood Staining 212
ILLUSTRATIONS.
A. Page.
PAUE. Designs for Moresque Furniture 184 Page.
A Quaint House 8 Designs for two Cottages 189 Interior of Dining Room 49
Amateur's Designs 8, 7 Dining Room Furniture 147 Interior of Hall 171
Anglo-Japanese Furniture 14 Design for Office 1"0 Interior of Library 230
A Southern Cottage 21 Design for Hal I Stand 175
A Cheap Cottage 24 Design for Cabinet 19"
A Bachelor's Cabinet 53 Design for Room Decoration 194 Miscellaneous Designs 234
A Parlor Mantel 68 Design for Book Case > 196
Amateur Designs 88 N. '
Designs for Chairs 215
Alternative Designs for a Town House 142 Details 211 Newburgh Y. M. C. A. Building 148
A Country Cottage 203 Novelty Mantel 151
A Village Chnrch 210 H.
Eight Designs for Art Wood- Work 6
C. Elevation and Plan or Picturesque Cottage 41 Oak Cabinet 64
Combined Desk and Cabinet 10 Elevations of Cheap City Houses 44 P.
Chairs and Table 28 Elevation and Plan of Cottage 59
Comer Cabinet and Case 32 Elevation of Cottage 63 Plans of City Houses 45
Cabinet Designs 56 Examples of Roofs 75 Pen and Ink Sketches 72
Cremation Furnace 05 Elevation or Cottage 163 Parlor Mantel and Details 174
Cottage and Plans 102 Eleval ion of Col tage 188
Country Cottage 103 Elevation and Plans of Cottage 227
Church, with Plan 187 Railroad Depot with Plan 48
Cabinet, with Details. 191 Raking Mouldings 114
Circular Stairs SJ38 Frame of Bank Ham. IS Random Sketches 231
Furniture Design . 29 S.
D. Floor Plans for Cottaye 84 Sideboards 7
Designs for Inlaid Work 15 Fashionable Upholstery Ill Some Amateur Work .• 38
Dovetailing 36 Front and side Elevations of Cottage 122 1 Styles of Wall Paper 92
Designs for Amatcnr Work 52 Floor Plans, etc., of Cottage 123 Stairs and Hand Railing 154
Design for a Clock Case 71 Floor Plans and Elevation 107 Stair Work 17H, 198
Design for a Cottage near Boston 80 Four Elevations of Cottage 206 Side Elevation of Cottage 223
Design for Dining lioom Mantel 87 Framework of Cottage 207
Dining Room Suite of Furniture 91 Furniture Designs -14
Designs (5) for Cheap Houses 99 Front Elevation of Cottage 226 Two Interiors 07
Designs for a Store 106 <.. Two Elevations of Cottages 166
Dining Room Mantel 107 Geomel rlcal Stairs 218 Two Elevations of Chapel 18(i
Details of Doors, Mantels, etc 120 Two Wood Mantels 235
Details of Windows, Finish, etc 187 H.
Details of Veranda, Bay Window, etc 130 How to Decorate a Room 25
Designs for four Mantels 131 Hall Mantel HO Vasser Brother's Institute 119
12.10
of these periodic disasters ? It does seem as though these

frightful reminders were absolutely necessary to keep the
public mind to a point when even apparent carefulness is
insisted on. The burning of the Ring Theatre should
prove a terrible warning to theatre bui' \ and
managers.
«-»••- .
A JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ART. INTENDING house-builders should be most caicful
PUBLISHED MONTHLY, in attending to the bed-room department. We
AT make no objection to the house being well provided with
176 Broad-way, UNTe-ro- Tork. entertaining rooms, and those of ample dimensions ; but
we do most strongly object to the system, too often
PRICE. ONE DOLLAR AND FIFTY CENT8 A YEAR. adopted, of obtaining these at the expense of cramped
passages, stairways, and confined bed-rooms. Nothing
CHARLES D. LAKEY, Publisher. FRED. T. HODGSON, Eiiitor. adds so much to the comfort of a man's life as good roomy
bed-rooms, and nothing to the convenience of a family
as plenty of them. Architects, in claiming, and unfortu
Newsdealers will please order through The various News Companies. nately getting, ample space for reception, dining, and
Subscriptions to Great Britain and the Continent of Europe. $2.00; Australia,
$2.50;China, Japan, Sandwich Islands, Mexico, and Cuba, $3.50; South America, other rooms, and giving the least dimensions to the bed
$4,50. rooms, seem to forget that in no room does a man spend
N.B.—Persons remitting money to this office through the post are requested so much of his time as in the latter. It should, there
either to procure u post-office ortler or to register the letter, and address it to the fore, be so large as to give plenty of room, and to have
pvUislier, Charles D. TLakky, 176 Broadway, New York, to whom all letters the bed so placed, that when the window or door is open
of a business character should be sent. it will not be in the line of direct draft. Ask a phy
sician, and he will tell you, that in cases of severe ill
VOL. )j Old Series, XVIII. J Whole Number, 172 ness, there is nothing he dreads so much as the confined
New Series, IV. } JANUART, 1882. | New Number, - 1 room in which his patient is placed ; the air in it is al
ways foul, and can only be made fresh at a fearful risk.
WITH this number we begin another year, and are Looking at the question from all sides, we are strong
introduced to many new places and faces. It is advocates for large bed-rooms, indeed, for their com
gratifying to know, that, with a .few exceptions, all our prising the best rooms in the house—for the conlined
old readers remain with us and that many new, and we closets which our architects and builders often deem it
hope, active members, have joined our ranks. There is right to give us we have a profound contempt. There
nothing that lias so good an effect on editors and pub can be no real health enjoyed when a person lives more
lishers as an enlarged subscription list. Ours has enlarged; than half his time in a little cramped up room.
is enlarging daily. To realize this result, and still retain
our old friends, is an accomplishment of which we have
reason to feel proud, as it is an evidence of our having LAST month we referred to the falling of a building
done our duty during the past years. on the corner of Grand street and South Filth
It is not necessary for us to make promises of what we aveni'c, in New York, and took occasion to find fault
intend to serve up to our readers during 1882. Suffice to with the Building Department. The recent spasmodic
say, that it is our intention to do better in the future than efforts of this department in inspecting and condemning
we have done in the past, well as we have done. buildings, rather favors the notion that the officials have
Our New Year's wish is that the season may be to our realized the fact that the tumbling down of ihese build
readers a precursor of all good things, and that they may ings and the killing of ten persons, were results entirely
grow in knowledge, wealth and happiness. due to their remissness and—shall we say criminally !
If a little of this spasmodic energy was applied to the in
spection of buildings now in course of erection, the
THE mechanic who reads a paper published in the danger of murdering tenants by the falling of buildings
interests of the trade he is engaged in, is sure, in during the next generation woiiid be very much lessened.
the end, to command better wages than the workman There are people foolish i nough to imagine that the de
who plods away in the same old din<;-dong style of partment is at all concerned about the alterations made or
his forefathers, and takes no paper pertaining to his required in any building in the city. Buildings may fall,
trade. It is easy to pick out of a shop the men who buildings do fall, lives are lost, property is destroyed, in
read from among the workmen. The well read man quests are held and the Department of Buildings is cen
gets all the best work, greater pay, and is nearly al sured. Not the slightest attention is paid to the censure,
ways constantly employed, and he deserves these ad- 1 and the inquest is soon forgotten except by the families
vantages, for his extra readiness is sure to be a source who have suffered. About $100,000 is paid every year to
of profit to his employer. the department for examining buildings which are under
going repairs or alterations. How much is received by
the citizens for this outlay is a problem which the super
BETWEEN eleven and twelve hundred people have intendent has not yet had to solve. We in our wisdom,
been burned in a theatre at Vienna. The scenery and with our modern notions, are apt. to ridicule the
took fire at the commencement of the performance, and builders of old who were in a state of happy ignorance
the employees got so panic-stricken that the appliances respecting brown stone fronts, iron columns, zinc cor
for preventing the spread of fire were forgotten to be nices, elevators and steam healing apparatus; but we
used. In a few minutes the whole building was in flames. do well to recall the fact that these men built for all
It is easy to imagine the horrible scenes which followed. time, whereas many of the buildings of the present day
The burning of a cathedral in Santiago, South America, a hardly last our time.
number of years ago, where 2,000 persons lost their lives
scarcely startled the civilized world more than did this latest
horror. Is it possible that human ingenuity and foresight THERE can be no questioning the fact that Ameiica
have reached their limits with regard to the prevention is very much ahead of Europe in the rapid conver
2 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER.
sion of wood to useful purposes, but we must confess produced or imitated in this country, for we have not yel
that in one branch of wood manipulation we are consider acquired that complicated art. It is a pity that in a pen-
ably behind. We refer to wood-turning. It is very true and-ink sketch it is impossible to show the colorings of
that we have invented several distinct machines for turn such productions ; the real Japanese leather paper at
ing wood from given patterns, and which work almost back, and the pottery does so much to make up the gen
automatically, yet we find that in beauty of design, excel eral effect. The work-table, music cabinet and flower
lence of finish and regularity of form our turners do not tripod are, perhaps, first in merit, and all will probably
accomplish what they might if they had some means of be useful to our manufacturing readers who are looking
comparing their work with that of their fellow- workmen out for something original in Anglo-Japanese.
or foreign brethren. Automatic turning machines have, On Plate 1 we show a number of designs for inlaid
no doubt, had a great deal to do with lowering the stand work. Some of them are very pretty, and will, no
ard of lathe work, but the present style of cabinet work doubt, interest some of the best workmen among our
and building, which calls for a great deal of fine turning, readers.
may have a tendency to give this branch of art an im Plate 8 shows the manner of framing a bank barn.
petus that will raise it out of the stagnant condition where Explanations are given in our correspondence column.
it has lain so long. What is wanted is a society of turn
ers, an association which would have for its object the
discussion of such matters as pertain to the art of turn Planing Mills.
ery, and to encourage correct taste, accuracy of workman BY J. T. L.
ship and a knowledge of the adaptation of the work of THE subject of side-cutters and the parts belonging to them
the lathe to the various purposes for which it is em need special attention, for, as far as my observation goes,
they are the most abused parts of a matcher.
ployed. As I have said in a previous article, the pulley to a side-cutter
Nearly every town in Europe of any importance has its spindle should cover the whole space between the two boxes with
"Turners' Club," in which quarterly, half-yearly or yearly only just space enough left to slip the belt off, and should go on
exhibitions of lathe work are held and prizes given to those tight. This stiffens the spindle, and it will run very much better
members who produce the best specimens of their work. than a little narrow pulley just wide enough to take the belt. It is
a mistake to make the spindles too small, which very many manu
Such institutions established in the larger cities in this facturers do. A side-cutter spindle should not be less than If inches,
country could not fail of making their influence felt for and for my own use I would put on the other J inch and make it
the better in a very short time, and now where grotesque an even 2 inches. This gives stability and insures you an even cut,
and crude forms in our turned articles reigns supreme, we especially for heavy work, which it is impossible to get from a
small spindle.
should find beauty and simplicity hand in hand, yet so In common with everybody else, I have always used the side-
combined as to give an appearance of strength and dura cutter head that screws directly on to the spindle. I think this
bility that does not now obtain. is wrong, for the reason that if used in one place, as all well-regu
Is not this matter worthy of the consideration of those lated mills should be, I think they gradually tend to spring it, and
of our readers who are interested in lathe work ? after a while the heads will wobble, and the tongue cut small and
the groove large. My idea is that the spindle should have a spline
cut in it, and a nice-fitting feather in the head and the set screw go
down on to the feather, instead of directly on to the spindle. The
constant screwingof the set screw down acts like pening a shaft or
Lithographic Illustrations. piece of iron, and gradually tends to bend it. Although it is gradu
PLATE 1 exhibits a quaint-looking house, designed ally done, it is certain. A large spindle, however, stands it better
for Mr. Wm. H. Cole by E. G. W. Dietrich, archi than a small one, and that is one reason, among many others, why
I would recommend a large spindle. 8ome manufacturers make
tect. The estimated cost of this building is $3,500. In the bottom of the spindle come to a point. This is a good idea, in
some localities it may be built much cheaper. one sense, and a bad one in another. With this center point the
Plate 2 exhibits eight designs for art woodwork. This bottom of the spindle is always tight, while a straight one becomes
is an exceedingly rich plate, and contains a great many loose as it wears into the box. The disadvantage is that they wear
down into the box faster and are always giving you trouble about
hints and suggestions that joiners, cabinet-makers and the side-cutter dropping down. I like the straight shaft best, for
designers may avail themselves of. The plate was fur the reason that you can put a piece of hardened steel under the
nished us by E. 6. W. Dietrich. bottom of it, which prevents it from wearing down. A piece of
Plate 3 shows designs for two sideboards, with side steel j'jtli thick, hardened as hard as fire and water can harden it,
views showing method of making. These designs were will last indefinitely and always keep your side-cutter up in its
place.
furnished us by S. N. Small, architect, 48 Canal street, It is the custom of many to put in a set of bits and file them
Boston, Mass. up till they are worn out, which is bad practice, for the bit on
On Plate 4 we show a design for a combined desk and the side next to the set screw will almost invariably wear the most.
cabinet. The drawing is by Howard S. Bush, architect, Consequently this one wears the most, and in a little while the
head is badly out of balance.
62 William street, New York. Bits, whether solid or otherwise, should be taken out frequently
Plate 5 shows two very fine designs by an amateur. and balanced, as much as you would balance knives on the cylinders.
One is for a wall cabinet, and the other is for a dressing- I know a great many who are very particular about balancing
case. Both are taken from actual examples. They cylinder knives who never think of balancing up side-cutter bits.
were executed by the designer, L. E. Lyon, of Iowa City, Every part needs close attention, and not one part have special
care and the rest go at loose ends
Iowa. The dressing-case was designed, made and com Side-cutter spindles should be made of the very best quality of
pleted in about five weeks, by working at odd times. hammered steel. It is poor policy to take the low grade roll steel
Both are fine examples of amateur work. to make such things of, for sooner or later they cost dear. Also
We nave frequently been asked to publish some designs they should not be annealed before turning up, for this makes them
uneven in temper, and you are just as apt as any way to get a
for furniture in the Anglo-Japanese style. On Plate 6 soft spot just right in the bearing, where, of all places, it ought
we offer thirteen designs in this style, all of which are not to be. The best thing to make them of is the best grade of
taken from late issues of the Cabinet Maker, an excellent square steel, fitted without annealing (unless you can get good
journal published in London, England. Some of the hammered steel). They should be fitted up with the nicest care,
',deas are perhaps a little too eccentric to captivate at first with good long top boxes especially, and well-balanced pulleys
and heads, and you are ready for anything.
sight (notably the bracket and upright cabinet in right There are so many different opinions about the kind of side-
hand corner), but in the mantel, cabinet above, chair and cutters that an opinion of mine would not amount to much. I
table, "Anglo Japanese" is unquestionably "served up" very well remember when the solid bits first came out. I brought
in a taking form. The application of genuine Japanese some home, and they laughed at me and said they were of no use.
Now they are almost universally used in some shape. The Don-
frets to these articles gives to them an additional interest caster were used to some extent at that time, and within a few
and value, and, moreover, these original frets cannot be years the Shinier has come out, which is only a little different
4= THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [Jan.,
plan of the Doncaster. But I think the straight solid bit is used more common class, it is not so easy to determine the maximum
most of all. These are easily taken care of and do good service. load which they will safely support.
One great objection is, they are often uneven in temper. The Many writers have endeavored to give rules for calculating the
three-part bit is a standby, however, for they can be so easily effect of a given blow in sinking a pile, but investigations of this
changed into different things that where the solid bit is used kind are of little practical value, because we can never be in
they ought to be kept for special cases, which often come up, ; issession of sufficient data to enable us to obtain even an ap
especially in job mills. proximate result. The effect of each blow on the pile will de
pend on the momentum of the blow, the velocity of the ram, the
relative weights of the ram and the pile, the elasticity of the pile
• The Stability of Structures. head, and the resistance offered by the ground through which the
pile is passing; and, as the last named conditions cannot well be
ascertained, any calculations in which they are only assumed must
BY F. E. KIDDER, B.C.E. of necessity be mere gu'sses.
Load on Piles. —Prof. Rankine gives the limits of the safe
II. load on piles, based upon practical examples, as follows:
Foundations (Cont trued). For piles driven till they reach the firm ground, 1,000 lbs. per
square inch of area of head.
CLASS II. —Foundations in situations where an artificial bear For piles standing in soft ground by friction, 200 lbs. per square
ing stratum must be formed in consequence of the softness inch of area of head.
or looseness of the soil. But, as in the latter case, so much depends upon the character
FOUNDATIONS IN SOFT EARTHS. of the soil in which the piles are driven, such a general rule as
the above is hardly to be recommended.
There arc three matarials in general use for forming an artificial Several rules for the bearing load on piles have been given,
bearing stratum in soft soils. Whichever material is employed the founded upon practical experience, and they are probably the best
bed is first prepared by excavating a trench sufficiently deep to that we can rely upon with our present knowledge of the subject.
place the foundation courses below the action of frost and rain. Perhaps the rule most commonly given is that of Maj. Sanders,
Great caution should be used in cases of this kind to prevent un U. S. Engineer. He experimented largely at Fort Delaware ; and
equal settling. in 1831 gave the following rule as reliable for ordinary pile driving.
The bottom of the trench is made level, and covered with a bed Saunders' Rule for determining the load for a common wooden
of stones, sand or concrete. pile, driven until it sinks through only small and nearly equal dis
Stones. —When stone is used, the bottom of the trench should tances under successive blows:
be paved with rubble or cobble stones, well settled in place by Safe load _ weight of v fall in
ramming. On this paving a bed of concrete is then layed. in lbs. hammer in lbs. x inches.
Sand. —In all situations where the ground, although soft, is of
' sufficient consistency to confine the sand, this material may be used 8 X sinking at last blow.
qpvith many advantages as regards both the cost and the stability of Mr. John C. Trautwine, C. E., in his pocket book for engineers,
the work. The quality which sand possesses of distributing the gives a rule which appears to agree very well with actual results:
pressure put upon it, in both a horizontal and vertical direction, His rule is expressed as follows:
makes it especially valuable for a foundation bed in this kind of
soil, as the latteral pressure exerted against the sides of the founda Extreme load cube root weight of
tion pit greatly relieves the bottom. in tons of — of x hammer
There are are two methods of using sand, viz. : in layers and as 2,240 lbs. _ fall in feet in lbs. X .023.
piles. In forming a stratum of sand, it is spread in layers of about
nine inches in thickness, and each layer well rammed before the Last sinking in inches X 1.
next one is spread. The total depth of sand used should be suf For the safe load he recommends that one-half the extreme load
ficient to admit of the pressure on the upper surface of the sand should be taken for piles thoroughly driven in firm soils ; and one
being distributed over the entire bottom of the trench. fourth when driven in river mud or marsh.
Sand piling is a very economical and efficient method of forming According to Mr. Trautwine, the French eugineers consider a
a foundation under some circumstances. It would not, however, pile safe for a load of 25 tons when it refuses to sink under a
be effective in very loose, wet soils, as the sand would work into the hammer of 1,3-44 lbs. falling 4 feet.
surrounding ground. The test of a pile having been sufficiently driven, according to
Sand piling is executed by making holes in the soil, or in the bot the best authorities, is that it shall not sink more than one-fifth of
tom of the trench, about six or seven inches in diameter, and about an inch under thirty blows of a ram weighing 800 ^pounds, falling
six feet deep, and filling them with damp sand, well rammed so as five feet at each blow.
to force it into every cavity. A more common rule is to consider the pile fully driven when it
In situations where the stability of piles arises from the pressure does not sink more than one-fourth of an inch at the last blow of a
of the ground around them, sand piles are found of more service ram weighing 2,500 pounds, falling 30 feet.
than timber ones, for the reason that the timber pile transmits pres In ordinary pile driving for buildings however, the piles often
sure only in a vertical direction, while the sand pile transmits it sink more than this at the last blow, but as the piles are seldom
over the whole surface of the hole it fills, thus acting on a large loaded to their full capacity it is not necessary to be so particular,
?rea of bearing surface. The ground above the piles should be as in the foundations of engineering structures. The common
covered with planking, concrete, or masonry, to prevent its being practice of architects is to specify the length of the piles to be used,
forced up by the lateral pressure exerted by the piles, and on the and the piles are driven until their heads are just above ground
stratum thus formed the foundation walls may be built in the usual and then left to be levelled off afterwards.
manner. Concrete. —Concrete is largely used for foundation beds in
Foundations on Piles. —Where the soil upon which we wish soft soil, aud is a very valuable article for this purpose, as it affords
to build is not firm enough to build ttie foundation upon, one of a firm solid bed, and it can be spread out so as to distribute the
the most common methods of forming a solid foundation bed is pressure over a large area.
by driving wooden piles into the soil and placing the foundaiton Concrete is an artificial compound, generally made by mixing
walls upon these. lime or cement with sand, water and some hard "material, as broken
The piles are generally round and have a length of about twenty stone, slag, bits of brick, earthenware, burnt clay, shingle, etc.
times their mean diameter of cross section. The diameter of the If there is any choice of the materials forming the base of the con
head varies from nine to eighteen inches. The piles should be crete, the preference should be given to fragments of a somewhat
straight grained and free from knots and ring strokes. Fir, beach, porous nature, such as pieces of brick or limestone, rather than to
oak, and Florida yellow pine are the best woods for piles, though those with smooth surfaces.
spruce and hemlock are very commonly used. The broken material used in the concrete is sometimes for con
Where piles are exposed to tide-water they are generally driven venience called the aggregate, and the mortar in which it is incased
with their bark on. in other cases it would not be essential. the matrix. The aggregate is generally broken so as to pass
Piles which have to be driven through hard ground generally through a 1£ or 2 inch mesh.
require to have an Lion hoop fixed tightly on their heads to pre In damp ground or under water, hydraulic lime should of course
vent them from splitting, and also to be shod with iron shoes, be used in mixing the concrete.
eitner of cast or wroughtiron. Laying Concrete.—Avery common practice in laying concrete
Long piles may be divided into two classes: those which trans is to tip the concrete, after mixing, from a height of 6 or 8 feet into
mit the load to a firm soil, thus acting as pillars; and those where the trench where it is to be deposited. This process is objected
the pile and its load are wholly supported by the friction of the to by the best authorities on the ground that the heavy and light
earth on the sides of the pile. portions separate while falling, and that the concrete is therefore
In order to ascertain the safe load which it will do to put upon not uniform throughout its mass.
a pile of the first-class, it is only necessary to calculate the safe The best method is to wheel the concrete in barrows, immedi
crushing strength of the wood; hut for piles of the second and ately after mixing, to the place where it is to be laid, and gently
1882.] THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. 5
tipping it into position, carefully ramming into layers about 12! ridges, projections, etc., and then carefully superadding to the
inches thick. After each layer has been allowed to set, it shouldI stack itself, a top-heavy, ugly, useless series of courses of over-
be swept clean, wetted, and made rough by means of a pick for• hanging bricks, to give it what he calls "a finish," which finish
the next layer. supplies the wind with a new deflecting obstacle to overcome, thus
It is the custom of some contractors to make the concrete coursesi compelling the builder to superadd another erection in the shape of
of the exact width specified, keeping up the sides with boards if! a zinc tube, or cowl, or patent something. Even uie •îtUetic
the trench is too wide. This is a bad practice ; for when the sidesi bricklayer himself, however devoted to his overhanging "finish,"
of the foundation-pits are carfully trimmed, and the concrete ram-■ must admit that the first and fundamental requireme.it in arch'ter
red up solidly against them, the concrete is less liable to be crushed1 ture is stability, and next to practical stability, that the sentiment
and broken before it has entirely consolidated. It is, therefore, or feeling of stability shall be satisfied when conteuipiatiug any
desirable that the specifications for concrete work should requirei structure. Imagine a graceful Egyptian obelisk inverted and stand-
that the whole extent of the excavation be filled, and if thei ing point downwards. However perfect its proportions it would
trenches are excavated too wide, the extra amount of concrete to■ thus become intolerably offensive to the eye, simply on account of
be furnished at the contractor's expense. the suggested instability.
Concrete made with hydraulic lime is sometimes designated as This chimney stack cornice, this aesthetic " finish " is evidently
Belon. a very mild imitation of a Grecian capital, but the modern followers
The pressure allowed on a concrete bed should not exceed oneof Ictinus and Callicrates, in brick, seem to forget that the out
tenth part of its resistance to crushing. Trantwine gives as the spreading of the capital and abacus of a column was always designed
average crushing strength of concrete 40 tons per square foot. for the purpose of giving a more stable bearing to the entablature
Foundations in Compressible Soil. —The great difficulty met resting upon it, and that a mere column with a top-heavy capital
with in forming a firm bed in compressible soils arises from the standing alone, as we see them nowadays, as Masonic candlesticks,
nature of the soil and its yielding in all directions under pressure. etc. , was an abomination unknown to the ancient Greek.
There are several methods' which have been successfully em Every such isolated steeple-like erection should, if possible, taper
ployed in soils of this kind. upwards. The leaning tower of Pisa, in spite of its exquisite
L When the compressible material is of a moderate depth, the beauty of form, and the purity of its marble, is a painful object to
excavation is made to extend to the firm soil beneath, and the contemplate on account of its apparent instability.
foundation put in as in firm soils. But the bricklayers' imitations of Corinthian capitals on our
The principal objection to this method is the expense which chimney stacks are not only apparently unstable, they are atroci
would often be very great. ously actually so. Exposed to rain and frost and wind they are
II. A second method is to drive piles through the soft soil into continually dropping one or another of their half-supported over
the firm soil beneath. The piles are then cut off at a given level hanging bricks. This brick breaks a slate or two, and then slides
and a timber platform laid upon the top of the piles, which serves down the roof to the gutter, and usually bends, or breaks, or sepa
as a support for the foundation, and also ties the tops of the piles rates it from the eaves, and thus secures a nuisance. As I said at
together. the outset this is very agreeable to the slater, but, like the frogs in
III. A modification of the latter method is to use shorter piles the fable, we poor dwellers in houses must tell the slater that what
which are only driven in the compressible soil. The platform is is sport to him is death to us.
made to extend over so large an area that the intensity of the pres Now for a practical illustration of the above. I live in a genteel
sure per square foot is within the safe limits for this particular villa residence in a very genteel neighborhood, as may be Certified
soil. by the fact that it is called a " Park." From the time of my first
IV. Another modification of the second method consists in using occupation of the genteel villa up to the 18th of January last, the
piles of only 5 or 6 inches in diameter and only 5 or 6 feet long, dining room chimney was villainously addicted to smoking at ca
and placing them as near together as they can be driven. A plat pricious intervals. On that day ("hurricane Tuesday") the tall
form of timber is then placed on the piles as in the second method. zinc tube with patent something on the top was blown over, and
The object of the short piles is to compress the soil and make it with it came much of the cornice of the stack. Since that time the
firmer. * " This practice is one not to be recommended ; its effect chimney has smoked no more. On Friday last, two other tall tubes
being usually to pound up the soil, and to bring it into a state of another stack came down, bringing with them nearly all the
which can best be described by comparing it to batter-pudding. " cornice. This time it was blown inwards, and the roof is crushed
V. Still another method is to surround the site of the work with accordingly. Up to last Friday the kitchen fire was an habitual
sheet piling (flat piles driven close together so as to form a sheet), smoker. Since Friday, when its stack cornice came down, it has
to prevent the escape of the soil, which is then consolidated by renounced the pernicious habit, but whether the renunciation is
driving piles into it at short distances from each other. The piles permanent remains to be proved. At any rate I shall request the
are then sawn off level, and the ground excavated between them bricklayer to remove all cornices from the stacks, make them
for two or three feet and filled up with concrete ; the whole is then taper like an obelisk, ae thin as possible to the smoke oulet, and
planked over to receive the superstructure. then I believe that chimney pots will be perfectly superfluous,
The great point to be attended to is building foundations in soils or if any pots must be added, they shall have no imitation of
of this kind is to distribute the weight of the structure equally over either JJoric, Ionic, or Corinthian wind-whirling capitals excres-
the foundation, which will then settle in a vertical direction, and cing around their«throats. — The Building Times.
cause little injury, whereas any irregular settlement would rend
the work from top to bottom. ■ <r Grindstones.
-1 THERE dre many simple but highly useful articles met with in
our every-day pursuits, which, from our very familiarity
Chimney Stack Cornices. with them, are held in less regard than their indispensable charac
ter clearly warrants. Chief among these, at least to the mechanic,
BY ONE OP THE UNROOFED. is the grindstone, which is the foundation stone to most of our
mechanical trades, and this place it holds in every country. In the
r HUE recent gale opened a good many of the sore places of our whole range of mechanics, with all modern improvements, there
I modern buildings, and among them the cornices of brick has been applied no mechanism or process yet able to supersede it
chimney stacks were finely displayed. With all proper apologies in its peculiar office, and it is the one tool in the mechanical arts
to my friends the slaters, who are doubtless special admirers of this that improvement has not added to nor invention displaced. It has
style of ornamentation, I venture to question the desirability of ex been said that the plow and the sickle are of equal antiquity. The
pending bricks and labor—consequently money—upon any such spirit of improvement has touched both, but left the grindstone
friable excrescences. unchanged. Its usefulness in the early ages was great, and science
The function of a chimney stack is to raise the outlet of the flue has not lessened its value by its perfection of other means for like
above the little whirling eddies of air that are produced by the in results.
terruptions of which roofs, gables, parapets, etc. , present to the The utility and importance of the grindstone could not be guessed
regular atmospheric flow. Just as the piers of a bridge make eddies by those unacquainted with its capabilities. With its even surface
in the river-stream, so do all these obstacles make eddies in the running as truly as any turned wheel, it will perform work with a
s'ream of air which we call the wind; and these eddies are down- rapidity and precision attainable by no other means, and in the
flows that produce smoky chimneys. hands of those who understand how to keep and use it, it is capa
A little reflection will show to the reflector that in order to gain ble of adaptation to intricate and fine work; but with those who
Hie object of thus raising the flue outlet, there should be the least do not understand it, it is rude, and the very opposite of what the
possible impediment to tree airway presented by the elevating de educated craftsman would select for any purpose of fine work. In
vice, whatever that may be. It should be as slender as possible, Lewis's pamphlet No. 9, he says: "It is an heirloom of antiquity
consistent with stability. The best theoretical form would be an used among us as we received it, and without any attachment or
acute cone," as narrow as possible in proportion to its height. improvement. It alone can cut and shape expeditiously that which
But how does the modern builder carry out this desideratum ? is prepared to cut and shape all other hard materials, viz., cast-
Simply by raising his stack high enough to escape the surrounding steel hardened. It is still employed to give the finest edge, the
most even surface, and the brightest polish, and is quickest to ac
* Pobson on Foundations. complish it. The emery wheel answers but few of its purposes,
THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER
Plate 2
of o^(3ldIîr#£l&.ss
\ f\ BRA&y
11
(olopici] N^V/êfc_
THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [Jan.,
and nothing we have could supply its place. The file has its own centre. And in the inner circle, ornamented with a double row of
peculiar uses, but in contact with the grindstone its thousand small minute rings and a rosette, is again elevated by a little step above
cutting edges would be reduced to polished plainess. It is useful the others.
everywhere it is found, and is still required where the finest instru Seven punches, which are shown in Figures 2—8, are used in
ments are made or the hardest metals worked. It has come to us making this pattern. For convenience only about one-half of the
as we have it, and in all likelihood will pass down to other ages the length of the punches is here shown. These are made from ordi
same—a simple circular stone revolving on an axle. nary eight-penny cut nails, with the exception of Figure 8, which
The iron-worker in the work-shop is particularly interested, or is made from a piece of stout wire. Either the head or the point
should be, in this tool ; and as it is generally one of the shop fix
tures, it receives less attention as to keeping In order than if under
some one individual charge. As the shape of the cutting edges of
tools is of as much importance as their keenness, the grindstone
should not be neglected. We are indebted to Mr. J. E. Mitchell,
the well-known dealer in grindstones, located at the corner of York
Avenue and Vine Street, Philadelphia, for some interesting facts
in this connection, and we give below the rules which his long ex
perience has proved useful in keeping this indispensable tool in
good condition. They read as follows, and deserve to be posted up
wherever a grindstone is used :— 2 0 4 & 6
Rules for the Care of Grindstones. Figs. 2-H.—tuk rusciiES.
1. Don't waste the stone running it in water, nor allow it to of the nail is used, according to the extent of punching surface re
stand in water when not in use, as this will cause a soft place, quired. Steel would be a better material for such tools. But com
and consequent uneven wear. mon iron is much easier to work, and, even when used on hard
2. Wet the stone by dropping water on it from a pot suspended wood, will stand a great deal of wear before being dulled or de
above the stone, and stop off the water when not in use. faced.
3. Do not allow the stone to get out of round, but true up with Figure 2, is a perspective view of the working end of the punch
piece of gas pipe or a " haiker. for making the bunch of grapes. It may be made in this manner :
4. Do not leave the stone out of doors in the wind and^weather, File off the top surface of the nail head smooth and true. With a
as this hardens it, and makes it less effective. small drill bore a number of shallow holes, close together, and ar
5. Clean off all greasy tools before grinding, as grease or oil range according to fancy, to form the grapes. Then, with a
destroys the grit. graver, or diamond-point tool, shown at Figure 10, cut a mnder-
0. When you get a stone that suits your purpose, keep a sample ately deep groove for the stem. And finally file away the iron,
of the grit to send to the dealer to select by, as in this way you can quite close up to the holes and groove, almost to a cutting edge.
always secure one that suits. All the filing of this set of punches can be done with a throecor-
In closing this article, we would say that not the least interesting
fact is the manner of procuring some of these stones, notably those
from Nova Scotia, where the phenomenon of the immense rise and
fall of the tides in the Bay of Fundy (between 60 and 70 feet) is
utilized for this purpose. At low tide a large stone is quarried
from the lower cliff side and chains fastened to it, passing over
scows floating alongside; as the tide rises the scows lift the stone,
and it is floated to a cove where it is stranded. When the water
recedes it is worked round, with maflet and chisel, and removed
before the next rise, which brings in another rough stone. The
operatives engaged in this business are the Acadians, direct descen
dants of the old Huguenots, who, like the product of their toil,
have made little change from their ancient primitiveness; their
quaint dress and simplicity forminga pleasant link with the past. —
The Hub.
Fig. 9.—BEST, FOB HOLDING BOX LID.
Fig. 10.—A OHAVKB, OB DIAMOND POINT TOOL.
Ornamenting Punches. nered and a half-round file. The graver, of which the cutting end
BY REV. J. L. ZABRISKIE. is shown at Figure 10, is merely a small bar of square steel, har
IT may be interesting to young amateur turners of wood, to have dened and ground with one face sloping towards one of the angles
a hint on ornamenting their work by means of home-made of the bar, so as to leave a lozenge or diamond-shaped surface,
punches. with a sharp cutting point and two cutting edges ; and fitted with
One simple example is here given which may suggest an unlim a suitable handle. On holding the punch to be cut in a vise, face
ited field for invention. Figure 1, is the top view of a box lid of up, and pushing the point of the graver, steadied by holding the
wood, cut across the axis of the cylinder from which the box is tool with both hands, one will find that a little practice will enable
made, and thus causing the ornamental pattern to be impressed on him to engrave any ordinary lines desired on iron.
the end of the grain of the wood. This surface so shown is not Figures 3 and 5, are the punches for the two sizes of leaves of
one continuous" plane, but is formed of three planes, slightly rising the grape-vine. In making them, get a smooth surface on the top
of the nail head ; cut the veins ana stem with the graver, and tile
away the outer portions of the iron to the desired shape.
Figure 4 is the punch for making the vine. Engrave a semi
circular groove rather deeply on the smooth surface of the iron,
and with a half-round or rat-tail file for the inside, and a fiat file
for the outside curve ; file away the punch nearly to a cutting
edge on either side of the groove. Such a groove in the puneli
will leave a projecting ridge on the wood, which looks much better
than a mere indentation, which would be made if the surface of
the punch were a solid segment of a ring.
Figure & is the punch for the tendril. Cut the two curves deeply
with the graver, and then file away the outside metal to correspond
with the curves.
Figure 7 is the punch for the double row of little circles. It is
made on the point of the nail. Drill two shallow holes close to
gether, and then file away the surrounding iron. And lastly. Fig
ure 8, for punching the central rosette, is made bv drilling a shal
low hole in the centre of the round iron, and then filling the gashes,
and rounding the corners of the projections, to secure the desired
shape.
In laying off the pattern, the main things to be attended to are
BOX LID OBNAHENTED WITH PUNcnES. to avoid breaking the box lid ; to space off evenly the different
parts of the design : and to secure an even depth of impression.
one above the other. The narrow outer ring is the top view of a Make a rest for holding the box lid, as shown at Figure 9. It is a
beading, which has been turned around the lid. The second short cylinder of hard wood with a smooth upper working surface,
broader ring, ornamented with the grape-vine pattern, is elevated which must be a little less in diameter than the inner cavity of the
by a small step above the first, and also gradually rises towards the box lid, and having two pieces cut from the opposite sides of the
1882.] THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. Q
lower end. leaving a tenon, which can be held in the vise. Place viding I have a talent for it ? 5th. Can a good, industrious
the box lid on this rest, in such manner that there shall always be draughtsman get employment ? My age is twenty ; I have an
a level and firm support directly under the punch. ordinary education, I understand algebra, plane and solid
Begin with punch, Figure 2. Place it perpendicularly on the geometry, plane trigonometry and conic sections. —H. F. Powell.
surface of the lid, so that the small end of the bunch of grapes shall 8. Building Construction. —Any one having a copy of " Notes
be near the point of the large circle, which is farthest from you, on Building Construction." will confer a favor on several readers
and strike the upper end of the punch with a hammer. If you are besides myself by giving a brief description in the Builder and
working on hard wood it may be necessary to strike two or three Wood worker of what the work contains. I am inf ..l ined from
blows. several points that the work is the best and most thoi.;i ;h of ii>e
A little experience will show what depth of impression will give kind. I want to know if this is the case, as I do not r ue to spend
the best appearance. Now turn the lid half around on the rest, $13.50 without
9. Saws. —Whatgetting something
number in toreturn.
of teeth —Practh
the inch at. !..
is the best torsi.deu.
'■ cut
and punch another grape bunch at the opposite end of the diam
eter of the circle. Follow the same plan for dividing the circle off" hand saws, designed for general purposes ? Also, please in
into quarters. Then it will be an easy matter to divide it into form of the best work on saw tiling, and the price ?—Youthful.
eighths. Next punch the larger grape leaf. Figure 3, allowing the 10. Back Numbers. —Can anyone furnish S. S. Yohe, Easton,
leaf stem to slightly overlap the stem of the grape bunch. Then Pa., with January, 1879, number of Illustrated Wood-worker,
make the vine with punch, Figure 4. It will be noticed that this and January number, 1880, of Builder and Wood-worker 1
part of the pattern is a reversed curve between each pair of Address, stating price asked for them.—S. S. Y.
bunches, which is made with two impressions from the same 11. Hand ratling. —I should be glad to know from anyone if
punch, by simply turingthe latter half around, to get the desired black birch makes a good handrail and balusters. — K.
direction of the curve. If the punch will not reach half way 12. AVeather Boarding—Will some member of "our family "
across the space between the bunches, the curve of the vine may give me the proper name for the tool used in marking off the ends
be made longer by sliding the punch along carefully in the track of of weather boarding. —Cripple.
the impression just made, and then striking another light blow.
Now make the impressions of the smaller leaf, and finally of the
little tendril.
If all the impressions are made to slightly overlap each other, Answers.
the final appearance will be better than it would be if small gaps
were left in the design. The punching of the double border of We wish it distinctly understood that we do not hold ourselves responsible for
little circles, and the central rosette, will be an easy matter after the accuracy or reliability of answers furnished to this department by our corre
spondents.
the vine patiern has been mastered. We cordially invite our readers to take an active part in this department, as
This description may suggest a great variety of designs, as com we arc confident that much good can be accomplished by a free interchange of
binations of leaves, flower tendrils, and other objects. And when ideas and opinions in regard to subjects connected with building and woodwork
ing.
the surrounding surface is finished with shellac and polished, such Many persons are afraid to write to a public journal because of their lack of
sunken designs give a very pleasing effect,— Young Scientist. literary attainments; to such we would say: Give us your ideas in such language
as you can command, and leave the rest to us. It is ideas and opinions we want,
such as may be of use to the architect, the amateur, and the worklngman. An
swers should be sent to this office on or before the fifteenth of each month, to
insure insertion in the next issue.
%nUvcommnnicvLtiou. 118. Building and Architecture. —"Querist" should, after
obtaining a knowledge of algebra, geometry, etc., obtain the
following books:
This department Is intended to furnish, for the benefit of all oar readers, prac Notes in Building Construction price $13 50
tical information regarding the art of building or manipulating wood by hand Gwilt's Encyclopedia 20 00
or machinery ; and we trust that every reader of our paper will make the fullest
use of it, both in asking and answering. All persons possessing additional or Practical
By Wm.Lessons
Tuthill,in A.Architectural
M Drawing. )) „6 ou
_n
more correct information than that which is given relating to the nncries pub
lished, are cordially invited to forward it to us for publication. All questions Warren's Series (3 vols.) 3 75
will be numbered, and in replying it will be absolutely necessary, in order to
secure due insertion,that the number and title of the question answered should Vogde's Prize Book _ 1 50
be given: and iu sending questions, the title of key-words of the question should Foundation and Foundation Walls 1 50
be placed at the head of the paper. Correspondents should in all cases send their By a close study of these works a fair theoretical knowledge of
addresses, not necessarily for publication, but for future reference. We also
request that all questions or answers be written on separate slips of paper, and architecture may be obtained. —Ibid.
addressed to the editor. Notes of practical interest will be welcome at all times.
When drawings are sent to illustrate answers to questions, or for full pages, they 98. "Mitre Box."—I frequently set spring bed mould so that a
should be on separate slips, and should be drawn in ink on clean, white papek. square mitre will fit, it looks as well as the crown mould, when the
Short questions, requiring short answers, may be asked and answered through ends of rafters are cut square off. Cripple.
the agency of postal-cards.
When answers to questions are wanted by mail, the querist must send a stamp 123. Glucose. —Glucose may be briefly described as sugar or
for return postage.
syrup made of corn. The pioduct is variously known as glucose,
grape, starch or corn sugar, but its chemical name is " dextrose."
Queries. It was discovered by Kirchoff, a Russian chemist, in 1809. In
general terms its manufacture consists in treating starch with
1. Placing of Brackets. —I would like to know the proper sulphuric acid, boiling the mixture, and when the composition is
way to place brackets in pairs on verandas or other work. When complete eliminating the acid by the addition of chalk or marble
there are double posts on a veranda ought the brackets on the dust. The solution is then drawn off and boiled down to the con
corner, when there will only be three posts, show two on each sistency required for either syrup or sugar. 'Before its manufacture
face 1 It seems to me that this is not right, as the two heels of the in this country the product had for many years been made in
brackets would nearly come together. Will some one who has Europe from potatoes, and we had imported it at prices ranging
noticed this matter give me their opinion on the subject, —R. E. K. from eight to twelve cents per pound. Since the successful issue
2. Cost of Buildings. —There is a "jump rule" for estimating of experiments to produce the article from corn we have built up a
the cost of buildings by the cubic foot of the building content. vast industry, and now are able to export glucose at about three
Will some reader who knows, kindly advise me as to what figures c ents a pound. It is but natural that the industry should seek the West
are used when making such estimates. —Builder. for a location, where corn is cheap, and where coal and water and
3. Stain. —Please inform me how the yellowish stain for the the other requisities cau be procured at as low, if not lower, figure
inside of drawers is made and applied '!—Engineer. than at the East. Hence it happens that there is no glucose factory
4. Steel Square. —Can any one inform me where I can pur east of New York State, but establishments have sprung up
chase " steel squares " like that one shown in "Steel square and numerously throughout the West. In fact, the prejudice which
its uses." I am anxious to get one like it, if I could find out some entertain regarding glucose does not exist in the West. Glu
where they are sold, and at what price. —Countrvman. cose syrup is there sold for what it really is, and it is stated that in
5. Saw Table. —Will some reader be kind enough to send for the Western States nine-tenths of the syrups in the market contain
publication, a design and plan of a circular saw table, suitable for hut from five to fifteen per cent, of cane sugar. The only chemical
a small shop in the country. I would like the saw to raise which enters into glucose manufacture is sulphuric acid, and this is
and lower so that it can be used for ploughing anything. — neutralized by the action of lime. A quantilive analysis conducted
Countryman. by an expert chemist might result in the discovery of a trace of
6. Filling. —I should be pleased if you would publish a receipt sulphate of lime or gypsum, but this would be of such
for wood-tilling ; one that is not expensive.— Z. infinitesimal amount as to be perfectly harmless. The strongest
7. Information. —I should be pleased to get the following argument for glucose is that its use is steadily increasing. It is
questions answered in the next issue of the Builder and Wood estimated that the present year over 300,000,000 pounds of glucose
WORKER : will be placed *ou the market, consuming 11,000,000 bushels of
1st. Which is the better paid, a good book-keeper or a good corn. This enormous product is used as a substitute for malt in
architectural draughtsman 1 2d. How much per day does a good brewing beer, as food for bees, and for the manufacture of various
draughtsman get ? 3d. I wish to be a draughtsman ; how should candies, but by far the larger portion goes into table syrups.—
I go about learning it ? 4th. AVould you advise me to learn it pro Manufacturer.
THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER II l
"Plate (\J°4
±2 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [\)an.,
128. Glucose.—If "Jack of All Trades," Querie 123, will con Water Closets, provided with porcelain drip trays.
sult December No. of Boston Journal of Chemistry, he will get the Every Fixture is securely trapped and trap-vented, and has safe
information he wants in a simple form. The article in question lined with lead underneath, the drain of which does not connect
will enable him to form a very intelligent opinion on the subject. with sewer.
The astonishing statement is there made that twelve millions of Iron Drain Pipes, tar coated, with leaded joints, hung on cellar
bushels of corn last year were used for that purpose, yielding al walls, with fresh air inlet at foot and open ventilators above the
most pound for pound of syrup and sugar. As a matter of fact, roof.
some years ago I made an analysis of all the samples of sugar and Laundries fitted up with patent washtubs.
molasses I could obtain at the groceries in a small inland town, "Wrought Iron Moist-air Furnaces, with automatic water supply.
and found every one, with the exception of some maple sugar and Hot Air Registers to the fourth floor.
white loaf, to contain large quantities of sulph. acid. Galvanized Iron cold-air ducts to Furnaces.
(). II. Glofeltt. Coal and Wood Bins in cellars.
121. —Risers and Treads. —I herewith enclose a table for deter Linen Closet and Housemaid's Sink and Closet in each house.
mining the relation of risers to treads, or treads to risers, in stairs. Speaking-tubes and Electric-Bells throughout the house.
I have used it in an extensive practice for many years, and I can Furnace Flues lined with non-conducting Terra-Cotta pipe.
recommend it to " Radius," as I am sure it will give him entire Bedroom Doors provided with night-bolts as well as locks.
satisfaction : Double Floors, deafened throughout.
All first story fireplaces arranged for open fires, with flues of
extra si/.e, and polished brass frames and fenders and tiled hearths.
Yards cemented and carefully drained.
Mirrors over second-story was-basins. Builder.
P !**■ *• P p p p 125. Soluble Glass Cements. —I submit the following for
oaoooabcib^— ocoffloaoccjbababacscc " Neff," which is taken from the Workshop Companion :
a pi «. i. CC Co K, r — p O p <S X 00 -» -! OS C! p> CJI *. f. CC CO (C <C - M O When finely-pulverized chalk is stirred into a solution of soluble
glass of 30° Baume until the mixture is fine and plastic, a cement
-*S£* -£ -30= is obtained which will harden in between six and eight hours, pos
P P P *■ *■ P p P .- r P P P P x at r! ri p p p 4. i. p jo „ „ p sessing an extraordinary durability, and alike applicable for domes
» x itj-j Sj. S« X- -,o r-. = ».E ifc^c cc x - « tic and industrial purposes. It may be used for uniting stone,
brick, etc., and for filling up cracks. In short, it seems to be ap
p p e« pt plicable to about the same purposes for which plaster of-Paris is
ccoci: «g M*rS used, but it is much harder and stronger. If for part of the chalk
some coloring matter be substituted, differently colored cements of
the same general character are obtained. The following materials
Sh.fcOB-ioo.Scax-iSfceK-joooctiMciSi.ricl, give good results:
1. Finely pulverized or livig.Ued stibnite (grey antimony, or black
sulphide of antimony) will produce a dark cement, which, after
burnishing with an agate, will present a metallic appearance.
2. Pulverized cast iron, a grey cement.
7 ^ff^ss^s^-al**^!"*****^-*^ 3. Zinc dust (so called zinc grey), an exceedingly hard grey
cement, which, after burnishing, will exhibit the wliite aud bril
r"r*p liant appearance of metallic zinc. This cement may be employed
ctc-i with advantage in mending ornaments and vessels of zinc, sticking
alike well to metals, stone and wood.
»S o - o - a 3 eo^ o * -x - a 3 » 1, oL » ~ = £ co 4. Carbonate of copper, a bright green cement.
5. Sesquioxide of chromium, a dark green cement.
6. Thenard's blue (cobalt blue), a blue cement.
7. Minium, an orange-colored cement.
8. Vermilion, a splendid red cement.
P P P r» P P Pp ? p 5 E-S 3 p p p aj -> -J 3! en w 4. 00 co » - - p 9. Carmine red, a violet cement. B. J. Z.
*2 "*S£ <°j«!* :> -s^ 120. Mortise and Tenon. —In making a tenon and mortise in
6c wood let the sectional area of both be equal, but the depth of the
PPPr'r'PPP?Ppicrnpppx-l^ppiCl.i.C0COK-«p mortise should rather exceed that of the tenon, so that the weight
may bear on the shoulders and not on the head of the tenon. Ihid.
Spxx-jppp^rftccfctcnc 127. Novelty Siding. —This is simply matched stuff, with the
o*-xoi-xb*-xbi-xbluQ
.icj.ionoMo(.jci.ibi.ieiibi.i face shoulder beveled off from the tongue a half an inch instead of
^£^5^^£^P^£."PPPPr»PPPJ'*-P«9pt-p" a bead. The back of "novelty siding" is all flush and fair as the
beveling is only done on the one side and one edge. J. T. L.
rPppS^^SSEE3EKPpppxri:ipî.4.coKii«p
co eg 5 n. o. x o co -j 0 n. 0. 5= c *.g S^s a = - 1 x S cog, 3 - e««
Correspondence.
iiK (Cm iim> IIpjo— ac -Jx Mm Mp: M Mcit Mj. [The Editor does not hold himself responsible for any opinions that appear in
* f r p r ? r' ~- p v' i- « « « w this column. Contributions are solicited from all who are interested In building
5»»»ooeaccac.eoo4a»ocoa operations, or wood-work of any kind. Letters will be judged entirely by the
^ is — _ » style of the writer, the merits of his subject, and the knowledge which' he dis
plays of it. The name and address of the writer must accompany each letter,
uot necessarily for publication, but aa an evidence of his good faith. Be brief,
courteous, and to the point.
o»*.aaSo»*ftooooto*.aQ0So»*«»So»*.aa5 [Rejected communications can in no case be returned.]
gS^StJ^Spxr.ssr^^^.^c^^
co *. »s s o o - co *. »2o|oh ojf-a^, = 3 O - CC± o.^ «g Editor Builder and Wood-Worker
fS—SpacpipCillccro^.^ pCX-JSOlfcCtfliMCl I AM a young man seeking information wherever I.can find it.
Ci -IX :C C5 . ^-fccc*-o»c:»}Xtoc^ My age is twenty-three ; have been working at theth< carpenter
trade four years and learned very little of its art and mystery ;
^ P P r*1 P never had much chance to improve, although anxious. My boss
cioij-cotCK-c — o-^x-ict: *~ Ctf Ji — o ^^ p3 p'J XX »J-1 p CJIW 4. ccCC jctC COo keeps a lot of boys and myself budging joist, laying floors, and
_ 'rppppp*»firppr»p6.s:p?-pppr>p^«pp other rough jobs that require more strength than brain, so Ihat I
coxotiiooxetisooooititoSmonmoSioik^ become <juite disgusted. One of my shopmates advised me to
leave. To take this step I thought would be imprudent, as my
total ignorance of the trade would soon Vie discovered, so that I
« 3 concluded to remain, and, if possible, cultivate my mind by some
*-W»SM©«<»MSStn*.»S»OMe»<»N«S61 Mien means, I knew not what, until seeing an advertisement about a
Book and Slide Rule, sent an order to your office for both ; then
commenced to study in real earnest.
124. House Fixtures.—I send the following for "Anxious"' At first I was a little bothered to know the meaning of the 10th
benefit. All good houses should be provided with the outfit named on the A line of the instrument, always being accustomed to
in this list: measure feet and inches with a common rule. But looking at the
beveled edge of the instrument I saw that it was divided into
1881] THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. 13
12ths. Here the whole thing became clear. For instance, if I timbers are fitted in tight and firmly bolted, and the beam turned
wished to know what part of an inch is contained in 24 tenths, over again, so that it will stay concave about two inches, other
simply bring 1 in the middle of slide against 24 tenths on the A wise the king will be of little use, as the inside pressure will soon
line, then 12 on the slide stood opposite 3 on the A line, which is overcome the king. (See Figure 3 how the king should be made.)
equal to 8 twelfths, or 3 small divisions on the beveled edge. The corner braces in Figure 1 should be made of 2x8, clear and
Again, what part of an inch on five lOths ? Bring 1 in the seasoned, so that after they are tightly fitted into the lock mortices
middle of slide to 5 on the A line, and opposite 12 on the slide is 6 they willstay tight. They should also be framed on the inside of
on the A line, or 6 twelfths, which means half inch or six small the post and sill by using 8x8 poBts and sills and 4x4 girts.
divisions on the beveled edge. There will be a vacancy of two inches between the g^rt and brace
What part of an inch is 7 tenths ? Bring 1 in the middle of in which there should be a piece of 2x4 spiked, Mid im.i' iiie brace
slide to 7 on the A line, and opposite 12 on the slide stands 8 spiked to that. The run should be 9 feet on sill and 11 on | . ft
twelfths and four parts, meaning 8 small divisions, four parts of in the corners on the frame running crossways, and in the corner-
on* on the beveled edge. on the frame running lengthways. The run shoulil 1 i feet on ."ill
These simple movements of the slide taught me to read the in and 13 feet on posts. The 4 feet run of braces i don t draw uore.
strument about the same as reading a book, and now I have no I make them about J of an inch shorter than they should be to fit
difficulty in solving any problem required in my trade. It was tight ; then after I have the building raised I make a small key
only yesterday that I was making a little brag about what I knew, and drive it in between the end of the mortice and the brace, the
when a gentleman asked could I give him the exact length of a horizontal way, which makes it tight and firm, and I claim that
hoop to go round the sides of an octagon cistern which measured this is better than a draw bore.
15 feet across any two of the opposite sides. Without hesitancy I Figure 2 represents a middle frame, which has no beams running
brought 12 on the slide to 5 on the A line, and looking for 15 on across from one side to the other ; it is clear from the floor to the
ths slide found it to stand opposite 6.25 on the A line ; thus roof. The building is held together with large tie braces, 3x12,
showing each side of the cistern to measure 6 feet 3 inches. Then clear and seasoned, and frames with lock mortices and tenons,
bringing 1 on the slide to 6.25 on the A line, and opposite 8 on the the mortices should be 2 inches deep on the inside and 24 on the
slide stood 50 on the A line, or 50 feet as the exact length of outside, which will give it a double lock. It also should be notched
hoop. on the purlinepost, 2 inches deep, and a bolt put through, and also
Here a thought occurred : why not this be applied to laying out a bolt through the lower tie. The ends of the braces should be
octagonal bay windows, instead of using great clumsy drawing spiked. The upper tie should be framed with lock tenons, as
boards for merely finding the length of sides, which the slide rule shown in Figure 4. The sills of the middle frames should be
instantly gives in the most direct manner ? For example, suppose well fastened down on to the girders, then there will be no danger
three sides of a bay window is to occupy a space of 6 feet, and of the barn spreading As the basement of bank barns vary so
we wish to know the length of each side and projection of win much in construction, and I have so little time at my disposal, that
dow from face wall. To find the answer bring 12 on the slide to I cannot give more descriptions, as location and materials govern
5 on the A line, and opposite 6 on the slide is 2.50 on the A line, the framing of a bank barn to a very great extent. I may have
or 2 feet 6 inches as length of each side in the octagon. Its pro more fo say on this subject in future numbers.
jection from face of wall found, by saying 2 feet 6 inchas J. B. Ayle.
(length of side) equals 30 inches. Then bring 2 in the middle of
slide to 30 on the D line and opposite 1 on the slide is 20J on the
D line, of 21 J inches as the projection of window. Letter from Florence, Italy.
This latter process being just the same as finding the length of a To the Editor of the Builder and Wood Worker.
brace or side of a square by its diagonal, all of which is only
the work of a moment by the Slide Rule ; so that a narrow LET me begin this letter by writing of the room where I sit.
board is quite sufficient for laying down a plan. Doors ana sashes are hand-made. The former are of some spe
Scores of other practical hints might be stated showing the use cies of knotty pine or spruce, contain each but one panel, and are
and application of the Slide Rule. To any intelligent carpenter stained a rich color, through which the grain is distinctly seen.
the necessity of learning it need not be urged. Mr. Editor, I for But I am not sure of the stain ; the effect may possibly be got by
one feel proud in having accomplished so much within a short shellac. The trimmings are unlike any we see at home, and
space of time. I can now go ahead, knowing what I am about, scarcely describable without drawings. The window is about seven
asking no odds of any one, as I am qualified to take out quantities, feet by four, and opens like a pair of folding doors, a universal
measure up work, value materials, compute interest, and other form here. The casing at the sides is about two and one-half
branches of useful knowledge, all of which I was entirely ignorant inches by three, on which the sash is hinged ; the inside blinds are
of before purchasing the Slide Rule. I do not wish appear to be hinged on the sash, the rail of the latter being about two and a half
egotistic in making a display of my newly-acquired attainments, inches square. In construction the window frame is first set and
but cannot resist the temptation of showing one or two more ex the plastering brought up plumb to make a neat job. The door
amples as further illustration of what the instrument is capable of frame is a simple molding, and very pretty, about three by three,
doing. inches, finished plumb at one side of the wall. Looking at my door
Suppose I lend a friend $350 for 12 days without interest, how from where I sit, the wall shows fifteen inches, finished in plaster,
long should he lend me $200 to repay the favor ? To find the an and painted to resemble stone. The room is papered, and five
swer bring 200 on the slide to 350 on the A line, then opposite 12 inches space is left around each door, where there is a light paper
the slide is 21 on the A line, or 21 days the answer. border. If I were to lift the carpet—Americans here have carpets,
Divide a line 7$ inches long into 18 equal parts. Bring 18 in the but the Italians get on without them—I would find first a layer of
middle of slide to 74 on the A line, then opposite 12 on the concrete ; under the bricks. All floors are constructed of bricks,
slide is 5 on the Aline, or 5 twelfths the answer. The proof— set in arches, thin bricks of, say two inches thickness and 6x12.
the dividers to 5 small divisions on the beveled edge and it will Hundreds of years ago these people began laying such floors,
divide 7$ inches into 18 parts. fiving to the arch the smallest possible curve compatible with the
If a boy hire for 90 cents a day what should he receive for } of a egree of strength required ; and they must be strong, for one
dayt Bring 4 on the slide to 90 on the A line, and opposite 3 never hears of them giving way. And now here is an article on
on the slide is 674 on the A line, the number of cents earned by the wall which deserves attention ; it is a picture frame, and illus
thejwy. trates what we have long been trying to impress upon our workers
If 3J pounds of beef steak cost one dollar, how much can you in wood, namely, art that is attainable and profitable. It is a frame
buy for 80 cents ? To find the answer bring 3.75 on the slide to 1 carved out of pine and gilded. But it would be beautiful without
on the A line, then opposite 80 on the A line is 8 on the slide, or 3 the gilding, finished in shellac. For a frame take four pieces
I ounds the answer. of pine of reasonable width and thickness, carve and join together
I would like to continue, but am afraid that I have already tres when finished. The Builder office furnishes all necessary tools.
passed too far on the space allowed, therefore I must ask your kind Nor would it be advisable to follow the patterns shown here.
indulgence, this being my first attempt. X. Y. N. Fruits, leaves, ears of Indian corn ; there are plenty of patterns
WlLLIAMSPORT, Pa. always at hand. The carvers, or " sculptors in wood" as they are
called here, are very skillful, and turn out work that is not only
wonderful to look at but marvelous in price; but then this is the
Kditor of Buildek and Woodworker : land of low prices. A piece of carving that would cost $300 in
I herewith give you the two principal frames for a " Bank New York would wait a customer here a long time for one-third
Barn," forty feet wide, and any length. It will also do to build the sum. Our people are getting rich so fast, and so turning their
any width on the same principle. attention to objects of art, that American workmen will find it to
Figure 1 represents the gable end frame ; the tie beams shonld their interest, and certainly it will be for their pleasure, to do what
be put in with a lock tennon and a key drove on top, to keep it they can in meeting the demand made upon them. To learn to
firm. (See Figure 4, Plate 8.) carve well in wood is by no means difficult ; a good head, time,
The gable end beams should have a king attached to the inside, patience and a will to succeed, are all that is necessary. Now, if 1
so as to keep the inside pressure from bulging it out. To do this go out of my room to the stairs I shall find everything of stone,
systematically the beam must be laid with the middle of the beam save the light wooden rail. Step and riser are of one solid stone,
about two inches higher than the ends, so that when the king which enters the wall at one side. The outside of this building is
ORIGINAL DESIGNS FOR DRAWING ROOM FURNITURE in "Anglo-Japanese" Style.
"Plate fvl? 7
16 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [Jan.,
composed of a coat of plaster, and it neither comes off nor does it Now we have a figuie that will, when used on the Steel Square
crack; and it will take fresco and hold it 500 years or more. A give the cuts for a hopper of any flare, either with butt or mitre
wonderful climate this for preserving the work that man performs; joints.
seemingly holding it as somelhing sacred, too precious to be de To find bevel to cut across face of board :
stroyed. I saw the other day some rare old frescoes, painted about Take A B on blade and A D on tongue, bevel of tongue is the
500 years ago, and they were still glorious in color; painted in dis- bevel required.
icinper of course, on the plastered wall of an old church. But to To find the bevel for butt joint : Take BC on blade and A D on
return to this building, which, though modern in the order of its tongue ; bevel of tongue is the bevel required.
construction is little different from those constructed in the neigh To find the bevel for mitre joint : Take B C on blade and DC on
borhood hundreds of years ago. With its thick walls, brick floors, tongue ; bevel of tongue is the bevel required.
and lack of a thousand and one conveniences, it is rather a cheer I have some other Steel Square problems which I have lately dis
less place to live in ; that is to say when one compares it with an covered and have never seen used, that I may at some future lime
apartment in New York. But there is this compensating thought : send in if you consider them worth inserting in your valuable
it is built to stay right where it is until worn out. It will never columns. Yours, L. S.
burn down. If a fire were to be announced up stairs or down, the Fall River, Mass., Nov. 14, 1881.
occupants of this apartment would not budge. They would go on
about their business as unconcerned as though the Are were in a
distant part of the city. It only costs about twenty cents on the Editorial Clippings.
thousand dollars to insure this kind of property, so you can
judge for yourself as to the extent of risk. A WRITER in a scientific paper points out some of the advan
Although Florence is situated as far north as Boston, the winters tages of double-glazing in promoting the health of homes
are proverbially mild, the Arno seldom freezing ; hence it is that in winter. Skylights, he says, ought never to be put up unless
one finds an almost entire absence of heating apparatus. In the double or double-glazed. Double-glazing answers perfectly if the
principal rooms of a house there is, usually, a sort of fireplace or sashes are grooved out for glass on each side, and are then glazed
stove, as it is called, for burning wood; but, as wood is worth about with an air space of one-half inch or more between the panes of
$15 a cord, you may judge of the amount of heat to be obtained. glass. The glass must be put in with its inner faces perfectly bright
People belonging to what we would call the well-to-do class, say and clean, and the glazing should be done on a cold, dry day. so
the families of tradesmen, do not have fires in winter. For in as not to include watery vapor, which, in cold weather, will eon-
stance, my shoemaker, who has a fine shop, is well dressed, evidently dense within the air space, and cause a mistiness. This double-
a man quite well off, as we would say, tells me that in his house glazing with an air-space makes a window almost as warm as a
there is to be found only the kitchen fire, which means a handful brick wall, and not only keeps up the temperature of a room in
of charcoal. Nor does he ever have a fire in his shop. That there winter, and saves fuel, but it keeps the room cool in hot weather
must be much discomfort is evident from the fact that some win and makes the temperature more uniform throughout the apart
ters ice forms in the Arno to the thickness of six inches. I have ment. With ordinary thin glazing in winter the inmates are always
not yet experienced an Italian winter, but the conviction is forced being chilled on that side which looks toward the window, and
upon me that this people, who have taught the world the most it baked on the side that is toward the fire. Double-glazing our win
knows about architecture, have nevertheless much to learn about dow sashes would save all this trouble.
constructing houses that are comfortable places to live in during
the winter months. But let me turn the leaf and see how they
provide for the summer, in a land where the heat is no more severe New Publications.
than it is in New York ; and here they greatly excel us: first, the
windows, which are large, and open like double doors ; then, the We deem it our duty to keep our readers advised of the publication of ail
stories are very high ; usually a parlor or dining room in a private works that wilt in any way interest them; and, with this object in view, we in
tend each month to give a lengthened notice of such new books and periodicals
house, is from twenty-five to thirty feet in height, and one never as we may think willbc of service in this direction. We shall not only give the
sees rooms measuring less than fifteen feet in ordinary apartment character of the book, and price, but will in many cases give extracts from the
houses. But one old custom, a very, very old one, I am sorry to works reviewed, so that our readers may be enabled, to some extent, to judge of
the quality of the books for themselves.
see, has not seemed to meet with favor in the building of the last [N.B.—All bookB reviewed in this column can be obtained from the Builder
fifty years. I refer to what are called the logguis on house tops. and Wood-Wokker ofticc at publishers' prices. Authors and publishers are re
The loggia is sometimes a sort of large cupola, with many quested to send in copies of works intended for review as early In the month
windows, but originally, and generally, a story occupying as possible.]
part of the roof left open at one side. These are very Home Decoration.—By Janet E. Kuntz-Rees. Appleton & Co., N. Y.,
picturesque on some of the old palaces ; but think how delight publishers. Price 60.
ful they must be on such terrific summer nights as we have in This is the seventh volume of the " Appleton's Home Books " series, and in
New York. The loggia, too, on a city house, could be built so as point of usefuluess is fully equal to any of its predecessors. This volume treat*
not to show from the street. Well, nothing but fashion has pre of art needlework and embroidery; painting on silk, satin, and velvet; panel
vented the introduction of the loggia in America. I suppose a liew painting and wood carving. The writer does not confine herself to theory,
Yorker with money enough to build a fine house would not like to though she gives such general observations as seem to be necessary at the outset
of each department of home art work, but most of her directions are direct and
confess that he might some time be compelled to spend a summer in detail. What kinds of materials to use and how to use them are told as briefly
in this city. But this letter already crowds your space. More and clearly as possible. The work abounds with illustrations, there being no
anon. C. D. L. less than 82 of them, and many of them are full-page. These illustrations are
pregnant with hints and suggestions on decoration that will surely be of Bervice
to the young housekeeper. The last chapter is devoted to amateur carving and
gives Bnch instructions for this fascinating art, as the author thinks are ne
Editor of the Builder, and Wood-Worker: cessary to enable the beginner to "rough out" some simple designs. Some of
The Builder and Wood-Worker for October last, contained the directions given are well enough in their way, but we think ttie author falls
far short of showing how even amateur work should be done. However, it is
some problems on the Steel Square by Lucius D. Gould. not to be expected that a thorough treatise on amateur curving could be crowded
Since noticing Mr. Gould's method of getting hopper cuts with in a work of 190 pages, that already contained several full anil[thorough treatises
the Steel Square, I have given the subject some attention, and with on other equally interesting matter. We hope that before the series is consid
ered complete, one volume will be devoted altogether to amateur carving. The
your permission will give the result of my study to the readers of subject, we think, is sufficiently important to home decorators to demand a.
Builder and Wood-Worker, as I think my method is simpler volume exclusively.
than that shown by the author of " Steel Square Problem." Home Amusements.—By the author of "Amenities of Home." Apple-
ton & Co. Price 60 cents.
This is the eighth volume of "Appleton's Home Books; " it contains many in
teresting and helpful hints regarding brain games, garden parties, private theat
ricals, tableau vivants and other equally amusing matters. Persons possessing
the previous seven volumes cannot well afford to do without this, for wherever
there are young folks—and we hope they are to be found in every house—the au
thor will be found a very enjoyable companion, when out-door pastimes arc
not available. Her hiuts and suggestions regarding the care of birds and other
pets are worthy of attention, and her efforts to make some of the duties pertain
ing to the management of the parlor and kitchen agreeable and pleasant, is one
of the chief evidence- of the utility of the work. The uuthor lias a very pleasing
way of presenting her ideas to her readers, this feature only being excelled by the
clearness with which she deals with her subject-.
Memory Manual.—By George Yule, Lecturer on and teacher of Memory.
Mr. Yule jlaimB in this little book, to teacli a system of memory that will en
able any * ne—young or old— to retain words, rules, figures, dates and events in
their miir. for any reasonable length of time,without the tedious and old-fashioned
The line X X in the cut represents the edge of a board ; the line method of frequent repetition. We believe, after a trial of his method, that Mr.
A B the flare of hopper. Lay the square on the face of the board Yule can make good his claim to improve the memory, if circumstances are favor
able. At any rate the method is so simple and easily followed that any one of
so that the blade will coincide with flare of hopper A B, then mark average intellect may master it in a day or two.
by the tongue the line B C, then square from edge of board X X, The Art Interchange for the Holidays, is an exceedingly fine number.
cutting the angle B. We believe this iB the only art journal that publishes colord plates from time to
1882.] THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. IT
time, and these plates, besides being of value as artistic examples, are a direct at
tempt to raise the standard of art appreciation among reader* by the use of flat Chats with Correspondents.
tint?' and simple effects. The colored head accompanying the holiday issue, is an J. B. A., who sends us the drawings for the bank barn, shown on Plate 8 of
admirable example of the good results within reach by these simple means, and the present issue, says he will be pleused to correspond with any one who wishes
would serve for a handsome wood panel or china plaque. Two pages are devoted to build a barn similar to the one shown, and will send estimates, bills of mate
lo a charming poem called " Courtship," with decorative text and illustrations rial or other information concerning the barn that intending builders may desire.
that Treat literally the words of the poem, but in a way that is at once humorous, Letters addressed in our care for J. B. Ayle will be promptly forwarded lo him.
delicate and pleading—a difficult matter in art. The number is further enriched
by an extra double sheet supplement—a cacfus design for a dress front in bead em J. S. K., Burlington.— We cannot do better than refer you J. T. L., whose vain
broidery, These supplements are all full size, and therefore immediately applic able articles on planing mills appear from time to time in this paper. He is fully
able as tracing patterns, if it be desired to work them. competent to advise you on any matters connected with wood-working machinery.
We can forward your letter to his address. We think a 20-horse power engint -
VIck'N Floral Guide.™This work is before us, and those who send 10 with ample boiler room will be sufficient for your purposes. Wiln regard to a
cents to James Vick, Rochester, N. Y., for it, will be dutapjmiUed. Instead of drying kiln, we think that one having 30,000 feet capacity would be large enough
getting a cheap thing, as the price would seem to indicate, they will receive a very for your purposes. Of course, build it of brick ; it may cost a little more to begin
handsome work of 130 pages, and perhaps 1,000 illuslrations—not cheap, but ele with, but you can see at once that it will be much better than if built of wood
gant illustrations, on the very best of calendared paper, and as a set off to the or even concrete.
whole, two beautiful colored plates that are worth twice the price of the book. S. R., Richmond, Va.—We do not know of any other works on the "Steel
Decorative Art.—We have received an interesting budget of art designs, Square 1 but the '* Steel Square and its Use* " and Steel Square Problems," that
patterns, etc, from F. A. Whiting, of Plainfield, N. J., and have arranged with are published in English. There was a small work published in Stockholm,
him to send a similar assortment, without charge,to every one of our readers who Sweden, some years ago, on the use of a right-angled instrument for the solution
promptly applies, inclosing stamp for return postage. By this arrangement, each of some "difficult problems in carpentry." The wojk contained nearly all the
of our readers may secure a set of these designs for 3 cents. Mention Tub rotes for using the square in obtaining lengths, bevels, cuts, Ac. &c. for rafters,
Builder and Wood-Worker when you write. hoppers, hips, &c, that have been published over and over again in this country.
If you know of any other work, we should be obliged to you to inform us where
we could see or get a copy. As regards veneering, perhaps the following " clip
Godey'a Lady's Book for January is full of good things. A beau ping " will answer your purpose ■
tiful steel plate, illustrating the escape of the Countess Isabella from the castle of "The art of veneering originated about fifty years ago, and was most proba
Schonwaldt, as told by Sir Walter Scott in " Queutin Durward ; " a double page bly first practiced in England. It originated in the high price of the rare and
design for a window curtain, in colors; the usual rich illustrations of dress for beautiful cabinet woods. This fact, and the actual scarcity of varities of fine
ladies, embracing the very latest fashions; a complete novel by Ino Churchill, en cabinet woods, suggested to some ingenious mind the Idea of sawing up the logs
titled ** Mock Jewels; " and a goodly collection of shorter stories and miscella of those rare and beautiful woods into thin sheets, and of covering furniture,
neous original matter. We would suggest to those who do not take it, that the doors, picture-frames, etc., made of cheaper woods, with these sheets of the rarer
Lady's Book would make a handsome holiday present to your friend. Any of our lumber, so as to produce the same effect as though the articles were made of
reader* can be supplied promptly, by leaving their orders at this office. We will solid cabinet woods, thus gaining the appearance without the cost of the more
furnish our own paper and the Lady's Book for the low price of $2.80 per annum. valuable material. It is, in fact, another application of the process extensively
As this issue begins the current year, now is a good time to send in your subscrip used in other branches of the useful arts of covering an inferior material with a
tion. The publication office is loOti Chestnut street, Philadelphia, Pa. superior one, as in gold and silver plaiiug. glass-making, and the like. Though
from a rigid artistic stand-point the use of veneers would not be approved, the
high utility of the art has made their use absolutely indispensable, and its uni
versal application has largely robbed it of the charge of being an attempt to palm
oft an inferior article for a superior one. No one supposes, for example, ti at a
Encouraging Words. rosewood piano is made of solid rosewood; yet the rosewood veneer gives all the
From R. E. E., of Boise City, Idaho.—" The Builder and Wood-\Vorkkr is artistic effect of that very costly wood.
getting better all the time, and in this place Is making friends everyday. We R. DcLong, Milwaukee.— Fof ordinary timber bridge construction we do not
look upon it as an authority on building matters and kindred subjects, and proht know of any works that would suit you better than Bell s Carpentry; price, $5;
by it accordingly." and De Volson Wood's Treatise on she Construction of Roofs and Bridges;
price. $3. The Theory of Transeverse Strains, by R. G. Hatfield, price 86, is also
A. G. S., Manchester, N. H.—*' Your Builder and Wood-Worker is the best, an excellent work, and* one in which you would find much solid information re
pluinest in description, and most practical, for this section of the country, of any garding timber construction.
work I know of, and I have ample opportunity of seeing all papers published P. S., Newark.—Your better plan would be to purchase some of the wood-
in the building Interests. $100,0OJ have been expended in this place on buildings fillers now in the market. You will be able to do work more satisfactory with
in 1881." the preparation named than anything you can improvise. We publish the follow
G. L. P., Hartford, Conn.—" By accident I ran across a copy of the Builder ing, however, which is said to be good by those who have followed it closely:
and Wood-Worker in J line, 1880, at a news store, and since that time have taken Use boiled oil and corn starch stirred into a very thick paste. Adda little Japan
it regularly. I was so pleased with it that I purchased all the back numbers, and and then reduce with turpentine. Add no eclor for light ash. For dark ash and
have had them all bound I have taken pleasure in recuinmending it to all my chestnut, use a little raw sienna, or walnut burnt umber and a slight amount of
friends who are in any way interested in wood-working, and a number of them Venetian red; for bay wood, burnt sienna. In no case use more color than is re
have subscribed. For this service you are welcome, and I will continue the good quired to overcome the white appearance of the starch, unless you wish to stain
work at the same price.*' oie wood. This filler is worked with brush and rags in the usual manner.
F. S. A., Architect, Streator, 111.--" Permit mejust hereto say that the Builder Let it dry forty-eight hours, or until it is condition to rub down with No. 0
and Wood-Worker is the best paper that comes into my office for the money. sandpaper, without being gummed up, and if an extra fine finish is desired fill
Its tile is indispeusible as a work of reference, and I do not feel able to get along again with the same materials, using less oil.
without it."
H. C, Builder, Duluth, Minn.—"I cannot let this opportunity pass without
complimenting you on your valuable journal, which is proving so useful to the Publisher's Notes.
working mechanics of this country. You adopt the correct way of conveying
good practical information 10 your readere." SPECIAL NOTICES.
G. A., Fort Monroe, Va., who sends us four subscriptions, says :—" I have de A charge of seventy-five cents a line will be made for all notices in this
rived a great deal of pleasure from your journal during 1881, and have used quite column, for each and every insertion. Copy of notices must be sent to this
a nnmberof its designs In amateur wood-work. Others as well as myself have office on or before the 20th day of each month to insure an appearance in the
been benefited by bv it";
it : and ttaUtta
that, if i« —a^nhose'
«nniwi«toH tu. ."to",^'£S 3 following issue.
it, is shown by tne new name^ I> send you, as by the fact of the renewals sent in bv
your old subscribers at thisies post.
nnat ' *
S. G., Carpenter, Portland, Maine.—"Send me the Builder and Wood For clubbing rates, see November number, page X.
worker for 1882. I must have it. It has done me hundreds of dollars' worth of
good." Bound volumes of the Builder and Wood-Worker for 1881 can now be ob
P. De L-, New Orleans, La.—" Please renew my subscription for 1882, and per tained from this office. Price, $2.50.
mit me to say that I have taken your paper from the tirrt number, and look upon
it as being the best friend 1 ever had. * * * * A number of my friends here Ant one having a complete set of " Knight's Mechanical Dictionary" for sale
are subscribers, and some of them say that " Our Journal 11 is the best adapted to cheap, may find a purchaser at this office.
Iheii w ants and capacities of any paper published."
B J. Z.. Civil Engineer, Brooklyn.—"There can be no two opinions regarding FooT-row-ER machinery, for workshop use, sent on trial if desired. W F &
the practical value of your paper to the architect, builder, operative mechanic, or John Barnes, Rockford, 111.
amateur wood-worker. Indeed, many of my professional friends in this and other
cities agree with me in the opinion that no other paper published on this conti Gray spent seven years in perfecting his "Elegy," but the time required to
nent contains so much matt-rial, of real practical value, for its price, as your get a box of Esterbrook's steel pens is just long enough to send to the nearest
journal. You aredoinga good work. May your effort* be crowned with success." stationer.
—Our readers will notice the initials as being those of our able contributor on the
" Slide Bale.*1 F. H. Clement, Rorhester, N. Y., is about to bring out a new and improved
R. N., Builder, Winnepeg, Canada.—" Your paper beats them all. It is a little pattern of jig-saw, having a frame like a hand-caw. and cast in one piece thus
in advance of what we practice here, but we are creeping up to your standard. giving rigidity and portability witho it the trouble of changing the counter shaft
Could not think of doing without the Builder and Wood-Wokkek. Send it etc.. as is now the case. Manufacturers who have seen the pattern say it is an
along for 1882." excellent thing.
G. D.. Architect, Montreal, Canada.—"The designs published in your paper
have been of very great service to me during the past year, und I deem it but Fob two three-cent stamps we will send " Hints on Estimating," a thirty-two-
proper on my part to acknowledge the benefits I have derived. You may count page pamphlet, containing rules for estimating on the cost of wood, stone and
me a regular subscriber in the future, as I have been in the past." onck work, painting, tinning, glazing, plastering, and general finish about a
G. W. K., Builder, San Francisco, CaL—" Ten of the names I send you (18) house. It gives prices of work and materials, including hardware, paints, glass,
are new subscribers, and without I had had a good paper to show them I could etc. The best liitle book of the kind ever published. We send it prepaid for six
not have Induced one of them to take it. Four out of these ten desire that back cents, or two three-cent stamps.
numbers, as far as you can furnish, be sent them. This, I think, Mr. Publisher,
is evidence enough that you publish a paper suitable to the wants of your Practical Lessons in Architectural Drawing; or. How to Make the
readers." Working Drawings for Buildings (an entirely new and original work). Illus
J. A. B., of England, and whose initials are those of a gentleman whose name trated by 32 full-page plates and 2t woodcuts, showing methods of construction
is well known on both sides of the Atlantic, says : " I am so convinced of t_e and representation. The work embraces Scale Drawings of Plans, Elevations,
usefulness of your paper that I am trying to interest builders in different parts Sections and Details of Frame, Brick and Stone Buildings, with full descriptions
of England in the Builder anu Wood-Worker. Its freshness, practicability and and a form of specification adapted to the same. Suited to the wants of archi
utility are an immense change from our English and continental publications." tectural studenu, carpenters, builders, and all desirous of acquiring a thorough
We could extend similar quotations received from our readers from a thousand knowledge of architectural drawing and construction. By Wm. B. Tuthill, A. M.,
different points, but we have given enough to show that our efforts during the architect. One large 8vo volume, oblong, cloth. Price, post-paid, §2.50. This
past five years have not been given in vain. work is having a very large sale, and is appreciated by every one that secures a
copy.
put on Westminster Hall, in London. It was made of

chestnut, of one span, and unsupported by a single col
umn, although 270 feet long by 74 wide. John Boterell
was clerk of the works. John has been dead 500 years,
but the old roof is still doing duty, and is as sound as
ever. Modern architects often take a look at the roof,
and will not believe that " every generation gets weaker
A JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ART. and wiser."
PUBLISHED MONTHLY, TTTE are frequently in receipt of inquiries for plans

V V and elevations of houses, mills, factories, etc., etc. ,
AT which conclude with the remark on a similar one—that
176 Broad-way, 3ST©-w Tort. the inquirer " is going to build a house, mill or factory,
and would like to get something from which to build, with
out being obliged to employ an architect or engineer."
PRICE. ONE DOLLAR AND FIFTY CENTS A YEAR. The Builder and Wood- Worker cannot undertake
to furnish special designs for each inquirer, this is not its
mission ; its object is to furnish such designs, hints, and
CHARLES D. LAKEY, Publisher. FRED. T. HODGSON, Editor. suggestions as may prove useful, to the practical work
man, amateur, or those who are about to build, and who
may select from the designs offered something that nearly
Newsdealers wilt please order through The various News Companies. corresponds with their wants—or their ideas of what
Subscriptions to Great Britain and the Continent of Europe. $2.00; Australia, they want—so as to enable them to give their architect
$2.50;China, Japan, Sandwich Islands, Mexico, and Cuba, $3.50; South America,
$4,50. something definite to work from. Ordinarily, the man
who does his own architectural designing pays dearly for
N. B.—Persons remitting money to this office through the post are requested his economy, whether he is constructing a dwelling-house,
either to procure a post-office order or to register the letter, and address it to the a store, or any other kind of building, as a good architect
publisher, Charles D. Lakey, 176 Broadway, New York, to wliom aU letters earns his fee in the saving of room and the arrangement
of a business character should be sad. of conveniences, to say nothing of the beauty and sym
metry of appearance imparted by his skill. Persons who
VOL. )) Old Series, XVILT. Whole Number, 178 do not employ a man whose business it is to design or
New Series, IV. [FEBRUARY, 1882.] New Number, - 2 construct buildings on recognized principles, are generally
sorry for it, and soon become convinced that they have
wasted good material by throwing it into shape with very
OUR Florence (Italy) correspondent made mention, last little regard to utility and no thought of beauty or con
month, of the strength and durability of Italian venience. They are seldom candid enough, however, to
buildings and of the lasting qualities of the materials used own up that their mistake was in not employing some
in their structure. With the Italians and other old build body to do what they ignorantly thought they knew how
ers strength and durability were essential elements in to do themselves.
every building, but unfortunately these important items
are now deemed non-essentials. Things now are much
different, for almost every building is constructed with a REGARDING the tastes displayed in home adornment
view to a sale at no distant period. The lowest bidder much has been said: connoisseurs of art are ever
gets the contract, and as a matter of course uses bricks ready to denounce whatever departs from the principles of
which are soft and mortar which never gets hard. We truth and beauty, and their labors to effect the adoption
ought not to be surprised when high walls are carried up of the lines they have laid down for guidance in this re
on slim foundations that they should come down at the spect will, we fear, not produce this desired end until the
first opportunity. So long as builders are obliged to do people have by culture been educated to see the errors in
work for prices a little above the cost of materials, so long which they have continued so long. Money merely en
will ramshackle buildings be raised and as suddenly ables us to use better materials and more costly orna
tumble. ment, and thus to dispense with unsatisfactory substi
tutes; it will never serve to put the impress of our
A LARGE part of the Colosseum in Rome, which was individuality in order, beauty, and grace in our homes.
capable of containing 87,000 persons, is still standing There are plenty of errors in taste to be found in the
and in a good state of preservation, and the part destroyed mansions of the rich, and if wealth cannot do what we
is said to have suffered more from the hands of men require, neither can intellect without special culture. It
than from the hands of time. The Greeks were particular seems to be often assumed that those who have attained
in having their blocks of stone or marble so nicely squared success, and a position in literature, science, or music, have
that cement or mortar was not required to bind them to acquired a right to speak with authority on such matters
gether. Conway says : " The time was when England as questions of taste in house adornment, yet most of us
had a reputation such as no other country at that time are aware that numbers of persons of knowledge and
possessed, for just one thing, genuineness of work." refinement—often, too, admirers of all that is good in
About twenty-five years ago I was watching some work art—are apparently content to sit down at home sur
men who were pulling down the walls of a old abbey at rounded by ugly form, bad color, and conventional
Reading, which was built in 1121. Tearing down these deformity. Many are prone to lay the blame upon the
walls was no easy task on account of the hardness of the shoulders of manufacturers for tasteless designs and gaudy
mortar. I was curious enough to test its adhesive power, colors, but forget that the producers place such goods on
and found it was not so difficult to break the stone as to the market as will appeal to the taste of the hour, and
dislodge the mortar. Eight hundred years ago, men knew thus find ready purchasers. Bad taste, though apparently
how to make mortar, and the cleck of the work was for intuitive, is mostly perverted taste, depraved by long
tunate in not being connected with a department of habituation to evil models, so, when we find manufactu
buildings. Workers in wood in those good old times rers of our household goods aiming strictly, at high art,
were as honest as their brethren who worked in stone. and attempting to advance the tastes of the people, we
During the reign of Richard the Second a new roof was consider them worthy of all honor.
20 [Feb.
IT being generally conceded that prices will be much modified or removed altogether, and a plain, bold mold
higher, the question of wages become one of consi ing substituted, if the effect is to be complete, although
deration. The cost of living is increasing greatly all over the speculative builder's cornice is not so certainly objec
the Northwest, but in no place is it so apparent as in the tionable as his center ornament.
rushing city of Chicago. The character of the city during "Having thus cleared our way and obtained good flat
the past three years has undergone a great change, or, walls and ceiling to work upon, we must now divide our
rather, its growth has been in a different direction. It is wall space to the best advantage. The proper place for
now a great manufacturing center, retaining also its former the most important and richest ornament in a decoration
power as a commercial factor. As the furniture interest is undoubtedly the frieze. Its claim for space must
is now the largest of all the mechanical industries of the therefore be considered first. Most people give way to
city, this question is one of vital importance to manufac timidity here, and make the frieze too narrow, frequently
turers, and some have been considering the feasibility of allowing only six or seven inches for a frieze to a room
moving their factories to the suburban districts beyond of eleven feet in height, under the mistaken impression
the city limits, where taxation is not burdensome, and that to put a wider border makes the room appear less
where land is more plenty aud cheaper. Here they pro lofty. This, however, I have proved by experiment is
pose to erect comfortable cottages for their workmen, not the case, but rather, on the contrary, a wide frieze
and sell on long time, or rent a nominal rates to them, has a tendency to increase the apparent height of any
with a view to having their men more satisfied with their room in which it may be placed. Sixteen inches will be
condition. This scheme seems to have had favorable a suitable space to allow for our frieze. At that dis
consideration from some of the largest manufacturers, tance, then, below the cornice a wooden molding, two
and a firm has about decided to locate its factory in the inches wide, may be run all round the room, and a simi
town of Pullman, while another firm has thought of lar molding placed twenty-eight inches above the skirting
building a factory in the new town of Garfield, where board will conveniently form the top or rail of the dado.
their men will have an opportunity of purchasing their Our wall is now divided thus :
homes, and living much better that they now do in every Skirling board 12 inches.
way. Prices are, also, gradually advancing in the Eeat, Dado 282 "■*
and operatives are beginning to get restless under the pres Kail
sure; alrea4y several movements have been made looking Filling 66 "
Molding 2 "
forward to increased wages. In Philadelphia the brick Frieze 16 "
layers have given notice that increased rates will be Cornice 6 "
asked for in July, 18S2. This is giving a fair warning,
and we hope those concerned may feel able to meet all 132 "
just demands when the time arrives. We see no reason " We have now to determine the coloring of our dec
why furniture men all over the country will not be in oration ; but as the question of color is too wide to con
a position to deal fairly with their workmen, for, as a sider in the present chapter, I propose, without discus
rule, trade has been good, continues good, and prices sion, to use a coloring which has proved satisfactory in a
above the average. room having a similar light to the one we are supposed
1 mm * to be decorating ; it is as follows : The woodwork is
Our Lithographic Illustrations- painted in two shades of a rather light citron green, with
ON Plate 9 we show a very nice cottage suitable for the narrow flat portions of the moldings picked out with
the South or Southwest. It is compact, yet roomy white. The rail molding is painted with the woodwork
and convenient. light citron, and the dado is colored olive green, several
The drawing was furnished us by S. M. Howard, archi degrees darker than the dark citron of the woodwork.
tect, Wheeling, W. Va. The cornice above and the molding below the frieze are
We have had a number of inquiries lately for designs colored white, while the frieze itself is a light tint of pea
of plain, cheap country cottages We think the cottage cock blue. The filling is parchment color and the ceiling
shown on Plate 10 will meet the wants of most of our is a lighter tint of the same. The walls being now col
inquirers. Where the bay window is considered an ob ored with these various tints, it only remains to break up
jection, on the score of cost, it may be left off and a the flat surfaces with our decoration of stencilled or
square bay built where either of the windows now ap painted lines. I give, on plate 11, a sketch of the room
pear. Mr. Howard, the architect, has not advised us as I propose to finish it.
as to the estimated cost of the building, but we should " It would be impossible to find a better or more ap
think, after a careful examination of the drawings, that propriate 'all-over' pattern for a ceiling than the beauti
it could be built in most localities, where lumber and la ful arrangement of some simple and plain fret. In
bor does not command city prices, for about $1,300. order to execute a good clean looking pattern, a stencil
On Plate 11 we show "how a room may be decorated" plate (fig. 1), accuracy of division and some time
by the use of simple lines. The drawings, text and and patience on the part of the workman will be re
ideas are by Luther Hooper, and were designed for and quired. The ceiling must be first divided into squares of
published by the English Cabinet-Maker. We give the ten inches ; into each of these squares the intersecting
description in the author's own words : portion of the fret is then to be stencilled ; this done, the
" To begin, then, the first thing is to consider the space lines indicated by dots must be painted in by hand to
we have to decorate, with regard to its dimensions. The complete the pattern. The whole should be carried out
room I am now" writing in will suit our purpose as well as in a darker tint of the ceiling color.
another. I find it to be twelve feet square and eleven The Assyrian border (tig. 4 in this plate) has sug
feet in height ; it also has a large bay window facing the gested the lines of the frieze. To carry out this por
west and letting plenty of light into the room. Having tion of the decoration a stencil-plate (fig. 2) will be re
ascertained the measurement, the next thing is to prepare quired for the ornament, but the dividing lines and bor
the walls and ceiling for the coloring, and to consider the der must be painted by hand. To vary the effect as
space to be allotted to each member of the decorative much as possible, we will make the lines and ornament
scheme. If the room is in an ordinary middle-class house, stand out strongly in white on the peacock-blue ground.
there will most probably be a ' horror ' in the shape of a For the filling, the plate fig. 3 must be used in various
* center ornament ' to the ceiling ; this must be removed, positions ; some skill will be required here to place it in
as it is sure to be out of harmony with any artistic orna all directions, so as to get the "all-over" effect shown in
ment we may apply. The cornice, too, if floral, must be the drawing. The difficulty might be lessened by having
22 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [Feb,
a plate cut containing a group of three or four figures ar which side of the belt is best to run next to the pulley? I am in
ranged instead of only one, as in the illustration, although the habit of putting the flesh next to the pulley when I put on a
I think the best result is to be obtained by using the lat new belt, for a long experience has taught me that a new belt will
pull more with the flesh side next the pulley than the hair or grain
ter. Any small bare spaces that remain when the space side. The way 1 came to this conclusion was in putting two new
has been covered by the stencil work may be filled in by belts on the same machine with as nearly as possible the same strain
hand with various-sized dots and circles. It will be seen on each, and for fear I might be wrong changing from one side to
that the suggestion for the filling, as well as a portion the other, and putting both belts under the same conditions. This
I consider to be the very fairest test I could give them.
of the frieze, has been taken from a fragment of terra 1 know there is not one machine in fifty that will draw a belt
cotta. both sides alike. One side will draw on and the other off in al
The filling should be kept very subdued in color, so as most every machine, and that is the reason why I change the belts
not to interfere with any drawings or objects of art to from one side to the other to test their pulling qualities, and I have
which it may form a background. Here, again, a darker invariably found thnt a new belt will draw most with the flesh side
next the pulley, and when left to use my own judgment in the
tint of the parchment color should be used, although the matter, I always put the flesh side in to start with.
difference between the ground and the pattern must not After a belt lias been used a while and become pliable by oiling
be so telling as in the ceiling. occasionally, I turn it over and use the other side. This gives me
The pattern of the dado may with good effect be worked the wear of both i-ides of the belt. I will give you my test of the
wearing qualities of belts as it came under my own experience and
in a rather dark brown upon the olive green. The observation. 1 was using a heavy machine on nearly all solid oak
dividing lines must be set out with care and painted by timber, and we were obliged to work the mill right up to its fullest
hand, as may also the alternate small squares between the capacity, running constantly ten hours per day, only stopping long
perpendicular lines. The pattern (fig. 4) then stencilled enough to sharpen knives. I put on two new belts off from the
same roll, and as near as possible alike; one the flesh side and the
in the intervening squares will complete the dado. other the grain side in, and I could see no difference in the wear of
Having finished the d:ulo, our decoration will be com the two after a long, and in this case as nearly as possible, a fair
pleted, although we have by no means exhausted the ma trial. I consider this as fair a test as it was possible to give two
terial we had to use. I think; if such an experiment was things under the very same conditions. I told this to a great ad
carried out, the result would be a very pleasing and cheer vocate of putting the grain side in, and he said there might have
been fifty per cent, difference in two belts, but I could not see
ful room, especially if it were furnished in the way indi there was, after examining both very closely to see if there was any
cated in the sketch, and for which furnishing there are difference. I considered it a good test, and hence came to the con
such facilities in the present day of artistic furniture, clusion that as far as wear was concerned one side was as good aS
decorative crockery, and Japanese and other objects of the other to the pulley, and having tried the pulling qualities under
the very same conditions, 1 became convinced that the flesh side of
art, to say nothing of peacock's feathers and artificial a new belt will pull the most. I don't want anybody to take my
sunflowers. word for it, but go through the same process of reasoning I have,
On plate 12 we show a design for a dining-table, by viz.: actual experience, and I am sure lie will be satisfied with the
Ed. Dewson, of Boston. We also exhibit four European result. Theory is one thing and actual experience is another. I
Continental chairs. No. 1 is in what the French call the know all or nearly all belting is riveted to use the grain side in, but
if a belt is icell riveted, the rivets will last as long as the belt does.
" Anglais-gothique " style. No. 2 should be built of oak, Some concerns put in iron rivets, dipped in a solution of copper.
relieved in ebony, and stuffed in dull crimson velvet. No. These do not wear well either side up. I think the best possible
3 is a quaint, comfortable chair, and is especially suited way to buy belting for economy is to order lrom some reliable
for dining-room purposes. No. 4 is a very fine chair, with manufacturer the very best he makes, with no long laps in it, and
of even thickness throughout, making a special point in regard to
a " smack " of the " early English " style about it. its being of even thickness, for if a belt is of uneven thickness, un
Plate 13 shows a very handsome design by S. N. Small, less it is very tight, it flaps up and down every time the heavy part
of Boston, Mass. comes round, and will not do near as good work as if it was of
On plate 14 we show two designs, one for a "specimen uniform thickness the whole length.
case," and one for a corner cabinet. These designs are by A belt should be balanced, so to speak, as well as the machinery
which it drives. Furthermore, belting should be well stretched
an amateur, who has also execuled the work. before being put on. The annoyance of stopping fo take up a new-
Plate 15 also shows a piece of amateur work by the belt every little while is very unpleasant, and when we come to take
same gentleman. into account the loss of time and cost of lacing or other appliances
Plate 10. This plate is reproduced by request of a for putting-a belt together, it amounts to a considerable sum before
a belt is thoroughly stretched. If this was applied to some very
number of young readers, who do not seem to thoroughly simple plan to stretch a belt all it ought to be before it is put on,
understand the process of dovetailing. much would be saved not only in time but money directly.
Fig. lj No. 1, is an elevation of the common dovetail- One advantage gained in ordering a first quality belt made for
joint ; No. 2, a perspective representation ; and No. 3, a the special place wanted, aud being uniform throughout, is, that it
plan of the same. will be straight, which a great manv times is wanting in those
taken from a large roll, and if anything is unpleasant it is to see a
In all the figures, the pins or dovetails of the one side belt going over a pulley like a letter S.
are marked A, and those of the other side are marked B. There are so many methods, patent and other ways, of fastening
Fig. 2, Nos. 1, 2, 3.—In these the lap-joint is represent a belt, that any advice would be almost superfluous. I will give
ed in plan, elevation, and perspective projection. my views on the subject, however, and then each one may do as he
pleases. I saw some time ago in the Buii.dek and Wood Workek
Fig. 3, Nos. 1, I, 3. —In these figures the mitred dove advice from a man who said a good lacing was the best way of
tail-joint is represented in plan, elevation, and perspective mending a belt. I say it is a good thing if there is only one
projection. The dovetails of the adjoining sides are lacing in a belt, but veiy expensive if more than one. If more than
marked respectively B and C in all the figures. one scarf, glue and rivet, by nil means, and if a belt can be well
Fig. 4, Nos. 1 and 2, and Fig. 5, Nos. 1 and 2, show the stretched before being put on, I would say scarf and rivet without
glueing, because one joint so riveted will outlast a great manv
modes of dovetailing an angle, when the sides are in laced or hooked joints. I should do this to all heavy belts any way.
clined to the horizon, as in a hopper. The pins of the If anybody will just try scarfing and riveting his cylinder belts,
one side are marked A, and those of the other side B, on he will be more than satisfied, and will eventually scarf and rivet
all the figures. all his belts; and as far as economy is concerned, I think riveting
is cheapest. But whatever you do never have but one open joint.
On light belts I like Blake's belt studs as well, if not better, than
anything I have ever used. With them a belt runs very evenly
Planing Mills. over a pulley (if properly put in), and unless a belt is very tight,
BT J. T. L. will outlast a great many lacings, besides having the advantage of
being used over and over again, thereby making them a great deal
I SELDOM see anything written about "Belting," and 1 pro cheaper than lacing. The flat steel hook has an advantage over a
pose to occupy a little of your space by giving my views on heavier class of belling than I would like to use, Blake's studs in,
the subject. hence there is in my mind no direct competition between them. If
I know that I shall agree with some and disagree with others, I used lacing, I would in all cases, light or heavy belting, use two
and probably parties are about evenly divided on this one point — rows of holes directly opposite each other, with a single lace iu
each hole. A belt is very much less liable to tear out the holes in methods employed for the preservation of timber, such as kyaniz-
this way than 'where a single row of holes are used and a double ing or creosoting, and the timber used for foundations should be
lacing put in. I will tell you the way I lace with two rows of treated by one of these methods.
holes. Put the belt together and pass the lacing down through the The advantage of timber is that it will resist a great cross strain
inside holes, or the holes nearest the end, then pass up through the with very trifling flexure, and therefore a wide footing may be ob
ou'side, and in going to the next row pass down through the inside tained without any excessive spreading of the bottom courses of the
holes again, and, as before, up through the outside ones, and so on masonry. The best method of employing planking under walls is
till the bell is finished. Stop the ends well, and this style of lacing to cut the stuff into short lengths, which should be placed acmss
will give you good satisfaction. In closing this article let me say, the foundation and tied longitudinally by planking laid to the width
it is great economy to buy the very best you can find, and, greater of the bottom course of masonry in the direction of the length of
still, to order of good reliable manufacturers the best that they the wall and firmly spiked to the bottom planking. Another good
make. I consider the raw hide lacing furnished by Lovejoy, of method of using planking is to lay down sleepers on the ground
Lowell, Mass, the best in market. and fill to their top with cement, and then place the planking on
the level surface thus formed. For the cross timbers 4 inch by 6
inch timber, laid flatways, will answer in ordinary cases.
The Stability of Structures.
BY F. E. KIDDER, B.C.E.
III.
Foundations on Piles (Continued).
EXAMPLE of pile foundation. As an example of the method
of determining the necessary number of piles to support a
given building, we will determine the necessary number of piles
to support the side walls of the warehouse (of which a vertical
section is shown in the figure 1). The walls are of brick, and the
weight may be taken at 110 pounds per cubic foot of masonry.
The piles are to be driven in two rows, two feet on centeis, and
it is found that a pile 20 feet long and 10 inches at the top will sink
1 inch under a 1,200 lb. hammer, falling 20 feet after the pile has
been entirely driven into the soil. What distance should the piles
be on centers lengthwise of the wall?
By calculation we find that the wall contains 157 1-8 cubic feet of
masonry per running foot, and hence weighs 17,306 lbs.
The load from the floors which comes upon the wall is:
From the first floor 1,500 lbs.
" second floor .1,380 "
*' third floor 1,380 "
" fourth floor 790 "
" fifth floor .- 720 "
" sixth floor 720 "
" roof 240 "
Total 6,730 lbs.
Hence the total weight of the wall and its load per running foot
is 24.036 lbs.
The load which one of the piles will support is, by Sander's rule,
1200 X 240
36,000 lbs.
8X1
By Trautwine's rule, using a factor of safety — of 3 the safe load
would be
'20 x 1,200 X 0.23
V 18.63 tons.
2x1 + 1 or 41,730 lbs.
Then one pair of piles would support 72,000, or 83,460 lbs., ac
cording to which rule we take.
Dividing these numbers by the weight of one foot of the wall and
its load, we find that by Sander's rule 1 pair of piles will support 3
feet of the wall, and by Trautwine's rule 3i feet of wall; hence the
piles should be placed 3 or 31 feet on centeis.
In very heavy buildings heavy timbers are sometimes bolted to
the tops of the piles, and the foundation walls built on these.
In Boston, Mass., a large part of the city is built upon made land,
and hence the buildings have to be supported by pile foundations.
The building laws of the city require that nil buildings "exceeding
35 feet in height shall have not less than two rows of piles under
all external and party walls, and the piles shall be spaced not over
three feet on centers in the direction of the length of the wall."
As an example of the load which ordinary piles in the made land
of Boston will support, it may be slated that the piles under Trinity
Church, in Boston, support 2 tons each, approximately.
For engineering works various kinds of iron piles are used; but
they are too rarely used for foundations of buildings to come within
the scope of these articles. For a description of these piles the
reader should consult some standard work on engineering. A very
good description of iron piles is given in Wheeler's Civil Engineering,
and also in Trautwine's Hand Book.
TLANKINO FOR FOUNDATION BEDS.
In erecting buildings on soft ground, where a large bearing sur
face is required, planking may be resorted to with great advantage,
provided the timber can be kept from decay. If t lie ground is wet w
and the timber good, there is little to fear in thin respect ; but in a 'Cross êctiOpJ
dry situation, or one exposed to alternations of wet and dry, no de-
pendance can be placed on unprepared timber. There are several of £ topi c 1
rRONT CLCVATION
1 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER
26 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [Feb.,
WALLS. All base stones shall be well bedded and laid edge to edge; and
FOOTING COURSES. if the walls are built of isolated piers, then there must be inverted
In commencing to lay the foundation walls of a building it is arches, at least 12 inches thick, turned under and between the
customary to spread the bottom courses of the masonry consider piers, or two footing courses of large stone at least 10 inches thick
ably beyond the face of the wall, whatever be the character of the in each course.
foundation-bed, unless, perhaps, it be a solid rock-bed, in which The Boston Building Laws require that the bottom course for
case the spreading of the walls would be useless. These spread all foundation walls resting upon the ground shall be at least 12
courses are technically known as footing courses. They answer two inches wider than the thickness above given for the foundation
important purposes :— walls.
1st. By distributing the weight of the structure over a larger FOOTINGS OF BRICK FOUNDATIONS.
area of bearing surface, the liability to vertical settlement from the In building with brick, the special point to be attended to in the
compression of the ground is greatly diminished. footing courses is to keep the back joints as far as possible from
2d. By increasing the area of the base of the wall, they add to the face of the work, and in ordinary cases, the best plan is to lay
its stability and form a protection against the danger of the work the footings in single courses; the outside of the work being laid
being thrown out of "plumb" by any forces that may act all headers, and no course projecting more than J brick beyond the
against it. one above it, except in the case of an 8 inch wall.
Footings to have any useful effect must be securely bonded into Figs. 5, 0, 7 and 8 show footings for walls varying from 1 brick
the body of the work, and have sullicient strength to resist the vio to 3 bricks in thickness.
lent cross-strains to which they are exposed.
FOOTINGS OF STONE FOUNDATIONS.
As the lower any stone is placed in a building the greater the
weight it has to support, and the risk arising from any defects in
the laying and dressing of the stone, the footing courses should
be of strong stone, laid on bed, with the upper and lower faces
dressed true. By laying on bed is meant laying the stone the same
way that it layed before quarrying.
In laying the footing courses no back joints should be allowed
beyond the face of the upper work, except where the fooiings are
in double courses, and every stone should bond into the body of
the work several inches at least.
Unless this is attended to the footings will not receive the weight
of the superstructure, and will be useless, as is shown in Figure 1.
In proportion to the weight of the superstructure, the projection
of each tooting course beyond the one above it must be reduced, The bricks used for footings should be the hardest and strongest
or the cross-strain thrown on the projecting portion of the masonry that can be obtained. The bottom course should in all cases be a
will rend it from top to bottom, as shown in Figure 2.
double one.
" Too much care cannot be bestowed upon the footing courses
of any building, as upon them depends much of the stability of the
work. If the bottom courses be not solidly bedded, if any rents or
vacuities are left in the beds of the masonry, or if the materials
themselves be unsound or badly put together—the effects of such
carelessness are sure to show themselves sooner or later, and almost
always at a period when remedial efforts are useless.'*
INVERTED ARCHES.
In structures where the weight of the superstructure is sustained
by a number of piers, it is often advantageous to connect the base
of the piers by means of inverted arches, as they serve to distribute
ng the weight of the structure evenly over the foundation bed.
The form of the arch is commonly that of a semi-ellipse, or ap
bridges and the like, the proportionate increase of bearing surface proaching
obtained by the footings is very slight, and there is generally great The archesto it.
risk of the latter being broken off by the settlement of the body of if of brick should be at least 12 inches thick.
the work, as in Figure 3. It is therefore usual in these cases to
give very little projection to the footing courses, and to bring up
the work with a battering face or with a succession of very slight
setoffs, os in Figure i.
1Z1
□nr. In using inverted arches, care should be taken that the outer
JZ arches have sufficient abutments, otherwise the thrust of the arch
may push the wall against which it abuts out of a perpendicular.
FOUNDATION WALLS.
Fig 5 Foundation walls should start below the reach of frost, and
should be carefully bonded together and made as solid and compact
as possible.
The bottom courses are often laid dry, and the remainder in
Fooiings of undressed rubble built in common mortar should cement mortar. If made of stone they should not be less than 20
never be used for buildings of any importance, as the compression inches thick, and if of brick never less than 12 inches in thickness.
of the mortar is sure to cause movements in the superstructure. If In ordinary foundations it is only necessary to provide a wall that
rubble must be used, it should be layed with cement mortar, so shall not be crushed by the weight of the superstructure. The work
that the whole will form a solid mass; in which case the size and ing strength of the foundation wall can easily be determined by
shape of the stone is of little consequence. multiplying the area of its upper surface in square feet by (i tons
In general, footing stones should be at least 2 by 3 feet on the for brick-work, 2\ £ tons for common rubble, and for good coursed
bottom, and 8 inches thick. rubble, by A of the crushing strength of the stone it is built with.
The Building Laws of the city of New York require that the For wooden buildings, an eighteen or twenty inch rubble wall,
footing under all foundation walls, and under all piers, columns, or twelve inch brick wall is generally used.
posts, or pillars resting on the earth shall be of stone or concrete. In soils of sand, gravel, or loam, the wall is generally built with
Under a foundation wall the footing must be at least twelve inches both sides vertical ; in clay soils either the inside or outside of the
wider than the bottom width of the wall, and under piers.columns, wall is generally battered.
posts or pillars, at least 12 inches wider on all sides than the bot In such a case it would of course be better to batter the wall on
tom width of the piers, columns, posts or pillars, and not less than the inside, if the room is of no object.
18 inches in thickness, and if built of stone, the stones shall not be For brick and stone buildings, the foundation walls are generally
less than two by three feet, and at least 8 inches thick. from 8 to 12 inches thicker than the wall next above them.
In New York city the laws require that all foundations shall be 21. Covering Desks and Tables with Cloth. —I should very
built of stone or brick, laid in cement morter. much like to know how to make the paste, glue, or mucilage that
Stone foundations shall be at least 8 inches thicker than the wall cabinet-makers use when covering desks and tables with cloth,
next above them, to a depth of 16 feet below the curb level, and leather, or enameled cloth. —Amateub.
shall be increased 4 inches in thickness for every additional five 22. Gilding. —I should like to know if good gilding can be told
feet in depth below the said sixteen feet. Foundations of brick from bad, and how?—Hoaxed.
shall be at least 4 inches thicker than the wall next above them to 23. Walnut Stain. —I want a reliable receipt for making a wal
a depth of sixteen feet below the curb level, and shall be increased nut stain for pine or white wood. Is there such a thing in exist
four inches in thickness for every additional five feet in depth be ence? If so, I would like to see it, as I believe there are about
low the said sixteen feet. 100,000 receipts that are unreliable.—Doubtful.
The Boston building laws make the following requirements in 24 Glazing. —Will some person who knows, inform me which
regard to foundations. is the best way to put in glass—to bed in with putty, or back it in.
DWELLING HOUSES. -J. L. N. M
Dwellings not exceeding 35 feet in height, the foundation walls, We notice that several of the foregoing querists seem to think
laid with block stone with horizontal courses, or with brick in ce that it is a favor to them to be permitted to ask their questions in
ment, shall not be less than 16 inches thick. Walls exceeding 35 this department. Now we wish all our readers to understand that
feet, and not exceeding 55 feet, foundation walls, if of block stone, we consider it a favor to us to be permitted to publish their ques
not less than 18 inches thick, and if of brick, not less than 16 inches tions. We are always pleased to publish these questions, and are
thick and laid in cement. equally glad to receive replies to them. The more questions we
Walls exceding 55 feet in height, foundation walls, laid with get the more we like it.
block stone or cement, not less than 20 inches thick.
Foundation walls laid with irregular rubble work, shall be one- Answers.
fourth greater in thickness than that required for block stone walls. We wish it distinctly understood that we do not hold ourselves responsible for
BUILDINGS OTHER, THAN DWELLING HOUSES. the accuracy or reliability of answers furnished to this department by our corre
spondents.
Walls not exceeding 35 feet in height, foundation walls shall be We cordially invite our readers to take an active part in this department, as
of block stone in horizontal courses not less than 24 inches thick. we are confident that much good can be accomplished by a free interchange of
ideas and opinions in regard to subjects connected with building and woodwork-
Walls exceeding 35 feet in height, foundation walls of block
stone, not less than 28 inches thick. liany persons are afraid to write to a public journal because of their lack of
Foundation walls of buildings other than dwelling houses, and literary attainments; to such we would say: Give us your ideas in such language
not exceeding 35 feet in height, in the city of Boston, may be built as you can command, and leave the rest to us. It is ideas and opinions we want,
such as may be of use to the architect, the amateur, and the workingman. An
of irregular rubble stone, one fourth thicker than block stone walls; swers should be sent to this office on or before the fifteenth of each month, to
provided that when such foundation walls are laid on piles, the insure insertion in the next issue.
lower course shall be of block stone. 1. Placing Brackets. —When brackets are placed in pairs, it
is usual to place a pair over each post or standard, and as a matter
of course it would take one or two pairs on the corner, according
to the way the posts are divided. If, as R. E. E. says, there are
three posts, then there should be four pairs of brackets; if there
Tin - department is intended to furnish, for the benefit of all oar readers, prac is only one post on the corner, then two pairs of brackets are all
tical information regarding the art of building or manipulating wood by hand that will be required. If the brackets are put up singly, then
or machinery ; and we trust that every reader of our paper will make the fullest each one will take the place of each pair on the corner. —Neff.
use of it, both in asking and answering. All persons possessing additional or 2. Cost of Building. —General or approximate cost of build
more correct information than that which is given relating to the queries pub ings per cubic foot, as architects estimate it: Cottages, factories,
lished, are cordially invited to forward it to us for publication. All questions
will be numbered, and in replying it will be absolutely necessary, in order to and workshops cost about 9 cents; small country house and mid
secure due Insertion,'hat the number and title of the question answered should dle class houses 12 to 18 cents; mansions, mainbuilding, 2*2 to 35;
be given; and in Bending questions, the title of key-words of the question should mansions, servants' quarters, stables, etc., 12 to 22; churches and
be placed at the bead of the paper. Correspondents should in all cases Bend [heir chapels not less than 13; lunatic asylums, work houses, and the
addresses, not necessarily for publication, but for future reference. We also
request that all questions or answers be written on separate slips of paper, and like, 15; town-halls, law courts, and such that corporatians build
addressed to the editor. Notes of practical interest will be welcome at all times. for our use, over 25. For my part, however, I would not care to
When drawings are sent to illustrate answers to questions, or for full pages, they take any building costing over $500, for sums obtained by this
should be on separate slips, and should be drawn in ink on clean, white pater.
Short quesUons, requiring short answers, may be asked and answered through mode of estimating. —Neba.
tbe agency of postal-cards. 3. Stain. —Take 1 quart of alcohol, 3 ozs. of ground turmeric,
' When answers to questions are wanted by mail, tbe querist must send a stamp li ozs. of powdered gamboge. When this mixture has bten
for return postage.
steeped to its full strength, strain through fine muslin. It is then
ready for use. Apply with a piece of fine sponge, giving the
Queries. work two coats. When it is dry, sandpaper down very fine. It is
13. Brick Cottage. —Will some of your clever contributors— then ready for varnish or French polish, and makes an excellent
Mr. Hopkins, Mr. Dewson, Mr, Angel], or Mr. Howard—kindly imitation of the most beautiful satinwood.—Gauge.
publish a design for a neat brick cottage, suitable for a village or 4. Steel Square.—Steel squares, such as " countryman " asks
country town, and to cost about $1,500. —G. A. Z. for, may be obtained from Chas. E. Little, 59 Fulton street, New
14. Car Building.—I should feel obliged if some competent York, N. Y.—Neff.
person would answer the following questions: 1st. Is tbe business 6. Filling. —This question has been answered many times in
of manufacturing box. freight, and platform cars overdone? 2d. tbe Builder and Wood-Worker, in one way or another, but I
Can cars of the above kind be built cheaper where iron is abund don't remember of having seen the following receipt. If Z will
ant than where it has to be imported ? Where can I procure try this one, I think he will be pleased with it. Take one quart of
works, books, etc., upon car building. —II. E. W. boiled linseed oil, one quart of spirits of turpentine, and the same
15. Tool Chest. —Would some friend give me some illustration quantity of Japan dryer, then mix with 1J pounds of corn-starch.
as to how to make the most convenient tool chest for framing and Apply to the work with a good stiff brush; when nearly dry but
joining tools.—J. B. A. not sticky, rub off with a clean cloth, after which let stand until it
16. Slide Rule.—Would some reader of the Builder and is hard dry, then rub down and varnish or polish as may be re
Woodworker be so kind as to tell rac whether there is more than quired. —Neff.
one kind of slide rule, and, if so, which is the best, and what num 7. Information. —In answer to II. F. Powell, I may say, that
ber.—J. B. A. after an experience extending over thirty years as a draftsman, I
17. Books. —As I am desirous of getting a work treating on archi have come to the conclusion that : 1st. A good bookkeeper gets
tectural instructions, I would like if some experienced friend would better paid, in the long run, than a good draftsmnn. 2d. The pay
inform me through the Builder and Woodworker what work of a good draftsman ranges from two to eight dollars per day, ac
would suit my experience the best. I have all the experience needed cording to location ana character of work. 3d. Enter an archi
on barn-building, but not much on house-building. I would like tect's or engineer's office for two or three years, giving yonr ser
something that treats on country and village houses in plain terms. vices in retu n for instruction. 4th. No. 5th. Sometimes. A
-J. B. A. knowledge of algebra, plain and solid geometry, plain trigonome
18. Wood-filling. —What is the proper way to fill and polish try and conic sentences, is all very well, but there are many other
wood of all kinds. —Cripple. things besides these required tomiike a first class draftsman. Tem
19. Rises and Treads.—Will the person sending the table of perance, industry, originality, and constructive ability, are just as
rises and treads last month to the Builder and Woodworker necessary qualities in the make up of a good draftsman as a
please give an explanation of how the table is operated? I cannot knowledge of all the physical sciences. —H. Weitz.
understand it without further explanation. —Blockhead. 8. Building Construction. — "Practical Builder" need have
20. Baker's Oven.—I would consider it a favor if some brother no fear in investing his $13. 50 on the three volumes of Notes on
reader would give a description of the best method of building a Building Construction, as I am sure he will find them superior, for
baker's oven. I intend to build a brick oven about 14 by 14 feet, practical purposes, to anything he ever purchased in the shade of
and would like to have the opinion of a competent man. —Mason. books on building. They treat on the theory and practice of con-
30 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORkER.
struction in wood, iron, brick, stone and concrete, giving rules, they do possess some capital it is easy enough for them to journey
stated methods and manner. The strength, chemical qualities, to the nearest port, and by paying cash for the first lot establish
adaptation and durability of materials used. Paints, glass, limes, themselves in credit at once.
slate, and every other material used in buildings of any kind, are Having hired a workshop and timber-yard, and having got in
described and discussed in a common sense practical way. Plumb some stock, and put up a signboard, callers, sooner or later, drop
ing, drainag and every thing required to be known concerning the in, and by and by the difficulty only is to keep out of buying.
completion of a building receives a fair amount of attention. There is no necessity to enlarge upon this circumstance. Credit is
The volume sare copiously illustrated with excellent engravings easy enough to secure. Having fairly established themselves, and
throughout, and the whole work is full of good, useful and prac the first contract approaching completion, the new starters seek for
tical information. —Builder. fresh work, and then they enter into one or two more contracts, as
0. Saws. —Eight teeth to the inch on a cross-cut saw is the best the case may be. The ready opportunities afforded by the easy
number for general purposes. —J. Z. N. terms of credit create fictitious capital and unwise confidence, and
9. Saws. —Try eight teeth to the inch. I find this number fo if the building trade is in a busy state the new firm will quickly
answer best for general purposes. " Holly's Saw Filing," price 75 have grown wonderfully large.
cents, is the best book on saw filing I know of.—Neff. But what about the profits that are being made? A very great
11. Hand Railing.—I have put up several "rails "of "black number of uneducated and unqualified men enter into the building
birch " and find it works very nice. It has a very fine grain, and trade, and such men are not the men to trouble themselves with
if well seasoned will not warp or twist out of shape. K should very nice calculations. Many of them may be good practical work
not use the wood unless perfectly dry. It makes handsome balus ing men, but a good deal more than this is required to make tip the
ters. The wood grows darker with age.—Detroit. elements of success.
11. Hand Railing.—If "K"gets good dry " black birch," he Let us turn aside from the building trade for a moment, and.con-
ought to be able to make as good and as handsome a rail as though sider whether the attainment of profit is an easy task in any trade.
he made it of mahogany or walnut. Black birch works nice in That it is an easy task in any trade will, I think, be strenuously
the lathe, and can be finely polished.—Stair Builder. denied by those who are making the effort.
12. WuATnER Boarding. —The name of the tool "Cripple" It is a very difficult task to make profit in the building trade, and
speaks- of, is called in this State (Indiana), "Jack " or " Siding for this reason ; the builder who successfully competes for a con
Hook."—J. Z. N. tract has usually given in the lowest estimate in competition with
several others. But, even if estimates did not vary a great deal,
The Building Trade- Its Conditions and its what rate of profit would any merchant expect to get who had to
compete in writing with several others for every order he took? A
Profits. very small rate, I fear. Yet this is precisely the sort of competition
BY AN OLD BUILDER. that a builder has to endure.
IP I were asked to name a business which requires for its proper Nor are the difficulties of estimating to be entirely embraced by
conduction the possession—in a degree equal at least to that of the fact of a severely existent competition. There exists the further
any other business—of capital, energy, patience, experience, and fact that, although a builder may conscientiously run out each sep
technical ability, I should certainly name the building trade; if I arate item on his bill of quantities, a thing which he should but
were desired to name a business in which the profits to be realized does not always do, his profit is, after all, very much at the mercy
were in the least proportionate to the amounts turned over and the of a large number of unreckonable circumstances. It should be
risks incurred, I should have no hesitation in adhering to my first borne in mind that the greater part of his work is carried on under
selection; and if I had to repeat all I know concerning the amount the strictures of a very one-sided but apparently perfectly legal
of capital with which many builders do commence in business, the document which he is nearly always required to sign. This docu
narrow limit of knowledge which many possess, and the loose, ment contains a number of clauses which are eminently unfair, and
reckless way in which they enter into large and important con which it is really not intended should be enforced, but which are
tracts, it is more than possible I should not lie believed. If I were kept at hand, often enough for the purpose of being able to tyran-
to go still further into this question, and give out a few facts of nously enforce the execution of an unfair desire. What is to be
which I am aware concerning the ways and doings of speculative said of the fairness of such a clause as that which requires that
builders and their intimate connections—loan societies and building " all the wood shall be of the best quality, and free from coarse and
clubs—it is possible that I should be advised to confine my atten loose knots, sap, shakes, and all other defects? " Yet this is an
tion to the writing of pure romance, and not to enter within the every-day clause, and one the fulfillment of which a builder, taking
prosaic limits of a trade essay; and yet what might be regarded by a contract, would certainly be required to sign his adherence to.
some as l)eing little better than romance must have, I feel sure, en It is not to be wondered at that the liquidation lists contain the
tered upon the experience of others as a convincing and most disa names of builders out of all proportion to those of every other busi
greeable fact. ness. The profits of a builder cannot, under these conditions, be
I regard the building trade as being one which is sharply divided otherwise than very small, and most assuredly the risks he incurs
into two divisions—building by contract and building upon specu are exceedingly great.
lation. Sometimes a builder assimilates the two; but this is not the So much, then, for the position of the contracting builder.
rule ; and when the assimilation takes place it rarely happens that Now let us briefly discuss the surroundings of the other man—
the contracting party can hold to its existence amid the seductions the speculative builder. It is, perhaps rather difficult to decide
and entanglements of the speculative portion. upon an exact specimen, because speculative building is nearly al
I decide to consider the position of the contracting builder the ways carried on under conditions peculiar to the town or place at
first, for the reason that I regard his business as being the more le which the work is being conducted. It is my special desire to com
gitimate of the two. ment upon the position of the speculative builder, who is reliant
It would, of course, be a very ridiculous thing to suppose for a upon some local building society furnishing him with money.
moment there did not exist a very large number of builders in the When such a builder decides upon putting up some property his
country who are perfectly able to deal with their businesses in first step is to secure a piece of building land. lie prefers to buy
every way, and who are also equally master of their financial posi this land " in chief," because this is the easiest plan for him on
tion. An abundant number of such men are to be found in all of financial grounds . He pays rather more for his land on this account ;
our large towns, and in our smaller towns they are sprinkled about but he does that all round, for the same financial reason.
here and there; but these men stand forward as being very distinct It is rather tight work for him during the early progression of
examples from the great bulk of the rest. They are usually men the works, because he finds it difficult to pay wages, in the absence
who have put into their business such an amount of unremitting of advances from the building society into which he has entered
toil and ability as would be almost certain to make the success of himself. However he gets his first advance somehow very early
anything they took in hand. They are not the representatives of a on, and he manages to keep going. These early advances cost
class; they are selected examples of success, such as are to be found money—backsheesh money—but he has made up his mind to this.
in any and every sphere of life. It is the position of the ordinary He decides, perhaps, to economize this cost by clippings saved from
contracting builder which is to be'eonsidercd. the quality and quantity of the materials he will introduce into his
The first thing to be said about this class is that it is a very easy buildings. When the work has got fairly started its conducion is
thing to commence in business with a capital say of £50. With a matter of comparative easiness. Advances of money come in
£100 or £200 he can make quite a show, but my experience is that from the building society, and the payments required to be made
very few start in business with anything like so large a capital as is for the materials employed can be deferred.
represented by the larger of these sums, unless they succeed to a The sole objects of the speculative builder—lam re ferring, per
business. I should say that the generality of builders commence haps, to a bad but unfortunately numerous sample—now are to
practically without any capital, and that they do so as a rule to hurry on the work as rapidly as possible, to build as cheaply as
carry out some work for a relation or a friend, who is prepared to possible, regardless of all inferiority, and to borrow ns much
assist, them a good deal with ready cash, without which they might money as he can from the building society. He hopes, in fact, to
not be able to pay the first few weeks' wages. make his profit out of the surplus represented by the difference be
The obtainance of timber is not difficult, inasmuch as, being twixt the cost of the completed buildings and the money advanced.
likely to be more or less known in the town at which they establish He relies upon that surplus for his profit in nine cases out of every
themselves, they can obtain the wood they require from a local ten, because he knows perfectly well that there is little hope of his
dealer, under the promise to pay for it " out of the first draw." If finding a purchaser for his miserable property.
1882."] THE 6UIL.DER AND WOOD-WORKER.
Certain readers of this paper may feel inclined to discredit these made a dam with hvdrauhc cement thus treated. It was good
assertions, believing possibly that no building society could afford material originally, but the wrong mode of working it made poor
to be so stupid as to advance upon the property a greater sum than masonry. His dam leaked, and failed from no other apparent
it cost to erect ; but the hypothesis is upset by the fact that these cause.
societies have done it in hundreds—nay. in thousands, of cases, Mr. Rudisch explained several forms of lime kilns, including the
and with this result: that nearly every one of the building societies modern continuous kilns. It made the best slacking to add the
to be found in our large towns is hampered with the possession of water at two stages. The exact relation of the silica and of the
a lot of untenanted "Jerry " built property, which they would only carbonic acid which was supplied, to the pure lime, to make a
be too glad to dispose of at a third of the money they have ad strong atony mass again, had t>cen the subject of much experiment
vanced upon it, but a great deal of which would be declined by and varied practice on large and small scales. If the sand was
property buyers if it were offered to them for the half. In the past mixed with lime before the water was supplied, it made poor mor
building societies may have amassed huge profits by bringing into tar. Yet our best cements were made by grinding the lime and
force practices of reckless trustfulness and semi-peculation, but silica together before the wetting.
the supposed profits are found to have been of a most visionary R. d'Heureuse said it was an interesting question what propor
character. tion of magnesia made the best lime. It was agreed that a little
It is not a pleasant task, neither is it a peculiarly interesting one, magnesia made an improvement, but the dolomites of this island
to expend labor in detailing a lot of evidence of the doings of those and the vicinity made very inferior lime, from the presence of too
who have been associated with the putting up of " Jerry " prop much magnesia.
erty. Most of the facts are abundantly known. If the builder has Professor Keith explained the nature of the artificial stones used
committed crimes, the societies have suffered. It is not necessary for pavements. Lime was too cheap to bear long transportation.
to express wonder at the former or sympathy with the latter. The Users often gave too little attention to the quality. The best lime
question only is. what profit is the builder likely to put together was burned at a moderate heat. The carbonic should be driven
under such conditions of trading as those to which I have made from all the forms of carbonate at only a moderate heat. Lime
allusion? He is less likely to make his business profitable than is was often injured by the vitrification of a portion of its con
the contracting builder, and he is distinctly more liable to meet stituents.
with disaster. There is always at his elbow the ready chance that Lime was indispensable to the assayer's art. Beds of phophates
the society from which he is borrowing his money may take panic were used in a large way in refining metals.
at his doings and suddenly stop supplies, a stoppage often enough
lightly veiled under the promise of further advances to be made
when"the work has more nearly approached to completion. His
liability to disaster is increased by the kinetic forces brought into Cabinet Making by Machinery.
operation by reason of his impecuniosity. He must keep moving BY AN OLD HAND.
forward. To finish up his present and commence no further
speculations is to cause a kind of foreclosure, which he cannot at IT must be admitted that machinery has been of late years an aid
all bear up against. His existence is to be prolonged only by con to the cabinet maker.
tinuous action, and he is thus hastened into further speculations, Working by machinery means the application of machinery to
which possibly his senses tell him are not calculated to prove pro every part of the work, as far as practicable, from the cutting out
fitable. until the job is ready to put into the cabinet maker's hand, prepared
Roughly enough outlined, these two cases are illustrative of the for him to clean off and put together.
positions of perhaps two-thirds of the contracting and speculative There are machines made which embrace the whole of the opera
builders of the country. tions necessary for this planing, squaring up, morticing, tenoning,
If the positions are, as I have had to represent them, unfortu dovetailing, molding, shaping, in fact all that is required to be
nate, I can only regret my inability to suggest a plan likely to lead done.
to an amendment. Palliative measures would, I think, be the most It is not within the province of these chapters to enter into a de
likely to result from restricted credit. tailed description of these machines, and it would be invidious to
name any particular one, seeing there are so many good makers.
The reader can refer for such information to various trade journals
and illustrated catalogues which are issued, containing descriptions
Polytechnic Disciission. and prices. From them they will be able to select the machine
AT a meeting of the Polytechnic Association of the American In most adapted to their requirements. There are also opportunities,
stitute, New York, the regular subject, "Lime," was opened for those who wish, to see machines at work at any of the works or
by Dr. Vanderweyde, who presented the generally accepted theory agencies of the various English and American makers. Where cab
for the format ion of limestone proper : and presence at early periods of inet making by machinery is adopted as a system, each firm gener
a strong solution of lime and an atmosphere strongly filled with car ally makes one kind of work a specialty. One firm may devote their
bonic acid, all at a high temperature. The solid particles of car attention to drawing-room furniture ; another, dining.room ; whilst
bonate, produced at the surface by the contact and chemical union again another, bedroom furniture. This may again be divided ; but
of these elements, settled and formed at the bottom beds of lime it is enough to point out that by doing this, quantities of the same
rock proper. Marble was a later formation from the aggregation article, having the same design, can be run at one time. Where this
of the remains of minute shell fish. He explained the principal is the case, each machine would be in charge of one operator, and
forms of sulphate, the combinations of sulphuric acid with lime, a great deal of the adaptability of the machine resting with him,
plaster of Paris; also phosphate of lime, inorganic, apatite, and there would be greater scope for this ; the larger the quantity, as it
organic, the beds of bones in South Carolina, being used as fer is of the utmost importance that where machinery is adopted, it
tilizers. should be used to the fullest extent and greatest advantage. The
All stone is soluble. The limestones and marbles are quite first thing necessary is to have all the wood cut out for the work.
appreciably so. The marble columns of Oirard College have the For the guidance of the workman, working drawings are fur
flutes on the outer side appreciably duller to-day than those on the nished by the draughtsman. These are generally drawn full size,
inner side. The outer side is more exposed to the soluble effects having all the required sections marked on same. Care must be
of rain. taken that wood suitable for the job is selected, and that it is cut
He bad been at some pains to test the rain water trickling down out sufficiently large to allow for working.
on the outside of the columns of Girard College. When it was This can be done with an ordinary circular saw in the usual way.
concentrated by boiling to one-fourth its natural volume, the ordi The saw used for this purpose should be run in a table about nine
narily sensitive test, oxalate of ammonia, showed distinct traces of feet long, and having sufficient width and room for cross-cutting.
lime "in the water. That lime had been dissolved from the solid It should also be fitted with a sliding fence, adjustable with a screw
substance of the column. But marble was sufficiently durable for to the various widths required for running out narrow stuff, such
ordinary buildings. It would probably stand in this climate as framing, drawer fitting, and the like. After being cut out, the
twenty centuries. wood should be exposed for some time to the air, so as to ensure its
Professor Dunn explained the theoiy of mortar. Roasting in being thoroughly dry. Too much care cannot be taken to avoid
kilns drove out the carbonic acid from the carbonate of lime, the possibility of warping or shrinking in the work when finished.
whether in the form of limestone, marble, that form of carbonate Neglect of this causes trouble, and depreciates the value and ap-
which is sometimes called alabaster—though the term is more cor I pearance of the work when finished.
rectly applied to the sulphate alabaster— oyster shells, etc., and Before proceeding with the machining, all necessary gluing should
made quicklime, oxide of calcium more or less mingled with other be done, all the joints and edges shot at a joining machine, joints
mutter. The manufacture of mortar simply allowed the quick made, slippings and facings glued on. The first operation now is
lime to again resume its form of carbonate, but it would not do it to have all the wood planed on one side at the planing machine.
successfully and make strong work exeept by a liberal distribution This, as every cabinet maker knows, ha* for its object surfacing
of silica. the wood, so that it shall be perfectly straight and level, or as it is
Cement tended to "set" rapidly. It could be prevented from technically called, "taking it out of winding." This is done by
setting by hoeing it over in a mass, but work made from cement passing the wood over the planing machine, a good idea of which
. thus retarded was inferior. He cited the case of a gentleman who can be formed by comparing it to an inverted plane, the bottom of
34: THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [Feb.;
the plane answering to the top of the machine. The plane-irons or chinery," and purports only to give a general idea of the same. By
cutters are fixed on a revolving spindle, which works toward the mere description it is difficult to do more than this, as, for each
operator. The wood having been made perfectly true and straight, particular kind of work, there musit necessarily be that which is
it has now to be brought to the thickness. This is done in the same adapted to it, the choice of which must rest with those who have
machine by lowering the beds below the cutters, the wood being the work to do.
passed through under rollers which keep it in its place ; this ensures Reference has been made to the means of getting what is required
perfect evenness and uniformity, which is essential to all good work. from some of the numerous makers of woodworking machines who
The wood is now ready to be brought to the finish sizes in width vie with each other for the distinction of placing before the trade
and length. The face edge being shot perfectly straight and square, machines suitable for every class of work. The stimulus given to
the wood can be cut down with a circular saw on a table similar to the cabinet lrK.de these last few years is unquestionably the intro
one already described, fitted with a parallel gauge to the required duction of a better era for all concerned ; and whether it is the
width. For cutting to a length, a circular saw mounted on a spin manufacturer or the workman, all will participate in the increased
dle, working in a traveling frame set perfectly square, is generally benefits. The public, too, will find that what they purchase is both
used, one end being cut square ; the other end can be cut to the serviceable and ornamental, having at least some distinct lines
length required by means of an adjustable gauge. These remarks which will give the work a claim to be called in truth "Art Furni
apply to wood wtiich is flat and square ; but for all shaped or scroll ture."— Cabinet Maker (Eng.).
work a band or gig saw is used. This is a machine which is well
known, from the small saw used for fret wood to the largest in use
for the heavier cabinet work, such as chair work and the like. Here
the shaping or variety machine comes in to our aid, as by its means Yentilation of Halls of Audience.
almost any given line can be shaped with the greatest nicety and ex AN able and exhaustive paper has lately been presented to the
actness. American Society of Civil Engineers, on the ventilation of
But " the framing " in the job has to be morticed and tenoned—an halls of audience, by Mr. Robert Briggs, C.E. It appears from this
operation done by various machines in different ways, but all hav paper that a man in health and at rest requires for breathing 480
ing the same object. From the working drawing, which is gener cubic inches of air per minute. The inhaled air, in American sum
ally drawn full size, the lengths and sizes can be taken, and the mer condition of 70" Fah. and 70 per cent, of hygrometry, or about
work marked out and prepared for tiie machines. There are also 1"? per cent, of its volume of aqueous vapor, and 0 04 per cent,
dovetailing machines : these are of varied construction, and al of carbonic acid, will, when exhaled, be found to contain nearly
though used by some firms, are not so generally adopted as other three times as much vapor and nearly 100 times as much carbonic
machines, the difficulty being to cut a dovetail consistent with the acid, and to have lost one-fifth of the oxygen inhaled, while the
principles of strength. Whilst marking off the work, all parts re temperature will have risen to 90° Fah. But, contrary to the
quiring to be turned can be marked off for the turner, and passed teachings of some authors, the exhaled air will be about 3 per cent,
over to him. In these operations especially will be seen the advan lighter than it was before being breathed. The carbonic acid does
tage of having a number of the same pattern and design, as it saves not, as some believe, separate and fall to the ground, but it is in
the constant shifting of the machines, and means a saving of time separably mixed with the breath.
and labor. Breathing is not the only means through which inhabited air is
There are also machines for boring and dowelling, which can be vitiated ; insensible perspiration adds one-fifth or more to the car
done when the work is ready, such as dowelling on columns, bor bonic acid sent out with the breath, while an average of about two
ing for spindles, or any work of this kind. There are many minor pounds of water per day evaporates from an adult man at rest and
operations which can well be done by machines adapted for the awake, and both add to the contamination of exhaled air.
purpose, such as ploughing, grooving, and rebating, for it must be Now, if it be accepted that air is unfit for breathing after hav
remembered that, as far as practicable, the work ought to be done ing once been in the lungs, it seems that about one-third of a
by machinery, and the greatest possible advantage reaped there cubic foot of air per minute is required by each person. The in
from. Up to this point the same rtsults have been obtained as ternal temperature of the body being nearly 100° Fah., it is essential
those achieved by ordinary handwork, with a very great saving of that the surface should radiate heat, and that the air thus heated
time and labor, and having the advantage also that every part is should pass off. Small portions of ammonia and gases, with float
treated alike. The wood has all been '• thicknessed," squared, and ing organic matter, dust, and smoke in the air, with the proba
sized correctly, mortices and tenons right size and depth, so that bility that the origin of disease is only found in the germs of liv
the work shall fit and be true and substantial when put together, ing organisms that subsist on the decomposing organic matter
with all the joints well up and close fitting. This is the character suspended in the atmosphere, are important facts in estimating
of good work, whether wrought by hand or machinery ; and it is the quantity of air required for perfect ventilation. It seems,
evident that it can be obtained to a greater degree by the latter. therefore, that at least four cubic feet per minute are required,
The class of work now being made admitting the use of solid wood and that this quantity would amply ventilate a single person if
( as for instance American ash, American walnut, wainscot oak, it could all be devoted to his use exclusively.
and the like) is particularly adapted for machine work, not only Passing now to the subject of practical ventilation of halls of
iu the putting together, but also in the molding and ornamenta audience, it appears that each individual of an audience cannot,
tion of the same. This can be done before giving the work to the by known means, be supplied with his quota of four cubic feet per
cabinet maker. minute, which woold, if made to pass upwards along his person
Whatever moldings or ornamentations are required can now be while standing, sei;ve to perfectly ventilate him ; it further ap
worked. For this purpose there arc various classes of machines, pears that in a room continuously occupied by persons in health,
not only for running moldings on the straight, but also on any or at least not affected with offensive diseases, as much as 30 cubic
giveu line or shape by means of the shaping or variety machine feet of air per minute must be properly introduced for each indi
already referred to. There are also machines for different kinds vidual. A desirable capacity for the chamber seems to be 1,000
of incisings and ornamentations, which can be used with good ef cubic feet of room for each person, but audience halls average no
fect. It is almost superfluous to say that by the judicious applica more than 200 to 300 cubic feet to the person, and therefore con
tion of these the value and appearance of the work is enhanced. tain only about six to teu minutes' supply of air. This smaller
This comes properly from the designer, as we have already noticed capacity docs not seem to be a very important defect, provided a
that on the working drawings as supplied by him are given all the systematic supply of air, at a proper temperature, and in a desira
sections and details for these various moldings. For all straight ble state of humidity, is properly introduced and distributed. The
moldings, cutters are used fitted to a revolving spindle, working last part of the problem, as here stated, is the important difficulty
either vertically or horizor tally. These cutters can be made to any to be overcome.
required section, so that practically there is no limit to the intro The system of air introduction through perforated floorings is in
duction of moldings as far as working is concerned. Here there operation, and has been for twenty-four years, at the Houses of
is a decided superiority over hand labor and the use of the ordi Parliament, London, although it is thought to be " embarrassed
nary molding planes, it being almost impossible to produce by in its action by singularly unmechanical and insufficient appara
baud many of the moldings worked by machinery. The fineness tus for warming and supplying the air."
of the lines, and the exact production of the section required, is In other systems the standing difficulty is the establishment of
what gives effect to work done iu this way. Another advantage In local currents which produce unpleasant sensations in those per
the method referred to is, that if moldings are worked in the solid, sons who are exposed to them, and the desideratum has been and
there is no danger of their being knocked off, as would be the case still is to supply an effective quantity of agreeably tempered air in
where the molding is rebated and glued on. The work, after hav such away as to be imperceptible to the audience.
ing these moldings worked, is now ready to give out to the cabi As regards the comparative effects of gas and electric lighting
net maker. He rinds all the preparatory work done for him, and we are told that " the vitiation of air by electric light, arising from
he has only to proceed with the cleaniug-up previous to putting the the slow combustion of the carbon, is too insignificant to form any
work together. element in considering the ventilation." The ventilation of
In such work as carcass work, after getting the carcass together, churches that are heated by furnaces in the cellars beneath the au
the doors and drawers (where required) would have to be put to dience can be partially done by removal of air at or near the floor,
gether and fitted. How this affects the workman need not be dis but no large ventilating shaft from the upper part of the room is
cussed here, as this is merely a sketch of " woodworking by ma admissible as a means of natural ventilation.
188-2.] THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. 35
Natural processes can be only partially successful in ventilating very important, and is one on which great diversity of opinion ex
audience rooms. Success " can only follow the complete adapta- ists : so that we do not feel sanguine of being able to decide in such
lion of mechanical appliances and apparatus, as well as of struc a manner as to attach to our opinion the whole, or even any very
tural arrangements, to the ascertained wants and requirements of great majority, of those who may care to discuss the views ad
the individual composing an audience." vanced in this article.
Fans of the disk pattern are recommended as being from 10 to The question indeed is. after all, one of opinion rather than of
15 per cent, more effective than the common incased fan. The clearly definable fact, and yet more so is it one which is regulated
speed of the fan should be such as to impel the air in the ducts at by circumstances. That the question—or at least the economical
the rate of 600 feet per minute, while the ends of the ducts should part of the question—is one more of opinion than of fact is assured
be fitted with baffling boxes so that the air may leave the box at a by the reason that no builder can accurately know what his joinery
velocity not exceeding 120 feet per minute at a distance of one foot work does cost him when he manufactures it himself. lie may in
above it. deed be able to make a pretty shrewd guess at the cost; but, after
Box coils, as they are called, consisting of horizontal pipes in all, his calculation is nothing more than a guess. We will occupy
closed in a chamber, are best for indirect heating (ventilation) ; little space by pointing out our reasons for urging this.
while vertical coils, thougli less efficient by 20 per cent, are prefer A builder buys a parcel of deals, which he intends to use for the
able for office heating. making of joinery-work, and when he has them piled in an open
The efficiency of well exposed steam pipes with steam at 3G to manner (so that the wind can season them) for some time, he selects
40 pounds pressure is given as three cubic feet of air heated from out a number, and has them sawn into boards and reared on his
zero to 100" Fah. per square foot of surface, or five cubic feet "perches" to dry. Here, as a rule, we have two elements of cost
from 50° to 70° or 80°. entirely lost sight of ; first, the cost incurred by the lapse of time
For direct heating by coils placed in the rooms to be heated one whilst the process of seasoning was being conducted; secondly, the
square foot for each 80 cubic feet of space within the Walls of an increased value of the selected deals, which follows by reason of
exposed room, but special provision must be made for doorways the incurrence of loss arising through the rejected deals being
and open passages. eventually employed for purposes for which an inferior and less
The cross section of steam supply pipes should have one circu valuable brand would do equally as well.
lar inch area for every 500 feet of effective heating surface, en- 1 The deals, now boards, being "perched," a precisely similar cost
larged , Jff for each foot from the point of first distribution or is added to the joinery work constructed from them, when the sea
branch from the main. The condensed water or return requires soning and selecting processes have been repeated. Considerable
one half as much. Flow mains should rise vertically to some labor will now have been spent upon the wood—we do not refer to
point where they can be drained or tiapped, and then descend half the labor of sawing, because this work may have been, as it mostly
an inch in 10 feet to the end. is, done at a public saw-mill, and therefore the cost is to be reck
Boilers of the common tubular form require one square foot of oned (although we strongly suspect that in counting the cost of an
healing surface to each 9 square feet of coil surface or radiators, article of joinery work the cost rarely is accurately reckoned)—but
or one square foot of grate surface to 270 of radiating surface, the the labor of piling, selecting, removing, and repiling will have ne
trrate and heating surface of the boiler being as 1 to 80. cessitated some expenditure. It may have been 2i or 5 per cent,
Chimney flues 50 feet high should have an area one-tenth of the upon the first cost of the wood; it is more likely to have been 7^ or
grate surface, and 100 feet high, one-twelfth. The maximum even 10 per cent. ; however, as in no two instances is it likely to
quantity of coal consumed will not exceed 8 pounds per square have been precisely the same, it can only be guessed at roundly.
foot per hour, while for six months in the year 20 to 30 pounds per When, however, the labor charges of the joiner for making the
24 hours per square foot will suffice. required a tides have to be f >rmed into an item of the cost of the
A fan delivering 20,000 to 40.000 cubic feet of air per minute production, the estimator, in the generality of cases, is in a very
will require from 20 to 60 pounds of coal per hour. No allowance hopeless position. It may be argued that the workman would will
need be made for steam to drive the fan where buildings are ingly engage himself on piece.vork ; but as against this must be
warmed and ventila'ed, as the exhaust steam will be utilized for placed the fact that not only has the builder n > time to spend over
heating purposes. making a number of special contracts with his workmen, but there
The author says, " steam heating apparatus in all its details, as is also to be considered that a builder is constantly requiring his
used in America, is peculiarly American," and "as practiced here, men to leave off their work, and undertake some other task of im
is not fully known or used in England or France, and but little mediate necessity. It also happens that it is ah exceedingly rare
more known in Germany."—Scientific American. circumstance for builders to engage their joiners on piecework
terms. Thus, as a ma ter of fact, the cost of the labor of con
structing joinery work i-. not reckoned out. It is guessed at some
AT a recent meeting of the Engineer's Club, of Philadelphia, times, and at other times, and very often, it is " lumped."
This being the case, the data for argument as to the comparative
the secretary read a detailed description of the moving of cost
the Hotel Pelham, corner of Tremont and Boylston streets, Boston, ratherofarehomemade and bought joinery work are destroyed, or
not fully furnished, and so' the difficulty of comparison
for the purpose of widening Tremont street. The hotel is built of in this respect is very materially enhanced.
freestone and brick, 96 and 69 ft. frontage. The Boylston street One more item of cost may, however, be noted, and that is that
wall is supported on 8 granite columns 12 ft. high, 3 and 4 ft. the joiner takes ready
square. There is a basement and 7 stories above the sidewalk. of wages, and does notmoney every week for his labor in the shape
allow any discount to be deducted there
Height above tramways upon which it was moved, 96 ft. "Weight, from. Of course, it is not expected that he should; but the point
5,000 tons, exclusive of furniture, which was not disturbed during of cost is worth noting, as we
removal, as also were not the occupants of the stores on first floor cost of construction it is one ofare of opinion that in reckoning the
and some of the rooms. The general arrangements for moving very frequently lost sight of; andthose small items of cost which are
other items of cost present them
consisted of heavy and substantial stone and brick foundations for selves as we write, of which are the charges always necessitated
iron rails and rollers, and the building was forced to its new posi by the finding of room, light, warmth,
tion by 56 screws, two inches diameter, half-inch pitch, operated workman to labor, and although taxation etc.. so as to enable the
is trifling it is some
by hand against timbers, arranged to uniformly distribute the thing.
pressure against the building. Many of these items appear at first to he merely trivial ; but col
Much care and ingenuity was displayed in the details of the ar
rangements and work. Two months and 20 days were occupied in lectively they represent no inconsiderable portion of the cost of the
preparation, but the actual time of moving was but 13 hours and finished article.
40 minutes ; the greatest speed was 2 inches in 4 minutes. The ingBut we have sufficiently argued upon the impossibility of arriv
at the exact cost of the homemade production. Possibly, the
hotel moved about one-eighth of an inch at each quarter turn of manufacturer, who makes and sells joinery work wholesale, can
the screws. The whole distance moved was 13 ft. 10 in. not—although he is continually occupying himself with estimating
Four thousand three hundred and fifty-one days' labor was re the cost of produc ion—accurately arrive at the cost. That he can
quired for the work. The whole cost was $30,000. This is the gauge it much more accurately than tne builder will, of course, be
largest building that has ever been removed, although larger have admitted.
been raised, which latter is a much simpler and less risky operation. We have then to inquire what are the probabilities, or rather
The complete success of this undertaking is shown by the fact that what are the certaintie , which assure us that the wholesale maker
cracks which existed in the walls prior to removal were not can prod
changed by the operation. Paper was pasted over them before doubt theice a joinery article at a less cost than the builder? No
most powerful help to the production of cheap joinery
commencing, so that if any change occurred it might be seen. work is an abundance of machinery immediately applicable to the
various required purposes. For instance, there is the steam mor
tising machine, which, in the hands of a boy trained to its constant
Is it Advisable for a Builder to Manufacture His working, gets through an immense amount of work; and there is
Own Joinery ? the tenoning machine, the cross-cut circular saw, the trying-tip ma
chine, and the luavy planing-machine, most or all of which may
THE question as to whether it is more economical for a builder be found in the workshops of the larger joiners, but most or the
to buy ready-made joinery, or to manufacture it himself, isl greater part cf which are" not to !->e found"in the workshops of the
J ©II MIT® in JffiUMElFiYo Kate I 6

DOVETAI L JOINTS.
/'i\f./.. I."/, Fiq.'J.JM: Fio.;i..\n.
/>>. . v* 2 . Fig. 3.\?3.
Fi<,.3..V?4.
s
Feb., 1882.] THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. 37
smaller, or even moderate-sized builder'. When the machines are Mechanic's Lien* : How Acquired and Enforced.—A treatise
possessed by the large builders, they are rarely kept in full work, referring to and citing the latest statutes and decisions, and designed for general
and when worked they are usually worked by men. At the large circulation among Lawers, Builders, Mechanics and Owners. To w hich is added
an Appendix of Forms. By James T. Hoyt of the New York Bar. Price $3.25.
joinery establishments boys can be trained to the service of particu This fills » want Unit nearly every builder, owner or mechanic has felt some
lar machines, in the use of which by constant and undivided prac time or other in his experienc*'. It is quite necessary, in these sharp times, that
tice they become remarkably expert. every builder should know his exact position with regard to the "lien law "
Large joinery factories are, or at any rate they certainly should when employing mechanics or arranging with owners. Equally necessary is it
also that the owner should be thoroughly posted with regard to the law; indeed,
be, established at one of the ports. he cannot do himself justice unless he understands his bearings thoroughly on
When this event is secured, two advantages arising therefrom the subject. To the operative mechanic this treatise will prove a boon of no
become apparent. The first of these is that the consiierable ex mean in gnitude, if he will only post himself intelligently on its contents,
for no one suffers so much for lack of knowledge on this subject as he; there
pense of carry ng into the country a quantity of waste wood is fore, it becomes his duty to avail himself of every opportunity to acquire a thor
avoided, insomuch that one-sixth, or possibly, all things consider ough knowledge of the law, so that he may protect himself from speculative
ed, one-fourth, of the cost of carriage of the wood is saved. On this knaves.
head, however, some portion of the advantage gained is lost to the The Standard Moulding Book.—A Catalogue of Mouldings, Brackets,
consumer by reasou of the extra rate charged by the railway com Doors, Windows, Frames, etc., of Standard and Special Sizes and Designs. The
panies for carrying joinery. At the ports there are always special Northwestern Lumberman, 154 Lake street. Chicago. Price SO cents.
This book contains all the regular designs of mouldings, architraves, etc . ma
parcels of stock, say middle quality stuff, which possess peculiar nufactured by leading makers in the West. The diagrams are full size and made
litness for the making of joinery work, and these parcels the watch t«> the exact meamreintht% and can be used as patterns by which to set the cutters.
ful and intelligent manufacturer, being on the spot, secures. As a Each class of mouldings may be found Id a group by itself, instead of ull of them
badly mixed together in a state of confusion, as has hitherto been the case in
rule, too, the wholesale maker can take larger quantities of stock similar books. It contains a number of new and greatly improved designs not to
than can a builder, and some cost is saved in this respect. be found elsewhere. In doors, windows and frames it has the very latest styles
One thing is quite certain, and that is that he can devote his un of inside and outside finish, and a greater variety thau has ever before been
divided attention to the economical production of the work, and given.
this is what a builder cannot do. He has to relegate the duty to a The Carpenter*' and Joiners' Hand Book, containing a com
sort of half-foreman. plete treatise on framing hip and valley roofs, together with much valuable in- ;
Economy in the production of a manufactured article, if secured, strnctloD for all mechanics and amateurs, useful rules, tables, etc., never before
published. Revised edition with additions. By II. W. Holly. John Wiley &
is secured by the weight of a number of collective savings, the pos Sons, publishers, 15 Astor place, N. Y. Price T5 cents.
sibility of securing which rests entirely, in the case of joinery work, This 1 tile book has long Wen a favorite with workmen, and it is only necessary
with those establishments which are conducted upon an extensive for us tb say that the revised edition is an improvement on the original work, to
satisfy those who know the book that it is well worth the price.
scale, and which are situated at the ports.
The question of the comparative quality of the joinery work made Messrs. J. B. Lippincott & Co. have appended to their great "Pronouncing
by builders, and that turned out of the large joinery factories need Dictionary of Biography and Mythology" a necrological table of some two thou-,
sand names of persons noticed in the work who have died since its publication, or
nbt be discussed, because the factories turn out precisely the quality the dates of whose deaths have been recently ascertained. A Table of Contents,
which is desired by the buyer, and this quality is no doubt in all also now first placed in the work, reveals among other things n fact that not un
cases regulated by the price paid for it. likely has hitherto escaped the notice of readers, viz., that following the diction
ary proper of 2,300 pages is a Vocabulary of Christian Names, embracing the lead
Our argument is that at these large works the joinery articles can ing English Christian names, wilh their equivalents in the various European lan
be produced at a cheaper rale than they can be manufactured at by guages, the pronounciaiion of all being indicated according to the principles of
the average builder, and our further contention is that, inasmuch the language in which they are writteiu A Table of Disputed or Doubtful Pro
nunciations also preseuts leaturesof interests for scholars.
as the multifarious duties of a builder's business sufficiently occupy
his attention in other branches of his calling, he will do well, for The publishers of the " Engineering and Mining Jnurnil "issued January 4,
economical as well as for other reasons, to delegate the making of 1882, and will continue to do so each \Vedne-day thereafter. "Coal." a weekly
the greater part of his joinery work into the hands of those who, journal, to be devoted exclusively to the interests of the coal trade, including: 1.
The mining and preparation of coal for market; 2. Its transportation ; 3, The
having an abundance of. machinery at their disposal, and who, be marketing of couf; 4. The economical use of coal. "Coal" will be profusely
ing able to devote their entire energies to its economical produc illustrated, and the freight, labor and wages questions will be treated in u thorough
tion, are ifl every respect the best fitted and most likely to produce and popular manner. The statist cni information of " Coal " will be collected with
great labor and care, and will give tne current production of coal throughout the
it at the cheapest possible rate. — The Timbei Trades Journal. country. " Coal " w id be couducted by gentlemen of ability and gn at experience
in every department of the coal tra^\ and will have, at the outset, a large staff
of reliable correspondents at the uiffeient coal centers of the country. Sub
scription price, $2 per year. Specimen copies on application. Address The
Scientific Publishing Company, 27 Park place, New York P. O. Box 1833.
New Publications. Van Nostrand's for January is at hand and contains Recent Improvements in
the Compass with Correctors for Iron Ships; The United States Signal Service;
We deem it onr dnty to keep our readerf advIfed of the publication of all The Present Condition of Architecture; The Physiological Effects of Compressed
works that will in any war interest them; and, with this object In view, we in Air; Sanitation in Ancient Home; Compressed Air, Steam or Electa* ity for
tend each month to give a lengthened notice of such new books and periodicals Tramways; Economy of Electric Lighting; The Probable Duration of Iron Struc
as we may think willbe of service in this direction. We shall not only give the tures; Keports of Engineering Societies; Engineering Notes, and a long list of
churacter of die book, and price, but will in many cases give extracts Irom the book notices make up a number of sterling worth which will find a lurge number
works reviewed, so that our readers may be enabled, to some extent, to judge of of intelligent readers. D. Van Nostraud, 23 Murray street, New York.
the quality of the books for themselves. The Christian Union for January 5th appears with a new and artistic heading,
[N.B —All books reviewed in this column can be obtained from the Builder and the substitution of roimm for italic title* and head-tines throughout the paper.
and Wood-Worker office at publishers' prices. Authors and publishers are re The same number contains the article on the Utah problem, by the late Dr. Bacon,
quested to seud in copies of works intended for review as early In the month which was found unfinished on Ins desk the morning after his death. It treats
as possible.] the subject with the writer's accustomed force and wuh the pathos that attaches
to anything that conveys one's last thoughts.
Architecture for General Student*. --By Caroline W. Horton. We have received the new volume of the " Furniture Trade Journal," published
tlough on, Mifflin A Co., publishers, Boston, Mass. Price $2.00. at 51 Chambers street. New York. If the present number is any indication of
Students of architecture will ti d this work a very useful aid and a companion i hose to follow, the first volume for 1882 will surpass any; of its predecessors In
book to Boeengarteii'l " Hand Book of Architectural Styles. " The book before usefulness and general excellence, and caunot fail of doing good service to the
us is an intelligent and interesting compendium of informatiou regarding architec furniture trade. We wish our vigorous cotein the success his efforts, intelligence,
ture, and briefly sets forth the leading features of the vaiioua orders and styles and good intentions deserve.
in current chronological order, and makes just sufficient historical mentiou to
make the work interesting to the general historical student. It must not be sup The Young Scientist, a Practical Journal of Home Arts.—Published
posed, however, thai the book is only historical ; it is descriptive, instructive monthly by the Industrial Publication Co., 14 Dey street, New York. Price per
and full of practical suggestions. These features make the book valuable to the year, 50 cents.
practical man as well as to the general student; and no architect <>r builder's This excellent journal for young people—boys or girls—of a scientific or me
library will be complete without it. The illustrations, several of which are full- chanical turn of mind, is the Wst paper of the kind published in thts or auy other
paged", have been chosen with a true sense of their adaptation to the subject in country, and the numbers (1 and 2). already published for 1882, give evidence that
hand. The closing chapter, which is on " Architecture in America," is replete the present volume will excel all previous ones in interesting and useful matter
with good sense and h»ppy suggestions, and if followed will tend largely to cor suitable for the young minds for which it is intended. A periodical like this,
rect many false principles in building that now obtain. We submit the follow- which is so cheap, so useful, so thorough and reliable, yet plain and easily under
in;: paragraph as a specimen : stood, it seems to us, should be on the table of every house where there ure boys
" Now some of the cathedrals of Europe have been in progress for six cen who want to know how to make hand-sleighs, wagons, boats, scroll-work and
turies, and why may we not be content to let as many decades pass, or at least things generally, and where girls live who are fond of raising house plants, car
have as many, before the church edifice stands completed? Would it not be ing for pets, or making fancy ornaments for homo decoration or other purposes.
better that we build broad foundations and solid walls so far as our means allow, We believe it to be the duty of parents and guardians of children to provide their
finishing only enough to render the edifice comfortable, and leaving the orna young charges with something better than the dime or half-dime literature that
mentation to the next generation ? Would not this be a better inheritance thun is so abundant just now—something that will teach the young mindfacia, facts,
ihe complete but poorly built church, with its wooden ornaments already begin too, that will be of service to them in their life battle with circum-tances. and
ning to decay, and are we not too often teaching u love of tinsel and false show which will in after life enable them to achieve many things in a scientific and me
even in the sanctuary *" chanical way not now thought of. The "Young Scientist " aims at this—aims to
pave the way for greater things, and we know of no person more competent to
Drartfttnan'* manual , or " How Can I Learn Archltec- guide the journal to this accomplishment than its genial editor. Professor John
tnre 1 "—Hints to Engravers. Directions in Draftsmanship. New Kcviscd Pbin. Readers of the Builder and Wood-Wobker, who have children, send
and Enlarged Edition. By F. T. Camp, Architect. W. T. Comstock, Publisher, six cents (in postage stamps) to the publisher for a sample copy, and we think
174 Broadway, N. Y. Price, cloth, 50. you will not regret the trouble.
The r*pid sale of the former edition of this work has induced the author to
issue the present edition, which, hi a few instances, is something better than the Wood Carving:.—By Chas. O. Loland, Art Interchange Publishing Co..
former one, he having added as appendices several valuable chapters, one being 140 Nassau street, New York. Price 30 cents, or if paid in postage stamps 35
devoted to remarks regarding a " Draftmau's Outfit/1 and another on the " Pro cents.
portion of Rooms." These interested who have not a copy of the previous edi This is No. 3 of the excellent Art Work Manuals the Art Interchange Publishing
tion, should hasten to secure one of the present issue. Co. are issuing, and in our opinion is the most useful one put out. The instruc
38 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [Feb,
tions in It are terse, plain and to the point, and such as any one—male or female wood. For kitchen furniture it haB no superior, being strong, solid, and withal,
—possessing ordinary intelligence, may readily understand. The number is light. It has no equal as roofboards or rough sheeting, as it holds nails with as
largely Illustrated with examples of carved work, and simple designs for the be mnch tenacity as sycamore or oak. It will resist fire muoh longer than pine or
ginner to try his or her hand on. spruce, makes excellent joints, studding and rafters. For Hour bins, granerics,
We can heartily recommend this little manual to our amateur friends as being barn floors, and mill stores, no other wood is nearly so good, as neither rats or
the best thing of the kind on the subject suitable to their wants that we know of, mice are able to gnaw holes through it. It Is perfectly sweet, and flour, meats,
and we, therefore, do not hesitate to advise such of them as would like to prac confections or vegetables kept in caseB made of it. never have that woody taste
tice the art of carving to secure a copy as early as possible. that is always observable on some kinds of food after being closed in same
The following paragraphs will give the reader an idea of the manner in which wooden cases. It has a beautiful grain, and is susceptible of receiving a very
the•'Ifsubject is treated:
you have never carved at all, take a picee of common white pine wood, and fine polish, and these qualities render It a fine wood for wainscoating, stationary
furniture and door dressings. It has some drawbacks. Owing to its dense
with a ruler draw lines on it from ene to end, with the grain. Then drive two or foliage, it is often acted on by the wind to such an extent that it becomes shaky
three nails into the table, for the end of the wood to rest against, or to steady it. or full of wind cracks. It is hard and brittle in the grain, and consequent;; fall
Now observe closely this advice. Get it by heart and keep it in mind. If you of splinters, making it difticnlt for workmen to handle without gloves or some
follow it, you can learn to carve very soon. protection to the hands. It is also hard to work, requiring tools in the best of
" I. Hold the handle of the tool in your right hand, keep the wrist on the wood, order to make respectable work in joiuing or cabinet work. The knots are the
and guide the tool wiih the fore-finger, or with the fore and middle finger of the hardest of wood, and few tools can pass through the ordeal of working over a
left hand. Be very careful indeed that neither the left hand, nor any portion of "hemlock-knot" without more or less injury. Its good qualities are man), its
it, gets before the point of the tool, for should the latter slip you might cut your bad ones few, and easily avoided. With regard to pcarwood for turning, we
fingers cruelly. cannot do better than give you the following:
"II. Remember, from the very first, cut to bear on lightly, to remove just as "Gerard says the timber of the wild i>ear is very firm and solid, and good to
little
•• ThewoodMinorasArts,'
possible,
by C and to keepp. 77.)
G. Leland, a perfect command of the tool.—(From be cut into moulds. The plates for his " Herbal " were cut out of this wood, as
were, says he. breastplates for English gentlewomen. In the present day it ii
" Now, remembering this, take your piece of wood, and bearing on gently with much used by turners and pattern-makers; the blocks with wnlch the designs
a small gouge, one-eighth of an inch in diameter, cut grooves along the lines which for floorcloths are printed are made from pearwood. When dyed black it can
you have drawn. Try to make these grooves very light indeed. You wiil thus scarcely be distinguished from ebony. Handles for carpenters' tools, measuring
remove a shaving curled around like a serpent. Try to cut shavings as even in rules, «c, are made from this wood. The wood of the pear makes excellent fuel
thickness as possible; that is to say, make a uniform, straight groove. This will giving out an intense heat with a bright flame."
do for a first lesson. At the end of it you will feel familiar with the gouge. You We arc pleased to know that this department is becoming popular among oar
will know how to hold it and how to guide it." readers. We shall be glad to see it extend so that one or two full pages will be
Full descriptions, with prices and uses of each tool, are given, and the styles necessary to meet the wants of those who take part in it.
and shapes of tools are shown by appropriate illustrations. Owing to extra pressure on our columns this month, we are obliged to hold
We shall be pleased to send the " Manual " to any address on receipt of price ; over several letters, among which we may mention one from J. B. Aze, one
or the money may be sent direct to the publishers, 140 Nassau street, N. Y. from B. J. Z., on the " Slide Rule," and one from S. T.
Chats with Correspondents. Publisher's Notes.

A. V. 8., Newark, N. J.—We cannot make inviduous comparisons regarding
the various saws. Each make of saws has its peculiarities. Some are noted SPECIAL NOTICES.
for fine finish, some for the way they are "hung." others for peculiarities of W A charge of Beventy-flve cents a line will be made for all notices in thU
material and grinding. Then again, each workman has his favorite maker; one column, for each and every insertion. Copy of notices mUBt be sent to this
person won't use any saw but a " Disston," another can't think of doing good office on or before the 20th day of ,each month to insure an appearance in the
work if he has not a "Harvey W. Peace" saw to operate with, while a l bird following issue.
"knows" there are no saws to be compared with " Richardson " manufacture;
while still another would turn up his nose at any saw that was not a " Boynton." For clubbing rates, Bee November number, page X.
and still another can't understand how any person can do good work without
sawB made in England. No doubt there are instances where saws, made by each Bound volumes of the Builder and Wood- Worker for 1881 can now be ob
one of the manufacturers named, do not come up to the " standard " the firm tained from this office. Price, $2.50.
claim for them, but as a rule you may rely on getting good tools from them if yon
pay a reasonable price. We do not know of the book you mention, i. e., "Wells' Ant one having a complete set of " Knight's Mechanical Dictionary " for sale,
Practical Instruction in Architecture; it certainly is not an American publica cheap, may find a purchaser at this office.
tion. We cannot find it in any English catalogue we possess. " RiddelI s New
Elements of Handwriting " is the book you require. Iron can be rolled so thin that 10,000 sheets would only equal one inch in thick
" Cripple " writes us to say that the problem for obtaining the cuts on the ness or about 80 sheets to make the thickness of one of Esterbrook'B bank pens.
"planseerand rake," as elucidated on page 28 of the "Steel Square and its
uses," is not correct in all cases; " it may do," he writes, " for % pitch, but it Bound volumes of the Builder and Wood-Worker for 1881 are ready for de
will not do for any other." "My plan," he continues, "is to cut on the same livery. Price, when sent by mail, prepaid, $2.50. When sold at the office, $2.25.
principle as I do for the sides of hopper." We should feel thankful to " Cripple" This'volume contains 90 full page plates of designs.
if he would point out the errors in the method shown, as it is our duty to make
corrections in cases of this kind whenever we can. Please let our readers have Owing to a large increase of business, Goodell & Waters, of Philadelphia, man
your method of working this problem. ufacturers of wood-working machinery, have been obliged to enlarge their work
H. N. Cincinnati, O.—You are right, the cost of keeping a poorly constructed shops very considerably.
house in good repair for five years, added to the extra cost of insurance, runs up
in that time to a sum very much larger, when added to the cost of the building Twenty-five cents, in money or stamps, sent to this office, will insure yon a
then the structure would "have cost at first if it had been furnished as it ought to full-sized drawing and details of an ''umbrella stand," and a half-sized drawing,
have been. So far as insurance is concerned, one can readily understand why with all details, of a cheap " Queen Anna " washstand, sent postpaid.
one class of buildings cost more to insure than the other. The difference may be
illustrated by a glance at the official report of the Paris Fire Department for 1877,
and the annual report of the sime year, issued by the Insurance Patrol of Phila We wish it distinctly understood that we do not send books, papers. Instru
delphia. Paris has a population of 1,851,792, and Philadelphia under 700,000. In ments, or tools, faom or through this office without the cash accompanies the
Paris there were 2,192 fires during the year, 113 of which are ascribed to faulty order for the goods " On approval, " C. O. D.," or, " Send and I'll remit," will
construction. Tue total losses amounted to $492,110. In Philadelphia the losses not do us hereafter. We must have the money before we send the goods !
amounted to $718,125.19, although It was a favorable ytar, and the losses by fire
less than they had been for the last eight years, and the authorities reported only Messrs Hoopes & Merry, of the West Side Galvanizing Works. 539 West
649 fires. Firteentn street, are one of our most enterprising and reliable houses in their line.
In the capital of the French republic three times as many fires were reported as This firm keeps in stwk all the regular sizes of galvanized and block iron, tin
in the city of Brotherly Love, and yet the French insurance companies did not plates, solder, sheet zinc, spelter and rooting nails. Roofers and cornice-makers
have to pay so much by $225,000 as their more unfortunate brethren on this side uptown will find their place very convenient and prices as low as those prevail
of the Atlantic. Verily, they manage these things better in France. ing downtown. Here, also, may be found the best galvanized iron in the city
H. S. B., New York, says the " clipping" we published last month in reply to Messrs. Hoopes & Merry will deliver their goods down town free of cartage, an ac
S. R. anent veneering, was incorrect. It reads that; "The art of veneering commodation that should not be overlooked by buyers.
originated about fifty years ago, and was most probably practiced in England."
" Allow me to say," writes H. S. B., " that the art of veneering has been prac If you send thirty-five cents to this office we will send you a special package
tised from time immemorial. It was known 8.000 years ago at all events. As for of drawings, prepaid, by mail. The package contains 16 designs for walltables
later work, I can show you veneered furniture and panels, that I know to be at and sideboards; 15 designs for mantelpieces aud cabinets; 5 elevations and plans
least 800 years old if family records do not lie." of cottages; 12 designs for toilet stands, bookcases, etc.; 10 large sized drawings
J. R. P., Buffalo, N. Y.—You say you cannot understand the full meaning of for stair builders, with all the necessary descriptions and explanations. Besides
the word convection as applied to ventilation, from the definition given in " Web the above the package contains designs for bay windows, fancy picture frames,
ster's Unabridged." Perhaps the following may aid you in mastering the term. easels, church orgnns, organ cases, chairs, beds, pedestals, brackets, Swiss win
There are two quite different ways by which a fire warms a room, convection and dows, hanging shelves, music stand, newel posts, balusters, lubles, sofa, grave
radiation. Suppose we have a closed iron stove standing out in a room, we feel railings, inside finish, cabi et workbeuch. wardrobes, writing desks, and solu
a certain amount of warmth coming from it in all direciions as we approach it, tions of problems in carpentry and poincry, making up a total of 72 plates, witn
but if we hold a thermometer at a given distance, say 3 ft. from either side, ai d as many pages of explanatory reading matter. All these drawings were pub
at the same distance above the top of the stove, we shall find the temperature lished in the Illustrated Wood-Worker and cannot be obtained from any
highest above the stove, and if we pursue our inquiry still further we shall learn oilier source.
that a column of heated air is continually rising rrom the stove towards the ceil
ing and then outspreading. The heat that is thrown out on all sides equiilly is For two three-cent stumps we wiil send " Hints on Estimating," a thirty-two
radiated heat, that of the uprising air is heat obtained by the contact of films of pa.-,
"ê pamphlet, containing rules for estimating on the cost of wood, stone and
air actually tonching the stove, then expanding, rising and conveying the heat lint'ck work, painting, tinning, glazing, plastering, and general finish about a house
they have acquired, hence the term " convection." It gives prices of work and materials, lncludim: hardware, paints, glass, etc. The
W. H. R.. Corydon, Iowa.—We know of no better book to aid you in estimat best little book of the kind ever published. We send it prepaid for six cents, or
ing all kinds of buildings than "Vogde's Price Book, price 31.50. "Brown's two three-cent stamps.
Building Table and Estimate Book," is an excellent work where only estimates
on wooden buildings are required, but it is not adapted for brick, stone or con Practical Lkssons in Auchitkctural Drawing: or. How to Make the
crete buildings. Price $1.50. Working Drawings for Buildings (an entirely new and original work). Illus
I. D., Little Fall, Minn.—" Cameron's Plasterers Manual" will give you all trated by 32 full-page plates and 24 woodcuts." showing methods of construction
the information you ask for concerning plastering and whitewashing. Water- and representation. The work embraces Scale Drawing!* of Plans, Elevations,
lime is lime that will " set " or grow hard under water; it is known more Sections and Details of Frame, Brick and Stone buildings, with full descriptions
generally as "Hydraulic Cement." and a form of specification adapted to ilie same, Suited to the wants of aichi-
H. M., Cincinnati. O —Thanks for your good oplniou of the Builder and tectnral students, carpenters, builders, and all desirous of acquiring r thorough
Wood-Worker. We shall strive to contiuue to merit your good opinion. knowledge of architectural drawing and construction. By Wm. B. Tuthill, A. M„
T. J. S., St. Paul, Minn.—Hemlock, when sound, is better for many purposes architect. One large 8vo volume, oblong, cloth. Price, postpaid, $2.50. This
than pine. It is not so liable to warp or shrink as either pine, spruce, or bass- work is having a very largo sale, and is appreciated by every one that secures
a copy.
craze is simply the natural rebellion of intelligent judg

ment against the Oscar Wilde sunflower idealists, who
profess to subsist on the fragrance of lilies in the par
lor and greedily devour the beefsteak and onions in the
kitchen. The so-called aesthetic craze relates to the few
who are crazed by every tide, while aesthetic culture has
softe.ied and harmonized and beautified the homes of the
land, elevated the channels of culture, refined the tastes
A JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ART. of every condition of life, and enthroned nature's beauty
PUBLISHKD MONTHLY, where the flash and daub of shoddy offended. The cul
tivation of taste is just, proper, and commendable, but
AT the worshiping of sunflowers and deification of old
crockery is as silly as it is absurd.
X76 Broadway, 2ST©-ot- Xorlc.
EVERY man in a workshop ought to constitute him
PEICE. ONE DOLLAR AND FIFTY CENTS A YEAR, self the guardian of his employer's property, and
not only should he avoid waste himself, but as far as
practicable he should discourage it in others. If this were
CHARLES D. LAKKY, Publisher. FRED. T. HODGSON, Editor. done, millions of dollars would be saved to the country; a
much larger percentage of profits would go into the pock
ets of the employer; manufacturers would be enriched,
Newsdealers will please order through The various News Companies. and, in the end, the workmen would be proportionately
Subscriptions to Great Britain and the Continent of Europe, $2.00; Australia, benefited. Strange that these simple facts should have
82 50;China, Japan, Sandwich Islands, Mexico, and Cuba, $3.50; South America, so little weight; but so it is. Waste by another is cruel
$4,80.
to the man who has to pay, it does not, cannot benefit the
person guilty of it, and it is a dead loss to the nation.
iV. B.—Persons remitting money to thin office through the post are requested And every scrap of material so destroyed makes the pro
either to procure a post-office order or to register the letter, and address it to the
pubtUlter, Charles D. Lakey, 176 Broadway, New York, to whom alt letters duct more costly, and consequently dearer. In the inter
ofa business character should be sent. est of workmen, it is important that these facts should be
borne in mind. Wages bear a relative proportion to cost
of raw materials, and both combined determine the price
hole Number, 174
VOL. J| New
Old Series, XVIII.
Series, IV. [ MARCH, 1882. ]n
New Number, - 8
of commodities ; the cheapness of the latter augments
their sale, increases their production, enhances the demand
for labor, and tends to keep up wages ; the reverse is
equally true. If, therefore, an obvious duty is neglected
The Êsthete. or carelessly performed, the men mainly responsible ul
I have decked my dim-lit bower timately suffer, and that suffering will be in an exact ratio
With the peacock's plnmes I love, to that which produced it.
And the dado's dark below,
And the frieze is faint above ; One great remedy for the losses incurred by waste is a
I have decked my dim rich bower closer supervision of every detail of the undertaking, what
In the last sweet style of Art
With pale plants in a row— ever it may be. This, however, involves extra expense.
I have made my chamber smart ! If the men can contribute to a saving in this respect, they
The slender tables stand will indirectly reap the advantage. To overlook this fact
On waxed and matted floor; shows a lamentable ignorance of the internal economy of
The convex mirrors gleam,
The horse-cloth drapes the door. a workshop, and of the forces and influences always at
'Twas Botticelli's hand
Drew Venus there, so sweet ! work for the purpose of bringing about a given result.
I sit, as in a dream, And the men who complain of strict supervision are just
Close huddled at her feet.
those who need it most, and who, without it, would render
Oh, let me be intense ! large contracts next to impossible, for the simple reason
I pine, I yearn, I fade,
And my hair hangs o'er my brow, that they would not pay, and could not therefore be exe
And my necktie's disarrayed ! cuted. Many a builder and contractor has been ruined by
My soul is so intense, immense,
My culture is so vast, the wastefulness of his employes and negligence of his
I sometimes fancy—who knows how?—
That I shall burst at last! foreman. A careful man is a jewel in a workshop.
—runch.
THE recent fire in New York has revived the old

WHO and what is Oscar Wilde ? asks a number of question of fire-proof buildings. The burning of
our readers. Who he is, 'concerns us not; what the Morrell store house on 32d street last fall was a sur
he is would be hard to define. We may say, however, prise to many, as it was considered fire proof. Taken
that he is one of the legitimate outcomes of the aesthetic in connection, however, with the recent burning and loss
craze. The man himself is just what he seems to be to of life on Park row, the public is beginning to realize that
the intelligent observer. He is a weak, vain, pretentious such a thing as a fire-proof building is not to be found.
crank ; no more, no less. He will amuse himself in the Iron buildings burn, crumble and collapse with heat,
absurd adulation of his weak worshipers for a season ; stone offers but slight opposition to the progress of flames
perhaps he will profit in basket and store by their in when the latter gets a fair head wav, indeed, nothing but
firmities ; but he will soon be taken at his just value, solid brick and mortar seem to be able to resist the
and dismissed as one of the bubbles of the aesthetic ravages of heat any length of time. AVood when properly
climax that has logically followed the shoddy climax of protected, makes, all things considered, the best fire-
the last decade. Oscar Wilde, with all his superlative resisting material, with the exception of brick, used for
affectation on the ideal, making a miserable mockery of construction purposes. The writer has seen a door frame
culture in its own temple, is simply the driftwood of a of two thicknesses of one inch oak screwed togetner, resist
tide that is in every way beneficient in its offices to a hot fire, for a period of forty minutes, thereby saving
mankind. What is inconsiderately called the aesthetic valuable property, and perhaps lives. An iron door
4rO
would have warped and twisted to such an extent, tuat The edges of the floor rest on offsets all around the
the flames would have lapped around and beyond it, in walls. It is reported as very stiff and strong. Air would
five minutes. A timber post will sustain its load until circulate but slowly through such a floor, and if between
the last, whereas an iron one .will warp, double up and the two lower layers of plank a course of felt or of strong
let the whole structure fall at the shortest possible notice. paper were laid all such circulation would be cut off.
Three-fourths of the city buildings that take lire are not Even this floor would be safer—i. e., it would resist tire
destroyed by fire; they simply get heated enough to warp longer—if it was plastered on wire netting on the under
and displace the supports, then the whole thing falls in side. A good floor can be made on the plan so well advo-
and burns up. acted by Mr. Edward Atkinson with one or two layers of
thick plank tongued and grooved or splined, resting on
stout beams eight to twelve inches wide and of depth to
BUILDINGS constructed of wood, with walls and give the necessary strength. For this floor he recom
floors made solid by filling in with concrete, mor mends a course of plastering on wire netting, inclosing
tar or other inflammable material, burn so slowly that the beams and following the lower surface of the plank
danger to life by burning in such cases could not occur so as to leave no empty concealed spaces in which tire can
without criminal negligence. Indeed, a structure of find a hidden lodgment and way to spread. The modern
wood, built as suggested, would rank amongst the best Roman floors are very generally laid on stout, rough
of fire-proof buildings, and more particularly would this beams, flattened on top, placed at such intervals that the
be the case if all the timber work was protected by plas broad, thin bricks or tiles used in Italy can belaidsoasto
ter covering, and resinous woods and oil paints avoided. span the opening between the beams ; a second layer of
General Meigs, of the War Department, Washington, in bricks or tiles laid in mortar (all Roman mortar is a
an excellent letter to the New York Herald, a few days cement of sand, lime and puzzolana, a volcanic cement)
ago, on the subject of the late fire makes use of the fol completes the strength of the floor. It is 'in the better
lowing language : " Iron is not fire-proof. It is in fact a houses finished with marble tiles or with a fine concrete of
combustible, and with heat enough not only bends and cement, lime, sand and broken bits of marble, of red,
yields, but actually burns up. It resists a moderate heat, hard burned bricks or of pottery, which, after setting
and when partly covered by brick arches, exposing only hard, is rubbed down with sand and polished, making either
the lower edge, it will stand for some time. But in such a close imitation of breccia marble, or, if red brick or
fires as break out in the great manufactories and ware pottery broken from the body of the stucco, then it is
houses of London, New York, Chicago and Philadelphia, what the Romans in Pompeii called opus eigninum. The
where large quantities of inflammable goods are piled be ceiling below is plastered and the floors are almost in
neath ceilings supported on rolled iron beams»they yield, combustible.
and, in falling, ruin all floors below. If protected by- All stone stairs and posts are dangerous in great fires.
thick plaster upon wire cloth or netting, or by tiles so Limestone calcines, sandstone cracks, granite and slate
moulded as to cover the lower side of the lower flange, explode into fragments. Captain Shaw, of the London
they will stand longer ; but even then I doubt their safe Fire Brigade, in an excellent treatise published in 1872,
ty in great fires. Cast and wrought iron in the form of stated that his men were not permitted to enter, in ease
story posts or pillars also quickly yields to the heat of of fire, warehouses in which there were iron or stone story
these great and fierce conflagrations. No stone, unless posts or floor beams, or even to attempt to use stone
of horizontal section covering more floor space than can stairs. He had seen stone stairs lying in a heap at the
be ordinarily spared, will safely resist these fires, and bottom of the stairwell after a very moderate fire. In
when iron or stone yields it yields suddenly and disas Rome the stairs are universally of brick. The landings
trously. A more unsafe staircase than one of slate upon are brick arches of very slight rise turned across the ends
wrought iron beams can hardly be made. Slate explodes of the stairwell or staircase, the flights of stairs rest on
under a moderate heat like granite, but with greater vio inclined, rampant brick arches springing from the edge of
lence. I have seen the occupants of a new log hut in one landing to the next above at the other end of the well.
Lookout Valley driven out of it by the flying slate of the The upper surfaces of these arches are brought to the
walls of its chimney and open fire-place. form of a flight of steps. For beauty the treads, and
Brick is the only real fire-proof material available at sometimes the risers also, are made of thin slabs of stone,
reasonable commercial cost, and it should be used in generally either Travertine stone or marble, which is
masses of considerable thickness to be safe. Light square abundant and cheap in Italy. These are very handsome,
pillars will not stand. Piers of some thickness and of stately stairs, not very costly, and as nearly fireproof as
considerable horizontal length will long resist tire. The can possibly be built.
safest story post—i. e., a post supporting a floor at rea
sonable cost—is one of some hard and not resinous tim
ber. Posts of oak, of fourteen inches square will stand THERE is another thing in connection with floors,
safely through almost any fire, until the powerful force and that is that they should be so constructed as to
and means of our city fire departments are able to quench be in a measure water-tight, and on the same principle as
the lire. If wrapped with wire netting, covered after the deck of a ship, so that in the event of a fire in the
ward with plaster, they will suffer still less ; but the upper stories the damage which now necessarily ensues,
naked wooden post will remain cool and strong in its by reason of the deluge of water applied, may be ob
center for hours, and the fire will not for a long time viated ; in other words, let the floors of buildings be
char it to a depth sufficient to much injure its strength." calked, so that they should be perfectly water-tight, and
whether water should be spilt by accident or by design,
as in the case of fire, no damage to the goods stored be
neath would occur. The first thought which occurs to
WITH regard to fire proof floorings, wc cannot do bet one is that in the event of a hose being turned on to an
ter than quote from the same letter, wherein a num upper story, the water, finding no outlet, would flood the
ber of excellent suggestions are given on this subject : A room to any depth, but by providing a gutter round each
not very costly and a very fire resisting floor is described room communicating with pipes piercing the walls and
in the old books on carpentry. It is in a room sixty feet carrying away the water as a rain water pipe now does,
square in Amsterdam. It is built of three thicknesses of would remove this danger. No doubt were this plan
one and a half inch plank, tongued and grooved, well carried into effect, the first cost of erection would be
nailed and laid crossing each other at different angles. somewhat increased, but to the person intending to use
42 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [March,
any particular house for the storage of valuable and per engage by American employers, than the general foreign
ishable property, it is well worthy of consideration workman that visits our shores.
whether it would not in the end " pay " to adopt the
plan, in preference to having a whole house full of prop
erty damaged or spoiled by the supply of water to a fire
occurring in an upper room. Our Illustrations.
ON PLATE 1 7 we show a rather picturesque cottage,
designed by Ralph A. Cram, of ^5 Devonshire St.,
SOME time ago an illustrated contemporary made the Boston Mass.
following astounding, but somewhat truthful state The materials of this cottage are as follows:—From the
ment, that "foreign workmen are skilled in their trades, grade to the sills of the windows of the first story, an old,
tnke a pride in them, and are not above their business. gray, mossy stone wall is used. Then rough cast plaster
The young Americans have foolishly imbibed a contempt to the second floor. The shingles in the gables are stained
for manual labor and want to be gentlemen—to become a silvery gray, the roofs are dark India red and the rest
counter-jumpers, or salesmen, or bookkeepers, or anything of the woodwork is stained a dark bronze green. The
else that will enable them to keep their hands soft and interior is finished in natural woods.
clean, and to starve miserably on three or five dollars a On Plates 18 and 19 we show elevations and plans of some
week. The most skilled mechanics we now have are of nicely built houses on 165th street, New York City,
foreign birth and education, and they are naturally pre built by the New York Mutual Improvement Co., lim
ferred to ignorant and unskilled natives." ited. Architect, F. T. Camp, N. Y.
It is not true that all foreigners are skilled in their These are brick cottages, with galvanized iron cornices
trades, and that they take a pride in them. We have and leaders, and tin roofs. Size of each 16.8x26.0,
seen many European workmen that could do but one two stories, and a one story extension containing kitchen,
thing, and that but very poorly, and we have seen others 11.0x12.0. Plumbing for cold water only, and all ar
who palmed themselves off as good tradesmen, that were ranged as required, in the wastes and drains by the Board
the worst specimens of mechanics ever made. The intel of Health. Lots are 80.0 deep—and the location valua
lectual dullness of foreign mechanics is proverbial. Set ble. House and lot can be bought for less than $2,500, and
them to work they have uot been accustomed to, and they are sold on the installment plan.
are out of their element at once. Not so with the native On PI te 20 we show plan and elevation of a railway
workman ; his native sharpness and natural mechanical station, designed by S. M. Howard architect, Wheeling,
acumen tells heavily against the long parrot-like training VV. Va.
of his alien fellow workman. Plate 21. Shows the interior of a dining room with a
It is not true that even a majority of "young Ameri simple side-board and other finishings. The design is by
cans have foolishly imbibed a contempt for manual labor." Mr. Edward Dawson, art designer, Boston, Mass.
We count several thousand young Americans among our Plate 22. Exhibits another of our sheets for amateurs,
readers who are proud of their positions and standing a* prepared by Edward Dawson. We have quite a number
mechanics as was ever any foreign workman, and who of these designs on hand and will soon be able to publish
delight in being known as mechanics and whose greatest the series complete It is intended to publish about 40 of
ambition is to be known as good competent workmen. the designs in The Builder and Woodworker, and the
It is true, however, and we are sorry to record it, that remaining 60 will be added to them and all published on
many of our young men prefer to be made clerks, book tine stiff paper, thus making 100 fine plates of designs,
keepers, counter-jumpers, or anything else that will which, with portfolio, will be sold for $10, or any ten of
enable them to keep their hands soft and clean, than to the designs will be sold for $1. We believe these will
be a skilled and independent mechanic. This is due in a be the finest original American designs ever published.
great measure to our false social system. The man whose Plate 23. Shows a design for a roomy and convenient
hand is hardened with toil is considered by empty-headed bachelor's cabinet. This is taken from an actual example
noodles and purse-proud fools, as something to be toler and is the work of our clever amateur friend C. H. P. of
ated only, and not at all fit to be admitted under the Skaneatles, N. Y. We wish more of our amateur friends
same roof, as the fellow who hands a few laces or spools would follow Lis example and send us drawings of their
of thread over a counter. This state of affairs, however, work.
will soon die out, the American people are too sensible to The upper portion of plate 24, and the engravings be
allow it to exist for any great length of time. The toil low, show how old styles may be adapted to modern wants.
ing mechanic has improved his condition very much of The designs were contributed by W. Titnms, to the Cabinet
late, and there are forces at work that will, ere long, Maker, our clever English contemporary, and from which
place him on a much higher plane than he now occupies. we clip them and the accompanying text.
The introduction of scientific appliances and labor- Very little of the classic furniture of Greece is reserved
saving machinery have revolutionized the routine of most for either our admiration or criticism, and we must there
of the mechanical trades. Processes which were formerly fore content ourselves with consiilering such represen
performed slowly and laboriously by hand, and which tations as are preserved upon the pictured vases and
could be well performed only after years of careful train sculptures which have escaped the ravages of time.
ing, now require but the adjustment of a machine and the The chair seems to have received more than ordinary
movement of a lever. Brain work is coining more and attention among the ancients, doubtless from the fact that
more into demand and taking precedence over manual it was the first and most important article of domestic
dexterity. We cannot but rejoice at this. comfort. No piece of comfort could vie with it (unless
It has already brought to the masses shortened hours of we accept the chariot in this category) in the consideration
labor and increased leisure for self-improvement. It it received at the hands of the artist and workman.
tends, too, not only to lessen the severity, but to elevate The stools and chairs were made in many different
the character of mental toil. It helps not only to realize forms, and amongst the most simple was the " Diphos."
Shelley's dream by giving the work-weary time to think, This was a small backless portable stool, sometimes made
but to compel them to think by making intelligence and with four perpendicular legs, nicely turned, or more fre
thoughtfullness the conditions of success in their every quently constructed so as to fold up, the legs being
day pursuits, and this leads us to the point we wish to crossed and the seat formed of straps. It was the fashion
make. Given all things equal, the American mechanic is among the Athenians to have these stools carried after
in a better position and is a more desirable workman to them by slaves. The chairs which were made for con
THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WOftKER.
tinual indoor or household use were of larger proportions, stool. The more elaborate couch with perpendicular legs
and the backs were made in various heights according to was at first but an extension of the better class of Diphos,
the wish of the purchasers, some reaching to the head of and though it afterwards assumed the more dignified
the sitter, whilst others reached only to the middle of the appearance of our modern sofa or settee, its origin was the
back. They were made with or without arms. When same, and either necessity or luxury prompted the addi
arms were applied they were generally low. The species tion of the sides and back.
of chairs which mostly resemble the arm-chair of to-day The folding bed was a most useful piece of furniture ;
were called " Thronoi. In the home of the Athenian they it could be easily moved and replaced, and was used both
were reserved as seats of honor both for the master and as a seat by day and a sleeping bed by night. They were
his guests, and were mostly made of heavy woods. In mostly placed in the outside hall when used as seats, and
the temples these chairs or " Thronoi " were the seats of in case of necessity servtd as beds for any unexpected
the gods. Those which were reserved for the judges and guests. When it became the custom to recline at meals,
other eminent men were usually made of metal, and decor a better class of couch was introduced. The foregoing
ated with carved garlands or flowers. Such chairs were sketch illustrates a medium example of this Kline. We
also made with either high or low backs, and sometimes must not suppose that Homer's descriptive accounts of
they were produced without any back whatever. The costly beds and coverings and luxurious furniture were
arms were placed low, and were, therefore, comfortable. merely the production of his own imagination. They were
The seats were usually made of the same substance as the true descriptions of things both made and seen, but they
rest of the chairs, and Homer tells us that wooly hides, were not in every-day use. It has already been remarked
blankets, or bolsters were placed on the seat for the com that the furniture of the heroic ages was simple, but in
fort of the sitter. Such an arrangement was evidently in after times when luxury had gained some footing upon
lieu of the upholstery and stuffing now adopted. The her previous boundary, art was allowed more scope, and
footstool is often represented as a part of the chair, and the furniture began to be decorated and carved. The
serving both as a step and foot-rest. Those attached to "Klines" and chairs were consequently made in more
elegant forms and in more expensive materials. Those
parts which were not covered with upholstery were neatly
carved, and the patterns of the turnery became more
diversified.
Besides the ordinary woods,
maple or box were used either
in the solid or veneered. The
frames were sometimes inlaid
with gold, silver, or ivory, as is
testified in the "Odyssey" and
elsewhere. The colors of the
coverings were somewhat orien
tal in character, especially the
earliest specimens: doubtlessly
this was due to the close con
nections which the early Greeks
the sleeping " Kline" had sometimes more than one step, had with the various Asiatic
the beds in classic times being unusually high. The foot nations. The oriental trophies
stool was also made separately. Those which extended were undoubtedly highly valued
the whole length of the couch or bed were either made by the Greeks, and much bor
of wood and box-like, or of metal with turned or shaped rowed from in their earliest pro
legs. ductions. It is difficult to con
That trifling things have given rise to various valued vey an idea of this grand old
theories is a well-known fact. If the actual origin of classic furniture without elabor
every innovation were to be revealed to us, how many ate illustration, and then the
curious circumstances would be brought to light. The engraving would have au anti
inventor who kindly informs us of the vast amount of quarian rather than a trade in
study he has undergone in order to favor the world with terest. In the examples shown
some novelty seldom mentions the setting forth Greek furniture, most of the original feat
little trifling incident which gave ures are retained, but applied to "new forms." Ky thus
rise to the grand invention he giving a practical turn to these studies of old styles it is
claims to have thought out. It is hoped that some fresh thought may be created of a use
just so with furniture, and we who ful character. Some of the designs on the plate herewith
by the lapse of centuries are are well adapted to modern wants, whilst retaining all
enabled (so to speak) to take a the charm of antiquity in appearance.
bird's-eye view of its progression On the lower part of Plate 24, we illustrate several
may see and compare the pre steel square problems. They were furnished us by Lucius
vious trifle with its later im D. Gould, the author of several useful technical works.
provement. The greatest im Full explanations of the working of the problems are
petus to such improvements has given in our correspondence column, which see.
been necessity, and the next in
order luxury. There can be no
question what gave rise to the The Cross-Cut Saw.
THE ordinary cross cut saw is at the same time one of the most
Greek Kline or sleeping couch, primitive and one of the most generally used implements.
for in its earliest form the bed is It is one of the advance couriers of civilization. It penetrates the
merely a prolongation of the forest almost with rifle and axe, and far in advance of the survey
Diphos ; and carrying our obser or's chain, and once it euters a country it stays there. It remains a
useful member of society, despite its crudity. It is its very sim
vations farther, we may see the plicity that has caused it to he so tenacious of its position among
folding bed which is simply made needful implements. It requires no foundations, no motor, no
after the style of the cross-legged specia preparation. Where the axe leaves a tree, there the cross-
2
<
Si WALK
[Maech,
cut takes it ; and from the newly-fallen log upon the virgin shores crushing load for piers, columns, etc., and in the case of arches a
to the busy shipyard that succeeds the primeval forest the cross factor of safety of twenty is often recommended for computing the
cut is never bung up. And yet it is an aggravating, fatiguing, resistance of the voussoirs to crushing,
slow-working affair. In the firi-t place, it requires great muscular Mr. Trautwine states that it cannot be considered safe to ex
exertion from the weakest muscles of the body. In the second, it pose even first-class pressed brickwork, in cement, to more than
not only develops one side of the body at the expense of the other, thirteen or sixteen tons pressure per square foot, or good, hand
but by unnecessarily fatiguing one side without giving it any re molded brick to more than two-thirds as much.
serve member, it lessens the capacity of the operator, already work Piers. —Before considering the subject of walls we will say a
ing at a disadvantage, with weak muscles, to do heavy work. In few words in regard to pier*, which are generally found only in
the third place, in most positions, where the log lies upon the the cellar or basement.
ground, the position of the sawyer is uncomfortable, unhealthy, As a rule, piers are more heavily loaded per unit of area of cross-
and still further lessens his capacity for work. In the fourth section than walls; for, as the piers take up valuable room, it is
place, th? operator must often clear away a tpace in the brush and desirable to make them as small as is consistent with safety.
snow for room to work in. The material generally used for building piers is brick; block or
In this country especially there have been many improvements cut stone is sometimes used for the sake of appearance, but rubble
mode in the cross-cut, as in all sawing improvements. The heavy work should never be used for piers which are to sustain posts,
bow-frame of sapling sprung into an arc, still used by the cross pillars or columns. Brick piers more then six feet in height should
sawyer in Eur pe, has no plice here. The curved edge of the never be less than twelve inches square, and should have properly
blade has been In ought from the top to the bottom or cutting edge, proportioned footing courses of stone, not less than a foot thick.
in order that as the saw weans away in the middle (as it naturally The brick in piers should be hard and well burned, and should
does) the wear of the blade may be taken up. and still leave it a be laid in cement, or cement mortar at least, and be well wet before
capable tooL In the third place the shape of the teeth has been being laid, as the strength of a pier depends very much upon the
very carefully chosen to suit various requirements. Cross-cutting mortar or cement with which it is laid ; those piers which have to
has b> come a regular cuttini', and not a mere abrasion. Tlie M sustain very heavy loads should be built up with the best of the
tooth has b' en employed to give the best cutting edge with the best Rosendale cements. The size of the pier should be determined by
facility for sharpening. Pel forations have been introduced along calculating the greatest load which it can ever have to sustain, and
the line of the gullets to lessen the lime, labor, and expense of fil dividing the load by the safe resistance of one square inch, or foot,
ing, while ensuring that the teeth remain at the proper distance of that king of masonry to crushing.
and size, and perhaps cooling the blade. The gullets are made Example.—In a liirjje storehouse the floors are supported by a
deeper in the center of the edge than at the ends, for the same pur girder running lengthwise through the center of the building. The
pose that the cutting edge itself has been made convex. The han girders are supported every twelve feet by columns, and the lowest
dle has become a convenient affair by which the tool may be firmly row of columns are supported on brick piers in the basement. The
grasped and guided, and modifications have been introduced by load which is liable to come upon one pier is found to be 65,000
which one man may do very heavy cross-cutting, But with all lbs. What should be the size of the pier?
these improvements the cross cut wears a man out, makes him lop Ans.—The masonry being of good quality and laid in cement
sided, and uses only the muscles of his arms and shoulders. mortar, we will assume that its crushing strength is 600 lbs. per sq.
inch, and taking one-sixth of this as the working load, we find that
the pier must contain 65,000-t-100, or 650 square inches. This
would require a pier about 24x27 inches.
The Stability of Structures. It is the custom with many architects to put bond stones in brick
piers, the full size of the section of the pier, every three or four
BT. F. E. KIDDEK, B. C. E. feet in height of the pier. These bond stones are generally about
four inches thick. The object in using them is to distribute the
pressure on the pier equally through the whole mass. Whether
IV. the bond stones actually do this or not, the writer believes to be an
Walls (Continued). unsettled question.
Section 3 of the Building Laws of the city of New York requires
CRUSHING STRENGTH OF STONES, MASONRY, ETC. that every isolated pier less than ten superficial feet at the base,
and all piers supporting a wall built of rubble stone or brick, or
BEFORE going further into the subject of walls, it may be well under any iron beam or arch girder, or arch on which a wall rests,
to give the crushing strength of the stones, brick, cement, or lintel supporting a wall, shall, at intervals of not less than thirty
mortar, etc., used in their construction. inches in height, have built into it a bond stone not less than four
inches thick, of a diameter each way equal to the diameter of the
Table L pier, except that in piers on the street front, above the curb, the
Average ultimate crushing load in lbs. per square inch for stones, mortars and bond stone may be four inches less than the pier in diameter.
Piers which support columns, posts or pillars should have the
cements:
STONES, ETC. top covered by a plate of stone or iron, to distribute the pressure
Crashing weight in lbs. per sq. inch. over the whole cross section of the pier.
Brick—common (Eastern) 10.000 In Boston, it is required that "all piers shall be built of good,
" best pressed 12.000
Brickwork, ordinary 300 to 450 hard, well-burned brick, and laid in clear cement, and all bricks
" good in cement 460 to 620 used in piers shall be of the hardest quality, and be well wet when
" first-class in cement . 930
Concrete (1 pari l:mc, 8 parts gravel), 3 weeks old (120 laid."
Lime mortar, common 7T0 " Isolated brick piers under all lintels, girders, iron or other
Portland c ment, best English- columns, shall have a cap-iron at least two inches thick, or a granite
pure, 8 months old 8.760 cap-stone at least twelve inches thick, the full size of the pier."
" 9 " " 5,990 " Piers or columns supporting walls of masonry shall have for a
1 part sand. 1 part cement,
39 months
" old •' 4,520 footing
2,480 course a broad leveller, or levellers, of block stone not less
Granites—7,750 to 22,750 12,000 than sixteen inches thick, and with a bearing surface equal in area
Bine granite. Fox Island. Me 14.875 to the square of the width of the footing course, plus one foot re
Siaien Island, N. Y 22,250 quired for a wall of the same thickness and extent as that borne by
Gray " Stony Creek, Conn 15,750 the pier or column.''
1. From tests made for the writer at the U. S. Arsenal, Watcrtown, Walls. —Very little is known regarding the stability of walls
Mass. :
North River (N. Y.) flagging 13,423 of buildings beyond what lias been gained by practical experience.
Limestones, 11.000 tn 25,000 12,000 The only strain which comes upon any horizontal section of such
from Glen Falls, N. Y 11,475 a wall, which can be estimated, is the direct weight of the wall
Lake limestone, Lake Champlain, N. Y 25,000 above, and the pressure due to the floors and roof.
White " Marblehead, Ohio 11,225
White " from Joliet, 111 12,778 But it is generally found necessary to make the wall thicker than
Marbles—
From East Chester, N. Y 12.950 the considerations of the crushing strength alone would require.
Common Italian 11,250 With the same amount of material a hollow wall is more stable
Vermont (Sutherland Falls Co.) 10.750 than a solid one, and it also possesses many other advantages
Vermont, from Dorset, Vt 7,612 over solid walls. The strength of a brick wall depends very much
Drab. North Buy (Quarry, Wis 20.025 upon the bond. In this country it is a general rule among masons
Sandstones 6.000
Brown, Little Falls, N. Y 9,850 to use as few headers, or bond brick, as they can possibly get
Middletown, Conn 6,950 along with. The common custom is to make every ninth or tenth
Red, naverstraw, N. Y 4.350
Red brown, Seneca freestone, Ohio 9.687 course of headers, and build the remainder of the wall of stretch
Freestone, Dorchester, N. B 9,150 ers. Brick walls of buildings should never be less than twelve
Long Meadow from Sprtngfleidl Haas.'.'.' ..... .'.'.'.'..8,000 to 14,000 inches thick below the top floor, and stone walls not less than
sixteen inches.
Working Strength of Masonry.—The working strength of The thickness of the walls required by the laws of the cities of
masonry is generally taken at from one-sixth to one-tenth of the New York and Boston are shown by the following tables:
1882.")
47
THICKNESS OF WALLS REQUIRED IN BOSTON.

DWELLING-HOUSES-
THICKNESS.
HEIGHT Or WALLS.
Foundation Foundation Foundation External Party
Block Stone. Rubble Stone Brick. Walla. Walls.
Not exceeding 35 feet 18" 16" 1." 12"
e"d!nI*fel!:'u"lnot"ce,!<ii''g!Bfee' 18" W I." 12"
20" & 20" 12" 12"
BUILDINGS OTHER THAN DWELLINGS.
THICKNESS.
DK.U„T Or WALL.. Foi]ndn Founda
tion Block tion Hubble External Walls. Party Walls—Solid. Party Walls—Vaulted.
Stone. Stone.
Not exceeding 35 feet . . 21" 80" ) 16" to top of upper floor. 1 20" to top of 2d floor. 20" from foundation to under
i IS" remaining height. ) 16" to roof. side of roof boards.
U" remaining height.
J 2C" to top of 3d floor. 1 Sam as above.
1 1 16" remaining height. I
THICKNESS OF WALLS REQUIRED IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

DWELLING-HOUSES.
THICKNESS.
HEIGHT Or WALLS. Fount ations.
External walls. Party Walls.
Stone. Brick.
20" 16" 1!" 12"
( 16" to top of 2d floor. 1
Exceeding 55 but not exceeding 60 feet. .... 24" 20" < 12" remaining height, if > 16"
/ not more than 40 ft. j
8" thicker than 4" thicker than 4" thicker than the above for
wall next above wall next above every 15 feet added to the
height of the u all above the
to ft. 16"
BUILDINGS OTHER THAN DWELLINGS.
Beaming Walls. Other Walls.
20" 16" 12" 12"
Exceeding 40 und not exceeding 55 feet 24" 20" 16" 12"
Exceeding 55 and not exceeding 75 feet 26" 20"
24" to
16" " height of 20
'• 55 " feet.
4" less than
12" remaining height. bearing wall.
Exceeding TO and not exceeding 85 feet. . . . 82" 28" 24" to'■ height"of 6012 feet.
24" "
16" remaining height.
8" thicker than 4" thicker than 4" thicker than the above for
wall next above wall next above every additional 15 feet
above the 85 feet.
The height of the wnlls is in all cases measured from the curb In addition to the requirements indicated in the table, the Bos
stone of the street. ton building laws make the following: "Vanltec'party wife may
The New York law further reads: "It is understood that the be used instead of solid walls. They shall be built at least twenty
amount ef materials specified may be used either in piers or butt inches thick from the foundation walls to the underside of the roof
resses, provided the outside walls between the same shall in no boarding. Said walls shall be constructed of two outer walls of
case be less than twelve inches in thickness to the height of forty equal thickness, with an air-space between them of four inches,
feet, and if over thai height than sixteen inches thick; but in no and tied together perpendicularly with continuous widths of hard-
case shall ;i party wall between the piers or buttresses of a build burned brick of good quality, which shail be not more than three
ing be Ufa than sixteen inches in thickness. feet apart. The air-space shall be smoothly plastered.
" In all buildings over twenty-rive feet in width, and not having "Every building hereafter erected more than thirty feet in width,
either brick partition walls or girders supported by columns run except churches, theatres, railroad station buildings and other pub
ning from front to rear, the wall shall he increased an additional lic buildings, shall huve one or more brick or stone partition walls,
four inches in tlickness. to the same relative thickness in height as running from front to rear, and carried up to a height not less than
required by the table given, for every additional ten feet in width the top of the second story floor joists, said wall or walls may be
of said building or any portion thereof. four inches less in thickness than is called for by the tables; these
" In all buildings heieafter erected, situated on the street corner, walls shall be so located that the space between any two of the floor
the bearing wall thereof (that is, the wall on the street upon which bearing walls of the building shall not be over twenty-five feet."
the beams rest), shall be four inches thicker in all cases than is "Exterior walls, faced with stone, shall have a backing of not
otherwise provided for by this act All walls other than bearing less than eight inches of hard brickwork laid in mortar. Hut in no
walls may be four inches less in thickness than required in the rase shall the thickness of stone and backing, taken together, l>e
provisions of this act (and the table), provided no wail is less than less than the thickness required for a brick wall of the same
twelve inches in thickness." | height."
50 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [March
" In every brick wall, every ninth course of brick shall be a head 33 Planino Mill. —I would consider it a great favor if T. T.
ing course, except in walls built with some bond in which as much L.. or some other equally clever contributor, would publish a plan
as every ninth course is a heading course, and except where walls of a planing mill in these columns. Such a plan 1 am sure would
are faced with face brick, in which case every ninth course shall be appreciated by many of your readers bi sides. —L. N. N.
be bondeil with Flemish header or by cutting the course of the face 34. Renovating Old Floohs. —Will some of your readers, who
brick, and putting in diagonal headers behind the same, or by split have had experience, ndvi-e me how to dress and finish the edges
ting face brick in half, and backing the same by a continuous row of a pine floor several years old and slightly splintered on the sur
of headers." face, so that it will look well for use willi carpet rugs. Must I
" All heading courses shall be of good, hard, perfect brick." paint it, or can I stain and polish it and how? Can it be&mouthcd
oft without pinning, and how T—H. M.
85. On. Finish.—I wish some brother reader would inform me
ns to the proper method of making and applying a good oil finish.
I wish to finish up some walnut work in I bis style, and will feel
%ntevc0mm\xnicniiou. obliged for information on the subject. —St. Louis Subscriber.
86. Polishing Turned Work.—I would like to know how
This department Is Intended to furnish, for the bencfll of all our rcaders.prac- turned work is polished. Also how flat surfaces are made to ap
tlcal information regarding the art of building or manipulating wood by hand pear so very even and regularly smooth. —St. L. S.
or machinery ; and we trust that every reader of our paper will make the fullest 87. Drawing Board and Table. —Will some one furnish a
use of it, both In asking and answering. All persons possessing additional or design for a drawing table, or a combination of library desk and
more correct information than that which Is given relating to the queries puh- drawing table ? Such a design would be appreciated by—C.
lirbed. are cordially invited to forward it to us for publication. All questions
will be numbered, and in replying it will be absolutely necessary, In order to H. P.
secure due insertion,:hat the kudbxb and title of the question answered should 88. Grinding Toolb. —A few hints on grinding edge tools
be given: and in sending questions, the title of key-words of the question should would be very serviceable to an—Amateur Woud-Wobksr.
be placed at the head of the paper. Correspondents should in all cases aend their
addresses, not necesear ly for publication, but for future reference. We also 89. Paints and Oils. —Will some one kindly answer the fol
request that all questions or answers be written on separate slips of paper, and lowing questions: (1) How can I tell when white lead is unadulter
addressed to the editor. Notes of practical interest will be welcome at all times. ated ? (2) By what method can I determine that boiled or raw
When drawings are sent to Illustrate answers to questions, or forfuli pages, tbey linseed oil is purer (3) How can I prepare a white paint thaU
aliould be on separate Blips, and should be drawn in ink on clkan, white papkf.
Short questions, requiring short answers, may be asked and answered through contains neither white lead or white zinc, suitable for interior dec
the agency of postal-cards. oration ? (4) How can adulterated sperm oil be known from the
When answers to questions are wanted by mail, the querist muat aend a stamp pure ? (5) Will B. J. Z. inform me how to find the length of a
for return postage.
brace with the slide rule for a 3 ft. run; also one for a 3x4 ft.
run ; also give the rule for multiplying double numbers, such as say
47x87 .and 221x42, on the rule ? I should feel very much obliged
Queries. to B. J. Z. if he will give a few more instructions on the slide rule
25. Geometry.—Will some of our able contributors inform question. —W. H. Code.
40. Concrete Building.—Would be glad if some of your con-
through these columns how I can learn Geometry, or that branch iributors would inform me how to make concrete building blocks.
of it that is the most useful for a practical carpenter and joiner ?— Cost per cubic foot each, of quick lime and cemeu'. There is any
H. B. B. quantity of good lake sand and gravel in this vicinity. —Mason.
26. Hand-Railing.—Would some brother chip that knows all
about stair-railing, draw the elevation of pitches for a stair as shown
below ? If possible the two pieces of wreath to have equal
Answers.
Wi wish It distinctly understood that we do not hold ourselves responsible for
the accuracy or reliability of answers furnished to this department by oar corre
spondents.
We cordially Invite our readers to take an active part in this department, as
we are confident that much good can be accomplished by a free interchange of
Ideas and opinions in regard to subjects connected with building and woodwork
ing.
Many persons are afraid to write to a public Journal because of tbelr lack of
literary attainments; to such we would say: Give us yonr ideas in such language
as you can command, and leave the rest to ua. It is ideas and opinions we want,
such as may be of use to the architect, the amateur, and the workfngman. An
swers should be sent to this office on or before the fifteenth of each month, to
insure insertion In the next issue.
1. Placing Brackets. —When there are double posts or columns
to supp rt the frieze lo a veranda, brackets in pairs, one over the
other, are very proper. I do not consider it proper to put them in
pairs where there is no apparent support below them. When used
simply for ornamental purposes it is better to use them singly, at
regular intervals. They often place them thus, when at same
time they are in fairs over su| porting columns. —R. C. H.
2. Hand railing-—I have used black birch some, for hand
rails, but much prefer cherry or black walnut. For balasters, I
pitches and the straight rail between cylinders to have same pitch have used black birch la'gely, and like it much. When it is pro
as stairs have m that place, and if not possible, show us the reason perly stained and varnished or polished it makes a better imitation
why. Hiddell's system is preferred. — II. B. B. of mahogany than any other wood with which I have become
27. Summer House. — I want, to build a summer house, and also acquainted in a practice of nearly thirty years. —R. C. H.
a small grape arbor this spring, but am at a loss for appropriate 13. Bkick Cottage. —Surely J. A. Z.' is crazy, crazy on two
designs. Can any fellow " chip " help me out of my difficulty ?— points: 1st, lo think that anything like a decent cottage can be
" E. A. B." built for $1,500, and (2) to suppose that an architect would get up
28. Rustic Lawn Seats.—If Mr. Woodruff, Mr. Dewson, or a design for his special purpose, and give it him free of charge.
L. E. L. would give us a plate in the April number of the B. & W. He might just as well ask a carpenter to give htm a few sample
containing a few designs of rustic and Queen Anne lawn seats, I doors and windows, the bricklayers to give him a week's work,
am confident it would be appreciated by mar.y. —Canadian and the painter to decorate a room or two as samples, all free of
Amateur. charge. —Aiichitkct.
29. Stair Soffit.— How can I find the various lines and bevels 14. Cah Building.—(1). The business is not overdone, there is
for the construction of a pannelcd soffit for the under-side of a cir still room for other shops in the West. (2). If timber, coal and la
cular stair ?-B. G. W bor are as cheap, and transportation facilities are as good as in
30. Winders.—Is the rail or winding stairs affected in height other localities, then the abundance of iron may be of advantage.
when the winders don't radiate to the center of cylinder ? If it The price of iron is nearly the same in all parts of the United
is, will some reader give a remedy ?—G. B. W. Stales. For books on car building, etc., address National Car
31. Thickness of Handrail.— Can hand rails be got out of Builder, 5 and 7 Dey street, New York, N. Y.—Woodbine.
stuff no thicker or wider than the rail is wide ? If so, will some 15. Tool Chest. —J. B. A. should see the May No. of the B.
reader give an example, say a side wreath starting from a newel, and W. W. for 1881. A very nice tool chest is shown in that
of the method of finding the mould and its application to the number. — NtFF.
plank to give the wreath its cylinder form V— W. B. G. 15. Tool Chest. —A drawing, which came too /late for this
32. Gu.dino Picture Frames- Can any of your numerous issue, will appear next month.— Eds. /
subscribers give diiections for gilding picture frames, &c, so as to l(f. Slide Rule. —The principle governing the woWking of the
show the grain of the wood, and what wood is used. Also, how slide rule is the same in all rules. There are different \fnrmsof the
can stain a white maible mantel piece to make it darker, yet rule, thai h—some rules are made v* ith 6 " joints, sonjie wilh 12,"
still retain its polish ?—H. M. and others, like Riddell's rule, have no joint. For ojflice work I
188-1] THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. SI
prefer Riddell's rule, but for general purposes the single jointed 24. Glazing. —The proper way to put in glass is to both bed it
two-foot rule, such as the No. 27 bound rule, made by Stephens & and bark it with putty. —Old Hand.
Co., Rivcrlon, Conn., is by far the best, I think. —B. J. Z. 24. Glazing.—J. L. N. will certainly find it the be.t way of
17. Books.—J. B. A. should secure a copy of " Practical Les glazing, " to bed it with putty." The other mode of "backing
sons in Architectural Drawing," by Tuthill, and " Reed's House it " should at all times be discarded.— E. C. CHOWINS, Crete,
Plans for Everybody," and I think he will have two books that Neb.
will suit him exactly. —Epn. B. Repp.
17. Books.—The following books are the ones I have used, and
found of great help in my architectural studies: Correspondence.
Gwilfs Encyclopoedia of Architecture Price.. $20 00 [The Editor does not bold himself responsible for an; opinions that appear In
Lakey's Village and Country Houses 5 00 this column. Contributions are solicited from all who are interested In building
Steppingstone to Architecture 60 operations, or wood-work of any kind. Letters will be judged entirely by the
style of the writer, the merits of his subject, and the knowledge which he dis
Powell's Foundations 1 50 plays of it. The name and address of the writer must accompany each letter,
Camp's Draftsman's Manual 50 not necessarily for publication, but as an evidence of his good faith. Be brief,
Vogde's Price Book - 1 50 courteous, and to the point.
Building Construction (3 vols.) 13 00 [Rejected communications can in no case be returned.]
Hatfield's House Carpenter 5 00 Editor of the Builder and Wood-Worker :
And Warren's 3 Elementary Books on Drafiing and Instru
ments 3 "5 I have looked over the letters you placed in my hands, and
One hundred dollars wisely expended will supply a fair number thought it would be better to give a few examples of operation in
of books for a student who is just beginning to read up in archi the slide rule through your valuable medium, on matters outside
tecture. —Ahciiitect. the building interests, than to answer each inquirer by mail. No
18. Wood-filling.—For a go'd aiticle on wood-filling and doubt the following solutions will be interesting to many of your
finishing, see Answer to Correspondent in July number, 1881, of readers besides those to whom they are addressed. At all events,
BUILDKK AND WOOD- WORKER. —CONSTANT .K.EADEK. they will have the effect of showing that the operations of the rule
19. Risers and Treads. —The table is simple enough. Suppose are nearly unlimited in their application :
you have a Bight of stairs to build, where the distance from tup of Ans. to M. E. A. —The following formula for calculating the
floor to top of floor is 12 ft. 6 in., you desire to make the risers 6J lifting power of a "double cylinder" steam winch is another
inches and the treads 104, inches. Then look at the table and find notable illustration, in addition to several I have already given, of
6J on top of column ; run down this column to 12.6, which, in this the value and power of instrumental calculation.
case, is the 24th row down from the top. Run now to the left The elements which enter into this calculation are six in
under the column of risers and on a line with 12.6, the height of number, viz., the pressure of the steam, the diameter of the cylin
the stairs will be 24—the number of risers required each to be 0i ders, the length of the crank, the number of teeth in the pinion,
inches high. Find 10} on top of table, then run down to the 24th the number of teeth in the wheel and the radius of the chain bar
line—the number of risers—and you will find 21, the number of rel, and there are three shifts of the slide required in working the
feet in the rear of the stairs. Always remember that there is one question.
less of treads than risers. —Stair-builder. First. "Set the length of the crank in inches on B to the num
21. Covering Desks and Tahlks with Clotii. —The follow ber of teeth in the pinion on A, then against the effective pressure
ing is said to be an excellent method of fastening cloth to the top of the steam on A ij.the first result on B."
of tables, desks, etc. : Make n mixture of 2£ pounds of wheal Second. " Set the first result on B to gauge point 221 on A, then
flour, two tablespoonfuls of powdered rosin and two table- against the diameter of the cylinder on D is the second result
Bpoonfuls of powdered alum ; rub the mixture in a suitable on C "
vessel, with water, to a uniform smooth paste ; transfer this Third. " Set the second result on B to the radius of the chain
to a small kettle over a fire, and stir until the paste is per barrel on A, then again the number of teeth in the wheel on A
fectly homogeneous, without lumps. As soon as the mass has be is the lifting power in tons on B."
come so stiff that the stirrer remains upright in it, transfer it to Let the effective pressure be 21 '25 lb. per square inch; the dia
another vessel and cover it up so that no skin may form on its meter of cylinders, 6 875 in. ; length of crank, 4,625 in. ; number
surfnee. This paste is applied in a very thin layer to the surface of teeth in pinion, 15; number of teeth in wheel, 87; radius of
of the table ; the cloth, or leather, is then laid and pressed upon it chain barrel, 6 '25 in.
and smoothed with a roller. The ends are cut off after drying. If How many tons will it lift?
leather is to be fastened on, this must first be moistened with First. Set 4 625 in. on B to 15 teeth on A, then against 31 25 lb.
water. The paste is then applied, and the leather rubbed smooth on A is first result 96 on B.
with a cloth.—Nkff. Second. Set 96 on B to gauge point 224 on A, then against 6 375
22. Gilding.—You may find out whether gilding is genuine or in. (diameter of cylinder) on D is second result 174 on X).
not by the fact that on the latter a weak solution of proto-chluride Third. Set 174 on B to 6 25 in. (radius of chain barrel) on A,
of copper produces a black precipitate, which it does not on the then against 87 (teeth of wheel) on A is 2'42 tons on B — the lifting
former. In the case of gilt paper, the simplest method consists in power of the winch.
slowly burning the paper in a bright flame, that gives out no I have designedly introduced several fractioml numbers into the
smoke : in the incinerated remains of good gilt paper there are above calculation in order to make it more difficult and tedious to
traces of the gold left behind, which are quite perceptible to the any of your readers who should wish to work it out arithmetically,
naked eye, in the shape of glittering spots, whilst vile metal on as thereby the contrast between it and the instrumental process
paper oxidizes in burning, and leaves nothing but a sort of red may be made more remarkable, seeing that fractions or mixed
spots behind. This method, however, is scarcely accurate enough; numbers are no more difficult or troublesome to the adept on the
a very much safer test is to be found in the use of mercury, either slide rule than whole numbers.
in metallic shape or in solution of salts of mercury. The former R. S. wishes to learn how to find by the slide rule the proper
test is performed by putting a few drops of pure quicksilver on the change wheels to use in cutting screws, and he gives an example
gilt article, and either rubbiug it in or slightly heating it. If the of a screw to be cut of one millimetre pitch, or 25 '44 threads per
gilding be genuine, though ever so thin, the mercury combines inch, English, the leading screw of his lathe having four threads
itself with it, producing white spots on the surface. This does per inch. Such a. screw cannot be cut with the wheels generally
not occur in the case of sham-gilding, and in rubbing mercury in, supplied with our lathes, which increase by fives generally.
no change of color whatever is to be noticed. Another test con R. S. must therefore make a wheel with 159 teeth, and put it on
sists in the application of a watery solution of nitrate of mercury. the leading screw, and if he drives it by a 2") on the mandril, be
In this case the exact opposite takes place as in the former, for will cut millimetre pitch, or 25 41 threads per inch English with
genuine gilding remains intact, whilst a " duffer" at once takes a absolute accuracy.
white color when brought in contact with the precipitate of mer To work this out the slide should not be inverted in finding
cury.—Ibid. screw cutting wheels, as will be seen when I describe the method
23. Walnut Stain.—Walnut stain for pine and whitewood, I have used ior many years. I think it will be acknowledged to
take 1 gallon of very thin sized shellac ; add 1 lb. of dry burnt be an exceedingly simple formula, and is applicable to all cases,
umber, 1 lb. of dry burnt sienna, and J lb. of lampblack. Put both of coarse and fine screws, except such as R. S.'s impossibility.
these articles into a jug and shake frequently until they are mixed. As example is better than precept, let us take an example of a tine
Apply one coat with a brush When the work is dry, sandpaper screw first, say 24 threads to the inch, the leading screw having
down with fine paper, and apply one coat of shellac or cheap var two threads to the inch, and say the set of change wheels are from
nish. It will then be a good imitation of solid walnut, and will 50 to 150, both included. Set 24 on B to 2 on A, then A is a table
be adapted for the backboards of mirror frames, for the backside of wheels for thd mandril and B a table for the leading screw
and inside of case-work, and for similar work.—Ibid. (which will cut the required screw with single train); thus on A
23. Walnut Stain.—If "Doubtful" was to make a walnut we have 10, 15, 20, 25. 30. against 120, 180, 240. 300, 360, on I! ;
stain of burnt umber and turpentine, he would find it to answer now as the set of wheels does not furnish a single pair correspond
all practical purposes, with good results. By adding more or less ing to any of these we mu»t find a compound train thus :— Let us
turps, he can get any depth of color he may require. —E. C. take tre 20 on A for the mandril (as it is a good size to work with)
Chowins. and the 240 against it on B we will reject, and adopt instead of it
54= THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [March,
some other large wheel that we have—say, for instance, the 120 A New T Square.
Then set the rejected wheel (240) on B against the adopted wheel O^HE accompanying cuts represent the head with a section of
(120) on A ; then any number on B will do for the second wheel, _L the blade of the square, and several specimens of ruling and
and its opposite on A will do for the third wheel ; let us select the shading, photo-engraved direct from work done by aid of the
60 on B for the second, and the 30 on A for the third, and our square with a common draughting pen, the lines being separated
compound train will read thus—mandril wheel, 20 ; second wheel, at perfect intervals and as rapidly as those made free hand. The
GO ; third wheel, 30 ; screw whe>l, 120. space between lines may be varied, by turning the thumb screw
Now try an example of a very coarse screw, fay one having one from zero to seven-eighths of an inch and made horizontally or
thread in 3£ in. upon any desired augle. Blades are made of any desired length or
The leading screw has 7 threads in 3i in. and the required screw material. The squares aro sold at prices varying, according to
has 1, therefore set 1 on B to 7 on A ; then any number on A will finish, length and quality of blade, etc., fiom $6 to $8. which
do for the mandril and its opposite on B will do for the leading sum, when the quality of the material and fine workmanship in
screw, single train ; thus on A we have 70, 105, 140, 175, 210, 280, the square aro taken in'o consideration, is not at all exorbitant.
against 10, 18, 20, 25, 30, 40, on B; let us take the 40 on B for the
leading screw, and its opposite 280 on A for the mandril, but there
is no 280 in our set of wbeels. and we therefore reject it, and adopt
instead of it some other large one that we have, say the 140; set
the rejected (280) on B to the adopted (140) on A, then any number
on B will do for the th'.rd wheel and its opposite on A for the sec
ond wheel; take the 100 for the third and the 50 for the second,
and the train reads thus—mandril wheel, 140; second wheel, 50;
third wheel, 100; leading screw wheel, 40.
It will be observed thai in this case the second and third are ta
ken from lines A and B respectively, because the required screw is
coarser than the h ading screw, the contrary of this being the case
with the first example.
1 h'ave myself arrangrd a great many formula for my own con
venience, for the solution of problems in mechanical science and
practical mechanics, which I find to be of the greatest assistance
to me in my da'ly avocationB as a mechanical engineer; and in the
solution of some of them I assure you there is nothing I know of
so like magic as the action of this wonderful instrument, a move
mcnt or two of the slide often solving a complicated question in
an instant, in which, perhaps, five ir six elements are given in
volving operations in square or cube root, areas of circles, propor
tions of levers, pressure of steam, and other complications.
Hoping I have not trespassed on your space too much, I am, &c. ,
Brooklyn, N. Y., Jan. 20, 1882. B. J. Z.
Editor of the Builder, and Wood-Worker:

AVc have worked with one of these squares and can testify to
Enclosed you will find drawings of Steel Square Problems, their being all that is claimed for them. They are e:isy to operate,
showing the operation of finding the sections or backing of high perfect in their action, and when once understood, give the most
rafters, over a right obtuse and acute angled plan, where the angles satisfactory results.
or pitch of the roof is of different degrees or elevation. Theie is au attachment, separate from the square, that may be
Let A, B. C. D, Plate 24, be the plan of the roof, P P the eleva obtained from the makers, by which wavy lines can be lormed,
tion, and E F the pitch of the roof on the sides A C and BD; such as may be seen in one of the cu s.
draw E G and C X the pitch on the sides A B and C i). Draw the For further particulars, address D. T. Ames, 205 Broadway, N. Y.
plan and find the lengths of the hip rafters A J, B K, and C L as
shown.
To find the aneles to bevel the hip B K, draw the line N D, Fig
1, indefinitely, place the square on the line, with P F on the Management of Workmen.
tongue and M B on the biade; then place the square on the oppo BY. S. W. GOODYEAR.
site side, with II G on the tongue and E P on the blade, then the
tongue of the square gives the angles required. (From American Machinist.)
To find the anglei to bevel the hip A J; place the square on the
line S R, Fig. 2, with A T on the tongue and A P on the blade: TT OW can it be possible to lay down any rigid rules by which
then place the square on the opposite side with A E on the tongue LJ. the proprietor, superintendent or foreman shall be gov
and A P on the blade, then the tongues of the square gives the erned in his treatment and management of either journeymen or
angles requirrd apprentices ? With the fact before us that men differ so much
To find the angles to bevel hip C L, bisect C X and R X, place in their capacity to learn, and in their temperaments and disposi
the square on the line Y V, Fig. 3, with X 2 on the tongue and E tions, coupled with the influence which family relations, or social
P on the blade (fortheside C A on the plan), then place the square surroundings may have upon men, often transforming the naturally
on the opposite side of the line with C" 3 on the tongue and C R on careless man into one of the most painstaking of workmen, or on
the blade, then the tongue gives the angles required. the other hand changing the best of workmen to the worst of
"slouches," is it not rather the fact that the secret of successful
L. D. Gould. management lies not in the direction of that impartial treatment
which is so often recommended, but in closely observing the differ
ences in men, and treating them accordingly 1 It seems to be the
The Wood-Working Industry. opinion of some that the reason why certain foremen get so large a
proportion of bad work from the men of whom they have charge,
rr^HE following figures compiled from the U. S. census returns of is because they do not often enough accord full praise for the good
1 1880 may prove interesting to those engaged in any branch of work which is done. Upon inspecting the job which the appren
the wood working industry : There are in the United States more tice or journeyman has thought to be good enough, some foremen
than 65,000 establishments employing 400,000 persons, and using invariably have fault to find, or if not actually finding fault, they
material of the value of over 350 millions of dollars yearly in the accept the work saying : "It will have to go I suppose." It may
manufacture of articles from wood alone. Besides these there arc- be very unpleasant to the really good workman, who knows what
over eight million workmen employed on articles constructed par good work is. and takes pride in doing it, to work for a man who
tially from wood, and using that material to the value of $6,000,000 never appears to appreciate his endeavors. If, however, he is a
yearly. For a series of years there has been throughout the North true mechanic, this will not deter him from doing good work. His
ern States, a reckless, criminal and suicidal destruction of timber, self-respect and actual love of nice mechanical operations will keep
which will in the not remote future entail disaster upon the wood him in the right track. Neither praise nor flattery are needed to
working industry and upon the country at large. No more im get good work from such a man. On the other hand it is a fact
portant measure could occupy the attention of Congress than the that there are many mechanics who never do a job quite as well as
enactment of prevention measures against the wholesale robberies it might or should be done, and to praise, or accept whose
of our forests. The sale of that portion of the public domain work as passable even, without cautioning them to do better next
covered with timber ought to be accompanied by stringent re time, would be to them not an incentive to do better work in the
strictions against unnecessary waste. A reasonable care for the future, but an encouragement to follow their natural inclination to
future should occupy the attention of the present generation. see how poor a job they can make pass. There are men who must
1882.] THE BUILDER AMD WOOD-WORKER. 55
be handled as carefully as you would handle eggs, men with much to cover external walls, thus adding to their beauty whilst protect
spirit, extremely sensitive, on the watch continually for fear they ing them from damp.
will be either ill treated or slighted. These are, nevertheless, in Doubtless, when the Irue value and beauty of this material
some cases, the best of workmen. become known in this country, it will become as popular here as
There are men who can be changed from one kind of work to in England.
another twenty times a day, ready to break off smilingling in the
midst of a job, never annoyed and always doing good work. Such
a man is a prize, but no more so than the man who will scowl, and New Publications.
even growl or quit if you insist upon changing him about from one
job to another. The latter individual is so constituted that when works We deem it onr duty to keep our render* advised of the publication of nil
he commences a job he fully charges his mind with all the details tend each that will in any way interest them; and, with this object in view, we in
month to give a lengthened notice of Mich new books and periodicals
from beginning to end, and to take him off until it is completed, as wc may think will be of Bcrvicc in this direction. \Vc shall not only give the
disturbs him beyond his power of endurance. There are men who works reviewtile
character of book, and price, but will In many cas^s give extracts from the
need driving up to get a fair day's work from them, and others the qnalitv ofed, so that onr readers may bj enabled, to sumo extent, to judge of
the; books for themselves.
who need holding back to prevent their work being slighted in [N.B.—All books reviewed in this column can be obtained from the Btm.nKR
their endeavors to do too much. Men and boys there are who hare and Wood-Wokker office at publishers' prices. Authors and publishers are re
bright cheerful homes, whose lives outside the shop are kept pure quested us possible.]
to send in copies of works intended for review as early in the mouth
through the influence of right-minded fathers and mothers, brothers
and sisters, or wives and children ; while others—away from re TIlo Open Fireplace In All Ages.—By J. Pickering Putinan, ar
latives nnd friends, make a boarding house simply a place in which chitect. Written orig nnlly for the American ArchUtet and Building Xewn. Il
to eat and sleep, not a home, their leisure hours spent in amuse lustrated by 300 cuts, including 55 full-page plates. N'ew edition, revised and en
ments, or indulgences. larged, containing over twenty new plates of designs of chimney-pieces and
Many of the hours which should be devoted to sleep even, are interior decoration, contributed by Atneiican architects. James H. Osgood &
Company, Boston, Mass. Price 84.50
spent by them in a manner which impairs both mental and physical This is a book written on a subject that is but little studied by those who
abilities. There are those who are quick to comprehend, either abou d Le thoroughly conversant with th- principles it discusses.
Designers and draughtsmen, whose duty it is to make the fireplace beautiful as
by drawings or instructions, all the requirements of a job of work, well as useful, may draw an infinite amount of inspiration from the numerous 11-
and still others, who at a glance think they see the whole, and to lustrati ns exhibited. But excellent a-* the hook will prove to the designer, it
any explanation are ready to say, "yes," "of course," "that's will not be to him so nseful as it will be to the practical architect and builder ;
piain enough,'' but still go on and make a "mess" of the whole job. and as no part <>f n structure is so little understood as the fireplace and chimney
by this class, the book will supply them with a want that they must have lo g
Ultimately it is found that these individuals not only knew nothing felt, as it contains rules nnd tables, the results of actual experiments, concerning
about what they said so glibly, " yes, I understand," but that they the different shnnes and forms of fireplaces, that are suggestive and instructive,
have not the capacity to learn. Next come those of apparently and that cannot be found elsewhere. There are 55 fnll-iMge illustrations of ex
amples of fireplaces from all countries, and from mediaeval times down to the
dull compiehension, of whom there are some who can tell you present, showing the vurious styles, chnnges, and progress that have occurred
truly they •• don't see through it," and others who, not quick to see, during the advancement of civilization and reience. No house nowadays of uny
will, if time be given them to investigate, never stop short of the pretensions is built in thi6 country that docs not have one or more tin places in
it ; and this is as it should be, for after all there is nothing more cheerful about
most thorough understanding of the minutest details. Again, the appointments of a home than a bright fireside. It may be true that an open
there are men who are so awkward as to be kept for months or fireplace may entail a great waste of fuel while kept in active service, but this
years from attempting even to do anything requiring skill and dex expenditure Is more than compensated for by the exlra amount of health, com
terity, but who, becoming piqued at the implied lack of confidence fort and sociability that the glowing embers are sure to foster. The hook,
though not exhaustive on thesubject, is brimfull of hints, and isequally useful to
in their ability, determine to not only do, but to excel in doing, at the householder and the house builder. Anothervery usefui addition, and one that
the first opportunity, that which had been suppossd to be impossi of will he app i ciaied by the professional reader, is a detailed description of some
blc for them to learn to do even tolerably, and who succeed in their theonr best ventilating fireplaces nnd heating upparatii. There is also added, in
appendix, a table of the metiic system, of money, length, weights, capacity,
resolution. There arc men of great natural ability as inventors, to and square and cubic measures, with a scale for their conversion into inches, or
snub whom, and to ignore whose many suggestions is, to render of Ini he" into met ric measures of length. Wc heartily commend it to our readers
them almost useless in the shop. On the other hand, there exists a as a carefully written and conscientious work, anil full of such matter as caunot
fail to be of use to every |>erson connected with the building trades.
class who continually suggest improvements in machinery and
processes, whose plans it will never do to adopt. If those who Lectures] In a Workehop —By T. P. Pemberton. With an Appendix
talk so glibly about how to manage help, and how easy it is to al containing the famous papers by W hitworth, "On Plane Metallic Surfnces.'or
1'iue Plane*"; !' On an Uniform System of Screw Threads"; "Address to the
ways turn out good work, often saying that " it is just as easy and Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Glasgow"; "On Standard Decimal Meas
lakes no longer to do work just right," would consider that the ures of l«ngth." The Industrial Publication Co., New York Price. $1.00.
superintendent or foreman who gets the blame when bad work The object of this 'ittle work seems to be to stimulate young men and work
passes through his hands is many times obliged to get along with higher men to prepare themselves by self culture and study to become fit to fill the
men who, not only do not understand, but have not the ability to ments may positions open to them, and to show them in plain language how nttain-
be ncquited by which all workmen may lift themselves to higher
learn what is right, they would change their minds about the easy planes. The whole "course" is somewhat philosophical and impressive. The work-
duties of those who have charge of help. n an who reads this little book will certainly be a wiser, and let us hope, a better
man from the effort.
Sewer Kaa and it* Dangers, with Position of Common
Lincrusta-Walton. Delects In Home Drainage, nnd lTnctical Information Relating to
their Remedy. By Ceorge Preston Brown. Jausen, McC'lurg & Co., Chicago,
UNDER this name a new material for wallcovering, decorated 111.ThisPrice. little$1.25.
work does not aim to be considered a scientific one. It discusses
panels, embossed work, etc., is now being introduced into the subject In hand In a plain, practical common-sense way, and the hints, sug
the American market by a responsible English nnn. This mate their gestions aad actual information giveu are based on the result of experience, and
rial, under the name of Muralis, has been in use in England to householder usefulness is so apparent as to commend them to the good sense of every
who reads them . The writer glvos an account of a number of ac-
some extent for several years past, and seems to have been re- iiinl futal cases, where dyptheria had been traced to the poisonous effects of
cieved with considerable favor by architects and decorators. It is insewer ens; In Chicago severnl mcihods arc offered by which defects and leakages
composed principally of m lidifled linseed oil, made by exposing Thedrains, soil-pipes and connections may be discovered and avoided or remedied.
work contains a number of appropriate illustrations, and the printing, bind
the raw oil to heat with a small portion of metallic oxide of lead ing and paper reflect credit on the publishers.
added. This makes a viscid varnish, which, when mixed with
woody fiber, is rolled on to a fabric. On this material ornamenta theTerra-Cotta In Architecture.—Being portions of a paper read before
tion in relief is obtained by machinery. It is flexible, tough, hnd A.Leeds Architectural Asset iation by Mr..lnnies Holro d.
Williams A Co., 2*3 Washington street Boston. Mass. Price 15 cents.
waterproof, and can be scrubbed with soap and water. In a recent This little work contains some very valuable information regarding the manu
i-isue of the Tincture Prutu/ue the printing of colors at the same facture and qualities of terra-cotta. sucit as will be of service to nny one who is
lime the machine produces the relief of Lincrusta-Walton is de interested in the mnterial, or who may contemplate using it. Two full page
scribed. The basis of the composition isgiven as follows: Oxidized plates of illustrated examples in terra-cotta, the originals of which are manufac
tured by Lewis & I ane. of Boston, are shown in lint. These are fine specimens
oil. 800 parts; gum ktiuri, 100 parts; lesin. 245 patt*. To 800 of the Albertypc process of printing.
parts of this mixture arc added 100 parts of ochre, 62$ parts of
red lead, 5J parts of parafine wax, and 100 parts of oil of turpen exhibitingModern House Painting, containing twenty colored lithographic plntes.
the use of color in exterior and interior house palming, and embracing
tine. examples of simple and elaborate work in plain, graded and parti-colors; also, the
According to some excellent authorities the new material pos treatmont of old styles of houses, together with full descriptive letter-press, cov
sesses some very good qualities, amongst them being its impermc ering the preparation, use and application of colors, with special directions ap
ability to moisture, beauty of design, boldness of relief, and clear plicable to each example, the whole work offering valnable hints and suggestions
on harmonious color treatment, suitable to every variety of building. ByE. K.
ness of outline. It is also a non-conductor of heat, and does not Kossiter, Arch. B., and F. A. Wright. Arch. B. (late instructor in Architecture,
expand and coutract when exposed to alteration in temperature. Cornell University). William T. Comstock, Publisher, 6 Astor place. New York.
It may be washed with soap and water without injury, and is, Price We $5.have been favored with several advanced sheets of this work, and are satis-
therefore, highly sanitary. fled that it will m> ct a want that has been felt hv nearly every one that has had
It is claimed by the manufacturers that a piece of the material ant thing to do wilh building. Elevations of buildings are shown, with the color
fixed for the last eighteen months on an outside wall, facing the ing exhibited Jnst as the house should appear when flnishi d. Examples of In
terior work are a so shown. To decide on colors for inicrior work is often a diffi
Kiuthwest. and exposed to all the violence of the storms and frosts cult task, and it is with a view of aidoig the decorator to arrive at an intelligent de
of last winter, as well as to the heats of summer, has been found cision in this matter that these examples have been prepared. We may have more
not U suffer the slightest di terioration ; it is, therefore, applicable to say on this publication in a future issue. *
Kate H° 24
Greek at applied to Drawing Room Furniture. By W. Timms.
1882.] 57
Interiors and Interior Detail*, covering fifty-two large quarto plates, tolerably clear conception should be formed of the end or object to be attained—
comprising a large number of original designs of halls, staircases, parlors, lib the clearer the oetter. The runner, if possible, fixes his eye upon the goal and
raries, dining rooms, ete., etc., togetherewith special designs for low cost, medium makes straight for it. For the intelligent, and therefore proper, sharpening of
and elaborate wood mantels, sideboards, furniture, wood ceilings, doors, door and tools this apprehension of the object to be attained is, as already observed, indis
window trims, wainscots, bank, office and store fittings, in perspective, eleva- pensable; what, then, are the points to be attained in sharpening a tool * First,
uoq and detail; making a valuable series of suggestions for architecta and archi of course, keenness, with a due recard to the necessary strength, without which"
tectural designers; and a large collection of interior details suited to the require- keenness Is of little value. And here wc come upon one of the chief difficulties
meots of carpenters, builders and mechanics, reproduced from the drawings of of the carver in relation to this matter— viz.. to preserve a desirable keenness with
prominent architects of New York, Boston, Chicago, and other cities, with an in out unduly adding to the strength or thickness of the edge. The whole of the
troduction, description of plates, and notes on wood finish, by Win. li. Tnthill, surface of the tool which is affected by sharpening may, of course.be gone over
A.M., architect. William T. Comstock, (I Astor Place, New York. Paice $7.50. each time the tool is sharpened, and the desired keenness and thickness of edge
As the title indicates, this work is devoted exclusively to inteiior work, and is is preserved; but the busy workman is only to glad to escape the trouble in
more valuable on that account than if it covered more ground. As a recommend volved in doing this, not to mention those who look only at the irksomeness of it.
ation of the work to our readers, we h:ive but to say that a large number of the Let the carver, then, trnnd at the back and rub from the inside, so that the tool U
drawings for it have boen prepared by Messrs. Gerald & Angeli, architects, of made thin for some little distance from the edge, then bring to an edge at another
Providence, K. I.; Edward Dewson, art designer, Boston, Mass.; and A. M. angle, which shall have the effect of making a thin, but at the same time' strong,
Wheeler, of New York. Wc predict for this work a large sale among builders edge.
where architectural aid is difficult to obtain, and, indeed, architects in the out M. E. G.,Charlotte, Mich.—What you say regarding the ' 'Wood-Carving Manual''
lying cities and towns will find many things in thi-* new aspirant for their favor, is true, the text is good and to the point, hut the illustrations might be much
that will be useful and suggestive, as the examples ure abreast of the times, and better, and certainly more appropriate. We have tried on severaioccasions to
ia keeping with popular styles. procure drawings of some of the carved work done in Cincinnati, but so far
nave been unable to get them. We have some photographs of carved furniture
that was designed and executed by a lady in Cincinnati, but we cannot make
reproductions from Ihera by our process. Thanks for your good opinion of us.
Chats with Correspondents. Cherry wood will retain its color and natural beauty if it is oiled with a light
coat of raw linseed oil, then rubbed with a cloth until the wood appears dry.
[Any of onr readers will be welcome to take part In this Department. 1 Give one light coat of white shellac varnish thinned down with alcohol ; when
dry and hard rub down with powdered pumice stone, or with rotten stone pow
Inquirer of New Brunswick forgot to send his name and correct address. We may der to take off whatever gloss the shellac varnieh may have caused. Oak mav
say to him, however, that we cannot undertake to perform impossibilities. To build be treated the same way; but it is better to fill it with some of the prepared wood-
a house and barn, with cellar to each, and all modern conveniences in the house fillers now in the market, then varnished as ihe cherry, and the gloss rubbed off.
for a sum not exceeding $Ii<X)0, is more than we arc equal to, even if we desired. Fresco your plastered walls in distemper by all means. Oil work will not serve
A« we stated last month, we are not prepared to furnish plans, elevations, details your purpose, unless the walls have first been prepared. At any rate, oil work
and estimates for each of our subscribers, or for any one who, may want such, at would not look so well as work done in distemper. The Journal of Decorative
the rate of fifteen cents for the whole lot. To get plans, elevations, or such as Art, published in England, is perhaps the best periodical published on this sub
you ask for, and publish them in the Bitilder and Wood-Workkr, would cost ject. We can supply the paper regularly. We will be pleased to have you "come
the publisher something like three hundred dollars. This expenditure, you will again " and often.
tee at once, is inadmissible. Get an idea of what you want from some or the de
signs we have published, then go to an architect and tell him what you want, pay
Inin for his services. This is business, and it is the only way tnnt will prove Publisher's Notes.
satisfactory all round.
W. H. C\, Rougement, Quebec—Send along your " Bam Plans." If they are as
line as you say we will be pleased to reproduce them. At present we do not think
of publishing the Builder and Wood-Wokkbk weekly, though a goodly num SPECIAL NOTICES.
ber of our subscribers wish us to do so. We are satisfied that wc give as much Hf" A charge of seventy-five cents a line will be made for all notices in this
each month, in the shape of reading matter and illustrations, as the majority of column, for each and every insertion. Copy of notices must be seut to this
oar readers can very well find time to thoroughly study. Thanks for your good oflice on or before the 20th day of each month to insure an appearance in the
opinion of us. following issue.
J. B. Ayle, In a letter, which for want of space, we cannot publish, says with
regard to foundations for country wooden houses, " that thousands of otherwise
handsome houses are twisted out of shape because of insufficient brick or stoue For clubbing rates, see November number, page X.
foundations. It is the usual practice in the country when laying in a foundation
for a wooden house to pay no attention to the footings, or even to level up the Ant one having a complete set of " Kaight'a Mechanical Dictionary " for sale
walls properly. As a rule the tops of the walls are left concave, and the carpenter cheap, may And a purchaser at this office.
is forced to level his sills with blocks, and thereby leaves a space between the
bedding mortar and the under side of the sill. It is not at all creditable to any
mason to have a foundation wall settle under a wooden building two or three Bound volumes of the BuildKit and WooD-WonKBR for 1881 are ready for de
stories high. livery. Price, when sent by mall, prepaid, 82.50. When sold at the office, $2.25.
R. N. T.. Buffalo, N. Y.—We ennnot say, not being acquainted with the con This volume contains 96 full page plates of designs.
ditions, what colore or materials would best suit the room you speak of. You pay
you wish it fnrnished as aesthetically as possible, regardless of expense. Well,
make the ceiling and cornices a golden bronze, the latter to be picked out with Owing to a large increase of business, Goodell & Waters, of Philadelphia, man
green and silver bronze; repeat throughout the woodwork, which will have the ufacturers of wood-working machinery, have been obliged to enlarge their work
general appearance of Japanese avenlurlue lacquer. Use a dark-hued tapestry shops very considerably.
paper with metallic diaper pattern which serves as an effective background for
choice little pointings on the walls, and a fine iridescent Moorish plate suspended
above one of the doors. A quaint hammered metal lamp with heavy silk cord Twenty-five cents, in money or stamps, sent to this office, will insure you a
and tassels of pomegranate red should hang from the ceiling, giving picturesque full-sized drawing and details of an ''umbrella stand," and a half-sized drawing,
effect. Excepting some odd chairs, curiously carved and luxuriously upholstered, with all details, of a cheap ** Queen Anne " waslistand, seut postpaid.
the furniture should be of ebonfzea cherry with brass fittings. A dull brown,
heavy Axminster carpet will show to advantage, with two or three Turkish rugs,
excellent in color. The general somoreness of the walls mid furniture should act We wish it distinctly understood that we do not send books, papers, instru
as a foil to the rich coloring of the drapery, which should be chiefly plush of ments, or tools, from or through this office without the cash accompanies the
robio's-egg blue. This, with old gold plush, should make a curtain for the fire order for the goods "On approval, C. O. D.," or, " Send and I'll remit," will
place, over which is a piece of rare Chinese embroidery—a many-hued floral de not do us hereafter. We must have the money before wc send the goods !
sign upon a brilliant yellow ground. Above place a trophy of arms. The doors
ibould be concealed by portieres of choice embroidered stuffs with colors mel
lowed by age. A. J. Bicknell, of 194 Broadway, and late of Bicknell A Comstock, has just com *
If this is not aesthetic enough, place a few dried sunflowers in the comers of the pleted the organization of a company to be called " The Builders1 and Manufac
picture frames, and pin a few dead butterflies, with out-spread wings, on to the turers1 Mutual Benefit Association of America." The object of the association is
curtains ; mellow the light by using cathedral stained glass in your windows. to furnish a benefit of one to six thousand dollars at about actual cost.
T. V.. Springfield, Mass.—You should wet the paper with a bruhh and clean
water as large a portion as you can conviently color at onetime, then blot the
water off with blotting paper as you proceed with the color, leaving the drawing W. F. & John Barnes, of Rockford. 111., manufacturers of every kind of foot and
paper a little damp. This process will remove a little of the superfluous ink, and steam power machinery for wood and iron, are neatly overpowered with orders.
enable the color to lay much more evenly, and at the same time prevent the ink They now employ tifl men regularly, and lheir pay roll sums up the handsome fig
from running with the color. Of course, this relates to where the drawing lias ure of $35,000 per year. They use up in the manufacture of their machines over
been inked in before the color goes on. It is always best to color the drawings 75 tons of coal and 800 tons of iron. Their shops are driven by water.
before they arc inked In. On tracing cloth put the color on the back of the draw
ing.
T. R., Toledo.—One plan for fixing slips, though but little adopted, is by means
of a block of wood into which some lialf dozen are sunk and fixed side by bide. For two three-cent stamps we will send " Hints on Estimating," a thirty -two
This is handy, no doubt, but each slip can, of course, be used on one side only. page pamphlet, containing rules for estimating on the cost of wood, stoue and
A better way is to press the slip in a vice between two pieces of deal or other sort Brick work, painting, tinning, glazing, plastering, and general finish about n house
wood. The only and the great drawback to this practice is the shape of the ordin It gives prices of work and materials, including hardware, paints, glass, etc. The
ary slip, from which in this era of great and rapid commercial changes we may best little hook of the kind ever published, we send it prepaid for six cents, or
hope some day to be delivered. Shaped one way and sometimes two ways, like a two three-cent stamps.
wedge, what a triumph of genius it is, seeing that one is capab'e of sharpening
tools of two different sweeps! O e day it may occur to some one that it would be
better still if they were made available for four different sweeps—a result to be Practical Lkssons in Architectural Drawing: or, How to Make the
obtained by simply dropping the wedge form altogether and making the slips say Working Drawings for Buildings (au entirely new and original work). Illus
about two inches square. Made In this way, they might be fixed in the vice as trated by 32 full-page plates nnu 21 woodcuts, showing methods of construction
described with little danger of breaking except in the case of thin slips, and these and representation. The work embraces Scale Drawings of Plans, Elevation-,
there would be no need to fix in that way. It is quite sufficient to hold them in the Sections and Details of Frame, Brick and Stone buildings, with full descriptions
hand. and a form of specification adapted to the same. Suited to the wants of aichi-
There arc few, if any, tools more troublesome to sharpen from the inside than a tectural students, carpenters, builders, and alt desirous of acquiring r thorough
parting tool. Every one will desire a fast cutting slip for this purpose, and great knowledge of architectural drawing and construction. By Win. B. Tnthill, A. M.,
care is required in its selection. The difficulty lies in obtaining one which, while architect. One large 8vo volume, oblong, cloth. Price, postpaid, $2.50. This
It is fast cutting, is not at the same time brittle, so that It cannot be used without work is having a very large sale, and is appreciated by every one that secures
the thin edge breaking away. Before leaving the subject of stones, it may be a copy.
well to point out the value of paraffin oil for cleaning them; indeed, those who do
not objt-ct to the unpleasant smell will find it most suitable for general use in
sharpening. Every one knows how dirty an oilstone will become from frequent
a»e, and if for no other reason it is objectionable for this—viz., that the pores of Send seventy-five cents to this office for a copy of the
the stone arc clogged and its cutting powers impaired. By the use of the oil just
named this clogging is reduced to a mln'mum. Next to this is perhaps neat's-foot " Steel Square and its uses." The best Book for young
oil. One of the worst is that ordinarily sold for this purpose at the oil shops.
Before attempting a task of any kind it is considered wise and necessary that a workmen in the market.
11
Vll THE BUILDUP? AND W06D-W6AKER. [March,
ADVERTISER'S INDEX. Hydraulic and Hand Elevators—L. S. Graves Roofing.

A Son Gravel Roofs, Trinidad Asphalt, etc.--Warren
N. B. Cushing Chemical and Manufacturing Co i
CLASSIFIED. Engines. Roofing Slate—Penrhyn Slate A Co 1
Art Supplies. PAGE New Otto Silent Gas Engine—Schleicher, Roofflng Tin Plate—N. A G.Taylor.Pbiladelphia, vii
American Encaustic Tiling Co lv Schumm A Co Metallic Shingles—Anglo-American Roofing
Marble Floor Tile and Wainscoting—Geo. A K. Whittier Mch. Co.—H. C. Johnson, Agt viii Co vii
L. Barney viil Furnaces and Ranges. For Public Saws and Tools.
Art Tiles, for Furniture, etc.—Ed. Boote li and Private Buildings.
Pulpits, Communion-Tables, Fonts, etc.—J. A Saw Filers, etc.—E. Roth A Bro li
K. Lamb viii Gillls A Geoghegan Hand and Band Saws, etc.—H. W. Peace lil
Church Furniture, etc.—R. Gelssler xiv Fireplace Heaters and Stoves—Open Stove Machinists' Tools, Band Saws, etc.—Chas. E.
Low's Art Tiles—Caryl Coleman II Ventilating Co Little ix
Dnnning's Patent Base-Burning Magazine Band Saws—Rollstone Machine Co vi
Art Metal Work and Gas Fixtures. Boiler—Bates and Johnson Kevstone Saw and File Works, etc.—H.
Ornamental Metal Work, Gas Fixtures, etc.— Steam Heating Apparatus—.lamer. Jacobs A Disston A Sons
Mitchell, Van;e & Co v Co.. Band Saws—F. II. Clement.
Artistic Cabinet Hardware—J. B. Shannon A E. A. Jackson. Skylights.
Sons II Perforated Metallic Blinds, Skylights, etc.—
Glass. Geo. Hayes
B«lls. Crystalline, Antique Glass, etc.—Wm. Gibson's Metallic Skylights. Ventilators,
Copper and Tin Bells for Churches, Schools, Sons houpt Bros vi
etc.—Van Denscn * Tirt x Polished Plate and Window—Theo. W. Morris
& Co Stone Wash Tubs.
Books. Stainers—Otto Falck & Co Soap-Stone Wash Tubs, etc.—J. H. ! iii
D. Tumo Soap-Stone Heaters—J. G. Porter
Architectural Books—Bicknell A Comstock... ix Grates and Fenders.
Useful Books-E. <S F. N. Spon xlv Steel Shutters.
Finch & Apgar xii New and Artistic Designs, etc.—Wm. H. Jack Fire-Proof Steel Shutters—Clark Bnnnett A
A.T.White xiv son i Co. xiv
Journal of Industry Co viii Plain and Artistic Grates—W. H. Harrison A (oiling Steel Shutters, Car-Blinds,
Rollim
Bro xiii G. Wilson xiv
Builders' Hardware and Supplies. Fine Grates and Open Fireplaces—Thoe. "S.
Galvanized Sheet Iron—Hoopcs & Merry vi Dixon A Sons xiv Terra-Cotta and Bricks.
Wrought-Iron Hinges, Hun -. Bolts, etc.—Stan Fine Grates and Open Fireplaces—Open Stove Colored and other Brick, Fine Fronts, etc.—
Ventilating Co xi Peerless Brick Co
ley Works ii Stained Glass Windows xi
Burglar and Fire Alarms, etc.—A. G. Newman. Hi Tiles.
Peerless Black for Mortar, Masons* Materials, Insurance. Thos. Stretton
etc.—French, Richards 3c Co iii Home Insurance Co x
Iron Fronts, Columns, Illuminating Side-walks, American Insurance Co ix Time Detector.
etc.—J. B. A J. M. Cornell viii Royal Fire Insurance Co v Watchman's Time Detector— E. Imhauser. . xiv
Rolling Venetian Blinds, etc.—J. G. Wilson ... xiv Metropolitan Life Insurance Co iv
Doors, Sashes, Blinds, Wood Mouldings, etc. Mutual Life Insurance Co iv Tools.
C. B. Keogh&Co v Manhattan Life Insurance Co viii Tollman A McFadden xii
Steel Stamps—New York Stencil Works viil New York Life Insurance Co ix
Sash Chains—Thos. Morton v Liverpool * I.ondon A Globe. Insurance Co. iv Veneers.
Pulp Lampblack—L. Martin & Co ii United States Life Insurance Co xi Spurr's Papered Veneers—Chas. W. Spurr. . Ii
Burglar Proof Door Bolts—Hobert B Ives xii Union Mutual Life Insurance Co xi
Revolution in Wood-Finishing, etc.—Bridge Knickerbocker Life Insurance Co viii Wood-Working machinery.
port Wood-Finishing Co xii Equitable Life Assurance Society xii For Arsenals, Car Shops and House Builder,
Porcelain Lined Baths—J. L. Mott xiii Hartford Steam-Boller Insurance Co iv Ac -J. A. Fay A Co xii
National Art Foundry v Connecticut Mutual Life Ins. Co iv H. B. Smith Machine Co xiii
Holt's Patent Gimlet Bits—M. W. Robinson ... iv Pcnn. Mutual Life Insurance Co New and Second-hand—S. C. Forsaith A Co... li
The Climax Sash Cord xiv Planing-Mill Exhauster—B. F. Sturtevant xiii
Watchman's Improved Time Detector xiv irlautels. For Car and House Builders—Godell A Waters vi
Galvanized Iron Cornices.—Knisely Bros. & Fine Mantels—Penrhyn Slate Co For Panelling, Dovetailing, etc.—Battle Creek
Mi!!er v Slate Mantels—Chas. Williams' Sons. . xiv Machinery Co iii
S. A. Remington vi Slate Mantels, etc.—Jos. S. Miller. Foot Power Machinery—W. F. A J. Barnes ... xi
Doors and Mantels—Bradley A Currier.. xiii Chas. E. Little xi
Carpets. Rotary and Stationary Bed Planers—Rollstone
Fine Carpets, etc.—W. & J. Sloane.... 1 mathematical Instruments. Machine Co vi
Drawing Materials—Wm. Y. McAllister Rowley and Herraance vfl
Cornell University. Stephen's Patent Combination Rule—Stephens J. S. Graham A Co iii A xii
E. L. Williams, Acting Treasurer xii A Co
Paints.
Ciiurcb Furnishing. Atlantic White and Red Lead, Litharge, etc.—
Silk Banners in Colors and Gold—J. A R. R. Colgate A Co i "Pioneer" Building Paper.
viii Walpole Mortar Black—H. D. Dupee xi WATER-PROOF, AIR-TIGHT, DURABLE, STRONG-
Sunday-School Banners—R. Geissler. xiv Paper. Better and stronger than plaster ; clean, odorless
Elevators. " Pioneer " Building Paper.—Scott PaperCo. . vii audUsed
does not stick.
for lining, roofing, ceiling, plastering.
Wbittier Mch. Co.—H. C. Johnson, Agt viil Pens. SCOTT PAPEB COMPANY, Limited,
Granville Hydraulic Klevator Company i Steel Pens—Joseph Glllott ii manufacturing Paper Dealers,
Recdy'8 Patent Hoisting Machines, Elevators,
etc.—J. W. Reedy i Pumps. No. 27 North Silts Street, PHILADELPHIA, FA., U. S. A,
Hydraulic Elevators—Otis Bros. & Co vi Steam Pumps—H. R. Worthington iii Write for sample and prices.
C em A Morse ii W. A B. Douglass ix
METALLIC SHINGLES
ARCHITECTS
"OLD STYLE "BRAND ROOFING TIN PLATE

WHERE FIRST-CLANS WORK IS REQUIRE!*.
ESTABLISHED 1810. TWb celebrated Roofing Tin has now attained a world
wide reputation. It is undoubtedly the finest plate made;
its coating being what is termed ''Extra Surface," or re-
dipped, double coated with metal. Its merits and working
qualities commend its favorable notice to Architects,
N.&G.UYLORCO. Contractors, Roofers, Ac, Ac, as a Roofing Plate unequal-
ed in quality or dui ability.
PHILADELPHIA, " OLD STYLE" Re-dipped, is the oriainal way of mak
Manufacturers, Importers and Dealers, ing 1890.
tin and leaded plates, as first made in Philadelphia, in
All the other plates now made are but poor iraita
Wholesale and Retail, in every tions in comparison with the genuine " OLD STYLE."
description of Its surface is perfect, and bears a heavy mottled appearance.
Tin and Leaded Hoofing Plates, Galvanised Each box contains a small tin card with our name upon it.
Sheet Iron, Black Sheet Iron, Sheet Copper, The boxes arc substantially made of good tough wood, and
make the most durable and ornamental roof in the Sheet Lead, of any size and thlcineis. strongly strapped with hoop Iron, and distinctly branded
world. The only shingle manufactured from metat ROOFING TOOLS of the most improved on the end and side in heavy block letters, burned deeply
that makes an absolutely tight roof. Send for full and latest patterns. into the wood, " OLD STYLE LEADED," Warranted.
descriptive circular and new prices to SOLDER, PAIHT, NAILS. Ac, Ac IT IS THE ONLY PERFECT ROOFIXCi TIN HADE.
ANGLO-AMERICAN ROOFING CO., Send for New Catalogue just issoed Hone is genuine unless it tears the name of IT. * Q. TAYLOB CO.
and Descriptive Circulars.
22 Cliff Street, NEW YORK.
18S-2.1 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. 58
IN the use of hard woods, these that are dark seem to

be most in demand, rosewood taking the first place,
and mahogany, cherry, and black walnut in the order as
written. Oak, ash, maple and black birch make very
handsome finish, and are used somewhat extensively in
finishing tipper stories, basements and back offices. Rose
wood for full finishing is expensive and very elegant.
Mahogany is being used quite freely, ami cherry is much
A JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ART. naught by some. Although black walnut is in great de
mand it is not called for by those seeking the highest
PUBLISHED MONTHLY, beauty. Other kinds of woods, besides those mentioned,
AT are sometimes used, such as sal in wood, amaranth, ooco-
bola, ebony and white holly. There is also considerable
178 Broadway, IsTe-w York. inquiry for sweet gum. There are indications, according
to prominent builders, that this wood will come into use,
when it is properly prepared and seasoned.
P3ICE. ONE DOLLAR AND FIFTY OEKTS A YEAE.
THE young workman who desires to become more than

CHARLES D. LAKEY, Publisher. FRED. T. HODGSON, Editor. a mere machine, must not be afraid of labor. The
suspension of the usual daily work at the bench, lathe or
saw, should be the beginning of an intellectual labor that
Newsdealers will please order through The various News Companies. will aid him to lift himself to a higher plane in due time.
Subscriptions to Great Britain and the Continent of Europe. $8.00; Australia,
2.50;China, Japan, Sandwich Islands, Mexico, and Cuba, $3.60; South America, Of course, we do not think it wise for a young man to
tie himself down to study every nignt, or to toil unremit
tingly every day. The brain and brawn must have rest,
N.B. —Ftrsons remitting money to this office through the post are requested and it is quite as essential that the mind should receive a
either to procure a post-offi/e order or to register tlie letter, and address it to the tonic in the shape of fun and amusement as it is that the
ptUAisJier, Charles D. Lakey, 176 Broadway, New York, to whom all letters
ofa business character should be sent. body should be sustained, nourished and invigorated; but
amusements have their time and place, and should not be
permitted to interrupt the studies of the aspiring mechanic.
Itemeraber, the only roads to promotion are steadiness,
VOL. jj Old Serieb, XVIII J Whole Number, 175 judgment and intellectual advancement. The true rule for
New Series, IV. [ APRIL, 1882. j New Number, - 4
a young man is to make himself as useful as possible to his
employer. He should never feel satisfied with himself as
long as anything in his power to promote his employer's
interest is left undone. Success is sure, sooner or. later,
to crown the efforts of everyone who earnestly strives to
deserve it, but it is never found by those who rest and
play when the eye of authority is turned from them.
There is no " royal road to success " in any of the matters
of life, and this axiom is doubly true when applied to the
mechanical arts. He who succeeds the best is he who
is unremitting in his labors. A man who regards work
as a hardship, an oppression, can never do anything well.
He must take an interest in his work if he would excel.
FOR keenness, natural shrewdness and indomitable

energy, the American workman has no equal, but
TT 7"E wish to inform our brothers of the press that the his restless and roaming peculiarities, and his proueness
VV column headings in this issue of Thk Builder to drift into politics, are, in many instances, drawbacks to
and Wood-worker, and which will appear in all future advancement in the mechanical arts. Though a persistent
issues of this paper, are the designs ana work of an Amer- reader of newspapers and periodical literature, he seldom
can artist, and they are original, too. If you think these makes the acquaintance of the greater literary lights ;
headings add to the aitistie appearance of the paper, sa\ this is to be deplored very much, but there are hopeful
so; if you think they don't, why don't he afraid to men signs, for occasionally we run across a mechanic who can
tion the fact. Of one thing we are certain, and that is, criticize the works of Dickens, point out the best passages
that our readers will fully appreciate the appropriateness in the productions of Byron, and quote Shakespeare to
of the headings, and will, no doubt, find many things your heart's content. His knowledge of his country's
about them to admire. history, back to the earliest records, is almost perfect ;
and as to figures and knotty scientific and geometrical
problems, their study to him is an easy and pleasant task.
WE have frequently reminded our readers of the fact Such a man is bound to rise far above those of his fellow-
that the days of soft wood finishings a«id trim workmen who prefer to idle away their time in the pursuit
mings in the better class of dwellings, public halls, stores, of some useless hobby, or in the pernicious company of
places of worship, and offices, are passed. The joiner that pest of society, the bar-room politician. The pen
must learn to manipulate hard woods, or the cabinet may be a mighty influence for good, and many of its pro
maker will take his place. Workmen in New York, ductions, when they find their way into the hands of our
Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore and Chicago, are now working men, are duly appreciated, properly valued and
becoming experts in hard wood work, and soon the well studied. What is wanted in every town in America
fashion of having hard wood finish will penetrate into is a well-stocked library full of useful books ; so that the
every city, town and village in the country. workiug men living near can go and read on the preru
59 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [April,
ises, or take home from thence some substantial volume, remainder to run into the sewer, and which ventilate the
from which they may glean many a useful hint and many sewer into the house with all its deadly gases. The un
a sound piece of advice. Let the volumes be judiciously ending succession of expenses necessary to keep things in
selected, so as to embrace science, history, biography and order, soon teaches him that a cheap house is the dearest
the fruits of many such writers of fiction as Scott, Lyt- possible investment. The doors and woodwork shrink
ton, Thackeray, Cooper, Dickens and the poets. The and warp out of shape, windows lattle, draughts are felt
perusal of their works alone cannot but lead to a desire all over the house, the plaster, walls and ceiling crack, the
for further knowledge, and thus the readers will be led to paint turns color within and washes off without, the flimsy
study productions of even a more solid and useful char glass is continually breaking, and leaking roofs, daraji
acter. A man should have some knowledge of the his walls and numberless other troubles follow, until life he-
tory of his own country ; he should be made acquainted comes a burden.
with its customs, both past and present ; he should be
familiar with its poets, authors, statesmen and theologians ;
and any steps taken to accomplish this object are steps in
the right direction.
If we cannot have free libraries, let the books be lent
out upon payment of a nominal sum, and by this means
the institutions would almost, or entirely, support them
selves. There are many large employers of labpr in our
cities and towns, who, if they only gave the subject a lit
tle attention, would see the immense advantage of es
tablishing such useful institutions in their shops and
warehouses, whereby many in their employ might be en WE think the illustrations shown in the present issue will
ticed from degrading practices, and be led to intellectual please nearly every one of our readers, as we certainly
pursuits, which would ultimately benefit themselves and have a variety. On Plates 25 and 26 we show three plans and five
elevations of a snug cottage, suitable for almost any locality, Imt
their country. more particularly adapted for the seashore or the banks of a river
or lake. This design is by Mr. Edward Dewson of Boston, Mass.
Plate 27 exhibits a design for a cabinet, which is intended to be
executed In dark oak. The design is by E..G. W. Dietrich.
"XTEW YORK and other rapidly growing cities on the On Plate 28 we exhibit two interiors. They are reproductions
_LN| American Continent don't appear to be much from the Cabinet Maker and Art Fnrnulur. In a measure they
worse off in point of " scamp building " than some of the speak for themselves. A good picture needs but little description,
growing cities of Europe, if we are to believe what an and the talent displayed in these plates will be at once apparent to
the educated art furnisher. The designer calls No. 1 an "Interior
eminent architect of London Bays of some of the buildings of a Stuart Dining Room," and it certainly embodies the best feat
there. In reading Mr. Street's speech, recently delivered ures of the Stuart and Jacobean details.
before his professional brethren in London, we are re The mantelpiece is particularly fine and individual in character.
minded that what he says as taking place there is an The sideboard is a capital study, more after Talbert's manner. The
under part of dining table is excellent, and solves the problem of
everyday occurrence in this country, and will, in spite of " elegance and strength combined." All the other detalils of this
all remonstrance, very likely continue for some time. stately apartment show a thorough mastery of original matter on
People put up buildings of a kind only intended for pre the part of the designer.
sent needs, too small for the wants of the near future, and In the second design we get a "Side of Morning Room in mod
so frail and unsubstantial that they seem to be only in ern Queen Aune; " not the sickly and nondescript rendering of the
style all too prevalent, but some vigorous lines and proportions
tended for temporary use. When these buildings become that would have delighted Kent orGibbs a century and a half ago.
unfit for the needs of the occupants, or out of character We need not draw attention to the appropriate wall decorations,
with the locality in which they are situated, instead of carried out in the same spirit as the cabinet work, or the clever
being pulled down and rebuilt, they are pieced out or pen-and-ink drawing which renders such work intelligible.
Plate 29 shows a neat parlor mantel, and is the work of Mr.
raised in height, aifd a still more unstaple class of build Dewson.
ings is the result. A dwelling-house, for example, has Plate 30 is designed for amateurs, and is another of " Thk
been put up on a street destined to become a commercial BUILDER AND WoOD-WoRKER'S HELPS TO AMATEURS SERIES." It
thoroughfare, and in the certain course of things is soon contains two very handsome designs.
out of place, and the land is required for business pur Plate 31 shows a number of preliminary pen and ink sketches.
These studies will prove both interesting and suggestive. We
poses. To meet this requirement a wonderful transforma should like very much if other of our artists would send in sketches
tion takes place, converting the modest dwelling into a of this sort. We are indebted to Gould & Angell, architects,
gaudy shop. This mixture of old walls and new, old Providence, R. I , for this page.
floors and new, of course soon displays cracks in the Plate 32 shows a number of examples for roofs of different
kinds.
plastering and other evidences of its shaky condition, but Fig. A, is calculated for a small span of 20 to 25 feet ; at one
these are carefully filled up and painted over, and the end of the collar beam is what is called the carpenter's boast,
building is made to do service until it arrives at a totter termed a dove-tail tenon.
ing old age. Fig. B, is a truss for a roof, the purlins to be notched upon the
principal rafters, calculated for an extent of from 30 to 35 feet.
Not only are buildings put up without a thought of the Fig. C, is the simple construction of a roof for the segment
certain wants of the future as regards accommodation and finish of a dome, for an extent of from 30 to 35 feet.
suitability to the developing character of the street or Fig. D, is a roof for a span of from 50 to GO feet.
locality, but they are often built in so cheap and careless Fig. E, is a roof supported by two queen posts instead of aking
a manner as to be unfit for occupation from the first. post, to give room for a passage. These roofs can be sufficiently
understood from the diagram.
These houses are constructed of the poorest class of ma Fig. F, is a design of a roof for a theatre, which may extend
terials, and the frail and unsafe construction is hurriedly from 80 to 90 feet. It frequently happens in building, that walls
covered out of sight, the study of the builder being how run across the roof; in such cases there will be little occasion for
little he can do and still give his cheap work an attractive trussing the roof; the purlins may be trussed, which will save one
or two pair of principals.
appearance. The unfortunate occupier of such a house Fig. G, explains itself.
knows the constant succession of trouble and annoyance Fig; II, is a curb roof.wilh a door in the middle of the partition,
which has to be endured. the beam a, b, to run quite across the roof.
The drainage and plumbing are found to be a system of Fig. I, is a curb roof, with doors at the sides.
pipes carelessly joined together, which allow part of the Fig. J, is a design for a church roof.; span 80 feet.
Fig. K. is a design of the same kind, but may be applied to a
filth from the house to soak out into the earth, and the greater extent.
Kate |\l°25
61 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [ApRrL,
Planers. erally use a cutter so that a file will just take hold, but not to file
easy. The "Reed feed motion" was a great improvement to the
BY J. T. L. Daniels' mill, and added vety much to its capacity for doing work,
A DANIELS' PLANER is something that is so indispensable in especially long work, and for planing thin white wood for carriage
some kinds of business that it needs special mention. It is a makers it added a third at least to its value. The Fay mill I con
tool that speaks for itself wherever it is used, but there are so many sider the best of this class of mills made, for this reason—the feed
that think lightly of it, and hardly think it worthy a place even in motion always worked easy. The Ball & Williams mill, while
the poorest part of the shop, that makes me come out with a few equally as good in other respects, always worked hard in the feed
words in its favor. motion, ana this is the reason. There is only one cam either on
In answer to a query in the early numbers of the Builder the upper or lower shipping arrangement, and when there is any
and Wood Worker, 1 said, among other things, that what was load at all on it binds on the shaft, for the pressure is all on one
wanted was a Daniels' planer in a mill usirJg wood-working ma side, and it jams over because there is nothing to equalize the
chinery. A little while after it a man largely interested in the strain. The Fay machine has a cam on each side, and the shipping
building interest was in the mill where I was running a large lever lifts from both sides, consequently it cannot jam and always
Daniels mill on some very nice house finish for himself. He ad ships easy.
mired the work, and said he never could see before what a Daniels I will just repeat what I had to say about a man taking an in
mill was used for. And speaking of the article before referred to, terest in his work in order to do good work on a Daniels' planing
said he thought a man was wild to put one of them into a planing mill. If a man simply goes to work, as many (alas! too many) do,
mill. But no mill is complete which has not a good Daniels' planer and just drag the day through and get .his time in so as to get his
in it. It will do an almost endless variety of work, and do it well draw on Saturday night, he will not make much headway. But if
(provided a man understands running it). It will run from i inch he takes hold and tries to see how many tunes he can draw out of
thick to as large as the mill will take, and do it we I. It will joint, it. he will find an endless variety, and if he goes to work right they
bevel, taper, plane, perfectly out of wind, and move perfectly to an will all be good ones.
even thickness, better than any other mill made, if rightly handled ; So much for the Daniels' planing machine, "Long may it wave. "
but to a person that don't understand it, or appreciate it, its value
is reduced very much.
A great many arsons seem to think that if a man can trundle a
wheelbarrow he can run a Daniels' mill; while in reality there is no Chats with Carvers.
mill made where a man can display his ingenuity more than on this
mill, more especially in a place where there is a variety of work to FRUIT AS APPLIED TO DECORATIVE PURPOSES.
do. In pattern, and all kinds of cabinet making work, there is no " So much the more ocr carvere' excellence."—Shakespeare.
mill that can take its place, from the fact that if rightly handled
and cared for it will make a perfect glue joint, and bevel perfectly NOT only flowers and horticultural forms generally afford ex
to any bevel desired, and do a greater variety of work than any cellent materials for the carvers' chisel, but fruit is another
machine. What mill is there that will take from a timber fifty feet -eetion of naturr that can also be turned to most profitable ac
long and sixteen inches square down to a little piece two inches count. To truce the various applications of it for decorative pur
square if desired, and plane it perfectly to any shape desired, and poses since the history of uniHinent began would pr..ve a most
do it well; or take a board on the same mill and plane it to a one- ple»sant task to ihe student When once leaves and flowers were
sixteenth of an inch thick, and do it well? brought within the range of decorative art, fruit was ere long added
To do this and do it right, however, it is very necessary that great 10 the list and used prolifically. The Greeks paved the way
care should be taken in putting up the machine (or, I should say, >y their charming application of the acanthus, honey suckle,
in setting one down). A mill of this kind, especially a long mill, laurel, myrtle, and berry, and when the Grecian s'yle biossomed
should be set down with the greatest care, and the foundations, into t' e florid Uoman, we find fruit among its sensuous aralies ,ues
especially under the machine part, should be solid and unyielding; and tied to the horns of its altars. The goddess Flora was a
free from anv liability to be affected by freezing and thawing. No oetical invention of these times, a' d her relative grape bedizened
pains should* be spared in making the whole thing solid and per Bacchus is familiar to all. Even the capitals of Gothic columns
fectly level and out of wind, for on this depends the good and easy are frequeutly found made up of flowers or fruit, giving an endless
working of the mill. variety, at l lie same time conforming to Ihe lone of be: uty.
The top of the machine part should be fixed so that it can be The free treatment allowed by the Renaissarce gave carvers
solidly fastened with nice fitting wedges from both sides, so that if unlimited opportunity to introduce anything they pleased,
it needs canting the least bit it can be done by starting one wedge and fruit came in for a large share of favor. In the coloied ara
and driving the other. The feed gears should be kept perfectly besques of the Ilalian school the most luscious effects are obtained
tight, so the feed should be even and not jerky, which make baa, liy I ne incorporation of autumn's harvest, and the later styles of
uneven work. There should be a clamp screwed up solid by a the French Renaissance would be lost but for the ribbons, fruit,
joint bolt on each end of the rack, so that the strain, in jigging and flowers which are so freely " thrown about." On some of tlie
back, should come on the clamp instead of on the bolts that hold old Jacobean furniture of our own country various fruits, espe
the rack; this keeps the rack tight, and prevents its working loose cially grapes, have been conventionalized with happy results, and
and coming off. This applies especially to heavy machines for a century leter we find the fruit sw«g ot the Queen Anne epoch to
planing long timber, for sometimes we get the table pretty heavily be a leading article. Speaking of this period, the name of Grinlin
loaded. I have never seen such an appliance as I speak of, but I Gibbons at once rises to the bps of the intelligent carver, and this
think on a small machine in a cabinet or pattern makers' shop, a part brings us to the point that we wish to chat over with our readers.
of the bed fitted up like a cabinet maker's bench would be very Gibbons is to some the beau ideal of a fruit sculpt fir, and they
convenient ; indeed, it would make it so handy to do any quantity stand in raptured astonishment gazing at his work. To depreciate
of little jobs, which if done in the usual way by doging, would the splendid talenls of this carver may be hypercritical, and yet we
take up much more time and not do it so well. shall earnestly warn our carver against getting into the same " rut"
Great care should be taken to keep the head perfectly balanced with him. Apart from the objection that Gibbons belonged to the
for a great deal depends on this as with every other quick running natural school, there is a repetition and mannerism in his cutting
machine. It is no trick to balance it, for a few washers on one or that is olijec'ionable. It is, in fact, neither natural nor conven
the other of the studs will keep it in perfect balance, and a person tional. Many of his flowers and much of his fruit cannot be
can tell, by putting his hand on the frame, whether it runs true found in nature. They are a smooth, flat species of his own
or not. growing, and the plea of conventionality cannoi bo urged, for his
The care of cutters has a great deal to do with the good work « oik was intended to be essentially natural. Admitting all this.
done. If I was running soft wood all the time I would make the Gibbons may well he honored as a bygone carver of singular vigor
smoothing cutter almost perfectly flat, with the outside corner cut and rare individuality in his particular stvle. Nevertheless, to
off so as to make a drawing cut, while the jack I would grind la ose who would copy " Gibbons" in his entirety we say "don't,"
round like a gouge; but if 1 was having hard and soft wood mixed and 'or this reason : the man vshp will place an apple on his bench
in together I should, by all means, run a round-nosed cutter, but and reproduce it tztictly in wood is painstaking and clever, but the
grind the outside of the smoothing cutter off considerably, to make one who studies its forms, and makes the fruit and the leaves into
the drawing cut. A great deal depends also on the pitch, for no a denign that will cover a panel or form a conventional swag, is the
cutter will make good work if it scrapes; it must cut or poor work more to be commended. The amount of skilled labor wasted in
will be the result A man who takes an interest in bis work will minute reproductions of "still life" subjects is much to be re
soon hit upon a pitch which will do the best work. Some use a gretted. When some of the wood exhibited " 'S out of the car
cutter for the smoother, turned on the corner and a little lip turned ver's own head," it is far more agreeable to contemplate. By »11
up on the front edge of it. A cutter made like this will do very means master the lines of the fruit to be utilized, and then turn the
nice work, but it will not do to put it into promiscuous work. It maleri Is thus acquired into s >mething you can call your own de-
must be used on all soft wood. tign. It is in this sense that the work of Giblions fails to teach us
There is a great difference of opinion in regard to the temper; a anything ; there is an amount of arrangement, but scarcely any
great many tine workmen use a cutter that can be filed and to a design. Given a ten-penny nail, a bit of ribbon, and some half-
certain extent sharpened while in the head, while others will only dozen kinds of nondescript fruit, and you have the great Queen
use one as hard as is possible to use it without nicking, /gen Anne carver's stock-in-trade as regards thai section of his craft.
1882.] The builder and wood-worker. 62
Example is always better than precept, and it is with pleasure we This is the branch of mechanics which we are presently to
are able to embody herewith some excellent lessons from the pen study.
cil of the late Bruce J. Talbert, a designer who literally doted on Strength consists in the ability of a piece to resist breaking.
natural forms for the filling of his decorative panels. Here we Stress denotes Ihe load or system of forces acting on any piece of
have charming treatments of the promegranate and ihe grape, set material. The intensity of the stress per square inch on any nor
ting forth exactly the sort of application we advocate in preference mal section of a solid is the total stress divided by the area of the
section in square inches. Thus, if we had a rectangular strut or
post, 8x10 inches, with a load or stress 48,000 pounds distributed-
over any cross-section the intensity of the stress on the cross sec
lion would be 48,000+80—600 pounds.
Strain —When a solid body is subjected »o any kind of stress an
alteration is produced in the volume and figure of the bouy, and
this alteration is called the strain. In the case of the post given
above the strain would be the compression of the post caused by
the load.
'ihe ultimate strength, or breaking load of a body is the load re
quired to produce the fracture in some specified way.
The safe load is the load that a piece can support without impair
ing its strength
The factor of safely denotes the ratio in which the breaking load
exceeds the safe load.
DEAD AND LIVE LOADS.
The term dead, as used in mechanics, means a load that is ap
plied by imperceptible degrees and that remains steady, such as
the weight of the structure itself.
A lite load is one that is app ied suddenly or accompanied with
vibrations; such as swift trains tiaveling over a railway bridge, or
a force exerted in a moving machine. It has been found by ex
perience that ti-e effect of a live load on any piece of a structure
is twice as severe as that of a dead load of the same weight, hence
a piece of material designed to carry a live load should have a fac
tor of safety twice as large as one designed to carry a dead load.
The load produced by a crowd of people walking on a floor is
usually considered to produce an effect which is a mean between
that of a dead and living load, and a factor of safety is adopted
accordingly.
Force represented by.a straight Vn«. —In considerine the stability
of structures, it is often desirable to represent the forces acting on
to the natural school. The spaces are well covered, the designs Ihe structure graphically.
are capable of being rendered in low relief, and the groundwork Now, a force can be fully represented by a straight line having
of the two upright ones is pleasan ly varied. The introduction of an arrow head, as in Fig. 1. The length of the line if drawn to a
a butterfly or some insect, as shown in the grnpp panel, was a com -rale of pounds, shows the value of the fo-ce in pounds, the
mon and pleasing practice of Taltiert's. and betrays his love of direcion of the line indicates the direction of the force, the arrow
nature even in its most trifling phases. No man has done more to head shows which way it acts, and the point A denotes the point
make carved and painted panels of this class popular than this of application. Thus we have the direction, mag it tide and point
lamented de-ig ier, whose career we notice at length in this of application of the force represented, which is all that we need
journal. Such panels as these are scarcely out O' place if applied to know.
to any style that admits of such decoration. It must not b - un IMPORTANT PROPOSITION REGARDING T"E COMPOSITION AND
derstood that the studv of fruit or flowers as applied to Kemds RKSOLOTIoN OP FOHCK8.
sance is to be neglected. In such case a certain freedom or natu In studying the action of forces in structures, it will be necessary
ralistic cutting is essential, but even in these instances let the to thoroughly understand the following propositions :
mind as well a-* the hand of the artificer be seen. Our critical re
marks apply more to those piinfully natural game a»d fruit panels PARALLELOGRAM OF FOUCKS.
that are repeated ad naseaum on much cbeap Renaissance. I. —Jf tiro force* applied at one pain1 and acting in the same plane
he represented try two s'raig'it lines inclined to eacli other, their resultant
irilX be equal to the diagonal of the parallelogram formal on these
The Stability of Structures. lines.
Thus, if the lines A B, A C (Fig. 2), represent two forces acting
BY F. E. KIDDER, B. C. E. on one point A. and in the same plane, then to obtain the force
which would have the same effect as the two forces we complete
the parallelogram A B, I) C, and d>aw the diagonal AD. This
Mechanical Principals. line will then represent the resultant of the two forces.
THUS far we have discussed the subjects presented from a resultant the When two given forces are at ri^ht angles to each other, the
will, by geometry, be equal to the square root of the sum
purely empirical point of view, and have given onlv such of the squares of the other two forces.
rules as practice has furnished us. But before we can consider the
stability of piers, arches, etc., we must know something about THE TRIANGLE OF FORCES.
the more important mechanical principles of construction. II. —If three forces acting on a point be represented in magnitude
And before we are prepared for these it is necessary to under and direction by the sides of a triangle taken in order, they tcill keep
stand the term? which we shall constantly have occasion to use. the point in equilibrium.
Mechanics is the science which treats of the action of forces. Thus, let P. Q and R (Fig. 3) represent three forces acting on the
Rest is the relation between two points when the straight line point O. Now, if we can draw a triangle like that shown by
joining them does not change in length or direction. ■ lotted line, whose sides shall be respectively parallel to the forces,
Motion is the relation between two points when the straight line and shall have the same relation to each other as do the forces,
joining them changes in length or direction, or in both. then the forces will keep the point in equilibrium. If such a
force is that which changes or tends to change the state of a body triangle cannot be drawn, the forces will be unbalanced and the
in reference to rest or motion. It is a cause, the essential nature of point will not be in equilibrium.
which we are ignorant. Porperly we cannot deal with forces di
rect, but only with the laws of their action. THE POLYGON OF FORCES.
Equilibrium is that condition of a body in which the forces act III. —If any number of'fin ces acting at a point can be represented
ing upon it balance or neutralize each other. in magnitude and direction by the sides of a polygon taken in order
Statics is that part of mechanics which treats of the conditions of they will be in equilibrium.
equilibrium. This proposition is only the preceding one carried to a greater
Structures are artificial constructions in which all the parts are extent.
intended to be in equilibrium, and at rest, as in the case of a bridge MOMENTS.
or roof truss. They consist of two or more solid bodies, usually In considering the stability of structures and the strength of
called pieces, which are connected at portions of their surfaces materials, we are often obliged to take into consideration the mo
called joints. ments of the forces acting on the structure or piece, and it is very
The stability of a structure is its ability to resist displacement of essential that the reader should thoroughly understand what the
its parts. moment of a force is.
Kate |\l«?27
65 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [April,
When we speak of l lie moment of a force we must have In mind the rod may be in cquilbriumFs must equal the sum of F, and Ff.
some tixid point about which ibr moment is taken. Also the moment Fs about any point in the roil must equal the
The moment of a force about any given point may he defined as sum of the moments of F, and F, about the same point. For ex
the product of the force int ■ the perpendicular distance fr%m Ihe ample, let the ton es F, F, each be represented l>y 5, and let the
point to the line of action of the force. Or in other words the • istance A a be represented by 2, and the distance A c by 4. The
uvment of a force U the product of the force with the arm with force Fa must equal the sum of the forces F, and F8, or 10 ; and
which it acts. its moment must equal the sum of the moments of F, and F,. If
Tims it we have a force Fisr. 4. and wish to determine its *e take the mom- nts around A, then the moment of F, *-5 X 2
moment about a point P, we determine the perpendicular distance — 10, and of F, 5 X 4 — 20. Their sum =30, hence the moment
Pa. between the point and the line of action of the force and of F, must be 30. dividing the moment 30 by the force 10, we
multiply it by the force in lbs. For example if the force F were have for the arm 3, or the force Fs must act at a distance 3 from
equal to a weight of 500 lbs., and the P a were 2 inches, then the A to keep the rod in equilibrium.
moment of the force about the point P would be 1,000 inch lbs.
Tne following important propositions relating to forces and THE PRINCIPLE OP THE LEVER.
moments should be borne in mind in calculating the strength or This principle is based upon the two preceding propositions and
stability of structures. is of great importance and convenience.
VI. —lfthret parallel forces acting in one place balance each other
then eachfurce mutt be proportional to the distance betirecn the other
two.
i litis if we have a rod A B. Fig. 7, with three forces P, Pt Ps
acting on it, that the rod shall be balanced, we must have tin- fol
owing relation between she forces and their points of application,
viz. :
CB ' AB ' AC;

or, Pj:Pt:Pt— BC : A B : A C.
This is the case of the common lever, and gives the means of de
termining how much a given lever will raise.
Example. —Let the distance A C be 0 inches, and the distance
C B be 12 inches. If a weight of 500 lbs. is applied at the point
B, how much will it raise at the other end, and what support will
be required at C ?
Answer. —Applying the rule just given, we have the proportion:
P,: Pi — AC: CB, or 500: (P,) — 6: 12.
Hence P, —1,000 lbs., or 500 lbs. applied at A will lift 1.000 sus
pended at A. The supporting force at C must by proposition IV,
be equal to the sum of the forces Pj and P, or 1,500 lbs. in this
case.
CENTRE OF GRAVITY.
The lines of action of the force of gravity converge towards the
centre of the earth ; but the distance of the centre of the earth
from the bodies which we have occasion to consider, compared
with the size of those bodies, is so great that we may consider
the lines of action of the forces as parallel. The number of the
forces of gravity acting upon a body may be considered us equal
to the number of particles composing the body.
The Centre of Gravity of a body may be defined as the point
through which the resultant of the parallel forces of gravity acting
upon the body, passes in every position f the bndy.
If a body be supported at its centre of gravity, and be turned
about that point, it will remain in equiMirium in all positions.
The resultant of the parallel forces of gravity acting upon a body
is obviously equal to the weight of the body, and if an < qual force
be applied acting in a line passing through the centre of gravity
of the body, the body will be in equilibrium.
EXAMPLES OF CENTRES OF GRAVITY.
Centre of Gravity of Heary ParlicUs —Centre of gravity of two
particles. Let P be the weight of a particle at A (Fig. 8), and W
that at C.
The centre of gravity will be at some point B, on the line join
ing A and C. The point B must be so situated that if the two
particles were held together by a stiff wire, and were supported at
B. by a force < qual to the sum of P and W, the two particles would
be in equilibrium.
The problem then comes under the principle of the lever, and
hence we must have the proportion,
B + W:P — AC : BCorBC— P
AC
P+W.
IV. —If any number of parallel forces net on a body, that the body IfW — P,, then B c* — A C, or the centre of gravity will be
shall be in equilibrium, the sum of the forces acting in one direction half way between the two p irticles. This problem is of great im
must equal the sum ol theforces acting in the opposite direction. portance for it presents itself in many practical examples.
Thus if we have the parallel forces P1 P1 P8 and PJ, acting on Centre of Gravity of several Heavy Particles. —Let wl ws wt
the rod A B, Fig. 5, in the opposite direction to the forces I\ P, P, and M„ Fig. 9, be the weights of the particles.
then if the rod is in equilibrium the sum of the forces Pt P, P, Join to, and to, by a slra'ght line and find tiieircenlre of gravity
and P4 must equal the sum of Ihe forces P, and P,, also A, as in the preceding problem. Join A with «•„ and find the
V. —If any number of pa>aU>l lorce* or on abotly in opposite direc cenire of gravity B, which will be the centre of graviiy of the three
tions, then the sum of the moments of the force acting in one direction weights irt wt and w,. Proceed in the same way with each
about any i.iven point in the body, must eq'tal the sum of the moments weight and the last centre of gravity found will be the centre of
of the opposite set offorces acting about the same point if the body is to gravity of all Ihe particles.
be in equilbrhim. In bolh of these cases the lines joining the parthlesare supposed
Thus let Fig. 6 lepresent a number of parallel forces acting on a to be horizontal lines, or else the horizontal projection of the real
rod. Let ¥l F, act in one direction and F, in another, then that straight line which would join the points.
1882] THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. ee
Recent Improvements In the Mechanic Arts. ing, but it is customary to call it six-inch strip still when comput
ing it for measurement and sale. Before the days of machine
Written for the BuiLnrR and Woodworker by P. B. Brock, Solicitor dre<sing, a purchaser bought his lumber in the rough and handed
of Patents. Washington, D. C. ii over to his carpenter to preparef or layinsr on the floor. He did
not ask the manufacture r to sell it to him for what it would abso
A novel combination of a register for heating-flues, and an lutely measure when dressed, neiiher did he expect the carpenter
ottoman or like article of furniture, consists of an ottoman to pay for the decease caused by dressing. This was a loss which
frame provided with doors in its sides, whereby it is adapted to was as much a contingent necessity as was the loss of ends or
receive aud distribute heat from a register opening located therein. widths in boards which must needs be cut to fill a certain place in
A late English invention consists of an adjustable mantel. the work. It was a loss which was figured for in the estimated
The jambs are verlicidly adjustable, and the liieze, shelf, etc.. cost of the material needed for the building. The introduction of
are laterally adjustable. Panels are adjusted in grooves in the machinery did not shift the responsibility of this loss ; it 6imply
jambs. provided for doing more cheaply and efficiently the labor which
had hitherto been done by hand. The loss remaines the same, and
A new house-ventilator contemplates regulating automatically upon the same party. Hence no change in the custom of measure-
the escape of air from an apartment and to provide for excluding ing took place on the introduction of machine dressing.
backdraft. To this end a frame built in the wall or loosely in The second proposi'ion of our correspondent, how-ver, intro
serted in the flue, or in direct contact with the atmosphere, is produces a different element. If a board is crooked it must tie meas
vided with spindles arranged at an angle to the face of the frame ured straight, if entitled to measurement in the grade for which it
which carry suitable valves which onl serve o tr nsmit air from was intended. Usually crooked lumber loses in grade, but if
the room and close when there is the slightest backdraft. Whe n passed, can lie measured only for what it will make. If it is a
the frame is built in the chimney a longiludina'ly arranged division wedge strip, it is to be measured at its narrow end, for it can only
plate is provided therein whereby the escape of air from the room make so wide a piece of flooring as can be manufactured with par
is not effected by any downdraft. A wind cap on the outside is allel lines. If it is crooked so that an inch is lost in making it
essential to this construction. straight, the loss falls on the manufacturer at the sawmill, not
A novel bath-tub is pivoted at the end next the faucets so that up 'ii the planing mill and only to the reasonable extent of ordin
it may be swung upwardly and rest wholly within a suitable up ary loss in dressing upon the purchaser of the planed lumber.
right casing. For this purpose it U raised by cords running over Such a st irp as our correspondent describes should be measured at
pulleys to which is a'tached a counterweight. Splashers are pro live inches in the rough, and would be considered as a piece of
vided to prevent soiling the adjacent walls of the apartment. A live-inch flooring when matched and dressed. This rule holds
flexible joint is provided whereby the oscillation of the tub will good in all markets of which we have knowledge. —Nor'-Wettern
not affect the drain pipe. Lumberman.
A new method of uniting ornamental wood for floor coverings
consists of introducing lead or other suitable metal into grooves in
the blocks in a molten condition.
A late improvement in lathe-chucks consists essentially of the
ordinary shell of a chuck provided with four radially and cir-
cumfeiently arranged recessed enlargements. Four radial chuck
spindles are provided with collars to bear against the inner nails
of the recesses in the enlargement, and bushings are secured in
said recesses aud arranged to bear against the said collars aud
hold the spindles in position.
A novel device for securing roofing miterial upon roofs con
sists of a sheet metal strip having a series of flexible points [The Editor does not hold himself responsible for any opinions that appear in
normally projecting at right angles from its surface. Mea sale this colninn. Contributions are solicited from all who an- interested n building
provided for securing ibis strip permanently to the toof. A second operations, or wood-work of anv kind, letters will be Judged entirely by the
strip is perforated with a series of apertures corresponding to the stjleof I he writer, the rn. ru> of hi- subject, and the knowledge which he dis
plays of It. The na'»e and address o' the writer must accompany each letter,
project ng point of the first strip, whereby the edges of a ro flng not necessarily for publication, but as an evidence of Ilia good faith. Be brief,
fabric m»y be secured to ea'-h other ami to t he roof by the inter courteous, and to the point.
locking of the two metallic strips between which they are placed. [Rejected communications can in no case be returned.l
A Kf.CENT invention in wood-heading machines has a spring-
follower constructed with a spring having two compressing heads Editor of the Builder and Wood-Worker :
connected and adjustable by means of one or mor bolls having In the Builder for 8ept., 187', is advertized the Rodier Sin
nuts, whereby said spring may be compressed or relaxed as desired, gle Iron Plane, made by the Latiin Mfg. Co, Westfield, Mass.
and movable upon ways or guides on the bending lever. The You also speak of it editorially on page 210, same No. Wishing
spring-follower is also compressible by means of a stationary to get a set of iron planes I wrote to them for a circular, and
screw in the end of said bending-lever. received it within ten days. The price was $11.50. I wrote to
A RECENT invention in mortising chUels ha« been patented, it them again asking them what discount they would allow me from
being issued after an interference with Letters Patent No 231,(1(1 ', price list ; they said they would send me a set for $10. I sent
the present inventor establishing priority. This chisel is p ovideil the money on the 17th of last Sept. Waiting four weeks and
on its back with a longitudinal groove which has its sides or flauks not hearing from them, I wrote again, and received a postal card,
seriated to form horizontal cutters or teeth. saying that ihey were away behind on plane orders, and mine
A new wood-turning lathe has a tool carriage provided with an wrote would receive attention in its turn. Waiting another month, I
interchangeable toolrest through which Ihe trick passes, and is " Weagain and received a postal card saying :
shall be unable to send a plane for a week or two yet, as
provided with a roughing tool which is pivoted to a vertically we arc very much troubled in getting different parts for them.
adjustable-arm aud which is itself vertically adjustable for the Lafl n Mfg. Co."
purpose of eau-ing it to bear on said ring. A knee leverand crank
wheel are provided with a flexible connection between the same, Waiting to the 1st of February, and not hearing from them, I
which allows of an unvarying leverage and an instantaneous wrote to the postmaster at Westfield, also to the president, H. C.
release of the tool from the finished work. Shute, asking him to send me the planes within ten days, or re
turn the money at my expense. Up to date I have not heard from
him. From the postmaster I received a postal card, saying, that
Measuring Dressed Lumber. the " Company's property is attached, and is threatened with bank
ruptcy." Now they knew before they got my money that they
APLANING-M1LL owner in the South submits the following ; could not or would not, send the planes. I think they are worse
" Please state through the columns of your valuable journal than a set of *itfak thieves.
the rules or customary ways of measuring flooring and ceiling as it I write this to caution your readers against them. There may
goes to the planer. Namely, if a board is six inches wide and be others that would send and get taken in, as 1 have been. Do
twelve feet long, would it be measured as having six feet of con you think I can do anything about it ?
tents when it comes from the machine ? Again : if a board lie Respectfully yours, A. Murray.
twelve feet long and six inches wide as sawed, but so crooked Agricola, Kansas, Feb. 20, 1882.
upon its edges that an inch in the width must be lost in dressing.
Would it be measured as six feet, or as but five when dressed? in Editor of tlie Builder and Wood-Worker :
other words, will you give us the customary rules for measuring Inclosed you will find a plan and elevation of the ttrnout at the
dressed and matched ceiling and flooring f" starting of a stair-case. Also the operation of finding the mould
Lumber passing through a machine is measured as though in j for the wreath, which your correspondent, W. B. 0., wishes an ex-
the roujjh. A six-inch snip of course )oses in its width by dress I ample of,
Kate [J? 29
69
The plan and elevation of the turnout is shown at Fig. 1 and invention consists in the use of carnauba wax in a hydrated state,
Fig. 2. combined with meiallic and other oxidt s ai d coloring matters for
To find the length of the major axis of the cliptical curve for the preparing stains, polslting and scouring matters. The Carnauba
centre of the mould. Draw A, B, Fig. 1. parallel to (J D, equal to wax surpasses all other kinds by its hardness, and by melting ut
S H, Fig. 2, join J B, and extend to R ; then K R equals half the not less than 206° Fahr. Between the teeth it breaks into pieces
length of the major axis, and J B the length of the eliptical curve without mollifying, and when applied in a hydrated state in con
required for the mould. nection with other substances produces an excellent durable 1 ster
and protects against the penetration of humidity. The polishing
material is prepared in the following manner: Dissolve 1 part of
soap in 30 parts of boiling water,-to this add an equal quantity of
carnauba wax and boil the whole until the wax is dissolved, and
looks like white milk. Then pour in a quantity of caustic ammo
nia until the milky solution of wax hxs become clearer; let it cool.
According to what the polishing matter is intended for, precipitate
ihis soiu'ion of wax with a solution of alum, sul hale of magnesia,
iron or zinc, etc., thus obtaining prec pitates of combinations of
sebacics and car auba wax acids with the biuws of the above men-
tioned salts. After washi g out thise precipitates, m x the com
pounds thus obtained with a small quantity ot c austic ammonia
and the ptecipitates of the desired color. To get, for ins ance, a
iilack color, use a decoction of eampcac j' wood and acid chromate
'if potash. It i« to be understood that polishing matters differ
from those generally used by their not being composed of a mix
ture of b< cswax and soap solution, soluble in water like the latter,
but of chemical combinations of sebacic, and especially carnauba
wax acid wi'h the oxides of t lie above mentioned salts and color
ing matters. —Bonton Juur. of Commerce.
This department is intended to famish, for the benefit of all our readers.prac
tical information regarding the art of building or manipulating wood by nand
or machinery ; and we trust that every reader of onr pajier will make the fullest
use of It, both in asking and answering. All persons possessing additional or
more correct information than that which is given relating to the queries pub-
li-hed, are cordially invited (o forward it to us for pu'-lication. All questions
will be numbered, and in replying it will be absolutely necessary, in order to
-ecure due insertion,'.hat the numbrk and title of the question answered should
he given; and in sending questions, the title of key-words of the question should
he placed at the head of the paper. Correspondents should in all cases send (heir
addresses, not necessar ly for publication, but for future reference. We also
request that all qnestions or answers be written on separate slips of paper, and
addressed to the editor. Notes of practical interest win be welcome at all times.
When drawings are sent to illustrate answers to qnestions, or for ful pages, ihey
should be on separate slips, and should be drawn in ink on clean, white p*per.
short questions, requiring Bhort answers, may be asked and answered through
To form the mould at Fig. 3, draw the major axis indefinitely, When answers to questions are wanted by mail, the querist must send a stamp
square up from A to B equal to A D Fig. 1, set off from A to D l or return postage.
equal to K R Fig. 1. To find the points for the pins to describe
the centre curve ; from the point B as centre, with K R, Fig, 1, as Questions.
radius describe arcs cutting the major axis at 2 and 3, the poiuts
required. 41. On. Stone.—Will some one of your readers inform me
To find the length of curve, from the point D as centre, with J t hrjuge these pages what to do with an oil stone that has become
B, Fig. 1, as radius, describe an arc, cutting the curve at S, the too hard t I have a stone that is quite hard and it takes too much
length required. To find the direction of the straight wood ; from time to sharpen my tools with it. — Uurley.
the point D as centre, with T N, Fig 2, as radius, describe an arc 42. Grindstone.—Answers to the following questions will be
at L, then irom the point S as centre, with N H, Fig. 2, as radius, considered
describe an arc, cutting the arc A, from the point of intersection a grindstonea by favor : (1.) What is a " hacker ?" (2.) Can I true up
running with a foot-power, and if so, please explain
draw the tangent D L and L S, the direction required for the hew ?—Beginner.
straight wood.
To find the width of the mould, set off from N to 2, Fig. 2, the 43. Hall Furnishing. —Having derived a great deal of benefit
width of the rail, then N 3 equals the width of the mould at D. and valuable information from your paper, and seeing that you in
The points for the pins to describe the outside and inside curves, vite "questioners " to take part in this department, and make known
are found in the same manner as those for the centre curve. The their wants, I tremblingly knot k at your door and ask for a little
operation of finding the bevels geometrically is shown at Fig. 2 At information regarding furnishing a large hall. W ill it be the
Fig. 4 we have shown the operation practically as follows : from a '• proper thing to have a large sized table in the hall, a cushioned
piece of wood to the angle of the tangents J C A, Fig 1, draw D S seat or bench and a mirror-fianie, besides the accustomed hat-rack
at right angles to C D, and D R, the pitch of the stairs, cut to the and cane-stand ? I have ample room, and any suggestions will be
lines, apply the bevel to the angle D S for the joint at D, and to the appreciated. —Minerva.
line D Rfor the joint on the straight wood.
Note in drawing the elevation of the staircase, square up from 44. Decay in Timber. —Will you please state what is the cause
the intersection of the tangents .1 C A, Fig. 1, to the point N ; then of decay in timber ? I mean the chemical course of decay. —Quiz.
from the point N draw the pitch N H : from the centre of baluster 45. Rough Casting.—I want to do some rough casting on an old
C, Fig. 1, dpaw the dotted line to intersect the pitch line, which brick wall ; what steps should I take to make the mortar stick well
determines the position of the steps and risers, ana the height of the to the walls ?—Mort.
newel post. Lucios D. Gould. 46. Polishing Wood-Work. —Would like to know how to pol
New York, March, 20, 1882. ish wood-work ; and would be thankful for information and in
structions on that subject ?—A New Reader.
Wood Polish and Stain from Carnauba Wax. 47. Monograms.—If some of your artists would give designs for
AN improved stain and polishing compound has been made by "Monograms ' of the following combinations, the act wouldbe ap
Herr G. Gliibey, of Nuremberg, from carnauba wax, for preciated by a number of your amateur readers in this city ?—
which he has recently obtained Letters Patent in Germany. The J. II. C.-E. C—and S, A, 11,—Philadelphia.
1882.] THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. TO
Answers. is shown and described in another column of the present issue. —

Ed.
W« wish it distinctly understood that we do not hold onrselves responsible for
the accuracy of reliability of answers fnrnished to this department by our corre
33. Planing Mill. —We are making arrangements to get an
spondents. improved plan of a planing mill for reproduction, and will probably
We cordially invite onr readers to take an active part in this department, as
have it ready for next issue. —Ed.
we an* confident that much good can be accomplished by a free interchange of
ideas and opinions in regard to subjects connected with building and woodwork
84. Renovating Old Floors. —Have the floors scrubbed clean,
ing. let them get perfectly dry. Plane off the high parts with a smooth-
Many persons are afraid ro write to a pub'ic journal because of their lack of
ing-plane. Use a bull-nosed plane near the base or mop-board.
literary' attainments; to such we would say: Give us your Ideas in such language
as you can command, and leave ihe rest to us. It is ideas and opinions we want,
When smooth, stain with umber mixed in a solution of water and
such as may be of use to the architect, the amateur, and the workingman. An
glue : apply boiling hot. When dry, smooth off with No. -J sand
swers should be sent to this office ou or before the fifteenth of each month, to
insure insertion in the next issue. paper, then give a good coal of boded oil ; let this dry and you
« ill have a floor that will hold its color for many years. The glue
will help to keep the shaky parts solid. —Neff.
25. Geometry.—If H B. B. will obtain a copy of " Riddell's 36. Polishing Turned Work. —Turne;l articles must be brought
Geometry." or even of "Bell's Carpentry Made I asy," he will have to a fine, smooth surface with the finest sandpaper, and the direc
all the geometry he requires for practical purposes, if he masters all tion of the motion should be occasionally reversed, so that the fibers
either of the books contains.—Neff. which are laid down by rubbing one way may be raised up and cut
25 Geometry —There is no easy way of acquiring the science off. To apply the polish, which is merely a solution of shellac in
of geometry. If H. B. B. will secure a good edition of " Niehol alcohol take three or four thicknesses of linen rag and place a
son s Encyclopedia of Architecture," he will find in there all the few drops of polish in the center ; lay over this a single thickness
geometry he will ever require in his busimss, and its application to of linen rag and a drop or two of raw linseed oil over the polish.
the purposes for which he would require it. In my opinion there The rubber is then applied with light friction over the entire sur
is no work published as thoro lehand comprehensive as Nicholson's face of the work while revolving in the lathe, never allowing the
work I paid $30 for mine, (2 large vols ), but I would not part hand or mandrel to remain still for an instant, so as to spread the
with it for twice the money. It is a builder's library in itself. — varnish as even as possible, especially at the commencement, and
Joikeh. paying particular attention to the internal angles, so as to prevent
26. Hand Railing —I forward a sketch for hand railing. The some either deficiency or excess of varnish at those parts. The oil in
dotted line on elevation of tangents show the position it would be allowsdegree retards the evaporation of the spirit of the varnish, and
to answer the way he would like. Further explanation is unnec lessens time for the process ; it also presents a smooth surface and
the friction against the tender gum. When the varnish
essary. — W. A. O. appears dry, a second, third and even further quantities are applied
in the same manner, working, of course, more particularly upon
those parts at all slighted in the earlier steps,
Flat surfaces are polished in a similar manner. The wood must
be filled, as it is called, and for this there is nothing better than
whiting, colored so as to resemble the wood and kept dry. Rub
the latter well with linseed oil, and then sprinkle it with whiting.
Rub the latter well in, wipe it off carefully, and give time to dry.
This is far superior to size.
The polisher, however, generally consists of a wad of list, rolled
spirally, tied with twine and covered with a few thicknesses of
linen rag. Apply a little varnish to the middle of the rubber, and
then inclose the latter in a soft linen rag, folded twice. Moisten
the face of the linen with a little raw linseed oil, applied to .the
middle of it by means of the finger. Pass the rubber quickly and
lightly over the surface of the work in small circular strokes, until
the varnish becomes nearly dry ; charge the rubber with varnish
again, and repeat the rubbing till three coats are laid on, when a little
oil may be applied to the rubber and two more coats given it. Pro
ceed in this way until the varnish has acquired some thickness,
then wet the insfide of the linen cloth, before applying the varnish ;
with alcohol and rub quickly. lightly and uniformly the whole sur
face. I astly, wet the linen cloth with a little oil and alcohol, with
out varnish, and rub as before till dry. Each coat is to be rubbed
until the rag appears dry; and too much varnish must not be put on
the rag at one time. Be also very particular to have the rags clean
as the polish depends in a great degree upon keeping everything
free from dust and dirt. —Adept.
38. Grinding Tools.—Edged tools are fitted up by grinding,
very much as a plank would be reduced in thickness were a large
plane employed in which were set a hundred oi more very small
gouges, each cutting a narrow groove. The sharp grit of the grind
stone being harder than the iron or steel, cuts very small channels
in the surface of the metal, and the revolving disc carries away all
the minute particles that are detached by the grit. If we were to
examine the surface of a tool that has just been removed from the
grindstone under the lenses of a powerful microscope, it would
appear as it were, like the rough surface of a field which has
recently scarified with some implement which formed alternate
ridges and furrows. Hence, as these ridges and furrows run
together from both sides, at the cutting edge, the newly ground
edge seems to be formed of a system of minute teeth, rather than
26. Hand Railing. —Build your stairs, if you know how, if not, to consist of a smooth edge. For this reason, a tool is first ground
get some oue that does know, or send the size of your room to the on a coarse stone, so as to wear the surface of the steel away rap
editor for me, and I will give you a plan, and for $3.00 will send the idly : then it is polished on a wheel of much finer grit ; and finally,
American Stair Builder's Guide, which I think will seave you better in order to reduce the serrature as much as possible, a whetstone
than Riddell's system, as being simpler and easier understood of the finest grit must be employed. Thisgives a cut ling edge having
-L. D. G. the smallest possible serration. A razor.for example.doea nol have a
perfect cutting edge.as one may perceive by viewingit through a mi
29. Stair Soffit.—You can either stave it up or form a drum croscope. Beginners are sometimes instructed, when gi hiding edge-
the size required, and bend a piece of stuff around it by dadoing it tools, to have the stone revolve toward the cutting edge, and some-
at the angle of elevation, and keying it ; after which, lay on glued limes from it. When the first, grin- ing is being done, il is a matter
canvas. If both sides are exposed, you will have to put it up in of indifference whether this is done or not ; but when the finishing
sections with the grain of the wood parallel to the string of the touches are applied near and at the very edge, a grimier can always
stair-.—L. D. G. C"inplele his task with more accuracy if the periphery of ihegrind-
30. Winders.—The rail is not affected, consequently requires no -tone revolves toward the cutting edge, as the steel that is worn
remedy. — L. D. G. awav will be removed more, easily ; whereas, when a stone runs in
ihe opposite direction, the grinder cannot always tell exactly when
31. TnicKNESs of Handrail.—A plan to obtain all you ask for the side of the tool is fully gtouud up to the edge. This is more
•:-BuilrDErR'AND- Kate fsi°30
AÔOD*WORKErRvHETfP^TO-Xl!ATDlJF$-$l>PIE$-
Kate f\l° 3 I
.THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORkER. [April,
especially true when the steel has a rather low or 90ft temper. The All connections to be by Y branches.
stone, when running from the edge, will not sweep away every To set for all water-closets within the house inch cast-iron
p irticte of the metal that hangs as a " feather;" b'lt wh'-n the stone vent pipe, connected beyond the water seal of the trap, extending
revolves toward the edge, there will be no "feather edge'' to deceive above the roof in the same manner as the soil pipe, or connected
the eye of the grinder. —Adept. with the soil pipe above the highest fixture.
40. Concrete — Materials: Half measure of Portland cement, For all 6thcr traps to set inch cast-iron vent pipe, connected
half measure of air-slaked lime sifted through a fine sieve, mixed beyond the water seal of the trap, extend ng above the highest
together dry ; seven m-asures of sand and gravel, if possible of all fixture, and there connected with the waste pipe, or extended above
degrees of fineness, from peas to eggs or stones broken to pass the roof separately, as the architect may direct If the latter, the
shrough a 2-inch ring. The finer should just fill the intervals of diameter will be enlarged to four inches from just below the roof
the ctarser materials, then all to be mixed dry and measured. The upward.*
mixture of cement and lime to be then added and mixed dry, and All air pipes to be so graded as to discharge water collected by
the whole tempered with as little water as possible. Any more condensation.
than will just moisten the whole will be in excess. No wall-plates All iron pipes to be sound, ire from holes and other defects, of
or timbers should be bedded in concrate walls. Concrete should a uniform thickness of not less than one eighth of an inch for a
be mixed in small quantities at a time just when it is wanted. diameter of two, three, or four inches, or five-thirty seconds of an
" Mason " can easily calculate the cost from the above, if he knows inch for a diameter of five or six inches. Before they are con
the price of the various materials in his locality. —Neff. nected each pipe to be thoroughly coated inside and outside with
coal tar pitch, applied hot, or with some equivalent substance
satisfactory to the Board of Health. To be firmly secured in
Health Department's Plumbing Specifications. positinn by
To CHUlk all joints in iron pipe with picked oakum and molten
E print here the specifications for plumbingrecently adopted lead, and made impermeable to gases.
by the Health Department of this city: Before any of the iron pipes are covered all the openings to be
SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE PLUMBING AND DRAINAGE stopped, the pipes filled with water, and, if required, allowed to
stand twenty-four hours for inspection. If prelerred by the In
of house on the side of street feet of spector from the Board of Health, the peppermint test maybe sub
street owner address architect address plumber stituted.
address. If any leak is discovered, the joint may be made tight or the de
Pursuant to the provisions of chapter 450. Laws of 1881, the fective pipe replaced.
accompanying plan for the plumbing and drainage of each of the To make all connections of lead with iron pipes by brass sleeves
above mentioned houses, and the following description thereof, is or ferrules of the same siz3 as the lead pipe, set in the hub of the
hereby submitted for the approval of the Board of Health, the branch of the iron pipe, and caulked in wi h lead; the lead pipe to
undersigned hereby agreeing to cause the work to be done and the be attached to the ferrule liy a wiped joint.
material 10 be furnished in accordance therewith, with such modi Connections of lead pipe to be made by wip"d joints.
fications as may be required by the Board of Health. To firmly secure all 1' ad pipe with hard metal tacks and screws.
The plumber will furnish all materials and perform all labor To trap every water closet, sink, basin, « ash-tray, bath, and every
requisite and necessary for putting up and completing all the tub or si t of tubs effectively, in the manner shown ou the plan;
plumbing work in a good and thoroughly w orkmanlike manner, the traps to be as near the fixtures as practicable.
according to the drawings and these specifications. The exit pipes to fixtures to be provided with strong metallic
Where the specifications vary or conflict with the drawings, the strainers.
contractor w to be governed by the specifications All set fixtures to be underlined with sheet lead of pounds
The plumber will send uotic > to the Board of Health when the per foot, with edges turned up at least. ..inches, in a secure man
work will begin. ner, to prevent overflow. To provide for each safe a pipe, dis
All materials must be of good quality and free from defects. charging either into an open sink, or upon the cellar floor, or out
The airangcment of soil and w»ste pipes will be as direct as side tne house, as the arch tect may direct.
possible, and, wherever practicable, the drain, soil, and waste The » aste pipe from the refrigerator to be so arranged as to dis
pipes, and the traps, will be left so that they may at all limes be charge into Ihe most convenient open sink. In no case shall it be
readily examined and repaired. Where they are necessarily placed connected directly with the soil or waste pipe or the drain or sewer,
within walls or partitions the • shall be covered with face boards
or discharge upon 1 he ground.
fastened with screws, so as to be readily removed. Each wnier-eloset or group of water-closets to be supplied with
To obtain and p*y for all necessary permits, and to comply with water from a special tank or cistern, the water of which is used for
all corporation Uws relating to the erection of buildings no other purpo-e. In no case shall a closet be supplied direct from
To excavate and insert tap in street main, if nec- ssary. the Croton supply pipes.
To connect tap and house supply at poinl indicated on the plans The overflow pipe from each water-closet tank to discharge into
by inch lead pipe, to weigh per foot, to belaid feel an open sink or into the bowl of the water-.-loset, as the architect
below curb level. may direct. In no case shall it dUcharge into the soil or waste
To place a stop-cock at to shut off the water when neces- pipe or into the drain or sewer.
sarv. If the pressure of the Croton is found to be insufficient to supply
To grade each line of supply pipe so that it can be completely any water closet lank, provide and set up a pump
emptied at iis lowest point. To supply and set up in complete working order the following
For each house to make a separate c mnection to sewer in street, fixtures of the pattern aud kind hereinafter described:
by inch east-iron pipe, run at a uniform grade to a point just
inside of cellar wall, where set a inch cast-iron running-lrap.
with hand-hole for cleauinir, with a cover properly fitted and the I ciS g ^ g fH § — O !■= O c —
■5 £ "> £ —
joints made tight with cement ; the trap to be provided with a Bi -r a £ t- III
fresh air inlet on the house side thereof, of inch cast iron pipe f*< 1 fa fa fa: fa
extending to... . Water closets.
To continue the house drain inches in diameter along the Urinals
cellar wall from irap, or in a bench cut at a uniform grade, walled Wash Basins .
up on ihe sides, and provided with movable covers and having a Bath Tubs ...
hydraulic concrete base of four inches in thickness, on which the Wash Trays..
pipe is to rest, to the point shown on the plan, giving it an even Sinks
fall to the trapof inch to the foot. To make necessary changes Refrigerators
in direction by curved pipes, and all connections by Y branch 1 !
pipes and one-eiahth bends. From the point shown on the plan, Boilers
branch pipes to be connected with ihe drain pipe to receive the soil Description of urinals
and waste pipes, the rain-water leader, and the connections from Description of wash basins
the area, cellar, and yard cesspools. Description of bath tubs
For each water-closet or line of water closets, to provide and Description of wash trays
set inch cast iron soil pipe connecting wiih the house drain Description of sinks
by a Y branch, extending two feet above the highest part of the Description of refrigerators
roof or coping. If near a light shaft feet. The soil pipe Area drain
to have branches to receive the traps of the water-closets on each Yard drain
story. Boilers
To provide and set, with proper connections for each basin, bath Ranges
or sink, urinals, wash tray, safe and tub inch cast-iron waste Hot and cold water supply pipes
pipe connecting by a Y branch with the house drain, and ter
minating above ihe roof in the same manner as the soil pipe. To * It Is not reqnired that every trap shall have a separate air-pipe; several may
connect each of the set fixtures with the waste pipe by a short have branches into one vent, provided that each branch be as large a* the waste
length of inch lead pipe with inch trap. it serves. It is imperative that every trap should be so ventilated as to prevent
syphoning, and to Insure a free circulation of air through every foot ol the pipe.
1882.] THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. 74:
shown are extremely pretty, and what i* better, the plans are all that could be
Water pipes in exposed places to be packed with mineral wool, desired
properly boxed and cased lo the saiisfaction of the aichiiect.* in the way of convenience and adaptability to the wants of the owner.
The Journal of Decorative Art — An illustrated technical journal for
(Signature of Owner) th-- house painter and decoraior. and all art workmen. Published monthly, in
Manchester, England. Price, $2.50 pet year, prepaid.
We beg to call the attention of those of our readers who are interested in house
decoration to this excellent and ably conducted journal. Each number contains
four full page tinted illustrations, showing examples of stencil work, wall finish,
ACORRESPON DENT suggests that the market price of bricks cornices, c-ilings, dados, window linings, and many other things. Sometimes a
should be rated according to their size, weight and crushing fml page colored plate is issued with the work, showing an interior or exterior
strength. He instances two lots of bricks, sold at the same price finish in colors.
The February nnmber, which is just to hand, is rich in text and design, and we
per thousand. One lot averaged 2Jx3Jx7^ inches in i-izc, 5 lb. do not know that we can do better than give the index of that number, to show
24 oz. in weight, and broke at 5,490 11). per square inch. The theThe character of the journal:
Journal of Decorative Art Prize Scheme and Competition.
second lot ran about 2^x4x8J incite- in size, weighed only 4 lb 8i Technical Chapters on the Various Processes Useu in the Art of House and
oz , and broke at 3.610 lb. per square inch. The real value of these Church Painting and Decoration.
two lots of brick were obviously very -unequal. As our corres ChapN r XV.—Decor tlve Processes.
pondent says, it makes a vast difference to the builder of arch or Owen Jones and his Contemporaries: A. N. W. Pugln.
pier if he calculates on bricks standing 500 tons to the square foot Short Chapters on the science of Heraldry (illustrated).
On Materials and Tools Usedoy the House Painter and Decorator: Brushes aud
and gets them half as strong : or if he figures on 4,500 bricks per Bristles.
rod of 306 cubic feet, and it takes 5,500. He thinks that every .Our Illustrations.
Albissima Paint.
brickniiik3r should guarantee a certain size, weight and crushing Technical Chapters on Graining, Marbling, Sign-writing, Embossing, and Gild
strength —which they will probably do when (and not before) ing on Glass.
builders refuse to purchase bricks which fall short of a stipulated Chapter XV.—Inlaying of Woods.
Measuring-up and Pricing Painting Work.—Chapter 11.
standard of size and quality, or make their contracts with the brick- Trade Intelligence.
maimer or dealer contingent, as to price, upon the character of the Answers to Correspondents.
We have made
we arrangements
nan furnish it wtoithourthesubscribers,
publishers ofpost-paid,
The Journal
materials delivered. —Scientific American. Art* by which for $$,of 0Decorative
per year.
We know of nothing in this line that will suit our decorators better than the
journal before us.
We deem it our duty to keep our readers advised of the public-don of h]

works that will in any wav interest them; and, with thi- object in view, we In
a.- we may think will be of service in this direction. We shall not only give the [Any of our readers will be welcome to take part in this Department.]
character of t he book, and price, but wilt in many cas*:s (five extracts from the
work* reviewed, so that »<nr readers may be enabled, to some extent, to judge of W. B., of Roekford. HI., sends us several cuttings from newspapers, giving an
inequality of the books for themselves. account of the inv.ntfon of th'- circular saw, and asks us our opinion as to who
[N.B.—All books reviewed In this colnmn can be obtained from the Bitii.t>kh was the " Simon Pure " inventorof the circular saw. The following are extracts
and W«k>i>-Wokker office at pubishers* prices. Authors and publishers are re from the clippings sent:
quested to send in copies of works intended for review as early in the mouth '* A writer in the Toledo (Ohio) Telegram is authority for the following hit of
as possible.] hi-tory: In a lonely secluded spot in the n»>n hwestcorner of th.ceinet ry nearthe
ever beautiful little village of Kiclunond, Kalamazoo C unity, Mich., the reader can
find, on a pure white marble dab, nearly concealed from View by a large cluster
Hint* for Painters, Decorator* and Paper Hanger* being a of lilac bu-hes. engraved the simple inscription, 'Benjamin Cnmmiugs. born
■electkm of useful ru es. d ia. memoranda, metliu is. and suggestions for house, 177,\ died A. D. IK43.' And who was Benjamin Cummin*.*? He was the in
ship, ami furniture painting, paper hanging, gilding, color mixing, and other ventorof the circular saws now in use in this country and in Europe. Nearly
matter* useful and instructive to painters and deeorators. Prepared with special stxtv years ago. at linrtonvillc, N. Y., and Amsterdam, this man hammered out,
reference to the wants of amateurs by an old hand. Industrial Publishing Co., at his own blacksmith's anvil, the first circular saw known to mankind."
New York. Price 2b cents. Another, taken from the Scientific Pt>tut some time ago, is as follows:
This is No. 3 of the useful series of Work Manual* this company are publish '* The credit of this inv. prion has been given in some quarters to a citizen of
ing, and it will fully su-taii. the good reputation the previous issues obtained. Vermont, now deceased. I think this ref rs to Win. Kendall, late of Fairfield,
The little work give- » description of paints, how to mix them, to obta n the vari- Maine. lie dieu, I think, within the past year. As long ago as I can well re
ou- tints and colors, and how to apply them to obtain the best results. The member perhaps about the year 1825—he built a circular saw mill at Wrterville,
work al-o contains rules for measuring and estimating painters' work; also some Maine. His firH saw was seven feet in diameter, built of plates of iron, riveted
exct Hem advice tu paper hanging and the selection of wall paper. Taking it tog. ther at right angle*, being made thin at the outer edge, but about six inches
altogether, we may s»fuly say that we have not seen for a long lime such a useful thick in the middle, where it fitted the arbor. It was made plain on one side and
selection of special information ofTeredat so Iowa price. conical on the other, so that the bo rd had to be npnms from the saw as it was
The type, puper, printing and general get up of the manual arc also deserving cut. It could therefore only be used in cutting thin stufT. The t<*eth wer fitted
of notice, for their clearness, good quality, and common sense display of these to the outer edge of the saw. something as the saw manufacturer Emerson now
subjects set forth. fits teeth. To steady the saw, he built a powerful force pump to throw a very
sm dl jet of w tteron the opposite sides of the saw. He afterwards either rebuilt
Our Factories, Work»liopn and WarehoiiMes : Their Sanitar} or enlarged his saw to nine feet diameter. It was driven with a wheel of his own
and Fire Kesi-ilng Arrangements. By B. H. Tnwaite, C. K. Published by E. & invention, with a half cross belt from a drum on the npriirht shaft "
F. N. Spoil, 416 Broome street. New \ork. Price, $3.50. Another, also taken from a scientific pa|>er, says: ** One Samuel Miller (Eng
This work. 1 hough written more particularly for English than American readers, land), in 1777, took out a patent for circular saws, and describes in ids patent the
contains many thing* that builders and designers of large workshops should method of driving the saw by a rope or a chain over pulleys, and a feed-table,
becume acquainted with. Indeed some of the methods and applianci-s shown withacompou d motion to direct the pieces against the saw, agreeable to any
for ventilating large buildings are such as every one having anything to do with line wanted to be cut."
structures w here large numbers of people are employed, *honl*» m ke themselves Again, there was standing in 1852 a workshop in York street. London, England,
thoroughly acquainted with. Several chapters of the work are devo ed to fire which contained wood-working machines made from designs of Samuel Benthain,
proof building, and contains much that is valuable and sngveeuva on that sub in the early part of the present century. These were constructed machines for
ject, and much that could bo made to do service in this country. "all general operations in wood-work, inclining, planing, molding, rebating,
The work is amply illustrated with good clear cut-, and the descriptive mafer grooving, mortising, and sawing.'" It is not stilted whether the sawing was done
is simple, and almost devoid of technicalities and building formula. It is printed with a circular or other saw. but it is pr mimed it was a circular saw that was
on heavy paper, well bound, and hande-omely gotten up. used, as it is well known that Samuel Bcntham understood the use and manage
ment of circular saws. All we can sav to W. B. is, that none of the parties whose
Clrcularm or Information of the Bureau of Education—No. names appearsaw
in the
wasforegoing extracts, were the
any inventors
of these of the circular saw.
1,2,3,4 and 5 for ltstsi. loaned by the Department of the Interior, Washing The circular known for ages before supposed inventors
ton, D. C. existed; in fact, there is reason to believe that circular saws, of some sort or an
No. 1 gives a number of plans and illustrations of library buildings, and the other, were discovered and used simultaneously with the discovery of the tinning
text contains some very useful hints and suggestions regarding the construction lathe; at all events. Dr. Hooke gives a d scription of circular saws used during
of buildings designed for books, recoros. Ac, Ac. No. 2 contains a very able his day for cutting the teeth of clock wheel- and for other purposes. The saw,
paper by E. E. White, L L. IV. < n ihe " Relat on- of Education to Industry and as we now know it, was brought into general use by M. J. Brunei, C. E., for
Technical Training in American Schools." Those interested in technical educa making ships1 blocks, and adopted by the British Admiralty Board, in Ports
tion -honld apply to the member of Congress for their District for copies, as we mouth, in 1804. The name of the original inventor of the circular saw is lost iu
believe each member can obtain a limited number. the long, long past. The improvers names arc many, aud of recent date.
Artistic Home* In City and Country being a selection of sketches R. P., Portland, Maine.— We do not know of a better way of making a mahog
prepared in th routine of office-work, and now amplified and enlarge by Albert any stain thin to rub the surface first with a diluted solution of aquafortis; then
W. Fuller, architect. Jas. R. Osgood & Co. publishers, Boston, Mass. Price, 1 oz. of dragon's blood being dissolved in a pint of spirits of wine by sesses the
$3.50. perfect appearance of mahogany. When the polish diminishes in brilliancy it
may be speedily restored by rub 'ing the article with a little linseed oil. All pol
The work contains fo-ty-four fnll page illustrations and explanations, showing icies are used much in the same w.ay. If your work be porons, or the yrain
el< vations,
priced plans.homes."
■' Arttsiic |>ers|>eciive
Forviews,
those and
aboutinteriors of a and
to build number
who of
havehighnotand low
decided coarse, it will be neeessary, previous to polishing, to give it a coat of clear size;
and when dry ge-.tly go over it with very fine sand paper; the size will fill up the
on any given plan, this new work will be lotind a great aid, as some of the designs pores and prevent the wa te of the polish, by being absorbed into the wood, and
be also a saving of considerable time in the operation. The true French podsh is
• In the form issned by the Boarc" ntank spaces are left between paragraphs made by bruising a • oz. of gum copal, £ oz. of gum Arabic, and 1 oz. of shellac,
to be filled out in writing by the architect for each particular case. sifted through a piece of muslin. Put the spirits and the gum together in a vessel
Cnrb roof with door at tide. Curb roof with door in middle.
that can be closely corked, place them near a war r. etove, and frequently shake I
tbera; in two or three days thev will be dissolved; strain it through, a piece of
muslin, and keep it tightly corked for use. You can mark your tools by coating ,
them over with a thin layer of wax or hard tallow, by first warming the steel and
rubbing on the wax warm, until it flows, and let it cool. When hard, mark your
name through the wax with a graver, and apply aquafortis (nitric acid): after a
few moments, wash off the acid thoroughly with water, warm the metal enough
to melt the wax, and wipe it off with a soft rag. The tetters will be found etched
loto the steel.
E. D , " IInb," Mass., who seems to have a humorous side to him. sends the
following in reply to the "pome " we published last month:
Non-Aesthetic to "The Aesthete."
I have no love for muddy greens,
Or sombre, dingy yoilers — tW A charge of seventy-five cents a line will be made for all notices in this
I yearn not for the " Brotherhood," column, for each and every insertion. Copy of notices must be sent to this
Those limp and languid fellers. office on or before the 20th" day of each month to insure an appearance in the
I have no taste foe platitudes. following issue.
Give me language plain and easy,
A truce to your humpbacked attitudes
And attempts to be " Japanary." What kind of a stationary wash-tub does soap-stone make? Go to Serene's
I would not pose a jug or fan Vermont Soap-stone Works, 310 Pearl street, N. Y., and Mr. Serene will show
Upon my useful mantelpiece. you satisfactorily that a soap-stone tub is the very best, being Bweet, clean,
For the sake of showing all my friends strong and easily kept in good order. When you want a tub, examine those made
That I've something essentially "Japanese, of soap-stone before buying any other.
J hate a room all sombre hucd,
Sick with the odor of the lily,
And I vote all long-haired humpy ways The hydraulic elevator recently erected by an Eastern firm in the new Philadel
As unmanly, weak and silly. phia "Record" building, Chestnut street, above 9th, in that city, not giving
I'd rather be a " solid man," satisfaction, they are going to tear it out. After carefully examining the merits of
With backbone straight and sturdy. various elevators, Mr. Slngerly decided to replace it with a Clem & Morse Ele
Than to lay on a bank of Asphodel,' vator of the Albro-Hindley Screw-gear Pattern, with the Hcnriksen Automatic
And talk in language vague and wordy, Safety Clutch, which obviates danger from causes unprotected by other safety
Of visions rare, and deeply yeirn appliances.
For unknown things that cannot be.
This every day world as it jogs along. Open fire places are becoming very popular. The "Open Stove Ventilating
Is a good enough world for a chap like me. Co.," of 78 Beekman street, have an air warming grate of two sizes, which is des
As we have some acquaintance with the writer of the foregoing doggerel, we tined to be used very extensively, and is particularly adapted for large apart
beg to say to onr readers " that we don't believe he's the kintfof a " feller " he ment houses and French flats. Architects and builders should look them up, as
they generally give the best of satisfaction wherever used.
Mrs he is—that's alU
H. W. R.. of Sonth Bend. Ind., wants to know where he can procure Water
Qum, such as we described in onr December number. Will any of our readers andTiie saw manufactory in Brooklyn, known as the Vulcan Saw and Tool Works,
carried on by Harvey W. Peace, has been formed into a Limited Liability
that know, give him the information he asks for? Company, and will be known hereafter as the Harvey W. Peace Company,
J. D. M., Rochester, N. Y.—Riddell's New Elements of Hand-Railing is the limite ; with Harvey W. Peace as president and superintendent, and R. K. Frank
work vou want. Price $7.00. "Gould's American Siair Builder," is an excel lin as secretary ana treasurer. The "Vulcan" brand of saws is so favorably
lent work, and would do you good service. Price $8.00. No work on " Hand , known among mechanics that it is only necessary for ns to say that the same
superx ision and care that have given the saws such* wide reputation will be con-
Railing" will teach yon the art of making correct handrails, without you dili I tinned under the new arrangements. This fact, combined with increased
gently apply yonrself
Encyclopedia or to studyingweIhemay
Architecture, art say
in earnest.
mat With
there is regard
no work toon "the
Gwilts'
sub- facilities ,v"
'?(,mu™ for y\^Yu,„:^
production, employment
i J zr * of first-class
L tTlworkmen,
TT-! and iTii the .use of only
TV'
of Architecture,"
ject,in any language, that gives so muchsoypractical
that information in the plainest the best materials, will insure to the purchasers the best qualities of saws the
style, as it. It is costly, however, too costly for the operative workman to I market can produce. *
hi'duige in. We are hoping for a cheaper edition, say one that will be sold for
about $8.00. The prico is now from $18 to $30, accenting to the binding; second S. A. Rimington, of 40 and 42 Broadway, New York, and 520 Walnut street,
hand copies are very scarce. Philadelphia, is prepared to furnish border bricks in one, two, or more colors, and
W. S., Varna. 111., Is in trouble, and wants some reader to help him "out. He in any quantity. Each brick leaving this Arm Is perfect in shape and quality, and
is profitable to the user, as there is no loss or wasters. A number of very impor
would like to get a rule fur obtaining the cut of a planseer for a hanging cornice, tant
at the corners. He has tried the rule given on page 28. of "The Steel Square and thesebuildings in New York, and other cities, have recently been erected with
its nses," but cannot make it work. He has also tried the rule for " hopper cuts," N. Y.;bricks, among which may be mentioned the Mills Building, Wall street,
bat has failed to get satisfactory results. Will some one please give him the re New York ProduceNew Wallack's Thbater. N. Y.; Lew's Building, Brooklyn; Thb
Exchange, and many other buildings of note.
quired information ? Mr. Kimington also manufactures a building brick of a fine warm buff color,
L. E. H., Tintern, Ont., says he is a pretty fair draftsman and thoroughly un and enamaled bricks in white and colors.
derstands the use of drawing instruments. Furthermore, he knows the princi Information regaiding styles, colors, prices, etc., given on application.
ples of perspective drawing, but finds difficulties in the way of getting in his
details, and would be glad to know what book or oooks would be most likely Special Notice.—We cannot fill anymore orders for fifty-cent or thirfy-flve-
to help him in this matter, and also to receive a few hints on coloring. cent packages of drawings, as a number of the designs are out of print. Neither
A. C. Sargent.—We hardlyandknow can we fill any more orders for " Ten Plans of Houses for Tkn Cents," as this
"Palliser's Useful Details," they how to advise
do not yon. WTe
suit you. "Yon
thinksaythey
yonarehave
the little work is also out of print.
best details in the market for the price. Perhaps Btcknelt's Detail, Cottage and of We have prepared a package of designs, which, we think, will meet the wants
Constructive Architecture, price $10. This work contains a great many details, in cash, orof 80ourcents
many readers, and which weliave put down at the low price of 25 cents
all drawn to scale. If you want something modern, however, you should procure The following areina postage stamps.
a copy of "Modern Designs and Details," price $10. This work contains B0 finely A wall-table in QueenpartAnne of the illustrations the package contains:
style. Mantel and cabinet to be made of walnut.
lithographed plates, showing new and original designs of dwellings of moderate
co«t in tne fyieen Anne, Eastlakc, Elizabethan, and other modernized styles, giv ralAwood*. handsome dining-room sideboard, in the Eastlake style, to be made in natu
ing perspective views, floor and framing plans, elevations, sections, ana a great
varieiy of miscellaneous exterior and interior details of dwellings, stores, offices, Cottage in Queen Anne style. Estimated cost $3,000, finished In natural wood.
Working-Men's cottage. The house is to be 22x28 feet on the ground. Total
etc Also, a number of designs of low priced cottages, in the various popular cost of building completed, including foundation, $700.
styles, adapted to the requirements of seaside and summer resorts,«nd suburban
and country places, comprising drawings by prominent architects of New York, AA book-case made of ash.
Boston, and other localities, as well as other designs prepared expressly for this A library-table, withofshelf
side-board made black walnut.
and draw on each end.
work. All elevations, plans and details to scale. A reading-table, with trimmings of polished brass.
ph R., Chicago.—If you make the attempt in earnest you will be sure to A wardrobe, in Eastlake and ebonized.
An easel, built of cherry and
Many amateurs before you have stained and dyed woods successfully. lake's, and the ornamentationsQueen Anne style, the construction being East-
being Queen Anne's, made of light domestic
We give yon the following rules, which if adhered to will prove satisfactory:
For staining a finished article, which is similar to painting in the manner of its wood.
performance, a great variety of receipes are in use. A crimson stain may be made AA combined writing-desk and book-case, in Queen Anne style, made of oak.
side-board of oak or walnut.
by boiling one pound of Brazil dust for an hour in three quarts of water, straining I A handsome
It and adding one-half ounce cochineal, and finally boiling it gently for half an A wall-cabinetbook-case of ash, or other light wood.
hoar. To give it a scarlet tint, before applying the stain as above made, boll a half A book-case andofwriting-desk. ash.
ounce of saffron one hour, in a quart of water, and pass it over the surface to be A very handsome mantel for aInfarm-house. black walnut, with polished brass trimmings.
■tained. For a green stain, add to three pints of strong vinegar four ounces of A book-case, to be built of black walnut, with trimmingB of polished brass.
verdigris finely pulverized, one-half ounce of sap green and one-half ounce of In An altar and screen.
digo. For purple, boil one pound of chip logwooa in three quarts of water for Side elevation of a square bay-window, built of oak.
m hour, after which add four ounces pearl ash and two ounces pounded indigo. A study table and a waehstand.
for blue, the same process, with the added ingredient of four ounces indigo mixed A handsome dfsk, to be made of walnut.
in a clean glass vial with one pound sulphuric acid. In all these eases the mate A mantel, finished in black and gold.
rials used should he of the best quality. The proper method of polishing will de A handsome staircase.
pend on the nature of the wood, but in any case rongh sand papering would not Two designs, one for a picture-frame and a wall-table, made of light, colored,
ne advisable.
J. R K., Detroit, Mich., sends the following which he thinks fully represents close-grained wood, such as maple or cherry, or birch.
some folks ideas anent the aesthetic: "Oh. yes " said Mrs. Brown," as she sur ABesides frame foot-rest, clock-shelf, and mneic-stand.
these designs, the package contains some examples in Swiss architec
veyed with evident pleasure her new parlor sideboard, covered with china and ture, working drawings for bed-room furniture, solutions of problemsin practical
decorated with highly-colored tiles; " Mr. B. remarked last night that I was be carpentry, such ns covering solids, hip roofs, backing of hips, etc., etc., together
coming quite an atheist," and the old lady's countenance fairly beamed with with several plates on hand-railing, and other matter suitable for the practical
delight as her eyes rested on a 25-cent Japanese vase. The old lady had got the workman.
diflkult word " :e?thctic " in her mind, but could not get it on her tongue. Besides all the foregoing, the package contains forty-eight pages of text,
"It is all very well to admire a pretty girl in a seal-skin sacque, but when one staining descriptive of the designs and illustrations shown, some recipes for working,
of those charmingly attired and attractive appearing
pearing demoiselles is heard to blurt and decorating wood-work, and a large amount of useful matter for the
oat, as we heard in Tiffany's the other day, Oh, ma. ain't them terra firma orna operative mechanic and amateur wood-worker.
The plates, designs and text, are taken from miscellaneous back numbers of the
ments just lovely our faith is shattered. Illustrated Wood-Worker, and are some of the best specimens published in
Ir those of onr reader* who wish to take " a hand " in this department will
kindly mention the fact in their letters, it will save ns some trouble and much that useful journal.
We send the package, postpaid, to any address for 25 cents, or ten three cent
inconvenience and disappointment to themselves. stamps.
THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. | April,
Vll
ADVERTISER'S INDEX. Engines. Rooflng.
New otto Silent Gas Engine—Schleicher, Gravel Roofs, Trinidad Asphalt, etc.—\ -I
SchummMch.A Co / Johnson, Agt Chemical and Manufacturing Co i
Whittler Co.—H. C. viii Roofing Slate—Penrhyn Slate A Co vil
CLASSIFIED. RMofflugTin Plate— N.A G.Taylor.Pbiladetphin,
Art Supplies. pass Furnaees and Ranges. For Public Metallic Shingles—Anglo-American Hooting
and 1'kivate Buildinub. Co vii
Art Tiles, for Furniture, etc.—Ed. Boote II Glllis & Groghenan ii
Pulpits. Comniunion-Tables, Fouts, etc.—J. A Saws and Tools.
K. Lnmb vlli Fireplace Hearers and Stoves—Open Stove
Ventilating Co xi Saw Filers, etc.—E. Roth A Bro 1!
Church Furniture, etc.— R. Gelssler xlv Cunning's Patent Base-Burning Magazine Hand and Band Saws, etc.—H. W. Peace iii
Low'b Art Tiles—Caryl Coleman il Boiler—Bates aud Johnson iii Machinists.' Tools, Band Saws, etc.—Chas. E.
Steam Healing Apparatus—Jamer, Jacobs A LittleSaws—Rollstone Machine Co ix
Art metal Work and Gas Fixtures. Co Heating Apparatus—E. Rutzier iii Band Ti
Ornamental Metal Work, Gas Fixtures, etc.— Steam iii Kevstone Saw and File Works, etc.—H.
Mitchi 11, Vance A Co v E. A. Jackson vi Disston A Sons
Artistic Cabinet Hardware—J. B. Shannon A
Sons ii Glass. Skylights.
! National Art Foundry .- v Crvstalllne, Antique Glass, etc.—Wm. Gibson's Perforated Metallic Blinds, Skylights, etc.—
Sons Plate and Window—Theo.
Polished " W. v," viy
Morris Geo. Hayes Til
Bells. Metallic Skylights. Ventilators, etc.—Bickel-
Copper and Tin Bells for Churches, Schools, A Co houpl Bros vi
x Stainers—Otto Falck A Co
etc.—Van Deusen A Tift D. Turno ■ Stone Wash Tubs.
Books. Grates and Fendera. Soap-Stone Wash Tnbs. etc.—J. H. Serene . . . iU
Architectural Books—Bicknell & Comstock.. ix New and Artistic Designs, etc.—Wm. H. Jack- i
Soap-Stone Heaters—J. G. Porter
Useful Itooks-E. & F. N. Spon xlv Plain and Artistic Grates—W. H. Harrison A Steel Shutters.
Finch & Apgar xil xiii Fire-Proof Steel Shutters—Clark Bunnett A
A. T. White xlv Fine" Grates 'and Open Fireplaces—Thos. 8. Co xiii
Jonrna1 of Industry Co viii Dixon A Sons •• • xiii Rolling Steel Shutters, Car-Blinds, etc.—Jas.
F. Keppy It
S.W. Green's 8on xi Fine Grates and Open Fireplaces—Open Stove
Ventilating Co xi G. Wilson xlH
Builders' Hardware and Supplies. Insurance. Tiles.
Thos. Stretton I
Wrought-Iron Hinges, Butts, Bolts, etc.—Stan Home Insurance Co x 8. A. Remington vi
ley Works il American Insurance Co Ix
Burglar and Fire Alarms, etc.—A. G. Newman, iii Royal Fire Insurance Co V Time Detector.
Iron Fronts, Columns, Illuminating Side-walks, Metropolitan Life Insurance Co lv Watchman's Time Detector—E. Imhauser xlv
etc.—J. B. A J. M. Cornell viii Mutual Life Insurance Co lv
Manhattan Life
Rolling Venetian Blinds, etc.—J. G. Wilson. . . xiil New York Life Insurance Insurance Co viii
Doors. Sashes. Blinds, Wood Mouldings, etc. Co ix Tools.
C. B. KeoghACo v Liverpool & London A Globe Insurance Co. iv Tallman A McFadden xii
Steel Stamps—New York Stencil Works vill United States Life Insurance Co xi
Sash Chains—Thos. Morton v Union Mutual Life Insurance Co xi
Buridar I'-oof Door Bolts—Hobcrt B Ives. .. lv Knickerbocker Life Insurance Co viii Veneers.
Revolution in Wood-Finishing, etc.—Bridge Equitable Life Assurance Society xli Spurr's Papered Veneers—Chas. W. Spurr xl
port Wi/od-Finishing Co xll Hartford Steam-Boiler Insurance Co iv
Porcelain Lined Baths -J. L. Mott xii Connecticut Mutual Life Ins. Co iv Wall Papers.
Holt's Patent Gimlet Bits—M. W. Robinson ... Iv Penn. Mutual Life Insurance Co x Fr. Beck A Co vi
The Climax Sash Cord xlli mantels. I | Wood-Working machinery.
Watchman's Improved Time Detector xiil Fine Mantels—Penrhyn Slate Co
Galvanized Iron Cornices.— Knisely Bros. &
v Slate Mantels,
Mantels—Chas. Williams' Sous. . xiii For&cArsenals. Car Shops and House Bnilder,
MlUer
Door Hangers—Prcscott M'f'g Co viii Slate etc.—Jos. S. Miller v H. B. -J. A. Fay A Co
Smith Machine Co
xii
xiii
Doors and Mantels—Bradley A Currier. . xiii New and Second-hand—S. C. ForsaithA AWTaters
Co...
For Car and House Bnilders—Godell \iii
Bricks. mathematical Instruments. For Panelling, Dovetailing, etc.—Battle Creek
Colored and other Brick, Fine Fronts, etc.— Drawing Materials—Wm. Y. McAllister. ix Machinery Co Hi
Peerless Brick Co ii Foot Power Machinery—W. F. A J. Barnes. . . xi
mortar Black. " Cha». E. Little xi
Carpets. French, Richards A Co ill Rotary and Stationary Bed Planers—Roll-tone
Fine Carpets, etc.—W. & J. Sloane I L. Martin A Co xii Machine Co
xi
Henry D. Dupee
MclUvjne Bros xiii J.Rowlev and Hermance
S. Graham A Co
Church Furnishing. Paints.
Silk Banners in Colors and Gold- J. A R.
Lamb viii Atlantic White aud Red Lead, Litharge, etc.—
R. Colgate A Co
8unday-School Banners—R. Gclssler xiii Walpole Mortar Black—H. D. Dupee "Pioneer" Building Paper.
WATER-PROOF, AIR-TIGHT, DURABLE, STRONG-
Elevators. Paper. vii audBetter and stronger than plaster ; clean, odorless
Whittler Mch. Co.—H. C. Johnson, Agt viii " Pioneer " Building Paper.—Scott Paper Co. doesfornotlining,
stick. roofing, celling, plastenns.
(Iranville Hydraulic Elevator ( "ompnny i Used
Reedy's Patent Hoisting Machines, Elevators, Pens. SCOTT PAPEB COMPANY. Limited,
etc.—J. W. Reedy Steel Pens—Joseph Gillott
Hydraulic Elevators—Otis Bros. A Co vi1 manufacturing Paper Dealers.
Clem A Morse v Pumps. Ho. V! Morth Sixth Street, PHILADELPHIA, PA., U. S. A
Hydraulic and Hand Elevators—L. S. Graves Steam Pumps—H. R. Worthington Write for sample and prices.
A Son v W. A B. Douglass ".
N. B. Cushlng vi Delamater Iron Works
METALLIC SHINGLES
ARCHITECTS
ALWAYS 8P330IFY
"OLD STYLE" BRAND ROOFING TIN PLATE

WHERE FIRST-CLASS WORK IS REQUIRED.
ESTABLISHED 1810. This celebrated Rooflng Tin has now attained 2 world
wide reputation. It is undoubtedly the finest plate made;
its coating being what is termed ''Extra Surface." or re-
qualities commend Its favorable notice to Architects,
H.&G.TiTLOR CO. Contractors. Roofers, Ac, Ac., as a Roofing Plate uneqnal-
ed in quality or durability.
PHILADELPHIA, " OLD STYLE." He-dipped. Is the oriqinal way of mak
Manufacturers, Importers and Dealers. ing tin and leaded plaies. as first made In Philadelphia, in
1830. Ail the other plates now made arc hut poor imita
Whol- sale and Retail, in every tions in comparison with the genuine "OLD STYI.K "
description of Its snrface is perfect, and bears a heavy mottled appe ranre.
T!e asd Leaded Soofli; Platei, Galvanised The Each box contains a small tin curd with our name upon it.
boxes are substantially made of good lonth wood, and
Sheet Iro:, Blast Sheet Iron. Shert Copper, strongly
Sheet Lead, of any sue asd thickaen. strapped with hoop iron, and distinctly braaded
make the most durable and ornamental roof in the ROOFING TOOLS of the most improved into the wood, "side
ontbeendanu in hesvv hlock letters, burned deeply
world The only shingle manufactured from metal OLD STYLE LEADED," Warranted.
that makeB an absoluiely tight roof. Send for full and latest patterns.
descriptiv, circidar and new prices to SOLDER, PAINT, NAILS. AC, ae. IT IS THE ONLY PERFECT ROOFING TIN MADE.
Send for New Catalogue juBt issued Hose is geauiao sa'-eti It heart the name of ::. a 3. TAYLOS CO.
ANCrLO-AMEEICAN EOOFING CO., and Descriptive Circulars.
22 Cliff Street NEW YORK.
1881] THE BUILDER AN WOOD-WORKER. 78
tion, tendered in so kind and prompt a manner, we have

secured the very best talent to be found in all the
departments we represent.
We have had, and still have among our numerous
readers, men who are practically engaged in engineering,-
civil and mechanical, and who find a pleasure' in' assisting-
through our columns, these who are struggling upwards
from the lower walks of life. Hut notwithstanding all
A JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ART. our endeavors we yet require a little friendly co-operation.'
It is our wish that every wood-worker in the United!
PUBLISHED MONTHLY, States and Canada should have on Ins table at night a-
copy of the Builder and Wood-Worker; and this wish
AT of ours may soon be fulfilled by the combined assistance!
176 Broadway, ITe-w York. of our numerous subscribers, amongst whom we may
number many thousands of foremen of works, draftsmen,
architects, decorators, cabinet-makers, carpenters, joiners-
masons, bricklayers, painters, turners, and many others
PRICE. ONE DOLLAR AND FIFTY 0ENT8 A YEAR. who are interested in beautifying their homes, or who.
take delight in amateur wood-work. We beg, then, that
each subscriber introduce our paper to tlie notice of
CHARLES D. LAKEY, Publisher. FRED. T. HODGSON, Eunon. his friends and brother workmen, and so, by steady ex
tension of its circulation, endeavor to extend the benefits
of literary—of educational co-operation to all who are
Newsdealers will please order through The various News Companies. concerned in building or wood-working.. We simply defy
Subscriptions to Great Britain and the Continent of Europe, Australia and any existing journal to show such an useful table of con
Japan, $2.00: China, Sandwich Islands, Mexico, and Cuba, $3.50; South America,
tents as our own month after month; and the knowledge
of this emboldens us, and will embolden us again, to call
A. B.—Rrsons remitting money to this office through the post are requested upon all who support us now to invite others into their
lilher to procure a post-office order or to register the letter, and address it to the ranks. We have long entered upon the good work, and,
piMislier, Charles D. Laket, 176 Broadway, New York, to whom all letters unaided by any corporation have succeeded in carrying
ofa business character should be sent.
forward a national undertaking; but we need more aid,
and finding such to be the case, appeal boldly to our sub
scribers. We give money's worth for money; and can
J Old Series, XVIII. | If t V 1000 J Whole Number, 176 therefore confidently, heartily, and independently ask
" j New Series, IV. j Mai, lOOZ. j New Number, - 5 their aid in the object we have in view—the increase in
circulation of the cheapest and most useful publication of
the day—The Builder and Wood- Worker.
O greater mistake can be made by a person who is

going into some manufacturing business, than to
buy poor machinery because it is cheap. A contempo
rary, in speaking of machinery "cheap and nasty," makes
the following very sensible remarks:
"There are plenty of people who are always looking
after good articles, but they do not wrant to pay a good
price for these articles when they find .them. They seem
to be oblivious of the truth that good things cost money,
and that the best class of labor and material is required in
turning out superior productions.
A man starts out to purchase a piece of machinery ; lie
wants it to do perfect and exact work, he wishes it to
have the latest and best improvements, and to be capable
Just as the twig is bent, the tree's inclined: of turning out work with rapidity. Such machines of
and we sincerely believe that all readers of the Builder course can be procured, but not for a mere song.
and Wood-Worker will indorse the truthfulness of our Many and many a manufacturer has congratulated him
statement when we declare that our one great object since self on his shrewdness in saving a few hundred dollars in
the establishment of this journal has been to educate, and purchasing machinery, who has, in fact, lost thrice the
so to elevate, the American workman—no matter what sum saved in the difference in the effectiveness of the
his class of labor may happen to be. Our task—difficult machinery which he did buy, and that which he could
and delicate—has been, by easy steps to lead the worker have procured by paying the higher price.
on from subject to subject, until he found himself a Any good mechanic will verify the assertion that
pleasure in himself, and fit to hold his own against all machinery which is constantly getting out of order, and
comers. With the interference of capital, the deleterious that never does accurate work, in those cases where accur
influence of the now great power of money-lending, we ate work is needed, is dear at any price ; and yet there
have not so much to do, as with him who is eventually are plenty of shops and factories fitted out with just this
appealed to for assistance in all the great schemes of kind of machinery, which was purchased because it was
capitalists, promoters, and adventurers—the wo.knian. cheap.
How, up to the present time, we have performed our task, There can be no objection to a man setting out to buy
let our volumes reply : more than that, let nearly every poor machinery at a poor price, if he knows what he is
letter that ever entered our office speak. Almost unani buying, but it is extremely foolish for him to buy a cheap
mously their praise has been most flattering—more, we and poor article with the belief that he is obtaining a
often think, than is deserved. Stimulated by commenda- good one."
79 [Mat,
SURELY, and not slowly either, are American inven abundance of all good things, some means might be de
tions and improvements pushing their way into the vised by which labor and capital could be induced to
older countries of the East ? Recently it was proposed pull together in unity.
to introduce American grain elevators into use in the port In former times, when a strike occurred, public sym
of Havre ; a committee, composed largely of American pathy generally went with the employer, because it was
residents in France, have been formed for this purpose. given out that the workman was ignorant and knew
It is curious- that so important a seaport as Havre, where nothing of the laws of "supply and demand." It can
enormous quantities of grain are received annually, should not be said of the workman at this day that he is any
be destitute of the simple and well-known method of more ignorant than many of the employers. If not
handling grain, such as is afforded by the elevator, but able to split a hair on the question of " supply and de
this is the fact, the only mode of transfer being the mand " he, at least, knows that prices are higher for
primitive one of carrying on men's backs, and the grain the products of his hands than they were some time
is left in heaps upon the quays, exposed to loss by weather ago, and that he eats as much now as he did, and that
and by theft. his wants are no less, while everything he requires for
Hungary, Austria, Russia, and that cradle of all the arts himself and family has advanced in price from 5 to 50
—Egypt, are also moving in the matter of elevators, and per cent. He knows this, and while he is working
lastly we have rumors of a company being organized in harder and getting poorer, his employer works less and
Australia for the purpose of erecting elevators on some is getting richer.
point of the sea coast, near some of the grain-growing That capital should receive its fair reward, no sensible
localities. All this indicates that American ingenuity is person will deny—but what is its fair reward ? Aye,
becoming recognized all the world over. that's the question! Shall it be 10, 20, 30, 50, or a 100
per cent on its outlay, per year? True, capital is not to
blame in all cases. Workmen are often rash, and many
times strike when the time is unpropitious, and when
npHE practice of hanging pictures so that the top shall they themselves are unprepared.
I overhang, is a question of position and light. When Workmen should remember that "nothing succeeds like
the light falls full upon a picture, whether a varnished success."
oil painting or a framed engraving or water-color, there is Sooner or later the great battle between labor and
a glare of lightness which prevents the whole of the pic capital must be fought out. How long is it to endure
ture from being seen. This is a common case, and the that, whilst the master pockets a dollar, the workman
only means of avoiding it is to let the picture hang out only gets a cent ? How long will it last that, whilst the
from the top so that the whole of it can be seen from any former are heaping up large fortunes daily, the latter are
part of the room without this objectionable light upon its no better off at sixty than they were at thirty? How
surface. This is effected by placing the rings of the frame long shall the workman be told that because trade is
low enough down to cause the picture to have the desired dull his wages must be reduced, and, at the same time,
inclination. It is a good plan when about to hang the pic the income of his employer is undiminished ? True, the
tures in a room to make a sketch of the proposed arrange latter will argue that as he and his family, his wife,
ment, previous to commencing hanging. This saves much daughters, sons, etc., have been accustomed to all the
after labor and vexation. Thelargest picture should always luxuries of life, they cannot forego a single one—nay, not
have a central position, so that those of a less size and even a silk dress, or a Parisian fashioned bonnet. 15m the
form can be symmetrically grouped around it. The eye bread of the workman's children must be stinted never
will be satisfied by such an arrangement. The character theless.
and form of the frames is a very important factor in- the Strikes, as a rule, do not benefit the workman financially.
question. Engravings and water-color paintings should The loss of a few weeks' work is generally greater than
always have a broad margin to the mount, and a narrow the subsequent advance, if the strike is successful. But it
light frame. The margin serves to isolate the painting or is a heroic protest against the grinding tendencies of un
engraving, and thus enables us to see its beauties to much scrupulous capital ; and whatever may be said of the wis
greater advantage. This is more especially the case if dom displayed in striking, nothing can be said against the
the wall upon which they are hung, has a pattern upon it. right to strike, or the heroism of the men who take part
These frames should be alike in make and breadth as far in the movement.
as possible. Oil paintings require a different and a much
heavier frame than water-colors and engravings. The
principal obje t in both cases is to display the painting to
the best advantage. The broad margin does this with
water-colors, but the oil painting having no plain margin
we must depend upon the frame to effect its isolation. In
our opinion a great mistake is made in having these
frames too elaborately ornamented. It is not the frame
we wish to exhibit but the picture, therefore anything
tending to lead the eye from the subject is an error. The
frame surrounding an oil painting should be broad and
comparatively plain, as we thus separate and confine the
picture so that the eye takes in the whole of it without
being confused or interfered with by any external object. Plate 33 shows the design of rather a quaint looking
cottage, but one that is picturesque nevertheless. The
estimated cost of the building complete is put down by
the architect, at 11,500. This estimate is made for the
EWS of labor strikes, and rumors of intending strikes neighborhood of Boston. For the money we think it a
come to us from all parts of the United States and very cheap cottage.
Canada. The same old cry of arrogant capital and op Plate 34 exhibits front and side elevations of a cot
pressed labor is heard again from Dan to Beersheba. tage recently built near Grand Rapids, Mich. The whole
When will this eternal conflict between capital and labor house cost complete without plumbing $1,800. The cost
cease? Surely, with all the experience of past ages, of plumbing would probably amount to something like
the accumulated knowledge of centuries, and the existing $200, thus making the house complete for a total of
81 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [May,
$2,000. The building has a very neat and artistic appear and compute the surfaces and contents of the commonest solids, as
ance, and when its total cost is considered, it will be found the parallelopiped. pyramid, cone, cylinder and sphere.
that every detail has been well thought out. 3. Alqebra. —He should know as much of algebra as to be able to
The design is by David S. Hopkins, Grand Rapids, solve simple and quadratic equations. lie should also be able to
use the binomial theorem. And especially he should be thoroughly
Mich. familiar with algebraic formulae and transformations, as heViil
Plate 35 shows the first and second floor plans of the constantly meet them in books if he attempts reading ; and he
cottage shown on the preceeding plate. should be able readily to calculate the value of any expression when
the letters in it are assigned numerical values.
On Plate 30 we show a very handsome mantel for a 4. Logarithm*.—Without necessarily being acquainted with their
dining room, with overmantel all complete. theory and construction, he ought to be able to use a table of lo
The design is by Edward Dewson, of Boston, Mass. garithms.
5. Geometry. —A knowledge of the principal properties of plane
Plate 31. This is another of those useful plates, figures would be highly useful. Also an acquaintance with the
Builder and Wood-Worker, Helps to Amateurs' series. geometry of the most familiar solids, as the cylinder, sphere, «kc.
The clock case and details are all drawn to scale, and can 6. Trigonometry. —The meaning, at least, of the terms sine.cosine,
be readily understood by the amateur workman. Further tangent, &c, should be understood. Also the solution of plant
triangles.
explanations are unnecessary. The plate is by Mr. 7. The Calculus. —The differential and integral calculus is the
Edward Dewson. powerful machine with which mathematics achieves its greatest
Plate 38 exhibits an inexpensive dining-room suite. wonders. It is commonly treated as something too lofty, too sub
limated to be within the comprehension of ordinary people. This
It is sufficiently plain and simple in construction to come is a mistake. The radical and essential ideas of this great two-fold
out at a moderate price. The hand holes in the tops of calculus are easy of comprehension, and while it covers an illimit
chairs may be left in, or otherwise, at pleasure. They able field, there are parts of it—and those the most useful—that can
certainly are a great convenience in the handling of a readily be mastered by any one with a very small stock of algebra
stuffed back dining-room chair. All the furniture woods and geometry at commaud. No mechanic wijh such a moderate
equipment need dread the calculus. He can acquire some of its
are now used for suite making and may be applied in this best formulae with ease, and bear, in mind that the date is not an
case. essential part of a negotiable instrument. There may be a good
On Plate 39 we show a design for dado and frieze in bill or note without a date, nor is an instrument rendered void by
Anglo-Japanese style. The design is by Luther Hooper, having a wrong date. What is prohibited by these statutes is not
the dating on Sunday, but the making or accepting on Sunday.
and is reproduced from the Cabinet Maker and Art It is perfectly clear that an innocent holder of an instrument really
Furnisher. The design is for a staircase dado and frieze, made on Sunday, but dated on another day, may recover on it.
and shows the effective use that can be made of Japanese Whether he may recover on a note made and dated on Sunday,
details if properly arranged. One advantage of this dado when he has no notice of the fact, but might have acquired it De
is, that it can be made of any height, and may be hung reference to an almanac, does not appear to have been decided, and
in the absence of authority cannot be considered free from doubt.
on the rake of the staircase without the waste that occurs
in designs which need matching at the ends. Similar
designs to this may be found in many of our large wall Building in Japan.
paper establishments.
IT is now pretty well known that the ancient empire of Japan
On Plate 40 we show a plan for a cremation furnace. has recently divested herself of her old social and political
The lower portion of the plate shows a perspective view vestments, and commenced to array herself in those of a more mod
of the building in which the furnace is placed. ern type. She has, in fact, decided to institute and organize West
The design is by Stanton M. Howard, architect, Wheel ern technical processes and industries throughout the various
islauds which make up the empire, and to invite experts to assist
ing, W. Va. in the work from Europe and America. There is certainly a vast
field thus opening up for the operations of those who choose to
venture so far in quest of active employment, and who can carry
Mathematics for Mechanics. with them talent, energy and enterprise. This holds good of rep
resentatives of every art, science and manufacture at present in
THE saying that practice makes perfect, implies that something existence in Great Britain, and of architects and builders in parti
else is wanted besides practice; something which practice cular. The general construction of houses in Japan has hitherto
crowns and completes. That something is theory or a knowledge been of so primitive a character as to resemble very much that
of the principles on which the practice is based. style which prevailed at home some hundreds of years ago. Purely
Mechanical operations draw largely on the various departments Japanese buildings are generally, and almost without exception
of mathematics for their principles. Arithmetic, algebra, geom indeed, built of wood. Even the checkered tile and plaster con
etry and the calculus are constantly levied upon and often taxed to structions with which artists have made us familiar are formed of
their utmost to supply the demands of mechanics. And these de timber as a base; and this, therefore, serves as a support merely
mands are sometimes so tremendous that even the vast resources of to the ornamental tiles. The utterly unscientific disposition of
modern matht matics cannot satisfy them. The drafts of the phy materials observable in almost all native structures, and the total
sical on the abstract sciences frequently resemble what is known as absence of braced and trussed framing, prove that their builders
" a run on the bank," when the funds run out and the bank has to were utterly ignorant of the first principles necessary to insure the
close its doors. In other words, physical problems are constantly maximum of strength with the minimum of material. They have
arising that baffle the profoundest mathematical analysis. also ignored the use of diagonal members in their framing, and
But while it is not necessary or possible for every one to be a preferred the rectangular to the triangular division into bays.
great mathematician, every mechanic may get a vast deal that is Some have, it is true, attributed this latter peculiarity to considera
needful for him from the field of mathematics, and that not very tions respecting the contingency of earthquakes; but it need hardly
abstruse or difficult; and the mechanic who is wholly ignorant of be mentioned to our readers that the rectangular is far inferior to
mathematics is like a blind man groping his way. He may tread the triangular division for insuring rigidity and solidity.
with confidence a familiar, well beaten path, but the moment he The truth is, in respect to all Japanese edifices as they stand at
swerves in the least from it, in any direction, he is at sea. If a present, that their designers were innocent of any knowledge of
mechanic would not wish to be a mere automaton, he should be the scientific rules which should govern design and construction,
acquainted with the following subjects: and hence, like some of our own earlier mechanical engineers,
1. Arithmetic. —This is learned by every one at the common they placed too much material in the wrong form, where it was
school; but in afterlife, without practice, its rules and processes not wanted, and omitted to employ enough where the strain was
easily slip from memory. Everybody, of course, should be likely to be greatest.
familiar with the four common rules—addition, subtraction, mul Then, again, the almost universal employment of wood in the
tiplication and division—and there are certain other rules that a construction of buildings is a mistake, and one which would not
mechanic especially should be at all times up in. He should be long exist if British counsels prevailed in Japan. It is unnecessary
perfectly at home in both vulgar and decimal fractions and be able to say that the most important conditions influencing the durabih
to handle them like an expert. lie may often have occasion to ex ty of wood in such cases is, its position in regard to atmospheric
tract square and cube roots, and should be able to do so with facil surroundings. If, for example, it is subjected to alternate moisture
ity. and dryness it will soon fall into decay, and no climate is more
2. Mensuration.— Every mechanic should know how to measure fickle in respect to rain and sunshine than that of Japan. The
and calculate the areas of common plane figures, particularly those Japanese, strangely enough, appear to have paid no attention to
of the triangle and circle. He should also know how to measure processes intended for the preservation of timber, such as injecting
into its pores antiseptic salts. Red stucco or plaster is the only possible, for it costs money to handle lumber whether in the mill or
preservation employed, and this is sometimes spread over wood out. I would put the surfacer on the right hand side of the mill,
perfectly unseasoned, and perhaps full of sap, the consequences and as many as eight feet from the side of the mill for this reason:
may readily be imagined. many times just before a storm you have a lot of dry lumber,
In brief, architecture and building in Japan are not only in their which you want to put in so that you will not only have something
infancy, but scarcely out of their swaddling clothes, and yet the to do in a stormy day, but your lumber will be in good condition
country is rich in every variety of material for adaptation and and dry. Should you need more room, an open shed alongside the
development in those decorations. building and opening into it will give all the room you need.
Now 12 feet at least from the surfacer, and on a line with it, so
as to belt from the same line of shafting, put a matcher, and 10
feet back of the matcher, and 4 feet to the right, put a rip saw
Planing Mills. bench so the man taking from the saw can lay his stuff on a horse
made by bolting a strong piece of 3x5 on to the matcher, and ex
BY J. T. L. tending out over the counter three or four feet, supporting the out
end of the 3x5 piece so strongly that you can put any reasonable
CI N. N. has asked me, or some other clever fellow, to get up a load on it. I have seen some mills with a strong bar of iron held
A plan for a planing mill. A person might almost as well go to up at the ©uter end with an iron post. This is a good arrangement,
a carpenter and ask him to build him a house without giving him and better than a wooden bar; I would do this so that the man
any idea of what he wanted, or where it was to be built, or what feeding the machine could get the stuff handily and be able to give
ue'wanted to use it for, for the conditions are so varying that it his whole attention to the mill he is feeding, and not have his time
would be almost impossible to 'make a plan that would suit every and attention taken up in running after stuff.
one. Some mills would do nothing but planing, and planing and As I have said before, one story is high enough for a planing mill ,
matching, while others would want to put in turning and band as I believe it should be entirely separate from anything else, for if
and jig sawing, and make mouldings, and, perhaps, make a few connected with any other mill, one or the other will necessarily
boxes, and so on to the end of the varying requirements of wood suffer inconvenience. I have drawn this plan to be used either
working machinery. So I say, there are scarcely two mills built with or without a basement. If with a basement room, I would
alike that would just satisfy two parties doing business in two dif put the main line of shafting below the floor on good, firm pillow
ferent places. Some mills would seldom have a board over 20 feet blocks, and not hung from the floor on hangers, for the reason that
in length, while another would be having a great deal of stuff 30, if hung up to the floor the load on it is constantly shifting? and the
40 and 50 feet, and sometimes even longer than that. But I will shafting is nearly always out of line. If the main line of shafting
In ..I,, ■■)— J -L 1
A A
If-
\-\-\-\-\
PLAN OF PLANING MILL.
do my best for C. N. N., and will suppose he is running, or going is above the floor, I would hang it up as shown in the dotted lines
to run, a mill with one surfacer and two flooring machines. and counter to the dotted counter line at the back side of the mill,
In the first place I would say, build on the most level spot you for this reason. The whole floor is then clear and no belts in the
can find, and where you can get to and from yourmill without any way of piling stuff anywhere you like. The only possible objection
trouble with all the load a team can haul. And another thing, you being that the driving belt to the planers will draw from the top of
want to arrange it so as to handle the stuff just as few times as the pulley. Something I should certainly try to get over by put-
K
a
S
o
t
•i
d
85 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [May,
tine the main line below the floor so the belt will draw from the will be seen that the four ideas embodied in this one panel are
under side. equally suitable for a perpendicular or horizontal position. In fig.
A mill should be built with a first-class truss roof, so that there 2 we get a more ancient specimen of carving in the same style. It
shall be no posts or anything else in the way of a clear floor the is a little study that serves to mark the connecting link between
whole size of the mill, and at least twelve (12) feet from top of floor the Elizabethan and the latter phases of English Renaissance. The
to under side of truss timbers, or 12 feet in the clear. This will influence of "strap-work " originals is most evident in No. 2, and
give a good length of belt, which is desirable rather than a little the design should be useful as showing bow essentially decorative
short belt. The only objection to having a belt draw from the such a motif is when properly handled. The handsome entablature
top of the pulley is that it docs not drive a machine as strong as it set forth in fig. 3 marks the period when Jacobean was rich in
will lo draw from the under side; but, for myself, rather than characteristic detail. In the center panel, with its Tudor rose and
belt on to a planer, so the driving belt will be in the way, I would Surrounding strap-work, we are reminded of Elizabethan, whilst
have it pull from the top; so I put the counter shaft at the back of the groundwork from which it stands out is more Jacobean in
the mill in case you cannot belt up from below. treatment. The presence of those ever recurring enriched bosses
A good basement is very desirable If you can have it, so that
water will not set into it. If you do not use a blower for shavings
it would be very convenient to drop them down through the floor
and have your boiler set on a level with the floor of the basement,
and a passageway through to them, and some convenient way of
getting shavings to the fireroora. If using a fan for taking away
shavings I would use a blower to each machine, because then, by
a simple arrangement a blower can be fixed so as to be in motion
only while the machine is running. The great objection to using
one suction fan for all your work is, it is almost impossible to fix
one so that each machine will get an equal share of the wind. I
have drawn a shaving or chip room, which should be made large
enough to take all your shavings and chips without difficulty, and
have plenty of outlet, so that your fans will not choke up. There is
more trouble in not having outlet enough to fans than from any other
source. I have planned it so that the fireroom opens directly to
the shaving bin, and have left the boiler and engine all in one, for
the reason that I do not propose to put in the boilers and cannot
tell what arrangement may be made for them. For my own taste,
I would put in upright boilers to save room. I have said engine
room and machine shop, because I believe every concern of this size
should carry a first class engineer, and one who is a good machinist
and can do all the repairs necessary around the mill. •
Now for the roof, which I have said should be a good trus9 or pateras, the scroll corners and egg and tongue margin, all de
roof, and well lighted. If there is anything in the world I believe note the source of the design. In tliese examples the sections will
in, it is plenty of light in a planing mill. Put a good, generous sky be found sufficiently indicated to guide the carver in making a full
light over each planing machine, another over the molding ma sized workiug drawing from them to the desired proportions. Of
chines, and put a good supply of skylight in the opposite side of late years carving in relief has not been so much cultivated as it
ought to have been. To save expense the decorative spirit of
the roof. Jacobean has been omitted, and what was left of old lines has been
I believe brick to be the best material to build a mill with, baldly made up, and often dubbed "Early English." In our
put good, thick, solid walls on a good solid foundation, and if opinion the production of Jacobean or Stuart furniture worthy of
you have a basement room, put in good solid floor timbers, so that such names is impossible without the aid of the chisel, and we are
you can put as much load on it as you want, without fear of its therefore glad to be able to place before our carvers these carefully
breaking through. executed designs, showing the correct thing to cut when they are
Now, if C. N. N. does not want as much machinery in his mill as called upon to enrich cabinet-work produced under such nomen
I have put in, he can cut off any piece he choose9. I have made clature. —Ezehange.
room for a Daniel's or Gray & Woods planer, for I believe every mill
ought to have one or the other in it. I have left the machines
four feet from the side of the mill, because I think every mill
should run its stuff out into a shed where it can be piled up
convenient for teams to take it away.
I have drawn this of an inch to the foot except the sur-
facer which I set down without reference to distance.
If there is anything I have left out, I will be glad lo give C.
N. N. any other information he may require through the columns
of the 3uildek and Wood-Worker, if he will make his wants
known.
Modern Jacobean Panels. [The Editor does not hold himself responsible tor any opinions that appear in
ONE of our readers interested in carving wrote us the other day this column. Contributions are solicited from all who are interested In building
complaining that some of the old examples published in operations, or wood-work of any kind. Letters will be judged entirely by the
style of the writer, the merits of his subject, and the knowledge which he dis-
these pages were not sufficiently explicit to " work from." We plays of It The name and address of the writer must accompany each letter,
need scarcely say that the rough sketches of old work published in not necessarily for publication, but as an evidence of his good faith. Be brief,
this journal are intended to inspire new ideas rather than to en courteous, and to the point.
courage mere copyisin. At the same time definite details are essen [Rejected communications can in no case be returned.]
tial to guide the learner, and with the view of meeting such a want
we publish herewith three examples showing a rendering of
Jacobean adapted to modern cabinet work. When we say that Editor of the Builder and Wood-Worker:
they are from the pencil of B. J. Talbert, it will be a sufficient EVER havingseenaturninglathein operation, and being stim
guarantee of fidelity and skill. Although classified under one N ulated by several articles in turning, which have appeared in
name, these panels represent three distinct species of decoration, the Builder and Wood- Worker, I thought I should like to know
and may therefore be considered separately. No. 1 is in reality something of the manner in which turned articles in wood are
four panels embodied in one design—i.e., if each quarter is taken made, with a view of learning the art of turning.
separately and repeated it will make a distinct panel. Whilst thus In accordance with the foregoing I therefore venture to ask the
differing in minor points, the designer intended that these panels following questions, which, I hope, some competent fellow-reader
should be used together in the same article. This element in the will take the trouble to answer in your next issue in as simple a
design brings out an important feature in ancient as well as Tal manner as possible.
bert Jacobean, viz., general uniformity and balance of parts, com It may be that to the practical turner some of the questions may
bined with pleasing variety of detail. It would have been easier seem rather silly, but it should be considered that the questioner
fo.r the designer to have struck off one portion, and to have written possesses no knowledge of the subject whatever, and is desirous
on the corner " repeat four times," but such a multiplication would to begin to get his knowledge at the very bottom. This lack
not do for the author of these sketches. In No. 1 we moreover of knowledge on one hand, and the desire to begin at the bottom,
find a conventional treatment of plant forms which has been so on the other, will, 1 hope, be my excuse for asking what may ap
much cultivated since Talbert set the fashion, an element which is pear to the initiated as needless :
the distinguishing characteristic of modern Jacobean carving. It (1) How is the wood prepared for the lathe? (2) Are both hands
1882] THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. 86
used to guide the work, or is the cutting tool guided by the hand? provided for such contingencies. Notwithstanding the iEtna has
(3) How is the design applied to the work to be done? for some ten years past been paying large dividends to its policy
I hope these questions will not be out of place, and that someone holders, its prospects for the continuation of these favorable re
will find time to answer them for an old fellow-reader. sults are encouraging.— Hartford Evening Post.
B. T. E.
Sommerville, N. J., March 2(1, 1882.
Editor of the Builder and Wood-Worker :
Q EVERAL years ago there appeared in the Builder a design for
O a new steel square which I examined very closely, and which I
think was perfection itself. It was understood at that time that an
effort was about to be made to get number of squares made after
the design, and I, along with several others of my friends, intended
to get a square each of the new design when made. Now I should
like to know the reason why these squares were never made. Was
the matter given up at the Builder office, or was it thought that
the square was not as perfect as it might be? Tins department is intended to furnish, for the benefit of all our readers,prac-
Ever since the papers on the "steel square " a ppeared in the tical information regarding the art of building or manipulating wood -by hand
BrrLDEit, in 1 875—6, I have made the tool a special study, and have or machinery ; and we trust that every reader of our paper will make the fullest
purchased everything that 1 have known of that has been written use of It, both in asking and answering. All persons possessing additional or
on the tool and its application. I have some new applications of more correct information than that which is given relating to the queries pub
lished, arc cordially invited to forward It to us for publication. All questions
the square that I may send you some of these days for publication, will be numbered, and in replying it will be absolutely necessary, in order to
that have never appeared in print to my knowledge, though I secure due insertion,that the number and title of the question answered should
know that some carpenters have used them for several years past. be given; and in seading questions, the title of key-words of the question should
be placed at the head of the paper. Correspondents should in all cases send their*
By the way, let me thank Mr. Gould for the handsome way in addresses, not necessarily for publication, bnt for futnre reference. We also
which he elucidated the Handrailing question asked by W. B. G. request that all questions or answers be written on separate slips of paper, and
This is the right kind of information to get. J. N. addressed to the editor. Notes of practical interest will be welcome at all times.
When drawings are Bent to illustrate answers to questions, or for full pages, they
Toledo, O., April 12th, 1882. should be on separate slips, and should be drawn in ink on clean, white paper.
[In answer to the above, we may say to J. N. that we offered Short questions, requiring short answers, may be asked and answered through
the de ign of the steel square free of cost to any manufacturer who the agency of postal-cards.
When answers to questions are wanted by mail, the querist must send a stamp
would undertake to make and sell squares made after it; but we for return postage.
found that i'. was impossible to get any manufacturer to undertake
the work without getting a guarantee for a large sale of made-up
squares. We offered to several makers to take 1,000, as we had Questions.
then something like 600 orders in our hands ; but this offer did 48. Architecture. —Can you inform me of a good school or
not seem large enough to induce makers to accept our terms. We college, for a young man of fair education, to attend, so as to ac
sent to England and to Belgium to see if we could make terms with quire a good practical, as well as a theoretical knowledge of Archi
manufacturers there, but found that although we could get them tecture ? A. A. P.
made in either of these countries, we could not get them into this 49. Photophone.—I know what a telephone is, but can't, for the
market at anything like a reasonable price, owing to the enormous life of me, make out what is meant by a Photophone. Will you, or
duty that would be levied upon them. It may be that we may yet some of your readers please enlighten me ? JNeff.
induce some new manufacturing firm to take hold of them. —Ed. 50. Doors. —Is there any recognized rule for designing doors ?
I am pretty well supplied with architectural works, but can not
Editor of the Builder and Wood-Worker : find in any one of them a satisfactory description of the manner or
I DO not wish to find fault or discourage any of your young con reasons for giving doors any particular height or width. If some
tributors, but it seems to me that those who answer queries, of your professional readers wonld vouchsafe to give their less fa
when using the result of other people's brains, ought at least be vored fellow readers a little information on the proportion of doors,
honest enough to give credit to the book, paper, or person from and any other matter relating to these important pieces of builders'
whom they got their knowledge. In your last month's issue work, I, for one, would feel much obliged. Adept.
"Adept," in bis reply to a " St. Louis Subscriber," who wished to 51. Painting Cement Plaster. —Will some one well up on
know how to polish up turned work, gives an article that ap this subject kindly inform me if a Portland Cement plaster from i
peared in a New York journal some time ago, without giving the " to J" thick, covering the outside of a brick or stone building,
journal the slightest credit. Now I don't think this is fair. While should be painted immediately after it has been put on. Will not
the information is good, and perhaps the best that could be given the paint effect the ultimate enduration of the cement, rendering jt
on the subject, it is not the square thing for "Adept " to trot him liable to crumble and fall off? G. V.
self out in other people's cloihes and lead them to believe they 52. Mortar and Plaster. —Will some one be good enough to
are his own. I think it would only be fair if you insist on your give me , through the Builder and Wood- Worker, the proper
contributors giving credit for everything they use that is not their proportions for making mortar and plaster? I am a "young hand"
own. I have taken your paper for years—since 1871—and like the and will deem it a great lavor to get my question answered.
way in which it is handled, and I think this is the first complaint— New Hand.
if complaint 1t is—that I have ever had to make. Trusting the hint
I have given will be acted upon, and that a "wink is as good as a
nod to a blind horse," and a little better, I close. John Answers.
Jersey City, N. J., April 12, 1882. We wish it distinctly understood that we do not hold ourselves responsible for
the accuracy or reliability of answers furnished to this department by our corre
spondents.
We cordially invite our readers to take an active part in this department, as
Editor of tlie Builder and Wood-Worker : we arc confident that much good can be accomplished by a free interchange of
I TAKE five magazines and two newspapers, but there is nothing ideas and opinions in regard to subjects connected with building and woodwork
that comes to my table that I like so well to get and overhaul as ing.Many persons are afraid to write to a public Journal becanse of their lack of
our Builder and Wood-Worker. I have derived more real literary attainments; to such we would say: Give us your ideas in such language
benefit from its pages than from any of the other papers I have as you can command, and leave the rest to us. It is Ideas and opinions we want,
read ; but this is not what I intended to say- when 1 sat down to such as may be of use to the architect, the amateur, and the workingman. An-
write. I wish to suggest that you occasionally publish some de swers should be sent to this office on or before tbe fifteenth of each month, to
insure insertion in the next issue.
signs of upholstery work, and give us a few suggestions as to color,
material, etc., and in trimming and draping furniture. Hoping you 41. Oil Stone. —Let Hurley boil his oil stone about two hours
will publish this, so that some of your expert readers may have an in ashen lye, this will bring all of the oil out, and stone will cut
opportunity to say something on the subject, I am, etc.
Ottawa, Ont. (Canada), April 3d, 1882. H. G N. as well as new; and always clean all oil off after using; this will
make it cut much better. Leaving old black oil on a stone will
soon gum it; use clean lard or sweet oil. —J. L. N.
41. Oil Stone. —Boil yourstone in a solution of lye and water
The /Etna Life. for a couple of hours. I have tried this plan and found it soften
surplus of $750,000 on a 3 per cent, basis. a .Missouri stone. I have never tried it on a Washita stone, but
presume it will have the same effect on that as on a Missouri. If
rpHE .JStna Life Insurance Company announces that it has a you use kerosene oil on your stone you will find that your tools
JL surplus of $750,000, calculating its reserve liability upon the will "bite" better than if you used other kinds of oil, and, of
basis that it will hereafter receive but 3 per cent, interest on its in course, will sharpen much quicker. —Adept.
vestments. If in future years the company is unable to obtain as 42. Grindstone. —Beginner can true up his grindstone quite
large a rate of interest as it is now receiving it has abundantly easily by foot-power, if he goes the right way about it. I have
Kate fJ°36
•:Bininq 1%. yVLoiTEii:-

— ~ J)LATE fs|?3T
■BUlIrDERAND-
Wood • Worker •:• Helps • to:- Amateurs -series-
THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [Mat,
often trued up a stone by using a half-inch gas-pipe for a tool, legs on standards, and the two "wooden pillows" at ends of seat
taking light cuts; but I have found that the best thing to use for are also hinged at the back. When the flap behind is lifted into
a tool is a bar of half-inch square steel. Use one of the corners table position, the pillows can also be lifted, and will serve the
for a cutter, and when this gets worn blunt, turn up another cor purpose of supports from underneath. If these pieces of wood
ner, repeating t lie operation until the stone is true. The repeated formed a bearing, in a notch or against a piece of wood, screwed
turning of the steel bar always insures one sharp point or corner. on the under side, the support would be perfect; and to prevent
The bar of steel should be fifteen or sixteen inches long. their being wrenched off the hinges, in falling back to their places,
I do not know of any tool that goes by the name "hacker.'' a dowell hole should be affixed to each side piece. This idea might
Perhaps some more experienced reader will inform "Beginner" be eminently useful where, as so often happens in a narrow pas
on the subject. —Neff. sage, extra accommodation is required. The remaining seat in our
43. —Hall Furnisiiing. —We do not know that we can do bet illustrations has no pretence to such combination, and is a depar
ter than publish the following, as it seems to apply to your ture in design from the ordinary pattern. To give ease and ap
query, and will prove of interest to many others of our readers. pearance to this bench, there is a stuffed leather pad at back: the
It is taken, along with the designs, from the Cabinet- Maker : stuffing, however, should be slight, and the leather or tapestry very
"Centralization, in political and social affairs, is the «rder of the strong and closely studded round the edge. The subject of seats,
day; but in the matter of hall furniture it maybe unnecessarily which is somewhat comprehensive, must be held over for another
adopted. Where space is limited, such an idea might be borne in chapter, as the few patterns given hitherto do not by any means
mind; but. in other cases, by all means separate the articles, if this exhaust the almost endless variety of such articles. A lengthy
course will be more consistent with comfort, good taste, and a fur review might be given of the history and style of the hall chair,
nished appearance. Looking at the old hall table, we see an ordi from the date of its introduction until now, and the result might
nary four legged article with a slip of wood screwed on the back, possibly be to establish an opinion in favor of the ideas of its
and at one end a drawer of uncertain length. This, however, is progenitors. There was something so noble about the dignified
not a faultless piece of goods, for the back is most liable to break productions of the Gothic, Elizabethan, and Jacobean periods, that
off, and the drawer, if hastily attacked, suddenly comes right out when we come to the architectural, monumental, and narrow-
and pours its miscellaneous contents upon the floor. The digest /.aisled designs of our grandmothers' early days, or even of our
of the accompanying sketches, therefore, is to suggest a few alter own times, we must be painfully conscious of a deterioration of
ations that will tend to avoid such domestic misadventures, and, the species."
although the articles represented in the drawings may have rather 44. Decay in Timber. —In reply to "Quiz," I ma3' say that
a washstand look, yet such appearance, even if objectionable, Liebig, the great chemist, says that the cause of decay in timUer
would only be occasional. An explanatory word or two will suffice is brought about by the following chemical changes:
to show the advantages attached to our somewhat novel arrange 1. The oxygen in the atmosphere combines with the hydrogen
ment. In the case of the Jacobean table on the left, the top is made of the fiber, and the oxygen unites with the portion of carbon of
divisible, the center portion lifting up as a sort of flap, and thus the fiber, and evaporates as carbonic acid. This is called dtcom-
position, 2. The actual decay of the wood which takes place when
it is brought into contact with rotting substances. 3. The inner
decomposiiion of the wood in itself by losing its carbon, forming
carbonic acid gas, and the fiber, under the influence of the latter,
is changed into white dust, which is called putrefactum. Fluids
will pass with the grain of wood with great facility, but will not
enter it, except to a very limited extent, when applied externally.
—Adept.
45. Rouoii Casting. —The following is said to be a correct
method of treating an old brick wall when it is to be rough casted:
In rough casting an old brick wall, the mortar should be raked
out of the joints to the depth of about an inch, and the wall
slightly moistened to make the plaster adhere. If dusty, it should
be well brushed off before dampening. In laying a new wall
which is designed to %e rough cast, the bricklayer should not run
the mortar out to the edge of the joints; in general, the wall should
be left as rough as possible. —Moktak.
46. Polishing Woodwork. —The following, which is taken
from Comstock's new work, "Interior and Interior Details," will
probably suit a " New Reader": " Soft woods may be turned so
revealing a well below for the reception of hall requisites. Under smooth as to require no other polish than that which can be given
this flap a piece of looking-glass might be fixed, which would, by holding fine shavings of the same wood against them in the
when the flap was thrown back, fall at a convenient angle for re lathe.
flection. By the idea embodied in the illustration, the vexatious "For polishing mahogany, walnut, and some other woods, the
drawer is abolished, a more commodious receptacle for brushes, following formula is given: Dissolve beeswax by heat in spirits of
etc., obtained, and a useful mirror available when required. The turpentine until the mixture becomes viscid. Apply by a clean
lop must of necessity be of wood, and might be fixed in a different cloth, and rub thoroughly with another flannel or cloth.
way to that usually adopted; the grain should run from back to "Beeswax is sometimes alone used. For work in position, it
front, instead of from end to end. A few beads could indicate the must be melted and applied and rubbed as above. For work in the
joints, and at the same time not be of any detriment to the top. lathe, it can be applied by fruition, the slight amount of wax
Some advantage in the construction may be derived from carrying melted being sufficient for the polish. The work should be thor
up the legs right through, and tenoning the framing into them: oughly rubbed.
at all events, a secure back would be assured, and a perfectly solid " Mahogany may be polished by rubbing first with linseed oil.
article obtained. In the more simple and inexpensive hall table and then by cloth dipped in very fine brick dust. (Nearly all
shown in our illustration at side, the old lines of construction are mahogany furniture in England is polished this way.)
adopted, whilst the dotted lines suggest the lifting of the whole of "Some hard woods have a natural polish, and do not require a
the lop in the manner just described: this also might have looking- polishing medium.
glass underneath. The box below would hold three or four times "A fine gloss can be produced by rubbing with linseed oil, and
the number of articles that it is possible to " cram " into the usual then holding shavings or turnings of the same material against
absurdly small drawer; and the brushes would be much more the work in the lathe.
"get-at-able." Theexpenseineitherca.se might be a little more "Avery perfect surface can be obtained with glass-paper, which,
than that involved by an ordinary drawer, for the inside of the if followed by hard rubbing, will give a beautiful luster. Luster
framing must be cleaned up, and a strong bottom affixed; but the can also be given to carefully finished surfaces, by applying a small
difference in the quantity of wood and amount of labor is scarcely quantity of thinned varnish, shellac or 'fillers' by a cloth, and
appreciable. These hall tables are suggested as useful ideas when carefully and thoroughly rubbing.
a separate article is insisted upon, and not with the object of super "By contrasting the several methods of natural finish, very
seding the hat and umbrella stand combined. In the matter of beautiful effects can be obtained."— Ed.
seats for the hall, a bench forms a nice variation from the stereo
typed pair of chairs, when there is space or a suitable recess for
its reception. The old-fashioned bench, with its wooden pillow
at each end, cannot be commended either in point of beauty or Maple for Cabinet-Work.
comfort. Without some description of back such a seat looks bare ALMOST every one knows something about maples, but very
and ugly. If, however, a decent bench cannot be afforded, it is few, even of experienced cabinetmakers and carpenters,
well to have recourse to the hall chair. In our example of hall ever think of these wocds as being available for anything but fire
bench, on the left of the page, an attempt is made to show that it wood , or, perhaps, for the making of some delicate box where
can be utilized for a double purpose—viz., hall flap or table, as while holly is not available. The white maple (acer riUtrurn) is one
well a seat. To accomplish this, the back is hinged on to the t ack of the whitest woods growing in this country, only exceeded in
that respect by one or two. It is, however, on account of its ex In addition to this, only attention and practice will enable the
treme softness and general lack of strength, practically valueless. learner to overcome what may be termed the mechanical difticulity
The sugar maple [fleer mceharinum) is one of the most useful trees of sharpening—to obtain that command of the wrist w hich shall
we have. While it is very cheap in our markets, we cannot con ensure the scroll tool or voluter being brought to an edge from one
sider that it is a valueless tree, this low price of the timber result end to the other at one angle only, and without rubbing away more
ing from the fact that it is not fashionable, and has not been used from one part than another. Inattention to these points is fre
toanj- extent for anythingsave millwork and rough carpentry. Its quently the cause of the bad working of a tool. The close connec
grain is very fine, and, in hardness and general adaptability for fine tion between good tools and good work has often been pointed out,
carving and cabinet-work, stands next to boxwood. Beech some and so long as this is the case so long will the proper sharpening of
what exceeds it in the fineness of grain, but is not nearly so beau tools be worthy of careful study. The irksomeness of sharpening
tiful. The great strength of maple renders it valuable in all kinds may be granted, and we shall hope to point out the way in which
of delicate work, preventing it from being readily broken, and, at the best result may be obtained with the least possible expenditure
the same time, allowing a slenderness of construction quite incon of time and trouble.
sistent with any weaker material. Almost all maple has in its In the first place, a good stone is most important. A good stone
siructure a certain waviuess which causes it, when polished, to re cuts fast without being cut fast, and presents a surface unimpaired
flect light and to appear almost dapple. Other varieties arc the by shakes or holes caused by brittleness. Some twenty years ago
well-known bird's eye maple, which, thirty or forty years ago, was the carver's choice of stones was almost entirely limited to " Chai n-
a very popular wood for certain kindsof cabinetwork. Many per ley Forest" and " Turkey"—good specimens of the latter fetching
sons suppose that the bird's-eye maple isa separate or peculiar tree, high prices; but as in tools so in stones, our American cousins have
differing from other maples. This is a mistake. Most of the rock widened the limits within which our choice may by exercised, and
maples have a tendency to form little hillocks beneath the bark, now we have "Niagara," "Washita," "Arkansas," the latter of
and each layer of wood during growth is evenly covered over with which is excellent, though the others are not to be depreciated.
these projections, which do not grow larger, but retain their The stone when bought is flat: keepit so. It is the practice of some
original size. The result of this is, that when a slice is taken carvers to sharpen scroll tools and voluters by rubbing on the stone
through one of these little lumps or pits, we find that the grain of with a motion backward and forward as in sharpening flat tools,
the wood is bent up or down in a circle, and, of course, reflects and the stone is seen with a series of hollows of various sizes run
the light differently from that part which is horizontal. In what ning lengthwise. But the practice of carvers generally, and experi
are called bird's-eye maple trees, these little hillocks or pits in the ence may be said to support the practice, is to sharpen'all but flat
bark are disposed closely together and regularly throughout the tools with a motion which, beginning at one end of tueedge, ends
tree. In opening such a tree, when the cut is parallel to the bark, at the other, and so on. It is, of course, for this latter mode of
we have a board showing the bird's-eye maple markings. If, how sharpening that the flat stone is recommended, and for this mode of
ever, the cut is made radially, it passes through the hillocks verti sharpening that it is desirable to keep it flat. Reference has already
cally, and, as they extend from the heart to the bark of the tree, been made to the importance of the tool being brought to an edge
we have something which produces upon the wood the effect of a from one end to the other at one angle only. But sharpening in the
wave. When a log is sawn so as to show the eyes, it is known as way recommended on a hollow stone this result is almost impossible.
bird's-eye maple, and when cut radially, so as to make the waves To keep a stone flat even without rubbing it down is not particularly
most prominent, it is called waved maple, or, in some places, curly difficult if the stone is a good one, and a good " sweep " is taken
maple. The wave pattern will almost always be found in any in sharpening the tool. A short jerky motion must be avoided if
bird's eye board by looking at the edge, and vice versa. Maple has the tool is to be free from ridges at the edge. Beginning at one
one advantage which has been improved very little by cabinet end of the edge of an ordinary scroll tool, the other end should not
makers, and that is its susceptibility to staining processes. The be reached until the length of a good-sized stone has been covered.
wood is capable not only of being ebonized, but of taking several A stone for a firmer should be slightly hollow that the edge may be
very beautiful colors. We have seen bird's eye maple for small slightly round, but if a stone is loo hollow for a firmer it is too
work stained to a very beautiful drab, which harmonizes well with hollow for a scroll tool and should be rubbed down. Good slips
both furniture and decorations. The supply of this wood is are no less important than a good flat stone. How greatly the in-
abundant, and, fortunately, can be obtained in large size. Hitherto sides of tools are neglected! Some tools are to be seen sharpened
its principal value has been for fire-wood. —Furniture Gazette. almost entirely from the back, whereas they should be sharpened
almost, if not quite, as much from the inside. And this can be
done with as little trouble by the simple expedient of fixing the
Talks About Tools. slip so that both hands are available for pressure on the tool. —
Cabinet Maker (Eng.).
II OWEVER irksome the task may be, the proper sharpening of
-Ll tools is worthy of the most careful study of those who
would attain proficiency in their use. 8ome may suppose that Wall Paper.
sharpening a tool is one of the easiest things imaginable, and that THE best results in art work are very often to be obtained by
to speak of making it a study is to employ far too dignified a word; the simplest possible means, and by a judicious use of the
but such is hardly likely to be the view of any but of the inexperi most ordinary materials. Give a rough lump of clay and a stick of
enced. The tools to be seen on far too many carvers' benches bear wood, or a sheet of coarse paper and a few different colored chalks
witness to the fact that proper sharpening is not easy, or if it is, to a man that knows how to use them and has artistic instincts—
that their owners have yet to acquire the art. If the only object one who "mixes his colors with brains"—and he will produce
be to obtain an edge, without regard to the shape of it or the man good work, while the bungler, even with the finest material that
ner in which it is obtained, the simplicity of sharpening may be money can purchase, or the conveniences and helps that the artist's
granted. But it has already been shown in these "Talks" that colorman can make, will but elaborately bungle to the end of his
there isa close connection between the "handiness "or usefulness
of a tool and the mode in which it has been sharpened. And a lit
tle reflection will discover to the most inexperienced learner that
edged tools generally, besides carvers' tools in particular, are
sharpened or brought to an edge in various ways and in accord
ance with the purpose for which they are required. The mortice
and paring chisels of the maker, for example, though flat tools, are
brought to an edge from one side only. The carvers' firmer is
brought to an edge from both sides. The mortice chi3el is brought
to an edge at a different angle with the stone from the paring
chisel, not only that the edge may be thicker, but that it may work
in a certain direction—a direction corresponding with that of the
mortice. Again, the maker's chisels, whether mortice or paring,
are sharpened quite flat, whereas the carver's firmer, excepting,
perhaps, the smallest sizes, presents when properly sharpened an
edge slightly rounded. Yet each of these tools is flat. And that
there are edges and edges may be illustrated by a reference to the
familiar pocket knife which its youthful owner has essayed to
sharpen a dozen or twenty times only to find its capacity for mis
chief effectually, and to him disagreeably, reduced. It is plain,
therefore, that it is necessary not only to have an edge, but to have
one of the right sort. In saying this much there is not the slight
est desire to dishearten the learner, but merely to vindicate, if such
be thought necessary, the proposition contained in the opening
sentence of this paper. It would be unreasonable to suppose that
the principles indicated in what has just been said could be appre
hended without reflection; and there can be no intelligent sharpen
ing until they have been apprehended. days. Their enforced simplicity is, we think, one reason why the
By LUTHER HOOPER.
THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [May,
results of the art efforts of partially civilized peoples, especially to give a schooner for five cents. The awed and humbled citizen in
when they are of a decorative character, are, perhaps, the most the presence of such luxury was content with a small glass. He
satisfactory that have ever heen produced; but whether this be the thus drank less and his day's wages would hardly enable him to get
reason or no, it is certain that such results have been obtained full. It is thus that the- dissemination of art ennobles the lower
among such peoples only by the judicious use of just such ordinary classes of society. Even the actors who loaf around the doors of
materials. the Union Square Theatre are better men for gazing upon the statue
In designing wall paper, our best American artists have aban of Lincoln.
doned the old and depraved custom of weaving elaborate and intri They feel that no matter what might happen they never can get
cate scroll work in their designs, and have adopted the more sensi to look like that.
ble plan of designing from nature almost direct. Some of the Of course as O'Shaughnessie was in the scale of New York society,
papers now exhibited by our American houses are simply elegant Aspasia was«eagerly sought in marriage. Two only of her multi
in style and exquisite in color. tudinous lovers had touched her maiden heart. Both were eligible
We show, herewith a very pleasing design, and one that may be in the highest degree. Each was on the road to wealth and sooner
used in any parlor, morning-room or library with good effect, if or later each would represent his ward in the municipal legislature.
the surrounding conditions are favorable. Adelbert Flaherty was conductor on a Third avenue car. In con
Some time ago, we visited one of our large wall paper manufac fidence he had whispered to Aspasia that he was "cahoots" with all
tories and was surprised to see with what ease and perfection the the spotters on the road. Aspasia knew that if he could keep it up
most elaborate papers were turned out. a little while he could ere long be a stockholder, and perhaps a
To see fifteen to twenty colors printed at one time in a single director.
machine was a marvel, and the pleasure of watching the block- Pat de Chateaubriand was bar-tender in a large concern down
printing by hand was equally great. Here again, the large range town. The proprietor having gone into statesmanship had deemed
of quality was surprising. Papers from 20 cts. a roll, up to the it becoming and necessary to be drunk all night and sick all the
choicest artistic designs, stiff with gold and delicious tones of color, next day. "Darling," said Chateaubriand " before election day I'll
were to be seen in process of manufacture. A sunflower pattern own the sheebang."
in course of printing naturally attracted our aesthetic attention and In this cruel dilemma Aspasia had determined to let art decide
it certainly rivalled OscarWildc's celebrated sunflower. Not the least the momentous issue of her life. At the ball of the "Helpers of
interesting room in this large building was that devoted to the pre Heaven " the night before she had asked each of the rivals to send
paralion and selection of patterns. No expense is spared to secure her a birthday present of a decorated plaque. " Whichever sends
the best art talent in the market, and both American and European me one that is truly and utterly (esthetic " she said to herself "shall
artists contribute designs to this house. To see these designs pre possess the virgin heart of Aspasia O'Shaughnessie. If I can't de
pared for the rollers or cut on the blocks is another craft of great cide between the plaque* I will send them to the crockery editor of
interest to the curious in such matters ; indeed, the paper-staining the Smatterer and abide his decision. The fatal day had come.
business altogether is full of mechanical subtleties and artistic Adelbert Flaherty turned into the stable after his last trip at noon,
beauties calculated to delight alike the mechanician and the artist. "divided" with his driver, put the "spotters," sharewhere it would
In future issues, we intend to have more to say regarding wall do the most good, and started for a crockery store to purchase a
paper, both as to its style, colors, adaptation, manufacture, etc., plate with a picture on it. He bought the biggest soup plate in the
and its cost, utility and dimensions. place, bearing a landscape in which was a Third avenue car in the
foreground, with a steamboat going up the East River in the dis
tance. It was a noble specimen of Pre-Raphaelitism and had none
of the absurd conventionalism of the barbaric Chinese or Japanese
about it. It was ordered to be sent to Miss O'Shaughnessie.
OWING to severe illness, Mr. Kidder has been unable to pre De Chateaubriand unfortunately could not get off till five o'clock
pare his usual monthly contribution for this issue. We feel but he had great respect for his mother, and requesting her to make
that many of our readers will regret this very much, as Mr. Kid the purchase and send the present to his adored, he started on his
der's papers have always been full of good common-sense practical usual hard day's work of "knocking down." While he was thus
matter. • inanfully striving to elevate himself in the world and gain a com
petency, Fate, was likewise "knocking down."
Madam Bridget de Chateaubriand came of a thrifty race. She
couldn't see the good of buying one plate and thus spoiling a set. She
The Broken Plaque. had once been the proud possessor of a tea set of stoneware deco
rated with blue pagodas and Chinese tea gatherers, such as in the.
A TALE OF THE DECORATIVE ARTS, LOVE AND SOME OTHER THINGS time of James Buchanan represented the American idea of oriental
IN NEW TORE. art. Successive revolutions in the history of the De Chateaubriand
family, representing struggles between himself and the late head of
ASPASIA O'SHAUGHNESSIE stood in her ancestral hall. domestic government, had reduced it to two plates, one of which
Hulls would sound better, but truth compels us to say that was cracked. She hesitated long between thought and fear of her
the O'Shaughnessie's leased only one floor of the Mulberry street son's anger, but finally did up the cracked specimen in an old news
mansion. On every hand were the evidences of wealth and that paper, and having bribed a neighbor with a glass of beer, got the
profound knowledge of decalcomanie, wax flowers, painting on loan of her boy to deliver it.
coal scuttles, etc., which comes from long and abject perusal of the The handsomely painted wagon of the crockery dealer and the
AH Smatterer, Art Sma Ichange, Clarence Cookie and other author red headed boy from Cherry street arrived at the same time.
ities upon a'Stheticism, and the best means of getting commissions Aspasia first looked at the Third avenue offering, "Beautiful,"
out of dealers in raw materials consumed by young ladies or kitchen she murmured, "It is exquisite and it is exactly like some of the
maids in their efforts to make home beautiful. original designs in the Art Sitiatterer. Heaven help me not to be
Beside Aspasia was a hat-rack decorated with "tiles" in the style misled," and she unfolded the gift of De Chateaubriand. Her eye
Lrlaiidm*e of the 17th March. She had arranged the tiles herself fell upon the crack.
after the last St. Patrick's day parade. "Thank Heaven " she cried, " I am saved. It it an Antique"
She walked into the parlor and flung herself down upon afau- l'entoi.
teutt, on which was placed a tidy she had embroidered after a pat That evening when Adelbert Flaherty called at the O'Shaughnessie
tern in Hie Weekly lYibune. mansion he saw through the window Aspasia sitting in the lap of
"Be still, my beating heart, be still," she murmured, as she press De Chateaubriand. He did not ring the bell, but mentally calling
ed her hand against one of Ridley's thirty-nine cent corsets. Aspasia, himself a blamed ass for fooling away a dollar and a half on that
like most aesthetesses, paid less attention to those articles of clothing red headed girl, he went around the corner to an Exchange office
not intended for general inspection than to her outside garments. and played 15 cents on policy to get it back.
There arc brutal young men in New York and at Harvard, who It may occur to the reader that filial piety has something to do
declare that Oscar Wilde cuts off his trowsers at the knee to show with the result of this story. Had not De Chateaubriand had such
his $4.2.1 Hilk stockings, and wears a thirty-seven cent undershirt, firm trust in his mother, Art might have got left after all.
where no one can see it. Nevertheless when he went home that night and found his honored
And yet there are people who believe thatphilistinism is dead. mother drunk as a boiled owl on the money he had given her to buy
Hon. Patrick O'Shaughnessie, ex-president of the Board of Alder the plague he licked her within an inch of her life.
men, was the proprietor of a corner "store " in a lower ward. It was evident that he at least had no respect for the Antique.
He was a lover of art.
It was by its elevating influence he had risen to fame and power.
When Aspasia became (esthetic, the old man kicked like a steer, but
when she hung in his windows figured curtains with a broad red
band made out of her plush basque of last year, he began to yield. Cincinnati Wood Carving.
The statesmen of the ward noted that O'Shaughnessie was getting THE illustration shown on next page, of a swinging mil . r and
up. Sun-flowers in wax, after models given in the Art Smaikrer, frame, is an exact representation of a piece of carved work,
were placed behind the bar and other similar evidences of taste were executed in oak, by Miss Agnes Pitman, a pupil of the School of
scattered with a lavish hand. O'Shaughnessie was no longer obliged Design, Cincinnati.
1582.] 94
Wc have also been favored with several photos of carved panels keenest vision is unable to detect any irregularity, and their cut
ud oilier work, which have been executed by pupils of this excel ting seems to be the work of a delicate and accurate machine. A
lent school, and would he pleased to reproduce them here, but un close scrutiny also shows that the cuts grow finer, closer and shal
fortunately, without re-drawing, we cannot get plates of them. It lower by almost imperceptible degrees of variation as they approach
must be remembered that the work shown is by an amateur, the tapering point. Upon the smaller files of the regular sizes
there are more than two hundred of these parallel cuts to the inch,
and in some of delicate make, for special purposes, this degree of
fineness is greatly exceeded. Yet this wondrously delicate and
accurate work is done, not by the aid of machines with minute
micrometer screws and gauges, but with a simple hammer and
chisel in the workman's hand. The advance of the chisel upon the
blank at each cut of the two hundred and fiftieth part of an inch,
neither more nor less, is regulated simply by the unaided sense of
touch. The weight of the blow, also diminishing or increasing at
each stroke by a fraction of an ounce as rhc cutting approaches or
recedes from the point, is regulated solely by the judgment of
the workman. All this is done without pause or hesitation to cor
rect or re-adjust, and with a rapidity which shows itself in the
cheapness of the finished file. File cutting is rendered still more
delicate and difficult by the varying hardness of the same bit of
steel at different points in its surface, which would cause blows of
equal force to make cuts of Taring depth and width. This une
qual hardness must be perceived as the cutting progresses, and
allowance must be made for it all through the operation. Doubt
less all this seems easy enough to the practised tile cutter, and he
does his work without even thinking of these difficulties. Yet
the education of hand, nerve and brain to such a perfection of
movement is certainly a most wonderful illustration of perfection
attained in the use of tools. For more than one hundred years
efforts have been made to cut files by machinery with only partial
and moderate success, the process, simple as it appears, being too
delicate for less perfect instruments than the human hand and
brain.
n
We deem tt our duty to keep our readers* advised of the publication of at
works ttiat will in any Vav Interest them; and, with this object in view, we in
tend (such month to give a lengthened notice of such new books and periodicals
as we may ttiink will be of service in this direction. We shall not only give the
character of the book, and price, but will in many cases give extracts from the
works reviewed, so that onr readers may be enabled, to some extent, to judge of
the quality of the books for themselves.
[N.B.—All books reviewed in this column can be obtained from ttic Builder
and WooD-WoitKER oftlce at publishers' prices. Authors and publishers are re
quested to send in copies of works intended for review as early in the month
as possible.]
Interiors and Interior Details. Published by Wm. T. Cora-
stock. 6 Astor Place, New York. Price $7.50.
We referred to this work in our March number, but as it was not
complete at that time we could only speak of plates we exam
ined. Now, however, with the 52 plates before us, we feel safe in
though we must confess it is equal, indeed superior, to much of saying that " Interiors and Interior Details " meets a want that we
know, editorially, has long been felt. Architectural works, as a
the carved work now in the market, which is said to be the work rule, do not give interior finish that prominence it deserves, and a
of professional workmen. work devoted exclusively to this class of designs, cannot fail of be
We hope to be able to present to our readers, from time to time, ing appreciated by those for whom it is intended.
examples of work executed by pupils of this school. We cannot do the work before us fairer justice than to publish
the contents, which we do below : Frontispiece. -Perspective viewof
a large and elaborately finished entrance hall. Plate 2 -Entrance hall
(perspective). This plate shows entrance hall opening into a stair
Wonders of Simple Tools. case hall beyond. Plate :{.—Details of Plate 2. Plate 4.—Side of
\ COMPLICATED engine like the common wood-worker. a hall, with details. Plates 5 and 6. —Give plans and details of two
ZA the printing press, a compound lathe, or various forms of staircase halls. Plate 5 also gives a design and detail for a ceiling
spinning and weaving machines, is really one of the most wonder in dark hard wood, cherry or mahogany. Plate 7. —Interior of hall,
ful things in the world. Most of such contrivances are the pro showing fireplace, alcove and staircase, with details. Plate 8.—Pen
duct of the combined thought, studv. experience and ingenuity of sketch of a staircase hale with details. (Perspective.) Plates 0 and
generations and ages ; yet some of the simplest tools, either in 10.—Hall suitable for a small country house in the colonial style.
their construction or use, represent a degree of ingenuity and (Elevation). Plate 10 gives the details. Plate 11. — Staircase and
manual skill which is astonishing. A common file is one of the bay-window, and dotails. (Elevation.) Plate 12. — Staircase in a city
simplest of tools to look at. and to a careless view one of the house. Plate 13.—Details of Plate 12. Plate 14— Suggestions for
easiest to make. Files have been in use from the beginning and staircase, showing newels and part of runs. Plate 15. —Design for
rank with the hatchet and hammer in simplicity and usefulness, a staircase hall, with details. (Colonial style.) Plate 16. —Design
from the lime the naked savage smoothed his arrow head with a for finish of parlor in cherry. Elevations of two sides of room and
''it of sharp gritted stone, and the handle of his club with a piece details are given. Plate 17.—Interior of library. (Perspective).
of dried fis'i kin, to these days of finely finished work, the race Plate 18.—Interior of library (in colonial style) showing mantel and
of man has employed some form of file to accomplish mechanical bay-window (elevation), with plan and detail of ftieze and mantel.
results. Yet the making of the hardened steel file which is now i Plate 19.—Side of a library, with details. (Elevation.) Plate 20.—
"o universal requires a delicacy of touch and exactness of move End of dining-room and details. (Elevation.) Two designs of
nicnt that is wonderful. The diagonal cuts upon the sides of a flooring are shown in the plan. Plate 21. —Side of dining-room
common •'three-cornered" file appear to the eye to be absolutely and details. (Elevation.) Showing side-board and details. Plate
regular, uniform in their relative distance and alike in depth ; the 22. —A cafe interior. (Perspective.) This plate also gives an ele-
1882.] THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER.
Tation of the mantel and a plan of the room. Plate 23.—Details, Subscriber, Indian Orchard, Mass.—Yon forgot to sign your name to the note
furniture and fitting of cafe (Plate 22.) Plate 24.—Office of estate sent ns.of the We do not usually pay_ any attention to letters sent us "without the
of Wm. C. Rhinelander, Esq., deceased. The plate includes plan, names writers come also; in this case, however, we waive the rule. You
will find a >=cale of feet and inches on the plate. However, we give you the lol-
staircase, partitions, mantel, etc. Plate 25. —Chimney-piece in a citv lowing dimensions, which you can vary to suit your purposes: Width of chest,
house, with details. Plate 26. — Designs for two wood mantels with outside, V 11" ; length, 3' 2" ; depth overall, Vw'. This size is pretty large for
details. Plate 27. —Sketches of four small mantels, with details. an ordinary tool chest, but not too large for one w ho intends to gather up a good
supply of tools.
Plat: 28.—Designs for mantels of low cost, with details. Plate 29. —
Designs for two mantels; also designs for wainscoting. Plate 30. —
Interior and exterior doors; seven designs. Plate 31. —Examples
of window and door finish. Plate 32. —Designs for doors, with de
tails. Plate 33.—Designs for trims of doors and other openings,
with details and sections. Plate 34.— Wood and plaster cornices
(one-half full size). Plate 35.—Wood ceiling; four designs, with
details. Plate 36.—Designs for wainscots, with details. Plate 37. —
Examples of paneling for wainscots, ceilings, &c. Plate 38. —Hall
furniture and details, including designs for hat-rack, hall tahle,
chair, <&c. Plate 39.—Designs for book -cases, with details. Plate
40.—Dining-room furniture, containing designs for two side-boards,
one of which is planned to be placed in a corner. Plate 41. —Din-
ing room furniture, including side-board (built in), with details. A
plan of a ceiling in wood and plaster is also given. Plate 42.—Sug column,A for charge of seventy-five cents a line will be made for all notices in this
each and every insertion. Copy of notices must be sent to this
gestions for bank or counting-room, finished in hard wood, with j office on or before the 20th day of each month to insure an appearance in the
details. Plate 43. — Details for drug-store, including wall cases, following issue.
cashiers' and prescription desks, and two designs for letter boxes.
Plate 44. — Details for drug store, giving four designs for counters, Bound volumes of the Builder and Wood-Worker for 1881, can now be ob
and a design for show case. The upper part is open, and the cen tained from this office. Price $2.50.
tral part closed on all sides with glass doors. The space below is The New York Stencil Works have removed from 87 Nassau and 130 Fulton
partly filled in with a spindle lattice, making a receptacle for Btreets, N. Y., to 100 Nassau street, where they are prepared to execute all orders
sponges. Plate 45. —Screens for stores, offices, &c. Plate 46 — for steel Btampa and stencil work.
Store fixtures, showing wall-cases, counters, &c. Plate 47. —Fit Wm. Peoples, of No. 113 Webster street, Alleghany City, Pa., is manufactur
tings for a store, comprising open shelf cases, cashier's desk, table ing a first-class bench vice. It is especially adapted to the requirements of stair
counters, chairs, &c, with details. Plate 48. —Store fitting, includ builders, carpenters, car-builders, and wagonmakers. Write him for particulars.
ing designs for shelving, paneled and table counters, cashier's desk, J. H. Serene, the great soap-stone man, has been kept quite busy of late filling
with details. Plate 49.—Bar-room and details. (Elevation.) Plate orders for laundry tubs, bath tubs, tanks, fire place linings, registers, frames,
50. —Finish of an apartment house. This plute includes a plan of 4c. Ac. He is just now completing fire-place linings in the fa >use of Ogden
the apartment, and designs and details for main stairs and doors. Goelet, Fifth avenue, New York.
Plate 51. —Finish of an apartment house, giving designs and de J. A. Fat & Co., Cincinnati, O., manufacturers of patent wood-working ma
tails for parlor and dining-room mantels. Plate 52.- Finish of chinery, are now turning out some excellent power mortising machines and band
an apartment house, giving hall wainscot, designs and details of personsTheir saws. planing, matching and beading machines, are something extra, and
in want of such machines, or in fact, any wood-working machines,
doors, kitchen dresser, &c. should examine those made by this firm.
Cheap Dwellings. —A series of neat and comfortable city and Wm, T. Comstock (late of the firm of Bicknell & Comstock), architectural pub
country residences. Illustrated and described by carefully pre lishers, has removed from 194 Broadway, to 6 Astor place, New York, and now oc
pared plans and specifications, and accompanied by reliable es cupies a commodious Btore on the ground floor, where he will be glad to sec any of
timates of cost. Published by the San Francisco Bulletin Com his numerouB customers who may please to call on him. Mr. Comstock keeps a
full line of architects', draftsmans1 and surveyors1 supplic Hi- Btock of archi-
pany, California. (Paper.) tectural works is very large and complete. .
Thiols a work of some 56 pages of text, and 47 pages of illustra
tions. Twelve cottages are shown, costing from $600 to $5,000. engine, Josetii C. Todd, of Paterson, N. J., manufacturer of the new patent Baxter
Some of them are rather pretty, and most of them are conveniently Mr. Simouton has had such a rush of work lately that he has been compelled to take in
aB a partner. It is not at all surptislng that the Baxter engine is in
arranged inside. A specification and detailed estimate is given great demand, as it is one of the greatest inventions of the day, and the low price
with each cottage, and this, in our opinion, is the best feature of at which it is sold will make it one of the mcst popular, and the most useful
the book, providing the estimate is correct, or approximately so. motor for the hundreds of uses to which it can be applied, that has yet been pre
The illustrations are something better than we usually get from the sented to the public.
Pacific coast. Doubtless the book will have its use in California Wm. Gibson & Sons, 143 East Thirty-third street. New York city, will take
and adjoining territory, for which localities it was designed, but pleasure in showing visitors through their Bhow rooms and facory, where they
nave on exhibition some very fine specimens of stained glass work and mosaics.
there is no place for it east of the Rockies, only as an illustration This firm deal largely in crystalline and 13th century antique glass. Their show
of progress on the Pacific slope. rooms also contain many things in the shape of statuary, stucco work, bronzes,
Some Points in Law of Interest and use to Business Men.— curios, and old carved furniture, that would gladden the heart of the seeker after
these things. For those who take an interest in these matters, an hour spent
By Everett D. Barlow, Attorney and Counsellor, 206, Broad in this establishment, will be an hour spent in pleasure.
way, New York. Caution.—Having discovered in a number of instances, that unprincipled
This is certainly a very useful little pamphlet for business men, dealers are selling an inferior article called " Hard Oil Finish," repreceDting it
as it explains a great many points of law in a condensed form, that as being manufactured by us, we deem it a matter of juBtice to ourselves and all
are continually cropping up in every-day transactions. It is clear consumers of this article, to prevent, as far as we are able, such dishonest prac
tices; and for this purpose we shall now place over the bung of each barrel, half
and explicit on matters regarding Mechanics' Liens. Notes and Bills, barrel, and keg, containing our "Hard Oil Finish." a round tip, securely
Usury, Wills, Partnership, Attachments, Arrests, Landlord and fastened, stamped " Berry Brothers' Celebrated Varnishes," and all cans
Tenant, and many other things. will be fully laueled on sides and cork. We hope in this way to prevent any
further deception. Berry Brothers,
Varnish Manufacturers, Detroit, Mich.
J. W. Reedt, 532 to 536 Cana' street, New York, manufacturer of Reedy's
patent hoisting machines, steam hydranlic and hand-power elevators, is kept very
busy just now, indeed, his shops are worked to their uimost capacity, so great is
the demand for his machines. He has just completed an elevator for freight and
passenger nse for R. G. Dunn & Co., Mercantile Building, Park street, New York.
Also two hydraulic—and passenger and freight—and two power freight elevators,
5,0001bs. capacity, in O'Reilly's storage warehouse on Forty-fourth street and Lex
ington avenue. * The firm Is also putting in elevators in Sheppard Knapp's
building. Sixth avenue, the Glen Cove Starch Co's. warehouse, on South street,
and many others.
Tub Anglo-American Roofing Co., of 93 Cliff street, N. Y., are offering their
trade circular free to any
one who will send ihein
their address. This firm
manufacture a
[Any of our readers will be welcome to take part in this Department ] that is at once
light, and
A. A. P.. St. Louis, Mo.—You can receive a first-class training in practical and water-tight. The cut
theoretical architecture in the Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y. This institution shows a portion of a
provides a four year*' course in architecture, embracing the necessary scientific single shingle, and a por
&nd mathematical studies, the history of the art and constant practice In drawing tion of a roof shingled.
■pd designing. Students not candidates for a degree may take a partial course, No better 'covering for seashore cottages can be found than
rerwns 21 years of age, having a good common education and a fair knowledge these metallic shingles If they are kept well painted.
of drawing, will be received on the recommendation of the professor in charge of
the department, as special students, without the usual entrance examinations.—
L- N.. Burlington Jnnction, Mo.—Thanks for your good words, come again.
C. B. D. M. would like some one to give him the address, through this depart
ment, of the parties who deal in R. C. Ochurle's Star Gold Paint
[May,
ADVERTISER'S INDEX. Engines. Plumbers' Supplies.

New Otto Silent Gas Engine—Schleicher, J. L. Mott xii
CLASSIFIED. Schumm A Co v A. E. Jennings xiii
Whlttier Mch. Co.—H. C. Johnson, Agt viii Portland Cement.
Art metal Work and Gas Fixtures. Furnacea and Rangea, For Public E. Thiele i
Ornamental Metal Work, Gas Fixtures, etc.—fade and Private Buildings. Pumps.
Mitchell, Vance A Co V Fireplace Heaters and Stoves—Open Stove
Artistic Cabinet Hardware-J. B. Shannon A - Ventilating Co xi Steam Pumps—H. R. Worthington iii
Sons H Dunning's Patent Base-Burning Magazine W. A B. Douglass ir
National Art Foundry v Boiler—Bates and Johnson iii Delamater Iron Works vi
Architect*. Steam Heating Apparatus—Jamer, Jacobs A Hoofing.
Edward Dewfcon . Co iii Gravel Roofs, Trinidad Asphalt, etc.—Warren
Gould A Angell . . Steam Heating Apparatus—E. Rutzier iii Chemical and Manufacturing Co i
E. A. Jackson vi Roofing Slate—Penrhyn Slate A Co i
Band Saw Machine*. John G. Porter — RoofflngTin Plate—N.AG.Taylor.PhiladclphU, vii
Rollstone Machine Co vi Glaaa. Metallic Shingles—Anglo-American Roofing
Crystalline, Antiqne Glass, etc.—Wm. Glbson'a . Co x
Bella. Sons v
Copper and Tin Bells for Churches, Schools, Polished Plate and Window -Theo. W. Morris H. W. Peace iii
etc.—Van Dcusen * Tift X A Co I H. Disston A Son ix
Stainers—Otto Falck A Co iii
Books. D. Turno v Solicitors of Patents.
Useful Books-E. & F. N. Spon xiv Paine A Ladd.. :. .:... xiii
Finch A Ai'gar *H Grates and Fenders.
A. T. White xiv New and Artistic Designs, etc.—Wm. H. Jack Telescopic Plumb and Level.
Journal of Industry Co x son i J. W. Harman —
F. Keppy xlil Plain and Artistic Grates—W. H. Harrison A
S.W. Green s Son xi Bro xiii Tools.
Builders' Hardware and Supplies. Fine Grates and Open Fireplaces—Thos. S. Saw Filers, etc.—E. Roth A Bro ii
Dixon A Sons xiii Hand and Band Saws, etc.—H. W. Peace iii
Wrought-Iron Hinges, Butts, Bolts, etc.—Stan Fine Grates and Open Fireplaces—Open Stove Machinists' Tools, Band Saws, etc.—Chas. E.
ley works ii Ventilating Co xi Little ix
Burglar and Fire Alarms, etc.—A. G. Newman, iii Insurance. Tallman A McFadden iv
Iron Fronts, Colnmns, IlluminatlngSide-walks, Keystone Saw and File Works, etc.—H.
etc.—J. B. A J. M. Cornell viii Home Insurance Co x Disston A Sons ix
Doors, Sashes, Blinds, Wood Mouldings, etc. Royal Fire Insurance Co v
C. B. Keogh & Co v Metropolitan Life Insurance Co iv Skylights.
Steel Stamps—New York Stencil Works viii New York Life Insurance Co ix Perforated Metallic Blinds, Skylights, etc.—
Sash Chains—Thos. Morton v Liverpool A London A Globe Insurance Co. . . . iv Geo. Hayes vii
Burglar Proof Door Bolts—Hobert B Ives iv United States Life Insurance Co xi Metallic Skylights. Ventilators, etc.—Bickel-
Revolution in Wood-Finishing, etc.—Bridge Union Mutual Life Insurance Co xi houpt Bros x
port Wood-Finishing Co xii Knickerbocker Life Insurance Co viii A. E. Hendle vi
Porcelain Lined Baths -J. L. Mott xii Equitable Life Assurance Society xii E. Van Noorden xiii
Holt's Patent Gimlet Bits—M. W. Robinson ... lv Hartford Steani-Boiler Insurance Co iv
Galvanized Iron Cornices.— Knisely Bros. & Penn. Mutual Life Insurance Co x Stone Wash Tubs.
Miller v Iron Work. Soap-Stone Wash Tubs, etc.—J. H. Serene iii
Door Hangers—Prescott M'f'g Co viil E. T. Barnuni vii Soap-Stonc Heaters—J. G. Porter viii
Bricks. J. B. A J. M. Cornell viii Steel Shutters.
Colored and other Brick, Fine Fronts, etc.— mantels. Fire-Proof Steel Shutters—Clark Bunnctt A
Peerless Brick Co Iv Fine Mantels—Penrhyn Slate Co i Co xiii
Carpets. Slate Mantels—Chas. Williams' Sons xiii Tiles.
Thos. Stretton i
Fine Carpets, etc. -W. A J. Sloane i Slate Mantels, etc.—Jos. S. Miller v Edward Boote it
Doors and Mantels- Bradley & Currier xiii
Church Furnishing. mathematical Instruments. University.
Silk Banners in Colors and Gold—J. A R. Drawing Materials—Wm. Y. McAllister ix Cornell University xlli
Lamb viii
Sunday-School Banners—R. Gcissler xiii mortar Black. Veneers.
Cornices, Galvanized Iron. French, Richards & Co iii Spurr's Pupered Veneers -Chas. W. Spurr... xiii
Kni-ely Bros, i Miller v I.. Martin A Co...,.*. xii Wall Papers.
E. Van Noordcn xiii Henrv D. Dupee xi Fr. Beck A Co vi
Mclllvane Bros xiii Wood-Working machinery.
Door Haugers. For Arsenals, Car Shops and House Builder,
Prescott Mfg. Co viii Paints. Ac - J. A. Fay A Co xii
Atlantic White and Red Lead, Litharge, etc.— II. B. Smith Machine Co. xiii
Elevators. R. Colgate A Co i New and Second-hand—S. C. Forsaith A Co... ii
Whlttier Mch. Co.—H. C. Johnson, Agt viii Brldgepurt Wood Finishing Co xi For Car and House Builders—Godell A Waters vi
Granville Hydraulic Elevator Company i Paper. For Panelling. Dovetailing, etc.—Battle Creek
Reedy's Patent Hoisting Machines, Elevators, "Pioneer" Building Paper. —Scott Paper Co.. vii Machinery Co iii
etc.—J. W. Reedy I Foot Power Machinery— W. F. A J. Barnes... Ji
Hydraulic Elevators-Otis Bros. & Co vi Pens. " " Chas. E. Littlo ii
Clem A Morse v Steel Pens—Joseph Gillott il Rotary and Stationary Bed Planers—RolUtone
Hydraulic and Hand Elevators—L. S. Graves .Machine Co vi
N.AB.Son
Cashing viiI Photographic Outfits.
E. A H. T. Anthony. xiii
Rowley and Hermnnce
J. S. Graham A Co
vii
Ill A iii
Roof Cretin ii Mais.

Stable Furniture, Hay ARCHITECTS
Rucks, Feed Boxes, Iron
Fences, Iron Bedsteads, ^.IjW^lVS specify
In in Sinirs, Shutters and
Jail Work. "OLD STYLE "BRAND ROOFING TIN PLATE
iron and Wire Work WllERi: FIRST-CLASS WORK IS REqiJIRER.
OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. This celebrated Roofing Tin has now attained a world
Illustrated Catalogue free upon ESTABLISHED 1810. wide reputation. It is undoubtedly the finest plate made;
application. its coaling being what is termed " Extra Surface," or re-
The E. T. Baruum's Wire and Iron Worts, qualities commend its favorable notice to Architect*,
K.&G.TAYLQRCQ. ed Contractors, Roofers, Ac, Ac, as a Roofing Plate unequal-
DETROIT, MICH.
PHILADELPHIA, •'inOLD
quality or duiabilicy.
STYLE," Re-dipped, is the original way of mak
Manufacturers, Importers and Dealers, 1830. All the otherplates,
ing tin and leaded as first made in Philadelphia, in
plates now made are but poor imiu
Wholt-sale and Retail, in every tions in comparison with the genuine "OLD STYLE."
PATENT IITDM-PMllHATIt HYBRAUI IC STt.AM AND POWEB description of Its surface is perfect, and bears a heavy mottled appearance.
Tin and Leaded Booing Plates, Oalvanlied Each box contains a small tin card with our name upon it.
Sheet Iron, Black Sheet Iron, Sheet Copper, The boxes arc substantially made of good tough wood, and
strongly strapped wilh hoop iron, and distinctly branded
Sheet Lead, of any size and thickness.
ROOFING TOOLS of the most improved into theendon the ana side in heavy block letters, burned deeply
wood, " OLD STYLE LEADED," Warranted.
and latcBt patterns.
ELEVATORS SOLKKIt, PAINT, NAILS, A. .. Ac IT IS THE ONLY PERFECT ROOFING TIN MADE.
Send for New Catalogue just issued Hone is genuine unless It hears the name of H. a 0. TAYLOR CO.
N. B. CUSHING. and Descriptive Circulars.
r
Plumbers, masons, house painters, plasterers, all are busy,
while the house furnishers and decorators are pretty well
assured of constant work until the winter season. Still
there will be not so many new private houses as were
erected last summer, but the increase in the number of
apartment houses will doubtless make up for the lack of
increased accommodations. Despite the croakers the
country is growing, while the percentage of increase is
A JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ART. greater in New York than in the country at large.
PUBLISHED MONTHLY, t I \HE new money-order system recently introduced by
AT I the American Express Company, besides reducing
cost of transmitting small amounts, has further advan
176 Broadway, INTo-w Torfc. tages over other methods. These orders are so printed
that they connot be " raised," nor can the date be changed,
and they are payable at any office of the company given
PRICE. ONE DOLLAR AND FIFTY OEKTS A YEAR. in the printed list on their face. The rates are, %\ to $5,
5 cents; $5 to $10, 8 cents.
The system will be a great boon to publishers and sub-
CHARLES D. LAKEY, Publisher. FRED. T. HODGSON, Editor. scriJbers to magazines and papers, as remittances for sub
scriptions, <fec, may be forwarded with a minimum of
trouble, cost and risk. We hope to see the system ex
Newsdealers will please order through The various News Companies. tended to all points where the company has offices.
Subscriptions to Great Britain and the Continent of Europe, Australia and
Japan, $2.00: China, Sandwich Islands, Mexico, and Cuba, $3.50; South America,
$4,50. GENERALLY, rats gain access into a house by way
of the drains, and no greater nuisance can possibly
S.B. —Ikrsons remitting money to this office through the post are requested be in and about a dwelling than such rapacious depre
either to procure a post-office order or to register the letter, and address it to the
piMis/ier, Charles D. Lakey, 176 Broadway, New York, to whom all letters dators as rats and mice. If once they gain a foothold in
ofa business character should be sent. the basement, it is very difficult to rid them out, but a
very cheap method of preventing their ever getting be
yond the basement story, may be adopted by placing
strips of sheet-iron or tin, five inches wide, under all the
J Old Series, XVIII. I Whole Number, 177 partitions and walls, in the upper stories, or by filling in
' j New Series, IV. j JUNE, 1882. j New Number, - 6
between the studs, one tier of brick-work laid in good
cement. If the first story is thoroughly protected there is
no chance of their getting up between the partitions.
TO prevent rats from getting into the basement, the

drain-pipe should be protected with a galvanized
wire grating outside the house, where it can be from time
to time examined in case of obstructions occurring at that
point. It is the nature of the rat to burrow obliquely
alongside of a wall until he reaches tha, foundation, but if
he meets with an obstruction the animal appears not to
possess the instinct to burrow around it ; if, therefore,
slates or old sheet-iron were imbedded a couple of feet
below the surface of the earth all around the house, it
would effectually prevent their ingress. Where a house is
infested with rats, it is a good idea to pour coal tar into all
their holes, being careful not to close the holes up, as they
WE take this* opportunity to thank the large numbers will not make new ones so long as the old ones keep open.
of our readers who have sent us their congratula As rats are very particular about the cleanliness of their
tions on the improved appearance of recent issues of The paws, they will retire disgusted when once their feet get
Buildeb and Wood-Workek, and for their kind wishes smeared with pitch or tar. Whatever animals may be re
for our prosperity. maining in the upper walls after this experiment must be
We shall use every effort in future to keep the paper up caught with traps, or killed by other means, as they will
to its present high standard, and to make such improve not run the gauntlet of the tar.
ments from time to time, as may be_ considered in the in
terests of our subscribers.
THE employment of iron as a substitute for bricks in
the construction of large buildings is ever on the
increase, but there is certainly room, and indeed a neces
THE City of New York is steadily growing, notwith sity for the exercise of a greater amount of discretion in
standing the enormous taxation and killing manage its modes of application. A common error is that of in
ment she labors under. It is quite true, as the Real Es judiciously combining the two kinds of metal—cast iron
tate Record says, that there are not so many new dwell and wrought iron—and this is calculated sometimes to
ings being put up this spring as there were last, but there lead to disastrous consequences. A cast-iron beam, for
is, after all, a great deal of activity in altering old houses, example, is so rigid, hard and crystalline, that the break
in providing accommodations for new business enterprises, ing point is reached with a very small amount of deflec
and in starting or completing large apartment houses. tion, and this is especially the case when the material is
Times may be bad in general trade, but it is evident that of an inferior character. Wrought-iron, on the other
ourmechanics have all they can do for the year to come. hand, is ductile and flexible, and a beam composed of it
98 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [June
elongates by tensile strain, and deflects to a very great possibility of fires, especially in public buildings, theaters,
degree before reaching the breaking point. It is easy to etc., for, if the woodwork was thus treated, draperies and
understand therefore that a union of the two —unless un scenery would burn away before the heavy tiinberwork
der the most careful and cautious circumstances, is likely of the structure would take fire."
to be fraught with dangerous results. In whatever way
wrought-iron tie-rods, pins or bolts and cottars may be
attached to the sides or a cast-iron beam, the chances of
elongation from tensile strain, and of wear and corrosion
when the ties are joined, must be very great. Then, as
neither of the two kinds of metal from its own individual
strength is equal to the task of sustaining the entire load,
the failure of either must inevitably lead to disaster.
Many other examples of the bad effects of an inharmonious
combination of the two descriptions of metal in question
might be adduced, but our present purpose is to call the
attention of designers and others not well versed in iron
construction to the impolicy and danger of working upon WE have frequently had inquiries for cheap cottages
the combined principle. for mechanics, and in reply we publish five de
signs on Plate 41.
Design 1, is adapted for a young mechanic and his
WILLIAM H. VANDERBILT, before leaving for wife, and can be built for about $500 complete.
Europe, visited the Moravian Cemetery at New Design 2 is also adapted for a man and his wife and
Dorp, Staten Island, for the purpose of inspecting the one or two children. The cost will be about the same
unoccupied parts, with a view to selecting a site upon as Design 1.
which to erect a family mausoleum. 1 he place he Design 3 is a very convenient house for a small fam
selected is near the plot of Francis George Shaw, on high ily. Cost about $450.
ground in the western part of the cemetery. The site Design 4 will cost about $600 ; two good bed-rooms
commands an extensive view of the surrounding country may be made on the second floor.
with the sea beyond, while below on all sides are beauti Design 5 is a rather more expensive house than any of
ful slopes. Mr. Vanderbilt has already obtained designs the preceding designs.
for the work from several artists in this country, and The cost of this house finished complete, painted three
while abroad he will secure additional plans from Euro coats inside and out, will probably run up to $1,500.
pean artists. On Plate 42 we exhibit a very handsome cottage de
We hope Mr. Vanderbilt will find that the designs signed by J. A. Wood, Architect, 240 Broadway, N. Y.
furnished him by American artists are up to the necessary Plate 43 shows front and side elevations and floor
standard and equal to any he can procure in Europe. plans of a cottage built in Iowa City, Iowa. It was de
We are convinced that there is artistic talent enough in signed by L. E. L., of Iowa City.
this country, if it is duly encouraged, to meet the artistic Plate 44 shows alternative designs of a store, with first-
needs. Indeed, the introduction of foreign designs, when story plan. The designs are by S. M. Howard, Architect,
paid for by American money will not have a tendency to Wheeling, W. Va.
encourage anything like distinct American art. Plate 45 exhibits a dining-room mantel. The design
is by Edward Dewson, Art Designer, 28 State street,
Boston, Mass.
IN a London paper is published a letter from Mr. F. Plate 46 shows a design for another mantel by the
II. Gossage, who makes some very important same hand that designed the one on the preceding plate.
statements. He ffays : "I find that painting woodwork The one shown on this plate is intended for a hall.
of any kind with several coats of solution of silicate of Plate 47 shows some designs for fashionable upholstery.
soda, and finishing off with a mixture of this solution The variety in upholstered goods seems to be endless,
and sufficient common whiting to make it about as thick judging from the new designs constantly pouring into
as ordinary paint, is a most excellent protection against the market. Such easy chairs as are illustrated on this
fire. Wood treated in this way will not take fire from plate, are certainly growing in popular favor. The public
mere contact with flame ; it requires to be heated till insist upon luxury in their reception rooms, notwith
destructive distillation begins. Then, of course, gases are standing all that has been written in favor of ascet
given out which ignite, and the wood is gradually con icism and simplicity. Amongst the designs here noticed
verted into charcoal, but until destructive distillation are some captivating patterns, perfect types of elegance
takes place the coated wood will not support combustion. and comfort in their way. They form but a small por
A few years since I had some screens made like ordinary tion of what may be found in some of our first-class furni
doors, some prepared as I have described, and some not. ture dealers' stocks.
They were then placed over a fire of shavings, which was Plate 48 is reproduced from the Carpenters' and Join
kept constantly renewed. In 10 minutes the unprepared ers' Assistant, at the request of L. R. T., Cincinnati,
screens were blazing away, and so nearly consumed that Ohio. In the whole- science of joinery there is no rule
they had to be supported by an iron bar. The flames or method so useful as that used for obtaining, raking
continued to lick the prepared screens for 30 minutes and diminishing moldings. The plate here furnished
before the distillation commenced. After 45 minutes gives all the rules necessary for this operation.
the coated screens were still intact, and able to support Figure 1 shows part of the raking cornice of a pedi
themselves ; and in an hour, although pierced in many ment, with the horizontal parf of the molding on the
places with holes, they held together, and when the fire left of the figure. Draw g o perpendicular to the hori
wai removed they did not continue to burn. This was a zon, and o h at right angles to g o. In o h take any
splendid success, and I have still the remains of the screens. point and draw I d parallel to g o, and cutting the pro
The experiments were made at my suggestion, for the file in d, and through d draw a line d x, parallel to the
managers of the .Liverpool Philharmonic Society, and the line of rake. Then to find the section of the raking
woodwork of their splendid hall at Liverpool was treated front, draw any line a b, perpendicular to d x, and make
in this manner. I am sure a good deal might be done a r equal to o I, and draw r x parallel to a b, cutting d x
with thii simple and inexpensive process to reduce the in x • then the point x is a point in the raking profile.
Kate fJ°4l
FroTil Elevation Side .1 ileviitiou, Trout Elevation

Design fJ'.' |.
Cheap Houses for Alecnamcs

lOO [June,
In the same manner any other point, such as x y w v cor from each of two angles to the middle of the side opposite ; the in
responding tof e c b, may be found. tersection of the two lines will give the center of gravity.
Quadrilateral.—To find the center of gravity of any quadrilateral,
When lie molding is returned at the upper part, such draw diagonals and from the end of each farthest from their inter
as at h f, the line h g must obviously be drawn parallel section lay off, toward the intersection, its shorter segment ; the
to g o, that is, perpendicular to the horizon. The remain two points thus formed, with the point of intersection, will form a
der of the procedure, and the manner of finding the re triangle whose center of gravity is that of the quadrilateral.
Thus, let Fig. 2 be a quadrilateral whose center of gravity is
turn of the bed-molding b s at h p, is too obvious to sought. Draw the digagonals A 1) and B C. and from A lav off
require further description. AFED and B H—E C. From H draw a line to the middle of
Figure 2 shows a raking molding on the spring. In F E and from F a line to the middle of E H. The point of inter
this the procedure is the same as in the last, except that section of these two lines is the center of gravity of the quadrilat
in place of drawing lines parallel to the rake, concentric eral. This is a method commonly used for finding the center of
gravity of the vousoir of an arch.
curves are described to find the points in the molding.
But it is necessary to observe that it is not where the
perpendiculars from a c intersect these arcs that the
proper points are. The true points are intersections with
tangents to the curves where they ctit the line a b.
Figures 3 and 4 show the method of describing the
section of the raking molding on the line a b perpendic
ular to the raking line, and also on the line g h parallel
to g o, in the case where the molding is not returned,
or where the two raking sides meet. These will be read
ily understood on inspection.
The Stability of Structures. Table of Centers of Gratify. —Let a denote a line drawn from the
vertex of a figure to the middle point of the base, and D the dis
BT F. E. KIDDER, B. C. E. tance from the vertex to the center of gravity. Then
In a triangle D=S«
VI. " segment of a circle D—K—chord*
Centre of Gravity (continued). 12Xarea
" sector of a circle, the vertex being at the / n Rv.2Xebord
Center of Gravity of Lines. Stra:ght Linen. —By a line is here center ... f u— K*3xarc
meant a material line, whose transverse section is very small, such " semicircle, vertex being at the center P=.425R
as a very fine wire. ' ' quardrant of a circle '. D=f R
The center of gravity of a uniform straight line is at its middle " semi-ellipse, vertex being at the center D=».425a
point. This proposition is too evident to require any demonstration. ' ' parabola D—f«
The center of gravity of the perimeter of a triangle is at the center In a cone or pyramid I?=l«
of the circle inscribed in the lines joining the centers of the sides In a frustum of a cone or pyramid,
of the given triangle. Let A=height of complete cone or pyramid
Thus let A B C (Fig. 1) be the given triangle. To find the center " h'— " " frustum
of gravity of its perimeter, find the middle points, D E and F, and " v. be at apex of complete c. or p.
connect them by straight lines. The center of the circle inscribed
in the triangle formed by these lines will be the center of gravity Then - D^-l^l
sought. 4(**A'»
Symmetrical Lines. —The center of gravity of lines which are sym The common center of gravity of two figures or bodies, external
metrical with reference to a point, will be at that point. Thus the to each other, is found by the following rule :
center of gravity of the circumference of a circle or an ellipse is Multiply the smaller area or weight by the distance between
at the geometrical center of those figures. centers of gravity and divide the product by the sum of the areas
The center of gravity of the perimeter of an equilateral triangle, or weights; the quotient will be the distance-of the common center
or of a regular polygon, is at the center of the inscribed circle. of gravity from the center of gravity of the larger area.
The center of gravity of the perimeter of a square, rectangle or Rrample. —As an example under the above rule and tables, let.us
paralellogram, is at the intersection of the diagonal of those find the common center of gravity of the semi-circle and triangle
figures. shown in Fig. 8.
A.
Fig1 3.
(tenter of Gravity of Surfaces. Definition.—A surface here means We must first find the centers of gravity of the two parts.
a very thin plate or shell. The center of gravity of the semi-circle is .425 Rfrom A or 2.975 .
Symmetrical Surfaces.—It a surface can be divided into two sym The c. of g. of the triangle is ^ of 8", or 2.600" from A, and hence
metrical halves by a line, the center of gravity will be on that the distance between the center of gravity is 2.975"-^2.666 or
line ; if it can be divided by two lines the center of gravity will 5.641." 1
be at their intersection. The area of the semi-circle is approximately 3! X V or 81.666 sq.
The center of gravity of the surface of a circle, or an ellipse, is ins. The area of the triangle is 7x8 or 56 sq. ins.
at the geometrical center of the figure ; of an equilateral triangle, The sum of the areas is 137.666 sq. ins. Then, by the above
or a regular polygon, it is at the center of the inscribed circle; of a rule, the distance of the common center of gravity from tnc.center
parallelogram, at the intersection of the diagonals: of the surface of of gravity of the semi-circle is 56x5.641 „
a sphere, or an ellipsoid of revolution, at the geometrical center of 137.660T 2~9 ■
the body; of the convex surface of a right cylinder, at the middle or 2.975 -2.29= .68 ins. from A".
point of the axis of the cylinder. ,
Lrregular Figures. —Any figure may be divided into rectangles RETAINING, WALLS.
and triangles, and, the center of gravity of each being found, the
center of gravity of the whole may be determined by treating the A Retaining- Wall is a wall for sustaining the pressure of earth,
centers of gravity of the separate parts as particles whose weights sand, or other filling or backing deposited behind it after it is built :
are proportional to the areas of the parts they represent. in distinction to a orest, or face wall, which is a similar structure
Triangle. —To find tlte center of gravity of a triangle, draw a line for preventing the fall of earth which is in its undisturbed natural
1882.] THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. lOl
position, but in which a vertical or inclined face has been exca to have some of the stones, especially near the. back, sufficiently
vated. high to reach up through two or three courses. By this means the
Fig. 4 gives an illustration of the two kinds of wall. . whole masonry becomes more effectually interlocked or bonded
together as one mass, and less liable to bulge.
Where deep freezing occurs the back of the wall should be
sloped forwards for 3 or 4 feet below its top, as at o c, Fig. 5,
which should be quite smooth, so as to lessen the hold of the frost
and prevent displacement.
Figs. 6. 7, 8 and 9 show the relative sectional areas of walls of
, different shap :s that would be required to resist the pressure of a
i bank of earth 12 feet high (Art of Building ; E. Dobson, pp. 20).
F i &. 4 The first three examples arc calculated to resist the maximum
thrust of wet earth, while the last shows the modified form usually
adopted in practice.
Rules for the Thickness of the Wall. —As has been stated, the only
Retaining Walls.—A great deal has. been written upon the theory practical rules for retaining walls which we have are empirical rules
of retaining walls, and many theories have been given for comput based upon experience and practice.
ing the thrust which a bank of earth exerts against a retaining wall, Mr. John C. Trautwine, C. E., who is considered authority on
and for determining the form of wall which affords the greatest re engineering subjects, gives the following table in his Pocket Book
sistance with the least amount of material. for Enqin'e.rs, for the thickness at the base of vertical retaining
Tiierc are so many conditions, however, upon which the thrust walls with a sand backing deposited in the usual manner.
exerted by the backing depends, such as the cohesion of the earth,
the dryness of the material, the mode of backing up the wall, etc.,
that iu practice it is impossible to determine the exact thrust which
will be exerted against a wall of a given height.
It is therefore necessary, in designing retaining walls, to be
guided by experience rather than theory. As. the theory of retain
ing walls is so vague and unsatisfactory we shall not offer any in
this article, but rather give such rules and cautions as have been
established by practice and experience.
In designing a retaining wall there are two things to be con
sidered—the backing and the wall.
The tendency of the baching to slip is very much less when it is
in a dry state than when it is filled with water, and hence every
precaution should be taken to secure good drainage. Besides sur
face drainage there should be openings left in the wall for the water
which may accumulate behind it to escape and run off.
Tlic manner in which the material is filled against the wall also Fig-lO.
affects the stability of the backings. If the ground be made irregu
lar, as in Fig. 4, and the earth well rammed in layers inclined from
the wall, the pressure will be very trifling, provided that attention The first column contains the vertical height, C D, Fig. 10, of
be paid to drainage. If. on the other liana, the bank be tipped in the earth as compared with the vertical height of the wall ; which
the usual manner in layers sloping toward* the wall, the full pres latter is assumed to be 1, so that the table begins with backing of
sure of the earth will lie exerted against it, and it must be made of the same height as the wall. These vertical walls may be battered
corresponding strength. to any extent not exceeding 1* inches to a foot, or 1 in 8 without
affecting their stability and without increasing the base:
PROPORTION OF RETAINING WALLS.
Total Heiffht of the Earth Wall of Good Mortar, Wall of
compared with the Height Cut Stone Rubble good, dry
of the Wall above ground. In Mortar. or Brick. Rubble.
1 .35 .40 .50
1.1 .42 A7 .67
1.8 .46 .51 .61
1.8 .49 .54 .64
1.4 .81 .56 .66
Fig-. 6. Fl^-7- 1.5 .52 .57 .67
1.8 .54 .59 .69
1.7 .r>.-> .60 .70
The Wall. —Hetaining walls are generally built with a battering 1.8 .50 .61 .71
(sloping) face, as this is the strongest wall for a given amount of 2 .5S .83 .78
2.5 .<» .65 .75
material; and if the courses are inclined towards the back, the ten s M> .67 .77
dency to slide on each other will be overcome, and it will not be 1 .63 .68 .78
necessary to depend upon the adhesion of the mortar. 6 .64 .69 .79
The importance of making the resistance independent of the ad Brest Wall*.—(From Dobson's Art of Building.) Where the
hesion of the mortar is obviously very great, as it would otherwise ground to be supported is firm, and the strata are horizontal, the
be necessary to delay backing up a wall until the mortar was office of a brest wall is more to protect than to sustain the earth. It
thoroughly set, which might require several mouths. should be borne in mind that a trifling force, skillfully applied to un
broken ground, will keep in its place a mass of material which, if
once allowed to move, would crush a heavy wall ; and, therefore,
great care should be taken not to expose the newly opened ground
to the influence of air and wet for a moment longer than is requisite
for sound work, and to avoid leaving the smallest space for motion
between the back of the wall and the ground.
The strength of a breast wall must be proportionately increased
when the strata to lie supported inclines towards the wall; . where
they incline from it, the wall need be little more than a thin facing
to protect the ground from disintegration.
The preservation of the natural drainage is one of the most im
portant points to be attended to in the erection of breast walls,
as upon this their stability in a grcit measure depends. No rule
can be giveirfor the best manner of doing this; it must be a matter
Fig-- 9. for attentive consideration in each particular case.
The Back of the Wall should be left Rough. —In brickwork it would
be well to let every third or fourth course project an inch or two. Society of Architectural Iron Manufacturers.
This increases the friction of the earth against the back, and thus "MIE above is the title of a society which has recently been
causes the resultant of the forces acting behind the wall to become T established in this city for the purpose of advancing the in-
more nearly vertical, and to fall farther within the base, giving in ten sts of the architectural iron trade, and with the view of promo
creased stability. It also conduces to strength not to make each ting frequent interchange of ideas relating to the manufacture of
course of uniform height throughout the thickness of the wall; but the same. At a meeting held on May 10, the following officers
Kate [\l°43
104 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [Juke
were elected: President, J. B. Cornell; vice-president, J. J. Burnet; To build stairs, the workman will first get the size of the room,
secretary, A. J. Campbell; treasurer, Thos. Radley. An inspection and the height of the story, which determines the width of the steps
of the constitution of the society shows that all persons engaged in and risers; the length of which, and the size of the opening, are a
the manufacture of ironwork for buildings in the city and vicinity, matter of taste or convenience.
may, after being proposed and elected, become members on signing
the constitution and paying an entrance fee of $25. Certificates of
membership, which are to be transferable, will be issued, and each
certificate shall represent an equitable share in the money and
property of the society. Meetings will be held on the second
Monday in each month, excepting July, August and September.
It appears that the society will not attempt to fix wages or selling
prices, and every member shall be entirely at liberty to employ
whomsoever he may desire, and for whatever compensation he may
deem best. The funds of the society at the present lime amount
to some $800, and it will probably not be long before important
additions will be made, both in influence and property.
[TtiB Editor docs not hold himself responsible for any opinions that appear in
this colnmn. Contribntions are solicited from all who are interested in building
operations, or wood-work of any kind. Letters will be judged entirely by the
not necessarily for publication, but as an evidence of his good faith. Be brief,
courteous, ana to the point.
[Rejected communications can in no case be returned.]
Editor of the Builder and Wood-Worker :

In your last issue I notice that B. T. E., of Somervillc, N. J.,
asks some questions about wood turning; with your permission I
will endeavor to answer his questions; but before deing so I will
just say that if B. T. E. will visit some shop where wood-turning is
done, and watch the operation and operator for a half an hour, he
will learn more in that time than I or any other one can teach him,
if we write him on the subject from now until doomsday.
In answer I may say: (1.) The wood is simply left with a square
section. If for 2-iuch work, the piece is left a trifle over 2 inches
square in section, and so on with all other sizes. (2.) Both hands
are used to hold the tool and guide it. The wood revolves in the
lathe, and the tool is pressed against the wood while in rapid mo
tion, at certain angles which the expert finds by instinct almost.
(3.) The design is not applied to the work; only the measurements
are applied. The drawing is kept before the operator, and he The cylinder is staved up and secured with glue and screws. The
forms the work purely by the " eye." string pieces arc secured to the cylinder in the same manner. To
The expert will turn out balusters or other work by the hundred, find the development or stretchout of the cylinder (Fig. 1), describe
and so near alike that none but the keenest eye can be able to dis the arcs 2, 8, aud 4, 5, from the point 5. draw the diagonal 5, 7, at
tinguish any difference between the several pieces. Jones. an angle of 45", then 7. 8, equals one-half of the semicircle that
Brooklyn, N. Y., May 16th, 1882. forms the cylinder; set off from 2 to A aud B equal to 7, 8 ; draw
the elevation of the steps and risers Fig 2, below and above the
platform. Then the front string piece should be wide enough to
Editor of the Builder and Wood-Worker: receive suitable width of timber to support the stairs. From the
Perhaps it is hardly worth while replying to the strictures of casing on the stretchout of the cylinder which completes the ele
"John, of Jersey," but as I take such an interest in the Builder vation of a platform stairs.
and Wood-Wokker 1 am constrained to say a few words in justi Fig. 3, is an elevation of the cylinder and casing for a straight
fication of the course I have taken in answering some of the que flight of stairs. The back string piece should be mortised about
ries which appearfrom time to time in your valuable columns. It is five eights of an inch deep, and large enough to recceive wedges,
quite true, that in replying I have used matter and ideas that have glued to secure the steps and risers.
been used over and over again by others, and it is just on that ac The workman should, in all cases, imagine that he sees what he
count that I have used it, because such information is much better wants, and can do it. Now suppose we place the center of the cyl
than any I could possibly give otherwise. That I don't give credit inder Fig. 2, over the center of the plan, then bring the lower and
is simply because, in a great many cases, I do not know where to upper string piece around until the lines from A and B stand over
place the credit, as I frequently find the same thing attributed to the points 9 and 8 and the steps correspond with the steps on the
half a dozen sources. Such was the case with the item " John, of plan, which will be the case if executed according to the drawings.
Jersey," takes exception to. I had seen the article nearly word Newark, N. J., May 14, 1882. L. D. G.
for word in an English publication, several years befotc the jour
nal he refers to had an existence ; but this is neither here nor there, Editor of the Builder and Wood-Worker:
as I take it the inquirer does not care a cent about the sources of I am hard at work making a couple of brackets from designs fur
information so long as the information is given and is correct. nished in your valuable journal. Now I wish you to inform me at
Time is precious to me, and whatever I send to " our journal," your earliest convenience, how I can ebonize them and make a good
though sent with pleasure, is more or less a tax upon me; and as I job to compare with professional work. In making I use white pine.
seek for neither fame or reward, but do it solely in the interest Please answer in your columns.
of my fellow readers, I think it unfair for " Jersey John," or any I was only introduced to your monthly offering a few months ago,
other reader, to find unnecessary fault so long as you, sir, are and now derive great pleasure from it; my only objection to it being
williug to accept my humble offerings. Adept. my not hearing of its existence sooner Yoursfours truly,
Brooklyn, N. Y., May 10th, 1882. "Amateur Tinker."
Editor of the Builder and Wood-Worker:
I herewith send you drawings and descriptive matter for the con Increased Cost of Building a House.
struction of straight and platform stairs, and which I think will "T appears from careful calculations which have been made for
prove useful to many of your readers: us by leading architects and builders that the cost of buildings
house is from 10 to 15 per cent greater to-day than it was a education and enterprise. Their early love for education is shown
year ago. That is to say, a domicile which would have neces in the fact that soon after their settlement, they established Har
sitated an expenditure of $20,000 t« build in the spring of 1881 vard College. These men landed on a rough, inhospitable coast,
will require an outlay of $22,000 to $23,000 in 1882, and one covered with wood, and they had few tools with which to con
which cost $2,000 in 1881, will cost $2,200 to $2,300 in 1882. quer nature. They were obliged to be men of many resources. In
The most marked advance this spring has been in the matter possession perhaps of a single tool, they turned it to many purposes,
of labor. The following table shows the wages of skilled and and if it did not suit, they altered it. This reliance, inventiveness
unskilled workmen to-day and a year ago, with the percentage and industrial application developed together.
of advance : The soil of the New England States is the poorest for agricultural
188%. 1681. Advance. purposes, while the climate is not sufficiently changeable for a large
Carpenters, per day $2 50 $2 00 25 per cent. variety of crops. The rocky and poor soil upon which the early
Bricklayers, face 8 25(3.3 50 3 50(43 25 8 " settlers landed, forced the increasing population into manufactures
com 2 75®3 00 2 50@2 75 10 and commerce, so that they acquired habits of industry and thrift.
Stonemasons 3 00» 3 50 3 00®3 50 None.
Hod carriers 1 75(T(^ 00 1 75SW2 00 None. As they gradually extended westwards and southwards, better
Plasterers' tenders 2 00@2 25 2 00fe2 25 None. climate, land and raw material opened up new sources of wealth,
It will be seen that the wages of carpenters have risen in and the qualities acquired by the first colonists enabled their de
greater ratio this spring than those of other mechanics or laborers. scendants to take advantage of improved conditions.
This is due to the fact that activity in real estate has largely The New Englanders never forgot that their superior education
extended into the suburbs this spring, and an increased number had been of powerful assistance to them as early settlers, and they
of wooden houses are consequently being erected. The wages kept up knowledge among their descendants. It is a rule among
of stone masons were maintained on a full basis a year ago by Americans that the school house must precede "the factory, and
a very strong union which exists among the journeymen in that that capital applied to industry without knowledge is worthless.
trade. The wages of hod carriers and other unskilled laborers were Even the Puritan sense of religion, Mr. Playfair believes, has had
also advanced earlier than those of carpenters. Our quotations of great effect on manufactures. The commandment, "Thou shalt
the present wages of the last-named artisans represent the aver not steal," is carried out in manufactures. When cotton goods are
age prices paid by leading builders. Some common "wood- sold, the material is wholly cotton, and is not weighted with China
butchers " are hired at $2.00 per day, while superior workmen clay or sulphate of baryta. The 600,000 muskets sent out to Turkey
receive as high as $3.00. during the war, were made to shoot and not to sell.
The following table shows the prices which builders are pay American goods, he affirms, are dear, but they are true and good.
ing for leading classes of lumber, doors, windows, etc., now as The example of New England spreads over the Union, and has
compared with the corresponding date of 1881. These, of course, produced an honest and efficient workman everywhere. The high
are not wholesale rates, but are the prices which are paid for price of labor gave a great stimulus to the invention of labor-sav
stock delivered at the place where it is to be used : ing machinery, while the'patent laws wisely encouraged inventions.
1881. Advance. Thus, the true American mechanic is generally superior to.
Pine, good finish $53 00 $50 ( I 00 5 9 per cent though not dearer than, the mechanics who enter by immigration.
Pine, com. shelving 38 00 35 ( I 00 ItlO " He is too dear for inferior work. But even in the case of imported
Spruce dimensions $3 M 17 00 $16 50 3 " labor, American industry has a great advantage < ver other coun
Spruce, upper floor, clear 30 00 28 00 7 tries. The emigrant arrives in the full power of production, while
Spruce clapboards, extra 34 00 33 00 3 "
Spruce, laths 2 00 1 75 14 the country which sent him forth had to pay for his childhood
Doors, 2 ft 8 in. x B ft. 8 in. and i% in. during the years in which he possessed no productive value.
thick, No. 1 2 50 2 39 8 "
Windows, 15x30 In. and lJ4j in. thick, 4
lights of glass 1 60 1 50 6Jj "
Windows, 10x12 : A'.. 12 lights. 1 12 1 05 65, "
Blinds, 15x30, half roll, No. 1... 90 80
Blinds, 10x12, stationary. No. 8 62 55 li^ ""
18W
It appears, therefore, that the advance in the various kinds of
lumber has ranged from 3 to 12i per cent, since a year ago. Of
course a comparison with the depressing quotations of the era pre
vious to 1879 allows a much larger ratio of increase. The ad
vance in windews this year will be seen to be about OS per cent.,
but the glass alone has risen about 10 per cent.
The comparative prices of bricks, lime and cement now uud a
year ago are as follows : This department is intended to furnish, for the beneni of all our readers,prac
1882.00 $9 SO®10 1881. Adcance. tical information regarding the art of building or manipulating wood by hand
Bricks, com $10 00®II 5®10 per cent. or machinery ; and wc trust that every- reader of our paper will make the fullest
Bricks, Boston, face 20 00®21 00 17 00@18 00 16(317 use of it, both in asking and answering. All1 persons possessing additional or
Lime 1 15 85 35 more correct information than that which is given relating to the queries pub
Cement, Newark 1 50 1 30 15 " lished, are cordially invited to forward it to us for publication . All questions
will be numbered, and in replying it will be absolutely necessary, Inorder to
Here are quotations of a few leading articles of hardware now secure due insertion,;hat the number and title of the question answered should
and a year ago : be given; and in sending questions, the title of key-words of the question should
be placed at the head of the paper. Correspondents should in all cases send their
1882. 1881. Advance. addresses, not necessarily for publication, but for future reference. Wo also
Nails, per keg $3 50 $3 15 11 per cent. request that all questions or answers be written on separate slips of paper, and
Hinges, 8x3 loose bntts, perdoz 88 80 10 " addressed to the editor. Notes of practical interest will be welcome at all tlmeB.
Locks, iron face bolt, per doz . 2 12 1 83 17 When drawings are sent to illustrate answers to questions, or for full pages, they
Mineral knobs, common, per doz 1 00 1 00 None. should be on separate slips, and should be drawn in ink on clean, whitx paper.
—Manufacturer and builder. Short questions, requiring short answers, may be asked and answered through
When answers to qneBtions arc wanted by mail, the querist must send a s
for return postage.
The American Workingman.
DR. LYON PLAYFAIB, one of the most prominent of English Questions.
men of science, and a member of Parliament, who has lately 53. Dairy. —I am about to build a dairy, fur a well-to-do farmer
returned to his native country from a tour in the United States, in this locality, and as I am not confined to expense—providing
has published some of the results of his observations of men and the cost is not unreasonable—I would like to get a few hints as
things in this country, which convey some very instructive and to the requirements, construction, and fitting up of a first-class
suggestive statements bearing upon the industrial future of the Dairy ?— Country Builder.
United States. Coming as they do from a representative English 54. Proportional Compasses.—1- should be pleased if "Adept."
man, of large views, thoroughly competent by reason of his inti or some other equally well-read contributor would explain the use
mate familiarity with the industries of his own country, and fa of " Proportional Compasses," nnd give such information as would
vored with every facility for obtaining accurate information, Mr. be considered of service to a young draftsman ?—John B.
Playfair's opinions are of special interest.
Mr. Playfair publishes in a recent number of MacmUlan's Mag 55. Boiler Chimneys. —Is there any rule for proportioning
azine, a paper entitled " Industries of the United States in Relation chimneys for steam boilers ? I have several chimneys to build this
to the Tariff," in which we find some material for future consid season and would be glad of any information on the subject. —
eration, anil some comments on the position of the workingman in Pittsburg Bricklayer.
the manufacturing States, which last specially interests us here. 56. Coloring Drawings. — Will some one give me, through
We shall give, therefore, in the following a brief summary of the these columns, a few hints regarding the coloring of drawings, also
author's impressions on this subject. inform me of the titles of such books as would be the most useful for
Mr. Playfair states that the true American mechanic, by de an old carpenter to purchase, who wishes to become able to make
scent, education and training, is excellently adapted to his work. his own drawings ? I can work after any correct drawing, and
His chief center is in New England, though he is rapidly spread thoroughly understand the use of scales, etc. —Chip.
ing everywhere. The original settlers in New England were 57. Plush Panels.—How is the plush, velvet, or silk, fastened
men of strong will, and above the average of the old country in on door panels ?—Joiner.
j,
I Kate ^l°45
58. "Wood for Furniture and Inside Finish. —I am build the dignity of the Grecian or the pomp of the Roman doors, let us
ing a house in this city—Cincinnati—which is to have all the lower see also this contraction as an egregious error, and if we refer to
story finished in hardwood and Georgia pine. The furniture is Palladio, or to the oracle of Palladio, Vitruvius, on this account,
to be made in the house by the workmen now engaged. The let it be to dissent from their opinions. With regard to the
owner—who is superintending the work himself—finds it difficult Italians, he was lost in the diversity of what he read, and what lie
to determine on the kind of wood to use in each room. Now, I saw; as to the Roman, he seems to have received it as a law in the
shall feel obliged if any reader of your valuable paper will give science, that there should be this contraction : and when he directs
me any information about the selection of hard woods, and the that in doors of more than thirty feet heighth in the opening,
position they should occupy in the building I speak of. The cot there should be no contraction of the diameter, his commentator
tage is built in a kind of Queen Anne style. —Builder. Philander, who rarely misses his sense, says this was, because at
59. Books. —Will some one, who knows, state where " Wood that heighth the nature of vision answered the same purpose and
Carving " by Major Seaton, and Rogers' work on carving can be ob the contraction was given to the eye by distance.
tained, also the prices of same ?—E. H. The architect will see by this free disquisition, that the ancients
60. Ventilation.—I would be glad if some brother reader are not proper instructors in the dimensions of doors ; how much
would explain the " Ruttan system of ventilation," and if it is con soever we may learn from them respecting their ornaments, lie
sidered superior to any other system ?—" Rambler." will see also, that the most famous of the moderns has left h;m un
61. Drawino. —Will "Adept," or some other reader publish a informed on this head: and if he looks into the common books of
few hints on color and how to apply it to the paper ; what kind of design he will find nothing but absurdity.
color to use to represent stone, brick and wood. What kind of With respect to the height of doors in the aperture, there is an
brush to use. and how to prepare the color for work ; and is there universal law in reason, though not observed ; there is a certain
any other instrument used in coloring but the brush, and how is height below which they must not be though for dignity and pro
the color kept from running over the lines ?—II. B. B. portion the field in which they may exceed is almost unlimited
62. Indian Ink. —Would some practical draftsman inform me The human stature is the mark for the least height that can b<
through the columns of this journal how to prepare "Indian Ink" proper ; he who makes a door is not to descend below this estab
for working so as. to make a bold strong line V What is the cause lished proportion. For the lowest door then the height must be
of it having a faded delicate appearance, is it bad ink, or is it the such as that man of the highest common stature may go throusli
fault of not preparing it right ? I have rubbed it as heavy as it it without stooping. This limits the measure to six feet ; below
would carry, but it still has that dead, weakly appearance. I know this the door of no house should be made, even of the plainest ;
that it is not jet black but a brownish color. What I want is a strong but all above is left to fancy guided by the general idea of pro
bold line and as black as possible. Some light on this subject will portion.
be welcomed by H. B. B. The height being thus determined, the breadth comes into con
sideration ; the sides must be so distant, that they must not reduce
a man to enter with his arms in any particular posture ; as he is to
go in without stooping, so he ought to be able to walk in at ease.
Answers. The smallest dimensions therefore in breadth that can be allowed
W« wish it distinctly understood that we do not hold ourselves responsible for is two feet ten inches, and this being half of the given height has
the accuracy or reliability of answers furnished to this department by our corre a very good effect in respect of general proportion.
spondents. These are the rules laid down by nature, and these being allowed
We cordially invite our readers to take an active part In this department, as as truth, become the foundation of all the other proportions. While
we arc confident that much good can be accomplished by a free interchange of
ideas and opinions in regard to subjects connected with building and woodwork we are near this, we arc sure not to err, and this ought always to
ing. be kept in remembrance for that purpose. He would have reason
Many persons are afraid to write to a public journal because of their lack of to complain of the confined laws of science, who fancied that from
literary attainments; to such we would say: Give us your ideas in such language
as you can command, and leave the rest to us. It is ideas and opinions we want, this every door must be made the exact double of its width in
such as may be of use to the architect, the amateur, and the workingman. An height ; there are peculiar .constructions which require particular
swers should be sent to this office on or before the fifteenth of each month, to measures, but as in all other cases there are bounds which must
insure insertion in the next issue. not be transgressed, so in these there is a latitude, as we shall show,
within which the fancy may rove, but which it must not pass. We
48. Architecture. —If A. A. P. will examine the advertising have said, that for the plainest doors the proportions of height to
pages of some of the back numbers of the Builder and Wood- breadth must be double ; this is to be a little varied at the pleasure
Worker, he will find the information he asks for. —Neff. of the architect, and he must thus employ his liberty.
49. Photophone. —This was a discovery made by Mr. Graham Last of all we come to the structure of the fabric of the door it
Bell, the well-known inventor of the " Bell Telephone." By its self; this should be contrived for strength, beauty and straight-
means souuds may be transmitted to long distances through the ness. All these purposes arc answered by making in many panels.
agency of a beam of light, without the use of wires or tubes. Like The folding or half doors are best made of four panels, two larger
many other wonderful things it is almost ridiculous in its perfect and two smaller, and the entire door of eight. The framing mus:
simplicity, consisting merely of a plane mirror of thin silvered be sound and the joints well secured. They may be varied in form
glass or mica, to the back of which the operator speaks. A beam many ways; but to be minute iu these shows a poorness of geniiu
of light, from the sun or other source, is concentrated upon the in the architect. The best form of the panels is the plainest, and
mirror by a lens, and the vibration given by the voice to the mir this is a long square; the two or four larger should be long up
ror is taken up by the beam of light and transmitted to the distant wards, and the other cross wise. This is a construction that showii
station, where the light is concentrated by a parabolic reflector strength and firmness, and this is all that should be consulted here,
upon a disk of thin hard rubber which closes one end of a hearing the decoration belonging to the other parts. —Student.
tube. On placing the other end of the tube to the ear the exact 50. Doors. —In reply to query No. 50, would say that there is
reproduction af the voice is heard. A plate of selenium placed in no rule for the proportions of doors ; the best plan is to use one's
the circuit of a battery and connected with a telephone may be own taste. I generally make the height of my doors about nine
used in place of the rubber disk and tube.—Adept. twelfths the height of the room and the width four-tenths the
50. Doons. —Two things are to be considered in the design of a height ; this rule I find works well in almost every case, J. L. N.
door ; the first is its aperture, and the second its ornaments.
These must both enter the mind of the architect who is designing 51. Cement Plaster should be thoroughly dry before the
an edifice, or he will never proportion or adapt it to the structure. paint is applied —J. L. N.
How often do we see doors which appear not to belong to the 51. Painting Cement Plaster. —A great difference of opiniot
house, but to be joined to it against nature, not raised with the prevails respecting the question of painting cement, and I have
building. It is common to see doors whose breadth occupies near seen work painted a few weeks after the cement has set, which bat;
one half of the extent in front. This is the error of those who stood well. There is one point which has a great deal to do witl
mean to be magnificent ; but the opposite is too common in plain the question of successful painting, namely, the absorbency and
houses. Doors are put which seem to say, no fat man comes into dryness of the brickwork itself. Many new walls, saturated witl
this house, and they always disgrace the whole building. moisture, are cemented, and in this condition no paint can possi
The variations in the antique are in this instance very great ; and bly stand if laid on too soon. It is a good and safe rule to enforci
from this it was that Palladio evaded giving rules for the dimen that cement work should not be painted within a year ol
sions of doors in proportion to houses. He was sensible he could its completion, to allow it to dry thoroughly ; but I am safe in say
lay down none against which some instance might not be brought, ing the majority of new work is painted before it has been finishei
in those buildings which were allowed masterly in their kind ; and three months. A very desirable precaution seems to be to coat tin
lie therefore left it undetermined. There are many things in work with linseed oil first.
which the ancient architects have erred, and it will be a double The painting of plaster work requires the same care, and tin
error in us to copy their faults. They did not in general make the lime works out in small bubbles, destroying the paint. In paint
aperture equal all the way, but contracted it upwards. This must ing plaster, white lead and linseed oil, with a little drier, is re
have had a strange effect. A door narrower at the top than the commended by one authority. This coat should be of the consist
bottom must have appeared a deformity in any building. The ence of thin cream, so that the oil is absorbed into the plaster in i
limits of these things are not fixed at any certain point, nor are the few hours. In a day or two another thicker coat may be applied
powers of genius fettered by such boundaries. While we admire and a third a few days after rather thicker, followed by the finish
ingcost. Four coats are not too much for good work. By the jection on the side of the door opening, and is locked by a bolt
absorption of the oil into the plaster the surface becomes hardened, from the adjacent buiiding.
and may be washed. Another method to facilitate this absorption PLANING THIN PIECES OF WOOD BY MACHINERY.
is followed by painters, which is to give the plaster two or three The improvement in this machine consists in the plane stock
coats of boiling linseed oil, and then to apply the other coats of and attachments. It comprises a yoke to which the plane-stock is
paint. I am inclined to think the application of the oil before the pivoted, and which is borne against by a spring underneath the
paint a better plan, to insure a thorough saturation of the material. table, thus causing a substantially equal yielding of both the knife
The color of cement and the uneven tints it sometimes assumes, is and the stock at each end.
ibe main reason why painting it is resorted to. For this reason I PAINT BURNER.
think it may be worth the attention of manufacturers to turn their
consideration to the subject, and those using cement as a stucco This apparatus for burning paint combines in its structure a can
might also prevent a blotchy and uneven tint by attending to the provided at its bottom with a horizontal projecting tube carryiug
preparation of the wall and the sand they use with the cement. — the burner. Another tube extends centrally and vertically
Adept. through the can, and connects with the tube at the bottom of the
[Several answers are held over until next month. —Ed.] can, and the mouth or extension at the top thereof, where it is pro
vided with a stop-cock.
MANUFACTURE OF FLOOR CLOTH.
Obituary. In this late improved process colored patterns are produced
ROBERT RIDDELL. from compounds composed of oxidized oil with other materials
and colored to varied colors—that is to say, by the colored com
pounds being first reduced to a granulated form, then built up
WE regret to announce that on Suncay, the 12th of March, at separate the one from the other into colored patterns or devices,
the good round age of 74 years, Mr. Robert Riddel!, the and afterward consolidated together, and to a base cloth by the
author of several works on stair building, suddenly expired at his application of heat and pressure.
residence, No. 1214 Hancock St., Philadelphia. HANDLE FOR POCKET KNIVES.
Perhaps no man since the death of the great Peter Nicholson,
has done so much to instruct the operative carpenter and joiner The blade slides in and out of the handle, the latter having a
in the mysteries of their various callings, as the subject of this longitudinal slot to provide for iis reception. The handle is pro
notice did during his long and busy life. His system of hand- vided with a plate spring having a detent which takes into a notch
railing is known all over the world, wherever the English language in the inner end of the blade, where it is drawn out.
is spoken, and though dead, his work will live after him so long as WINDOW SHUTTER.
industrial literature exists. Mr. Riddell was a practical workman, The shutter is flexible, and consists of top and bottom rails and
and knew what it was to handle the hammer and plane, and some intervening slats. The meeting edges of the slats are formed with
of his handicraft remains to testify to his thoroughness and skill as knuckle joints. The rails and slats are secured to side rails
a workman. He was an extensive traveler, and wherever he went divided transversely and connected by means of flexible metallic
he left monuments of his skill after him ; in England he constructed strips. This construction renders a whole or a portion of the slats
the great staircase for the London Exhibition Company ; and we
believe the last work of his hands was the building of the grand capable of an oscillating movement.
suspension stair-case on George street, Sidney, Australia, in 1863. DOOR CHECK.
He was a frequent contributor to our pages, and has frequently re The door is provided with a rotating button having a rib formed
plied by letter to many "queries" that have appeared from time by two recesses, and is pivoted upon a base having a notch in its
(o time in these columns ; and his kindliness and consideration side. The end-link from a short chain attached to the door jamb
towards the younger members of the trade will long be remembered is used in connection witli this button. The link can only be
by many who read this notice. For some time past Mr. Riddell disengaged from the rib when the recesses of the button are
has been employed, by the City of Philadelphia, to teach the arti brought opposite the notch.
san's classes in the public schools, and his efforts have borne good MAKING ARTIFICIAL STONE.
and lasting results. He has frequently been remonstrated with
about overworking himself ; but, like a true soldier, he always re A compound for artificial stone which has received late protec
plied that while there was work to be done and he was able to do lion by patent consists of three and one-half parts of clean sand
it. it gave him pleasure to work on ; and so he did work on, until to one part of Portland cement, mixed thoroughly and combined
with arms in hand, he quietly went to his everlasting rest, in a working consistency with a composition consisting on the one
lie leaves a widow, three sons, and two daughters. part of five gallons of water, and on the other part of one gallon
of the mixture made of the following ingredients and in the fol
lowing proportions, to wit : one gallon of silicate of soda, one
Fine Public Buildings. pound of carbonate of iron, oneanda half pounds of graphite, two
SOME fault has been found with Congress because of the liberal pounds of raw umber, and two gallons of rain water at the boiling
appropriation for fine buildings in various parts of the temperature, and all thoroughly mixed.
country. If, however, there is a surplus of money, it could not be FIRE ESCAPE.
much better employed than in constructing handsome edifices. Fixed top and bottom guide rails extend the width of the house.
Our post offices, custom houses and court buildings should be The guide frame for the hoist moves to the one side or the other
structures worthy of what is destined to be the most powerful on these fixed guides so as to come opposite any line of vertically
nation on the face of the globe. In eighteen years the United arranged windows, by means of ropes wo: king over pulleys. The
Slates will have as large a population as Germany and France com hoist or safety basket is raised and lowered by a windlass on the
bined, and there will be no richer nation potentially on the globe. pavement, up and down its guide frame. A spring cushion-
The federal government does not come in immediate contact with plate is arranged on the bottom of the frame to break the fall
the people except through custom houses and post offices, and it is of the basket.
ilesirable that our voting population should be duly impressed by VENTILATING BUILDINGS.
the wealth and importance of the country to which they belong.
There is no justification for any waste or extravagance, but it is This novel invention utilizes the hollow supporting columns of
manifestly unwise for federal buildings in any of the States to be galleries, etc., for distributing refrigerated air through them to
cheap or mean structures. New York ought to have a superb the interior of the room. This is accomplished by making slots
custom house, the finest in the world ; a great emigrant depot in the columns within the room to be cooled. A main pipe and
should also be established in this city under the direct auspices of forcing apparatus is employed.
the federal government, for immigration is not a local but a national
matter. Let Americans, wherever they go, see in every large city Paper Hangings.
evidences of the might of the country to which they belong. . In PAPER HANGINGS, or wall papers, as they are commonly
Athens, in its glory, architects, sculptors and artists were not per called, may be defined as a covering for the interior walls of
mitted to work for private persons. The State monopolized their buildings, made of paper, and usually decorated with figures and
services and the government of the United States should be the designs. They were brought into use as a substitute for hangings of
especial patron of architects and builders of the better class. —Real cloth and tapestry.
Eitate Record. <"> The art of making paper hangings originated with the Chinese.
The time of its introduction into Europe seems to be a matter of
Recent Improvements in the Mechanic Arts. some little doubt. It is stated by some that as early as 1555 wall
I Written for the Builder and Wood-Workbh by J. B. Brock, Solicitor of papers were made in both Spain and Holland. Others assert that
Patent*, Washington, D. C] the English were the first to import and imitate Chinese paper
IMPROVED SIDE-WALK DOOR. hangings. But the English, being exposed to a high excise duty
THIS improved cellar-door consists of double doors counter- upon the manufacture, were soon outrivalled by the French, who
weighted. They are pivoted at the angle of the depending have brought the art to its high stale of perfection, as they are
portions, so as to form a rear extension to the hinges. A weighted unchecked by taxation.
latch on ea;ch door provided with an external handle engages a pro The manufacture of paper hangings, as a leading industry, is of
"Plate fJ°46
•Aft STATE ST BOSTON

112 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [June,
comparatively recent date. This is due to a great reduction in the on the paper by a single roll machine, in which the paper passes
cost of manufacture, and the consequent increased demand for the over a large drum, and the color is applied by a revolving brush,
article, owing to the introduction of machinery in printing the the excess of color being taken off with two more brushes, so that
different colored designs, a perfectly even coat is obtained. As the paper runs from the
thus doing away with MJSSS machine it is suspended in long loops from sticks, which rest on a
block printing to a great slowly moving endless chain arranged near the ceiling, being thus
extent ; and also to the carried the length of a long room, the temperature of which is
invention of the Fourdi- maintained at a high degree by steam apparatus. By this means
nier paper machine, by the paper is rapidly and thoroughly dried.
means of which strips of If the paper is to be " satined or glazed, the ground is prepared
paper of an indefinite with gypsum or plaster of Paris, and the surface dusted with finely
length may be cheaply powdered steatite or French chalk. When this ground is dry it
made. Previous to the is passed through, a series of brushes which revolve with great
invention of the paper rapidity, thus giving an evenly polished surface.
machine sheets of paper of A pretty effect is obtained by dusting finely divided mica on the
the size called "elephant," grounds while they are still wet.
22x32 inches, were pasted For very cheap wall papers no ground is used, but the pattern
together to make 12 yard printed directly on a colored paper.
lengths before the pattern The figured patterns are printed on by two methods.
was printed. 1. Block Printing. —This is the slower but more accurate pro
In the early stages of cess, and therefore better adapted for fine work. The process U
the art the method used to conducted precisely as in the earliest days of paper hangings. The
apply the patterns to the blocks are about two inches thick, and are formed of three separate
paper was a process of boards glued together, of which two are poplar, and oue (that
stencilling. This was ac which is engraved) of pear tree or scyamore. As many blocks are
complished by laying upon required as there are colors and shades of color in the pattern.
the paper, in an extended Of course, the whole beau'.y of the work depends upon the nice
state, a piece of paste adjustment of one portion of the pattern to the other, and this is
board, having spaces cut accomplished by guide pins in the corners of the blocks, which are
out, of various figured so managed as not to disfigure the surface with their points. Ia
designs, and applying the printing, the wojkman employs the same " swimming tub " ap
water color with a brush. paratus which was used in calico printing. The block is pressed
Another piece of paste down by a lever worked by the foot.
board, with other patterns When a piece has received one setof color impressions, it is taken
cut out, was next applied to the drying room, and dried previous to its receiving the next
when the former figures color. All the colors are applied in the same manner.
were dry, and a new set A well drawn pattern may produce a very beautiful effect. The
of designs were thus im history of Psyche and Cupid, by M. Dufour, has been considered
parted to the paper. By a masterpiece of this art, rivalling, it is said, all the productions of
a series of such operations the pencil in the gradation, softness and brilliancy of the tints.
a tolerable pattern was 2. Machine Printing. —Most of the decoration of paper hanginsa
executed, but with no is now done by machinery. The pattern is engraved in parts on a
little labor and expense— series of copper cylinders, each one of which furnishes a different
each differently colored color or shade of color to the pattern. The cylinders are so ar
portion of the pattern re ranged below the large central drum, as, by the sum of their revolu
quiring a separate stencil tions, to make the pattern complete, so that as the web of paper
plate. coming over the drum passes the first cylinder, it receives the color
The processes of calico for one portion of the pattern and reaches the second in exact time
printing were next re to have the next color applied in the right place. In this way the
sorted to, in which en entire piece only occupies a few seconds in receiving the complete
graved wooden blocks decoration. The paper is dried as in the printing of the grounds.
were employed to print The better class of paper hangings are embossed when the print
the designs. These are ing is finished. This is done by passing them through a machine
still in use. The greatest which consists of two finely grooved rollers, one made of pressed
improvement, however, paper and the other of steel. This embossing adds greatly to their
Iihs been the introduction appearance, as it brings out the pattern far more clearly. Sained
of machine printing. papers are made by being first printed and then pressed in a suita
This has made it possible ble machine.
to manufacture large The application of gilding adds greatly to the appearance of the
quantities of the article at paper and is now used to a great extent. The gilding is made
a much less expense than of alloys differing somewhat in composition from bronze gold.
by the tedious method of Silver and copper are perfectly imitated by varying the composi
block printing. Machine tion of these alloys. The pattern is printed on by varnish, and the
printing has now reached powder is either dusted on by hand or else the paper is run through
such a state of perfection a machine consisting of various soft brushes which apply as wei!
that only thf)se skilled in as remove the excess of the gilding.
the trade can distinguish Flock Papers require a special process to give them the well
machine from hand made known roughened and velvety appearance.
paper hangings. The flock, as it is called, consists of finely divided shreds of waste
The paper used is un woolen cloth. This is scoured and dyed. It is then stove-dried
sized, and may be either and ground to a fine powder : the requisite degree of fineness is
white or colored. The secured by successive sifting in a bolting apparatus. Flocks an-
weight of a single roll, applied to the paper after it has undergone the usual printing
which is eight yards in operations.
length for machine print mixture called "encaustic," made of linseed oil boiled with
ing and nine yards for litharge and ground up with white lead, is used as an adhesive basis
hand work, is determined for the velvety powders. The printing is done in the same way&s
in ounces—the paper be in block printing, the block bearing in relief only the pattern de
ing known as 1C, 20 or 25 sired to be flocked. If a plain flock paper is to be made, this adhe
ounce paper. sive material is spread uniformly over the surface.
The first operat ion is the The paper is then placed in a drum, and the flock sifted over it.
application of the ground This drum is a long rectangular box with a bottom of calf skin.
to the paper. The pig Wooden rods are so arranged underneath this bottom by springs
ments used are opaque, and a connection with an iron shafting running along underneath
and arc mixed with size : the drum, that on rotating this iron shafting these rods beat vio
this is generally clay and lently up against the under surface of the calf skin. This causes i
a little glue, the clay be cloud of flock to rise in the drum and uniformly coat the prepared
ing used as it absorbs the portion of the paper.
wet colors which are sub The frieze shown in the engraving is a very handsome one, ami
sequently printed on. is tastefully designed. Messrs. Fr. Beck & Co., corner 29th street
The grounds are printed
lad "tb. avenue, New York, manufacture this and many similar while the readiness with which it is given a fine polish is not ex
kinds of artistic wall papers and ceiling decorations. ceeded by any wood. Latterly, Mr. Hartwell has received an extra
fine consignment of gum from southern Missouri, which has been
dried in such wav as to warp very little, though the lumber is in
good widths, so little in fact as to look as respectable as an ordinary
Chimney and Smoke Flues. pile of pine, and those getting out the lumber inspire the pur
TTTHY is it that about seventy-five per cent, of all the fires that chasers with the faith that there is little trouble to be apprehended
t V occur in dwellings, and very many other buildings have from its future warping, their theory being that the critical period
tbrir origin in defective flues ? Now a little care upon the part of the in the treatment of gum is the first three months of the drying pro
builder would prevent this. No flue should be less than 8x8, or cess, and that if it can be kept sober to that stage there is little
the length of one brick square in the clear, and this size should be fear subsequently. It will, however, take an immense quantity of
maintained from bottom to top, regularly built, not contracted at practical demonstration to assure Chicago dealers that this is a tact.
BM pointsand expanded afothers. The walls adjacent to the flue At the Hartwell establishment the gum lumber, after beiug received
*ould be laid close, and ev-ery joint of the bricks be slushed airdricd is kiln dried twice, and placed on stick once before it is
or entirely filled with mortar. The inside of the flue should be manufactured. Mr. Cass has great confidence in gum, and in the
wll pargeted with mortar that will adhere to the bricks : simple absence of some drying system which will overcome the tendency
Erne and sand mortar will not be effectual, although used In com- to warp, he is continually experimenting, and endeavouring to
turn, if not almost universally. When the flue becomes heated, work out new value for gum. He believes that gum doors can be
*bich it will at times, common mortar will peel off and leave the made of two thicknesses, so that they will hold together and keep
Joint exposed for the admission of smoke and fire, and at points straight, being capable of withstanding the effects of heat, &c., and
There the wood, such as flooring and timbers supporting the same, will test the idea practically. It is his belief that gum is bound
ipproachcs too near the brick work of the flue, will ignite, and the to be the coming wood, and that the warping will in time be over
fire will extend between the ceiling floor along the joist, and will came. —North western Ln mberma n .
lave control of the building before it is visible to outsiders or in
mate of tlie house, and the building is either seriously damaged
or entirely destroyed for the want of a little care and attention in
the construction of the flue. Pargeting mortar should have a por
tion of cow's hair—about the same proportion that is usually put
into lime intended for the first coating of plastering mortar—put upon
kili-work or ceilings, or what is equally as effectual, horse manure
hi the same proportion thoroughly mixed in the lime and sand mor
tar. As a further safeguard at the intersection of floor with chim
ney flues, there should be at least eight inches between the inside of
ti* flue and the woodwork of said floor ; or, what would answer
the same purpose, insert clay pipe, corresponding in size to the flue
Inm a point at least one foot below the floor timbers to a point one
fo.it above top of said flooring. If the pipe cannot be procured in
<mrie length, thereby requiring piecing, the joints should be con- [Any of our readers will be welcome to take part in this Department]
nocted with rebating joints. I have named 8x8 inches above as a min
R. V.,
imum, the proper size for stove flues; but for fire-places, grates, etc., lars regardingColumbus, O.—Address J. A. Fay & Co., Cincinnati, Ohio, for particu
they should be, if possible, 8x1 2 inches or one brick by one and a half J. E. I., St. Paul. power mortising machine*.
bricks in the clear, and for furnaces, 12x12 inches, or one and a half practical BnugcsUonsMinn., wants to know if an}' of our rcadtrs can give good
in regard to managing a kiln for green and half dry
bricks square in the clear. By having the flues large they will be lumber, hard and soft ? Nodoubt, there are many among onr renders that can
more certain of good draught. give J. E. I. the information he seeks, and wc hope they will do so, as the subject
It cannot be said that we have improved our method of flue build- u one of general interest to our Western and Southern subscribers.
in; over that used a generation or so back, that is, so far as safety C. B. D.—Can get the gold paint of John Wilkinson, No. 77 State Street,
from fire is concerned. Care was taken then to constrnct the flues Chicago. 111.-J. L. N.
5TirHciently large to admit the passage of a boy or "sweep," who
'-leaned them out ; and those neglecting to keep their chimneys
Hon were subject to a fine. Many of us will recall the quaint
precession of chimney-sweeps which used to be a familiar street
stne. Usually it was headed by an old negro as ' boss," and in
cluded six or eight little darkies, ranging in age from fifteen down
to a little four-year-old. In some cases, even the smallest sweep had
difficulty in making his way up the flue, and I recollect where a
little ehap got caught half way up, and called down in plaintive
tones that he could go no further. The owner of the apartment
«asata loss to know what to do. but a happy thought struck him,
«tiea lie called up the chimney, hinting to the imprisoned sweep
Hut he was about to kindle a Are. In a few minutes the little works Wk deem it onr duty to keep onr readers advised of the publication of nil
darkey was singing out " sweep ho ! " on the roof. that will in any way intereBt them; and, with this object in view, wc in
as we may think will be of service in this direction. We shall not only give the
works reviewed, so that our readers may be enabled, to some extent, to judge of
Gum Wood. the quality of the books for themselves.
[N.B.—All books reviewed in this column can be obtained from the Buim>eh
T? A. HARTWELL, the sash, door and blind man, has gone and Wood-Wokker office at publishers' prices. Authors and publishers are re
quested to send in copies of works intended for review as early in the month
Hi. somewhat extensively into the handling of gum, and manu as post"ible.l
factures moldings, base-boards and other finishing materials from
that wood. He has worked up some eight car loads of gum this Modern House Painting, containing twenty colored lithographic
*ason, and finds that the further south the wood grows the better embracingplates, exhibiting the use of color in exterior and interior houpc painting, and
it b and the more readily handled It is true of all woods that ors; also, the examples of simple and elaborate work in plain, graded and pnrti-col-
further south they become of enhanced hardness and density, and letter-press, covering treatment of old styles of houses, together with full descriptive
the preparation, nse and application of colors, wilh special
"f better qual ity The texture of gum which grows in Mississippi itirectfons applicable to each i xample, the whole work offering valuable hints
* much finer than that of the wood growing further north, and and suggestions on hatmotiious color treatment, suitable to every variety of
Wme of the Illinois gum is very coarse. Mr. II. W. Cass, buyer building. By E. K. Rossiter, Arch. B.( and F. A. Wri.-ht, Arch. B. ijste in-
strnfclor in Architecture, Cornell University). William T. Comstock, Publisher,
for Mr. llartwell, has been experimenting with gum some five fi Astor Place, New York. Price $5.
years, and having great confidence in it, he lias been giving the that Second Notice.—We have now the complete work before us and most say
ffi>jd a larger share of attention this season than during previ tionsitgiven exceeds even our most sanguine expectations. The examples and direc
ous years. There are a number of establishments in Chicago which artistic taste,aretosuch as to enable any person possessing the smallest amount of
chose such colors lor outside work as will be appropriate and
are using gum more or less extensively as a finishing wood, and pleading, and will os.-ist ofiiimtaste
tittractivc. To the man and culture this work will prove useful and
materially to decide on the tints and colors suitable
nt advancing it step by step, though there has been no method to the conditions and surronndings of his residence. Every architect, builder,
f' und to overcome its warping characteristics where it is employed painter and decorator throughout the length and breadth of this land should
in large surfaces. Wherever it can be nailed thoroughly, it is the secure a copy of this work, as we are sure (hey will And it a good and pleasurable
"penence of the Chicago operators in it that it can be controlled, investment.
aid in their
Indeed, we feel it to be ourduty to rt commend it to them as an
daily Hvocations.
hut where it cannot be confined it is certain to wnrp. Architraves Drawing Instruments. How to use them, and How to
pilasters are a favorite form into which it is made, and when takeand<<are of tliem.—Being a treatise on the management, care, capabili
"'led, or treated to a polish, there is no finer finish, and those build ties
tions on
applications of a box of instruments, together with hints ana sugges
the management of drawing paper, drawing boards, T-sqnares, scales,
ing elegant houses prefer it in two thirds of the cases. It is not variable carves, set squares, colors, and Indian inks. The work is designed for
"my cheaper than clear pine, but it is worked up, if anything, more the information of Architects, Engineers, and Draughtsmen generally, but more
particularly for beginners,
'Wry, and presents even a smoother, nicer surface, when finished, man. New York: The Industrial Publicationamateurs and non-professionals. By an Old Draught*-
Company. Price 35 cents.
This little work is No. 4 of the Work Manuals published by this firm, and Send for one of their circulars and see what they have to say about their man
b perhaps the most useful for the purposes of the readers of the Builder and ufactures.
Wood-Worker, as it gives an excellent description of drawing instruments, E. R. Rendlk, 7 Warren street, New York, has introduced into this country a
their uses and care, along with an immense amount of information on the mak system of glazing without putty, that has found great favor in Great Britain and
ing of drawings, their coloring, preservation, &c. The information given is of other European countries. The system has not been in use in this country very long,
the most reliable kind and is set foith in the plainest of language. We predict but wherever it has been adopted it has met with great favor, and whenever ex
for this little manual a lasting popularity as a missionary of sound usefulness. hibited at any of our expositions, has invariably carried off full honors. The
To show the reader what it contains, we print below the table of contents: first premium silver medal was awarded to Mr. Kendlc, in Boston, and an aw ard
Compasses—Qualities. Swiss Instruments, French and German Instruments, was made to him at the Ninth Industrial Exposition, Cincinnati, and a first pre
English Instruments, Dividers, Compasses with Movable Legs, The Pencil Leg, mium bronze medal was awarded him in Pittsburgh, Pa., and already many acres
The Dotting Pen, Bow Compasses, Triangular Compasses, Proportional Com of glazing in this country has been executed on this^principle,since its introduction.
passes. Beam Compasses; Drawing Pen'—Single Pens, Double Pens, Various The following, which is clipped from the Buffalo Express of July 19, 1881,
other Pens, The Pricker; Drawing Boards— Materials used in making. Sizes of explains itself :
Boards, Styles of Boards; T-Squares—Materials, Lengths and Wfdths of Blades, Visitors to the Central Depot cannot fail of noting the difference in the lighting
Care, Uses, Straight-Edges and Set-Squares; Sweeps and Variable Curves; of the old and new sections, though both have the same width of glazing. Com
Penc Is—Qualities, How to Cut, How to Use; Pins or Thumb Tacks; Par pared with the new section the old appears dark and dingy, and the light is very
allel Ruler; Drawing Paper—Sizes, Qualities, Tracing Paper,Tracing Cloth; imperfectly diffused, the heavy sash bars tending toward this end, to say nothing
Scales—Triangular Boxwood Scale, Diagonal Scale, Flat ScaleB, Line of Chords. of the wide black streaks apparent wherever the glass has been matched. In the
Protractor, Double Scales. The Sector, Plain Scales on the Sector, Sectoral recent addition a new principle of glazing has been adopted, entirely dispensing
Double Scales, Line of Lines, Remarks; Management of Instruments; Miscel with the use of putty or cement, and the appearance is vastly improved. The
laneous Items—Tracing Paper, Tracing ( loth. Profile Paper, Ruled Squares on length is 460 feet and the width 30 feet. The invention is, like many others of
Paper, Transfer Paper, India Ink, Prices of Paper, Instruments and Draughts value and importance, very simple. Copper bars about half an inch wide are
man's Materials generally. used on metal purlins, running in the direction of the slope of the roof ; these
The Cornell University Register for 1882 has just been Issued, and contains have curvatures below on each side, which take any water that may find its way
much information of value regarding an institution which is the equal of any into them, completely preventing any drip, the condensed moisture accumulating
in the country. The treasurer of Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y-, furnishes on one pane of glass passing on to the outride of the one immediately below it.
copies on application, so that those of our readers who contemplate making The ingeniously contrived grooves admit of the glass being slipped in, where it is
architecture their profession may obtain copies, if they so desire it. held with sufficient firmness, yet in case of breaking can be replaced by any one
As the course in architecture is a leading feature in this university, it may without the aid of a glazier. As no perishable sub tance 1a exposed to the
prove interesting to our readers to know something of the mode of procedure weather, the cost of keeping such a roof in repair must be considerably lessened,
by wkich a knowledge of the science is imparted, and with this view we re and the elastic bed on which the glass rests prevents many fractures. The sys
printL'The
the course
following from the Register
in architecture :
is so arranged as to give the student irstroctiontem used is known as the Rendle Patent System, and this is the first time it has
been employed in any depot or large building in America, though in England it
in all subjects which be should understand in order to enter upon the practice has met with great success and is coming into universal use.
of the art. E. Van Noobden, 385 Harrison Ave., Boston, Mass., manufactures a superior
The instruction is given by means of lectures and practical exercises. It* kind of galvanized iron cornices, window caps, dormer windows, copper gutters
object is not merely to develop the artistic powers of the Btudent, but to lay and conductors, i hose in want of such things should wiite him, and forward
that foundation of knowledge without which there can be no true art. Draw dimensions and description for estimates of cost, etc.
ing is taught during the first two years, and afterwards thoroughly used and Mr. Van Noorden is well known in New England, and his reputation for
applied in mechanics, stcreotomy and designing. promptness and honest workmanship is something to be envied. We are Bure
Architectural mechanics occupies a part of each term for one year. The lec that those dealing with bim will feel satisfied at the results.
tures are each supplemented by at least two hours of work on problems. In
developing the subjects and in solving problems analytical methods are used, As will be seen by referring to our advertising columns, Messrs. CJoodell &
bat for practical use special attention is paid to the application of graphical Waters of 3103 Chestnut street, Philadelphia, Pa., the celebrated wood-working
static*. machinery manufacturers, have added a new branch to their already large list of
The stndy of the history of architecture and the development of the various manufactures, and are now turning out a large number of the Amesbury band-
styles runs through five terms. The lectures are illustrated by photographs, saw filing and setting machines. These machines are becoming very popular on
engravings, drawings, casts and models. account of their rapidity of operation, correctness of work, ease of adaptation, and
Proper attention is paid to acoustics, ventilation, heating, decoration, con perfectness of workmanship and durability.
tracts and specifications. The whole ground of education in architecture, prac Owners of band saws should send to the manufacturers for one of their
tical, scientific, historical, and (esthetic, is covered as completely as is practicable circulars.
In a four-year course."
Mr. J. W. Harman, of No. (15 Haverhill street Boston. Mass., has recently in
troduced a new instrument into the market that
will prove very useful to builders and others who
may instrument
The have leveliug and running
is called of lines Plumb
the ■* Telescopic to do.
and Level." The accompanying cut shows it
screwed to one edge of a straight edge by means
of a plate which is attached to it by a screw in
the center, and in this position it may be used for
K«*nLM.mmm.t*mr taking levels at long range. There is also another
device goes with the instrument by which it can
be used for running lines at any angle, which
renders it very useful for many of the operations
performed by engineers and surveyors with more
expensive and complicated instruments.
It can also be used as an ordinary plumb and
level, and may be relied upon as more nearly accu
EST" A charge of seventy-five cents a line will be made for all notices In this rate than the ordinary wooden-stocked level.
column, for each and every insertion. Copy of notices must be sent to this The instrument is well made and conveniently
office on or before the 20th day of each month to insure an appearance in the arranged, and the price is such that any architect
following issue. or builder in actual business can afford to buy
one.
Tub two cuts shown herewith represent a new form of lock and drawer pull
manufactured by the Stoddard Lock Co., 104 Reade street, New Y ork. One of
the cuts shown is known as the cylinder cott The new truss door hangers, made by the Pres-
lock, and is in a very neat and convenient street,Manufacturing Company, 235 Washington
form for use in various places. No fur: her stables, Boston, are admirably adapted for bams,
preparation is required for inserting the warehouses, elevator doors, workshop
lock than three bits, ir. sizes corresponding doors, freight sheds, and other similar positions.
with the barrel of the lock, the face-plate These balance and brace hangers are also fre
and the key-hole piece. The material of quently used on doors in parlors and dining
which the lock is made is brass, thus avoid rooms, and as they are concealed from view, per
ing any liability to rust by exposure. The fect in operation, and easy of adaptation, they
key, as may be seen by the engraving, is of bid fair to become generally adopted.
the flat variety, making it very convenient
for carrying. Another form of lock of
these
general E. & F. N. Spon. 44 Murray street, N. Y., the
features is called the "Patent Recess Lock," publishers of industrial art books, works on en
of which the barrel is square. In connection gineering and architecture, and other useful
with these locks the Company make a patent books, are extending their business in this
key-hole and drawer pull combined, affording country very largely. Their works are all stand
a very neat finish. The method of applying ard, and are known wherever the English lan
these locks commends itself by the great guage is Bpoken. The enlarged volume of
saving in labor and cost, no screws or nails business in this country is, no doubt, mainly
being required to fasten them in position. due to the excellency of the works they publish,
They are particulary adapted for use as a and to the energy and wisdom of Mr. Chamber
window lock, as they take up very little space. lain, their manager in this country.
The aim of the manufacturers has been to
combine strength and durability with neat Caution.—Breinig's Silicate Paint is the only silicate paint in the market. All
ness and finish, and we believe they accom other so-called paints are only *o in name. We are fully aware of the prejudice
plished their object. that practical painters have against prepared cottage colors, and we do not
blame them, for all cottage colors are only found in the market in the form o f a
mixed paint, which contains in some form alkaii and water ; consequently the
No one, having used one of E. Roth & Bros.' hand-saw filers, will ever care painter will receive the censure for using a paint which will not wear. Brelnig's
Lithogen Silicate Paste Paint is offered to painters in all the various popular
again to file a saw without one, as the saving in time and labor is immense, and shades.
the resnlt is always certain. We have always taken pleasure in recommending ning withThey contain all the necessary drying properties, only requiring thin
either spirits of turpentine or raw linseed oil, according to the char
these filers, because we know we are performing a good act by doing so. Sena acter of the work. The various tints and color* will always be found more
for circulars and particulars to E. Roth & Bro., New Oxford, Pa uniform than can be possibly mixed by hand, and will bear out brighter and
We beg to call the attention of architects, builders, and house-owners, to the are not liable to fade. The wearing properties will surpass the best white
new advertisement of N. & G. Taylor Co., of Philadelphia, Pa., in the present lead, being non-poisonous, and in every way superior to mixed paints. We
issue. This firm is one of the oldest and most reliable in the country, and they feel assured that practical painters and property owners, on investigation, will
take pride in fair and honest dealing, and the " old style " brand roofing tin plate approve of the Brelnig's Lithogen Silicate Paints. The Bridgeport Wood
they offer for sale, has no equal for efficiency and durability in the murkct. Finishing Co., Doct. D. E. Breiuig, agent, No. 40 Bleecker street, New York.
Vll THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [June,
ADVERTISER'S INDEX. Glass. Saws.

Crystalline, Antique Glass, etc.—Wm. Gibson's H. W. Peace iii
CLASSIFIED. Sons..., v H. Disston A Son ix
Polished Plate and Window—Theo. W. Morris Solicitors of Patents.
Art Metal Work and Gas Fixtures. A Co I
Ornamental Metal Work, Gas Fixtures, etc.—paob D. Turno v Paine A Ladd viii
Mitchell, Vance & Co v Grates and Fenders. Telescopic Plumb and Level.
Artistic Cabinet Hardware—J. B. Shannon A
Sons ii New and Artistic Designs, etc.—Wm. H. Jack J. W. Harman — II
National Art Foundry v son 1
Plain and Artistic Grates—W. H. Harrison A Tools.
Architect*. Bro xiii Saw Filers, etc.—E. Roth A Bro ii
Edward Dewson x Fine Grates and Open Fireplaces—Thos. S. Hand and Band Saws, etc.—H. W. Peace iii
Gould A Angell iii Dixon A Sons xiii Machinists' Tools, Band Saws, etc.—Chas. E.
Fine Grates and Open Fireplaces—Open Stove Little ix
Band Saw machines. Ventilating Co xi Tallman A McFadden xii
Edwin A. Jackson iv Keystone Saw and File Works, etc.—H.
Rollstone Machine Co vi B. C. Bibb xiii Disston A Sons ix
Bella. Insurance.
Copper and Tin Bells for Churches, Schools, Skylights.
etc.—Van Deusen A Tift x Home Insurance Co x Perforated Metallic Blinds, Skylights, etc.—
Metropolitan Life Insurance Co iv Geo. Hayes vii
Books. New York Life Insurance Co Ix Metallic Skylights. Ventilators, etc.—Bickel-
Useful Books—E. A F. N. Spon xiii Liverpool A London A Globe Insurance Co iv houpt Bros x
Finch A Apgar xii United States Life Insurance Co xi A. E. Rendle vi
A.T.White v Union Mutual Life Insurance Co xi B. Van Noorden xiii
Journal of Industry Co xi Knickerbocker Life Insurance Co viii
S.W. Green's Son xi Equitable Life Assurance Society xii Stone Wash Tubs and Heaters.
J. O. Kane ix Hartford Steam-Boiler Insurance Co iv Soap-Stone Wash Tubs, etc.—J. H. Serene . . viii
C. D. Lakey xii Penn. Mutual Life Insurance Co x Soap-Stone Heaters—J. G. Porter iii
Builders' Hardware and Supplies. Iron Work. Steel Shutters.
Wrought-Iron Hinges, Butts, Bolts, etc.—Stan E. T. Barnum vii Fire-Proof Steel Shutters—Clark Bunnett A
ley Works ii J. B. A J. M. Cornell viii Co xiii
Burglar and Fire Alarms, etc.—A. G. Newman, ill mantels. Tiles.
Iron Fronts, Columns, Illuminating Side-walks, Fine Mantels—Penrhyn Slate Co i i
etc.—J. B. & J. M. Cornell vili Slate Mantels—Chas. Williams' Sons xiii Thos. Slretton
Doors, Sashes, Blinds, Wood Mouldings, etc. Slate Mantels, etc.—Jos. S. Miller iv Edward Boote il
C. B. Keogh A Co v University
Steel Stamps—New York Stencil Works viii mortar Black. Cornell University xiii
Sash Chains—Thos. Morton .. .. v French, Richards A Co iv
Burplar Proof Door Bolts—Hobert B Ives xii L.Martin A Co xii Veneers.
Revolution In Wood-Finishing, etc.—Bridge Henry D. Dupee xi Spurr's Papered Veneers—Chas. W. Spurr xii
port Wood-Finishing Co xiii Mclllvane Bros xiii
Porcelain Lined Baths—J. L. Mott xii Venetian Blinds.
Holt's Patent Gimlet Bits—M. W. Robinson ... iv Paints.
Galvanized Iron Cornices.—Knisely Bros. A Atlantic White and Red Lead, Litharge, etc.— E. Louderback A Co iii
MiUer v R. Colgate A Co i Wall Papers.
Door Hangers—Prescott M'f'g Co vlll Bridgeport Wood Finishing Co xi Fr. Beck A Co vi
Bricks. Paper. Wood-Working machinery.
Colored and other Brick, Fine Fronts, etc.— " Pioneer " Building Paper.—Scott PaperCo.. vii For Arsenals. Car Shops and House Builder,
Peerless Brick Co iv Ac—J. A. Fay A Co xii
Pens. H. B. Smith Machine Co xiii
Carpets. Steel Pens—Joseph Gillott ii New and Second-hand—S. C. Forsaith A Co. . . ii
Fine Carpets, etc.—W. A J. 81oane 1 Photographic Outfits. For Car and House Builders—Godell A Waters viii
E. A H. T. Anthony xiii For Panelling, Dovetailing, etc.—Battle Creek
Church Furnishing. Machinery Co Iii
Silk Banners in Colors and Gold—J. A R. Plumbers' Supplies. Foot Power Machinery—W. F. A J. Barnee. . . xi
Lamb viii J. L. Mott xii " " Chas. E. Little xi
Sunday-School Banners—R. Geissler xiii A. E. Jennings xiii Rotary and Stationary Bed Planers—Rollstone
Machine Co vi
Cornices, Galvanized Iron. Rowlev and Hermance v
Knieely Bros. A Miller v Portland Cement. J. S. Graham A Co iii A iii
E. VanNoorden xiii E. Thiele x
Door Hangers. Pumps.
Prescott Mfg. Co v Steam Pumps—H. R. Worthington iii "Pioneer" Building Paper.
W. A B. Douglass ix
Elevators. Delamatcr Iron Works vi WATER-PROOF, AIR-TIGHT, DURABLE, STRONG-
Whjttier Mch. Co.—II. C. Johnson, Agt viii Better and stronger than piaster ; clean, odorless
Granville Hydraulic Elevator Company 1 ■tooting. aud does not stick.
Reedy's Patent Hoisting Machines, Elevators, Gravel Roofs, Trinidad Asphalt, etc.—Warren Usi-d for lining, roofing, ceiling, plastering.
etc.—J. W. Reedy I Chemical and Manufacturing Co i SCOTT PAPEB COmPANY. Limited,
Hydraulic Elevators—Otis Bros. A Co vi Roofing Slate—Penrhyn Slate A Co 1 manufacturing Paper Dealers,
Clem & Morse v RoofflugTin Plate—N. A G.Taylor.Philadelphia, vii
Hydraulic and Hand Elevators—L. S. Graves Metallic Shingles—Anglo-American Roofing Ho. 27 Horth Birth Street, PHILADELPHIA, FA., U. 3. A
A Son T Co Bros. A Miller Write for sample and prices.
N. B. Cushing iii Kinsely iv*
Win. 8. Richards s, Co xiii
Engines.
New Otto Silent Gas Engine—Schleicher,
Schnmm A Co v
Whittier Mch. Co.—H. C. Johnson, Agt viii
Furnaces and Ranges. For Public ARCHITECTS!
ahd Private Buildings.
Fireplace Heaters and Stoves—Open Stove ACCEPT NO OTHER !
Ventilating Co xi BE SURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE GENUINE AND ONLY TRUE " OLD STYLE "
Steam Heating Apparatus—Jamer, Jacobs A
Co iii (Makers' Brand) of re-dipped or double-coated
Steam Heatiug Apparatus—E. Rutzier iii
John G. Porter iii
ROOFING TIN
iif Cresting: aid Fii
Stable Furniture, Hay WHEN YOU SPECIFY IT IN YOUR CONTRACTS.
Racks, Feed Boxes, Iron N. & C. TAYLOR CO., PHILADELPHIA,
Fences, Iron Bedsteads,
Iron Stairs, Shutters and Are the sole importers of the GENUINE " OLD STYLE," »°d every box bears their
Jail Work. name and contains their guarantee of quality.
Iron and Wire Work BEWARE OF IMITATIONS
OF EVES Y DESCRIPTION. THAT ARE FREELY CIRCULATED WITH THE SOLE VIEW OF INJURING THE REPU
Illustrated Catalogue free upon TATION OF THE GENUINE "OLD STYLE."
application.
The E. T. Barnnm's Wire ana Iron Works, Send for Circulars and Prices.
DETROIT, MICH.
to us that some of our American manufacturers of ready-

made houses are away behind in this matter, for we have
had frequent inquiries for just such houses, from the
West India Islands, Mexico, and the Central and South
American States. We have a fair sprinkling of readers
in all these places, and if manufacturers wish to take ad
vantage of this fact, and make money, besides benefiting
the denizens of the places named, they will make free use
A JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ART. of our advertising pages, which are always open for
them. We think it due to American industry that our
PUBLISHED MONTHLY, manufacturers should make some attempt to secure, at
least, a part of the " Ready-made House " trade.
AT
176 Broadway, Nesxr Tori. ~\ rODERN building is often contrasted to its great
I VI disadvantage with building in ancient or mediaeval
days. How much scamped work was done in Rome, or
PRICE. ONE DOLLAR AND FIFTY CENTS A YEAR. Venice, or Paris, or London, or provincial cities in any
country of old, no one knows, because only substantial
structures lasted. But no doubt there was more good
CHARLES D. LAKEY, Publisher. FRED. T. HODGSON, Editor. building in proportion to the whole than now. No doubt
either, the poor were lodged in hovels infinitely more
uncomfortable than the houses they occupy in the
Newsdealers will please order through The various News Companies. modern world. As for the enduring buildings, they were
Subscriptions to Great Britain and the Continent of Europe, Australia and built for men before whose eyes tilings were shifting rap
Japan, $8.00; China, Sandwich Islands, Mexico, and Cuba, $3.60; South America,
$4,50. idly. A merchant could not safely reckon that his great
grandchildren or men of their generation would carry
A.B.—Jkrmns remitting moneyto this office through theposl are requested on his business in his shop ; it was wise, therefore, to make
either to procure a post-office order or to register the Utter, and address it to the its walls thick, to finish its wood-work well, and to orna
pnblislier, Charles D. Lakev, 176 Broadway, New York, to whom all letters ment it in an appropriate manner. So it was throughout
of a business character should be sent. Europe ; men built well because it would have been
wasteful to build badly. Men build badly now because
on the whole it would be wasteful to build well. The
VOL Old Series. XVIII. I
JULY, 1882.
(Whole Number, 178 supply of structures is equal in stability and beauty to
i New Series, IV. j j New Number, - 7 the demand.
lint because it is inevitable that makeshift structures
should be run up when population grows rapidly, it does
not follow that buildings should not be sufficiently looked
after to secure the public safety and health.
IT is an acknowledged fact among sensible people, that

it is the duty of every man to provide /or his family
while he is in health and strength, and to make some pro
vision for them so that they may not suffer for want af
ter his death. There are some men who have foresight
enough to make such investments while living, that, in
the event of their deaths their families will be placed be
yond the approach of want. This can only be done how
ever, by men who have ample means while living and un
der these conditions the making of these provisions would
A S we are determined to push the Builder and Wood- almost seem a work of supererogation, for a man that is
/"A worker into every nook and corner in these great wealthy enough to make investments while living, of such
United States and Canada, during the ensuing summer magnitude as to be sufficient to provide for his family af
and fall, and have determined to make extraordinary ar ter his death, will, in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred,
rangements with agents who are willing to take hold of leave sufficient means behind him to maintain his family
the paper arid push it. For the next sixty days we will and provide for their future. To the man of moderate
give such commissions for new yearly subscribers, that en means, provision for his family by large investments, is
terprising young fellows will be able to make from 6 to simply out of the question, and here it is that Life Insur
10 dollars a day with very little effort. We offer a good ance in its various forms steps in to solve the question of
paper for a very low price, and everybody who is engaged " How can I provide for my family after I am dead ?"
in any of the pursuits, it represents, takes it at sight. Certainly, there are no better means than through the
And so they may for there is no journal published in the agency of some of our healthy Life Insurance companies,
whole world, that gives so much for so small a price as to secure for those dependent on us while living, a sub
the Builder andYVood-worker is sold for. Write to us stantial competency after death.
for information regarding our terms, and we are sure you
will be satisfied. "TTyHILE, as above stated, there can be no place where
V V a man of moderate means can so wisely place his
A FIRM in Quebec, Canada, has recently shipped, in money for the benefit of his family, as in the hands of
sections, five hundred wooden houses to Panama, some solvent Life Insurance Co. But while it is the duty
where they are to be erected and used by the contractors of every man who possesses means enough, to insure his
of the canal. The same firm has also manufactured a life in some of the larger corporations, it must not be for
large number of houses for shipment to various points gotten that there is a large class of men that cannot pos
along the line of the Canadian Pacific Railway. It seems sibly afford to pay large yearly premiums and in conse
lis
quence are excluded from the benefits of insurance. The without breaking or injury. Nothing neater and more
co-operative system of insurance opens a way for this refined can be found for a floor covering to a room than
class, and we know of no better company than the "Build a center rug or carpet, either in the shape of a square or
ers and Manufacturers' Mutual Benefit Association of parallelogram, and surrounded on all sides by a neat pat
America." The rules and regulations of this association tern in wood. If one wishes to practice closer economy
seem to be based on fair and equitable principles, and the he can cover the space occupied by the carpet, the piano,
terms are such that any business manor mechanic can af stages or other pieces, with plain wood the thickness of
ford to comply with. The expenses are very low, and are the parquetry wood. The surface polish of the wood
met by admission fees and annual dues, the former being must be maintained to retain the beauty and finish of the
five dollars, and the latter two. Two dollars are paid up floor. Waxing is often sufficient, or a vigorous applica
on the death of a member, and as the number of mem tion of shellac varnish. The origin of this style of floor
bers is limited to five hundred, -the maximum benefit in ing can be traced back to the early history of Western
the first, class amounts to $1000. There are two other Asia. The material used was usually marble. From
classes in which a member may run up a benefit of $6000. these early days to the present, changes have taken place.
With an increase of benefit, as a matter of course, the ex Wood has succeeded Btonc, and the jig-saw the chisel.
penses are increased, but even the greatest maximum For some time past, parquet work has been successfully
benefit would not tax the pockets of a well to do mechan used in Germany, France, and lately in England ; and in
ic beyond his ability to meet it, easily. The offices of this this country, although new at present, we predict for it
company are at 194 Broadway, N. Y. great popularity. In our American homes parquet floor
ing is particulary adapted for backgrounds, rags or square
carpets.
THE conflict between labor and capital goes on apace,
and the same old battles are fought over and over
again. Arrogant and stubborn capital on the one hand,
refuses to treat laboi' as its equal or give its demands
that consideration which is its due, and labor on the other
hand dissatisfied, morose and often iil-advised, defiantly
folds its arms and suffers unaccountable hardships in its
frequent fights against the wrongs done it. When will
these eternal conflicts end ? Is labor always to be subject
to disturbance and abuse because a few within its pale
may be restive and ill-advised, and because capital chooses PLATE 4!) shows the front elevation of the Yasser
to recognize in it only a means to self-advancement and Brothers Institute, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. We are in
luxury? Can any one tell why "Cash" should receive debted to J. A. Wood, of 240 Broadway, New York city,
more respect than the originator of Cash? Let a body of architect, for the drawing.
workmen demand an advance, be it ever so trifling, and a Plato 5Q shows perspective sketches of a country cot
"Hue and Cry" is at once raised against workmen gener tage prepared for our pages by R. A. Cram, architect,
ally, and that body of workmen in .particular. The press, Boston. The plate shows a poriion exterior of cottage
the pulpit and— we were going to say the rostrum, but and a perspective view; also, a perspective view of part of
politicians dare not say on the rostrum what they put in the interior of hall.
practice in legislative halls—but let a man or a corpora Plate 51 shows front and side elevations of cottage
tion make an advance in price on materials, products, or shown in preceding plate. The first and second floor plans
transmission of goods, and it is considered simply as a are also t-hown in this plate.
business transaction. The public pays the advance and Plate 52 shows details, sections and plans of interior
thinks no more about it. This is strikingly illustrative in finish for same cottage. Two mantels, two doors, newels,
the building trades ; if the masons, plasterers or carpen stairs, and their sections and details are shown.
ters ask for a slight advance, they are looked upon as Plate 53 is a continuation of details and shows windows,
rebels and unreasonable monsters, and they are threat doors, ornaments, finish, &c.
ened with a stoppage of work and a thousand and one Plate 54 shows a number of details, drawn to scale, of a
other terrors, if they do not abide by the old rates, and veranda, dormer windows, bay windows and cornice. This
the press and pulpit denounce them as disturbers of the will prove a useful sheet to many of ourreaders. We are
peace and trade ; the advance asked may only be a trifle, indebted to Mr. S. M. Howard, architect, Wheeling, W.
but the smallness of the amount does not lessen the sin in Va., for this sheet of drawings.
the eyes of most people. Material may go up sky high, Plate 55 shows designs for four mantels. This plate is
hardware may advance, cost of professional services may reproduced from plate 5, of the " Study Book," published
increase, but little is heard of all this in the outer world ; by J. O'Kane, of this city, and of which a notice is given
this is simply a matter of business or rather it is capital in this issue.
demandiug and obtaining what may, or may not be, its Plate 50 on the upper half shows some furniture in the
right. It makes all the difference in the world " whose Moresque style. It will be noticed that the Saracenic
ox is gored." arch, scrollwork, cusping, <fcc, are all brought into requi
sition, whilst the turning is treated in a sufficiently
THE demand for parquetry floors is continually on the Moresque manner. The frames are finely carved and ebon-
increase. They take the place of carpets for cov ized, and in themselves would be interesting, but the ap
ering the coarse boards of ordinary flooring, and are made propriate covering applied, gives to the suite an additional
by ingeniously mortising together different kinds of wood. and special interest. The decorated centers are framed
Most of this flooring is made seven-eighths of an inch up with a margin of peacock blue, and a bordering of
thick, and what is known as " wood carpet" is made only dull maroon makes the coloring complete. These tones
about one-fourth of an inch in thickness. The principal come out well against the dull ebonized frames, and a
body of parquetry work is oak, in different shades, but finish with brass nails gives the suite a novel and Oriental
every kind of cabinet wood is used—mahogany, tulip, effect. With the cove painted in Alhambra style, the
walnut, cherry—all furnishing a variety of shade, which, curtains embroidered to match upholstery, and the article
when properly set, harmonize with agreeable effect. The enriched with specimen ■* of Moorish art, it would certainly
entire mosaic, when mortised, and joine?, can be lifted look original and pretty.
WSSAR BROTHERS INSTITUTE.
PaaltPIIC NY
120 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [July,
The lower half of the plate is almost self-explanatory, while the Daniel's mill does its work to perfection without any
but for the sake of making the idea perfectly clear, we trouble. The reason is that to a certain extent we must use a
pressure on one, while on the other there is no such necessity, and
may recapitulate the leading features of the suite. It con the stuff lays easy and natural on the bed, and just a slight dogging
sists of wardrobe, chest of drawers, and toilet table com holds it firm enough, even if the piece to be planed is very small.
bined in one piece. On the left is a hanging cupboard It would hardly be possible to glue up stuff from the Gray & Wood's,
of sufficient height for coats, and on the right are two and have the giuing hold good, but from the Daniel's it is hardly
long and two short drawers, the latter being for shirts, possible to make a better glue-joint than the mill leaves it if it U
handled right. But when the work, or style of work, is changed
underclothing, &c. To the right of these are two re from cabinet and pattern makers, and sucli like work, to timber
cesses for boots and slippers, whilst above is a cupboard and the large part of car work, the Daniels loses to a certain ex
for soiled linen. The top, of course, forms the dressing- tent its particular value. While it will do the same work, and do
table, to which is attached, on the right, three small it well, it will not produce the quantity of work which a Gray &
Wood's will. In a shop or mill where there is work enough I
drawers for collars and cuffs, handkerchiefs, scarfs, gloves, would put in both kinds. For general planing-mill work, where
&c, and above a recess for books. The top finishes with the largest part of the work would be heavy plank and timber, I
a ledge or gallery round back and sides to receive a time would use the Gray & Wood's, but where the work is mixed, and
piece or any other suitable article. On the hanging cup a considerable part of it is door, sash and blind work, I would use
board to the left are four small pigeon-holes, for hat, coat, by all means the Daniel's mill.
I believe I have made all the comparisons between the two ma
or hairbrushes, &c, also a recess for holding toilet requi chines that is necessary, and to those putting in machines I would
sites. At the back of this is a small cupboard, fitted with say: consider what kind of work you are going to do the largest
sliding panel, intended for the reception of medicine or amount of, and govern yourselves accordingly.
other bottles. It is furnished on top with a gallery to The greatest fault I shall find with the Gray & Wood's mill of
some manufacturers, is their light build, which in some cases is
match other side. In the center is the glass, supported in perfectly ridiculous.
the usual manner, whilst at each end is a most convenient Only think of a gigging and feed motion hung up where the
double hat and coat hook. The whole article only most strain comes by four i in. wood screws into a soft pine frame?
measures 4 ft. 6 in. wide by 5 ft. 8 in. extreme height. Perhaps you have got a 40 or 50 foot bed, and it is all the same.
You cannot run it but a very little while, before you can turn
The washstand is combined with towel-rails on either your wood screws out with your fingers and your gigging motion
side and two chamber cupboards below. It is fitted with is what sailors call "playing Isaac and Josh," and all this
large plug basin, sunk Hush into the marble top, and also part of your mill is at loose ends. I find the best way to fix this
has a large ewer and receiver beneath. The double-tile part is to drill through the frame and iron standards, and after
back for protecting walls, and a bottle bracket in each putting a good thick piece of belt leather under the frame, bolt
solid with | or f bolts; then you are in shape to go ahead, and
corner, give the back a substantial and ornamental ap your gigging frame will be firm and in its place all the time.
pearance. This washstand does not, of course, claim so Another thing, the racks of most mills are just screwed on with
much notice as a novelty. It is, however, a most suitable little short l±-in. No. 12 screws. No mill should ever come from
companion to the wardroom dressing-iable, and measures the manufactory without having the rack fastened on by a f-tire
bolt, and at the end a T piece of iron fastened on to each end of
out to out 4 ft. 1 in. by 2 ft. 2 in. the rack by a long joint bolt. This keeps the sections of the rack
Instead of the ordinary cane chair, two croquet chairs close together, and the strain comes on the joint-bolts instead of
with long carpet backs, carpet seats, and arm-pads, are the little bolts that go through the rack.
supplied, made up in same wood as the suite. I must say. however, that this condition of things does not
apply to all of this kind of machines made. When the friction
feed was applied to this kind of mill, it relieved the gigging mo
tion of that quick jerking motion which necessarily existed when
The Vassar Brothers' Institute. the old cam feed was used.
One great fault exists in the buyer of machinery, who will gene
THE Vassar Brothers' Institute, at Poughkcepsie, N. Y. , the front rally go on a prospecting tour through the catalogue and price
elevation of which we show in Plate 49, is now being built by lists of makers, and in a great many, if not the majority of cases,
Mr. John Guy Vassar, in memory of his brother, Matthew Vassar, select the lowest priced machines in the market, and when the
Jr., who died a year ago, leaving large sums of money to Vassar machines come to the rough and tumble of hard rough work, they
College, the home for unfortunate business men, to found and main are not what is wanted, and it costs more in the end to patch them
tain a hospital, and numerous other charities. up and keep in repair than to buy a first-class mill at the start.
The Institute, when complete, will be presented by Mr. Vassar I will give just one instance of that kind as an example of the
to the organization bearing the title as above, and dedicated to Sci many cases existing. A large concern wanted a heavy mill to
ence, Literature and Art. plane almost exclusively heavy timber anywhere from 6x6.8 ft.
The building is 52 ft. frout by 100 deep, is built of fine brick long to 16x16.60 ft. long, and instead of buying just what they
with granite dressings, with all modern improvements, in the most wanted, they finally took a little 10 ft. sash mill and lengthened it
substantial manner. out, and as a result they have already spent enough in repairs to
It will contain apartments for a library, laboratory, meeting room, pay for a decent mill ; and after all this expense have got nothing
and for a lecture room on the first floor, with a balcony capable of but a rattletrap to do what they want a really first-class mill to do.
seating 575 people. This lecture room has circular seats rising one My idea about all such things is to gel something that will do a
above the other, with parquette and circle as in our best theaters. little more than you want it to do just now, for there are times
The stage is spacious, with dressing rooms and green room, and when somebody wants extra things done. Always have a good
scenery, lights, traps, &c. , for dramatic representations. reserve on hand in case of an emergency. I wish I could impress
In the second story w'ill be the museum, handsomely fitted. In this idea on the minds of every manufacturer and user of machines
the third or attic story will be the studio. and motive power in the country. The same rule applies to
We have departed from our usual custom in giving this building setting down a Gray & Wood's style of mill, as to the Daniels.
to our readers, as it seems to us that just such buildings are A good solid foundation directly under the machine part, and the
needed and adapted to the wants of most of our growing towns and whole length of the bed frame, well set down on something firm
villages; and we hope there are plenty of liberal gentlemen who, and unyielding, so that it will neither get out of line or settle in
now that they have a precedent, will follow Mr. Vassar's example. places. A great deal depends on this part for the mill to do good
The design is by Mr. J. A Wood, architect, of 240 Broadway, work and do it easy.
who completed Vassar College, built the Hiding School and Mu I think the Stover mill the best made mill in the country, and
seum, and the Home for Aged Men, all gifts of the Vassars. should buy that make in preference to any other mill made for the
reason that every part is well proportioned; not one part light and
weak and another heavy and cumbersome. In doing the same
kinds of work, such as tapering and beveling, there has to be a
Planing Machines. little different arrangement for holding the work in the two mills,
but a little ingenuity will easily devise ways to hold any such kind
BY J. T. L. of work as is common to both, as the conveniences for dogging
are similar for both mills. In jointing up small work, and such
work as door rails and stiles, 1 nearly always use the common
WHILE the uses to which a Daniel's and Gray & Wood's hand clamp, as work of that kind can generally be squared up
mills are very similar, and to a great extent identical, yet truer than any other way.
there is a difference which will bear comparison. The Gray & The Gray& Wood's mill ought to have iron angles come with it
Wood's planes out of wind to a certain extent, but not perfectly, to hold stuff for jointing, but for beveling you will have to get up
1882.]
your own angles to suit the bevels which you most commonly Lath and Plaster. —All the walls, partitions and ceilings through
use. Wooden blocks or angles will answer very well if you only out the house, including such parts of the attic as be directed, also
have small quantities of such work, but when there is work like all chimney breasts and all other furred portions as may be prepared
some kinds of car work, which has to be repeated at short inter for the same, are to be lathed with good, sound, spruce lath, as
vals, 1 should by all means have iron angles. I have often used well seasoned as the market affords, set with f-ineh owning, break
the Gray & Wood's mill to get out plain .molding, where only one ing joints every six laths, firmly nailed to every bearing. Cover
side was to be stuck, and it can be used to great advantage for the lathing in best manner with best of two-coat plastering. Plas
getting large thresholds by planing the plank one side and join ter outside walls to the under floors. The first coat to be a 6trong
ing, nnd then have a set of knives ground just to the shape you coat of lime and hair. Lime to be best Thomaston lime, hair fresh
want, and yon can cut them just to your liking. Altogether I and strong, sand clean and sharp. Mortar l>ed to be made up five
think the Gray & Wood style of mill one of the best machines that days before using. Mortar to be laid on in best manner and forced
can be put into a shop or mill, especially so in a carpenter shop well through to a good clinch, and floated down to agood true sur
in a small place, where it is inconvenient to get to the regular face. Second coat to be a heavy skimming of lime and sand putty
planing mill. But whenever you have one, have agood one, and a put on after the first coat is hard and dry. All surfaces to be
little larger thin you think you may want, for there are always brought to a true and even plane, carried up to grounds every
times when extra things are called for in all departments of work, where with angles sharp aud true. Plasterer to clean up his own
and it is wise to be provided for such contingencies. dirt and do all mending and patching, and leave all walls and
ceilings clean and white and ready for paint or paper.
Frame. —Finish, set and secure in best manner the frame, as
Specifications of Cottages. shown by framing plan. Alt framing lumber not otherwise speci
(Shown on Plates 50, M, 52 and 53.) fied, to be of first quality sound spruce, as well seasoned as can be
obtained. Mortises tennoned and pinned with oak pins, and every
SPECIFICATION OK MATERIALS TO BE PROVIDED AND LABOR TO part secured in best manner and thoroughly tied through in all
BE PERFORMED IX BUILDING AND COMPLETING A DWEL directions.
Floor joists are to be crowned one-half inch when the span is
LING HOUSE FOR . more than eight feet and all joists to be set crowning side up, and
firmly secured.
Said dwelling to be acc, rding to plans and specifications fur Bridging.—Floors to be bridged in best manner with plank;
nished by Ralph A. Cram, architect. All materials and labor bridging doubled-nailcd at each end throughout with ten-
must be to the satisfaction of said architect in every respect. pennies. Uafters to be firmly set and tied together and supported
The contractor must give his ]>ersoual superintendence and at in best manner. Headers to be framed through trimmers and
tention to the work, and must furnish all needed apparitus and pit.ned. Inside partitions to be two by four and two by three, set
transportation. for four nailings to the lath. Doubled at all openings. Truss
All materials, except when otherwise specified, to be the best of over all openings of more than three feet, and double the headers
their kind, and all work must be performed in a thorough aud over all openings. Veranda to be firmly attached to the main sill,
workmanlike manner. and firmly supported everywhere; set to pitch one inch away from
Exeatation. — Remove the loam from the site and stack the same house.
within one hundred feet of the site; also, remove all the loam from Wall and Roof Boarding.—Cover the walls of the outside frame
all around the house for a distance of five feet from the sill in all in best manner with good, sound, square-edged spruce boarding,
directions, aud stack the same with the other loam for future set snug and firmly, nailed with tenpennies to every bearing.
grading. Neatly jointed, always on a stud or post, and thoroughly
Excavate to the full depth of the cellar 7 ft. 0 in. clear height from covering each part. Stock must be free from large or loose
level of cellar bottom to underside of floor timbers. Leave the knots and mill planed on one side. Roof boarding to be of
cellar bottom hard and smooth throughout. second quality matched pine boarding thoroughly seasoned, well
Excavate trenches for footings of cellar walls 6 inches below driven together, and firmly nailed to every bearing. Boards
general level of cellar bottom: also for piers as may be directed. . to be sound and free from large or loose knots, and mill planed.
All dirt excavated must be removed entirely from the premises Fur the ceilings in best manner with strap furring set true
if so directed when excavation is made. and level. Fur the chimney breasts with 2x4 stock firmly set
Fuuruiationi. —Lay up in best manner a firm solid dry wall, where with openings as directed for fireplaces. Furr for finish under
and as shown and called for, of good, sound, selected rubble stone, roof and elsewhere.
thoroughly bonded and made secure throughout, with good even Ground*. —Furnish and set true and even j-in. grounds for all
plumb face inside and good regular batters outside, thoroughly and finish around all doors and windows, also for all openings, also
neatly pinned up inside and outside with good angular stone chips. for all wainscoting and baseboards. Set grounds to carry plaster
All walls must be bedded to good hard bottom of native and un to under floor on all outside walls.
disturbed earth, and, if bottom is not reached at depth shown on Paper. —Cover the wall and roof boarding throughout with best
drawings, the contractor is to go to solid bottom and build up of heavy sheathing paper laid in best manner, lapping edges and
therefrom without extra charge. Point up neatly' inside with firmly secured. Over this put. broad strips of heavy tarred paper
cement mortar. around all outside windows and door openings and at the angles
Build roadway walls in like manner. of upright walls extending past the corner boards, and for 3 inches
Underpinning. —Select good, handsome, even, good-colored stone at least under adjacent clapboards or shingles.
for the underpinning to make neat even work, and set the same Shingles. —Shingle the roof throughout with good sound seasoned
compactly and pointing up handsomely in cement mortar. Make first quality sawed cedar shingles, laid in best manner, showing ^
bevels at "cellar windows and cover the same neatly with cement iuclies to the weather.
mortar, making even slope and neat work out and in. Shingle the second story and first story from underpinning to
Bulkltead. — Build where shown the bulkhead walls giving them bottom of windows with good sound well seasoned selected sawed
an even slope at the lop. Finish aud set suitable foundations for cedar shingles.
outside steps, veranda, and cellar piers and chimneys. Flashing, —Flash thoroughly around all chimneys and dormers
Brickwork.—Build all the brickwork indicated of best selected and where valleys occur. All flashing must lie of broad heavy
hard whole brick of approved quality, laid up in best manner with zinc, properly secured with galvanized tacks, 1 inch long, and the
strong lime mortar until the topping out of chimney is ready, when whole house must be warranted tight in every part.
the bricks are to be carefully selected, with reference to even color, Clapboards. —The outside walls are to be covered where shown
and are to be laid in cement mortar colored as may be directed. with first quality planed pine clapboards laid and fitted in best
The cement to stand one foot below the roof boarding, and all manner in horizontal courses, neatly butted to each other and to
exposed upper surfaces of brickwork to be covered smoothly with finish laid 31 inches to the weather.
cement. Outside Finish. —All outside finishing stock must be of first
Turn trimmer arches, four inches thick, for support for all quality, thoroughly seasoned white Dine of dimensions and form
hearths, and level up solid with bats and mortar to receive hearths. shown by detail drawings, pht together in best manner.
The flues throughout are to be carefully and smoothlv plas Gutters and Conductors. — Provide and set in best manner, molded
tercd inside, from bottom to top, and each stack is to be care gutters and round conductors 2£ inches diameter inside gutters,
fully plastered outside, from first floor to roof boarding. Build put together with white lead, and so set as to drain quickly and
asli pits under each first-floor fireplace, and fit the same with good completely to the conductors which are to be connected with the
frtrong cast-iron doors, in iron frames set in flush, six inches above same by 2|-inch heavy lead goose necks. Hang the conductors to
floor. place in best manner, firm and strong.
Ash Grates.—Furnish and set in each first-floor fireplace, a strong Veranda —Build the veranda floor of first quality hard pine, not
iron grating communicating directly with ash pits below. Set this over two inches wide, laid tight, and firmly nailed to every bearing.
grate \\ inches below level of hearth, aud furnish and set loosely Moulded nosings at the edges, with steps floored in like manner,
upon it a slab of terra cotta, smooth on top, and of sufficient thick with risers of a single piece of hard pine. Floors laid to pitch one
ness to bring it level with top of hearth. inch from point of house.
Bitot and Thimbles. —Furnish and set where shr.vn, rings and Doors and windows. —Door frames throughout to be of two-inch
thimbles of galvanized iron, 6 inches in diameter. beaded and planed pine plank, put together in best manner and
THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [July,
firmly set true and plumb throughout. Form the rebate by plant per gallon. The standing finish of kitchen, pantry, china closet,
ing on and properly securing to the same a half inch piece of such and all closets, including all shelving, to be thoroughly shellacked
size as to allow the door to be hung on either side. The doors and varnished with best materials. Veranda floors and treads and
throughout to be first quality, four paneled, mill made, flush risers of outside steps are not to be painted. Sashes, after being
moulded pine doors, one and three-quarters inch thick. Closet glazed, to be painted two coats outside, as directed, and stained
doors one and one-half inches thick, not molded on inside. Out and varnished as directed, and stained and varnished inside. The
side doors to be two inches thick. Rear doors four panneled. same for stop beads of hard pine. The hard pine pulley stiles and
Front door as per detail. parting beads to be thoroughly oiled with oil applied with a brash.
Hardware. —The doors throughout to be provided with approved, To every five gallons of paint for outside work add one gallon of
brass-faced, mortise locks costing $12.50 per dozen, for inside " Wheeler's Preservative. '
doors ; $3.50 for the outside front door ; and $2.00 each for the Olaziiig.—The glazing throughout to be of selected double-thick
other two outside doors. All cupboard doors to be provided with German glass, without flaw or blemish. All glass to be set in best
suitable hinges and catches. and most secure manner, pinned in and neatly puttied throughout.
Butts. —All doors to be hung with strong, suitable, japanned Mincelloneous.—The contractor is to do all cutting and jobbing
slip butts, acorn tipped, on first story main room, plain elsewhere. and finishing up after other mechanics. The contractor is to do
Window Fasteners.— Provide and set in best manner to all double everything to complete the house ready for occupancy, according
hung windows the " Morris " meeting rail sash fastener of bronzed to the true intent and meaning of these specifications and the plans
iron. to which they refer, whether each item is covered by this specifica
Window Frame*. —Window frames of all double hung windows tion or not.
throughout to be first-class open box frames of white pine, with This is the specification referred to in our contract, dated
hard pine pulley stiles and leads. All sashes to be one and three- SPECIFICATIONS OF PLUMBING TO BE DONE IN HOUSE, FOB
quarter inch rebates, and molded pine first class and put together Plumbing, First Floor. —To have one 40-gallon copper tank
in best manner. boiler, set on iron stand, furnished complete with sediment cocks
Upper Floors of dining-room, hall, and kitchen to be of selected and connections of brass, for hot and cold supply to range ; con
narrow strips (not over three inches wide), of matched heartrift hard nection in best manner.
pine, laid in best manner, driven hard together and blind nailed, Tubs. —One set of three tubs, soapstone trays with 6-inch backs,
carefully butted, breaking joints everywhere, neatly fitted up to furnished with hot and cold supply to each tray ; brass faucets,
baseboards and finish, and smoothed up in best manner. plugs, chains, wastes, Ac, complete.
Upper floors throughout the house, except where otherwise Second Story.—To have one Helyer's shod hopper and bowl, to
specified, to be of selected clear spruce floor boards, square edged, be supplied from service tank, to hold two gallons and cistern of
not over five inches wide, driven well together and firmly .nailed, thirty gallons, lined with copper, with all traps and connections
with two nails to every bearing, breaking joints everywhere and complete. Bowl to be leaded neatly under the seat and lead line
carefully smoothed up. the floor.
The floor of the attic is to be extended to the plate everywhere Tub. —One 16 oz. planished copper bath tub, with finch com
and firmly nailed to every bearing. Floor to be of single thickness pression nickel bath cocks, with plug, chain, chain-holder, 4c,
of seven-eighth inch matched first quality floor boards. complete, and fitted perfectly with hot and cold water supply,
Inside finish. —Finish throughout, including upper floors, to be of waste and overflow.
best of thoroughly kiln dried stock. Door and window finish Bowl. —One 15-inch basin with nickel-plated cocks, marble slabs,
throughout to be of one inch stock, five and one-half inches wide, to be dished and have 10 inch back : fitted perfectly with hot and
molded and beaded as shown. Finish of first quality white pine, cold supply, waste and overflow.
except where otherwise called for. Baseboards throughought the Lead neatly the floor of the closet under the bowl, soldering
house molded everywhere except in closets, to run to under floors securely around pipe.
to be ten inches high over all. Kitchen to be sheathed up three feet Attic—To line tank 3x2x2 with 16 oz. copper, and provide the
six inches high, with first quality narrow triple beaded sheathing, same with ball, cock and valve, to shut off from distributing pipes.
and capped with beaded strip seventh eighth inch by four inches.
Kitchen Sink.—Furnish and set where shown a wooden sink, out BILL OF MATERIALS
side measure, made in best manner, with white lead. Set cupboard To be used in dwelling-house for .according to Plans and
under sink, having broad doors to open out the entire width of the Specifications furnished by Ralph A. Cram, Architect, Boston,
cupboard, with such hard-wood pegs as may be directed. Mass.
China Closet to be finished with three drawers, made to work Excavation. cn. yds 900 c.
easily ; one cupboard, with glass door and proper hinges and Stone Foundations cu. ft. 8,000
fastenings ; shelves throughout where directed. Stone Underpinning ? cu. ft. 300
Store Awn).—Fit the store room with cupboard as directed, with Bricks - 2,500
three drawers below it ; shelves on one side and broad molding Framing. Spruce Lumber.
board at end ; cleats and strong meat hooks as directed. 4"x4" ft. 400
Coal Closet to have cleats with two rows of strong double hoolcs 2"x4" " 2,800
and one shelf. 4"x8" " 250
Linen Closet to have three drawers in bottom, extending from back 6 x8"
to front of closet, with shelves over them as directed. All other 4"x6" '•" 225100
closets to have strips and hooks as may be directed 2"x8" " 750
Bath Room to have the plumbing cased in matched and beaded Spruce outside boarding sq. ft. 7,500
pine sheathing, with molded nosings. The casing of water closet Spruce flooring " 2,500
and cupboard under bowl to be so arranged as to be removed easily Hard pine flooring " 325
and at once by turning a button. The water closet seat, as well as Plastering sq. yds. 520
the cover, to be made to lift, and both to be neatly fitted and hung Laths 9,000
with strong brass hinges and screw strips, and handsome bronzed Shingles 20,000
iron hooks where directed. Clapboards 3,000
Water Tank. —Build a strong water tank 3 x 2 x 2 ft. where directed Estimated Cost of this Cottage is $1,050.
in attic, of seasoned pine grooved, and fastened in best manner, and
put together with white lead. Furnish a light, firm, and neat
cover for this tank, neatly fitted, to keep out dust and give easy
access to tank. Stability of Piers and Buttresses.
Stairs.—Build on good strong plank stringers the stairs where
and as shown. The principal flight to be throughout of white
pine, wrought as per detail drawing, put together in best manner BY F. E. KIDDEB. B. C E.
and left in best shape for painters' finish. The remaining flights
to be simple and strong, with plank stringers, spruce risers and
treads, molded nosings. Newell post ballusters, &c, as per de APIER or buttress may be considered stable when the forces
tail drawing. acting upon it do not cause it to rotate, or "tip over," or
Painting. —All material used in painting must be of the very best any course of stones or brick to slide on its bed. When a pier has
of the kind in the market. All outside finish must be primed as to sustain only a vertical load, it is evident that the pier must lx
soon as set with a strong coat of raw linseed oil and lead ; carefully stable, although it may not have sufficient strength.
putty stop and prepare for second coat. The complete outside It is only when the pier receives a thrust, such as that from a
painting to be the best of two-coat work of such colors as may be rafter, or an arch, that its stability must be considered.
directed. This includes all exposed woodwork. Shellac all In order to resist rotation, we must have the condition that the
knots or doubtful places before painting. All inside pine finish moment of the thrust of the pier about any point in the outside of
to be prepared, putty stopped, and painted two strongcoats of best the pier shall not exceed the moment of the weight of the pier
lead and oil of such colors as may be directed. This does not about the same point.
include floors in hall, dining-room or kitchen. Give all hardwood To illustrate, let us take the pier shown in Fig. 1.
floors one strong coat of "Wheeler's Preservative," costing $2.50 Let us suppose that this pier receives the foot of a rafter, which
exerts a thrust T in the direction A B. The tendency of this thrust rilaterals and the distances from their centers of gravity to K -I
will be to cause the pier to rotate about the outer edge at b ; and would be as follows:
the moment of the thrust about this point will be T .r a. b,, «, 6, 1st area — 35 sq. ft. X, — 0 .95 1st area X X, — 33.25
being the arm. Now that the pier shall be just in equilibrium the 2d -23 " X,— 2.95 2d •' XX, — 67.85
moment of the weight of the pier about the same edge must just 3d «= 11 X, — 4 .95 3d " x X., — 54.45
equal T x a, 6,. The weight of the pier will of course act through
the center of gravity of the pier, which in this case is at the center; Total area 69 sq. ft. Total moments 155.55
and in a vertical direction, and its arm will be bt e, or one half The sum of the moments is 155.55 and dividing this by the total
the thickness of the pier. area, we have 2.25 as the distance X0. Measuring this to the scale
Hence to have equilibrium we must have the equation of the drawing from K-I, we have a point through which the ver
Txa, ft, — Was 4, c. tical line passing through the center of gravity must pass. After
But under this condition the least additional thrust, or the crush this line is found the method of determining the stability of the
ing off of the outer edge, would cause the pier to rotate, hence to pier is the same as that given for the pier in Pig. 2. Fig. 3B
haVe the pier in safe equilibrium we must use some factor of safety. also illustrates the method. If the buttress is more than one foot
This is generally done by making the moment of the weight thick (at right angles to the plane of the paper) the cubic contents
of the buttress must be obtained to find the weight. It is easier,
however to divide the real thrust by the thickness of the buttress,
which gives the thrust per foot of buttress.
equal to that of the thrust when referred to a point in the bottom

of the pier, a certain distance in from the outer edge.
This distance for piers or buttresses should not be less than i of
the thickness of the pier.
Representing this point in the figure by b we have the necessary
equation for the safe stability of the pier,
Txab — Wxit.
t denoting the width of the pier. Fi g.3 b
We cannot from this equation determine the dimensions of a pier
to resist a given trust, because we have the distance a-bl t, and Line of Remtance. —Definition. —The Line of resistance, or of
W, all unknown quantities. Hence we must first guess at the size pressures, is a line drawn through the center of pressure of each
of the pier, then find the length of the line a-b, and see if the joint.
moment of the pier is equal to that of the thrust. If it is not, The Center of Prensure of any joint is the point where the re
we must guess again. sultant of the forces acting on that portion of the pier above the
Graphic met'iod of determining the stability of a pier or buttress. joint, cuts it.
When it is desired to determine if a given pier or buttress is The line of pressures, or of resistance, when drawn in a pier,
capable of resisting a given thrust, the problem can easily be solved shows how near the greatest stress on any joint comes to the
graphically, in the following manner. edges of that joint.
Let ABOD, Fig. 2, represent a pier which sustains a given It can be drawn by the following method.
thrust T at B.
To determine whether the pier will safely sustain this thrust, we
proceed as follows.
Draw the indefinite line B x in the direction of the thrust.
Through the center of gravity of the pier (which in this case is
at the center of the pier) draw a vertical line until it intersects
the line of the thrust at e. As a force may lie considered to act
anywhere in its line of direction, we may consider the thrust and
the weight to act at the point e, and the resultant of these two
forces can be obtained by laying off the thrust T from e on e-x,
and the weight of the pier W, from e on the line e-y, both to the
same scale (lbs. to the inch), completing the parallelogram, and
drawing the diagonal. If this diagonal prolonged cuts the base
of the i ier at less than one-fourth of the width of the base, from Let A B C D (Fig. 4) be a pier whose line of resistance we
the outer edge, the pier will be unstable, and its dimensions must wish to draw. First divide the pier in height, into portions two
be changed. or three feet high, by drawing horizontal lines. It is more con
The Mobility of a pier may be increased by adding to its weight, venient to make the portions all of the same size.
(by placing some heavy material on top) or bv increasing its width Prolong the line of the thrust and draw a vertical line through
at the base, by means of "set offs " as in Fig. 3. the center of gravity of the pier, intersecting the line of thrust
Figs. 3 (A and B) show the method of determining the stability at the point a. From a log off to a scale, the thrust T, and the
of a buttress with offsets. weights of the different portions of the pier, commencing with the
The first .step is to find the vertical line passing through the weight of the upper portion. Thus is, represents the weight of
center of gravity of the whole pier. This is best done by dividing the portion above the first joint, wt represents the weight of the
the buttress up into quadrilaterals, as A B C D, DBF G, and second portion and so on. The sum of the w's will equal the
G II 1 K. Fig. 3A: finding the center of gravity of each quad whole weight of the pier.
rilateral by the method of diagonals, and then measuring the per Having proceeded thus far, complete a parallelogram with T
pendicular distances X,, X;., X3 from the different centers of and ir for its two sides. Draw the diagonal and prolong it. Where
gravity, to the line K-I. it cuts the first joint will be a point in the line of resistance.
Multiply the area of each quadrilateral by the distance of its Draw another parallelogram with T and to, + ir. for its two sides.
center of gravity from the line K-I, and add together the areas and Draw the diagonal intersecting the second joint at b. Proceed in
the products. Divide the sum of the latter by the sum of the this way, when the last diagonal will intersect the base in e. Join
former, and the result will be the distance of the center of gravity the points a, b, c, d and e, and the resulting line will be the line
of the whole buttress from K-l. This distance we denote by Xu. of resistance.
Example. Let the buttress shown in Fig. 3A, have the dimen We have taken the simplest' case as an example, but the same
sions given between the cross marks. Then the are* of the quad- principle is true for any case.
Plate |\l°52
[July,
Should the line of resistance of a pier at any point approach X't = l A', — 40 A , X X , — 40
the outside edge of the joint nearer than one quarter the width X»=2.08 A',— 24 A', X X. — 71.52
of the joint, the pier should be considered unsafe. X', — 4 .95 A'„ — 12 A , X X , -■ 59.40
As an example embracing all the principles given in this paper
we will take the following case. 76 76 JIJOJB
Example II —Let Fig a represent the section of a side wall of
a church, with a buttress against it. Opposite the buttress on the X . — 2.25
inside of the wall is a hammer-beam truss, which we will sup Then from the line E B (Fig. 5), lay off the distance X , = 8.25,
pose exerts an outward thrust on the walls of the church amount and draw through d a vertical line intersecting the line of the thrust
ing to about 9,600 lbs. We will further consider that the result at O'. On this vertical from O , measure down the whole area T6.
ant of the thrust acts at P, and at an angle of 60 with a horizontal. and from its extremity lay off the thrust T = 32 at the proper
The dimensions of the wall and buttress are given in Fig. 5A, angle. Draw the line o e intersecting the base at r. This is the
and the buttress is 2 feet thick. point where the line of resistance cuts the base, and as it is at a
Question.—Is the buttress sufficient to enable the wall to with safe distance in from A, the buttress has sufficient stability.
stand the thrust of the truss 1 If there were more offsets, we should proceed in the same way.
The first point to decide is, if the line of resistance cuts the finding where the line of resistance cuts the joint at the top of
joint C D at a safe distance in from C. To ascertain this we must each offset. The reason for doing this is because the line of
find the center of gravity of the wall and buttress above the resistance might cut the base at a safe distance from the outer
joint C. I>. We can find this easiest by the method of moments edge, while higher up, it might come outside of the buttress, 90
around K M, (Fig. 5A) as already explained. that the buttress would be unstable.
The distance X, is of course half the thickness of the wall or The method given in these examples is applicable to piers of any
one foot. We next find the center of gravity of the portion C E shape or material.
F G, (Fig. 5A) by the method of diagonals and scaling the distance Should the line of resistance make an angle less than 30° with
Xj we find it to be 2.95 feet. any joint, it might cause the stones above the joint to slide on their
The area of CEFO-A,=-10 square feet ; and of G I K L — bed. This can be prevented either by dowelling, or by inclining
A, = 26 square feet. the joint.
Then we have It is very seldom in architectural construction that such a case
Xt — 1 A, —26 A,xX,=26 would occur, however.
• X, — 2.95 A, — 10 A8 X Xt — 29.5
86 86)55.5 A Solid Building.
X„ - 1.5 AMONG the numerous large and costly buildings which have
Or the center of gravity is at a distance 1.5 foot from the line been erected in this city during the past two or three years,
E D (Fig. 5). Then on Fig. 5 measure the distance X„ — 1.5 foot is one on the comer of Franklin street and West Broadway, which
and through point a draw a vertical line intersecting the line of the lias just been completed for Messrs. Francis II. Leggett & Co.,
thrust prolonged at O. Now if the thrust is 9,600 lbs. for a but wholesale grocers.
tress two feet thick, it would l>e half that, or 4,800 lbs. for a It has a frontage on Varick street of 86 ft. 4 in., 89 ft.7 in. on
buttress one foot thick. We will call the weight of the masonry Franklin street, and 74 ft. 8 in. on West Broadway.
of which the buttress and wall is built 150 lbs. per cubic foot. Then The building is irregular in shape, covering an area of four city
the thrust is equivalent to 4.800^-150, or 32 cubic feet of masonry. lots, is nine stories high, exclusive of the cellar, and is built of
Laying this off to a scale from O, in the direction of the thrust, and Trenton pressed brick.
The entire first story on all three streets is of rock-faced "Hallo-
well " granite, cut with a batter of 10 inches, giving the building a
remarkably solid and massive appearance, which is further en-
hanced by the heavy buttress piers above, and the heavy granite
sills and lintels of the windows.
The granite work was done by the Hallowell Granite Co. of
Maine.
The 9th story is in the French roof extending around the entire
building, with the exception of the corner of Franklin street and
West Broadway, which is occupied by a granite tower with an iron
roof filled in with fire-proof blocks and slated. The top of this
tower is 150 ft. above the curb, and the building itself is 120 ft.
high. One of the features of this structure is the cellar, the fin
ished floor of which is 3 ft. below tide-water ; in sounding for
bottom, the builder found first a layer of earth, then one of sand,
under which were the remains of a forest of cedars that at one time
had evidently stood there ; this was followed by a layer of jelly
like clay and finally a gravel bottom, down to which the piles were
driven ; there are 1,200 of these, ranging in length from 9 ft. up to
22. ft.
Considerable difficulty was experienced with the water, but this
was obviated by the liberal use of cement concrete.
The cellar floor is of concrete 2 ft. thick, and is now perfectly dry.
The vault extends to the curb on all three streets and is covered
with large granite slabs 12 in. thick ; the patent light stoop runs
around the entire building and is 5 ft. wide.
The interior of the building is in the same massive style which
characterizes the outside, the timber being4 in. x 14 in..placedl4 in.
from centers, and carried on 14 in. x 14 in. girders, all of Georgia
pine. The girder piers in cellar are of granite, many of them
being in one stone.
1st and 2d story girder columns are of iron and above that they
are of white oak*l4 in. square; each floor is able to carry 1,000
lbs. to the square foot.
There are five of Otis' steam elevators in the building, the engines
for which are placed on the 5th floor. The boilers for running ele
vators, electric light machine and heating are of 100 horse-power,
and are located in the vault on Varick street.
The offices and salesrooms occupy the entire 2d story, which is
e haudsomelv fitted up.
The building cost, exclusive of the ground, $230,000; ground
cost $100,000. The mason for this job was John Kelcher, carpen
the area of the masonry. 36 square feet from O on the vertical line, ter, John Smith, and contractor, for iron work, Messrs. Blake ami
completing the rectangle and drawing the diagonal we find it cuts McMnhon, and Geo. W. da Cunha. of 111 Broadway, New York
the joint C O at b, within the limits of safety. was the architect.
We must now find were the line of resistance cuts the base A B. It is without exception the strongest buildh'g of its kind erected
We must now find the center of gravity of the_whole figure, in this city, if not in the United States, and i : one of the few nine
which is found by ascertaining the distances X\, X 3 in Fig. 5A, or ten story structures put up in the past two or three years which
and making the following computation : lias not a broken sill, lintel or baud course from cellar to roof.
1882.]
129
can be used to make a drawing of either double or half the size of
a given copy. The proportional compasses, properly so-called, is
a more complicated contrivance, and admits of
more varied application. It is in principle the same
as the whole and-halves, with this difference that
the screw-joint, c, passes through slides moving in
the slots of the bars, and admits of the center be
ing adjusted for various relative proportions be
tween the openings, a b and d e. The scales usu
ally engraved on these compasses are named lines,
circles, planes, and solids. The scale of lines is
Questions. numbered from 1 to 10, and the index slide being
63. Moldings. —If some of your artists would give us a plate brought to any one of these divisions, the dis
now and again of moldings, suitable for cabinet work, it would tance, d e, will measure a n in that proportion.
be appreciated by—Ed. H—. Thus, if the index be set to 0, D E will be contain
ed six times in a b. The line of circles extends
64. Steel Square. —Can any one inform me whether or not from 1 to 20; and if the index be set to 10, DE will
steel squares may. be found in this country with the outside edges be the tenth part of the circumference of the cir
divided into tenths, and if so, at what price are they sold?—J. M. B. cle whose radius is a b. The line of planes, or
63. Books. —Having graduated from a scientific college and squares, determines the proportion of similar
spent a couple of years at engineering, I wish to take up a course of areas. Thus, if the index is placed at 3. and the
reading and study on architecture. I desire to purchase a set of sides of any one square be taken by a b from a
books which shall give me a good insight to the business, and which scale of equal parts, d e will be the side of anoth
while they do not deal too much with the elementary points, shall er square of one-third the area. And if any num
not commence at too advanced a stage. Can you or any fellow ber be brought to the index, and the same number
reader give me. through the columns of your journal, advice in se be taken by a b from a scale of equal parts, d e
lection, and information as to prices? Canyon tell meof any books will be the square root of that number. And in
which embrace the matter in Warren's Series, but which state it in this latter case, D E will also be a mean proportion
a better and more extended manner? What text-book would you al between any two numbers whose product is
recommend on perspective in architecture, and can you supply it? equal to a b. The line of solids expresses the pro
How can I obtain a copy of the building laws of Boston?—IN portion between cubes and spheres. Thus, if the
QUIRES. index be set at 2, and the diameter of a sphere or
side of a cube be taken from a scale of equal parts
66. Miscellaneous. —(1.) Will you please tell how cherry is fin by a b, then will d e be a diameter of a sphere or
ished to look like mahogany—or rather what is the stain that is used side of a cube of half the solidity. And if the slide be set to 8, and
on both woods to make them a dark red as is now seen in furniture ? the same number be taken from a scale of equal parts, then will d
(2 ) Can such stain be used after wood has been oiled? (3.) What e measure 2 in the same scale, or the cube root of 8.- The scale of
stain is used on maple to make it almost a mouse color as is seen lines and that of circles are those of most value to the draughts
in the birdseye maple placquea that are found in art stores? man. The first enables him to reduce or enlarge in any required
(4.) What finish do artists put on wood carving; do they use shellac? proportion; and the second gives him the side of a square or poly
If simply oiled it catches dust wonderfully and clings to it with ten gon that can be inscribed in a given circle. Great care must be ob
acity. (5.) What color may be used in the sand coat or last coat served in using this instrument, for should a point get broken or
of plaster to give it a cream shade how used, and what proportion ? worn off in the slightest degree, the whole instrument is rendered
(6.) Will vou be so good as to give illustration of one or two styles of useless. —Adept.
wainscoting, I want for hall and dining room, wish to use "panels
of cherry with remainder of wood oak, shall do surface covering on ped55.from Boiler Chimneys.—Perhaps the following, which is clip
a work on the subject, may suit " Pittsburg Bricklayer:
panels. (7.) I wish you would give cut or refer me to some work The object of a chimney is to convey away smoke and produce
where I could get idea of newel posts; I want substantial square a draught—that
ones, no nonsense or filagree about them. Style of stairs, platform the grate. This isdraught a current of fresh dry air—through the coals on
is produced by the difference in the spe
landing. (8.) Sometime will you publish cuts of trood coal boxes, I wish cific gravity of the air inside
to cover one, am told somewhere there are cuts of some. —M. E. G quality of the gases inside andand outside of the chimney. If the
outside were always the same, for
mula could be established for the size of chimneys with so.ne de
gree of accuracy. The gases inside a chimney are mostly com
Answers. posed of atmospheric air, free nitrogen, carbonic acid, carbonic
53. Dairy. —The principal points to be looked to in the con oxide, steam, free hydrogen, free carbon, sulphuric acid, and other
struction of a dairy is that it should be cool, dry, and well venti elements. If the relative amount of these gases and their tempera
lated. The walls should be thick and no glass whatever in its ap tures were alw.'.ys the same, there would not be much difficulty in
ertures except for winter use. The window openings should be determining the proportions ; but as these conditions are continu
high, narrow, and covered with wire gauze inside to exclude in ally changing, as well by the gradual consumption of coal on the
sects, and with thin canvass blinds outside, which in very hot grate as by the management of the fireman, it is impossible to ar
weather may be kept saturated with water. Each opening should rive at any exact conclusions. The air outside is also continually
have an internal shutter to exclude or temper the light when re undergoing changes. For marine boilers the general rule is to
quired on very bright days. The windows should open on the allow 14 square inches area of chimney for each nominal horse
sunny side as the rays of the sun purify the air and assist ventila power ; for stationary boilers the area of the chimneys should be
tion. Sashes, glazed with thick rough glass should be provided for one-fifth greater than the combined area of all the flues or tubes.
winter. The roof should have a space to contain air between the In boilers provided with any other means of draught, such as a
outer boarding and ceiling. The floor should be of cement and steam jet or a fan blower, the dimensions of the chimney are not
incline each way to the center, so as to form a cbannel for the wa so important as in cases where the draught is produced solely by
ter to discharge through a trapped grating. The dairy should be the chimney.
divided into two parts, one for churning and washing. It should Rule for )■ iiding the Required A rea for any Roller. —Multiply the
be provided with a sink and a supply of soft water. A flue should nominal horse-power of the boiler by 112, and divide the product
be provided for the use of a stove in winter in this apartment. For by the square root of the height of the chimney in feet. The quo
the shelves, slate, thick rough glass or earthenware slabs form the tient will be the required area in square inches.
best material, although white wood boards if washed daily and TABLX SHOWING THE PROI*KR 1HAMKTF.H AND BKIOHT OF CHIMNEY FOB ANT
aired answer the purpose as well. Ice should never be used, there KIM) Or Fl'F.L.
is always danger of a reaction and consequently danger of fermen «1 Hornc- Height of chimney
tation. ' If the walls are sufficiently thick, and the heat excluded Inside Diameter
of Boiler. I in feet. ut top.
from coming in at the roof, a dairy can always be kept at a tem
perature of from 60° to 62 . —Nekf. 1 Amerietln. Armstrong's.
11) GO , Ifi. 2in. 1ft. tiin.
54. Proportional Compasses. — If John B. will obtain a copy 12 75 Ut. Stn. 1ft. Sin.
of "Drawing Instruments, how to use them, and how to take care Hi SO Ifi. 4in. 1ft. llliii.
of them," price 25 cents, he will find the information he asks for. 20 09 1ft. 5in. 2ft. Oin.
» 105 Iff. Bin. 2ft. bin.
I send you an item on the subject taken from the work. I also send 50 120 2ft. 2m. 8ft. Oin.
drawing of compasses so that your reader may be enabled to un 70 120 art. tiin. 3ft. tiin.
derstand the subject from the text given. The compasses are chief 90 120 2ft. Will. ■.tl. Oin.
ISO 185 »ft. 2in. 4ft. tiin.
ly used for the enlargement or reduction of drawings. The sim ISO 150 3ft. riu. 5ft. Oin.
plest form is that named wholes and halves, which has legs of the 200 165
• ISO :lft. 11 in. 5ft. Gin.
regular form on both ends, held together with a box-screw, which 250 4ft. 4in. Oft. Oin.
is placed one-third the whole length from one end; this instrument
DcS/6/YS/3\' vs'.yowj , war.
132 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [July,
50. Coloring Drawings.—Make use of the best colors only ; In this use of Indian ink, the best for tinting and shading is fine
do not mix with too little water ; if the first coat is not dark grained, and has a brownish tint, and when newly broken lias a
enough, wait till dry, and give another coat, Make up your mind dull golden appearance at the fracture. It is generally scented
what portion you are going to color before applying a drop of with musk or camphor, and is sometimes covered with gold leaf, or
paint : do not stop in the middle of a wash, but when once the is highly polished, and covered with finely-executed Indian or
brush touches the paper, go straight through with the portion yon Chinese characters. Cheap inks are generally known by their dull
begin. If obliged to leave the job for a minute, paint up to a surface and coarseness of grain. Inks and colors should be wetted
line ; a dotted line will do if there is not a " full" one handy ; this as little as possible, otherwise they will crack and crumble away.
will hide the join between the two patches of color. Do not let Indian ink is improved very much by mixing in with it a very small
your brush be too wet nor yet too dry ; a few trials will soon show portion of blue. This will give the lines a dark black appearance.
you the right amount, of color to take up. Use flie liest English Bright clear lines are made by having the ink eery dark.
drawing paper; if you then find any trouble a little prepared ox Never intersect lines until the first lines drawn are dry.
gall mixed with the color will do wonders. Clouded drawings, as Tapering lines are made by successive closings of the pen, or by
a rule, are caused by letting the work dry ami going over the edges a dexteiity in adjusting its position to the paper and the pressure
again when starting afresh. No piece of coloring should be left upon it.
until finished. —Draftsman. I would advise H. B. B to procure the little work referred to
above. —Adept.
57. Plush Pan els.— Place the material carefully over the wood
panel with an edge formed of embroidered tissue. Black wood Hereafter all questions sent in to this office will be answered un
panels showing lovely painted designs are preferred by some. This der the head of " Chats with Correspondents." Unless they are of
mode abounds with odd fancies — animals, reptiles and all sorts of such a nature as to require answering by mail, in which
bugs are selected to be printed on door panels.— Decorator. inclose stamps for return postage. —Ed.
58. Furniture Wood. —Although art furniture may be con
structed of other than what we should term ai t woods, such woods
themselves are clearly definable, for they are few in number. They
may lx; enumerated as follows : those of the first rank being ma
hogany, rosewood, ebony and walnut, and those of the second rank
oak. birch, pitch pine, satin wood and maple, whilst some other
woods, such iis cherry, might perhaps be properly included. We
have made mention of oak, birch and pine, and we have pitch pine
satinwood and maple yet to refer to. Pitch pine we do not regard
as being a suitable wood for furniture making, as for such purpose
it possesses two decided faults. The most important of these, per
haps, is that it wears dirty ; the second fault is that it i* too coarse
a wood, both in texture and in appearance, its markings are in We deem It our duty Lo keep our reader* advised of the publicition of nil
many cases no doubt full of beauty, but the general effect which works that will in any way interest them; mid. with (hU object in view, we in
they produce is not sufficiently refined for art furniture, and in our tend each month to pve a lengthened notice of such new books and periodicals
opinion the wood is best suitable when used in the mass -thus for a* we may think willbe of service in this direction. We shall not only give the
polished rooffing or staircase work. In your case, perhaps, cherry character of the hook, and price, but will in many cases give extracts from the
would be the best sort of wood to use for inside finish. It is dif the qualitv of the books for themselves.
ficult, however, to decide what kind of wood would be best for you and [N.B.—All books reviewed in this column can be obtained from the Builder
to employ in the absence of more information in regard to style of quested WooD-YVoitKKR office at publishers' prices. Authors and publishers are re
to send in copies of works intended for review as early in the month
home, size and position of rooms, Ac. —ARCHITECT. as possible.1
53. Books —Write to E. & p. n. Spon, 44 Murray Street., N.Y. Study-Book of Furniture and FurniNliliijr. Being a series of
for particulars. The books mentioned are English and are very fifty-six folio plates of designs. 12x17 inches, showing; interiors, cabinet work,
scarce in this country. —Buooklyn. upholstery, and sundries. J. O'Kane. pnbll-her. Price $10.0(1.
This series embraces over twenty perspective views of Interiors of dinifig-
60. Ventilation. —Mr. Ruttan's system is that known as the rooms, drawing-rooms, bed-rooms, boudoir, library, halls, billiard-room. etc. ;
"exhaust method." His plan is to draw off all the mephitic air These hesides a number of elevations, showing cabinet-work with wall treatment.
from the bottom of a room and admitting the pure air in at the top. bean, Louis interiors are ail of modern design, after the Adam*', 01 1 English. Jaco
XIV., Egyptian, Medheval and Modern Eclectic Styles. Many of
This is sometimes accomplished with the aid of an exhaust fan, in them are very elaborately titled, furnished and decorated, while others are on a
large buildings. The system has not been generally adopted as it plainer and more economic scale.
The cabinet-work embraces every variety of structure belonging to this
is not so efficient as some of its advocates would lead us to sup branch ; cabinets of all kinds, tables, mantels, side-hoards, buffets, hook-cases,
pose. It has its advantages, however, and in some instances has chairs, wardrobes, suite for the various apartments, desks, mantel and pier
given good satisfaction. Mr. Ruttan's book, " Ventilation and glasses, and sundries. Besides ihese, there are over a hundred examples of up
holstered chairs, sofas, settees and lounges; also hall, cane-seat, anil office chairs,
Warming," discusses the method very thoroughly.—Adept. lambrequins and valances.
These plates are chiefly composed of reproductions from the latest and best de
61. "Drawing. —The following which is taken from "Drawing signs of European arists, and are brim-full of original, quaint and artistic de
Instruments and How to use Them," will answer all II. B. B's. on vices. Ttie plates, typography, and general " get-up" of the work reflect credit
questions : the publisher and all concerned. No modern designer of art fnrnitureor
interior decoration cau afford to be without these excellent examples of art
When it is intended to tint drawings with ink or colors, the fol progress.
lowing rules should be observed: (1.) The paper should have the Some Difficult Problems lit Carpentry and Joinery simplified
superfluous sizing removed by being sponged lightly with clean and solved by the aid of the carpenters' steel square. Together with a full de
water. (2.) The paper, and everything about it, must be kept per and scription of the tool, and explanations of the scales, lines and figures on the blade
fectly cleau. (3.) Line off the spaces with eery fine pencil marks, may tongue, and how' lo use (hem in every-day work. Showing how the square
be used in obtaining the lengths and "bevels of rafters, hips, groins, braces,
that are to be tinted. (4.) Never use the eraser on the part to be brackets, purlins, collar-beams, and jack-rafters. Also, its application in obtain
tinted, either before or after the tinting. (5.) Try the tinting pro ing the bevels and cuts for hoppers, spring mouldings, octagons, diminished
cess on a piece of waste paper until the proper tint is obtained, be styles, etc., etc., etc. Illustrated by numerous wood-cuts. The Industrial Pub
fore applying to the drawing. (6.) Dark tints are formed by ap lication Company. Price, paper, 25 cent*.
This is No. 5 of the " Work Manuals " published by this Arm. and Is simply
plying a number of light ones over each other, but a second tint an abridgement of the larger work on the same subject, w ith a few additional
should not be applied until the first one is perfectly dry. (7.) Al problems added.
ways finish tinting one portion of drawing before leaving it ; other i hisThelittle
fundamental principles of the method of using steel squares are shown in
work, and to those who have not leisure to study the larger work this
wise it will be cloudy. (8.) See that the paper is damp before you will prove very acceptable, and its low price renders it easily attainable. A tool
begin to tint. (9 ) Ink in all lines after the tinting is completed and chest will hardly be complete without a copy of this, or the larger work in it.
the drawing is perfectly dry.
The colors used for representing wood, iron, and other materials, Knight'*machines, New ITIechaiilcal Dictionary.—A description of tools,
are as follows : For soft pine, a very pale tint of sienna : for hard instruments, processes, and engineering, with indexical references t.>
technical journals. (l87t)-18S0.) By Edward H. Knight, A. M.. LL. D. To be
pine, burnt sienna with a little carmine added : for oak, a mixture completed in four sections, of 240 pages each, at $2.00 per section. Section one
of burnt sienna and yellow ocher is used. Mahogany is represented ready In June, 1884. Section two ready in August, 1882. Section three ready in
by burnt sienna and a portion of dragon's blood. For walnut, Publishers, Boston, Mass ready in December, 1882. Houghton, Mifflin & Co..
October, 1882. Section four
dragon's blood and burnt umber are used. For bricks, burnt sienna Since the completion of Knight's American Mechanical Dictionary, in 1877, the
and carmine make a good color. Gray stones are represented by iitstory progress made in the development of the mechanic arts is unprecedented in the
a mixture of black and white, with a little of Prussian blue and relate (oofthethetelephone,
world. Not only in such striking and wonderful achievements as
phonograph, and electric light, toward which popular at
carmine added -pale ink alone is sometimes used for stone work. tention is naturally drawn, but in every department of applied mechanic, there
Brown freestone is represented by burnt sienna, carmine, and ink. has been developed a fertility of resource in the adaptation of means to Tn*V
Wrought iron is represented by a light tint of Prussian blue, and quite as marvelous and equally important in practical results. Achievement ba>
outrun the most sanguine expectation, and with such rapidity that even the mos
cast iron by a gray tint composed of black, white, and a little indi recent records are found to be very deficient in supplying the special informatios
go. Brass is tinted wit.li gamboge. Gamboge, slightly mixed with most desired.
The hearty approval which Knight's American Mechanical Dictionary ha
•
vermilion, nukes a good color for copper. Silver is represented ceived in all parts of the world has encouraged the publishers to issue an eij
by an almost invisible blue. new volume, thus continuing the record from the date at which the form*.
±33
Tlie Bookkeeper'* Companion.—J G. Beidle-
man, publisher, Philadelphia, Pa. Price, 75 cent?.—This
work shown at a glance the whole system of keeping any
set of book*, and tells in an instant where each account
belongs. No master-builder, bookkeeperor student should
be without this remarkable work. Ii prevents mistakes,
it saves time, and will prove a perfect boon to all those
who are not adepts in the art of bookkeeping. Those of
our readers who have need of such a work should send to
the publisher for a circular.
"La Faustln," by Edmond de Gonconrt, shortly
to he issued by T. B. Peterson & Brothers, Philadelphia,
Is destined to create a profound sensation. It is an epi
sode in the life of a great Parisian actress, said by the
author to be Kachcl, and is full of scenes, incidents and
excitement peculiar to ihc social and theatrical circles of
the French capital. The romance is in a high degree
naturalistic, but is as refined as it is powerful und absorb
ing.
We have received a copy of the Brick, Tile and
Metal Review, a monthly journal devoted wholly to
building and sanitary news. It is neatly printed and well
filled with original and selected matter of interest and
practical value to Architects, Builders, Brick Manufac
turers, Contractors, Masons, Plumbers, etc. We are in
formed that it bee a fair circulation, and a« the annual
subscription is only fifty cents should think that no
oue interested either in building or building materials
would fail to subscribe. The publishers claim that it is
the only publication in the world representing the Brick,
Tile and Clay industries, and both proprietors and work
men engaged in brick and tile making will find it almost
invaluable. It is certainly a very cheap publication.
Address Geo. E. Williams & Co., Box 14(i2, Pittsburgh,
Pa.
The Philadelphia Record says : "Before another year
rolls around there will be little left of the great Disston
Saw Works at Front and Laurel streets. Since the
founder of the bouse, the late Henry Disston, pun based
a tract of land at Tacony, In the Twenty-third ward, and
removed the file department of the works thither, the firm
have beeu working with the intention of ultimately trans
ferring the entire establishment to the country site. The
Disstons soon reaped the advantages of the change in
respect to the file manufactory, which was made five years
ago. The business which was done in the narrow quart
ers of the Sixteenth ward works developed rapidly, until
the present production of flics is 70u dozens per day. The
woodwork department was the next to go to Tacony. and
in its wake, at a period not very remote, went the long^
saw branch of the concern. This leaves at the Front and
Laurel streets works (he circular saw and short saws de
partments, and during the present year additional build
ings are to be erected at Tacony for the making of the cir
cular saws. When the Disstons came to arrange for the
erection of the new structures, they found that in order
to provide ample accommodations for their business and
its prospective gradual increase it would he necessary to
purchase more land. Negotiations were opened with the
heirs of the Green estate for 8H acres of land adjoining
the Disston possessions, which already embraced 160
acres. The matter hung fire for some little time, but a
bargain was finally struck by the Disstons paying the
sum of $100,000 for the Green property. Building opera
tions were begun in the spring and are now being rapidly
prosecuted.
THE CREU90T EIGHTY-TON STEAM-HAMMEIt.
went to ['ii -. bnt carefully avoiding repetition, and aiming to furnish not only a
wtisfactory supplement to the original work, but a book which shall have an In
dividual and separate value as a complete record of half a decade in the history
or invention. From this fact ft is evident that this volume forms an indispen-
nble supplement to alt works of reference upon mechanics now extant, as
none of them cover the period mentioned.
The same method has been adopted in dealing with the subject matter in both
works. First, each article appears in its proper" alphabetical plane, thus fulfilling
the function of a Dictionary, in affording direct response to inquiry. Second,
uv items of information thus distributed^ throughout the work are classified in IowsMdents:
jjpecial Indexes of the Art, Profession, or Manufacture to which they pertain.
The book thus fulfills the function of a Cyclopaidia, which is a collection of
trohtises.
The value of a work of reference depends largely upon its Index. When one
ha* & question to ask of an ordinary Cyclomedia it is frequently very aifileult to
determine under which title or heading to look.
The author has invented a system o? what he terms "Specific Indexes." by | We invite all those of our readers who may have anything novel, curious, or
the use of which the inquirer is guided straight to the information he is in qnest interesting to say on the subjects we represent, to take part in this department.
o'. even though he be entirely ignorant of the n*nne of a thing, and have but the Hereafter all answers to queries will be given in this column, and we trust our
most vague and general notion of its use. This is accomplished by grouping un friends will continue, as heretofore, to forward answers in reply to queries.]
der the general title of each Science, Art, Trade or Profession a list or " Specific
Index " of every article in the book bearing any relation to the subject in ques
tion. The titles of these Indexes arc in turn srouped at the beginning of the Amatei h Tinkrr should call at the Bridgeport Wood-filling Co.'s offices. No.
fowk, so that by a glance one may determine which clew to follow. 40 Bleecker street, New York, and ask for Wolff's ebony stain and varnish. He
The work treats of many thousand subjects, and is illustrated with over 2,500 will find this just the thing he wants.—W. R.
carefully prepared engravings and numerous full-page plates, and for general ty
pographical excellence, quality of paper, and printing it is unsurpassed. It may P. H.—You ran make the thickest ordinary paper quite transparent by dampen
Rebound uniform with any edition of the Knight's American Mechanical Dlc- ing it with pure, perfectly distilled benzine, and a design maybe traced on it
"t>nary. or with any Cyclopedia or other book of reference of the usual size and either with pencil or ink. When the benzine evaporates It leaves the paper white
*hape. and opaque ns before. If the evaporation takes place before the design is finished .
The merits of the forthcoming work may be understood and judged by the dampen it anew.
three vols, of the Dictionary that have preceded it. E. S. P. says : " Some years ago I occupied a store that was infested with rats:
The work is sold only by subscription in four sections, and can only be ob I trie.I traps and strychuine, which In fact killed off many, but for nil that, did
tained from the publishers or their authorized agents not exterminate them by any means. I wa- advised to use a trap again and catch
Viek'* Illimtrated monthly magazine for June. 1882, one alive, put coal tar in his fur and let him escape. I did so, and have not seen
cotnes to us in its. usual form, but we notice that its front page is bordered with a rat, or beeu troubled with tin ni since, though this occurred 18 months ago."
hlack, out of respect to its founder and editor, James Viek, w*ho died on the lfith R S. If you wish to make slips of your broken oil stone, you may easily do so
<>t Hay, aged ft4 years. James Vick was born in Portsmouth, England, hut came by cutting up to the Bhapes desired, with an old fine saw that you don't cure much
k> this country with his parents in his 15th year. During his boyhood he was a about. You will be astonished to find how easily a stone can be cut into small
Playmate of the late Charles Dickens. He was a type-setter by trade, and worked pieces.
at the case by the side of the veteran journeyman. Horace Greeley. At an early
pf-tiod he assumed the managing editorship of the Albany Cultivator, and sub- K. Z., Boston.—The following receipts are given for making carvers* squeezing
qaentJy virions other rural journals. In 1850 Mr. Viek became engaged in the wax: (1.) Take suet, 1 part; beeswax, 2 parts. (2.) Wax, 6 parts; olive oil, f
estivation of choice flowers, which occupied his attention to the day of his part. (8.) Wax. 4 parts; common turpentine, 1 part. The parts only need be
to&th. He was very widely known throughout the I'idled States and Europe. melted together and allowed to cool ; the wax is then fit for use. It should he
He was the largest dealer in flowers in the world. well pressed into the carving. Sometimes it is only possible to take the front or
"Plate |\)
THE DEHIDKKATCM OEKTLEMAK « »KES8I!i<J ROOM HBITB

1882.] 135
side of an object at a time, as it must be drawn off in the form of a mold. The rubbish, and 1 part coal ashes, also very dry, all sifted fine. In a dry place, on a
sections, when ready, should be filled with piaster of paris and water, made into dry day, mix them, and leave a hole in the middle of the heap, as bricklayers do
a thick paste and allowed to set. The mold is then removed, and the plaster cast when makingmortar. Into this pour boiling hot coal tar; mix, and when as stiff
is ready to work from. In cutting molds fur compo, papier-mache, candies, etc., as mortar, put it three inches thick where the walk is lo be; the ground should be
use soft wax as they progress 10 regulaic the depth, or a piece of bread can be dry and beaten smooth; sprinkle over it coarse sand. When cold, pass a light
worked np in the lingers until soft like dough. The bread should be fresh when rollerover It; in a few days the walk will be solid and water-proof. 18. Mastic
ii will give a good impression. Cement for Covering the Fronts of Houses.—Fifty parts, by measure, of clean
R. N., Orange, N. J.—If you wi-h to get the full effect, of stained glass in your dust, dry sand, 50 of limestone (not burned) reduced to" grams like sand, or marble
hall, you should not use white or plain gla^s. It is not generally understood how make and 10 parts of red lead, mixed with as much boiled linseed oil aB will
it slightly moist. The bricks to receive it, should be covered with three
very greatly the effect of glass depends upon Its abundance ; of rather, upon the coats of boiled oil, laid on with a brush, and suffered to dry before the mastic is
absence of any plain windows in its vicinity. Every single ray of light that pene put on. It is laid
trates into a room, excepting through the stained glass itself, docs injury to the comes hard as stone on w ith a trowel like plasier, but it is not so moist. It be
in a few months. Care must be exercised not to use too
effect of what colored glass is there. Yes. ash will answer very well for the dado much oil. 1!) Cement for Tile-Roofs.—Equal parts of whiting and dry sand, and
of your dining room. It would be as well to have Ihe tip or cap of your dado us 25 per cent, of litharge, made into the consistency of putty with linseed oil. It
high as the shelf of your mantel. It is better, we think, to make your overmantel is not liable to crack when cold, nor melt, like coal-tar and asphalt, with the heat
of the sanie kind of wood as the mautel and dado is made of. Oil finish the work of the sun. 20. Cement for Outside of Brick Walls.— Cement for the outside of
by all means. Get jonr wood-filling from some of the dealers. It will be better brick walls, to imitate stone, is made of clean sand. 90 parts; litharge. 5 parts;
and cheaper than you can make it.
W. S., Lancaster, Pa.—Quarter-pitch for ah"usc is too low. Our advice is, " Do plaster two of paris. 5 parts; moistened with boiled linseed oil. The bricks should
not put a roof on any house with a lower roof than one-third pitch, if it is to be receive or three coats of oil before the cement is applied. 21. Water Lime at
shingled. -Always remember that the steeper a rool is, the longer the shingles bone ashes, per
Fifty Cents Barrel. Fine clean sand, 100 lbs.; quick-lime in powder, 28 lbs.;
14 lbs.; for use, beat up with water, and use as quick as possible.
will last, and the less liable it is to leak. 22. Cement for Seams in Roofs.—Take equal quantities of white lead and white
C. H. R., Fort Worth, Texas.—What you say is true. A man at forty is not too sand, and asbecome much oil as will make it into the consistence of putty. It will in a
old to learn, and those mechanics under that age, who imagine they know all fewA weeks as hard as stone.
correspondent writing from Omaha, Neb., snvs that a verv handsome hotel
that is necessary in their business, soon get behind in the race. The workman is being
that possesses brains, and who knows how to use them, will not permit himself building will c mtaincosterected at a of $200,000 by the Kitchen Bros., of that city. The
about 200 rooms and will be eqnipped with all modern ap-
to drop in the rear without a struggle. Workmen are plenty, but good ones pos p iances and conveniences.
sessing judgment and the proper progressive elements arc scarce, but when found Sidney Smith, of Omaha. The work is under the personal supervision of Mr.
are worth their weight in gold. Every mechanic who desires to get along in the
world, can never afford to know too much. He must reap knowledge every day. R. J —The drawings of a building belong to the architect. You have no
R. T., Cleveland. — We know of no method to prevent old work cracking or more right to them than you have to the tools the carpenter used in
chipping which has been painted white for a long series of years when dark hanging your doors or tilting your sashes. Drawings are part and parcel of
the architect's outfit—his tools in fact—and they are only loaned to the
colors are painted upon it. much will depend upon the state of the white. It proprietor during the progress of the erection of his building. Sometimes it is
is a well known fact that dark color absorbs heat, and that white repels it, and
when a dark absorbent color is put upon white the tendency is always towards stipulated ing when
that the drawings shull become the property of the owner of the build
the latter is finished. This is a matter, however, of private agreement.
cracking and blistering, this is especially the case upon window shutters and lin
ings, and all surfaces exposed to t ne rays of the sun, or direct artificial heat. We oneR. ofP. theirS ,Williamsport, Pa.- Write to N. & G. Taylor Co., Philadelphia, Pa., for
have frequently had to deal with cases of this kind in our experience, and we "old style " circulars. It gives all the information you ask for regarding their
brand roofing tin plate.
have found that the cause is independent of us, and if the work has been painted
so many times with white lead paint the chances are nil against i(s standing firm
when a dark color is put upon it. The best plan where there is any doubt, is to
strip the work, the next best plan is to grind it dow n with pumice stone and
water so as to get rid of the hard glazed surface, when this is broken through, the
probabilities are that the new paint will unite better with the old and thus avoid
both cracking and chipping. Another plan is to break the hard surface by using
• solution of snfflcient strength to take off the upper crust of paint, and then |
paint again. We believe that in this hard surface all the danger lies.
You can obtain the books inquired about, from E. & K. N. Spon, 44 Murray
slreet, N. Y., or from this office.
"New Hand," in the May number asks for some Information regard
ing plaster and mortar. The following, which has been taken from '
'* Moore's Universal Assistant," has been sent to this office by a subscriber,
in response to " New Hand's " request. It contains 22 different receipts
for making mortar, cements, washes, Ac., Ac, some; of which are excellent : 1,
Stone Mortar.—Cement. 8 parts; lime, 8 parts; sand, 81 parts. 2. Mortar.—Lime. EsT" A charge of seventy-five cents a line will be made for all notices in this
] part; sharp, clean sand, 2i parts. An excess of water in slaking the lime swells column, for each and every insertion. Copy of notices must be sent to this
the mortar, which remains fight and porous, or shrinks in drying: an excess of
sand destroys the cohesive properties of the mass. 3. Brown Mortar. — Lime, 1 office on or before the 20th day of each month to insure an appearance in the
part ; sand„ 2 parts, and a small quantity of hair. 4. Brick Mortar.—Cement, 3 following issue.
parts; lime, 3 parts; sand. Mparts. Lime and sand, and cement and sand, lessen For our clubbing rates seepage X. advertising columns in last November's
about i. in voinme when mixed together. 5. Turkish Mortar. — Powdered brick Builder and Wood-Worker.
and tiles. 1 part; fine sifted lime. 2 parts; mix to a proper consistency with
water, and lay on layers of 5 or 6 inches thick between the course of brick or Any person having a complete set of " Knight's Mechanical Did ionary," and
stone. Very useful on massive or very solid buildings. G. Interior Plastering— desiring to exchange it for Architectural books, or sell it cheap, may find a pur
Coarse Stuff.—Common lime mortar as made for brick masonry, with a small chaser by addressing this office.
quantity of hair; or by volumes, lime paste (30 lbs lime,) 1 part; sand, 2 to 2i£
parts; hair, 1-6 part. When full time for hardening cannot be allowed, sub.-ti- Bound volumes of the B. A. W. W. for 1881, sent from this office to ony ad
tnte from 15 to 90 per cent, of the lime by an equal portion of hydraulic cement. dress In the United States or Canada, on the receipt of $2.50. The volume con
For the second or brown coat the proportion of hair may be slightly diminished.
?. Fine Stuff.—(Lime putty): Lump lime slaked to a paste with a moderate tains the following full page, fine lithographed designs :
volume of water, and afterwards diluted to the consistency of cream, and then 1 sonage— ArmyCottage—A
A Country Proposed Residence- Amateur's Washstand—A Par
harden by evaporation to the required consistency for working. In this state it , Ac—Amateur'sBilliard Table—A Method of Drainage—Angles for Wood-cutters,
Mantel—Amateur's Design-'—Am. " Amateur " Sheet of Designs
is used as a slipped coat, and when mixed with sand or plaster of paris, it is used , —Book-case and Problems—Bric-a-Brac Case for Bay Window—Book-case ior
for the finishing coat. 8. Gauge Stuff or Hard Finish is composed of 8 or 4 vol- ; Builder and Wood-worker—Bed, with Details—Bay Window— Book-case and
nines of fine stuff and 1 volume of plaster of paris, in proportions regulated by Mantel—Bed and Dressing Case—Book case and Bracket—Cornice, Capital and
the degree of rapidity required in hardening for cornices, etc., the proportions Cabinet—Cherry Mantel for Parlor—Cottage at Spring Lake, N. J.—Cottage and
are equal volnmes of each, fine stuff and plaster. 9. Stucco is composed of from Plans—Cabinet Book-case Design— Corneu Cabinet—Design for a Cottage—De
3 to 4 volumes of white sand to 1 volume of fine stuff or lime putty. 10. Scratch sign for a Mantel—Desk and Cabinet—Design for an Organ Case—Dining-room
Coat.—The first of 3 coats when laid upon laths, and is from X to ?g' of an inch Wantel—Design of Parlor Cabinet—Design of Lamp and Pedestal—Design for a
in thickness. 11. One Coat Work.—Plastering in 1 coat without finish,
either on masonry or laths that is rendered or laid. Work on well. Public Library—Design for a Flower Stand— Designs for Mantels (3)—Design for a
Rectory—Design fora House (2)—Design for a Monument— Design fora Bed-room
IS. Two Coat Work.—Plastering in 2 coats is done either in a laying Suile—Design for a Hose House and Public Hall—Design for a Court-house and
coat and set or in a screed coat and set. The screed coat is also termed Jail—Design and Details for Hanging Cabinet—Design of 11 Art Furniture 11 (10)
a floated coat. Laying the first coat in two coat work is resorted to —Design for a Mantel—Design
in common work instead of screccling. when the finished surface is not required fora Doorway— Design for HallforStaircase—Easels Scroll Sawyeis—Design fora Stable—Design
and Cabinets—Elevation and
to be exact to a straight edge. It is laid in a coat of about J inch in thickness. Plans of Cottage—Elevation and Plans of Commoiisense Cottage— Elevation of
The laying coat, except for very common work, should be hand floated, aB the Cottage — Elevations of Cottages—Elevation of Cottage— Elevations and Plan of
tenacity an I firmness of the work is much increased thereby. Screeds are strips Cottage—Elevations of a Druwing Table— Elevations of Cottage—Elevations
of mortar, 2o" to 28 inches in width, and of the required thickness of the first coat, i Cotttttre—Flower Stand— Front and End Elevation of a Store— Hat Rack withof
applied to the angles of a room or edge of a wall and parallelly, at intervals of 3 I Details-Hall Interior for Country Hotel—House, By S. N. Small- Haud-Rail
to 5 feet over the surface to be covered. When these have become sufficiently j Problems—Interior Section of Frame Church—Japanese Cabinet- Letters and
hard to withstand the pressure of a straight edge, the interspaces between the Monograms—Lounge Design— Library Chair- Library Table and Bungalow-
screeds should be filled out flush with them, so as to produce a continuous and Mantel and Cabinet—Miscellaneous Designs, Plate 16, 20, 28—Mechanics of Arch
straight, even surface. Slipped Coat is the smoothing off of a brown coat with itecture^—Mantel for Billiard Room — NewB Stand—New Style Coal bins—New
a small quantity of lime putty, mixed with three per cent, of white sar.d so as to Designs
make a comparatively even surface. This finish answers when the surface is to be — Plans for and
Turners— Oriental Turned Work—Perspective and Plan of a Church
Elevations of an Apartment House— tûeen Anne Cottage—Screen
finished in distemper or paper. Haid Finish: Fine stuff applied with a trowel to !
the depth of about 4; of an inch. 13. Cement for External Use.—Ashes. 2 parts; i and Fireplace for Office—Store Front—Seaside Cottage—School-house, Wheel
ing. W. Va. — Studies
clay, 3 parts; sand, 1 part; mix with a little oil. Very durable. 14. Composi Suite of Chamber Furniture—Two for Amateurs—Stairway in Hall—Steel Square Problems—
tions for Streets and Roads.—Bitumen, 16.8T5 parts; asphaltum, 2.25 parts; oil of Designs for Mantels—Tool Chest—Village Elevations of Cottage—Two Cabinets—Two
resin, 6.25: sand. 1.35 parts. Thickness from 1$ to if inches. Asphaltum, 55 lbs., j Barn— Ventilation of Sewers—Wall
md gravel 28.7 IbB. will cover an area of 10 75 square feet. 15. Asphalt Memorial Paper Design—Working Drawings of Lmbrella Stand— Wall Bracket—Walcot
Church, at Walcol, N. Y.
Composition.—Mineral pitch, 1 part; bitumen, 11 parts; powdered stone or Besides the foregoing full page illustrations, the Volume contains a number of
wood ashes, 7 parts. 16. Asphalt Mastic is composed of nearly pure carbonate of
lime and about 9 or 10 per cent, of bitumen. When in a state of powder it is "cuts" of cabinets, scroll-work, machines, appliances, and other things; and
mixed with about 7 per cent, of bitumen in mineral pitch. The powdeied about 150 pages of text, including tables, rules, and memoranda for builders,
asphalt is mixed with the bitumen in a melted state along with clean carpenters, cabinet-makers and others. The Volumes are bound in cloth—" stiff
Cravel, and consistency is given to pour it into molds. The asphalt is covers"—with gold title on back.
ductile, and has elasticity to enable it, with the small stones sifted upon
it, to resist ordinary wear. Sun and rain do not affect it, wear and tear do not Otis Bros. & Co., are busily engaged in manufacturing safety steam and hy
seem to injure it. The pedestrian in many cities in the United States and Canada, draulic elevators. Their factory at Yonkers, comprises a large and commodious
can readily detect its presence on the sidewalk by its peculiar yielding to the foot building, which is filled with a good quality of machinery. They have also added
as tie steps over it. It is also a most excellent roofing material when rightly ap within a few months a large quantity of new tools, and are now turning out some
very large hydraulic elevators for parties in New York, and other parts of the
plied, it being on record in France that a stout roof of this material withstood country.
the accidental full of a stack of chimneys, with the only effect of bruising the This concern have largely increased their capacity during the past
mtnic, readily repaired. 17. Asphalt for Walks.—Take 2 parts very dry lime year, and they now employ about 200 men.
136 \JVLY,
The firm of E. T. Barnum's wire and iron work?. Detroit, Mich., is turning out
some fine examples of roof cresting, finials. nnd oilier ornamental iron work. strain occasioned by filing all parts of a tooth at one time, and at
The stable furniture, hay racks, iron fences, iron stairs, shutters, bedsteads, Ac, the same lime to get all possible wear out of the files.
Ac, are known all over the Western and Middle States, for their artistic finish, The construction of the ordinary three cornered file used for
durability, and honesty of workmanship. The recent increase of trade has caused saws is well known; the corners being the most delicate part, are
the firm to add some new designs to their product*, and thev now turn out work the first to wear away, and although the body of the file is still
in the most modern styles, and equal in quality to any matte in the country. good, the corners being gone, is of no further use. The plan adopted
Those mechanics who have used the " Saw file Guide,11 manufactured by E. in this machine is to provide a light, cheap file, cut only on its face
Roth & Bro., New Oxford, Pa., are well aware of its efficiency and satisfactory ; and corner, for sharpening the face of the teeth and gumming out
working, and will be agreeably surprised to hear that the makers have so im- I the luroat, and to alternate with a thick beveled file which
proved the machine that it is now simply perfect in operation and result-.
sharpens only the back of the tooth. Thus is secured the entire
11 What is home without a mother?" Well, indeed, a home without a mother
is not, generally speaking, the most Joyful spot on earth ; still, if the home is pro wear of the more expensive file, which will outwear two or three
vided with one of Lesley's Zero Refrigerators, and something eatable to put in it of the cheap corner files, and can be renewed at a low cost.
to keep cool until wanted, life may be made tolerably pleasant. But the home The head carrying the files runs in an oblong bearing which per
where both mother and refrigerator may be found is, without doubt, the only
paradise that exists on earth. The mother, b> her affection, self-denial, and mits it to vibrate to and from the saw, to compensate for high teeth
angelic qualities, allays all mental storms and morally purifies the intellectual or any other irregularity, and is provided with a pressure spring in
atmosphere, and thus tends to impart intellectual and moral strength. The re the thimble E, which can be adjusted to give any desired pressure
frigerator perform- for the physical part of the household what the mother does
for the mental. It tends to give sweetness to the every-day meals, nnd cools the against the teeth. It is also provided with a spring under the head,
dally beverages and makes them acceptable to the stomach, and thus aids to give which gives it an Upward pressure against the face of the tooth.
health, tone, and vigor to the body. Thus, it will be seen, that the high teeth, receiving the most pres
" Throw phyaic to the dogs 11 and buy a Zero Refrigerator from Alex. Lesley, sure, will soon be filed to a level with the lower ones, and no
1897 Broadway, New York. trouble will be experienced in keeping them uniform. The srw
is held in a clamping jaw with the back resting against the gauge
F, which is readily adjusted to any width of saw by the screw C,
The Amesbury Band Saw Filing, and Band Saw and can be set at any angle. The clamping jaw is" operated by a
Setting Machines. cam on the hub of the gear, and opens and closes as the machine
USBH8 of band saws know how troublesome it is to keep their is feeding or filing. This jaw acts like a vise upon the saw when
saws in good working order, and how difficult it is to get the files are in contact with the teeth, and immediately releases
them right when once, by cither careless filing, accident, or unskill it when in contact with the feeder.
ful setting they gel in bad shape. For many years, the want of ! From the foregoing description, and an inspection of the cut,
some machine or device by which these saws could be put in good our mechanical readers will readily comprehend the action of this
order rapidly and efficiently, was felt by those having charge of machine. It is characterized by great simplicity ; it is strongly con
them. The want need be no longer felt, as the Amesbury machines structed, and is affirmed to be very durable; it can be readily
meet the requirements fully aud satisfactorily both as.Jo rapidity adjusted to its work. The files are made of the best mill steel, and
and efficiency. they can be replaced at a cost coriesponding to that of an ordinary-
Band saws contain from 500 to 1,800 teeth, and to file them by saw file. The machines are made to take band saws from one 16th
hand takes an expert from one half to one and a half hours, and inch to 2 inches, and from the finest tooth to two teeth to the inch-
when this operation has to be performed several times a day, which
is the case where a saw is constantly in use, this condition of
things, it will be seen at once, entails considerable expense, and
the results are not always satisfactory. The Amesbury filing
machine, which is illustrated in the accompanying engraving, Fig.
1, is warranted to file a saw more accurately, in from five to ten
minutes, than the most expert filer could do it in an hour by hand;
and the cost of the files would not be any more. The machine is
designed to set on an ordinary bench, as seen in the engraving, and
the saw blade may either be suspended from a simple yoke above
FIG. 2. —BAND SAW SETTING MACHINE.

The band saw setting machine, designed by the same person, is
a machine equally useful and convenient in its way to the makers
and users of band saws as the machine above described. It is
shown in Fig. 2. It is designed and constructed upon entirely new
principles, and embodies all the good features of hand work incom-
bination with the speed and regularity of machine work. The
users of band saws have long felt the want of a machine that would
FIG. 1. —BAND SAW FILING MACHINE. hold a narrow saw in a rigid position and set the teeth without
straining the blade and that will set the teeth of any band saw with
the machine, or may be left in place on the band sawing machine. out in any manner affecting the blade. It is arranged to work by
The filing machine is provided with a feeding mechanism that can an easy, uniform crank motion, and wheu the tooth to be set is fed
be adjusted to suit any size of teeth, and is so arranged that it will into position, the blade is firmly locked between the steel jaws of
feed only the tooth that is to be filed. a vise, and remains immovable while the tooth is set to any degree
The mechanical construction of the machine will be understood required. As the crank goes forward, the blade is released, when
from the following: The file-head is composed of two sections, one the next tooth is fed up to the dies, the blade again locked in vise,
stationary and the other movable in the direction of its axis. The and this tooth set in the opposite direction. All these movements
stationary section carries the feeder and a very thin segmental file, are automatic, and can be carried on at a speed of 300 teeth per
which is intended to file only the face and throat of a tooth. The minute. The feeder picks up only the tooth that is to be set, conse
movable section carries a thick beveled file, suitable for the differ quently each tooth is fed to its proper position, regardless of tiieir
ent grades of teeth, and rotates on a higher plane and files the back irregularity. No further expense is required outside of the ma
of the tooth which has previously been filed on its face by the thin chine, as the band saw is simply hung up over the machine on a
file, and at the same time cleans off the bur on the point of the wooden bracket, and the lower part left pendant near the floor.
tooth. This file is adjustable up or down by a thumb-screw D, to Wherever these-machines have been tried they have universally
suit the grade of teeth, or to give any desired pressure upon the given satisfaction. Both these machines are manufactured by the
back of the same. The object of this construction is to divide the firm of Goodell & Waters. Thirty-first and Chestnut streets, Phila
labor of the files and to relieve the blade and machine from the delphia, to whom all inquiries and orders should be sent.
1882.] 137
portunity to people who want houses for choosing such a

building as may suit their requirements, and at the
same time enables them to occupy their own house at
once. This system also has other advantages; it does
away with the necessity of hasty and imperfect build
ing, and lessens the risks and inconveniences that are sure
to follow the occupancy of a newly finished dwelling. It is
not likely that builders will use unseasoned materials in
A JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ART. houses that have to remain on their hands for several
years before selling—it wouldn't pay. Of course only
PUBLISHED MONTHLY, wealthy builders who can afford to wait for results carry
on a business of this kind, but they get their reward,
inasmuch as needy builders cannot compete with them on
176 Broadway, N©-w Yorlc. this line. This system also tends to crush out " jerry
building" as the buildings referred to must necessarilv
be well constructed, or the continual inspection to which
they are subjected by intending purchasers would soon
PRICE. ONE DOLLAR AND FIFTY 0ENT8 A YEAR. bring to light their imperfections, and thus give the
houses such repute as would seriously depreciate the
price set on them.
CHARLES D. LAKEY. Publisher. FRED. T. HODGSON, Editor.
Newsdealers will please order through The varimit Xewt Companlef, THE Egyptians are supposed to have been the earliest
Subscriptions to Great Britain and the Continent of Europe. Australia and people amongst whom the art of cabinet making
Japan. $iMt: China, Sandwich Islands, Mexico, and C'nha, $1.10; South America, was brought to any stage of excellence. The scarcity of
authentic specimens of the furniture of ancient Egypt
may be attributed to the fact that most of it was made of
h.B.—Pirnon* remitting money to thin ojffUf through the jxmU are requested wood, and" has consequently succumbed to the depreda
(ither to procure a }wst~o£U'e order or to reg'uier the letter, and addreM it to the tions of the many centuries which have elapsed since that
pnblither, Chahi.es D. Lakey, 170 Broadway, Km York, to whom all letter* countrv enjoyed its prosperity. It must be remembered
of a bmiuexx character thonld be sent. that when we speak of ancient Egypt we are referring
back some two or three thousand years, and considering
their best productions, we may well marvel at the com
Vi )L. | Old Series, XVI 1 1 If AUuuOl.
inniTQT 1AQ9 ! Whole Number, l?!l paratively small amount of progress which has been made
I New Series, IV. 100Z. (New Number, - B during that period. At the time of Joseph (that is to say,
about 3,300 years ago) the art of chair-making was
brought to such perfection that chairs were elaborately
decorated, made without any under-framing, and the ex
quisite patterns of the luxurious coverings of the fauteuils,
sc., are even pirated at the present day. The reception-
room of the ancient Egyptian was generally better fur
nished than any other apartment in the house, and it was
here he was required to show his taste in the decoration
Mi and distribution of those articles which constituted the
furniture of the room. The walls, which were generally
lUl -A —» of stucco, were ornamented with decorations executed in
fiat tints, without any attempt at shadow or shade, and
always treated in a conventional manner. The ceilings
were decorated after the same manner as the sides of the
room, or perhaps more elaborately, the pattern being
sometimes set and divided into parts, after the manner
AS we are determined to push the Builder and subsequently adopted by the Greeks. Amongst the usual
Wood-worker into every nook and corner in these furniture of their apartments were couches, ottomans,
great United States and Canada, during the ensuing sum fauteuils, chairs, footstools, tables, <fec, whilst mats or
mer and fall, and have determined to make extraordinary skins covered the floors. The paintings upon the ancient
arrangements with agents who are willing to take hold of papyrus leaves, which are preserved in the British
the paper and push it, for the next sixty days we will Museum, give a very concise idea of the furniture and
give such commissions for new yearly subscribers that fittings of the interiors of an Egyptian house.
enterprising young fellows will be able to make from 6 to
10 dollars a day with very little effort. We offer a good
paper fur a very low price, and everybody who is engaged
in any of the pursuits it represents takes it at sight. IN 1872, the municipality of Paris established a free pub
And so they may, for there is no journal published in the lic apprenticeship school for the education of workers
whole world that gives so much for so small a price as in wood and iron, which has been so successful that
the BriLDER and Wood-worker is sold for. Write to $400,000 has been recently voted for the establishment of
us for information regarding our terms, and we are sure similar schools in various parts of the city. The course of
you will be satisfied. study covers three years, and the instruction is divided
into general and technical. The general course in
cludes the elements of mathematics, physics, mechanics
LONDON builders, like London merchants, keep their and chemistry in their relation to industry, also explana
manufactured goods in stock. Houses, of nearly tions concerning the tools, the materials, the processes and
every grade, are built, finished and completed in every the products presented by the range of practice of the
particular, and are held for years. This gives an op workshops. During the summer visits are paid to in
138 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [Aug.,
dustrial establishments, of which the scholars give an ac WITH regard to the foregoing extract, it is safe to say
count in writing. that some one has got the ear of the Herald, that
The trade instruction in the workshops is subdivided hasn't scrupled to offer statements at variance with truth.
into two courses. In the first the pupils are taught the That many good, steady carpenters and joiners come
nature and condition of materials. In the second they from the rural districts, is a fact, which leads us to men
pass to actual construction. During the first two years tion the other fact that at least two-thirds of the botchers,
six hours daily are spent in the workshop and four in wood butchers and mud spreaders that we find in cities,
the school. In the third year eight hours are spent in the also come from the rural districts. That a " competent
workshop and two in the school. carpenter and mason can hardly be found except among
M. Tolain, president of the commission having the sub men who come from the country," is simply absurd on the
ject under consideration, in his report says : " In con face of it. The city mechanic, one who has grown up in
sequence of the virtual abolition of apprenticeship in most his trade, in the city, sees more of the true methods of
trades, and owing to the specialization and subdivision working in one month than a country workman does in
of manufactures recently from the introduction of ma five years. Practical men know that work good enough
chinery, the number of skillful and intelligent workmen to be acceptable in a country town, would, in nine cases
in all branches of industry and art manufactures has out of ten, be condemned in a city. Country workmen
decreased, and the standard of technical knowledge coming to New York have to unlearn a great deal they
has been lowered." This he considers has been espe have been taught, to learn many things they never heard
cially prejudicial to French manufactures, the distin of. That many houses are badly constructed in this city,
guishing merit of which he believes to have consisted is true, and is a standing disgrace to the builders ; but
in originality of design. He believes that a remedy the cause of this bad construction is not for lack of good
for these evils will be found in the establishment of ap mechanics ; but because of parsimony on the part of
prenticeship schools, the object of which should be mainly, owners, cupidity of contractors and laxity of superin
not the creation of foremen, but the theoretical and tendence. No one can slight work with as much ease as
practical education of workmen proper. Among the the finished workman, and we have known of instances
schools to be founded is one for the furniture trades, to where the best working talent and skill was employed to
form workers in wood, who would become chiefly cabi cheapen work, at the expense of solidity and durability,
netmakers and upholsterers, but also carpenters, joiners, so that the difference might go into the pockets of the
and wood-carvers; and workers in iron intending to be contractor. There are very few mechanics that do not
come general smiths and workers in metal for the same take a loving interest in their work, and who would
trade, and for decorative purposes. faithfully perform their parts if they were allowed ; but
We are thoroughly of the opinion that a school of every man nowadays must work up at high-pressure
this kind should pertain much more of the workshop than speed, and the employer seldom asks him how good the
of the school, and that the teachers who are brought in work is done, but now much of it is performed in a given
direct contact with the pupils should be mechanic-* who time. The workman is in a measure dependent on his
have, for several years at least, earned their daily bread employer ; and it is to satisfy him that quantity is made
at the bench or forge. Kid-gloved teachers will always to usurp the place of quality. It is true that there are a
tail, when teaching the hard matter-of-fact operations. great many bungling mechanics in New York, but there
are no more in proportion than there are in other cities.
This is not owing, however, to trade unionism, but rather
from lack of a good old-fashioned apprentice system,
THE New York Herald is noted for its fairness—from and from a tendency of employers to engage cheap men
its point of view—when discussing mallei's in con to perform work requiring skill and higher remuneration.
nection with strikes and labor movements. Indeed, If the Herald wants any good work done for its owners,
during the present struggle between labor and capital, and is willing to pay for it, The Builder and Wood-
the Herald has thrown its great influence in favor of the Wokker wiff undertake tV find I dozen 'times 'more men
■ 1 j 1 classes,
industrial 1. ___ because
■ ItM 1_has
_ _ recognized
- .J their
a. L— — -rights
-_L a. - l
w the city of New York, capable of doing it as well and
in the contest. Sometimes, however, even the Herald as cheaply as it can be executed for by workmen from
gets on the wrong scent and arrives at conclusions that any part of the round world. Let the Herald turn its
facta do not justify. The following, which is taken from a guns on the employers of labor of this sort, and those
recent issue, contains several statements that are mislead who have superintendence over it, and show them how
ing, simply because they have strayed from the facts : they may get good work done ; this will be much better
"Able carpenters and masons, such as the rural districts than advising country workmen to come to this city, to
are full of, are almost unknown in New York. In one find when they get here they are only novices in the
branch of the art of building there are men who can lay building arts. Many a mechanic who in his country home
beamSjOthers who can nail down flooring and a few who can was noted for his skill and good taste, finds his face tingle
do joiner work ; in the other there are men who lay walls, with shame at his ignorance when he enters the lists with
some who put on lath and others who can spread plaster; city workmen.
but a competent carpenter or mason can hardly be found
except among men who come from the country. The
result is the worst lot of houses, for the money expended,
that can be found in the United "States. If co-operation
is possible in America now is the golden time for a few
able country builders, who have a little money to com
bine, to come to New York and put up houses that will
not disgrace the entire guild of builders. Although
wages in New York are no higher than at many small
places in the interior there is no place east of the Rocky
Mountains where houses are as badly built and at the
same time cost as much as here, and incompetent work Plate 57 we show two designs with floor plans,
men are the principal cause of the difference. Let the for cheap cottages, suitable for village or country.
country builder come in and shame our city bunglers either Both houses are inexpensive and neat. The one shown
into learning their business properly, or into retiring to on the top of the plate is a very convenient house, and
some trade more befitting their lack of skill and character." would answer the requirements of many well-to-do
r
Firot Floor. .Second Floor.

mechanics. The cost of such a house, in the central or arch are called the hauntket, and the load in the triangular space,
western States, would be about #1,400. Of course, a between the haunches and a horizontal line drawn from the
great deal would depend on the way in which it was fin crown, is called the spandrel.
The blocks of masonry, or other material, which support two
ished inside. It could be built for less, and could easily successive arches, are called p'ers ; the extreme blocks, which in
cost #000 more. the case of stone biidges generally support on one side embank
The cottage shown on the lower part of the plate, ments of earth, are called abutments.*
should be built fur #800. It would made a comfortable A pier strong enough to withstand the thrust of either arch,
should the other fall down, is sometimes called an abutment pier.
home for a person of small means, and whose family con Besides their own weight, arches usually support a permanent
sisted of only two or three persons. load or surcharge of masonry or of earth.
Plate 58 shows alternative designs for a town house. In using arches in architectural constructions, the form of
The drawing is from the office of S. M. Howard, Wheel arch is generally governed by the style of the edifice, or by a
ing, W. Va. limited amount of space. The semicircular and segmental forms
of arches are the best as regards stability, and are the simplest to
Plates 59 and 60 show competitive sketches for a construct. Elliptical and three centered arches are not as strong
building designed for the Y. M. C. A., of Newburgh, as circular arches, and should only be used where they can lie
given all the strength desirable.
The sketches are by Rossiter & Wright, architects, which The strength of an arch depends very much upon the care with
it is built and the quality of the work.
149 Broadway, New York City. In stone arches, special care should be taken to cut and lay the
Plates 61 ;ind 62 show some samples of dining-room beds of the stones accurately, and to make the bed-joints thin
furniture taken from a work (Fashionable Furniture) and close, in order that the arch may be strained as little as possi
recently published by J. O. Kane, of this city, and to ble in settling.
which we refer in our book reviews in the present issue. mortarTo insure this, arches are .sometimes built dry, grout or liquid
being afterwards run into the joints ; but the advantage of
On Plate 63 we exhibit a design for a mantel, which this method is doubtful.
for originality, odility and variety, exceeds anything we BmcK arch ks may be built either of wedge-shaped bricks,
have seen for some time. The design contains a number moulded or rubbed so as to tit to the radius of the soffit, or of
of suggestions and combinations which some of our | bricks of common shape. The former method is undoubtedly the
best, as it enables the bricks to be thoroughly bonded as in a wall ;
artists, who love novelties, will, no doubt, appreciate. but as it involves considerable expense to make the bricks of the
The design is the work of E. G. X. Dietrich, of Pitts proper shape, this method is very seldom employed. Where
burgh, Penn. luicks of the ordinary shape are used, they arc accommodated to
We have frequently been asked to publish ;'. series of i the curved figure of the arch by making the bed-joints thinner
articles on Stair Building and Hand Railing, and in sev i towards the intrados than towards the extrados, or if the curvature
is sharp, by driving thin pieces of slate into the outer edges of
eral instances have been asked to publish Jones' system, I those joints; and different methods are followed for bonding them.
or the system taught by Mr. Mayer, and published in the The most common way is to build the arch in concentric rings, each
Carpenter and Joiner's Assistant. In compliance with half a brick thick : that is, to lay the biicks all stretchers, and to
these requests, we have decided to republish the papers depend upon the tenacity of the mortar or cement for the connec
lion of the several rings. This method is deficient in strength,
and illustrations by Mayer, and Plate 64 is published with unless the bricks are laid in cement at least as tenacious as them
this object. Further explanation will be found in another selves. Another way is to introduce courses of headers at inter
column. vals, so as to connect pairs of half-brick rings together.
This may be done either by thickening the joints of the outer
of a pair of half-brick rings with pieces of slate, so that there
shall be the same number of courses of stretchers in each ring
The Stability of the Arch. between two courses of headers; or by placing the courses of
headers at such distances apart that between each pair of them
there shall be one course of stretchers more in the outer than in
l.Y ¥. H. hlDDEIi, II. C. K. the inner ring.
rpHE arch is ait arrangement for spanning large openings by
I means of small blocks of stone or other material, arranged in |
a certain way. As a rule the arch answers the same purpose as
the beam, but it is widely different in its action, and in the effect
that it has upon the appearance of an edifice. A beam exerts
merely a vertical force upon its supports, but the arch exerts both
a vertical load and an outward thrust. It is this thrust which re
quires that the arch should be used with caution where the abut Fio. ',>.
ments are not abundantly large. The former method is liest suited to arches of long radius, the
'alter to those of short radius. Hoop iron laid round the arch, be
i ween half-brick rings, as well as longitudinally and radially, is
very useful for strengthening brick arches. The bands of hoop
iron which traverse the arch radially may also be bent, and pro
longed in the bed joints of the backing and spandrels.
By the aid of hoop iron bond Sir Marc-Isambard Brunei built a
half-arch of biicks laid in strong cement, which stood projecting
from ils abutment like a bracket, to the distance of 60 feet, until it
was destroyed by its foundation being undermined.
The New York City Building Laws make the following require
ments regarding brick arches :
Kio. 1. " All arches shall be at least four inches thick. Arches over
four feet span shall be increased in thickness toward the haunches
Before taking up the principles of the arch it may be well to de by additions of four inches in thickness of brick : the first addi
line the many terms relating to the arch. The distance, c c. Fig. tional thickness shall commence at two and a half feet from the
1, is called the sjxin of the arch, a i its rue, b its crcnen ; its lower center of the span, the second addition at six and one-half feet from
boundary line, e a c, its toffit, or intrados ; the outer boundary line the center of the span, and tire thickness shall be increased thence
its Ixick, or e.rt.rados. The terms soffit and back are also applied to four inches for every additional four feet of span towards the
the entire lower and upper curved surfaces of the whole arch. Tin- haunches.
ends of the arch, or the sides which are seen, are called its faces. " The said brick arches shall be laid to a line on the centers
The blocks of which the arch itself is composed are called rous I with a close joint, and the bricks shall be well wet, and the joints
ioirs ; the center one, k, is called the keystone, and the lowest ones, tilled with cement mortar, in proportions of not more than two of
* *, the springers. In segmental arches, or those whose intrados is sand to one of cement, by measure. The arches shall be well
not a complete semicircle, the springers generally rest upon two grout d and pinned or chinked with slate and keyid."
stones, as K R, which have their upper surface cut to receive them ; Ilule for Radius of lirick Arches. —A good rule for the radius of
these stones are called tkeabaeks. The line connecting the lower j segmental brick arches over windows, doors, and other small
edges of the springers is called the springing line ; the sides of the I openings is to make the radius eipial to the width of the opening. This
gives a good rise to the arch, and makes a pleasing proportion to Depth of keystone for a single arch,
the eye. in feet — ^/ ( jg x ra(jius at crown.)
It is often desirable to span openings in a wall by means of an
arch, when there is not sufficient abutments to wi'hstand the thrust, Depth of keystone for an arch of a series,
or kick, of the arch. In such a case the arch can be formed on in feet = \/ (. n x radius at crown.)
two cast iron skewbacks, which are held In place by iron rods, as
is shown in rig. 2. This rule seems to agree very well with actual cases in arches of
In such a case it is necessary to proportion the hzc of the rods to a certain kind. By it, however. the lepth of keystone is the same
the thrilet of the arch. The horizontal thrust of the arch is very for spans of any length, provided the radius is the same, and in thh
nearly represented by the following formula : particular, it seems to us, the rule is not satisfactory.
Tratitirine'st Rue. —Mr. Trautwine, from calculations made on a
Hor. thrust - '°*d ? »^ Xjg»° . large number of arches, has deduced an original rule for the depth
8 X rise of arch in feet of keystone, which is more agreeable to theory than Rankine's.
If two tension rods are used, as is generally the case, the diame His rule is, for cut atone,
ter of each rod can be determined by the following rule : Depth of key, in feet = (V rad: + hajf spatT)_|_ .2 fO0t.
Diameter in inches ■ \/ total load on arch x span
10 X rise of arch in feel X T854 For neeo-id-elo** work, this depth may be increased about one
If only one rod is used, S should be substituted in the place of eighth part, or for brief: or fair rvbb'e about one-fourth.
16, in the numerator of ihe above rule, and if three rods are used. The following table gives a few examples of the depth of key
24 should be used instead of 16. stone of some existing bridges, together with the depth which would
CENTERS FOR ARCHES. be required by Traut wine's or Rankine's rule. From this table it
.4 center is a temporary structure, generally of timber, by which will be seen that both rules agree very well with practice.
the voussoirs of an arch are supported while the areh is being
built. It consists of parallel frames or ribs, placed at convenient Table I
distances apart, curved on the outside to a figure parallel to that
of the soffit of the arch, and supporting a series of transverse Shotting depth of Keystone of tome exuding atehee.
planks, upon which the arch stones rest.
Calculated
M 1 depth of ■i
BKinftE-fCirriiUr arc.) Engineer.
•'alrin John. Washington Aqueduct , Ft. 57.25

220 Ft. 184.25
Ft. Ft.
4.6
Ft.
4.11
Ft. J
4.0 Meigs.
(Irosvenor Bridge. Chester, Eng. . 200 42 140 :4 4 07 4.1 'Hartley.
Dora Kiparia, Tuna. Italy 148 IS 160.1 4.92 4.C8 4 SS Mosca.
Tongucland, England 118 38- I 114.8 3.5 3.0 2.79 Telford.
f)ean Bridge. Scotland, in a aerie*.. 90 SO 48.0 3.0 2.62 2. 8< Telford.
Falla Bridge. Phila. & Reading R. R. 78 2.1 CS 3.0 2.46 2.27 Steele.
Ohotnut St. Bridge. Phila.. hrick
in cement 60 84 9.5 O .J 2.0 Kinase.
Philadelphia and Reading It. R. .. 44 34.8 2.5 s'.8 2.02 Steele.
SI. 3 20.8 i.ei 1.8? 1.79 Steele.
I / r-. »
Table II., taken from Trautwine's Civil Engineers' Hand-Book,
gives the depth of keystone for arches of first class cut-stone, ac
- 1-
cording to Trautwine's rule. For second-class cut-stone add about
one-eighth part, and for good rubble or brick about one-fourth
Fid. 3. part.
The most common kind of center is one which can be lowered oi Table II.
struck all in one piece, by driving out wedges from below it, so as
to remove the support from every point of the arch at once. Table of Key*tone-ifor arches offrut-clou cut-stone.
The center of an arch should not he struck until the solid part of
the backing has been built, and the mortar has had time to set aud Rise in Pahts of the SrAN.
harden ; and when an arch forms one of a series of arches, with piers Span. Feet. 1 >
between them, no center should be struck, so as to leave a pier with ; vv I V. v„
an arch abutting against one side of it only, unless the pier has suf Key. Ft. Kev;FI 1 Kev. Ft. Key. Ft. Kev. Ft. Key. Ft. Kev. Ft.
ficient stability to act as an abutment. 2 .55 .8)1 I .58 .60 .61 .64 .68
When possible the center of a large brick arch should not be I ;o .72 .74 .70 .79 .it) .88
struck for two or three months after the arch is built. 6 .si .si; .89 .92 .97 1 03
8 .'.11 .96 1.00 1.03 1.09 1.16
MECHANICAL PRINCIPLES OF THE ARCIL in .99 1.01 1.04 1.07 i.ir 1.18 1.26
15 1.17 1.19 1.22 1.21 1.80 1.40 i..:o
In designing an arch the first question to he settled is the form of -.11 1 32 1.85 1.38 1.43 1.48 1.59 1.70
the arch, and in regard to this there is generally but little choice. 25 ! . 15 1 is 1 53 1.58 1.64 1 76 1.88
30 1.51 loo 1 65 1.71 1.7s 1 91 . 2.04
Where the abutments are abundantly large the segmental arch is 35 1 us 1. ;o 1.76 1 S3 1.90 2 0 1 2.19
the strongest form, but where it is desired to make the abutments ID 1 78 LSI l>8 1.93 2.03 2.18 2.33
of the arch as light as possible a pointed or semicircular arch 50 1.97 2.00 2.0S 2,111 2.25 2.41 3.58
in i 2 I 1 2. IS 2 26 2.35 2.44 2.62 2 80
should be used. Ml 2 II 2.49 2 58 2.08 2 78 2.98 3. IS
Depth of Keyt'one .—Having decided upon the form of the arch, 100 2 70 2.75 2 SO 2.97 3,09 3.32 3.55
the depth of the arch ring must next be decided. This is generally Iini -.'ii 2 91
3.16
2 '.HI
3.21
3.10
3.88
3.22
3.16 .'1.33
3.00
3.01
3.87
3.88
(.15
determined by computing the required depth of keystone and mak 160 3.86 8. 44 3 5S 3 72 387 4.17
ing the whole ring of the same or a little larger depth. ISO 3. no 8.63 3.75 3 Ml 4.06 I 3*
In considering the strength of an arch, the depth of the keystone is 220 Clio 3.74 3.81 8.U5 4 12 4.29
considered to be only the distance from the extrados to the intrados 210 8 91 4.00 4.13 4.30 4'4S
4 o; 1.15
■4.81 4..'HI I IS
of the arch, and if the keystone projects above the arch ring, as in 200 I 21 1.17 I 66
Figure. 1, the projection is considered as a part of the load on the 280 I 38
1.53
1.46
I 1,2
4.83
4.80
arch.
There arc several rules for determining the depth of the keystone,
but all are empirical, and they differ so greatly .that it is difficult to Having decided what the thickness of the nrch ring will be, it
recommend any particular one. Prof. Rankine's rule is often quoted, remains to determine whether such an arch would be stable if
and is probably true enough for nio>-t arches. It applies to both built.
circular and eliptical arches, and is as follows : The following example will illustrate the method of determining
Bankine'x Rule —Fur Ihe ilepth of the key*to«e, take a mean propor
tional between the inside radius at the crown, and .12 of a foot for thisExample point :
I, nnloa'hA s-micircul/ir arch of 21 pet upan.
single arch, and . 17 of a foot for an arch forming one of a seiies. First, to find the depth of keystone, we will take Rankin's rule,
Or, if represented by a formula. and by it we have.—
* Elevation on 3T.cf /trcet. *
144: THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [A UG.,
Depth of key — ^/.n'x 10 — y/\.i — 1.1 ft. this point a line to the second vertical, parallel to P 2, and so on.
Trautwine's rule would give us the same. The last line should pass through B. If these lines, which we will
call the line of resistance, all lie within the middle third, the arch
or, V10 + 10 + -2 feet — 1.1 ft. may be considered to be stable. Should the line of resh tanee pass
outside of the arch ring, the arch should be considered unstable.
But if we should compute the stability of a semicircular arch of In Fig. :i this line does not all lie in the middle third, and we must
20 feet span, and 1.1 feet depth of keystone, we .should find that see if a liue of resistance' can be yet drawn within that limit.
the arch was very unstable; hence in this case we must throw the The line of resistance in Fig. 3 passes farthest from the middle
rule aside and go by our own judgment. In the opinion of the third at the seventh joint from the top. and we will next pass a
writer, such an arch should have at least 21 feet depth of arch ring, line of resistance through A, and where the lower line of the mid
and we will try the stability of the arch with that thickness. dle third cuts the 7th joint, or at O, Fig. 4.
In all calculations on the arch, it is customary to consider the To do this we must prolong the line g h, parallel to O 7, until it
arch to be one foot thick at right angles to its face, for it is evident intersects A O. In this case it intersects it at O, but this is merely
that if an arch one foot thick is stable, any number of arches of an accident. It would not always do so. Through O draw a ver
the same dimensions built alongside of it would be stable. tical intersecting P A prolonged at C. Draw a line through C and
Graphic Solution of the Stability of the Arch.—The most convenient D, and the horizontal line P Q. Fig. 4. opposite the point 7, this
method of determining the stability of the arch is by the graphic line represents the new horizontal thrust H. Draw A P — P (J,
method, as it is called. and the lines P 1, P 2, &e. Then draw the line of resistance as be
First draw one-half the arch to as large a scale as convenient, fore. It should pass through D, if drawn correctly. This time
and divide it up into voussoirs of equal size. Ill this example, we see that the line of resistance lies within the middle third ex
shown in Fig. 3, we have divided the arch ring into 10 equiil cept just a short distance at the springing, and hence we may
voussoirs. (It is not necessary that these should be the actual consider the arch stable. If it had gone outside the middle third
voussoirs of which the arch is built.) The next step is to find the this time, to any great exteut, we should have considered the arch
area of each voussoir. Where the arch ring is divided into voussoirs unstable.
of equal size, this is easiest done .by computing the area of the arch
ring and dividing by the number of voussoirs.
Rule for area of one Jul If of arch tiny is as follows :
Area in sq. ft. — .7834 X (outside radius squared — inside radius Chats with our Carvers. •
squared). FLORAL FORMS AS APPLIED TO "QUEEN ANNE."
In this example the whole area equals .7854 X (12.5' — 10')= " Hy slow degrte* to noble art* we rise.'*
42.2 sq. ft. As there are 10 equal voussoirs, the area of each
voussoir is 4.4 sq. ft. WE shall not apologize for inviting our carvers to consider yet
Having drawn out one-half of the arch ring, we divide each further the treasures of nature that lie so handy to their
joint itito 8 equal parts, and from the point A, Fig. 3, we lay off chisels. At this time of the year, when vegetation is bursting forth
to a scale the area of each voussoir, one below the other, commenc into so many new and vigorous forms, opportunities occur Tor the
ing with the top voussoir. The whole length of the line A E, will study of natural design that do not present themselves at other
equal the whole area drawn to same scale. seasons. As the poet Arnold puts it, —
The next step is to find the vertical line passing through the cen •• In the sweet spring days
ter of gravity of the whole arch ring. To do this it is first neces With whitening hedges and iincrnnipling fern.
sary to draw vertical lines through the center of gravity of each And blne-bella trembling by the forest ways,
voussoir. The center of gravity of one voussoir can be found by And ecentnf hay new-mowD,"
the method of diagonals, as in the second voussoir from the top. there are especial charms which may be turned to profitable ac
Fig. 3 Having the center of gravity of one voussoir, the centers count. Flowers, "earth-stars," as they have been aptly called, are
of gravity of the others can easily be obtained from it. in themselves so beautiful, that to say anything to commend their
Next, from A and E, Fig 8, draw lines at 45 with A E, inter study seems almost as superfluous as to paint the lily, or to gild
sec-ting at O. Draw O 1, O 2, O 8, etc. Then where A O inter refined gold. It may, however, happen that some of our carvers,
sects the firef vertical line at ", draw a line parallel to O 1, from the matter never having been brought under their notice, or
intersecting the second vertical at h. Draw h c parallel to () 2, r d owing to a town life or other hindering cause, have not hitherto
parallel to O 3, and so on to k n parallel to O 10. Prolong this fully appreciated these natural beauties, or have failed to see in them
line downward until it intersects A O, prolonged at D. Then a any practical bearing for themselves. To such we again address
vertical liue drawn through I) will pass through the center of ourselves, hoping to demonstrate t'o them that in the study of such
gravity of the arch ring. subjects they may gain both enjoyment and profit. A loving ap
. Now, draw a horizontal line through A (the upper part of the preciation of nature has in all ages characterized the noblest minds,
middle third) and a vertical line through O, the two lines inter and the advantage of such study in the art school of Dame Nature
secting at C. Fig. 8. was beautifully put by Professor Richmond, in his recent Oxford
addresses. At the risk of being charged with plagiarism, we em
body his remarks upon this topic in extemo, for they so exactly
convey the lessons we wish to impress upon our ••wood
sculptors."
" Now I would ask you," says the Professor, " to follow me into
the fields and there to see whether it would not be a pity that any
' *V ' student of art should ever go there without his pencil and book.
In the first place, we all know that nature is inexhaustible, that
her power of suggesting forms and combinations of forms is end
less. It was in old days from natural objects that the Greeks de
rived their patterns, the Byzantine artists their interweaving de
signs of flowing vines, and the Goths found out their endless
wreath of ornament. Only recently a Persian carpet, dating from
,\ X- N, . I, / i the end of the sixteenth century, was shown to me. In words it is
impossible to convey 11113' idea whatever of the variety of flowers
which covered the surface, dowers not conventionally but truly
drawn, while at the same time they were arranged and ordered with
sufficient geometrical precision to form a definite pattern. Now
, each and every oneof the flowers woven in this carpet must have been
4 studied carefully from nature, for the daintiness of drawing, finish
of color, and characteristic growth could not have been so finely
! conceived or so various in all their attributes had not the artist
been fully alive to the beauty of nature. If there is to come a new
Fig. 4. style, an individual style, let us call it—by individual I mean the
workings of a man's taste made visible in his art—it must be
Now that the arch shall be stable, it is considered necessary that through the study of nature acting upon a trained taste formed on
it shall be possible to draw a line of resistance of the arch within the example of good works of art. Having learnt what the laws
the middle third. We will, then, first assume that the line of re of design are, having acquired taste for that which is most pleasing
sistance shall act at A. and come out at B. in the combination of lines, by contact with specimens from Greek.
Then draw the line <J B, and a horizontal line opposite the point Roman, Byzantine, or Gothic designs, let him who is prompted
10, between CJ nnd P. This horizontal line represents the horizon with a desire to express himself in form betake himself to fields or
tal thrust at the crown. gardens, and there draw whatever he admires in leaf or flower.
Draw A P equal to Q P, and the lines P1.P2.P3, &c. And let him do this in courage, trusting that the judgment born in
Then from the point where A V prolonged^ intersects the first him by the experience he has gained in the study of good work will
vertical, draw a line to the second vertical, parallel to P 1, from not fail him. Gathering thus from nature, a true student will gel
1882.] THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. 14r5
material to work upon in his designs, and he will find himself anx- ahle advice, we aunex a few simple examples of floral forms as
ions to express himself rather than to copy others. We must re applied to Queen Anne. In rough pen-and-ink sketches it is difti-
member that in old times the architect of a cathedral, church, or cult to do more than indicate the flowers treated, so that a few
building, for whatever purpose designed, trusted much to the explanatory notes are necessary. Fig. T is a conventional rendering
workmen for the details of carving and ornament. These work- of the field rose, the flower and leaf of which is very pretty, and
men varied (as we see by their workmanship) in natural ability, well adapted for the decoration of a long panel, drawer-front, or
Some were cleverer designers than others were, some had more frieze. Fig s is intended to indicate a little pansy panel, that can
fancy than others had, whilst again others among them were little he matched up with any similar flower. Fig. 9 shows how a
else than excellent manipulators, or good carvers in marble or creeper may l>e entwined amongst geometrical forms with pleasing
stone. But such men as these were true artists, and one of the elfect. In this case the major convolvulus had been employed,
great interests, especially in Norman or early English architecture, Some floral forms lend themselves better to a perpendicular than
is the presence of the affections of many minds, the variety of in- a horizontal position, and it is well to consider the nature of the
vention, and variety of design, so got, anil only so, by the indi- flower or plant before placing it. Thus, to enrich the molding
vidual character of every worku.an's taste being stamped upon all shown in Fig. 10, the fuchsia is used, for as thus applied it
his achievements. I cannot, for my own part, see why the same retains the manner of its growth. " Daisy chains" suggest the
method of labor should not apply to modem management. lean- joys of bucolic childhood, and daisy " swags." as shown in Fig.
not see why, if the stonemason lived simply, cultivated his taste 11. are just as appropriate and pleasing.
(this he has plenty of facility for doing), and during his spare hours It would be wise of the young carver to pop out into the fields,
lived the life of an artist, during his walks studying nature and gather a specimen of each "of these examples, and make full-size
art, in holiday time refreshing his body and mind in the fields, drawings of the flowers for his portfolio, saving them against a
learning lessons in design from plants, flowers, herbs, weeds—in rainy day. Such a bank of natural wealth will yield good interest
fact, whatever he came across — I say I cannot sec why the carvers in years to come, and there will be found, as Professor Richmond
of our churches should remain mechanics only, nor can 1 see why says, "a reward in art greater than can be got by money."
he should not be a designer and artist, as were the masons of past It may be well to refer yet again to the advantages of "conven-
times. Whether he be trusted must depend upon himself, and i tional " reran purely "natural" treatment, and in order to make
before the workman of to-day is trusted to design, it must be quite the two terms distinct we may give a definition from a standard
certain that desire to do really good work exists in him. and, fur- authority : " Naturalism is the direct imitation of natural forms,
ther, that those artisans who would be dignified by the title of artist the ambition of the designer being to make his work as much like
must, in the first place, prove themselves to be honest workmen, the real thing as possible: while conventionalism, deriving its
They must give evidence that there is no desire to scamp any work inspiration from nature, modifies the forms to suit the requirements
laid" before them to execute. Faithful in copying with the utmost of ornament. Naturalism is animal or vegetable form merely
exactness, being animated by desire for perfection, work must be applied ; conventionalism is nature adapted. ' Ornamentation,' to
the pleasure, and labor the distinguished element, of him who de- quote one of our greatest writers on art, ' should be natural; that
sires ever to be truly an artist No really good designer ever is to say, should in some degree express or adopt the beauty of
scamps his work ; in fact, it is just in proportion to the strength natural objects ; it does not hence follow that it should be an exact
of imagination that the artist will keep up through toil, and he- imitation of, or endeavor to supersede. God's works' It may
come thereby the buttress of his invention. Whatever you fii.d in consist only in a partial adoption of and compliance with the usual
art of good design, whateverhas lasted through fashion and changes forms of natural things, without at all going to the point of imita-
of opinion, will always Ik- marked by good and perfect workman- tion ; and it is possible that the point of imitation may be closely
ship. There is to be found a reward in art greater than can be got reached by ornaments which, nevertheless, are entirely unfit for
by monev, and more, the best economy for every workman is good their place, and are the signs of a degraded ambition and an
w"ork and absolute conscientious labor. This must tell in the long ignorant dexterity." To indicate the lines of such study in a
run. and will, if persisted in through all temptations to slacken simple and practical way is merely the object of these chapters,
exertion, ultimately prove to la- physically and morally sue- To those who would pursue their researches more extensively, wc
oessful." , would recommend the perusal of Mr J. K. L'olliugs' "Art Botany '
By way of practically illustrating Professor Richmond's admir- and various standard works on plant form. — The Cabinet Mnier.
A New Pony Planer. at that time met with such favor that the firm, although pressed
SOME time ago we referred to the surface planers made by J. with orders, determined to complete the line of planers, and with
S. Graham & Co., Rochester, N. Y. The machine described this view, designed and made a No. 3 Pony, an illustration of
which is herewith shown. It is the lightest

planer of the kind the firm manufacture.
Compactness, durability, simplicity, strength
aud ease of adjustment, should be the aim of
designers of these machines, and our readers
will agree with us that the desired results
have been obtained in the planer presented.
The No. 3 weighs 1,400 lbs. ; has four
teed rolls, and three changes of feed, started
and stopped by a tightener. The bed is
closely fitted in heavy ways, and the thickness
planed is indicated by an index. The cutter
head is iron, with steel caps under the knives,
and a hard tool steel shaft running in large
and long bearings cast solid on the frame, and
filled with the best genuine Babbitt metal.
Owing to the improved pressure bars, very
thin or short stuff can be worked, as thin as
in. and as short as 4 inches. The pressure
bar on the rough lumber yields readily to any
inequality of the lumber, holding it firmly on
the bed, does not retard the feed, and the
hardest and most cross grained lumber can be
planed ready for sand papering.
This firm have now a full line, Nos. I,
2, aud 8, particularly adapted for fine work
on hard woods, or to meet the demands of
those who desire a compact machine to pro
duce a large amount of work. They differ
only in size, the larger doing more, but no
better work, than the smaller, and all having
the same improved construction.
Catalogues and any information desired, will be cheerfully screwed with a nut to embrace the side pieces. Such rods should
furnished by the makers. l be placed near the middle of a step, and dose to its under
side.
Another method of forming a stair expeditiously, is to notch
Stairs'and Hand-Railing. out the side pieces on their upper edge sufficiently to receive the
OTA1KS arc constructions composed of horizontal planes eleva- steps aud risers, thus; a it the side pieces, /) b the
O ted above each other, forming steps, affording the means of risers, and c c the step boards or treads (Fig. 3)
communication between the differ nt stories of a building. The risers are nailed at the ends to the sides or
In the distribution of a house of several stories, the stairs occupy strings, and the steps are nailed to the risers and
an important place. In new constructions their form may be regu also to the strings. Such methods as have been
lar, but in the reparation or remodeling of old buildings, the first described are often used in warehouses, factories,
consideration is generally to make the distribution suitable for the and agricultural buildings.
living and lodging rooms, aud then to convert to the use of the There is a contrivance for economizing space
stairs the spaces which may remain; giving to them such forms in sometimes used, which, perhaps it may lie well to
plan as will render them agreeable to the sight, and commodious mention, as the ascent is thereby made in about
in the use. one-half the space otherwise required.
A great variety of form in the plans of stairs is thus in a meas The width of this kind of stair is divided into
ure forced on the designer, leading to many ingenious contrivances two sets of steps, both of equal length and width,
for overcoming dlfficuJlies, disguising defects, and enhancing acci Fig. 3. but the risers, except the first aud la-st, are made
dental beauties, which he might not have adopted if unfettered in twice the usual height; thus, if the line » B (Fig.
his choice. These inventions, originated by necessity, are again 4) be 72 inches, and the width C D 38, and it is necessary to rise (*0
applied in cases where the necessity may not exist, recommended in., divide the line a B in nine equal parts, and make the step
by their intrinsic beauty, or by the desire for variety in desigu. equal to two of these parts; also, divide the width in two equal
"As introductory to the construction of stairs, a selection of some parts, and the height into ttyi equal parts, which gives 8 inches for
of the more simple contrivances are here presented. the tread, 8 inches for thebotlom riser, and 16 inches for the inter
That kind of stair which, after the common lad mediate risers a a, tfcc, and 8 for the top riser b. Arrange the risers
der, is the most simple, is formed of a thick plank in such order that the face line of one riser shall be in the midway
placed at a convenient angle to form the ascent betwixt the face of the one next below and the one next above,
and upon it are nailed pieces of wood to give a firm | as will better be seen by reference to Fig 5. The height of the
footing. This (Fig. 1) is often used in scaffolding, risers is so disp-'sed that the bottom riser sliall have the face of the
The stair next in degree is composed of horizon first step 8 inches from the floor, whilst the first step on b shall Ik
tal planks forming steps, just sufficiently wide lo 16 inches from the floor, and the succeeding risers 16 inehe-
give ii footing: the planks are tenoned on the ends each.
And let into mortises in two raking planks the In using this stair, one foot is placed on a step of one flighl, as
mortises are sometimes rectangular, at " (Fig. 4), and the other on a step of the other flight, as at *. and
as at (I \Fig. i), anil sometimes they so on alternately. Such stairs will only admit the passage of one
follow the inclination of the sides, person at a time.
as b and c. In the better sort the When it is required to admit of two persons passing each other,
outer edge of the step has a nosing, three flights are necessary, the center flight being made wider than
as at c. The tenons of the steps are the exterior flights (Figs. 6 and 7). This contrivance may lie
sometimes made so long as to pass used in places not sufficiently spacious to admit of stairs ot the
entirely through the sides, and are usual construction.
secured by keys on the outside; to When houses began to be built in stories, the stairs were plaeed
preserve the planks which form the from slory to story in straight flights like ladders. They wen-
steps from splitting, the sides of the erected on the exterior of the building, and to shelter them when
raking pieces are grooved to receive so placed, great projection was given to the roofs. To save the
their ends. The opposite side pieces, extent of space required by straight flights, the stairs were made
too. are often bound together by iron to turn upon themselves in a spiral form, and were enclosed iu
rods; one end of each rod having a turrets. A newel, either square or round, reaching from
rivet head, and the other end being the ground to the roof, served to support the ;iuner ends
±4=9
of the steps, and the called rough strings, the latter pitching pieces; and the rough strings
outer ends were let into have triangular pieces called rough brackets, fitted to the underside
the walls, or supported of the tread and riser.
on notched boards at The winders are supported by rough pieces called bearers, wedged
tached to the walls. into the wall, and secured to the strings.
At a later period the When the front strinz is ornamented with brackets, it is called a
stairs came to be inclosed bracketed stair.
within the building itself
and for a long time pre [Note.- These papers will be continued, and are presented more on account of
served the spiral form, their dealing thoroughly with the principles of constructing the body of stairs,
which the former situa than for the system they teach of forming hand-railing. We think the system
tion had necessitated. of hand railing taught by L. D. Gould and Robert Riddell much better adapted
lo the wants of American workmen tban the system here shown, though we are
Dif in IT ions. —The aware that many workmen prefer this method. Plate 04 will be referred to in a
apartment in which the subsequent issue. |
stair is placed is called
the staircase.
The horizontal part of
a step is called the tread,
the vertical part the riser,
the breadth or distance
from riser to riser the
iving, the distance from
the first to the last riser
in a flight the going of
thejight.
When the risers are
- D parallel with each other
Fig. I. the stairs are of course
straight. [The Editor docs not hold himself responsible for any opinions that appear in
When the steps are narrower at one end than the other, they are this column. Contributions are solicited from all who are interested in building
termed winders. operations, or wood-work of any kind. Letters will be judged entirely by the
When the bottom step has a circular end, it is called a round-end' d style of the writer, the merits of his subject, and the knowledge wtiich" he dis
step ; when the end is formed into a spiral, it is called a curtail step. plays of it. The name and address of the writer must accompany each letter,
not' necessarily for publication, but as an evidence of liis good faith. Be brief,
The wide step introduced as a rest courteous, and to the point.
ing-place in [Rejected communications can in no case be returned.1
the ascent is«
binding, and
the top of a Editor of The Builder and Wood-Worker :
stair is also so
called. I noticed a few mouths ago that one of our brother readers
When the desired some information in regard to painting plaster. Much
landing at a difference of opinion prevails as to time of painting. I have seen
resting place work painted a few weeks after the cement has set which has
is square, it is stood well. However, there is one point which has a great deal lodo
designated a witli the question of successful painting, namely the absorbency
quarter spaa: and dryness of the brick work itself. Many new walls saturated
When the with moisture are cemented and in this condition no paint can
landing occu possibly stand if laid on too soon. It is a good and safe rule to
pies the whole enforce, that Portland cement work should not be painted within
width of the a year of its completion to allow it to dry thoroughly ; but we are
staircase it is safe in saying that the majority of new fronts are painted before
Fig. 5. called a half Fig. B. they have been finished three months In painting plaster, white
spare. lead and linseed oil with a little dryer is recommended. Four
So much of a stair as is included between two landings ia<called coats ate not too many to insure good work. By the absorption of
11 fight, especially if the risers are parallel with each other: the the oil into the plaster the surface becomes hardened. A better
steps in this case are fliers. plan is to give two or three coats of oil before the color is >ip-
The outward edge of a step is nimed the noting; if it project plied.
beyond the riser, so as to receive a hollow moulding glued under For coloring cement use the following ; For black, pyrolusite
it, it is a moulded nosing. 12;,. Bed, caput mortuum %. Green, ultramarine green o% Blue,
A straight-edge laid on the nosings represents the angle of the ultramarine />,. Yellow and brown, ocher 6;,.
stairs, and is denominated the The strength of the plaster is strengthened by the ultramarine
line of nosings. but weakened by the others.
The raking pieces which sup Respectfully yours, J. Link Nichols.
port the ends of the steps are
called strings. The inner one,
p'aced against the wall, is the Editor of the Builder and Wood Worker :
wa'l string; the other the outer I was much interested in the short article in the April number of
string. If the outer string lie your paper upon the circular saw, and I inclose another of the
cut to miter with the end of statements which are frequently published witli respect to its sup
the riser, it is a rut and mi'ered posed inventor :
string; but when the strings
are grooved to receive the ends Jo the Editor of The Boston Jourmil :
Fig. r.
of the treads and risers, they So far as the writer knows in regard to the origin of circular saws
are said to be housed, anil the grooves are termed housings. in this country. I can state that somewhere about the year 181? Mr
Stairs in which th outer string of the upper flight stands pcr- Thomas Holt j whose hardware s'ore was in Dock square, opposite
pcndieularly over that of the lower Might are called dog-leqged the foot of Elm street, sent an order to England for an invoice of
stairs, otherwise neirel stairs from the fact of a piece of stuff hardware and among the goods ordered were several dozen circular
called a ueuel being used as the axis of the spiral of the stair Un saws from 8-inch upward lo HO inch. What Mr. Holt wanted was saws
uewel is generally ornamented by turning, or in some other way which would saw around a circle—narrow fret saws, to cost five
The outer strings in such stairs are tenoned into the newel, as also pounds sterling. What was his surprise to find several dozen round
are the first aucTlast risers of the flight. sa»'s, which no mortal man thai he knew of ever saw before. The
When the upper and lower strings are separated by an interval, lot of saws I well remember (being at thai time a clerk in Mr H.'s
the space is called the veil hole. If the front string is mitcred or store) was stored in the second story, subject to the gaze of people
bracketed, it is called an open stria i; if grooved, a close string. who looked at them witli wonder, till at last a Mr. Earle. manufac
Where there is a well hole and no newel, and the string is continued turer, of Worcester county, spied them, and at once concluded to
in a curve, the curved part of the string is said to be wreathed, and use them, so that in a short time they came to be generally used,
tlie stair is then a geometrical sta r. and now there arc hardly any workers in wood by machinery who
Besides the support afforded by the strings the stair is sustained do not use them ; in fact, they have become a necessity.
by pieces placed below the fliers; these are '•ailed carriages; they To conclude, I would stale that the cost of the invoice of circular
are composed of longitudinal and transverse pieces; the former are saws named above was 500 pounds sterling, amounting, of course,
0)
ro
in our currency to $2,500. Yet what was a sorry purchase for Mr. not to do " may be freely pointed out. First avoid colors that will
Holt proved a very great advantage to our mechanics and manufac form an injurious background to pictures, remembering the off-
turers. William Elliot. quoted Owen Jones' maxim, "Color should be broken over the
Greenfield. Dec 12, 1831. whole surface, so as to give a general negative hue rather than
P. 8 If any of your numerous readers know anything of cir masses of positive color." A little consideration will suggest those
cular saws at an earlier date, let them speak by mime. W. E. colors likely to be destructive to the tones of a landscape or a por
1 have long known that it was a very old invention, and have trait, such as strong greens. &c, &c. Then, again, do not allow
sought veTy diligently to learn who first used the saw in this coun yourself to decide upon a coloring without seeing it in both
try. Without presuming to certainly know about it. 1 will say that "daylight and gaslight. The difference of effect under the two
the first use of which I have any information was Constant Wyatt aspects is most surprising. Further avoid the light apple or sage
In the early years of the present century, Mr. Wyatt worked at cart greens so much in vogue of late, as such "yellery greenery" treat
and wagon making in a neighborhood which is now embraced in ments have been somewhat overdone, and certainly pall upon the
the town of Pawtueket, K I. At the time I received the informa taste. A very safe tone for a background to works of art is a good
tion he was still living, and 1 sought him and received from him in warm brown or chocolate color, but others are equally suitable if
person this statement : " About the year l>-09 I heard by an Eng not too obtrusive. Much depends upon the amount of light in the
lishman that there was in England a rouud saw in use for sawing apartment, a matter that must be carefully considered in relation
plank and it seemed to me that such a saw would save me much to the coloring. Such tones, for instance, as green and blue absorb
hard work. L.went up to a shovel factory and got a plate that had an immense amount of light ; dark surfaces generally take in
not been bent to shape, and from it I cut out a saw and filed up the largely of the light falling upon them, and if plenty of sunshine is
teeth as well as I could and set it to going in my shop. It was available they are to be recommended for dining room decoration.
rather a rough affair but it saved me much labor. Afterwards I If light is not abundant in the apartment, let the dado be deep
made a better one and used it several years, and when the war was in tone, and the upper portion of the walls tinted in a light tone to
over 1 sent and got one from England.'' harmonize.
1 had the above statement from Mr. Wyatt many years ago and In the method of decoration we are now considering—viz., flat
as I have not been able to learn of any one in this country who used tinting in oil colors—perhaps the safest "arrangement " that can
one before him I have believed him to be the first maker, user and be recommended is that generally known as "monochrome," or in
importer also, of circular saw s in America, and that to the bright other words several shades in o"ne color. Some charming effects
town of Pawtueket belongs not only the credit of running the first can be produced in this way. commencing with extremely light
cotton mill, but also that of the first circular saw. tones and pointing down to darker. Take the following treatment
Yours sincerely, U. C. Hi'ssey. adopted by Mr. R. W. Edis, for a dining room furnished in
Spanish mahogany. The frieze is painted in plain vellum tone of
color, and decorated with stencil pattern enrichment. The wood
work is generally of deal varnished, the panels of the doors and
shutters filled in with stencil decoration in a light shade of brown
The Decoration of the Dining Room. under the varnish. The general wall surface is hung with an all-
UTILITY conies first and foremost in the consideration of this over pattern paper of good warm - golden brown tone of color
apartment, and every article admitted fir the purpose of admirably adapted for pictures. Here we have a monochrome ar
use must be judged 1>3' the test of absolute comfort. Before dis rangement toning down from the delicate shade of the vellum to the
cussing the various articles of furniture that should be found in rich, reddish brown of the Spanish mahogany. In the case of lim
a modern dining room, the treatment of the walls and woodwork ited light it may be observed that a soft ecru or cream color reflects
demands attention. Presuming, then, that we have before us a light better even than pure white. It also has the advantage of bar
room of the ordinary square character, such as is found in the monizing with a large range of colors dark and light. This class
usual middle-class house, we may begin our task. A glance will of decoration can be extended from the simple application of flat
suffice to show its height general proportions and capabilities for tints to an elaborate scheme of enrichment by stencil or handwork.
decoration. The modern school of decorators has produced some charming
Commencing with the floor, without hesitation let the edge for ideas full of poetry and beauty for wall decoration.
the space of 2 ft. all round be either stained, painted, or covered Mr. Walter Crane, for instance, adopts the following motif for a
with " parquet " according to the purse of the customer. A 2 ft. wall surface, making his dado a sort of pebbly beach. The filling
margin is recommended, because the sideboard will probably be 2 ft. is supposed to represent water wherein fishes are disporting them
or 2 ft. 2 in. wide, then the carpet will not require to be tuckfid selves, whilst in the broad frieze above, the mermaids are seen
under the former. The error of "fitting" a dining room with car gamboling near the surface. It is such unique treatment in simple
pet cannot lie impressed too strongly upon the furnisher. The outline that has made "Walter Crane" so famous as an orna-
floor covering from time to time inevitably receives bits of food mentist. This leads up to the class of enrichment which may be
which are trodden into the surface, and the necessity for a frequent applied with excellent effect to a plain ground. If such outlines as
beating is obvious for sanitary reasons. This cleansing process is those exampled be drawn in say a plain red outline on a cream
practically impossible with a fixed carpet. The walls next of all ground, a charming frieze will be the result ; where the expense of
cry out to be appropriately covered, and whatever may be the figure subjects is too great, flowers, birds, animals, &c, conven
scheme of coloring ultimately adopted, two things are most desira tionally treated may be stenciled with proportionate success. It is
ble—viz., a dado rail and frieze rail; whether the walls be painted hardly necessary to say that a staring white ceiling is objectionable,
or papered, these conveniences should be insisted upon. The as the rest of the coloring is thrown out of joint by its presence.
height of the dado or chair rail is generally governed by the height A toning of some color to harmonize or contrast with the walls is
of the backs of the latter. It is therefore usually placed about desirable : say vellum, pink, or grey, with a little decoration to
2 ft. 1) in. or 3 ft. from the floor ; 3 ft. is to be preferred, because the relieve it. Some decorators recommend n richly decorated ceiling
"lower carcase" of the sideboard can then be made the same declaring that it should be darker than the walls, in order to secure
height, completing the dado line around the room. It is well to a cosy effect. There is no doubt that a richly decorated ceiling
adopt a molding for the rail which will serve as a continuation does give magnificence to a room, but it becomes isolated and un
of the members .of the sideboard top. The frieze rail is an equal supported unless the wall decoration leads up to it As our hints
source of convenience if made to answer for the double purpose refer more, particularly to the general middle-class house, we shall
of a picture ; this can be achieved by fixing the hooks for the not discuss the question of expensive ceiling decoration, but pro
pictures into the rail itself, or better still, by placing just below it a ceed to consider the class of wall covering for the dining room that
strong iron rod, painted, and forming as it were part of the mold is most likely to be applied— viz , paperhangings. The large
ing ; common iron gas pipes will do very well for this purpose. variety of excellent designs now made by the leading manufac
The depth of the frieze must be subservient to the height of wall turers precludes the necessity of explaining what is suitable. The
space at disposal on the pattern of paper to lie eventually selected. principles which apply to paint apply equally to paper, whatever
The question of "coloring" is a very wide and important one. the coloring may be. In selecting a dining room paper, secure-
It is often convenient for the house furnisher to commence by find good bold dado and frieze. A dark dado will help to accentuate
ing out the wood his customer prefers for the furniture, whether the lines of the furniture placed in front of it. The "filling"
oaK, mahogany, or black walnut, as when that point is settled, should be chosen merely as a basis for picture hanging, whilst the
certain combinations can be recommended with confidence. Sev freize above, being uninterrupted by pictures, should lie the fea
eral schemes more or less expensive are of course open, where ture of decoration.
price is not a great object. Nothing can excel in beauty or utility Some excellent effects are obtained by using flock papers for dado
an oak-paneled dado, with old stamped leather filling above, and and freize, with a plain filling for the works of art. An elaborate
a painted frieze surmounting all. The choice of such unique inven scheme of enrichment may also be carried out by takine a plain
tions as Papyrotile, or Lincrusta Walton decoration, present them flock as a basis, and "picking it out" in various colors. In either
selves, and certainly have much to recommend them on account of case do not forget the ceiling for which now-a-days special papers
beauty, durability, and economy. Supposing, however, that a are made. The pattern for such a purpose ought never to point in
system of plain painting or flattening is desirable, some excellent one direction, but should be of an " all-over " character. Having
effects can be obtained in colors, either in harmony or contrast. adopted either painting or paperhanging for the walls, the coloring
The whole range of color presents itself to the practical man for of the woodwork is not a difficult matter. Let darker shades of
selection, so before recommending any particular scheme "what the leading tones of the surface be used for it, keeping the panels
\
lighter than the framing and decorating them if practicable with a

little judicious stencil or handwork treatment. The moldings
>hould be picked out with a still deeper shade to give the lines of
lie woodwork prominence. It is of course optional whether the
latter be made to harmonize or contrast with the adjoining color
ing. A study in monochrome is less risky than a chromatic expe
riment. Having clothed the interior with color, the windows de
mand the attention of the furnisher. We have no sympathy with
the exaggerated use of stained or opaque glass for windows which
are used for lighting and look-out purposes, but still something
may be done with such an introduction in the upper portion. A
panel of good leaded glass at the top of a window tends to fill the
room with a toned light that is very pleasing and restful. A very J. M. B.—There is no steel square in the market, that we are
plain brass rod is the best thing for duiing room, because it is most aware of. that isgradusted by tenths on the edge. We do not sec
simple and less stuffy than a valance arrangement. Curtains and the use of such graduation, as it would soon become indistinct and
tapestries are objectionable in the dining room, because they retain unreliable.
the smell of food, smoke, &c. As it is useless, however, to advo Inquirer. —Warren's series does not contain an}- book that will
cate the abolition of dining room curtains, let us try and make be of any use to you in determining prices of labor or materials.
them as harmless as possible. Either let them be plain cloth or There is nothing published in America, that we know of. only
bold in design with a pattern crossing horizontally or diagonally. Vogde's price book, that will aid you in this matter, only the
Wl.ere valances and cornices are insisted upon they should be after weekly price lists in our trade journals. We believe there is a
a severe type. Having thus glanced at the decoration of the dining work in preparation that will be ready in the fall, that will cover
room, the* important topic of the furniture must be reserved for the whole ground of prices and materials in the building trades.
future chapters. Gwilt's Encyclopedia of Architecture, price $20, would probably be
the best work we could recommend you, as it will aid you in a
thousand ways. We would also recommend you to study the
Technical Education. series of papers now being published in The American ArcJiileeA
'KITING of technical education in England, the American and Building Neat on building superintendence. They contain a
w Consul at Bradford says that more than twenty years ago great deal of useful and practical information. For a copy of the
the Swiss Government established in Zurich a general scientific in building laws of Boston write to the building department of that
stitution, instructing in applied mechanics, physics and the arts. city.
The cost is $ 100,000 a year, which is cheerfully borne by a popu M. E. G. —(1.) Use a solution of alcohol and dragon's blood on
lation not larger than dwell within five miles from the City Hall your
in this city. After other Continental countries had maintained wood cherry to give it an appearance of mahogany. (3.) Where the
such schools many years, the subject was taken up in England. with ahaslinen formerly been oiled the above stain must be rubbed in
The Consul sums up his idea of these schools as being intended to afterwards, andcloth, and the work varnished with shellac varnish
then flatten with fine pumice stone. (3.) The wood
supplement the education of the ordinary school by that especially 1
is covered with solutions of metallic salts by means of a brush or
calculated to increase knowledge of each man's trade or business, otherwise.
so that he may contribute more largely to the general wealth ; It is then left to dry for about twelve hours, and is
this, he thinks, should form a large part of national education, and then taken into an air tight room, in which gases or vapors are in
troduced, such as sulphuret of hydrogen, ammonia, &c, according
pupils should consist largely of boys and girls drafted from the to the tint required to be obtained. By using sulphuret of hydro
elementary schools, and no school in any important commercial gen
center would be complete without an industrial museum, the ad fromcannitrate be thus obtained—Brown: Sulphide of bismuth, formed
of bismuth. Yellow: The sulphide of cadmium,
visers of the Livery Companies' Committee unanimously saying formed from solutions of cadmium sulphate. Gold-yellow: Bisul
that laboratories and a collection of technical works, etc., are in phide of tin, from solutions of chloride of tin. Iron gray to brown:
dispensable. As English manufacturers acknowledge that their Sulphide of lead, from solutions of acetate of lead. Green: Gxide
most successful rivals are in those countries or localities where of chromium, from solutions of chromic
technical education has been earned to the highest point, the Con of antimony, from antimony solutions. acid. Red: Trisulphide
sul is glad to know that a few technical schools have already been cheap, and the wood can be colored to anyThis process is said to be
established in the United States, principally in the engineering and tained are not affected by air, light or water, design. The colors ob
iron trades, and he earnestly hopes ere long to hear that a system and can be washed.
nf thorough technical education has been adopted for the whole A very cheap solution of hydroxide of iron in chloride of iron is
country, there being no other means so effective fnr developing the used to impregnate the wood for floors, stair treads, and other ob
resources of the country and improving its manufactures. jects exposed to much wear, and then colored with ammonia. The
There will, of course, be no dissent anywhere as to the impor dinary wood in this case is less apt to burn than when painted in the or
tance of this subject. The most skillful labor, although nominally way. It is the iron-gray lint that you require. (4.) Shellac
high priced, is really the cheapest ; it is always found, also, in is used generally, sometimes furniture varnish. (5.) Use yellow
countries where the use and development of machinery are great ocher, mix until the proper tint is obtained. (6, 7 and 8.) Will try
est, and, although machinery, being cheaper than human labor, and comply with these requests in the ntar future.
may seem to render the latter less necessary and to narrow the de .1. N. C. B. —You may transfer scroll-saw patterns by first
mand for all but the ruder class of labor, in practice it is not so, pricking the outside lines of your pattern with a darning needle all
for there is an apparently indefinite field for the best labor in an round, leaving the holes about one-eighth of an inch apart. Lay the
ticipating, contriving and adapting machinery. The more perforated pattern on the stuff to be sawn Pounce the pattern
machinery becomes the servitor the more the most skillful men t hen with a pounce bag filled with some suitable colored material
seem needed to be its directors It is aNo a suggestive fact that finely pulverized. Remove the pattern gently and trace through the
tastefulness in goods is fast becoming regarded as an indispensable colored dots with a lead pencil. A much better way to keep n
adjunct of utility, if not as an actual part of it. In this matter pattern, is to take the original pattern and paste it on to the wood
American wares are already second to none except, perhaps, those to be cut. and then fasten two thicknesses of wood together with :i
of France, and the character of labor here gives the highest war piece of zinc between them, saw through the whole, following the
rant for training it. Moreover, the most prudent educational fact lines of the pattern closely. When finished, you will have a zinc
is the marked tendency toward special education shown not only pattern that will be everlasting and much bettei than the original,
in the establishment of a few technical schools, but in the changes if you have followed the lines with exactness. You will not find
in the curriculum of old institutions, this visibly affecting even the any difficulty in cutting through the zinc; the only thing to he
upper classes. noticed is that you must not feed too fast. For scroll saw supplies
apply to Charles E. Little, 59 Fulton street, New York, John Wilk
inson & Co., 77 State street, Chicago, III., or S. P. Russell, Straf
The Square Man. —The square man mezzures the same each ford, Conn.
way. and haint got no winny edges nor shaky lumber in him. He If the person who signs himself "Subscriber" will favor us with
iz freeze from knots anil sap, and won't warp. He iz klear stuff, his name and address, it will enable us to judge whether the
aud I don't care what yu work him up into he won't swell, and he communication sent us is worthy of consideration. The illustra
won't shrink. He iz amungst men what good kil dried board are tions spoken of are equal to any published in the country, and are
among carpenters, he won't season-krack. It don't make enny dif not half so si iff and formal as those with which they are compared.
ference which side.ov him yu cum up to. he iz the same bigness If the name of the writer carries weight with it, we shall be pleased to
each way, and the only way to get at him, enny how, iz to face consider the subject from his point of view. Now. let us hear
him. He knows he iz square, and never spends enny time trieing from you.
to prove it. The square man iz one ov the best shaped men the C. F. O. —Finds fault with Plate 49 of our last issue and seems
world has ever produced ; he iz one ov them kind ov chunks that to think that we are not doing good to our readers or ourselves by the
kant alter tew fit a spot, but yu must alter the spot tew fit him. — reproduction of drawings of such character as the one under con
Josh billing*. sideration. We recognize and appreciate the good intentions as
155
expressed in the letter, and to a certain extent, fear that the crit Shaw also constitute a valuable feature of this work. They are characterized by
icisms advanced are just and timely, but C. F. O. must remember a bold and graceful treatment of the various styles and phases of the high-class
household taste of the period. In addition to these there are numerous drawings
(hat our clientage is large and contains all kinds of people, and of the medium and higher grades of work in different styles for the furnishing of
sometimes it is necessary to cater to wants that we cannot thoroughly the library, ofilce, dining-room, hall, bedroom, drawing-room, etc., by such artists
understand. We cannot always get such materials as we would as Jonquet, Scott-Morton, Timms, Ward, Kobinson, Thomson, Porter, Hamer.
like to offer to those who require special designs, and are, therefore, Breckin, Foley, etc.
We show some samples of the work on plates til and <12 of present issue.
often compelled to reproduce something as near to the requirement A Woman** Perils; or Driven from Home,-?. B. Peterson A
as we can obtain. We thank C. F. O. for his kindly criticisms, Bros., Phila. Price—(paper), 75 cents.
and will be pleased to hear from him again—and often. The plot is remarkably ingenious and absorbing, being conceived and unfolded
R T. S. —The so-called ''three-art crazes" are termed the with surpassing skill. It treats of the misfortunes of a beautiful woman, whose
' Classic, the Medieval, and the Esthetic." The latter is a com husband joined the Lopez Exhibition to Cuba and disappeared. How the tangled
pound of the other two, but the less said of it at this time the better. threads are finally straightened out and the long-suffering made happy will be
discovered by a perusal of the capital novel. Many of the scenes are of great
The great masters of antiquity never went groping thousands intensity, and those in which little Willie Gordon and the Morton children are
of years in the past for their inspiration ; they never looked so far the principal figures are particularly bright, humorous aud agreeable. This in a
back in the past for their subjects, but they took the very incidents good story, well told, ana is full of exciting incidents.
of (he momeuts and the time in which they lived. They illustrated The Mysteries of Marseilles, a Love Story.—By Eraile Zola,
their owu religion, their own history, their poets. We would ad author of " Nana/1 and " L'Assommoir," is just published by T. B. Peterson A
Brothers, and is an absorbing love story of wonderful power, realism and interest:
vise you to read Ruskin's works on art, more especially his " Seven indeed, it is safe to say that its gifted* author never wrote a more remarkable
Lamps of Architecture."— " Novice" can obtain the " Hand-Kail- work. Thorough originality characterizes every line of it, and every page teams
Holder," described in our April issue of 1880, from Gregg & Os with excitement. " The Mysteries of Marseilles " will add vastly to the fame of
good, Columbus, Ohio. Original plans and drawings, ff sent to the author of "L'Assommoir." George D. Cox has translated it in faithful and
vigorous style, preserving alt Zola's peculiar tie?, and showing that the great
this office, will be published if they contain sufficient merit or nov French novelist can, at times, be as tender and poetic in his expressions as
elty. If you mix nnely powdered dry white lead in your glue, it Alphonse Daudet or any of the Parisian emotional writers.
will make it much stronger and render it almost damp proof. Glue,
dissolved in skim milk, is said to resist damp. This method may
be easily tried.
C. F. 3. says, in answer to " Builder," in the June number: " I
would propose the following varieties of woods, though a great
deal depends on the way he intends finishing the rooms. Black
walnut for hall and library; figured ash for dining-room and
kitchen and bedrooms, sycamore for sitting room and parlor."
" Builder " will find that this combination will make a pleasant,
harmonious finish. Our correspondent offers to furnish details of
finish if " Builder " requires them.
R. S.—As regards the cleaning of picture frames, an experienced
cabinet maker says that the best preparation for this purpose, and
restoring furniture, especially that somewhat marred or scratched, |3P~ A charge of seventy-five cents a line will be made for all notices in this
is a mixture of three parts of linseed oil and one part spirits column, for each aud every insertion. Copy of notices must be sent to this
turpentine. It not only covers the disfigured surface, but restores office on or before the 30th day of each month to insure an appearance in the
wood to its original color and leaves a luster upon the surface. Put following issue.
it on with a woolen cloth, and when dry rub with woolen.
Thos. S. Stretton, importer of Encaustic and Art tiles has been compelled by
increase of business to secure more spacious accommodation and has removed to
No. 14 Barclay street, where he will be pleased to meet bis customers and show
them rpecimens of his recent importations. The character, quality and artistic
merits of his goods are unequaled by any importing house in the city.
NOTICE.
DISSOLUTION.
Philadelphia, July 1, 1882.
The co-partnership heretofore existing between the undersigned, under the
firm name of " Goodell & Waters 11 is this day dissolved by mutual consent. Tin*
business will be settled by Daniel A. Waters. Austin W. Goodell.
Daniel A. Waters.
CO-PARTNERSHIP.
The undersigned have this day formed a co-partnership under the Ann nume of
We deem it our duty to keep our readers advised of the publication of all "Goodell & Waters," and will continue the business of manufacturing Wood-
works that will in any way interest them; and, with this object in view, we in Working Machinery aud as Iron Founders, as successors to the late firm of
tend each month to give a lengthened notice of Buch new books and periodicals " Goodell A Waters." Daniel A. Watkas.
;i- we may think will he of service in this direction. We shall not only give the William G. Vernon.
the quality of the books for themselves. V
[N.B.—All books reviewed in this column can be obtained from the Builder into
and Wood-Worker office at publishers' prices. Authors and publishers are re water all over on both sides evenly with a sponge or brush; then roll them up
quested to send in copies of works intended for review as early in the month and stand on the edge for about 15 minutes. In ihis way the paper swells a little,
as possible.] and when put on anoTdried shrinks down smooth. Commence on the top, and
lack it on both edges about two inches apart, with ten ounce tacks ; drive the
lacks straight. Be careful to keep it smooth as it is tacked, which may be done
How to make Picture*. Baity Lesson* lor the Amateur by pressing it with a piece of board the width of the paper Also tack in center
Photographer.—By Henry Clay Price. of strips occasionally. After one strip Is on, put on another in the same way.
This is a timely little work on Amateur Photography, and gives full instruc putting the edges close together, or lapping them ; then paBte a strip of cloth
tions for the making of pictures by the dry process, and in such plain and simple over the joints and tack heads before it dries. If the edges are inclined to curl
terms that any one iwssessfng ordinary intelligence, will readily understand how up, moisten them outside with a spongeor wet cloth. After it has had time to
to use the camera and take pictures within its range. The work relates more dry thoroughly, it is ready to cover with wall paper. In laying wall paper over it,
particularly to the cheap but efficient outfits that are now in the market and are apply the paste to the wall paper only.
becoming so popular. The little work before us should be read by every architect See advertisement in another column.
and builder, as it will open up to them a new field and offer suggestions for the
reproduction of their works, that perhaps never occurred to them before. With Or late there has been a great deal of 14 trademark 1 'pirating, a kind of theft that
an amateur's outfit, costing not more than from 10 to 15 dollars, and this book of honest people should endeavor to stamp out by refusing to become a party to the
instruction, the architect or artist will be able to reproduce his work to any illegal transaction by refraining from
extent. purchasingarticles whose trademarks
are pirated, and whenever occasion
The Culture and Management of our Native Forests* Tor requires, denounce the piratical act.
Development as Timber or Ornamental Woods.—By U. W. S. | ^ • J J and wherever the case is clear, hold
Cleveland, 97 Washington street, Chicago, 111. Price, 12 cents, in stamps. thisactas an evidence of the com
This is a timely little pamphlet and one that should be in the hands of every mercial dishonor of the party perpe
Person who is interested in the production of timber, standing or manufactured. trating it. The man who is mean
The Information and suggestions given are very valuable, both for their reliability enough to steal a trade mark will
and usefulness. The pamphlet comprises an essay read by Mr. Cleveland before not neglect to defraud his customers
the National Forestry Congress, Cincinnati, and the Legislature of Massachusetts. when he gets a chance. Remember this, aDd when you purchase tin for roofing
or other purposes, get the *' Old Style " roofing with the registered device—an
Fashionable Furniture.—Three Imndred and fifty designs of fur arrow pointing to the center or " bull's eye " of a target, in connection with this
niture of the most recent styles, J. O, Kane, publisher, 4 Cottage place, New brand.—N. & G. Taylor Co.'s Registered trade mark on " old Style " roofing.
York. Price In portfolio, $8.
This is one of the most useful contributions to art furniture literature that We beg to call the attention of our readers to advertisement of The Commtock
has appeared for some time, and is pregnant with hints and suggestions to Level, that appears in our advertising columns. This "level'1 is an entirely
designers of furniture, such as are rarely obtained In a single volume. The work new aud improved instrument, and is especially adapted to the use of architects,
contains a number of designs by B. J. Talbert, Architect ; a series of Domestic engineers, masons, builders, farmers and any one who has leveling to do or
Interiors by Henry Shaw, Architect, together with numerous miscellaneous con straight lines to run. The instrument possesses many advantages over many of
tributions by other designers of note. those in general use, and will, no doubt, Boon become very popular among those
Of the "Talbert Sketches," it need only be said that they fully Bustain the for whom it is designed. For circulars and particulars address William T. Com
eminent reputation so long enjoyed by that able designer. The Interiors by Mr.
VI 1 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [Aug.,
ADVERTISER'S INDEX. Furnaces and Hanges. For Public Roofing Slate—Penrhyn Slate A Co
and Privatk Buildings. RoofflngTin Plate—N.4 G.Taylor.Philadelvhli, vii
CLASSIFIED. Fireplace Heaters and Stoves—Open Stove Metallic Shingles—Anglo-American
Art .tidal Work and Gas Fixtures. Ventilating Co Co
Ornamental Metal Work, Gas Fixtures, etc.—paoe Steam Heating Apparatus—Jamer, Jacobs A Kinsely Bros. A Miller vii
Mitchell, Vance & Co v Co.. The Bodine Roofing Co viii
Artistic Cabinet Hardware-J. B. Shannon A Steam Heating Apparatus—E. Rutzier Saws.
Sons " John G. Porter , H. W. Peace iii
National Art Foundry iv Alex. M. Lesley H. Disston & Son i
Architect*. Glass. Solicitors or Patents.
Edward Dewson .*. ii Crystalline, Antique Glass, etc.—Wm. Gibson's Paine & Ladd viii
CSould & Angell iii Sons
Polished Plate and Window—Theo. W. Morris Skylights.
Band Saw machine*. & Co Perforated Metallic Blinds, Skylights, etc.-
Rollstone Machine Co vi D. Turno Geo. Hayes v
Bella. Grates and Fenders. Metallic Skylights. Ventilators, etc.—Bickel-
Copper and Tin Bells for Churches, Schools, New and Artistic Design*, etc.—Wm. H. Jack houpt Bros xi
etc.—Van Deusen & Tift xi son I A. E. Rendle viii
Plain and Artistic Grates—W. H. Harrison A E. Van Noorden xiil
Books. Bro xiii Stone Wash Tubs and Heater*.
Useful Books—E. * F. N. Spon xiil Fine Grates and Open Fireplaces—Thos. S. Soap-Stone Wash Tubs, etc.—J. H. Serene viii
Finch A Apgar xii Dixon A Sons xiii Soap-Stone Heaters—J. G. Porter Hi
A.T.White v Fine Grates and Open Fireplaces—Open Stove
Journal of Industry Co xi Ventilating Co xl Steel Shutters.
S.W. Green'B Son xi Edwin A. Jackson viii Fire-Proof Steel Shutters—Clark Bunnett A
J. O. Kane xi B. C. Bibb xiii Co xiii
C. D. Lakey xiv Insurance. Tool*.
Wm .T. Comstock ix A xiil Saw Filers, etc.—E. Roth A Bro
Our Continent xiv Home Insurance Co xi Hand and Band Saws, etc.—H. W. Peace iii
National Book Co x Metropolitan Life Insurance Co Iv Machinists' Tools, Band Saws, etc.—Chas. E.
Builders' Hardware and Supplies. New York Life Insurance Co ix Little Ix
Wrought-Iron Hinges, Butts, Bolts, etc.—Stan Liverpool & London A Globe Insurance Co— Iv Tallman A McFadden xii
ley Works li United States Life Insurance Co ix Keystone Saw and File Works, etc.—H.
Burglar and Fire Alarms, etc.—A. G. Newman, ill Union Mutual Life Insurance Co X Disston A Sons - Ix
Doors, Sashes, Blinds, Wood Monldings, etc. Knickerbocker Life Insurance Co li J. Wilkinson & Son ix
C. B. Keogh & Co v Equitable Life Assurance Society X
Steel Stamps—New York Stencil Works ix Hartford Steam-Boiler Insurance Co Iv Tile*.
Sash Chains—Thos. Morton v Penn. Mutual Life Insurance Co Thos. Stretton - I
Burglar Proof Door Bolta—Hobert B Ives xii Iron Work. Edward Boote - "
Revolution in Wood-Finishing, etc.—Bridge E. T. Barnum University
port Wood-Finishing Co xiii Mantels. Cornell University ix
Porcelain Lined Baths—J. L. Mott xii Fine Mantels—Penrhyn Slate Co Veneer*.
Holt's Patent Gimlet Bits—M. W. Robinson ... Iv Slate Mantels—Chas. Williams' Sons xiii
Galvanized Iron Cornices.—Knisely Bros. A Slate Mantels, etc.—Jos. S. Miller Spnrr's Papered Veneers—Chas. W. Spnrr. .. xli
MlHer Iv Wood Mantels—C. J. Soyard Venetian Blind*.
Door Hangers—Prescott M'f'g Co v E. Louderback & Co Hi
G. D. B. Kelley xiii mortar Black.
L P. Frink xiii French, Richards & Co iv Wall Paper*.
Stoddard Lock Co vi L. Martin ACo xii Fr. Beck & Co vlll
J. D. Simmons iii Henry D. Dupee xl Wood-Working machinery.
F. P. Baker * Co Ix Geo. ii. M<
Horrlli xiii
A. H. Andrews & Co xii For Arsenals, Car Shops and House Builder.
Building Paper. Paints. Ac—J. A. Fay A Co *!'
C. P. Harris M'fg Co xi Atlantic White and Red Lead, Litharge, etc.— H. B. Smith Machine Co x
R. Colgate & Co New and Second-hand—S. C. Forsaith A Co... ii
Bricks. Bridgeport Wood Finishing Co For Car and House Bullders-Godell A Waters r'.n
Colored and other Brick, Flue Fronts, etc.— Asahel Wheeler For Panelling, Dovetailiug, etc.—Battle Creek
Peerless Brick Co iv Liquid Filler-F. W. DeVoe & Co vlil Machinery Co ,— Ijj
Carpets. Paper. Foot Power Machinery—W. F. A J. Barnes. . i"
"Pioneer" Building Paper.—Scott Paper Co.. " Chas. E. Little xii
Fine Carpets, etc.—W. A J. Sloane i Sensitive Paper—Thos. H. McCollin Rotary and Stationary Bed Planers— Roltoone
Church Furnishing;. Machine Co »>>(
Silk Banners in Colors and Gold—J. A R. Pens. Rowley and Hermance «
Lamb ii Steel Pens—Joseph Gillott J. S. Graham A Co U & ««
Sunday-School Banners—R. Gelssier xiii Photographic Outfits. Frank* Co «
Cornices, Galvanized Iron. E. A H. T. Anthony
Knisely Bros. A Miller vii Plumbers' Supplies.
E. Van Noorden xiii J. L. Mott xii "Pioneer" Building Paper.
Designing. A. E. Jennings xiii WATER-PROOF, AIR-TIGHT, DURABLE, STRONG-
C. J. Soyard x Portland Cement. Better and stronger than plaster ; clean, odorless
Door Hangers. E. Thiele and docs not stick.
Prescott Mfg. Co v Pumps. Used for lining, roofing, ceiling, plastering.
Elevators. Steam Pumps—H. R. Worthlngton iii SCOTT PAPER COMPANY, Limited,
W. A B. Douglass v
Whlttier Mch. Co.—H. C. Johnson, Agt
Granville Hydraulic Elevator Company
viii
i Delamater Iron Works viii Ho. 27 manufacturing Paper Dealers,
North Sixth Street, PHILADILPHIA, PA., U. S. A.
Reedy's Patent Hoisting Machines, Elevators, Roofing. Write for sample and prices.
etc.—J. W. Reedy I Gravel Roofs, Trinidad Asphalt, etc.—Warren
Hydraulic Elevators—Otis Bros. 4 Co vi Chemical and Manufacturing Co
Clem A Morse v
Hydraulic and Hand Elevators—L. 8. Graves
A Son x
N. B. Cushing ill
Wm. 8. Richards <B Co viii
C. H. Miwhell & Co xiii ARCHITECTS!
Engines.
Schumm A Co v ACCEPT NO OTHER !
Whittier Mch. Co.—H. C. Johnson, Agt viii BE SURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE GEN I INK AND ONLY TRUE f* OLD STYLE"
(Makers'' Brand of re-dipped or double-coated
Knisely Bros Miller

ROOFING TIN
68 to 74 West Monroe St., Chicago,
WHEN YOU SPECIFY IT IN YOUR CONTRACTS.
SLATE, TIN & IRON ROOFERS.
- N. & C. TAYLOR CO., PHILADELPHIA,
MANUFACTURERS OP
GALVANIZED IRON Are the sole importers of the GENUINE "OLD STYLE," and every box hears their
CORNICES. name and contains their guarantee of quality.
THE HAYES BEWARE OF IMITATIONS
PATENT THAT ARE FREELY CIRCULATED WITH THE SOLE VIEW OF INJURING THE REPU
SKYLIGHTS TATION OF THE GENUINE «• OLD STYLE."
CORRUGATED IRO Sekd roB Circulars and Pricks.
FOR HOOFING, *c.
THE value of technical education to a nation is much

better understood in Europe than in this country,
and the governments of the various states in that old
land feel it to be their several interests to foster, by
every possible means, skilled labor and technical knowl
edge ; and there is scarcely a town of any importance
that does not contain one or more polytechnic institutions
that is liberally sustained either by the national or mu
A JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ART. nicipal government or private endowment. The poly
technic buildings at Stuttgart and Munich cost 1,000,000
PUBLISHED MONTHLY, florins each, and the liberality of their endowment equals
the splendor of their construction. France gives an
AT annuity of $200,000 to three technical schools, and a
grant of $400,000 a year to academies- of higher art.
176 Broadway, 3ST©-w- Xorlc. The South Kensington Museum of Industrial Art has al
ready cost the British government $5,000,000, and the
yearly appropriation for the encouragement of technical
PRICE. ONE DOLLAR AND FIFTY CENTS A YEAR. skill is $400,000. Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, and
other towns in England can boast of their training schools ;
while France abounds with similar institutions, and Ger
many can count them by the dozen. What a contrast
CHARLES D. LAKEY, Publisher. FRED. T. HODGSON, Editor. tliis showing makes with matters in this country ? It is
true we have a few technical schools, valuable and effi
cient so far as they reach. But they are stingily dealt
Newsdealers will please order through The various News Companies. with as a rule both by state and federal authorities, and
Subscriptions to Great Britain and the Continent of Europe, Australia and would cease to have an existence if popular opinion was
Japan, $2.00: China, Sandwich Islands, Mexico, and Cuba, $3.50; South America. not in advance of corrupt statesmanship. Our legisla
$4,50.
tors have too many little hatchets of their own to sharpen
and polish to devote any attention—or the people's dol
A.B.—Araona remitting money to this office through the post are requested lars—to technical education. Well, the end will come
either to procure a post-office order or to register the letter, and address it to the some time, and then—well, ambitious demagogues will
publisher, Charles D. Lakey, 176 Broadway, New York, to whom all lelfa-s find out that the people want servants, not masters.
ofa business character should be sent.
DAMP houses are a fruitful source of discomfort

) Old Series, XVIII. Whole Number, 180 and disease, and yet. as important as their influ
VOL. New Series, IV. [SEPTEMBER, 1882.] New Number, - 9
ence is, it is amazing how seldom means are taken by
which the evil may be prevented. When a house is
said to be " well-drained," however true this may be of
the plans adopted'for carrying away the refuse water of
domestic operations, it very rarely means that the site has
been drained to prevent damp. When experienced med
ical men see house after house built on foundations of
deep retentive clay, inefficiently drained, they foretell the
certain appearance among the inhabitants of catarrh,
rheumatism, scrofula and a host of other diseases of a
similar nature. Where a damp house exists in connec
tion with deficient sewerage, drainage or a cesspool full of
decomposing material—an unfortunate—conjunction too
often met with in country and suburban houses—other
and more dangerous diseases, as typhus fever, are induced.
The watery mist or fog rising from a damp soil affords
an admirable vehicle for the more subtle and deadly ex
THE American Institute Fair will open on the 27th halation of the decomposing drainage matter, by which
of September and bids fair to be one of the best they are too certainly conveyed to the interior of the
exhibitions that have been held by this society. Appli house. And, physiologically dependent upon this con
cations for space are daily made. It is expected that dition of affairs, a mental as well as a physical depression
there will be an unusual number of machines in operation. is induced, which drives those subjected to it to the tem
Messrs. Babcock & Wilcox are now putting in two of porary relief afforded by the use of ardent spirits and
their new improved .safety boilers, which are to furnish other stimulants. Thus, in this, as well as in other de
power for the machinery. In addition to the usual dis partments of sanitation, the connection between physical
play of American manufacturers, there will be a num and moral disease is easily traced. There can be no
ber of mechanical inventions in operation, Including car doubt as to the increased pecuniary and s.initary value of
pet and silk looms, and a complete filature showing the land suitable for building sites, arising from efficient
progress of the silk industry from the cocoon to the man drainage being carried out. The greater the inducements
ufactured article. There will also be a tine display of offered by the healthy condition of a neighborhood, the
cabinet and wood-working machinery by several well- greater the value of the land for building sites. An ex
known firms. We understand, also, that a number of cess of moisture in any district inevitably influences the
improved stoves, ranges and furnaces will be on exhibi local climate both as regards dryness and temperature.
tion along with other house-builders' requisites. The
building is to be lighted by the most approved electric
light. Arbuckle's Ninth Regiment Band will perform THE most effectual preventive of damp houses is the
every afternoon and evening. complete drainage of the site on which they stand ;
all other remedies are remedies but in name, more espe comparatively inexpensive house. This has been gained
cially when the soil is very damp ; in such a case lead or by utilizing all possible space, and by keeping the plan so
slate placed round the bottom courses of the foundation compact that but little would be wasted in hall room.
with waterproof cement may prove efficient for the time, As one enters the front door, he finds himself in a little
but will ultimately become inoperative. The system of vestibule, so to speak, formed by the stair rail. On the
drainage for carrying off surplus water from land is dif right a door enters into the dining room, and on the left
ferent from that adopted for conveying away the domestic is the sitting hall.
refuse water, itc. In the latter it is essential, nay, im Sitting halls are coming largely into use, and are found
perative, that the drains should be water-tight, capable of to be very convenient by those who have tried them.
conveying the water admitted to their interior imme They certainly give a chance to the designer to work out
diately to its ultimate destination, but incapable of passing some exceedingly pretty effects, and a little originality,
any of it to the surrounding soil through which the drains placed in the design of the stairs, goes a great way to
are laid. The former, on the contrary, should be per ward making an attractive room.
meable throughout their length ; that is, have apertures From the dining room we open into a very airy little
of sufficient width throughout which the water of the sur pantry, and thence into the kitchen, so that the two doors
rounding soil can find its way into the interior of the do good service in keeping the odor, necessary in cooking,
drain, which should be of such a shape as to facilitate the from the rest of the house. Direct access to the kitchen
removal of the water to its destination, preventing its re is obtained through the rear entry from under the main
turn to the soil. In laying and forming the drains, the stairs—the landing on the stairs being high enough to
following points should be attended to : The first to be allow ample head room under, when an extra step is pro
observed is the uniformity of slope, or level of the bottom vided. Every room in the house, including the six bed
of the trenches. The method of accomplishing the per rooms, is provided with direct access to a chimney flue,
fectly uniform slope of the drains, from their highest thus making the house serviceable the entire year. To
point to their outfall, is by the use of level-rods or the further carry out this idea of an equally convenient
spirit-level similar to the one manufactured by Mr. Corn- abode for both Summer and Winter, the conservatory or
stock. The use of this level for drainage purposes is very Winter piazza is to be utilized as an open piazza in Sum
simple and easily understood. Not so with the " level- mer time. Upstairs we find a light, airy hall, one or
rods," as the following description of their uses will show. two large closets in every room, a linen closet, a very
Three rods are required, two of them two feet long, and pleasant front balcony opening out of two rooms and a
the third as much more than two feet as the drain is deep side balcony opening from a third. We also notice a
—that is, if the drain is three feet six inches deep, the rod very pretty semi-octagon effect in one of the front rooms.
must be five feet six inches long. The rods are strips of In regard to the coloring of the exterior, it is proposed
wood with cross pieces nine inches long on the upper end. to stain all shingles a reddish tinge, while the weather
The two shorter rods are planted upright, one on the boards are to be painted a creamy olive. All exterior
ground on a level with the field at the head of the drain, trimmings are to be a dark bronze green, and the flat
and the other at the lower end, and a person stands at one work in the open timbered front gable is to be rough
of them looking over its top, with his eye on a line with tinted plaster of a rich creamy shade. The roof will
the other. A second man then takes the longest rod and look very well in a blue green slate. The house can be
holds it upright in the drain, just touching the bottom, built complete for less than $0,000, and in many localities
and walks along from one end of the drain to the other, for much less.
keeping it in an upright position. If, while it is moving Plate 68 shows an office in the McLure House, Wheel
along, its top always appears on a line with the tops of ing, W. Va. The design is by S. M. Howard, architect.
the other two—as seen by the person looking along the The upper part of the page shows some old carved work
three—the fall of the drain is uniform ; but if it rises that will prove suggestive to some of our designers and
above this line at any one place, the bottom is too high operative carvers. Fish, flesh, or.fow'l might more fre
there, and requires to be reduced ; if it falls below the quently be served up on our carved panels with appetizing
line the bottom is too low, and must be raised. In this effect. The central example is on the back of a very fine
way the fall may be rendered perfectly uniform. In cut Tudor oak longsettle. Not only are conventional fishes
ting drains the best way is to commence with the main attempted, but dogs, birds, reptiles, and even the now pop
drain, and at its lowest point, working gradually up to ular sunflower are there. It is carved in front and back,
the highest. An intelligent mason or carpenter may be bearing inscriptions "Prepare for Death, Judgment, and
entrusted to made drains of this sort at very little cost, Eternity," "Deus Videt, Q.N.T.N.L." "tyrta meauta."
and we are sure no house owner, who cares for the health Plate 69, shows a Hall, and is designed in connection
of his family, will ever regret the investment. with the series of papers commenced in this issue, on
" Simple Ways and Means for Decorating the Home."
The designs and papers on this subject are from the pen
and pencil of our live contributor Mr. Edward Dewson,
of Boston, Mass. We are sure our readers will find these
papers instructive and interesting.
On Plate 70 we show a parlor mantel and details, mould
ings, &c. This is taken from our able English contem
porary, The Cabinet Maker and Art Furnisher. It is
just what several of our correspondents have asked for :
A wooden mantelpiece in the prevailing style is now
almost indispensable to every house occupied by fashion
BOB «■ <'Wi»n»~'-<li j able folk. The change of custom in this respect has
brought an enormous amount of business into the hands
On Plates 65, 66 and 67, wc show four elevations and of the cabinet maker, and the marble masons and gilders
two floor plans of a quaint and comfortable cottage, de complain, with reason, that they are being left out in the
signed for Mr. E. K. Warren by Fred. D. White, archi cold. A few years ago gilt chimney-glasses were a matter
tect, of Princeton, N. J. of course, and no drawing room was complete without one
This house is suitable for not only the seashore, but or two. - Now even the brokers find a difficulty in getting
also almost any inland location. The great point which rid of such gaudy heirlooms, for the economical buyer is
has been sought in the design is to build an effective yet beginning to insist upon an " overmantel." To satisfy
[Sept.,
this craving, black and gold overmantels are now pro upon the size of the opening and width of chimney
duced for a -pound or two, and many of them are gaudily breast ; consequently the workman should give these
decorated with patches of velvet and glowing painted points his primary consideration. Taking it for granted
panels. Some of our sturdy ancestors would smile if they that these parts vary considerably, we will, for the sake
could see such a piece of finery over the hearth, for once of convenience, suppose that we have to make our mantel
upon a time they were satisfied with a fire in the middle to sketch as per scale ; and we think that, after having
of the floor, and used the roof as the overmantel. Con studied the working drawings herewith, there should be
venience at length dictated that the chimney should be no difficulty in turning out a creditable production. The
set into the wall, and with a hooded chimney-breast article must be made in two pieces, viz., the mantel and
brought out to meet it. When this alteration was once overmantel, and we will, firstly, consider the mantel or
effected, the mantelpiece, or hood, offered a premium for lower part. The job should be framed out of 14 -inch
the display of ornament and treasure, and the iesthetes of solid wood, and the molded plinth inhered round and
the time soon availed themselves of such . opportunity, so butted each side of the 2-inch truss, as shown in fig 1.
that the chimneypiece soon glistened with plate, bric-a- The shaped truss should be run up under the frieze,
brac, and articles of vertu. Thus the fashion we have to which would project to receive it. Two paneled frames
accommodate to-day in such an article is associated with its with 1^-inch pilasters must now be doweled between the
earliest history, but it is a question whether the modem mantelshelf and the bottom board of 'the frieze. All the
specimens approach the magnificent chimneypieces of the panels along the front might then be beaded in from
good old days. When the renaissance took, root in this the back excepting the two small ones, which must be
country during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, plowed in (fig. 2). The bottom board of the frieze
the mantel became what it is rapidly becoming in these should be on the face of the back framing, but the
times—the most sumptuous item in the room. In recogni mantel-board must be doweled on to the top of the fram
tion of this fact we annex a design in the fashionable style ing and panel frames.
broadly designated "Queen Anne ;" not that the mantels The overmantel, if not of solid wood, could be framed
in the days of the good queen were after this pattern, but out of 1-inch pine and faced with ^-inch hard wood, upon
the use of sundry moldings and ornamental items con the edge of which the moldings might be worked, as
nected with the eighteenth century justifies the style and fig. 3. The frame should be made from out to out of
title in this case. As a matter of fact, the fine old man the outside pilasters, and in height from the base mold
tels of Jacobean days were "lost to sight, to memory ing on bottom rail to a line level with the top of fret
dear," during the Queen Anne epoch. As soon as archi gallery. Here the joint might be masked by a molding
tects, such as Kent and Gribbs, began to put pediments on which would be butted between the pilasters (fig. 4).
the top of their mantels, the height became lower and The side pieces with shaped and carved panels could be
lower, until at last a squatty piece of entablature, with an got out of the solid, and the panels cut by the carver in
interrupted pediment on top, was all that remained. This low relief. They should then be doweled on to the edge
residue of departed glories was eventually cleared away, of the frame, where the shelves would of course add to
and the mantel consisted of the lower part only, leaving a the stability of the article, as they could be screwed
fine space above for any monstrosity likely to catch the through the back. The front columns should be fixed to
public fancy. the shelves, as figs. 5 and 6 ; and the inner one could be
The vulgar Louis Quatorze and Louis Quinze soon pro finished under the shelf as in fig. 7 ; the center part of
vided materials for any amount of ornamental extrava pediment would be framed up and molded as in fig. 8,
gance, and such men as Chippendale, Lock, Mayhew and and firmly doweled to the top of back frame, the pilasters
others reaped a rich harvest in pandering to the popular being so arranged as to overlap the edges and thus form
taste for garish display. a rebate for the curved rings at the sides. The two back
The death and burial, so to speak, of the fine old over outside pilasters are surmounted with a turned terminal
mantel was thus accomplished, and it has really remained as shown in the sketch. The overmantel should now be
interred until quite recently. Some few years ago it fitted together, and when nicely bedded and fitted into
suddenly occurred to a few of our trade designers that, its place upon the mantel will form the article complete.
after all, wood was the thing for the chimneypiece, that Plate 71 shows elevation and details of a simple hall
there should be some sort of sympathy between the fur stand, all drawn to scale and lettered, for reference.
niture and the fireplace, and the present rage for wooden This is an excellent sheet for amateurs or others that are
mantels is the happy result. The revival of this old not well up in making furniture. The series to which
custom is therefore "due to the efforts of the modern this sheet belongs will be of great service to many of
English cabinet maker, and we mention these facts that our wood-working readers.
he may be proud of the *esult and stick to his laurels. The design is by Mr. Dewson, and is fully up to his
It should certainly be the pride of our furnishers to make usual standard.
the most of this revived opportunity in connection with Plate 72 is in connection with the articles with stair-
household art. In the present instance we submit to our building, to which the reader is referred.
practical readers a little design suitable for the drawing
room, having, perhaps, one or two features about it out
of the ordinary run. The shelving in the upper part
invites the presence of suitable pottery, whilst, at the Cutters for Wood-Working Machines.
same time, a plate of moderate size in the back affords
opportunity for gratifying reflections. The taste for THE action of revolving cutters in planing machines
fret work of an eighteentli century character is recog is very similar to that of saws ; the cutting angles,
nized by the introduction of a fret gallery to the top to perform satisfactory work, must vary considerably
shelf. The shaped brackets or trusses to lower part not when operating on different woods. For soft wood the
only give support to the shelf, but serve to show off bevel of the cutting edge of the iron should be more ex
some good carving if price will allow for introduction of tended than when used for hard wood. About 30° to
same. The working drawing annexed make the other the face of the iron is the best angle, whilst for hard
points sufficiently clear without further description. We woods about 40° to 50" is found most suitable. They
may therefore proceed, for the information of our ap may be worked at more acute angles than these, but in
prentice readers, to explain the best way of building up working hard wood they are more likely to break.
this piece of modern furniture. Cutters made of wrought iron, faced with steel, are
The dimensions of a mantel, of course, entirely depend better than those made of solid steel, and are easier
to make and less liable to fracture. It need hardly be re very seldom occurs in practice, but it is a good example to illus
marked that for all kinds of cutters the steel employed trate the method, which applies to all other cases, with a little dif
should be of the very best quality, combining in its na ference in the method of determining the center of gravity of
ture, as far as possible, toughness with hardness. loaded arches.
Cross tutting cutters, such as those used in tenoning
machines, should be arranged to work diagonally to the
grain of the wood. An angle of about 15 to the axis is
usually suitable for soft wood, as it is found the nearer
the cutters act. with the fiber of the wood the smoother
the work. Cutters for tenoning machines are made by
some engineeers slightly helical ; we think, however, any
thing gained in this manner is more than lost in the extra
trouble of keeping them in order, as well as the increased
first cost.
As regards the angle of the cutting edges of turners'
tools, it is found, for turning soft wood, an angle of
about 25° is the best, as it gives a good cutting edge, and
will stand to the work. Obtuse angles in turning tools
are generally a mistake, as they really scrape or abrade
instead of cut. The angles for a turner's finishing tool,
which is sharpened on both sides and the face ground off
obliquely, should be about 110" and 70°
In making molding irons, a plan generally pursued,
but essentially wrong, is to cut the profile of the required
molding en the edge of the steel and grind a bevel back Fig-. ?
wards from it, the result being the exact profile of the Span - iol ( t
molding is constantly liable to be altered when sharpen Oeplh op /Cey i"6
ing. In the place of this the form of the molding should
always be milled into the face of the cutter itself, as it
thus, if sharpened to the proper bevel, retains its true
form. This constant form of profile may be secured for Example II. —Loaded or Surcharged Semi-circular Arch.
vertical spindle molding machines, no matter how badly Wo will take the same arch as in Example I, and suppose it to
the cutters are sharpened, by using circular cutters. These lie loaded with a wall of masonry of the same thickness and weight
are made from one piece of steel, in form something like per square foot as that of the arch ring ; the horizontal surface of
a deep saucer. The periphery is shaped to the profile of the wall being 3 feet 6 inches above the arch ring at the crown.
the desired molding, and ha& several openings, which 1st Step.—Find center of gravity.
are sharpened towards the center, and present as many Commencing at the crown, divide the load and arch ring into
cutting edges to the wood. Their first cost, however, is strips 2 feet wide, making the last strip the width of the arch ring
considerably in excess of the ordinary form. Fixed cut at the springing. Then draw the joints as shown in Figure 5.
ters for planing machines should be fitted with back Measure with the scale the length of each vertical line, A a, B b,
etc., then the area of A a, B b, is equal to the length of A a + B b, as
irons, and the cutting edge arranged at a slightly oblique the distance between them is just 2 feet. The area of F /; k k is,
angle to the wood, as the shock on the knife is thus re of course, F / X width of arch ring.
ceived gradually. In establishments where a large va In this case the areas of the slices are as shown by the figures on
riety of woods are worked it is advisable to have several their faces, Figure 5.
sets of cutters ground to the various bevels best suited to Now divide the arch ring into thirds, and from the top of the
middle third, at R, lay off in succession, to a scale, the areas of
the work. the slices, commencing with the first slice from the crown, A a,Bb.
Much has been written as regards tempering cutting These areas, when measured off, will be represented by the line,
tools ; no absolute rules for wood-working machinery R 1, 2, 3 6. Figure 5. From the extremities of this line, R and
can, however, be laid down; it simply resolves itself into a 6, draw lines at 45 with a vertical intersecting at O. From O
draw lines to 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Next draw a vertical line through
matter of practical experience. the center of each slice fthese lines in Figure 5 are numbered 1, 2,
For working soft woods with cutters of an acute bevel 3, etc.). From the point in which the line R O intersects 1,
a light straw color temper is suitable, whilst for harder draw a line parallel to O 1, to the line 2. From this point draw a
woods, when the bevel of the cutter is made more obtuse, line to 3, parallel to 02, and so on. The line parallel to O 5 will
intersect 6 at Y. Then through Y, draw a line downwards at 45°,
the temper should be made slightly harder in proportion. intersecting O R, at X. A vertical line drawn through X will pass
Cutters should always be ground with a double bevel, through the center of gravity of the arch ring and its load.
leaving at the cutting edge say about one-eighth of an 2d Step. — To find the thrust at the crown and at the springing.
inch to be whetted with a stone to a keen edge by hand ;
this bevel or angle can also be rapidly altered to suit dif To find the thrust at the crown, draw a vert'eal line through X,
ferent kinds of wood. Of late, for planing, it has be and a horizontal line through R, intersecting at V. Now the weight
of arch and load, and the resultant thrust of arch must act through
come the practice to lessen the diameter of the cutter- this point. We will also make the condition that the thrust shall
block or head, and increase the number of irons, thus giv pass through Q, the outer edge of the middle third. Then the
ing, practically speaking, a continuous cut and a better thrust of the arch must act in the line VQ. Opposite 0, draw a
quality of work turned out. horizontal line H, between V X and V Q. This horizontal line
represents a horizontal thrust at R, which would cause the resul
tant thrust of the arch to pass through Q. Now draw the hori
zontal line RP, equal in length to H, and from P draw lines 1, 2,
3 6. The line P 6 represents the thrust of the arch at the
springing. Its amount in cubic feet of masonry can be deter
mined by measuring its length to the proper scale.
The Stability of the Arch.
M Step. — To draw the line of resistance
BY P. E. KIDDER. B. C. E. From the point P draw lines to 1, 2, 8, 4, 5 and 6. These lines
represent the magnitude and direction of the thrust at each joint
(Continued.) of the arch. Thus P 1 represents the thrust of the first voussoir
and its load; P 2 that of the first two voussoirs and their loads, and
IN the August number we explnined the method of determining so on. Then from the point a', where the line R P, prolonged, in
the stability of an unloaded semi-circular arch Such a case tersects the vertical line 1, draw a line a'V, parallel to PI ; from
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168 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [Sept.,
4', on 2, draw a .ine V c', parallel to P 2, and so on. The last line the area of the slices by measuring the length of the vertical lines
should pass through /Q, and be parallel to P 6. Ad, B A, etc. Having computed the areas of the slices, we lay
Now, if we connect the points where the lines a'V, b' c', etc., cut them off in order from R, to a convenient scale, and then proceed
the joints of the arch, we shall have a broken line, which is known exactly as in Example II., the remaining steps determining the
as the line of resistance of the arch. If this line lies within the thrust, and the lines of resistance are also the same as given under
middle third of the arch, then we conclude that the arch is stable. Example II.
If the line of resistance goes far outside of the middle, we must In a flat segmental arch there is practically no need of dividing
see if it be possible to draw another line of resistance within the the arch ring into voussoirs, by joints radiating from a center, but
middle third, and if, after a trial, we find that it is not possible, to consider the joints to be vertical. Of course when built they
we must conclude that the arch is not safe, or unstable. must be made to radiate.
In the example which we have just been discussing, the line of Figure 6 shows the computation for an arch of 40-feet span, and
resistance goes a little outside of the middle third, but it is very with a load 13^ feet high at the center. The depth of the arch
probable that on a second trial we should find that a line of resist ring 2 feet 6 inches.
ance passed through II and Q' would lie almost entirely within It will be seen that the curve of pressures lies entirely within
the middle third. the middle third, and hence the arch is abundantly safe or stable.
We explained the method of drawing the second line of resist It should be remarked that the line of resistance in a segmental
ance under Example I, and ns the same method applies to all arch should be drawn through the hirer edge of the middle third
cases we will not repeat it. at the springing.
The method given for Example II. would apply equally well for It will be noticed that the horizontal thrust, and the thrust T,
a semi-elliptical arch. at the springing, are very great as compared with those in a semi
circular arch, and hence, although the segmental arch is the
Example III.—Segmental Arch with Load. (Fig. 6.) stronger of the two, it requires much heavier abutments.
1st Step.— To determine the center of gravity. These three examples serve to show, we think, the method of
In this case we proceed the same as in the latter, to divide the determining the stability and thrust of any arch such as is used
arch ring and its load into vertical slices 2 feet wide, and compute in building.
in the end, and I would advise all who contemplate furnishing or

refitting, to do, where possible, but little at a time, but let that little
be well done, and with the best of materials. Once well done and
with good taste, it is done for all time. Good taste is good taste
the world over, and it is only the extreme in styles that changca
and we are not talking here of extremes, but of simple ways and
means. ' Speaking of extremes, reminds me that a'stheticism and
its disciples have been of late so noticeably before the public, and
seemingly, through the precepts and practices of false prophets,
so thoroughly misunderstood, that a word or two here in connec
tion with our subject would not be out of place. The love for
jmmimnn^ Home- the beautiful finds a place in every refined mind, and is a germ
that desires cultivation, and is ever on the lookout for the means
of gratifying that desire. Strip lestheticism of its habilaments of
charlatanism, its " vague platitudes," its lackadasiacal airs and
Ml graces—of all in fact that is unmanly—return to its original
true principles, and we find it simply a true and healthy yearni
|N preparing these papers it has been the aim to em for higher knowledge and culture ; a seeking to surround lh<:
body, in the plainest language and manner, some home and every-day life with objects of true beauty, to fill the mind
simple ways and meaus of making the home life and higher thought, with soft, refining influences that may lift us
and surroundings interesting and beautiful. It out of the narrow sphere into which the prosaic duty of every day
is desired to show to those who are considering life iuduces us.
the expenditure of money—a little at, a time, per Such a home is like the warm and cheerful sunshine in the
haps—in the adornment of their homes, how such lives of child and friend alike, breaking through the clouds of
may be done with economy, and how every spare moment may commonplace life, and flooding it with new and joyous thoughts
be devoted to the pleasant work. and experiences, never to be foreotten as long as life itself lasts.
The best, in decoration as in other things, ara rule, is the cheapest Thus rcstheticism, robbed of its outward sliow and supercilious
1882.]
gloss, may be brought to bear upon our homes and lives with pages something of interest that the reader may adapt to his own
good and refining influence, without reproach, or fear of adverse conditions and requirements. I do not know that I shall fully
criticism. realize this object, but I can at least try.
In these papers there is no pretense of perfection in the " science We will first take up for consideration the average suburban
of the beautiful," but an endeavor to show how the simple prin house, as these vary but little, so far as number and general size
ciples of good taste and beauty may be brought into our home of rooms are concerned, and in connection with this, will take an
occasional peep into the farm-house kitchen or living room, and
join the home circle, as they gather of an evening around the
hearthstone in some " little cottage by the sea," or in the country.
Standing now, as we are, on the threshold of our subject, I wish to
say before entering, that in each style of room as we take it up for
consideration, I shall try to give more than one example, in which
the conditions and requirements differ materially, and will try to
meet, as far as the limited space at my command will allow, the
various established necessities that we shall find awaiting us at
every turn, and remember, these are but a small minority of the
many ways open to us. I do not argue that these are arbitrary or
the best ways, but simply offer them as means I have found plain,
useful and "inexpensive. Having established this point in your
minds, we will now cross the threshold of our subject and proceed
to business.
I shall not attempt to show any definite series of connecting
plans or rooms, nor shall I confine myself to the description of
any one room, in more than one scheme of decoration, but will
try and cover a broader field, by describing various halls, living
rooms, chambers, etc. , and as we go along give with each its sep
arate plan, hoping in this way to give myself more scope, and
make the subject of more interest to my readers. The outward
style is of but little importance at the present time, but later on we
shall see how good taste and judgment in decorating the outside
surfaces will do much to make even an unsightly house an attract
ive object in a neighborhood, and a source of satisfaction to its
inmates.
In the plan of proceeding we have adopted, I can touch on many
little points I could not, should we confine ourselves to any one
particular arrangement of rooms, and so be enabled to meet more
fully the varied wants of my readers, by giving them hints that may
be found useful, depending on the judgment in applying these to
their varied requirements. Although there is some variety, in
houses of this class, in the size, arrangement, etc., of rooms, each
has its halls, the little-used parlor, the dining and sitting rooms, or
life, with good effect, and although the subject has been well dis library, kitchen and offices, and up stairs tbe usual complement of
cussed by other and abler minds, there is still some room left for chambers. First in consideration comes
suggestions, both as regards economy and methods of ornamenta TUB HALL.
tion. I will not attempt to cater to those favored few—speaking
comparatively—whose more liberal means enable them to place The first effect is received here, on entering, and our hall should
their home adornment and decoration into the hands of experts give the key-note, so to speak, of the whole, and should impress
for supervision : such need no advice here, for they have plenty of the visitor by its simple and quiet dignity. In many houses I
other resources ; but the field is still open, in my opinion, on this know of, this has been entirely overlooked, and the hallways con
subject of simple ways from which every-day people may gather sidered simply as highways to the various rooms and chambers,
something of use as well as interest. And among the many oooks giving but a bare, unfriendly welcome to visitors, particularly if
that have been written on this and kindred subjects, there is very they be strangers, chilling and absorbing all that is cheerful in
little that can be found of use to the person of average means and them, while passing through this common-place ugliness to the
educated, refined tastes, to assist them in gratifying laudable am living rooms beyond. Now all this is unnecessary and wrong, for
bition in this direction, without leading them into extravagances narrow, dark and unpromising as our halls may be, and very often
and thus into discouragements. The object which I have in view are, there surely is something we can do to give them their proper
is to be of use to those who, in trying to make the journey of life dignity and place, as the entrance to a pretty and cheerful home.
more enjoyable, by pleasant surroundings, by placing in these I suggest hard wood floors laid in strips, or n quiet pattern with a
oVcV C
heeLing.
Architect.
^Nev\/ M- Lu f\E l-l DU5E DfpDE -s-VlLW ff\UW\ CH/\N/|BEF^ ONI 50UTH 5ilJE *
Flate N0j69
[Sept.,
deep border about the edges (Fig 1). A few good examples of simple flight being carried above another at such a height as will admit
work are shown in the following sketch, No. 2. Such a floor is cleanly of head room to a full grown person.
and healthful, requiring only the use of a damp cloth to keep Method of setting out stairs where the building u already erected, or
presentable, nnd a joy forever during the annual season of spring the general plan of the building is understood.
cleaning. The ideai polished floor requires more constant and The first objects to be ascertained are the situation of the first
intelligent labor in bringing to perfection and keeping there, than and last risers, and the height of the story wherein the stair is to
the average housekeeper is able, from multiplicity of other duties, be placed. A sketch is made of the plan of the hall to the extent
to give to it, and as we have no need to see our faces reflect from of 10 or 12 feet from the supposed place of the foot of the stair,
its glossy surface, we will put to one side the polished floor of and all the doorways, branching passages, or windows which can
palace and romance, and bring^ some more economical plan to bear possibly come in contact with the stair from its commencement to
upon it. Mr. Oakey, in his little book on "Building a Home," its expected termination or landing are noted. The sketch neces
gives a receipt that may be of interest, although I cannot vouch sarily includes a portion of the entrance-ball in one part, and of the
for it from experience. I will give it here, he says: "Crude lobby or landing in the other, and on it have to be laid down the
kerosene, a very cheap article, will be found to be the best expected lines of the first and last risers. The height of the story-
application, administered once in ten days, with a cloth, the odor is next to be exactly determined and taken ou a rod; then, assum
passes off rapidly, and the wood gradually assumes a real tone." ing a height of riser suitable to the place, a trial is made, by divi
A floor will last for years, with an occasional treatment of benzine sion, how often this height is contained in the height of the story,
and hot wax, applied with a large brush ; it may also be filled, and the quotient, if there be no remainder, will lie the number of
shellacked and rubbed down ; but this last comes too near our risers in the story. Should there be a remainder on the first division,
" ideal " floor, and is too expensive to be of practical use here. the operation is reversed, the number of inches in the height being
Experience leads me to believe the following method to be the made the dividend, and the before-found quotient the divisor, ana
best for our case in hand. The floor should be first well filled the operation of division by reduction is carried on, till the height
and oiled, and once in four months apply boiled linseed oil and of the riser is obtained to the thirty -second part of an inch. These
wax, well rubbed on ; this leaves a slight glossy surface, is easily heights are then set off on the story rod as exactly as possible. The
kept in order and wears well, which are good points in its favor. next operation is to show the risers on the plan, but for this no
To put down a hard wood floor, in an occupied house—since the arbitrary rule can be given ; the designer must exercise his ingenuity.
invention of " Parquetry carpet floors," is not such an expensive When two flights are necessary for a rtory, it is desirable that
luxury as one would be led to believe. These are made by each flight should consist of an equal number of risers; but this will
machinery, of thin strips arranged in patterns on a canvas back depend on the form of the staircase, the situation and height of
ing, making it about the thickness of ordinary carpeting. 80, by the doors, and other obstacles to be passed over or under, as the
first leveling off all uneven portions, this may be put down at case may be. Try what the width of the tread will be by setting
prices ranging from $1.50 to $10 per yard. These floors wear off, upon the line n a in Fig. 10, the width of the landing from
well, are easily put.down, and require no tearing up and relaying, the wall A B; and dividing the length of the flight into as many
which means dust, dirt and discomfort until the work is finished. equal spaces as it is intended there should be steps in each flight.
It is not always desirable or practicable to adopt hard wood The landing covers one riser, and therefore the number of steps
floors, especially in hired houses, and in such a case, we have in a flight will be always one fewer than the number of risers. The
recourse to paint. Care should be taken when the color is medi width of tread which can be obtained for each flight will thus be
um or dark in tone that the first coat is very much the darker, found, and consistent with the situation the plan will be so far de
gradually lighting up in succeeding coats, to the color required, cided. A pitch board should now be formed to the angle of inclin
This is so that scratches or nicks may not show light under, and ation; this is done by making a piece of thin board in the shape of
furthermore, paint covers better with a lig_ht coat over a darker, as a right-angled triangle, the base of which is the exact going of the
the light coat is apt to "grin" through in disagreeable, streaky step, and its perpendicular the height of the riser.
way when the reverse is the rule. Three or four coats at most If the stair be a newel stair, its width will tie found by setting
are sufficient, and in some instances two will answer. This de out the plan and section of the newel on the landing (if one newel,
pends on the amount of wear the floor will be subject to, and this it should, of course, stand in the middle of the width); then, in
point the judgment of the reader must decide. Cire must also be connection with the newel, mark the place of the outer or front
taken that each coat dry thoroughly before the next is applied, string, and also the place of the back or wall siring, according to
also that too much oil is not used in mixing, as this will prevent its the intended thickness of each. This should lie done not only to
drying thoroughly or quickly. One or two coats of varnish, a scale on the plan, but likewise to the full size on the rod. Set
according to the exposure, will finish, allowing it to dry and off on the rod, in the thickness of each string, the depth of the
harden well before using. Our floors may also be stained in grooving of tho steps into the string: mark also on the plan the
imitation of cherry, walnut or other woods, and as many good place and section of the bottom newel; the same figure answers
receipts have already appeared in our Builder and Wood- for the place of the top newel of the seeond flight, the flights
Worker, I shall not take up space by offering any here, for the being supposed of equal length. The front string is usually
present time at least, although later on I may do so. A border framed into the middle of the newel, and thus the centers of the
from four to six inches wide of a dark wood stain—walnut, for rail, the newels, the balusters, and the front string ranse with each
example, with a center of cherry stain, the whole finished with a other; the width of the flights will thus be shown on the rod.
thin coat of varnish makes a neat and pretty floor. It is a general maxim that the greater the breadth of a step the
Here and there on the hall floor should be placed rugs, a large lest should be the height of the riser; and conversely, the less the
one for the main floor, aud smaller ones where most desirable, breadth of step, the greater should be the height of the riser.
never too many, as we should avoid a crowded appearance. Experience shows that a step of 12 inches width aud 5J inches
In the matter of rugs, I would suggest for looks, wear and rise, may be taken as a standard ; and if from this it is attempted
economy, the well-known Philadelphia rugs. These are, as the name to deduce a rale of proportion, substituting, for the sake of whole
implies, a home-made article, and therefore free from the extra numbers, the dimensions in half-inches, namely, 24 and 11, then,
cost of duties, &c. The patterns are Persian in character, and of in order to find any other width corresponding in inverse propor
rich harmonious tones, with enough bright coloring introduced tion,
to give them a cheery look ; the prices vary from two and one- Say as 24 : 11 :: 12 : 22
half dollars to twenty dollars each, aud as the pat' ems are the 24 : 11:: 19 : 13 8
same on both sides, the rug is not injured, badly, by constant 24 : 11:: 20 : 13 2.
wear, for when too shabby may he turned. They can be obtained Thus, it will be seen that a step of 6 inches in width will require
in almost any size and shape, and in tones to harmonize well with the riser to be 11 inches, a step of 9i inches will need the riser to
any good scheme of color decoration. be noarly 7 inches, and thnt a step of 10 inches requires r. riser of
The stairway, whether finished in hard wood, painted or stained, about 0£ inches.
should have a narrow strip of carpeting, of a plain dark tone, The same thing is thus otherwise expressed. Let T be the tread
running the whole length, and finishing at the bottom with a small and B the riser of any step which is found to have proper propor
rug. A very pretty, although not a necessary addition, would be tion, then to find the proportion of any other tread t, and riser r.
toliold the carpet in place by a small brass rod at the nosing of RXT_,,orTxR_,-.
each step or tread, finishing the rods at the ends with a little brass
ball or knob, screwed in place. r t
(Will be Continued.) T»ke, for example, a s tep with a tread of 12 and a riser of 54
inches as the standard, then to find the breadth of the tread when
the given riser is 8 inches, and substituting these Values for t and
Stairs. /• in the formula, we have
SECOND PAPER. 12X5+!=8i
WHERE communication between the stories is frequent, the inches us the breadth of tread.
qualities necessary in the stairs are ease and convenience in Supposn, again, the given breadth to he 13 inches, we have
using, combined with sufficient strength and durability. Economy 12X5V . ,
of space in the construction of stairs is an important consideration. 18
To obtain this, the stairs are made to turn upon themselves, one inches as the height of riser.
This process of inverse proportion may be performed graphi
cally as follows :
Let the tread and riser of a step of approved proportion he rep
rpsented by the sides c ft, 6 a, of the triangle a be, Fig. 8. Through
'he point a, draw a line d af, parallel to the step line e b. Then
lo find the riser for any other step, set off on the line e b, from the
point r to fi. the required width of a step, say 10 inches, and draw
i d ; dr.iw also e d, and continue it to the line b a, and the point of
intersection there will show the height of riser corresponding to Fig. 10. Fig. 11.
the trend e d. In like manner, if the width given be 18 inches,
set it off in the point 6; draw 6 e and e e, nnd the intersection at A Let abcd (Fig. 11) be the plan of the walls where a geome
will be obtained, giving 83 inches for the height of the riser. A trical stair is to be erected, and the line c be the line of the face
width of 20 inches will show a height of 3-3 inches. On the right of the first riser; let the whole height of the story bell feet 6
side of the figure is shown each step we have mentioned, con inches, and the height of riser 6 inches, the number of risers will con
nected with its proper riser, thus exhibiting the angle of pitch. sequently be twenty-three. The number of steps in each flight will
The same end nearly is arrived at thus : In the right-angled be one fewer than the number of risers, and according to the pre
triangle ab c, Fig. 9, make a b equal to 24 inches, and b e equal to ceding rule the tread should be 11 inches, so if there are two
U inches, according to the previous .standard proportion : then to Bights there will be twenty-one steps; or if winders are necessary,
find the riser there will be twenty-two steps in all, from the first to the last
ic corresponding riser. Having first set out the opening of the well-hole, or the
to a given tread, line of balusters, divide the width of the stairs into two equal
from b set off parts, and continue the line of division with a semicircle round
on a b the the circular part, as shown by the dotted line in the figure; then
length of the divide this line from the first to the last riser into twenty-two
treiid, as 6 d, equal parts, and if a proper width for each step can thus be ob
and through & tained, draw the lines for the risers. This would, however, give
draw the per- a greater width of step than is required; take therefore 11 inches
psndicular d e, for the width of step, and this, repeated twenty times, will reach
meeting the hy- to the line d, which is the last riser. There is in this case eight
pothenuse in e ; winders in the half space, but four winders might be placed in one
then d e is the quarter space, the other quarter space might be made a landing, and
height of the the rest of the steps being fliers, would bring the last riser to the
riser, and if we line a c. The usual place for the entrance to the cellar stairs is at
join ft e, the angle d b e is the slope of the ascent. In like manner, d, but allowing for the thickness of the carriages, the height ob
where b f is the width of the trend, f g is the riser, and b g the tainable there will be only about 6 feet, which is not sufficient.
slope of the stair. A width of tread, ft A, gives a riser of the height At E, in this example, would be a better situation for the entrance
of A k, and a width of tread equal to ft I, gives a riser equal to / m. to the cellar steps.
It is conceived, however, that a better proportion Treads Riser*,
for steps and risers may be obtaintd by the annexed inches, inches! Measuring Lumber.
method : THE following tables for measuring lumber, 1 inch
Set down two sets of numbers, each in arith- 5 9 and 1^ inch thick, have been in use in some of the
metical progression; the first set showing the width 6 8i
of the steps, ascending by inches, the other showing 7 S most prosperous mills in the East, for a long time. We
the height of the riser, descending by half inches. 8 7i. reproduce them here because some of our readers have
It will readily be seen that each of these steps and 9 7 asked for tables of this kind. The operator can adapt
risers are suchas may suitably pair together. 10 6$ them to suit almost any lengths cr thickness of stuff by
It is seldom, however, that the proportion of the 11 6
step and riser is exactly a matter of choice—the 12 54. dividing or mnltiplying.
room allotted to the stairs usually determines this 13 5 1 INCH LUMBER.
proportion; but the above will be found a useful 14 4^
standard, to which it is desirable to approximate. 15 4 s. c 6 B c ='
In better class buildings the number of steps is IS ' 3+ ' Length, ft. g £ 5 S -= JS a A
considered in the plan, which it is the business of 17 3 s tj
the architect to arrange, and ic such c:u«s the 18 2\ 5 Is
height of the story rod is simply divided into the number required.
Plana of Slain. —Before giving examples of the various forms 3 3H 4 5 5H 6 «S 7 7H
of stairs ordinarily occurring in practice, we shall with some
minuteness illustrate the mode of la3'ing down the plan of a stair, i 12 3 4 4 5 5 6 0 7 7 8
where the height of the story, the number of the steps, and the 13 3 4 4 s 6 6 7 7 8 8
space which they are to occupy are all given. 14 3 4 5 5 e 7 7 8 8 9
The first example shall be of the simplest kind, or dog-legged stairs. 15 4 6 r, 0 6 7 8 8 9 10
Let the height (Fig. 10) be 10 feet, the number of risers 17, the 16 4 n (i (i 7 8 8 9 10 10
height of each riser consequently 7,'., and the breadth of tread IT 4 5 ii 7 t 9 9 10 11
9j;""the width of the sta'rease 5 feet 8 inches. 18 5 a 0 7 8 8 9 10 11 11
Proceed first to lay down on the plan the width of the landing 19 i 5 6 7 7 8 9 10 10 11 12
then the size of the newel « in its proper position, the center of SO ... ."> 6 7 8 it 9 10 11 12 18
the newel being on the riser line of the landing, which should be 21 5 6 7 8 !) 10 11 12 12 18
drnwn at a distance from the back wall equal to the semi-wioth of l 22 (i 7 8 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
the staircase, and at right auglts to the side wall. Bisect the last 23 6 7 s » 10 11 12 13 14 15
riser a ft at o, and describe an arc from the center of the newel, as 24 6 7 s 10 n 12 13 14 15
o n, on which set out the breadth of the winders: then to the cen 25 7 8 si 1 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
ter of the newel, draw the lines indicating the face of each riser. 26 7 8 ii < 10 11 12 13 14 15 17
If there tie not space to get in the whole of the steps, winders 27 7 8 St 10 12 13 14 15 16 17
may be also Introduced on the left hand side, instead of the quar 28 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18
ter space, as shown. 29 8 0 11) 11 12 14 15 IC, 17 18
The next example is a geometrical staircase. 39 8 » 1 12 | 13 14 16 17 18 19
i7e THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [Sept.,
MEASURING LUMBER—Continued. undermined to such an extent by the waves as to render it neces

1 1-4 INX'H LUMBER. sary to construct a new tower, though the old one was not at all
impaired.
B B P a BB a
Length, ft. £ A •C ~ a ■3- ■5
A
2 2
? £ £ £ £ £ £ £
3 3H 4 4N 5 5H 6 6H 7 7H 8
12 4 4 5 6 6 7 7 8 9 9 10
13 4 5 5 6 7 8 8 9 10 10 11
14 4 5 6 7 7 8 9 9 10 11 12
15 5 6 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 12 13
16 5 6 7 8 8 9 10 11 12 18 13
IT 6 6 7 n 9 10 11 12 13 13 14
18 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 12 13 14 15
19 (i 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
20 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 13 15 16 17 SERVICE ROOM
21 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18
22 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 M5 17 18
23 7 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19
24 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20
25 8 9 11 12 18 15 16 17 19 20 21
26 8 10 11 18 14 15 17 18 19 20 22
27. 9 10 12 13 14 16 17 19 20 21 23
28 9 11 12 13 15 16 18 19 21 22 24 LOW LIGHT ROOM
29 9 11 12 14 15 17 18 20 21 28 24
30 10 11 18 14 16 18 19 21 22 24 25
The Eddystone Lighthouse.

TUE first lighthouse of this name that we have any account of
was built by Henry Winstanley, in 1696. It was constructed
of wood and stone, and was carried away, together with the archi
tect and keepers, by a violent storm in November, 1703. A sec
ond, of similar construction, was built in 1708, by John Rudyard,
a silk mercer, of London, and this was burnt down in 1755. The
great engineer, Smeaton, then erected the famovis tower, which has
1 I'm.• iu ■
• HI 1J 1 tiffl
i { w ft
BED ROOM
LIVING ROOM
OK KITCHEN
STORE ROOM
STORE ROOM
THE NLW LIGItTHOLSF.

It was at first proposed to remove the Eddystone rocks com
pletely when the c>meaton tower was condemned, as it was thought
that this would render a lighthouse unnecessary. The Trinity
Board, however, considered that it was not simply to indicate that
there was a rock beneath its light, but was important as provid
ing an essential link in the chain of channel lights. The new
tower was, therefore, built under the superintendence of Mr. N.
Douglass, and is essentially of the same character as Smeaton's,
the different heights of the latter being as follows:
Ft In
The six foundation courses 8 4%
The eight courses to entry door 12 %
ftCT The 10 courses of well-hole to storeroom floor 15 2tj
Hight of four rooms to balcony floor 34 4J£
smeaton's lighthouse
Total 70
stood for more than a century. It was discovered in 1877, that The new tower is 130 feet high, and is built entirely of granile.
the rocky foundation on which the lighthouse was built, had been It may be of interest in this connection to state that a book, by
1882.] 177
Mr. E. P. Edwards, has just been published in England, entitled prepared by mixing sand with water glass solution to form a plus
"The Eddystoue Lighthouses," containing an abstract of Mr. tic mass, which is pressed into the required shapes, then placed in
Smeaton's own account of his work, besides giving all the partic solution of calcium chloride ; silicate of carcium is formed and
ulars of construction of the old lighthouse, and embodying nume cements the grains together, the chloride of sodium formed at the
rous facts of general interest. same time being removed by washing with water.
The accompanying illustrations show the old and new struc In connection with clay, lime, sand, cement, <fcc , soluble glass
tures. enters largely into the composition of many of the patented arti
ficial stones, plastic tiles, slates, &c.
The detergent properties of water glass make it an excellent
scouring material, and enters largely into the composition of many
of our common soaps.
Eph. J., Detroit, sends the following in reply to W. of Var-
ner. 111., who asked for a solution of the phtnceer question in the
April issue: "I send the following solution, which, if W. 8.
strictly follows, will give him the exact cuts he wants •
[It will give us pleasure to have our readers take a part in this Di-partmeiit. j
J. R. T., Newport.—You have set us rather a difficult task to
perform, and one that we would rather not undertake ; we may
say, however, that the arts termed fine, polite, or liberal, when
spoken of abstractly, or without relation to other arts, are paint
ing, sculpture, and architecture ; but, in the popular division, they
consist of music, painting, sculpture, engraving, rhetoric, garden
ing, architecture, and are distinguished from the useful or me
chanical arts by their respective objects. The object of the latter
is to produce utility or profit ; that of the former is to please or
gratify the taste by exhibiting whatever they can that is graceful,
lovely, elegant, novel, wonderful, or sublime. Absolute or relative
l>eauty is a quality common to all their productions, and it is by
the power of their works to raise this emotion that we judge of the
perfection of those works. Some of the fine arts are also useful,
still, the most striking feature in the outward expression of their
productions is ornament. Such are architecture and gardening.
The propensity to imitation is common to n.an, and leads even now
the rude sons of the country to carve on wood or stone some rough
resemblance to the human face or form. The glassy surface of the
unruffled lake, reflecting in calm beauty forest, field, village, either
burnished with the golden blaze of sunlight, or softened into
milder radiance by the silvery beams of the " fair queen of night,"
would suggest a means of picturing out in a more durable form all
the charms of a landscape, as a memento of scenes and hours of
friendship now far distant or long passed away. The varied
beauty of nature in the green velvet lawn and the embroidered Fig. 1.
meadow, the gently meandering rivulet and the rushing cataract,
the grave-browed mount iin andthe silent valley, no doubt gave Let A B, Fig. 1, be the pitch of roof, and A C the plumb line ;
rise to the picturesque in gardeniug. The magnificent temple of now draw C B, which will be the projection of cornice. Now take
nature, whose roof of thickly intertwining branches and closely B for a center, and for a radius, B 0. Draw the dotted circle ;
thatched leaves is suppprted by strong and graceful columns of square up from A B the line B D, cutting tbe circle at D ; now
various forms, possibly furnished the first idea of architecture, and join A I) and the bevel for the face is in the angle A D B.
contributed assuredly to tbe perfection of the art. That the fine
arts are the legitimate result of the laws of mind seems farther evi
dent from their adaptation to the mental constitution, from the in
voluntary spontaneous approbation shown them in all ages, and in
all countries, and by nearly all classes of society. This universal
admiration arises from their appealing to a common principle of
human nature—taste, which, though differing in some of its ap
plications, is essentially the same in all mankind. Taste is some
what analogous to the love .of nature, and serves the same end with
respect to human productions as the love of nature does with re
spect to natural objects. They are sometimes both called taste,
and it is a fact, so nearly are they alike to each other, that by im
proving one of them we improve the other at the same time. Per
haps we could not do better than to advise you to read " Burke on
the Sublime," and the works of Ruskin.
T. V., Baltimore. —Water glass, soluble glass, or silicate of soda,
as it is variously called, possesses, when properly prepared, many
unique and valuable properties. In cold water it is nearly insolu Fio. 2.
ble, or dissolves very slowly. In boiling water it dissolves with
facility and remains in solution when the latter has cooled. Water Let A B. Fig. 2, be the pitch of roof ; square up from A B the
containing 30 per ceut. of the glass in solution is of a sirupy con line D to represent the edge of plancecr ; now square down I) K,
sistence, and may be used as a transparent varnish on many sub cutting the horizontal line C at E ; now take B for a center, and for
stances ; on drying it forms a glassy coating that resists moisture a radius, touch E ; cut the line A B at F ; connect D F, and the
and change of temperature verv well. It has been used exten bevel for the edge is in the angle A F D.
sively as a vehicle for certain pigments to form paints known as T. K. S., Uti-a. N. Y.—The following rules apply to the meas
silica paints. These have the advantage over all paints or varnishes urements of all triangles. Gables, unless truncated, are triangles,
of being incombustible, and when used on woodwork serve in a nnd their contents may be formed by following the annexed nues .
measure to prevent sudden ignition of the wood by contact with To find the area when the base and perpendicular height are given
flame. They also are serviceable in painting theatrical scenery, —Rule: Multiply tbe base by the perpendicular height, and half
cloth saturated with a dilute water glass varnish becoming unin the product will be the area. When two sides and the included
flammable. The pigments used in these paints ure zinc white, angle are given—Rule : Multiply one side bv half the other, and
barytes, chrome green, chrome oxide, chrome red or orange, cobalt by the natural sine of the included angle. When three sides are
ultramarine, zinc yellow, ultramarine, cadmium, sulphide, ocher, given— Rule : Add the three sides together, and from half the sum
&c. Chalk mixed with water glass forms, on drying, a very com substract each side separately ; then multiply the half sum and the
pact stone as hard as marble ; bone, ash, zinc white, and magnesia, three remainders successively, and the square root of the last pro
with water glass forms similar stones. Hansom's artificial stone is duct will be the area.
Sept., 1882.] 179
W. S. B., Waltham, Mass —We understand from your sketch
and description that the posts in the building are 10' S" on centers,
and that the girders, or floor buams, are 5 4" on centers, and 22' 6"
from end to end, the alternate beam being supported by a six-inch
iron beam resting on top of the columns.
If this is the case your 8"xl(5" hard pine girders will safely carry
26.000 lbs., or about 170 lbs. per sq. ft. of floor. The six-inch iron
beam is loaded entirely its center, and a "trenton" beam of 50
lbs. per yd., and 10 ft. span, will safely support only 4,500 lbs. at
the center, which would be only about 37 lbs. per sq. ft. of floor in
your case. You should use a 12" beam of 170 lbs. per yd., to We are grieved to annuunce the fact that the Perm Montltly closed its career
utilize the full strength of your timber girders. The lower with the July issue. The Penn Monthly was an able, calm and dignified jour
columns will safely support about 136 lbs. per sq. ft. on the second, nal and will oe missed by many of the most advanced thinkers of this country.
third and fourth floors, and fifty lbs. per sq. ft. on the roof, all at Brick, Tile and .tidal Review.—This excellent journal comes to us
regularly brim full of the best and most reliable information concerning the in
the same time. They will probably never be loaded to such an terests it represents. The last issue contains a very useful article on the burning
extent, however. "Vou will find all necessary information for of bricks, and anoi her one on the chemistry of earth. It seems to us that the
computing the strength of floors in Mr. Kidder's articles on the intrinsic value of the journal and its low price should induce every person who
has anything to do with brick, metal, or tile, to keep a copy of it regularly on his
Mechanics of Architecture, published in the Bi'ilder and Wood- table. Price. 60 cents per annnm. Published by Geo. E. Williams, 90 Diamond
Worker for April and May, 1881. street, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Forest and Stream —With the first issue in August the popular New
York journal. Forest ami Stream, has been enlarged to 28 pages, weekly. The
D. L. N. , Buffalo, N. Y. —We have answered your questions Forest and Stream is devoted to angling, shooting and yachting, and kindred out-
on several occasions, but as the " blue printing process " of copying of-door manly recreations. It is one of the most remarkable journalistic suc
tracing, seems to be a subject of general interest, we again give a cesses of the day, having an excellent corps of contributors, and a wonderful
circulation all over the country. In appearance, size, and quality of contents,
detailed desciiption of the method as practiced by some of our best the paper is a model, and deserves all the credit it has won. It is published by
draftsmen. the Forest and Stream Publishing Co., 39 Park Row, New York City.
The following, which is taken from the Loeomotite, covers the "The Annals of a Baby," by Sarah Bridges Stebbins, Is one of the
Whole ground : brightest and best books of the day, and everybody should read It and enjoy ita
The materials required are as follows : exquisite humor and telling pathos. Poetic in the highest degree, it depicts in
glowing tints a series of home scenes, in which, of course, the baby is the centra]
1st. A board a little larger than the tracing to be copied. The figure. These scenes, and the various characters faking part in them, are so na
drawing-board on which the drawing and tracing are made can tural and so felicitously drawn that the reader cannot resist the fascination they
always be used. exert, and this fascination holds sway until the last. The Baby is a charming
titile atom, and the good it does simply by its presence is described in a manner
2d. Two or three thicknesses of flannel or other soft white cloth, that reaches at limes the height of the pathetic. There is a delightful
which is to be smoothly tacked to the above board to form a good flutter of excitement attending the naming of the Baby, and the Baby's party is
smooth surface, on which to lay the sensitized paper and trac as comical an affair as ever an author put on paper, and is so original and novel
that no one can fail to be pleased with it. Then the Young Mother, with her
ing while printing. kindness and thoughtfulness, the Young Father, the Young Aunties, the Grand
3d. A plate of common double-thick window glass of good fathers, the Grandmofhers, the Poor Relation, the Crippled Sister, the Fat Nurse
quality, slightly larger lhan the tracing which it is wished to copy. and Aunt Hannah at once photograph themselves on the mind and bVcome, so to
speak, living personages whom everybody can understand and appreciate, the
The function of the glass is to keep the tracing and sensitized paper Fat Nurse, with her quaint language and practical ideas, being a creation worthy
closely and smoothly pressed together while printing. of Dickens. The chapter called " The Sunset of Life" will bring tears to many
4th. The chemicals for sensitizing the paper. These consist an eye, and that devoted to Aunt Hannah will sink deeply into every mother's
heart. No better or more interesting work of the kind can be found, and it is
simply of equal parts, by weight, of citrate of iron and ammonia, cordially commended to everybody, especially those who have read and admired
and red prussiate of potash. These can be obtained at any drug " Helen's Babies." Published by T. B. Peterson & Brothers, Philadelphia. Price,
store. The price should not be over 8 or 10 cents per ounce for cloth', Jl.
each. Great Artlata of the American Stage, by Alfred Trumble. Pub
5th. A stone or yellow glass bottle to keep the solution of the lished by R. K. Fox, IS) William street, New York. Price 50c. A handsome
volume, containing twenty-nine fine portraits of popular players, male and
above chemicals in. If there is but little copying to do, an ordinary female, with vivid and authentic biographical sketches by a well known dramatic
glass bottle will do, and the solution made fresh whenever it is journalist of New Y'ork ; it cannot fail to achieve a place for itself not only in
wanted for immediate use. popular favor but among the most valuable literature of the stage. In present
ing the first installment of this series the author and publisher have opened a
6th. A shallow earthen dish in which to place the solution when vein which will yield both fame and profit.
using it. A common dinner-plate is as good as anything for this The manual Element in Education. By John D. Runkle, Ph. D.,
purpose. L.I.. D., Walker Professorof Mathematics, Institute of Technology. Boston, Mass.
7th. A brush, a soft paste-brush about four inches wide, is the To those who are intere-ted in the industrial development of this country, and
who desire to know how technical education is imparted to future artisans in
best thing we know of. some portions of the old world, this pamphlet will prove instructive and profita
8th. Plenty of cold water in which to wash the copies after they ble. We shall take occasion next month to make a few pertinent extracts from
have been exposed to the sunlight. The outlet of an ordinary sink this paper, in order to show the immense importance of the Manual Element in
Education.
may be closed, by placing a piece of paper over it with a weight
on top to keep the paper down, and the sink filled with water, if
the sink is large enough to lay the copy in. If it is not, it would j
be better to make a water-tight box about five or six inches deep,
and six inches wider and longer than the drawing to be copied.
9th. A good quality of white book-paper
Dissolve the chemicals in cold water in the following propor
tions : 1 ounce of citrate of iron and ammonia, 1 ounce of red
prussiate of potash, 8 ounces of water. They may all be put into
a bottle together and shaken up. Ten minutes will suffice to dis
solve them.
Lay a sheet of the paper to be sensitized on a smooth table or
board ; pour a little of the solution into the earthen dish or plate,
and apply a good even coating of it to the paper with the brush ;
then tack the paper to a board by two adjacent, coiners, and set it
t3P~ A charge of seventy-five cents a line will be made for ail notices in this
in a dark place to dry ; one hour is sufficient for the drying ; then column,
place its sensitized side up, on the board on which you have office on for each and every insertion. Copy of notices must be sent to this
smoothly tacked the white flannel cloth ; lay your tracing which following orissue. before the 30th day of each mouth to insure an appearance in the
you wish to copy on top of it ; on top of all lay the glnss plate,
being careful that paper and tracing are both smooth and in perfect Tiik difficulty of removing old paint has been a source of trouble and annoy
contact with each other, and lay the whole thing out in the sun ance to every' one who has had an.\ thing to do with cleaning and repainting old
light. Between eleven and two o'clock in the summer time, on a wood work, or painted machinery or oilier iron work. It is true that there have
always
clear day, from six to ten minutes will be sufficiently long to j so primitive been means of removing old paint, in a way, but these means have been
expose it ; at other seasons a longer time will be required. If your quent coals ofandpaint,
troublesome, or so Injurious to the wood-work, or the subse
as to render their adoption practically out of the question.
location does not admit of direct sun-light the printing may be Tiie new ■"Elecrric" Paint Remover, however, prepared by A. E. Rendlc. No. 7
done in the shade, or even on a cloudy day ; but from one to two Warren street. New Y'ork, meets all the necessary requirements, and removes
hours and a half will be required for exposure. A little experience paint, grease or other like substances, effectually, and without labor, and leaves
the work in the best of- condition for repainting, poli-diingor staining. We have
will soon enable any one to judge of the proper time for exposure tried the "Remover" and therefore " speak by I he hook," and can say with
on different days. After exposure, place your print in the sink or out hesitancy, that there is nothing in the market in the shape of a " paint re
trough of water before mi-ntioued, and wash thoroughly, letting mover " that will give anything like the satisfactory results ttiat Rendle's prepara
tion does. Its action, though ch'-mical, is perfectly harmless to the suiface of
it soak from three to five minutes. Upon immersion iu the water, either wood or metal, and its difference to oiher " removere " is that subs» quent
the drawing, hardly visible before, will appear in clear white lines applications of paint, varnish or polish is not affected by it. Its application is
on a dark blue ground. After washing, tack up against the wall, Bimplc, no scraping or erasing is required. It is applied with a brush, left for a
half hour, then washed with a sponge or cloth and cold water. The result is
or other convenient place, by the corners to dry. This finishes the marvelous,
operation, which is very simple and thorough. j Send for circular.
[Sept.,
T We give herewith a description of I ho new I.kvki. and Rod manufactured by screw goes into the shank of the ball which appears in the socket of the base,
Wm. T. Comstock, fi Astor Place, N. V. The letter* refer to corresponding let the upper part of which is shown in the cut. The outer circle forms a support
ters on the cut: and guide for the inner circle, and to its spokes are attached the two thumb
The sighting screws and springB opposite to them by means of which the instrument is
tube A A' is 14 in. brought to n level.
long and has at The base B is simply a solid disc with a smoothly turned outer rim on which
the end A n pin tbe little cups holding the feet of the screws and springs may slip easily when
1] o 1 c 1 o o k i n g ever it may be necessary to revolve the outer circle on the base. The center of
through the tube, this disc is formed into a socket for the ball referred to above. The under sur
nnd at the other face of this disc has a solid cylinder which sets in the collar of the tripod and is
end A' a email held firmly in its place by means of a stud and set screw. Tbe center screw and
ring inside the shank of the ball are hollow, so that the cord suspending the plumb-bob may be
brass shield or passed up through the instrument, and is held in its place by the knot In the cord
>>uter ring shown as shown in the cut. From this description it will be seen thai this instrument
in cut holding the can be adjusted in every way possible in the highest priced instruments, and has
cross wires. These besides the additional feature of a horizontal circle, making it in reality a plain
wires arc adjusted transit, as well as a level.
to the center by The leveling rod is round and made in two sections, so that it can be conve
the lit tic screws niently carried, is united by a Folid screw joint, so that when together it is as
whose heads ap firm as if of one length, and has a target as shown in illustration, made to slide
pear in tbe draw on the rod.
ing. This tube rests on the Ys, Y and Y\ and they in turn stand on the There are two scales: one side being engineers' {feet, lOths and lOOths); the
Inner circle 0'. On this tube at the Ys are two rings with flanges, like other architects' scale (or, feet, inches, and Hths). This rod will be found by en
car wheels, and it is held in Its place by the latches on the top of the Ys, gineers light and convenient, and well worth its price as a second rod where they
which again are fastened in position bv tho thumb screws appearing in have one of the ordinary make. To architects and builders it will be invaluable,
the cut on top of Ys. By loosening these latches this sighting tube may as it gives them the measurements in feet and inches.
be revolved to test the adjustment of the cross wires.
At the foot of Y'and beneath the inner circle will be seen the head of
three screws marked r in the cut which maybe turned by a key fur
nished with the Instrument, thus raising or lowering the end of the i Bound volumes of the Butldbr and Wood-Worker for 1881, can now be ob
tube and adjusting the line of sight to the line of level of the circles. tained from this office Price $2.50.
The horizontal circles C and C are two concentric circles revolving one Any one having a complete set of tl Knight's Mechanical Dictionary " for sale,
inside the other. The onter circle is graduated to degrees and (be cheap, may find a purchaser at this office
inner marked at everv 45°. so that the instrument may be used in laying
off angles, squaring foundations, &c. The inner circle (C) carrleB the Send seventy-five cents to this office for a copy of the
glass bubble which is seen in the cut level with the top surface of the
plate. The bubble itself may be adjusted by a screw beneath the brass " Steel Square and its uses." The best Book for young
plate protecting tbe glass. In the center of this circle will be seen the
head of the screw which binds the different parts of the instrument to workmen, in the market.
gether and which forms the axis about which the circles revolve. This
We have on for.
mer occasions
spoken In high
terms of our ex.
perience with the
Stoves and Air-
warming Grates
made by The Open
Stove Ventilating
Co. cf this city
and in this issue
we present a cu*
showing the ap
pearance of their
new No. 18, which
makes quite a sfg.
nificant departure
In Stove architec
ture.
The patterns
have all been mod
eled in clay by a
first-class artist
thus enabling the
manufacturers to
produce castings
of extraordinary
beauty nnd char-
acter.which, taken
together with the
well established
sanitary and eco
nomical advanta
ges of the Fire on
the Uearthnppara-
tus (Stoves, Air-
warming Urates
and Fire Place
Heaters), makes it
probably the most
attractive and de-
sir.ible Stove ever
made for warming
a u d ventilating
dwellings.
For the benefit
of those of our
readers who have
never had an op-
port-unity to ex
amine personally
into the merits of
this apparatus, we
briefly state that
each form or va
riety combines
within itself the
ventilation of an
open (Ire with the
air circulation of
a furnace, and to
meet any severe
emergencies of
tern pe rat u re it
may instantly be
converted into a
The experiment suggested is simple and inexpensive

and, no doubt, effective. Doubtless, sewer gas has killed
thousands, and rendered life miserable to many other
tlupusands, but it must not be thought for a moment that
all the nameless ills to which human flesh is heir are
caused by sewer gas. It is deadly enough certainly, but
it is hardly right when made use of to cover professional
ignorance.
A JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ART.
ASHORT time ago the American Congress of Forestry
PUBLISHED MONTHLY, met in Montreal and a large number of interesting
and instructive papers were read on the best way to con-
AT j serve existing forests ; on climatology and forestry ; forests
in their relation to water supply ; how to promote the ex
176 Broadway, IsTe-oo- York. tension of timber bearing lands in districts where timber
is scarce, and how best to introduce it into the treeless
regions of the West, as well as on a number of other sub
PRICE. ONE DOLLAR AND FIFTY CENTS A YEAR. jects bearing on this important matter. The preserva
tion of our forests is a matter that has been too long
neglected. Public health and the preservation of our
CHARLES D. LAKEY, Pitblishe FRED. T. HODGSON, Editor. j present climatic condition demand that something should
be done and done quickly to stop the destruction of our
Newsdealers will please order through The various News Companies. forests. After all, the cost of tree planting is so trivial
Subscriptions to Great Britain and the Continent of Europe, Australia and that, if the importance of this matter were brought be
Japan, $2.00: China, Sandwich Islands, Mexico, and Cuba, $3.50; South America, fore the public, they would doubtless do much to assist
in this matter by planting more shade trees about their
houses, along the country roadsides, and wherever land
y.B.—Person* remitting money to this office through the post are requested was available for this purpose. So important is this mat
either to procure a post-office order or to register the letter, and address it to the ter that we are almost persuaded to invite legislative ac
publisher, Charles D. Laket, 176 Broadway, New York, to whom aU letters tion on the subject. Some laws ought to be devised—and
of a business character should be tent. enforced—to prevent the present destruction of trees,
and to encourage the planting of young timber.
VOL.-}?*8" 8, XVIII. I I Whole Nubbih, 181 AMONG the most notable pieces of architecture in New
j Ssw Se SB, IV. j OCTOBER, 1882. j New Numbkr, - 10 York must hereafter be mentioned Theiss' Music
Hall, on East Fourteenth street. Were it not that lager beer
flows there as freely as music, we should have to speak of
it as a weird as well as a wonderful place. As it is, one can
see, and it is richly worth going a hundred miles to see,
what an artist architect can do when given time and
money. Mr. Arthur Crooks has fairly outdone himself.
He was given n difficult architectural problem to solve, as
regards general design, to fit a place for its uses, and then
he set about making it beautiful. The Hall must be
judged in its entirety, as a whole. Mr. Crooks designed,
and decided, every bit of detail, selecting every color in
tiles and decoration. The decoration was done by Mr.
Cohn, who was assisted by Mr. Rattray, formerly of the
Builder staff, and whose panels in their exquisite free-
ness are worth hours of study. The decoration through
out shows master hands, and reflects the highest credit to
ARELIABLE English exchange, The Journal ofDeco all the parties connected with it. The stained glass work
rative Art, in discussing the evils of sewer gas, calls by Mr. Rutland is especially fine. Mr. Crooks has just
the attention of householders to the fact that it is easy reason to be proud of his work.
to discover its presence by utilizing the fact that it acts
upon white lead paint in such a manner as to dissolve it ; THERE are &ome men in this world so mean that we
and remarks that " the test can be rendered complete and wonder at their being recognized as men at all. A
effective, if a portion of the woodwork were painted with short time ago a person opened a hotel at Seabright, a
silicate paint the same shade ; because, resisting as it does watering place on the New Jersey coast, and straightway
the action of the gas, it would serve to emphasize more bid for a share of public patronage. The place seems to
strongly any discoloration that might take place. have been fairly patronized, and everything seemed to be
As an experiment we would suggest disks being made going along swimmingly, when all at once two of his
and painted pure white with white lead paint, and across guests were stricken with typhoid fever, which, as soon as
the center a band of white, of silicate or 1 Charlton known by the other visitors, caused a stampede. Now,
White ' painted on them, these hung up in the bath this state" of affairs was not at all pleasing to the proprietor,
room, w. c, or cellars, or in such places as are suspected and he immediately announced that he would close the es
of being inlets for sewer gas, would soon discover if tablishment, and that the stricken victims must remove to
there was any such gas present, and disclose the danger other quarters. The physician in attendance remonstrated
at onco. We are glad at being able to thus draw the with the landlord, and represented that a removal would
attention of'the trade to an important scientific fact, of likely prove fatal to the sufferers. The representation
which for years they have been the unconscious demon made no difference to the obdurate hotel man, he still in
strators, and to place them where their position properly sisted on the removal. His heart was softened, however,
is, amongst the front ranks of sanitary reformers." by the receipt of five thousand dollars for " expenses "
182 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [Oct., 1882.
from the friends of the relatives. It was afterwards put- five feet ten inches. There is no absolute rule as to the
in evidence before the Board of Health which investi height of the dado : it might with propriety be only a few-
gated the matter that some of the closets could not have inches above the height of the chair backs. A good guide
is to take the height of the top side of the lock rail of
been flushed for six or more weeks, as the tank on the roof
which held the water for this purpose was said to have the door, and make the dado the exact height of that.
been empty for that length of time, and the lavatories But if there are children in the house it is always wise to
were found foul and in a bad condition. Under the cir get higher with it, in order to prevent finger marks. We
cumstances we cannot arrive at any other conclusion than would draw special attention to the fact that the whole of
that the man who runs that hotel at Seabright is about as the ornament displayed on this design has been actually
mean a specimen of a kind as can be conceived ; and we executed with stencils, in this wise : The design was first
are not sure but the fellow can be forced to disgorge drawn three times the size as here shown, and stencils cut
the $5,000, and a nice additional sum for damages; for if for all borders, panels of doors, dado, etc., and stenciled
all is true as presented before the Board of Health, the on to the design, some of the ties on the door panels
cause of the illness of the two guests was directly tracea being afterwards filled up. The design was then reduced
ble to the filthiness of parts of the building at which by photo-lithography to its present size. The dado pat
tern is a conventional arrangement of the lily, entirely
they stopped, said filth and dirt being entirely due to the
negligence or cupidity of the landlord. At any rate, original, as indeed are all the other ornaments. The door
when a man opens a place of resort like that in question, panels represent the four seasons. The primrose for
spring, the rose for summer, the poppy, wheat-ear, and
he is supposed to take all risks, and has no right to insist
on the removal of persons who may be taken ill at the re blackberry for autumn, and the holly and mistletoe for
winter. With regard to the coloring for this design, it
sort, providing the disease is one that is not likely to be
come epidemic. How much more is he to blame if he may be done in a variety of styles, and will, of course, be
insists on a removal when the cause of the disease is governed by the particular circumstances of the room to
traceable to his carelessness ? which it may be applied. These conditions depend upon
what the room is used for, its aspect, whether it faces
east, west, north, or south. All these are circumstances
ni«,MuiUiat*».to » »t »«jr* which should, and in fact must, have a bearing upon the
coloring of the room. It is a self-evident fact that if it
is a room into which the sun shines most part of the year,
it would have to be treated in a different manner to one
into which the sun scarcely ever comes. In the latter
case wc should require warmth and light in the coloring,
while the former would require to be cool and quiet in
tone, so as to modify the glare and heat of the sunlight.
These are, however, matters we shall fully enter upon in
ON Plate 73 we show elevations and plans of a low- due time. It may suffice here to indicate one or two ways
priced cottage, one that we think might be built in which this design may be treated. For a room of the
and furnished complete for about $1,000. We are indebted size here represented it would always be safe to use quite
to Mr. Geo. O. Woodcock, Claremont, N. H., for the draw neutral colors. If it has a northern aspect we would use a
ings. salmon color for the wall space, warm cream color for the
On plate 74 we show two elevations of a comparatively ceiling, and two shades of neutral green for the dado, the
inexpensive Chapel, suitable for many summer resorts, latter color being made from green, white, and sufficient
where the principal requirements are, to build a Venetian red and amber in it to modify the green and
roomy and well ventilated place of worship at a small make it into a dull, warm, neutral color. The pattern of
outlay. As will be seen, the lower portion of the tower the dado to be stenciled on in a darker shade of the same
serves as an open vestibule, on one side of which is a color. The border on top of dado would be best
platform for alighting from carriages. Above there is an stenciled upon the wall color, and may be in the same
octagon shaped belfry, which finishes off pleasingly in a colors as the dado pattern. In coloring the cornice, we
rounded cap. should have portions of the moldings left white. The
The general design is intended to be in keeping with bottom flat or frieze should be done the same color as the
the prevailing popular style of rural architecture, with flat of ceiling, and the ornament stenciled in a lighter
out wandering from ecclesiastical principles. tint of the same color as the border at top of dado.
The seating capacity is about 350, and the cost, com The cove or hollow of cornice should be done in with a
plete, $4,500. color made from the salmon color and ultramarine blue,
The plans were prepared by Fred'k C. White, archi and the ornament stenciled upon it with the same color
tect, of Princeton, N. J. made much warmer with Indian red.
Plate 75 shows a church with plan. This plate is fur "We have now to consider the color of the woodwork.
nished us by S. M. Howard, of Wheeling, Va. Persons of quiet tastes might have the panels of the door
Plate 76 represents an interesting cabinet, by Mr. done same as the ground color of the d;ido, and the stiles
Dietrich, simple in construction, and not beyond the of the colors of the stencil, with moldings picked in, in
reach of amateurs. the different tints used in the room. In this ease we
Plate 77 shows another of those plates of scale eleva should stencil the ornaments on the panels with the sten
tions and details that are furnished to the Builder and cil color used on the dado, and outline them with a
Wood-Worker by Mr. Edward Dewson. These are ex darker color of the same, having a little Indian red and
cellent plates for the amateur and general workman. black mixed with it ; this, with the addition of n little
On Plate 78 we show a design for room decoration, gold upon the beads of moldings next the panels and on
taken from the " Journal of Decorative Art." the architraves would make a quiet and good looking
" The cornice and frieze about one foot, measuring ver style of doing it. Or the work may be grained and the
tically, and the dado, four feet from the floor to the top ornament stenciled in black upon it. Another way of
of the border, the skirting occupying fourteen inches of doing the woodwork would be by painting it in low toned
this space. The cornice is composed of a narrow flat or colors, such as warm golden browns with moldings black
frieze, a cove or hollow, and various moldings ; the cove and gold and ornament stenciled in black."
and frieze have stenciled ornaments upon them. The On Plate 79 we show designs for two bookcases. The
wall space upon which the pictures hang occupies about designs are by B. J. Talbert, and are reproduced from
the Cabinet-Maker and Art Furnisher, London, from in their various occupations; in their public worship; in sickness
which we take the following in regard to the designs: and in health ; and in all the other accidents of their existence. He
" The library is an apartment which does not receive dividuals must be able to sympathize with all conditions of them both as in
aud as communities, and so be able to provide them with
the attention at the hands of our designers that is be buildings wherein they may pursue their various vocations; which
stowed upon other rooms in our houses. There is, how buildings, shall, by reason of his knowledge so acquired, be thor
ever, great scope for ingenuity and design in the 1 book oughly well fitted to their various uses. In order that he may build
worm's paradise,' as the sketches on page 234 may indi firmly, he must know, as far as may be, the qualities and charac
teristies of the various materials which he will use in bis work.
cate. The combined sideboard and bookrack at the top He must know their relative fitness for different purposes, and
of the page is interesting because it exemplifies the style what are the beat means of using them under the varying condi
in which Talbert first made a reputation—viz., domestic tions which arise incident to his practice. And he must be able
Gothic. He was the designer who first applied Gothic to to calculate the effect of such new arrangements of his materials as
domestic furniture in a satisfactory manner, and some the he may find it necessary to adopt in special c.tses, together with
best methods of combining these materials in all the usual con
consider his book on ' Gothic Forms, as applied to wood structions : such knowledge not only enabling him to meet prop
work' the most valuable of all his publications. Every erly the requirements of any given case, but serving as well to give
previous attempt at Gothic furniture by Pugin and him that confidence in the result which all practil ioners should
others had been too architectural, and it was left for the have. And in order that he may build fairly, that he may please
the eyes of his fellow-men—and so in some measure compensate
then young Scotchman to show how the ecclesiastical them" for that portion of the earth and sky which his buildings
style could be reduced to homely purposes. Thus Tal shall have obliterated from their sight—he must learn the laws of
bert paved the way for a return to the thoroughness and design, which are founded, as all laws should be, on principles of
solidity in furniture now so prevalent. We do not much truth and justice. He must .study the designs of other men and
admire Gothic in any form for domestic furniture, it is al other ages, that he may learn from them how best to carry out
those laws in a fitting manner, and how best to avoid those many
most invariably so cheerless and clumsy, but if it is to be departures from them with which the course of the history of de
tolerated at all, the library is the apartment for it. The sign is so lamentably disfigured. And finally, he must possess the
quaint specimen we thus publish and notice may serve as knowledge and skill so to put down upon paper the results of his
a keynote to our designers who believe in Gothic for the 1 carry studies in all these matters, that he may enable his workmen to
library. The useful little secretary bookcase below the seemingly out his designs according to his true intention. A long and
formidable course of study, but one which can and must
foregoing, is in that style which Talbert founded, vulgar l>c mastered ere any man may, in justice, write himself "archi
ly known as ' Early English.' The conveniences embodied tect "—chi'f builder.
therein may be lefl to speak for themselves, and the pat Now as to the best way of acquiring this knowledge. It is always
tern will, we think, at once commend itself to those look needs well, of course, to advise in such matters in accordance with the
of each individual case, since it is difficult to lay down any
ing for something uncommon and artistic. Where price general plan equally well suited to all students. But to the end
will allow, the panels left plain in the sketch are intended that the suggestions here made shall be applicable to the largest
to be enriched with a little carving in low relief. Some possible number of cases, such a course of study will be given as is
natural foliage conventionally treated might be intro to be recommended to a student just setting out to acquire his pro
fession ; leaving each inquirer to determine for himself what part
duced into the lower panels, and in the one above a bas- \ of such a course he is qualified in.
relief of a literary sage, such as Dante or Shakespeare, In order that he may learn the first important step—the proper
would give character to the article. Oak or black walnut I methods of handling his drawing instruments and of acquiring cor
are the most fitting woods for this Talbert bookcase." rect habits of draughting—I should ndvise the student to begin
Plate 80 is in connection with the articles on stall's, to reason with a course of problems in practical geometry, not only for the
that it is in itself an excellent introduction to linear draw
which the reader is referred. ing, but because it will enable him to acquire, simultaneously with
the practice it gives him, a knowledge of certain matters which he
\ will find very necessury at a point further on in his course. These
problems should include exercises in all the divisions of plain geo
Suggestions to Students of Architecture. metry, viz., lines, angles, polygons, the conic sections, and the
transcendental loci. There are but a few good text books on the
BY C. FRANCIS OSBORNE, PROFESSOR OF ARCHITECTURE IN COR subject, but as all the problems are worked out in them, little or no
NELL UNIVERSITY. preliminary knowledge of mathematics is required at this point of
the course. The architectural student will probably find Tarn's
THE frequency of the communications in the columns of the Practical Geometry most useful in this connection, as it is prepared
Builder & Wood-Worker for advice in regard to the proper with a view to his special needs. Next, he should procure some
course to he pursued hy yOung men who contemplate titling them good examples of linear drawing, such as tile patterns, outline ele
selves for the practice of architecture, has lead me to think that a vations of buildings, etc., and make careful anil accurate copies of
few notes on the suhject of a general course of study leading to the them; remembering always that there are three things he must
desired end might not he unacceptable. The wriier has had the strive to attain in his work—(1) Precision; (2) Neatness; (3) Cele
privilege of advising in not a few such cases, and has reason to be rity, and in the order named. These being attained, he should next
lieve his advice has borne good fruit. proceed to the layintr on of tints, and washes of color and ink; be
It Is the result of his experience that the chief difficulty in all ginning with tile and other patterns in ink. He is now prepared to
such cases arises from a misunderstanding of the true nature of the make creditable copies of architectural drawings, a process involving
profession which' it is intended to adopt; and so it would be best, all the knowledge he has previously acquired, both as regards form
perhaps, to have a clear understanding of what it is an architect's and color. He should copy here over as wide a range of subjects as
duty to know, before proceeding to discuss the best way of ac possible, including working plans and elevations, detail drawings,
quiring such knowledge. and sketches of detail in freehand. And let me say here that the
Now an architect is evidently one who is qualified to practice practice of freehand sketching should be begun as soon as possible,
architecture, or, as it is better expressed, the art of good building ; and continued to the end ; as there is no one requirement of so
and as to what the latter is, I think the definition of Sir Henry much value to the student, both as regards the method of training
Wotton is the most concise and best suited to our present inquiry. involved and the value of the accomplishment itself. The subjects
" Well building." said he, " has three conditions: fitness, firmness, of his sketches should range from copies of freehand sketches of
and fairness"—the three F's, it might be said, of the profession, each plans and solids, to drawings by the student from the cast, or
an equally important factor of a complete whole. That is to say, finally to sketching from nature as well as from the building. The
in order to build well (and no architect could care to do otherwise), vast fund of motives to be found hy a careful sketcher of natural
we must build so that our work shall be: forms, will give him a valuable collection to be drawn from in his
(1) Convenient, i. «., fitted to its use ; future work. The student is now ready to begin the study of ma
(2) Firm and stable ; and, terials, which should be carried on simultaneously with that of the
(3) Fair, i. ?., pleasing to the mind. j mechanics of buildings; the former dealing with the characteristics
Such then is architecture, and such must be the scope of the ar and capabilities of all the building material*, and the latter with
chitect's knowledge, in order that he may be duly qualified to the best methods of using them in construction. This is of the ut
practice his profession. most importance, as need scarcely be pointed out ; since hy such
Now that he may build filly, he must have learned, from study knowledge we are enabled to use the right things in the right rign:
and experience the habits of men in the various conditions of hu places, and to be confident that we have done so. For materials erials
man life ; and that he may be prepared to properly design such and methods of construction I do not know of any one work whic'j rhic'i
buildings as are usually allotted him, he must have observed and is so good as the Notes on Building Construction, published by •'
studied his fellow beings in their home life; in their education : Rivingtons, London. The student should be cautioned, %
1882.]
ever, that while it contains an excellent exposition of the nature of Owing to a little difference of opinion in regard to the price of a
materials and the methods of construction, some of the examples set of knives which the makers had made narrower than the order,
of the latter, as given in its pages, are different from methods used owing to a flaw in the steel, the proprietors concluded to order
iu similar circumstances in this country. This work, however, their Knives from some other maker. Not long after, a drummer,
supplemented by a careful study of Hatfield's Transverse Strains representing another manufacturer, came along and the order was
(this, an invaluable treatise for the student), and finally a constant given to him for six sets of different lengths of knives, at 2 cents
course of observations and sketches of such examples of sound con less per inch than they had been paying the other concern. This
struction as the student may have access to, will equip him with was a little something worth saving, for a little over 500 inches, at
all the preliminary knowledge of those things he can well acquire. 2 cents per inch, was quite an item. Well, in due time, the new
Design might be defined as the art of shaping and disposing the knives came, and the first set of 26-inch knives put on. And not
materials used in building in the most proper manner. The stu more than three boards of good clean pine stock had been run be
dent, therefore, having arrived at a due understanding of the fore we had to stop, for the whole surface of the boards was just a
nature of such materials and of the laws which govern their com scratch, and, on looking at the knives, found them nicked from
binations, is fully prepared to enter upon the last stage of his end to end, some more than others, but the whole set more or less
studies—the mastering of the principles and practice of design. nicked. These were taken off and another new set put on. These
This is in order that he may round out his work with that last did not nick, but when we came to sharpen these would be. per
great quality of "well building "—fairness. I should advise him haps, two inches in length, so hard that a file would hardly cut,
to begin with the study of planning, since the plan is the germ of and the next two inches more or less would be as soft as annealed
all building. He should make himself familiar with the laws steel.
which govern it (for it is very nearly an exact science), and study Every one sharpening knives with a file, knows the consequences
how to apply them so as to fitly meet the requirements of each spe of such a condition of things: hollows in the soft spots and high
cial case. The book that will most help him here is Kerr's The places in the hard ones, making the surface of the stock planed
Gentleman's House, or, Stevenson's House Architecture, Vol. II. The uneven. Well, out of the six sets of knives there was not one
former a more elaborate and scientific work than the latter, but in really good, even-tempered knife.
ferior to it in some other respects. Then let the student carefully Owing to the little feeling between the parties, we worried the
read the following works, in the order named : Kuskin's Stones of new knives through, and finally used them up, but I guarantee to
Venice, and The Seven Lamps of Architecture ; and Garbett's Prin say that if they had thrown the whole six set of knives entirely
ciples of Design ; this last not at all to be compared in value to the away and gone back to their old reliable manufacturers, which
former, but containing nevertheless some thought worthy sug they eventually did, they would have saved as much as the whole
gestions. Then, finally, let him study the history of architectural lot cost, for, the loss of time in sharpening and taking off and
design from the earliest historic times to the present day; being grinding and resetting soon eats up the cost of a set of knives.
careful to note how the fundamental principles of the best build One thing is certain, that that concern never allowed any little
ers of all ages have been the same, and how the violation of them difference of opinion to change their orders to some new unknown
has surely and instantly been followed by a loss of purity and and untried parties, not even for two cents less per inch.
beauty in the design, from the pseudo Greek of the first centuries I think there is no place where more economy can be shown
to the last new wrinkle in " Queen Anne," and from the time lhat than in buying good, evenly tempered knives. I know that a great
the mastery of materials and their applications is acquired, let the difference of opinion exists among planing machine men about the
student make himself familiar with the current of the professional hardness of knives. Some want them so hard that a file will
thought of his day, as reflected in the pages of the professional hardly touch them, while another wants them as soft as they can
journals, both in this country and abroad—lest, having acquired a be made, and have any temper in them. Every one knows who
sufficiency of book knowledge only, he emerge from his seclusion runs a machine that once in a while we run across a soft knife in
to find himself confronted with the conditions of professional life, a set, and it will hold an edge full as well as the harder ones.
of whose existence he has been as ignorant as he is unable What the quality of steel is that makes it so I cannot tell, but I
to overcome the difficulties they present. Then, and at last, he know that it is a fact without being able to account for it. I have
might feel able to enter the practical duties of his profession, with once in a while run across a knife that apparently had a fire crack
the consciousness of possessing a sound knowledge of its principles run across the whole width of the steel just deep enough so that
which only practice and experience can improve. when it was ground to a thin edge there would always be a little
It only remains to be said that this course has been sketched but nick in it, and the only way I could get over it was to keep it filed
in the barest outline. That many things of great importance have a little back just in this spot, and let the next knife cover it. I
been no more than alluded to, while others equally important have have done this rather than throw the knife out, for all the rest of
been taken for granted. And finally, if I were asked whether it would be very good. Any such thing, however, is a source of
it be possible for any student to master such a course unaided, and annoyance and care, and it needs the "mildest mannered " man in
alone, I should say frankly, "no." for while there are some the world sometimes, to keep an even temper, when anything like
portions of it that could be acquired unaided, in spare hours, taken a planer knife works badly, and you have to slop every five minutes
it may be from other pursuits, a great deal of it can only be to sharpen out some little nick, more especially if you have got a
learned in an architect's office, or in one of our architectural job that is driving. I do not understand the intricacies of knife
schools, and some of it only in the latter. And my advice to all making, and so cannot say why one knife in a set is good and
architectural students of limited means would lie, to take at least another possibly good, and another decidedly bad ; but if the old
one year's course of study in such a school. There are three or saying that "what man has done man can do," is true, I do not
four now in operation in this country doing good work, and aiming see why one maker with equally good men, and care, and stock,
to provide that higher professional education which the condition cannot make just as good tools as another. I know there is a great
of things with increasing earnestness, year by year, and, as I have difference in working the different kinds and grades of steel, but
said, there is experience of the highest value to be had in them, with proper care after one has got used to a certain grade of steel,
which cannot be acquired elsewhere. The libraries, museums, I can't see why a uniform article cannot be produced as a general
photographic collections, etc., of such schools present advantages thing. I can see why that once in a while there may be a poor
to the student that he could command in no other way. weld between the steel and the iron, for occasionally accidents
One word more. It has been well said that on any given subject happen under what seems to be the most favorable conditions.
there is always some one book which contains it all. Though it But I cannot see why, with a good, even grade, and quality of
would lie too much to expect this to be literally true of such a steel, and good, clean fires, and good, responsible, careful work
comprehensive subject as architecture, yet Gwilt's Encuclopadia of men, there may not be produced a perfectly even grade of knives.
Architecture comes near to meeting the requirements of the case ; I know it is done by some manufacturers, and I cannot see why,
and I would advise the student who has to count the cost of his under the same conditions, all makers cannot produce a uniform
education closely, to buy this one book in preference to three or grade of goods.
four others. It is by no means complete, and it is undoubtedly I did not propose here to speak of grinding knives, but there is
true that any one of the subjects contained in it is better treated of so much difference of opinion in this matter that perhaps a word
elsewhere, but the point I wisli to make is, that there is no other here may not be amiss. I have always made it a point to grind so
way of possessing so much professional information for so little that a straight edge laid on the bevel of the knife would come just
money. The last edition, edited by Papworth, is the best. below the top of the bolt that holds it on, and then in using a file
to sharpen, make a somewhat shorter bevel and sharpen so till the
knife become too stunty, and then take out and grind ngain.
Planing Mills. Some grind two bevels, although I have never known but one man
who has done this. Two bevels may bo well enough where a
BY J. T. L. machine is running hard wood all the time, but for pine and all
other soft woods I like a good long bevel. This gives a good clear
PROBABLY there is no one thing about a planing mill that ance, and a mill will run much easier than with a little ebort ttunt
gives more general satisfaction than a good, evenly tempered bevel. However, I think that stuff will pick up less with the short
and well balanced set of knives. I am led to speak of this at this bevel. I have very frequently, in running hard and cross grained
time, from a little experience I once had in changing from one woods, sharpened from the front side*of the knife with excelleut
manufacturer of machine knives to another, and if this little ex results, but to do this a mill should be sharpened very often so the
perience will be of any use to others, they are welcome to it. edge of the knife will not get round and grub instead of cutting,
L
188 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [Oct.,
which very soon makes bad work. Too little attention lias always ■and narrow, giving to the room a short, topheavy and badly pro
been given to grinding conveniences. And if there is one place portioned appearance. A good general rule to follow is to place the
darker and more inconvenient than all the rest of the mill, the dado molding on a line with the shelf of the mantel, when there
grinding stone is generally put there to get it out of the way, and is one, thus securing a uniformity of finish all around the room,
there is nothing really about the mill that should have a lighter and bringing it on an average about four feet from the floor. By
and more convenient place than it. Quite a number of years ago giving it sufficient height we can break it up into bands of color,
the proprietor of one of the best and most reliable manufacturers and in this way give a pleasing variety to our wall.
of machinery and tools in New England had a very roomy and con In our hall we may safely go a step beyond this, and place the
venient annex built on to his shop, and while it was being built a dado rail from five to six feet high, for here we wish to express
friend of his asked him what he was going to do with that pleasant breadth and character of treatment.
room. He said : "I have been watching my men grind for a long This wall is ten and one-hnlf feet high. We will begin by lay
time, and have come to the conclusion that if anything about the ing off six feet up from floor, for our dado ; of the remaining four
shop needs a good light it is a grindstone." and one-half feet, eight inches next the ceiling is filled by tbe con
I have always used the grindstone in preference to an emery ventional plaster cornice, the remaining space, A, in the following
wheel, for I long ago came to the conclusion that an emery wheel, Sketcli No. 3, we will call the field, taking the place, in this in
for some reason, takes the life out of I he steel, and knives are more stance, of the top border or frieze. The field of our wall we will
likely to nick and crumble than after using the common grinding fill in.with a soft golden.brown, or old gold tone, not too dark, but
stone. But a man wants to be wide awake in the selection to get tending more towards the yellow. This is to contrast with the
one just adapted to his business. A poor stone in a dark room is somber tones of the woodwork, and to brighten up and lighten
a perfect nuisance. things as much as possible. On the wall below the cornice and also
above the dado, carry a little group of three or four quarter inch
lines of blue. This must not be a clear, but what is termed a "cut"
color—ultramarine blue toned down with a very little raw umber.
The effect of these small masses of clean cut lines on the gold
ground will be very rich. If paper is used it should be of two
tones: a darker pattern over a light ground, and not too marked
in character. I would advise, however, the use of distemper or
water color, in one clear unbroken tone, filling the field from dado
to cornice : this is cheap and durable enough, when, as in this
case, it comes above the reach of everyday use and wear. A rich
old jjold or golden brown, may be made from Oxford ocher and
medium chrome yellow, and a still deeper tone by using orange
rating11* Home- TP
HE next matter for consideration is the finish and

decoration of wall surfaces and ceiling. We will
KIWI suppose that our wall woodwork is walnut, as is
generally the case, in our ready-made house, when
hard wood finish is used down stairs. We will
mm arrange a scheme for color decoration in keeping
with the somber tone of the wood, and will try to
make our eilect brighter, by harmonious contrast,
rather than by the simple blending of tones.
The dado or lower wall decoration is desirable and appropriate
here. When the wull is large enough to admit of such a treatment
to panel up the wood, from four to six feet high, as did our ances
tors in the good old colonial days, is very rich and suitable ; but
as the wall we have selected for treatment is but eight feet wide,
such a dado would not be admissable. Of late the painted and
paper dado has been a much abused feature of modern house dec
oration, and is used everywhere without "rhyme or reason." Yet
there is & use and place for the dado, as it gives a certain character
||C?"-'t*«. A.
chrome in place of the medium. It is not practicable here to give

an exact formula for mixing, but suffice it that a preponderance of
ocher will tend it towards the brown, while the chrome gives the
yellowish cast. The judgment and taste of the reader who is in
terested in experimenting, must come into play to keep the balance
of color toward the one or the other, as the case may seem to de
^ ijp^KriytfirM HALM, mand. Should paper be required, however, such n one as I speak
of can be bought now at any wall paper warerooms, at prices va-
ryiug from thirty to seventy-five cents per roll, and from that the
prices run up to very high figures ; but as we are seeking now for
and stateliness to a wall that could not be obtained by any other the best results, with the least necessary expenditure, while we
mode of treatment, especially in such rooms as dining-room and can get such colors as we need in the cheaper goods, we will let the
library and sometimes the sitting room, as well as the halls. It better qualities alone.
gives also a good starting point for a scheme of color treatment, The increased demand for good colors and tones in the cheaper
and if selected with judgment may be a good background for fur goods, has encouraged manufacturers both at home and abroad,
niture. Generally, the paper dado, so much in vogue, if left to the to bring out papers of this class in nearly as good tones as the more
unskilled taste of the contractor or paper hanger (I am speaking of costly article ; and, where a few years ago we had but little selec
the majority of such, who work by the old established customs and tion, we now have a large and constantly increasing stock to choose
rules, without giving the matter intelligent thought), is insufficient from. I have found that the American papers of the cheaper
grades are, on the average, much better in tone and color than the painter's term, " it swore." No louder, however, than did my
same quality of foreign goods, while in the latter grades, the latter good friend the builder, when he saw the unfortunate result of his
manufacturers take the lead. effort to add brilliancy by introducing strong color; and ever after
As a balance for our warm colore on the walls, the ceiling should that he avoided any appearance of interfering or dictating but I
have a cool, greenish-gray tone—not too sharp on the green—and have a feeling that he never quite understands to this day the why
also avoiding a purplish tendency, as this will give it a heavy, and wherefore of it.
muddy appearance, and clash sadly with the other colors. A three The suggestions offered in the following Sketch No. 4, if carried
inch style of a very soft, low-toned, yellowish olive, should border out with judgment, will bring about good results. And bear in
the ceiling next the wall, and a short space iuside this, a few mind that what we are arriving at is to carry the eye by easy stages
nicely arranged lines of bluish olive, crossing each other at the from the darker and warmer shades and tones of the wall into the
corners. These lines should be about one quarter inch in thick cooler tones of the ceiling, blending them harmoniously by means
ness and half an inch apart. Five such lines make a good group. of the cornice, with its quiet and mixed treatment of soft color.
Inside of this, at a distance of about two inches, ruu another sin And if we stop the eye with a sudden jar, or some bright or strong
gle one-quarter, inch line of tan colored red, made from burnt ly contrasting color, the whole effect is spoiled ; for in no case can
sienna and stone yellow. This will give a simple and pretty finish we introduce with good taste any large amount of crude color into
to the ceiling. The cornice should be treated with special care, as such a scheme without unfortunate and trying results.
the whole effect may be marred by careless or injudicious treat In our dado we have a space of six feet to fill, which I propose
ment. to do in the following mauner: Measure up four feet from the floor,
and at point place a lf-inch walnut moldiug. This divides our
dado two-thirds of its distance up, into what we call a sub-dado.
Fill this with a dark paper two or three shades of olive, red, an
tique blue and gold, on a dark brown or black ground, costing from
5U cents to 75 cents per roll. Directly under this molding, and
also above the base board, run a three-fourth inch strip of black or
very dark olive paper. This finishes the sub-dado. Above this we
have a two-foot space, which cap with quite a heavy dado mold
ing, also of walnut, the lower member of which should be painted
black or ebonized. This molding may be about 2f inches thick,
and of a shape as suggested in Sketch No. 5. Between this and
the smaller molding below run a band of 18-inch wall paper, of a
pretty and soft tone, taking care in the selection to harmonize with
the surrounding colors. Fill in the space above and below this with
plain paper, same color as the field, and it may be a shade darker,
with good effect. Separate this from the 18-inch paper by one-
fourth inch black moldings at top and bottom.
It may not come amiss here to give the reader some information
regarding the. sizes, prices, cost of putting on, etc., of American
and foreign paper. The average width of low grade paper is 18
inches—8 yards to the single roll, 16 yards the double roll. The
better grades of American are from 18 to 22 wide—8 yards the roll.
English yards wide, 12 yards to the single roll. French
and German paper yards wide, and average 9 yards the
single roll. The cheaper grades are machine made, while the better
The effort should be to marry or reconcile the warm colors of grades are made by hand from wooden blocks, insuring thereby a
the wall with the cooler tones of 'the ceiling. To accomplish this, much nicer result both in tone and finish, and making them, as a
the cornice must be treated in soft, low tones, blending the cooler matter of course, more costly.
with the wanner colors in such a manner as to harmonize the The cost of machine made goods varies from 10c. to $1 00 per roll.
whole; avoiding particularly any one strong noticeable color on the Handmade American ' 65c. to 15 00 "
larger members that would attract the eye, such as red, dark-blue English ' 40c. to 25 00
or heavy olive. The colors should invariably be soft intone, ex French *' '* "$1 75 to 25 00 "
cepting, perhaps, the lowest member, and as this acts as a dividing These are the average prices; handmade papers both in this coun
line between cornice and field, it may be stronger and darker. try and abroad reach much larger figures, but these are decidedly
I recall an incident in my experience of a positive, but well mean extreme, and have no place here.
ing builder, for whom I once superintended the interior decoration The cost of putting on varies from 15c. to 50c. per roll, accord
of some houses, insisting loudly on the introduction into the prin ing to the quality of paper and the amount of labor involved.
cipal member of a cornice, what he termed "tomatis color." Ex For friezes it may he useful and interesting to know the market
perience has taught me that it is wiser to give such men their rope, prices, so that we may know what to depend on in making calcula
aud let them bring themselves to a stand at the end of it, and in tions for papering.
The widest is called the
Single Band, and is 18 to 20 inches wide.
The Two Band is 9 to 10
The Three Band is 6 -
The Four Band is ^
The Six Band is 2J-
The Eight Band is 2ft
And the last and narrowest is 1 ft
These last three are generally called " hinders," and are more
often uRed to divide the field and dado papers under or in place
of the dado rail, and at the top of very low chambers. These also
are divided into machine and hand made, and range in price from
a few cents to $3 or $4 per yard, according to quality. In giving
these sizes, prices, etc., the purpose in view is to enable the house
holder who may contemplate papering to figure out and calculate
for himself, or nearly as possible, the cost of such work before
entering into it, and not to be entirely dependent on the contractor.
This result may be readily attained by measuring the wall space,
deducting the openings for doors, windows, etc. Decide on the
quality and price of paper to he used, and with the knowledge
heroin given of the length and width of rolls, cost of putting on,
etc., by a little careful figuring the number of rolls needed and
their cost, including putting on, may be quickly found.
These sizes and prices may be of special value to those who, in
living at some distance from business centers, find it necessary to
order by mail, and thus are enabled to order the number of rolls and
yards of border necessary, having first decided on the quality and
color by sample. It is well to order one or two rolls and a few
yards of border over the exact amount needed, to have on hand in
this case, the presence of such a color at the top of a room finished case of accident, for the styles change so rapidly that it may not be
in the softest of tints, spoke loudly for itself; in fact, to use a easy in a year's time to match either paper or tiorder. In depend
THE BUILDER AND WOO D-WO R K E R
Kate fsl°76
Kate |\l°77
±Q2 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [Oct.,
ing on the local iack-of all trades, as some are obliged to, in small | able her to give a last lingering glance, and a pat here and there to
towns where skilled workmen cannot be readily procured, for the bonnet, cloak or dress. This glass should be 4 feet 6 inches or 5
putting on of wall paper, special care should be taken that the old feet high, and about 30 inches wide, finished with a 3-inch black
paper, if there be anv, be well scraped off, and the walls properly walnut frame, flat and plain, with an ebonized head on the outer
sized, and also that the new paper is put on with " butt joints," edge (Sketch No. 6). Under this should stand a small black walnut
and not with " lap joints," after the old school of ten and more table, with simple turned legs, about 3 feet 6 inches long, 20 inches
years ago, otherwise the walls are disfigured by long parallel wide, and 30 inches high. This is to hold a silver card receiver, or
ridges, that no amount of after decoration can preclude. in place of thi«, a Japanese or English blue and white plate of odd
Having considered the floor, walls and ceiling of our hall, shape and design, such as can be bought for 75c. or $1, will answer
we now come to the question of necessary furnishing. I say the purpose nicely for holding cards, etc. A table similar in size
necessary, for here, of all places, we want only what is needed for and pattern to the one shown in Sketch No. 7 can be found in any
use, for the hall is apt to be narrow, and we cannot afford to crowd well stocked furniture establishment, and costs, in walnut, about
ourselves. $8 or $10. If you have one or two odd shaped chairs, the hall is
the place for them, and they need not necessarily be of the same
pattern—cither walnut, dark oak or ebonized wood will be in
keeping.
Lpholstery, except it be in leather, is out of place, as the object
here is dignity and not luxury ; the latter quality we will reserve
for our dining room and parlors.
In the selection of hall stand, we should be as simple and unob
trusive as possible—avoiding the heavy and ornate article, how
ever tempted by the tradesman. The one shown in Sketch No. 8 is
simple, neat and useful, and answers all the requirements. I de
signed it some time ago for a Boston warehouse, and have no'doubt
it can be bought most anywhere, as it is a " Trade " article. The
cost is about §30. 00 in walnut.
For pictures or frames, a few good photographs of architectural
scenery, or well known statuary, framed in cherry, mahogany, or
dark oak, from } to 1J inch wide, flat and simple, with an inside
molding of beaded or plain gold. I would not advise the use of
mats around such subjects and treatment, unless the photo is too
small to frame nicely; in that case some dark or low toned pebble
paper, with a J inch gold margin next the picture may be used,
taking care to harmonize well with the surroundings. If the
photo be a dark one, with details sufficiently marked to warrant it,
a pebble gold paper for the mat will look well, using in place of
the inside gold molding one of ebonized wood. Do not, under
any circumstances, use a white mat, as it will be out of all keeping
with the quiet harmony of colors. Sketch No. 9 shows my idea of
the simple framing.
T~ 1 * %I
The hat rack and umbrella stand, two or three plain chairs and a 3^ u
small table, will do in this case for floor furniture. On the wall a
few simply framed photographs—the style of which I will speak a
The lighting, by gas or otherwise, is the next consideration.

When gas is used the prettiest and neatest way of lighting is, as
shown in the interior sketch on the newel post, the pipe being
carried up through the post from the floor. A simple design is
shown in Sketch No. 10, taken from a catalogue of a Boston firm.
The style is good and has the added advantage of being moderate
in price. When gas is not used and the dependence on oil or other
mediums become necessary, the pretty modern oil lamps come
nicely into place. I will suggest one or two simple arrangements,
that may be found to answer the purpose very nicely.
Sketch No. 11 shows one of those Wetty little pottery lamps so
much in use at the present time. By placing it on the top of the
newel, and securing it as shown in the sketch, by a simple arrange
ment of narrow brass straps, we make a fixture of it, and avoid
accident from a chance jar or knock. Still another and more
original method is shown by Sketch No. 12. This represents a
short brass rod fastened neatly to the top of the post, surmounted
by a simple basket made from" brass wire, in which is placed one
of the pretty corrugated glass lamps of ruby, canary color, or blue,
that have lately come into the market. The rod and basket may
be gotten up and in place by any locksmith with a taste for such
things for about $5. The lamps cost $2.50, and at the added ex
pense of $1.50 a neat duplex burner can be obtained, which adds
greatly to the quality and quantity of the light. So you see how
for a small sum wo can have something pretty and neat, besides
being a little out from the beaten track of every day experience.
little later on—and a fair-sized mirror, the latter being allowable If more light is wanted, surely there is room on the little table for
and handy for *' my lady " on going out to church or call, to en another lamp, and standing before the glass, as it will, the reflection
gives added brilliancy, illuminating our hall almost as brightly as to draught is in direct proportion to the magnitude and number of
would a small chandelier. such variations.
We may well stop here, but in the interest of those who care to In designing a chimney, it is, therefore, always necessary to con
follow I will venture one step further, and touch on the subject of sider the type of boiler, method of setting, arrangement of boilers
stained glass in the panels of the outside hall doors. During the and flues, location of chimney, and everything which will be likely
warm weather the inner doors, if there is a vestibule, will be likely to in any way interfere with its efficient performance. Much, of
to stand open, both for light and ventilation, and in such a case course, depends upon the judgment and experience of the designer,
what could be more pleasing to the eye or the senses than aglimpse and it would be impossible to give any general rule which would
of the soft harmony of blended colors, reflecting bright rays here coverall cases. \\ hen only one boiler discharges into a chimney,
and there, as the sunligtit slants through their liquid transparency, for instance, the chimney requires a much larger area per pound
giving a brilliant finish to the decorative harmony and a sense of of fuel burned than when several similar boilers discharge into h
fitness and completion. This feature, like the others, must be un chimney of the same height, and taking all these varying circum
obtrusive in design, but may be brilliant and sparkling in color if stances into consideration, a great deal of judgment is in many cases
properly blended, and selected to tone and accord with the surround required to determine the proper dimensions.
ings, as part of a harmonious whole. On this matter of stained It is a common idea a "chimney cannot be too large "—in other
glass, its qualities, prices, &c. , I will speak later, in its proper place words, the larger the area of the flues the better the draught will
and be, but this is not always the case. In many cases where a chim
ney has been built large enough to serve for future additions to
the boiler power, the draught has been much improved as addi
Chimneys. tional boilers have been set at work. The cause of this is to be
WE think we may venture the assertion that at least one-half found in the increased steadiness of draught where several boilers
of the chimneys in use to-day are altogether too small to are at work and are fired successively, as well also as in the better
economically serve the purpose for which they are used. There maintenance of the temperature of the flue, as the velocity of the
seems to be a very general misunderstanding in regard to their cor gases necessarily increases with the increased amount required to
rect proportion among those most deeply interested in their effl- be discharged, and they do not have time to cool off to so great an
cieut performance, viz., the owners of the chimneys themselves. extent as when they move more slowly.—Building and Engineering
The object of a chimney is, of course, well known to be the Times,
means by which the draught necessary for the proper combustion
of the fuel is produced, as well as to furnish a means of discharging
the noxious products of combustion into the atmosphere at such a Oscar Wilde.
height from the ground that they may not be considered a nuisance TN a recent lecture, Mr. Oscar Wilde, the popular exponent of
to people in the vicinity of the chimney. I " Utter'sm," did not fail to show up some of our short com
Regarding the second of the above purposes for which chimneys ings in matters of taste. He described his impressions of many
are built, we need only say that it is of secondary importance only, American houses, ill designed, decorated shabbily and in bad
and that where due attention is given to the proper methods of taste, and filled with furniture that was not honestly made and
setting boilers and proportionating great areas, furnaces, and rate was out of character. His picture of cheerless rows of houses,
of combustion, the smoke nuisance is comparatively unknown, and glaring bill boards and muddy streets was equally graphic. He
is of no practical importance whatever. pointed out that this was the condition in America, whereas in
The main points then to be considered in designing chimneys are England the artists and the handicraftsmen are brought together
the right proportions, to insure, first, a <rood and sufficient draught, to their mutual profit. It is to be regretted that ridicule stifles
and second, stability. many of the good things he advocates. As he justly declared,
Without entering into any demonstration of the velocity of the the two greatest schools of art in the world had their origin with
flow of the heated gases through the furnace and flues leading into the handicraftsman. Arguing from this, he pleaded for the estab
and up the chimney, we will briefly state a few of the principles lishment of a school of design in each city. He asserted that if
governing the dimensions of chimneys. The motive power or decoration 1s a fine art, all the arts are fine arts. The real test of
Force which produces the draught is the action of gravity upon the the workman is not his industry or his earnestness, but his power
difference in the specific gravities of the heated column of the gases of designing. The surroundings of the handicraftsman in Amer
of combustion inside the chimney, and the atmosphere at its normal ica are now meaningless architecture, sombre dress of men and
temperature outside of the chimney, by which the former is forced women, and a lack of a beautiful national life. He would not
up the flue ; and the laws governing its velocity are the same as have us build another Pisa, surrounding and inspiring Michael
those governing the velocity of a falling body, and it can be proved Angelo ; neither would he have us bring back the thirteenth
that its velocity, and, consequently, the amount or volume of air century, for lhat would be impossible and wrong. But he would
drawn iuto the furnace and which constitutes the draught is in have an art teaching that would suit the nineteenth century.
froportion to the square root of the height of the chimney, Like Mr. Ruskin, Mr. Wilde has a horror of this mechanical age.
t is a common error that the force of the draught is in direct He pronounced against machine made ornaments, as being ugly,
proportion to the height, so that, with two chimneys of the same coarse, and bad, as compared with beautiful and durable handi
area of fluo, one being twice the height of the other, the higher one work, but he wisely observed that he only objected to machines
would produce a draught twice as strong ns the other. The inten when making machines of operatives, and not when they relieve
sity of draught under these circumstances would be in the propor men from ignoble tasks. They must not mistake the material of
tion of the square root of 1 to the square root of 2, or as 1 to 142. civilization for civilization itself. It is the use to which we put these
To double the draught power of any given chimney by adding to things that determines whether the telephone, the steam-engine,
the height it would be necessary to build it to four times the origi electricity, are valuable to civilization. The workmen require to be
nal height. Practically there is a limit to the height of a chimney strong, have a healthy physique, and a sense of individualism,
of any given area of flue beyond which it is found that the addi which is the keynote of art. The lecturer appealed for schools of
tional height increases the resistance due to the velocity and fric design, and means of teaching art to the poor, so that they can
tion more rapidly than it increases the flow of cold air into the beautify their homes. He did not want the rich to possess the
furnace. For chimneys not over 42 in. in diameter the maximum more beautifal things, for they have enough. One might live in a
admissible height is about 300 ft. whitewashed cottage with a fireplace set with red tiles, where an
From an investigation of the same laws we find that the velocity ill designed and vulgarly furnished house would be unendurable.
of the flow of cold air into the furnace is in proportion to the square Mr. Wilde gave many practical suggestions on household decora
root of the ratio between the density of the outside air and the dif tion and art studies.
ference in the densities of the outside air, and the heated gases in the
chimney, from which we may deduce the fact that very little in
crease of draught is obtained by Increasing the temperature of the Stairs.
gases in the chimney above 550 or 600 degrees Fah. By raising the
temperature of the flue from 600 to 1,200 degrees we would increase THIRD I'Al'KK.
the draught less than 20 per cent., while the waste of heat would
be very considerable. Conversely, we may reduce the tempera PLATE 64 (Aug. No.), Fio. 1.—Nos. 1 and 2 show a plan aud
ture of the flue about one-half when the temperature is as high as elevation of a newel stair. The first quarter space contains
600 degrees by means of an economizer or otherwise, and the three winders, the next quarter space is a landing; the lower flight
reduction of draught force would be only about 20 per cent., as is shown partly in section, exposing the rough string D D, and its
before. connection with the bearers C C. The front string A A should be
It is found that the principal causes which act to impair the tenoned into the newels below and above.
draught of a chimney and which vary greatly with different types Fig. 8.—No. 1 shows the plan of a geometrical stair with wind
of boilers and settings, are the resistance to the passage of the air ers. In the first quarter space, i<r lower half of the figure, the
offered by the layer of fuel, bends, elbows, and changes in the lines of the steps are drawn to the center of the well hole, and this
dimensions of the flues, roughness of the masonry of brick flues, is the usual way of placing the risers; but drawn thus as radii of
holes in the passages which allow the entrance of cold air, and the circle, they are, obviously, too narrow at the inner end next
generally any variation from a straight, air tight passage of uniform the well hole, and too wide next the wall, and if two persons were
size from combustion chamber to chimney flue, and the resistance passing each other they would both be forced to use part of the
Designs for Bookcases. By Bruce J. Talbert.

[Oct..
tread, most inconvenient to walk upon. Further, as the risers of Insurance that Insures.
the steps are all of equal height, it follows that the slope or ramp E can think of nothing less valuable than insurance that
of the string board along the ends of the fliers, from the first to the W docs not insure ; and well would it be for the public if
seventh step, will be much less steep than that which subtends the investing in it implied nothing worse than a waste of money. In gen
narrow ends of the winders, and the result will be a very ungrace eral the man who buys insurance, if it is insurance proper, buys a
ful knee at their junction. Both of these inconveniences can be good and nu indispensable thing. He gets a good bargain. Insur
overcome by adjusting the steps in such a way as to distribute the ance is something he cannot well do without. The money values
inequality amongst them, or, as the French term it, by making the of property and life are well defined, readily expressed in figures.
steps dance, as is shown in the upper half of the figure. This may The individual may accept to assume the cnance of loss himself,
be accomplished either by calculation or graphically. By the first or, by the payment of a certain sum, throw this responsibility on
method, the step which is in the center of the circular arc is re others.
garded as a fixed line, and the divergence from parallelism has to Unfortunately, the insurance whicn does not insure is rendered
be made between it and the extremes either way. But it is not attractive by the promise of its cheapness ; and its chief element of
necessary to begin the divergence at the first step, nor indeed is it mischief consists in the fact that it takes the place of insurance that
advisable, and in general the first and last three or four steps are does insure. The day of loss comes, a producing life drops out,
left unaltered, so that they may be perfectly parallel to the land the policy is not paid and a family is left destitute. We have not
ing. Suppose, then, that the divergence is fixed to commence at the statistics at hand ; but it is safe to say that during a year
the fourth step, it becomes necessary to distribute eight spaces past millions of dollars have beeu paid for what was supposed to
along the center of the string, commencing at the center line of the be insurance, every dollar of which has been hopelessly lost. The
stairs, which, from the center line to the fourth riser, shall follow particularly sad feature of the ease lies in the fact of the loss of
some law of uniform progression, say that of arithmetical progres insurance. To the survivors of men who died, who each paid his
sion, as being the most simple. The progression then will consist small sum of money, the loss is trifling ; the loss of insurance to
of eight terms, the sum of which shall be equal to the length from the families of the men who died is something too terrible for
the center to the fourth step. Suppose that its development is 66 words to express. In general they lost their all.
inches, a length composed of the breadth of three fliers, 4 5 6, Inasmuch as insurance that insures promises a cert ■tin indemnity
namely 86 inches, and the sum of the widths of the ends of the against loss, it necessarily follows that the price charged must be
five winding steps, 7 8 9 10 11, namely 30 inches, in proportion to the risk undertaken ; and, as a business proce
Subtracting from 66 inches. dure, it would seem best that capital should sell insurance at a fixed
The width of eight steps of the same width as price, the business thus being put on a plaue with all other kinds
the winders 48 " of business. And yet a thousand and one companies twist
without capital, with no specific premiums charged, and continue
There is obtained the difference 18 to sell what they call insurance, despite the fact that the pledges of
co-operative companies are outstanding at this moment to the
from which is to be furnished the progressive increase to the steps amount of millions of dollars, not one dollar of which can ever be
as they proceed from the center to riser No. 4. Suppose these in collected. It is a sad record, and proves most conclusively,, how
crements to follow the law of the natural numbers 1234567 8, ever attractive any mutual benefit association may seem to be, that
the sum of which is 36, divide the difference 18 by 36, and the quo it is far better to insure in a company that furnishes absolute
tient, 0-3 inches, is the first line of the progression, and the steps indemnity.
will increase as follows : Our readers can get a pretty clear idea of how legitimate insur
The end of step No. 11 — 0.5 ance is conducted by referring to a recent statement of the Travel
10 — 7 ers Insurance Co. which we publish elsewhere. Let them note
0 — 7.5 the solid assets of $6,441,158, and a surplus of $1,655,732. There
8—8 is nothing suggestive of uncollectablc assessments, and consequent
7 — 8.5 unpaid policies, in these figures. Merc is an insurance business
6—9 conducted on business principles. This company lias paid for
5 — 9.5 injuries by accident, since it began business, the enormous sum of
4 — 10 $5,077,000, and for losses in its life department about $2,000,000,
or more than $7,000,000 in all. A policy in the Travelers means
The sum of which is 66 insurance, real property, something to go to sleep on. something^to
write down in a will • and any co operative insurance compared
These widths, taken from a scale, are to be set off on the line of with It is
balusters, and from the points so obtained lines are to be drawn "As moonlight unto sunlight, and as water unto wine."
through the divisions of the center line. It is easy to perceive that
by this method, and by varying the progression, any form may be
given to the curve of the string.
The graphic method, however, now to be described, is prefer
able to the method by calculation, seeing that it is important to
give a graceful-curve to the development of the string.
Let the dotted line s m p. Fig. 3, No. 2, represent the kneed line
made by the first division of the stairs in the lower part, corre
sponding to the nosing of the fliers, and the upper part, m n, to thai
of the winders. Bisect the line of the winders m n in p, and raise
a perpendicular, p i. Then set off in *, equal to m p, and make » r
perpendicular to s m. The intersection of these two perpendicu
lars, » r and p i, gives the center of the arc of a circle, tangential in
* and p to the sides of the angle « m p. In like manner is found
the arc to which p n, no, are tangents, and a species of cyma is
formed by the two arcs, which is a graceful double curve line with
out knees. This line is met by the horizontal lines, which indicate
the surface of the treads, the point p being alwajs the fixed point
of the center step, the twelfth in this example. Therefore, the
heights of the risers arc drawn from the story rod to meet the
curved line of development, s p o, and arc thence tranferred to the
baluster line on the plan.
Fig. 2. —Nos. 1 and 2 show the plan and elevation of a well hole
stairs, with a landing in the half space. The well hole is here com
posed of two circular quadrants connected by a small portion of
straight line ; this figure is not so graceful as the perfect semicircle
in Fig. 3, No. 1, but it allows more room on the landing.
Plate XC, Fio. 1.—Nos. 1 and 2 are the plan and elevation of
a geometrical stair, composed of straight flights, with quarter space
landings, and rising 15 feet 9 inches.
The first flight is shown in Fig. 1, No. 2, partly in section, ex
hibiting the carriage c «, T the trimmer joists for quarter space,
and V the trimmer joists of the floor below, with the lower end of
the iron baluster fastened by a screw and nut rf, at the under side New Horizontal Boring Machine.
of the trimmer joist V.
Fio. 2.—No. 1 exhibits the plan and No. 2 the elevation of a THE above cut represents a new boring machine manufactured
geometrical stair, with straight flights connected by winders on the by Mr. Frank n. Clement, of Rochester, N. Y. The frame is
quarter spaces. hollow'and east in one piece. The spindle is of cast steel, 1J inc hw
in diameter, anil is splined in the cone pulley. All of the hearings this tree is used in all the principal cities for the panels of car
are extra long and are lined with a good quality of Bahbitt metal, riages. When perfectly diy they take paint well, and admit of a
and those for the counter shaft are adjustable, both for wear and brilliant polish. It enters largely into coach manufacturing, and
alignment. The table is of hard wood, glued up, 14x32 inches is used in cars, wagon-boxes, sleighs, etc. It is particularly appli
surface, and the "fence" or stop is adjustable to 45 degrees, and cable to any work requiring soft wood easily worked, and not re
can be reversed so as to take the work on either side. The vertical quiring great strength, especially if wide work is desirable. It
adjustment is by means of a screw and hand-wheel, with a range was used years ago in large quantities in the manufacture of
of 9 inches. The spindle will bore 6 inches deep, and has a stop- trunks, which were covered with cloth or skins. Large quantities
collar to regulate the depth. The rear bearing is turned down and of tables and bedsteads have been made from this wood. They
hardened at the end, whereby friction is reduced to the minimum. are usually stained to imitate mahogany. It often enters into the
The counter shaft has tight and loose pulleys, 8x3i inches, and construction of bureaus and general cabinet work, particularly
should run 800 revolutions per minute, giving the spindle l,500and where it is the base for covering with veneer. It lias been useil
2,400 per minute on the respective lifts of the cones. The loose also in the interior work of canal boats and steamboats. As it i«
pulley is self-oiling, and has a hub 54 inches long. easily wrought in the lathe, it is often used for bowls, brush and
broom handles, and numerous other articles of turned wares.
Farmers construct eating and drinking troughs for their animals
Wood-carving in Schleswig is being carried on by Herr of the wood, as it stands long exposure to the weather better than
Christopher Magnussen, who a few years since established a school chestnut and butternut. It is used also in bridges in some places.
The Indians were wont to make canoes from the big trees, and
for wood-carving there. The name of Magnussen as a distin some of them had room for twenty or more persons. In some
guished painter must have become familiar to many, but hereafter parts of the country long lines of "fences may be seen that arc
it will be better known as that of the reviver of the art which we made of rails
have just mentioned. We say reviver advisedly, inasmuch as that ing coffins in of this tree. One-third of the lumber used in mak
Schleswig and the adjoining states supplied carving for the decor sides and tops.New York city is whitewood, it being used for the
Very large quantities are consumed in the backs
ation of English homes several centuries ago, and shiploads of use and legs of pianos. Furniture manufacturers use it for ebonizing,
ful and ornamental work were yearly transmitted across the Ger
man Ocean. The school is now in a most promising condition, and in parts where great strength is not required. A manufacturer
having already made great strides in technical and artistic knowl of bungs in New York uses 500,000 feet annually, and it is also
edge under the experienced guidance of its master. Besides used some
largely in making toys and pumps. It has been used to
extent for flooring, and quite extensively for mouldings and
modeling natural forms, such as leaves and tendrils, the more ad trimmings.
vanced among the students have attempted to represent the hu
man form. This disinterested undertaking is bo praiseworthy Gilding in Oil. —In order to make good work in oil gilding
from an artistic and a material point of view, that it deserves tin; there arc several indispensable conditions which must be observed.
strongest support and widest publication. The town of Schles First, a smooth ground. Second, gold size free from grit or skins.
wig has given its hearty support and countenance, and we warmly Third, in putting oil gold size on the work it must be dross black,
wish the undertaking prosperity. ground in turpentine, and mixed with boiled linseed oil and a small
Wood Inlaying.—If the work has to be polished, size the same piece of dryers ; well sandpaper again, when this coat is dry.
And now for the finishing coat of color, which should be flat, i. «.,
all over with Russian glue, and let it be well strained through a mixed
fine linen cloth prior to using. When dry, slightly rub the same but no with turpentine and a few drops of japanner's gold size,
down with fine spent sand-paper, but on no account across the oil. The dross black should be first ground in turpentine
hate, because this will be manifest after polishing. Then get some and the gold size added after. When this has dried, varnish with
white polish and mix up the color you desire to use with it, but hard drying oak varnish, leave for a day or two, and then rub
not too stiff ; be quick and expeditious with your lining, etc., as down with pumice stone powder, sifted through muslin ; use a
this material dries quick. It is accomplished with an ordinary piece of cloth or felt wrapped on a small block of wood, and first
slate-pencil. But if unacquainted with the work, try what is wet the surface to be rubbed with water ; dry with a washleather
termed "spirit-color" (turpentine and japaners' gold size) in and re-varnish. The ornaments are generally done with stencil
place of white polish, but see that the work be sized over again patterns; and the lines are done with straight edges and lining
prior to polishing. If this is not attended to you will be disap fitches.
Stencil patterns can be cut out of card paper. Before using give a
pointed, as polish will not agree with the gold size. The size must coat or two of patent knotting. For gilding panels give acoat of buff
not be used too strong nor yet too weak ; this may be easily
tested prior to commencing operations on the large job. If t he first, then a coat of gold size, in oil. When this has dried just
size be too weak the color will spread from each side of the line sticky, press the gold leaf upon it with a ball of wadding, and
into the bates of the wood. If stencils are to be used on the work, leave for five or six hours, then rub over with a piece of solt wad
put no blacklead marks upon it, as this is a bad fault, and always ding, and wash well with a sponge and cold water. The gold will
disfigures the work. Use a little soft chalk and chalk line. While not need any preparation before painting on, but if varnished af
polish is made in the following manner : One pint of alcohol, 4 oz. terwards use pale varnish. Screens should be painted in colors to
of white shellac, and 1 oz. of sandarac. Shako up the bottle occa match the rooms they are intended to bo used in. Birds, flowers
sionally. When the gums are dissolved it is ready for use. In and animals are the subjects generally introduced for this pur
putting on the stencils be careful to work them dry enough, ami pose. Birds should be painted towards the top of the screen, ani
if required clean up the edges with a writing pencil immediately. mals, flowers, etc., in the center or at the bottom.
Etching on Glass. —Etching on crown glass is a very simple To Test Glue.—An article of glue which will stand damp at
process. The glass is first heated in a sand-bath, and then rubbed mosphere is a desideratum among mechanics. Few know how
over with purified beeswax, the temperature being such as to to judge of quality except by the price they pay for it. But price
is no criterion ; neither is color, upon which so many depend. Its
cause the wax to melt completely and uniformly over its surface. : adhesive
When every part of the plate is covered with wax, it may be set from which and lasting properties depend more upon the material
aside to cool. A paper having the design boldly drawn upon il raw it is made, and the method of securing purity in the
may then be attached to the unwaxed side of the glass, and the duct material, for if that is inferior and not well cleansed, the pro
workman traces the lines through the glass by a pointed instru will have to be unduly charged with alum or some other anti
ment, care being taken that the point clears all the wax from the septic, to make it keep during the drying process. Weathered glue
glass, wherever the design comes. is that which has experienced unfavorable weather while drying,
at which time it is rather a delicate substance. To resist damp at
Walnut 8tain. —For pine, poplar, or maple wood use : Water, mosphere well, it should contain as little saline matter as possible.
1 quart ; washing soda, oz. ; Vandyke brown, 2i oz. ; bichro When buying the article, venture to apply your tongue to it. and
mate of potash, I oz. Boil for ten minutes, and apply with a if it tastes salt or acid, reject it for any thing but the commonest
brush, in ether hot or cold state, diluted with hot water, if neces purpose. The same operation will also bring out any bad smell the'
sary. glue may have. These are simple and ready tests, and are the ones
Whitewood and its Uses.—In the early days of New York usually adopted by dealers and large consumers. Another good
' and Philadelphia this wood was extensively used in the construc hours,test is to soak a weighed portion of dry glue in cold water for 24
tion of houses. It was used for rafters and joists in the upper sto then dry again, and weigh. The nearer it approaches to its
ries, and was much esteemed for its lightness and strength. As original weight the better glue it is, thereby showing its degree
the wood became scarce in the vicinity, pine very naturally took of insolubility.
its place. In the Middle, Southern, and Western states, "where To Imitate Mahogany. —This could be best effected with burnt
the tree grows abundantly, it has been, and still is, extensively sienna and Vandyke brown, ground in water, and thinned with
used, and is considered a good substitute for pine, red cedar, and weak size, so as to flow very freely. Then take a damp cloth or
cypress, and serves well for the interior work of houses as well as rap and wipe off the way of the grain. The deptli of the color
for external covering. The panels of doors, wainscots, and mould will be given by the appearance after wiping. When the rag is
ings of chimneys are made of the wood, and shingles have been wet squeeze it out into the color, and so effect a great saving of it :
made in some states. These shingles are preferred by some to when dry, size and varnish, or polish. In some cases the color
pine, because they are more durable and not liable to crack from must be left on and softened with a badger, instead of wiping off.
the effects of intense frost and sunshine. Lumber sawed from For oak : 7 lbs. yellow ocher, 1 lb. English umber, and a little Ve-
Oct., 1882.] THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. 1©9
netian red, as above. A more difficult process is as follows : Upon Preliminary to 1883.
an orange ground run in with vaudyke brown, burnt sienna, and I ~JT) EADEKS of the Builder and Wood-Worker I When in other years we
rose pink (iiround in water), thinned with beer to about the depth
of color required. Soften it slightly all over with the badger's hair j *> have called on you to stand by this journal, and guard its interests, you
softener, then take a piece of Turkey sponge and wipe some light have responded.
streaks the way of the wood, and let them slightly fold over so as
to have somewhat of a Honduras appearance, then soften up and We call again. The work that lies behfnd us wo are not ashamed of. It la
down rather smartly at first, and genlly after, to give somewhat of for you to say whether you wilt put upon it the stamp of your approval by con
a finished appearance, and when to be left for Honduras stipple all tinuing your own subscriptions and commending the Builder to your friends.
over with the ends of the badger, and it is done. But if Spanish is Other journals are in the field, of a somewhat similar class, every one pressing
intended. after wiping out with the sponge and softening gently the its claims, some of them, too, possessing the especial and all-inviting merit of
way it is sponged, then very gently soften jcross, then take a
chisel-edged camel-hair motfler, well soaked and wiped clean on cheapness, and it is for you to decide whether you will stand by your old friend.
the dry sponge, and dot it with the corner down the edges of the Well, we have really uo doubt but that you will stand by us. A backward
sponge marks, and here and there ; then holding the ihottler be look over the illustrated pages of the BriLiiKH and Wood-Worker for a year
tween the thumb and fingers, roll it between two or three of the past, or for many years past for that matter, ought to satisfy any one that no
doited parts, and soften immediately, and observe the effect, avoid
ing the objectionable parts next time, but keep the figure towards better goods are in the market, and none arc cheaper. People usually buy
the center of the panel and the sides plainer. Take care that it is where they can get the most for their money. We don't mean to be undersold.
all left soft. When dry take a mahogany hog's-hair overgrainer,
about four inches wide, and a little of the same color, thinned with But what we most fear is that our old friends may neglect sending In the
water, and work it up together in a saucer, and pat it at the side so subscriptions of other parties. We want to add largely the coming year to
as not to take too much color, then w ith a coarse haircomb comb our subscription list. We can easily double the number of names on our books
the overgrainer out and draw over the work, carefully following if our friends will give us a lift. Will they keep the matter in mind and begin
the sponging ; then very slightly soften towards one side, so as to
raise the grain very slightly, and when dry it is ready for var the canvass now? A list of premiums will be published next month ; In the
nishing. meantime we will forward the paper for a year and three mouths to all who
Furniture of tiie Ancients. —It is curious to notice how- subscribe in this month of October. The price is $1.50. The paper Is richly
much furniture, like architecture, speaks in plain language the his worth it, and any cheapening of price would Imply a cheapening of the goods.
tory of a country. As nations increased in wealth and civilization, Cash commissions will be paid where the parties so desire. Let the good work
the luxury and gorgeousness of their furniture increased. The
chairs used by the Greeks were elegant in form and graceful in de begin this month.
sign, and of materials varying in costliness according 1o the menns
of the owners. In the examples shown on ancient gems and basso-
relievo, we see the straight-backed chairs, or the thrones of their
gods, all more or less like the high-backed chairs of the Elizabethan
period.
The various discoveries of paintings on the walls of buildings in
Thebes and ncighboringdistriets, and at Pompeii and Herculaueum,
five us a very fair 'deaof the furnitnre of ancient Egypt and Italy,
he Egyptians, undoubtedly, had handsome inlaid seats of various
kinds, made of ebony and other rare woods, and often covered
with rich stuffs, sometimes with leather, fancifully decorated.
The legs were carved into the resemblance of those of animals,
and sometimes would seem to be solid and painted with figures of
captives, indicating a deg'nded posh ion. The pillows would seem | It will give us pleasure to have our readers take a part in this Department.]
to have been of wood hollowed for the head; the tables were of
all forms, generally circular, as being more social and comfortable;
and, so far as we can ascertain, the furniture of ancient Egypt was N. T.—Read what is said under the head of " Insurance thaflnsuree." This is
more or les* like that of the present day, while modern Egypt is the best answer w- can make to your question. We know nothing of the society
content to have an Oriental form of arrangement, in which low- you refer to, more than that it is one of a thousand similar concerns out of
which nothing In the way of a certainty can be counted on as coming. It's like
divans and muts form the principal items. a lottery. Your family might get something in case of your early death. If
von live as long as you ought to. and will by taking proper care of yourself,
Fashions in Wall Papers. —Wall papers, dados and friezes barring accidents, you can hope for nothing from such a society. Spend your
are especially adapted to harmonize wit h upholstering fab'ics. For money for insurance that insures. This is our advice.
dining-rooms and libraries a wall paper in English-Gothic style R. D.—You ask too much when you ask us to say which is the best door
shows blocks of embossed gold alternating with medallions of a hanger. You see. just where this paragraph commences the editor laid down his
drab ground and tall golden lilies and sprays of olive green. A lien and started for Canada, to get a few weeks' rest, and the publisher at once
cloth-of-gold embossed ground has designs of pale-olive shaded took cbaige of the ship. Now how can a publisher take any interest whatever
in "hangers" when the manufacturers of these goods stubbornly refu-c to do
roses anil butteiflies; the dado has a gold embossed background set any business with him. Of course he could write up the different manufac
turers of this class, and inform the public through the column* of til* paiier, of
in alternate panels of griffins, jars, and a fleur-de-lis ; the frieze is the
divided in three parts, and shows the fable of the stork and fox in thenmerits of their goods, and write private letter* to inquirers like yourself, but
it would not be business. This sort of thing don't pay. Some of these gen
browns and dark red with an outlining of while, and black, and tlemen declare that they reach every buyer In the country by circulars. Well,
gold. A drawing-room paper has a gold embossed ground covet ed ifat they can stand it we can. No, until some enterprising " hanger " man knocks
the door of our advertising columns we refuse to be interviewed. He must
with shaded white flowers and gracetul vines trailing over a trellis come In by the door into the Bheepfold. It costs money to run a paper like the
of white and gold. A light drab ground has golden lilies and curv BriLDKR & Wood-Workek. Wait? Did some manufacturer ask you to write
ing leaves diifting over it. The frieze has a sage gtotind, with that letter, and does that explain the name at the close 7
flowers in warm brown shades; arabesques and scrolls and leafage ft. C. B., Nebraska Citv : Y'on sny you have a fair knowledge of the ele
cover the gold and drab ground of the dado. An ashes-i if-roses mentary principles of Architecture, and would like to know what books to read
to continue the study with profit. We scarcely can lell what to recommend, aa
ground is blocked in gold and white, and gold with flamboyant we do not know how far your " elementary knowledge" extends. We suppose
traceries in re-relief. For a hall the same landscape designs and you to be a working carpenter, witli a fair, common school education, and pos
colors are tepeated, as described, in crepe cloth drapery. Another sessed of some knowledge of drawing. Ac. In this case, we should say, study
the following works : Gwilt's Encyclopedia of Architecture -price $-J0.0O ; Hat
style for halls has a background blocked with drab, pomegranate field's American House Carpenter—price $5.00 ; Hatfield's Transverse Strains —
red, and gold otilliued with olive ; the dado is three feet from the price $6.00. These will give you a good idea of constructive architecture. The
flour. For chambers and dressing rooms wall papers have ivory- three or fourarchit* ctural and building journals published in this country should
tinted grounds, where long, graceful vines of morning glories, service be on your desk at all times, as they contain much tine will be <>f the greatest
pink, purple and blue, drift across; here and there a cluster of should also to yon, besides keeping you posted on current architectural matters. We
recommend you to procure a copy of each of the following works,
crumpled pinks mingled with pale harebells and nodding columbine. viz. ; Drawing Instruments, and their Care and Uses—price 25 cents ; Warren's
three elementary book- on Drawing— $1.50 each. Top can get good drawing in-
Exolam) imports some 10,000 tons of cork per annum, and the srumcnts at a cost from $7.50 to $25 a set. Slicks of iudia ink may be obtained
quantity is yearly increasing, notwithstanding the introduction of to for 50 cents and upwards. Lead pencil-, suitable for drawing, are worth from ten
many stoppers and substitutes for corks, such as plusrs of wood be twenty-five cents each. Any of these books, instruments, inks or pencils can
obtained from this office.
whose fibers have been specially softened for the purpose, india R. N., Utica, N. Y.—For stenciling on distemper color, mix up the dry colors
rubber anil i thcr materials. The French government are diving in a vehicle compounded of one-third Japan gold-size and two-thirds turps, care
speeia1 encouragement to the plantation of the cork oak in Algeria being taken that no oil gets among the color, as it would cause an oil mirk to
and the same thing, no doubt, will be done in Tunis. It is said can " strike." By using this paint for stenciling on a distemper ground the work
that the liee will grow equally will in India, Central America, the deesbesize done clean and rapid, as the Jap in color will not " clog " the stencil as
color, thereby saving a lot of work in cleaning the stencil p ates. This
West Indie*, many parts of Afiica and Australia, and in the South vehicle is also the best one to use for lettering holland*. shop or office blind*, as
Sea Islands, and the foundation of a profitable industiy might be by using it the unsightly oil marks often seen around the lettering are avoided.
We cannot advise you as to colors ; you will have to be guided in this matter by
established by introducing these trees and btaning their systematic your own taste or by the color of the furnishings of the room you wish to dec
cultivation. orate.
200 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [Oct.,
M. A. S., Detroit, Mich.—We cannot give yon much advice regarding the Nana.—By Exile Zola.—Peterson Bros., Publishers. Philadelphia, One dol-
proper method of arranging your furniture. Neither can we offer reliable in lar. Cloth.
struction for making alterations in your furniture. Nana is a careful study of the life and manners of a certain class of people, or
We offer the following, as it may contain suggestions that may aid you and dinarily designated as those of elegant leisure. The heroine is a variety actress,
othere similarly situated, in making improved changes in a household: "You whose face and figure create a furore among the fashionable Parisians, who fol
have a quantity of old-fashioned, perhaps ugly, furniture; and cannot afford new. low her on and off the boards as if she were a veritable queen. Uer life Is a life
Well, arrange it skillfully; and to do that, think over it—put one thing here and of perpetual excitement and uninterrupted intiigue, portrayed with an intensity
another there. Subdue the color where too strong. You must have often found of graphic delineation which is almost terrible to realize. Zola's purpose is, as
the effect of a room full of old odds and ends of furniture, arranged by a lady of he himself says, to paint this class of women as they exist in real life, and any
ta*te, far more fascinating and pleasant to live in than one furnished brand new one who reads the work will not hesitate to declare that he has attained a fuH
by the most fashionatde upholsterer. Don't choose a bad color instead of a good measure of success in his attempt. Although the work deals with vice in all its
(that will each day delight your eye) because the bad costs a few cents a yard hideous reality. Nana throws no glamor over self-indulgence, nor lends the least
less ; or cover your walls with mud-colored paint under the impression that it charm to natures essentially false and corrupt. The writer's object is to make
will not show the dirt; the consequence of which ingenious and almost uni vice repulsive, believing that thereby it will lose the attractiveness which has
versal custom is that the walls never do look clean. Don't put big pictures or ; been imparted to it by certain writers of a less realistic school.
enormous mirrors in little rooms. Have variety and jovousness in your colors, 1 Some critics object to this work because, as they assert, of its immoral tenden-
bnt don't thrust on the eye great masses of strong, bright colors that can only j cies. We have read the book, but have failed to find anything in it that we
fatigue and weary it. Don't! oh, don't have cheap imitations. If you can't af , would care to have changed. Indeed, like other good stories by the same author,
ford good carved frames, have them of plain gold, and not of gilt composition I it contains a moral that, cannot help bnt leave a good impression when rightly
squeezed on to a wirework foundation. If you have ornamental work of any read.
sort, look at it carefully, and see if it have any grace of design and skill of ex Camille.—By Alex. Dumas. Peterson Bros., Publishers, Philadelphia. Price,
ecution that look as if the man who worked it. or who designed it for machine | cloth, $1.25.
production, had any thought or feeling for what he was doing. And if you want i Very few novels have been so widely read as the one before us, and no wonder,
to tell good work, from bad, I don't know that you can apply a better touchstone for a more fascinating romance was never written. It is natural, powerful and
than this—whether there be evidence of care, skill, and thoughtfulness in design, touching, and, at the same time, it conveys a moral lesson that can never be for-
for be assured no ornament can be good without this. If you have ugly things, i gotten. The reader recognizes Camille's inherent good qualities despite her
put up with them, and by Ingenuity and taste make Ihe most of them, but be j reckless life, and is Irresistibly impelled to sympathize with the beautiful crea-
careful how you bny new things. Don't be taken in by the upholsterer, and ! ture caught in a wh'rlpool from which there is no possible escape, and simu
think everything of a new fashion must be all right. Because some one thought
the natural grain of wood prettier than the painter's simulation, don't think that lating light-beartedness while consumption is gnawing at her vitals.
all the furniture that shows the grain through a nasty sticky-looking glaze must
be good art, or that coarse perforations of quatrefoils or other patterns resemble Manual Element in Education.
We made some mention of this little work last month, and strongly recom
anything done in the days of Gothic art ; or because old oak furniture is charm mended it to those persons who were in any way intcret-ted in technical educa
ing, that modern stuff varnished to a permanent nasty yellow color must also be
good ; or because tiles in their places are good things, that a gaudy-looking, tion.
quence,
Since then we have carefully looked over its contents, and, as a conse
are more fully persuaded that some of the hints given therein " On
glassy-surfaced tile looks well let into a piece of oak, and gives a pleasant har Technical Training Schools" are useful and valuable, and might be adopted by
mony of color and surface." most of our schools with success. Mr. Runkle advocates, so far as he advocates
A. J. K., Dunkirk.—We cannot fnrnish anyone sample copies of the Journal any system—a thorough teaching of mechanic arts, with drawing and a knowl
of Decorative Art gratis. This journal is published in Manchester, England, and edge of the uses of mechanics' tools. He seems to have but little faith in the
as a number of our subscribers have asked, like you, for sample copies, we avail specific industries. While we ordo schools
efficacy of "trade schools," for teaching the technical details of
not fully agree with him on this point, we
ourselves of this method to inform you and them that the better way will he to readily submit that a general course of "technical training" in onr schools
send to the publisher's office for sample copies, and enclose twenty-five cents to would: perhaps give more satisfactory results, it would not turn out such expert
pay for same ; or remit that amount to at, wit h address, and we will forward it and finished workmen as the "special trade schools." Those interested in this
to England. subject should peruse a copy of the Manual.
W. It., Buffalo.—The best scroll saws that we know of for general amateur
purposes are manufactured by W. F. & John Barnes, Rockford, III. The Veloci
pede saw made, by this Ann will do the very finest work, or can be used to cut
stuff two or three inches thick. Yes; the item in the August number, in this
column, referring to steel squares, is rather badly mixed. Instead of reading
" graduated," it should be "gradated." Printers sometimes make editors say
very strange things.
six • >>&C***<r
A charge of seventy-five cents a line will be made for all notices in this
column, for each and every insertion. Copy of notices must be sent to this
office on or before the 30th day of each month to insure an appearance in the
following issue.
We deem it our duty to keep our readers advised of the publications of all There is no question as to the fact that W. F. A Jno. Barnes, of 2018 Main
works that will in any way interest them ; and. with this object in view, we in street, Rockford III., manufacture the most complete ouflts of foot and hand-
tend each month to give a lengthened notice of such new books and periodicals power machinery, for actual workshop use that have ever been placed in the
as we may think wilt be of service in this direction. We shall not only give the market. These machines are now offered, as the result of ten years' experience
character of the book, and price, but will in many cases give extracts" from the in this line, and no doubt will exist regarding the value of these machines to
works reviewed, so lhat our readers may be enabled, to some extent, to judge of mechanics, after reading letters from panics who are using them.
the quality of the books for themselves. Their advertisement appears in another column, and all interested are invited
[N. B.—All books reviewed in this column can be obtained from the Bcilder to send for catalogue. They will also be glad to give any particular or special
and Wood-Wobkeu office at publishers' prices. Authors and publishers are information that may be desired.
requested to send in copies of works intended for review as early in the month
as possible.] Patent Duplex Furnace.—Messrs. Bovnton & Richardson, as will be seen
bytueirfull page advertisement, in this
issne, have introduced a new furnace
(Once upon a time some wicked boys worked their way into a pulpit and neatly called the Patent Duplex. There are two
pasted a copy of " Old Grimes " into the hymn book. It so happened that the fire pots in this new device, which can
minister opened on this choice bit of sacred poetry, read it, ana taking off his be used singly or together. Ordiuarily.
spectacles said, "Brethren, the hymn is new to me. but its thnr between the people who use furnaces are troubled
lids of the book, sing ! 11 I find the following book reviews, left by the editor, with too great an amount of heat in the
who is on his vacation, and there is no place for any of them but nnder the head early autumn or late in the spring; that is
of "Trade Literature. "—C. D. L.) to say, if the furnace used has sufficient
Illustrated Catalogue ; J. L. Mott Iron Works. This is an elaborate heating capacity for extremely cold
weather. This difficulty would seem to
work, executed with excellent taste and seemingly without regard to cost. It is be entirely obviated by this newly patent
the usual custom of this house to spare no pains in setting before ita patrons the ed device. We recommend to all who are
best executed illustrations obtainable, of its manufactures, but in the present interested in the qnestion of furnace heat
Instance it has beaten its past record. We have seen nothing for many years, in for dwellings to send to Messrs. Bcynton
the shape of an illustrated catalogue, that compares with this in that perfection of & Richardson for their descriptive pamph
detail which is so desirable where the purpose is to represent truthfully an article let, in which the merits of the invention
of manufacture ; bo that a clear and comprehensive idea is obtained before seeing are fully set forth,
the article itself. There is a judicious nse made of color in most of the cuts ■ TnE Battle Creek Machinery Co.,
while those in simple black and white are neatly drawn and well engraved. The
work contains about two hundred illustrations of grates, fenders, flreirons, etc., of Battle Creek, Mich., are meeting with
and shows what grand progress is being made in art manufactures. considerable success in the sales of their
Hints on Estimating.—New Edition.—We have printed and sold an edition Lathes and other manufactures. They
of 10,000 copies of the above treatise. A most notable sale. On the 15th of the have recently sen t consignment e to
present month we shall issne a new edition, beautifully printed, bound in paper Russia, Sweden. Australia and South
covers, and adapted to the pocket. The prico charged will be ten cents a copy. America, and are worked to their utmost
This is one of the handiest little books ever turned out, as it contains a whole capacity to keep up with their orders.
volume of useful information. Every bnilder and every carpenter should have Their Marsh's cylinder lathe is a favorite with every one that has used 1L
it. In sending for this work postage stamps will be accepted.
A handsome Catalogue comes to us from Louisville, Ky., Issued by Messrs. Send seventy-five cents to this office for a copy of the
Fischer, Leaf & Co., snowing designs for marbleized Iron mantels, stoves, hol
low ware and grates. The westward trend of manufactures is quite noticeable " Steel Square and its uses." The best Book for young
in these days, nor is there any lack of enterprise shown. The West, too, seems
to keep step with the East in catering to the art tastes of a great people, and workmen, in the market.
neglects no means for rendering its manufactured goods attractive and therefore
salable. Well, fortunately, there is demand enough for the West and the East,
so let there be a generous rivalry but no jealousy. Send ten cents to this office for " Hints on Estimating."
" Our Journal." For fifteen years the Builder has been
kept well to the front, and has held its own under many
difficulties, and it is pleasing to put on record, at this age.
that the paper to-day is in a better position than at any
previous time, thanks to the thousands of patrons, many
who have stood by us from the very first. We fully be
lieve we have on all occasions given to all our patrons
full value for their money, and as in the past so will it
A JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ART. be in the future. We want no man's dollar if he thinks
he does not get more than its value in the ninety-six
PUBLISHED MONTHLY. full-page illustrations we issue every year, not mention
ing the text and other illustrations. We know our own
value and we know that thousands of our readers know
our value also ; hence our long life and continued pros
176 Broadway, Ng-w Tort. perity.
THERE is generally considerable difficulty in select

PKIOE ONE DOLLAR AND FIFTY 0ENT8 A YEAS. ing a plan that snail be quite nearly all we desire
in a dwelling-house, without going beyond our means.
We know what is beautiful and convenient, but we con
CHARLES D. LAKEY, Publisher. FRED. A. HODGSON, Manager. tinue to find ourselves hampered in the most provoking
way by want of the funds necessary to carry out our
ideas.
Newsdealers will please order through The various News Companies. In this case we must commence with the bare necessi
Subscriptions to Great Britain and the Continent of Europe, Australia and ties subserved by a house.
Japan, $2.00; China, Sandwich Islands, Mexico, and Cuba, $3.50: South America The first is shelter. This requires but one room, a
$4,50. very simple arrangement, and one frequently resorted to
in frontier life. Passing this point, we add closets, bed
If.B.—Persons remitting money to this office through the post are requested rooms, a bathing-room, and then a dining-room, and last
either to procure a post-office order or to register the letter, and address it to the of all a parlor. We should keep this order in mind in
publisher, Charles D. Lakey, 176 Broadway, New York, to whom all letters the development of our plan. A house is, first of all, a
of a bitsiness character should be sent. physical necessity, and becomes a matter of elegance and
luxury step by step as our means will afford. This view
is not opposed in the least to that in aesthetic in build
ings; it only acknowledges the existence of laws, which
H£S.™,Lf NOVEMBER, 1882. j Whole Number, 183 must be observed, and in the ignoring of which many a
j New Number, - 11 family is kept from enjoying the substantial comforts of
a little house of their own. Let your house be a growth
of that which is essential and fundamental. Look upon
your dwelling as an apparatus, devoted to the health and
comforts of its inmates, " the girl " as a part of your
family in a larger sense. Seek to secure an arrangement
by which the greatest amount of "housework" can be
done with the fewest steps, and with the least exposure of
whatsoever is inelegant or offensive; for however re
fined we may be, there is still a great deal that is of this
earth, earthy, and which must not be allowed to give of
fense when privacy will prevent. These things carefully
carried out, and a little propriety in coloring and orna
mentation being observed, the whole will have that kind
of beauty which answers to the best definition, namely,
beauty is the perfect adoption of form and color to use.
There must be a harmony between your plan and your
"NOTWITHSTANDING the fact tbat the Builder building site ; there must be a fitness not only in
l\l and Wood-Worker to-day is the cheapest and regard to appearance, but especially in regard to the
best journal of the kind published in the world, at $1.50 direction of the winds and ranges of bleak winds, and
per year, we intend to reduce the price to one dollar a always afford a comfortable shelter from the scorch
year from this out ; and, although we make this reduc ing heat of the midsummer sun. If the building site
tion, we do not intend to lower the standard, or practical has been selected, it may be difficult to meet these condi
value of the journal ; indeed, we have made such arrange tions in the plan, or if the plan has been adopted, it may
ments for future issues that we can safely say, that good be almost impossible to find a suitable site in the desired
as the paper has been in the past it will be better, if pos neighborhood, and the final decision may be a compro
sible, in the future, and will contain just as much matter mise. But however this may be, have a well-defined
and as many illustrations as heretofore. To be able to plan, and follow it.
reduce the price of the Builder and VVood-Wokker to
one dollar a year, without reducing the size of the pa
per or the number of illustrations, is due to the facts that QEWER GAS ! What is it ? Sewer gas is simply
our circulation has more than doubled during the past niade up of what chemists term " sulphuretted hydro
two years, and that the management of the paper has gen." This is a poisonous gas, and spreads disease,
been placed in the hands of energetic parties, who intend misery, and death wherever it gains entrance, be it into a
to push it into every city, town, village and hamlet on the public hall, church, or private dwelling. We do not be
continent, so that- every person whose interest we repre lieve, however, that this deadly agent is as ranipant as
sent shall know of the existence and usefulness of some writers would have us believe: in fact, we are con
202 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [Nov., 1882.
fident thai half the ailments attributed to this source do may be followed by the workman, as the drawings are
not result from it at all, but from other causes. While all made to scale.
we admit that the evil is great, and that thousands suffer Plate 83 illustrates the method of building frame of
from the effects, we are disposed to the opinion that the cottage shown in preceding plates. Details are also
terms " sewer gas" and "malaria " are employed to cover shown of veranda, gables, etc. Almost any intelligent
the inability of the M.D. to properly diagnose his pa carpenter should be able to put up and complete a cot
tient's complaint, and that attributing the ailment to the tage of this kind, having these three plates for his guid
mysterious agency of this subtle gas serves the dual pur ance. The architect, Mr. Dewson, does not state what
pose of giving an air of smartness to the physician and the cottage will cost, and this is perhaps as well, for the
covers his retreat from a position which he is unable to cost would vary in different places, and estimated costs
cope with. The presence of sewer gas may always be at one point would be misleading and confusing in an
delected in an office, room, or bath if the woodwork has other.
been painted with white lead, as the sulphuretted hydro On Plate 84 we exhibit a design, plan and sections for
gen, or sewer gas proper, attacks the lead and turns it 1 a village church. We are sure some of our country
black almost at once. When painted work in a room j readers will be pleased with this plate, as it is just what
turns black or gets a leaden color, then beware, for a we have been asked for on several occasions of late.
deadly foe is at hand, and the sooner you annihilate it The drawings were furnished us by F. J. Gradevent,
the better for your peace of mind. A little watching architect, Syracuse, N. Y.
will soon convince you whether sewer gas is present or Plate 85 shows a number of very useful details designed
no. If it is, discoloration of painted work will rapidly by S. M. Howard, architect, Wheeling, W. Va.
take place and hoist the signal of danger ; if not, then the Plate 80 is in connection with the " Free Will Series,"
paint will retain its original color, subject only to the contributed by Mr. Dewson. It requires no explanation.
darkening process which comes of usage and exposure. Plate 87 shows a number of designs for chairs, also
carving patterns for some of them. This plate is taken
from the Cabinet Maker (English).
THE modern London house is a surprise to an Ameri Plate 88 shows two sections of drawings for stairs.
can. If one take the pains to go through five or six Full explanations are given in another column.
hundred South Kensington houses, all built within the last Last month our printers made us say, when referring
two years, vacant, and kept in stock for future buyers, to last plate of that month, Plate XC. It should read
he will not take kindly to the way in which English Plate 80.
mechanics do their work. Floors are badly laid; strange
to say, there is a general shrinkage in the woodwork, in
dicating the use of unseasoned lumber, and the hardware Strength of Timber.
is of a quality that is never used in this country, except TIMBER from the heart of a tree is stiffer than the
in houses of a very cheap class. The English builder sap-wood ; that from trees of average age than
seems to think that almost any kind of hardware will that from old trees ; well-seafoned timber than green,
answer, so he uses locks that in six months or a year are and generally the stiffness increases with the weight, or
a source of constant vexation. To make matters worse, rather the specific gravity. The same rules apply to the
the work of adjusting hardware to its place is badly done; strength of the timber. If the quantity of timber be the
doubtless the result of piece-work at low prices. These same, the stiffness of a beam will increase with its depth,
remarks apply to houses that are held at a valuation of but care must be taken not to make it so narrow as to
$100,000, and on leased ground, and the writer does not incur the danger of tipping over. Hence, to determine
speak from hearsay, but from observation. the size of a beam to be fixed at both ends a series of
rules are given, one of which will serve as an example.
Rule. — When the breadth, length and weight to be sus
HOW the star of empire takes its weslward way is tained are given, to find the depth —Multiply the square
pretty well indicated by the growth of Chicago, of the length in feet by the weight in pounds, and this
which now has a population approximating 650,000 product by a number varying according to the kind of
people. Many who are still in the prime of life remem timber (in the case of good white pine, it would be about
ber what is now the great city as the small village. Well, •025). Divide the product by the breadth in inches ami
this is, indeed, a wonderful country, and it is difficult, the cube root of the quotient will be the depth in inches.
even for Americans, to keep informed as to the details of This rule is given in Tredgold's Carpentry, in which may
its mighty progress. Unfortunately for the architecture also be found a large number of tables, showing the
of Chicago, it is doomed to the use of bituminous coal, resistance of various kinds of timber. The rule given by
which, as manufacturing increases, must blacken the the author above quoted, for finding the breaking weight
beautiful stone on which the city chiefly depends for its] of a piece of timber is as follows : Multiply the breadth
fine facades. , in inches by the square of the depth in inches. Divide
the product by the length in feet, and the quotient, multi
plied by a "constant," depending upon the kind of wood,
(for white pine about 650), will be the weight in pounds.
If the timber be supported at one end only, but one-
fourth of this weight would be required to break it. If
the weigth be uniformly distributed over the beam, it
will require twice as much to break it as if the load is
collected at the middle.
A force tending to compress a pillar or other piece of
timber may operate in several ways according to the
height and thickness of the timber. If its height be great
PLATE 81 shows plans and perspective view of a country in proportion to its diameter, it will bend, and if the
house, also sketches of sitting and dining-rooms. weight be sufficient, bre ak at the middle. This will be the
The sketch of mantel shown in sitting-room is very pleas case if the height be greater than thirty times the diameter.
ing. The plate is furnished us by Mr. Dewson, of J3oston. If, however, the pillar be short, it will be crushed.
Plate 82 shows four elevations of the cottage shown on As concerns its power of resistance' to crushing, the
the preceding plate. This is a useful contribution and seasoning of wood makes a great difference, as wet wood
204, THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [Nov.,
has little more than half the strength of dry. For strength " There is no reason why the finishing and veneerijj
in this particular, good oak is to be recommended ; after woods of Florida should not also make their advent
that pine. The strength of a long pillar is about three among dealers in veneerings and the finer finishing
times as great, if the ends are flat, as if they are rounded. woods."
Giving pillars a bulge at the middle somewhat increases
their strength. Of course, short pillars are much stronger
than long ones. A column of pine 14 inches high and 14 Planer Cutter Heads.
inches square, has been known to support a weight of
nearly a thousand tons. BY J. T. L.
If wood be strained lengthwise, its power of resistance
will vary directly as the area of its cross section and TAKING my text from a well-written article by "Observer,'
copied by Wood and Iron from Lumber World, the question
inversely as the length of the piece and the force employed. " Why do Cutter Heads get out of balance, and what is the best
This holds true as long as the elasticity is uninjured, preventative t" I cannot add anything to it, but may be able to
but after that is impaired, the strength of the timber is make some sugeestions which may help ns who are together trying
materially less. The weight required to overcome the co to work out a difficult problem. In the first place owners of mills
hesion of pieces of oak about a foot in length with a cross could do a great deal to help out in this thing, if they were prac
tical workmen themselves ; but in most cases proprietors of mills
section of one square inch varied between 18,000 and know of everything else but the running or c.ire of a machine of
20,000 pounds. A similar piece of pine was pulled apart any kind, and shift all the cave and responsibility on the shoulders
by a force of about 13,000 pounds. of the foreman, who generally has as heavy load as he can carry
without experimenting on machinery. Every mill of any size
should have a machine shop of its own, managed by the engineer,
who should be a first class, intelligent, ingenious mechanic ; fully
alive to all the wants and necessities of woodworking machines.
Florida Finishing Woods. He should understand fully the workings of all the machines in the
shop, and be able to fit up perfectly any part of which may be
A CORRESPONDENT of an exchange gives the fol lacking or broken, and take a lively interest in keeping cylinder
lowing interesting particulars concerning woods and side cutter heads in perfect balance ; and a great many times
valuable for finishing or veneers, which are abundant in such a man can add improvements to a machine which is being
Florida : used. He should be hired expecially for his qualifications for the
" The close relations which are being established be place he is expected to fill, and given first-class tool;; to work with,
and be held responsible for everything being kept in order, under
tween Florida and other parts of the United States, both the direction of an intelligent, wide-awake foreman. I think, as a
by the immense emigration which is tending thither from general thing, proprietors of mills do not furnish such tools as
all quarters for permanent settlement, as well as by the ought to be"found in every well-conducted mill. What he says
great volume of temporary sojourners from the North about cylinders being made of cast iron is true, and I would sug
gest that some one try cast steel* in its place, which would have
and Northwest, will bring to our knowledge, and into use, the benefit of being a perfectly solid mass throughout, and heavier
a great many of the resources of that wonderful and pro for its size than east iron ; it to try a forged iron cylinder, which
lific State that have been hitherto unknown in any practi would certainly be a solid mass of stock. As for boring a cylinder,
cal sense whatever. Prominent among these objects is if pains is taken a perfectly straight bole can be made as well as in
the important one of new and hitherto unknown woods a rifle barrel, and much easier, because the hole is so much larger.
I believe, as he says, that many cylinders run bad because the
for veneering and ornamental finishing. shaft is sprung in putting in. It is wrong to start with, and no
" The yellow pine has for some time been well known as possible fixing can ever make it run right. Some concerns use
a very useful wood for flooring and dimension stuff, what I call "hollow-head cylinders." where the cylinder is brass
bridge and frame timber, but it is now finding its way into and the shaft has three bearings. The shaft is fitted to the ends,
and the center left large so as to fill with babbitt. Now I consider
the eye of taste as one of the most beautiful of veneering it an exception rather than a rule that under such conditions a
woods. It not only presents a most beautiful surface, cylinder will run well. More than ten chances to one on pouring
but admits of a very high degree of polish as well. I re hot babbitt into the center bearing the shaft will be sprung, and no
fer to the irregular portions when the grain is not straight, possible turning or tinkering can ever make it right. The shaft
and when the convolution causes a twisting out and in of should be a perfect fit all the way through.
One thing I would suggest abovit a cylinder ; the little strip that
the fiber, and that is the finest thing in that line that we is put on to form a chip-breaker, I would have it put on with
remember to have seen in any other veneering. The screws instead of rivets, so when it gets worn a new one may be
color is a bright yellow and charming from its originality. put on without trouble. These pieces should be ground to a
It also presents a very delightful contrast with black wal perfect edge, and back from the edge should be ground to a curve
instead of straight, so offering less resistance to the wood in acting
nut and any of the darker woods. It is getting to be as a chip-breaker. Very often these little pieces become worn, and
quite an ordinary veneering in the South for such cars as you fiud chips driven in under the knife. This is especially the
are built there, and it certainly will come into general use case with hard woods and Southern pine. Sometimes 1 have
and have an extended run elsewhere. Its merits will cer thought these pieces should be made bard or tempered like a knife,
tainly insure to it a great prominence. which I think would make them wear better.
Now in regard to balancing knives—a set may be perfectly bal
" The magnolia is a very fine finishing timber, not only anced and yet be very much out of balance, and here is perhaps
on account of its inherent beauty, but likewise by reason where a great many make a mistake. For instance, suppose a set
of the extreme fineness of its grain and its susceptibility of knives were ground to a perfect balance on the scales, but sup
of a very high degree of polish. When it becomes known, pose in grinding, one knife should be ground so the stock should
as it surely must now, it will be in great requisition for be taken off from one end more than the other, and the end of ono
knife should be heavier in proportion than the other, the head
all those uses where a high degree of polish and a close, could be just as much out of balance as though one knife was just
firm texture is demanded. I see that imitation ebony is so much heavier than the other. To illustrate—only a few
becoming much used recently. It would seem to me that weeks ago I saw a man put a bead into a four-sided slotted 8 inch
the magnolia is just the species of wood to make the imi head, and to balance it, he put, what was a perfect balance to the
bead in the other end of the head, and in answer to a question said
tation ebony from. It seems to fullfil all the requirements, it made no difference where the weight was as long as it was in the
and it grows in inexhaustible quantities in the hummocks head. Very soon he had a hot box and a loose head, and siuce
of Florida, and can thus be produced at very low figures. that time the counter balance has always been put on in the right
" The red or sweet bay is another ornamental wood, place, and it is just so with knives. The ends of them must ex
actly balance each other or there will be trouble.
which is practically inexhaustible in Floriila. It is sub What "Observer" says about the side cutters is also true, but
stantially the same as mahogany, and can be used in the one great trouble with them is, as a general thing, they are fitted
same way, and for the same purpose as the Honduras ma up with too small spindles and too short boxes, especially at the
hogany. In fact, we see no reason why it should not re
ceive the appellation of American mahogany. * What 1 mean by cast steel is thai which is made by a firm in Pittsburgh, who
cost steel in any desired form.
top. Were I to fit up a mill for myself, I would never put in a division lines being indicated in the drawing. The frame Bof the
panel is cut from the same wo.id, an inch in width by one-half inch
spindle less than 2 inches, and not less than 6 inches bearing at the
top, wilh a special arrangement in the step to prevent it from in thickness. The face width of the frame B is left with the bark
wearing down. Some machines are notably lacking in this point, on, in order to show its formation, and it also forms a pleasing con
and give a great deal of trouble by constantly dropping down. I trast to the panel. At the four corners of the frame are transverse
sections C, of the same species of wood of the same depth (| in.) as
contend that the pulley on the side cutter spindle should nearly fill
the space between the boxes, which causes it to be very much the frame B, and lying flush therewith. These sections C must be
stiffcr than a pulley just wide enough to take the belt. cut from a small limb of the tree which should be approximately
" Observer's" ideas about lubrication are very good, and I would an inch and a half in diameter. Their faeesshouldbe sandpapered
or polished.
only suggest that, whether we use self-oilers or not, there should be
no lack of constant watchfulness. Get yourselves in the habit of The artistic preparation of the panel is next in order. It consists
looking after bearings every little while, and every time you go in painting, in oil or water colors, a twig and specimen leaves of
near a box put your hand on it, and often make it your business to the same tree from which the framed panel has been made. If the
look your hearings over and see what condition they are in. tree flowers, as most of the ornamental trees do, the bud, the blos
" Observer " advises the use of pure lard oil, with tallow of good som, and the seed should be shown by detail views on the panel.
quality in the boxes. I have used, with good success, good lard Some trees, as the locust, bear seed pods, and these form pier-sing
oil and pnraftine, half and half, and for tallow I use the very bestsubjects to put upon the panel. In case of fruit or nut bearing
suet or raw tallow I can get. I have read "Observer's" article iu trees, the specimen fruit and nut may be painted. Even the bugs
Wood and Iron over a great many times, and I advise anyone run or worms which infest the tree may appropriately nppear.
ning a planing mill to get this article and paste it up where they The name and genus of the tree is provided for in the space
can rend it occasionally, if not oftener. It is good sense all the marked D. which, in the sketch, is filled by Japanese characters.
way through. In this manner it is possible for the owner of a rural home, with
some experience in water or oil colors, to become possessed of beauti
ful panels of ever}' kind of wood growing on his place and those out
Novel Method of Exhibiting Native Woods in the of it. They are appropriate for the drawing-room, and form unique
Drawing Room. and interesting subjects. In the museum they are grouped to
gether in handsome cases where they are much admired.
[Written for the Bolder and Woodworker by F. B. Brock, Solicitor of
Patent?, Washington, I). C.l Stairs.
DURING a recent visit to the National Museum at Washington, KOlirtTII PAl'EK.
now in the course of being fitted up for the reception of
curiosities and other things pertaining to a museum, I was much LAST month we exhibited two kinds of geometrical stairs ; in
interested in a collection of ornamental woods from Japan—a gift
from the University of Tokio. This collection embodies so much sectionthe present number we show three other kinds. Those in
originality and attractiveness combined, with simplicity in the man tion 2, is1, elliptical
are semi circular in plan, while the stair shown in sec
in plan. The method of framing for the car
ner of its exhibition, that I cannot refrain writing you on the sub
ject in the hope that some who read this, and whose accomplish riage of figure 1, section 1, is shown by the dotted lines and may
be easily understood from the plan. ligurel, No. 1, section 2,
ments are such as to permit them to indulge the art, may be enabled shows by the dotted lines how the carriage framing should be
to beautify their homes without any expense, other than loss of done for a stair on an elliptical plan.
time. The strings for these stairs may be steamed, and bent over a cyl
inder ; or they may have grooves cut into them parallel with axis
of the stair, and the grooves filled up with bars of wood carefully
glued in, and the whole left to dry when bent to the proper shape.
Another method in making stairs hollowed in the face to the
curviture of the well-hole, and setting out as much of the string
on each piece as will cover its width, then glueing the staves, edge
to edge, without any veneer. This method, though expeditious,
is not. safe.
Another method is sometimes practiced, when the curved surface
is of great length and large sweep, as in the back strings of circular
stairs. Iu this a portion of cylindric surface is formed on a solid
piece of plank about three or four feet in length ; and the string
being set out on a veneer board sufficiently thin to bend easily, is
laid down round the curve, with such a number of pieces of like
thickness as will make the required thickness of the string-board.
In working this method the glue is introduced between the veneers
wilh a thin piece of board, and the veneers quickly strained down
to the curved piece with hand-screws. A string can be formed in
this way to almost any length by glueing a few feet at a time, and
when that dries, removing the cylindrical curve and glueing down
more, till the whole is completed.
Several other ways will suggest themselves to the workman, to
build up a good solid circular string-board.
RANKINE says that there are certain appearances character
istic of good wood to what class soever it belongs. In the
same species of wood that specimen will in general be the strong
est and the most durable which has grown the slowest, as shown
by the narrowness of the annular rings. The cellular tissue, as
seen in the medullary rays (when visible), should be hard and com
pact. The vascular or fibrous tissue should adhere firmly together,
and should show no wooliness at a freshly cut surface; nor should
it clog the teeth of the saw with loose fibers. If the wood is col
ored, darkness of color is in general a sign of strength and dura
bility. The freshly cut surface of the wood should be firm and
shining, and should have somewhat of a translucent appearance.
In wood of a given species the heavier specimens are in general
the stronger and the more lasting. Among resinous woods, those
which have the least resin in their pores, and among non-
resinous woods, those which have least sap or gum in them, are in
This Japanese collection consists of a series of panel frames 8x12 general the strongest and most lasting. Timber should be free from
inches each, a panel being devoted to each variety of wood. The such blemishes as "clefts," or cracks radiating from the centre;
general appearance of the panel is shown by the subjoined sketch. "cup shakes." or cracks which partially separate one layer from
The panel A proper is a thin planed surface (J in. thic k) and, in this another; " upsets," where the fibers have been crippled by com
collection is unpolished, though it is obvious that a polish may be pression; " wind galls," or wounds in a layer of wood, which have
given to the wood. When the diame ter of a tree is less than eight been covered and concealed by the growth of subsequent layers
inches two or more pieces are laid side by side to give the requisite over them; and hollow or spongy places in the center or else where,
width, In the sketch here given, the panel is in four pieces, the indicating the commencement of decay.
208 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [Nov.,
How to Make a Corner Chair. must be out of 2in. solid wood. These directions followed, the
chair should be ready for polishing and stuffing.
THE season of the year is now at hand in which the carpenter The upholstering may be done at home by any person who has a
and joiner will have more or less time at his disposal, and in taste in that direction, and who has some knowledge of the art.
which he will have a strong desire to "make something'' for him A chair made from these directions, and upholstered neatly, will
self or his friends. Now, what is nicer for a gift to a mother, be as lasting as comfortable.
wife, sister, daughter or other dear friend, than a comfortable arm
chair ? And how much more would the gift be appreciated, when
known to be the work of the givers hands '! To enable our readers,
workmen, professional or amateur, to make a chair—a corner chair— Decorative Art.
one that will be comfortable and substantial, we submit the following IT is important to understand, says a correspondent . for instance,
instructions and illustrations : why the cover of a book is more artistic when the ornament is
The selection of the wood for the chair is a matter of taste ; black of a conventional or non-naturalistic kind than when it is stamped
walnut, mahogany (stained dark), rosewood, or dull black are all or impressed with unmeaning wreaths of flowers or leaves; or why
suitable. To save expense, it might, moreover, be made without our wall-papers and carpets are more in keeping with the dictates of
the underframing or listing shown, although the strength would be correct taste when their surfaces are relieved by flat patterns, dictated
reduced without it. But our purpose for the moment is. "how to by the fabric and by colors which harmonize with the surround
make," and a few practical hints may be useful on that point. ings of the apartment. The geometrical distribution of foliage,
The first business is to produce the molds to working drawing especially of that kind which the Japanese artist has taught us
shown, and as an inch scale is adopted, this should be a simple in the varied disposition of his diapers and medallion ornamenta
matter. Then get out the four legs— e., two long and two tion, and the harmonious blending of colors such as he has shown
short. The two long legs must be out of 2in. wood, to allow of in his charming faience and lacquer work, appear to offer the
throw over scroll at top ; ljin. wood will do nicely for the short nearest approach to decoration in which both the principles men
ones. The seat rails must be of 2in. solid wood, and beach cannot tioned have been exemplified. Few of the admirers of natural
be used except for blocking, as all the wood is more or lesj seen. ism in art can object to a treatment which gives ample play for
The back might be lîn. wood, to allow, when top is glued on, for the imitation of natural forms, and we do not think the conven
shaping back and front to bring it in a line with the top. The top tionalist will be disposed to undervalue the exquisite sense of
would take a piece of 41in. wood, to allow for sweep. Of course creative fancy displayed in some of these productions. The Ori
where several chairs are made, the tops can be marked one into the ental textiles furnish the most beautiful examples of the law of
other, and thus waste of timber avoided ; 1 Jin. wood will be stout adaptation of natural object to works of art, and we find one of
enough for the arms and brackets. The splat must be outof ljin., our leading art-manufacturers up town following this motif
which will allow for stuffing rebate. of design in the production of wall-hangings, carpets, and chintzes.
Having got the wood ready to these thicknesses, mark off legs for in which flowers, fruit, and foliage of American growth are treated
turning, mortice same, and see that the turner proceeds with them, with a naturalness and individually of type, yet preserving an
otherwise delay may occur later on. Only the three corner legs artificial arrangement of a purely conventional and geometrical
can be morticed, as dowels must be employed for the leg at back. character. The chrysanthemum and tulip, the apple and mistletoe,
After seeing that mortices and tenons are right and fitted, care as are types we have seen treated in this manner. Since all service
to glueing up will be necessary. First glue two shaped back rails ornament has to be repeated, as in the case of a wall-paper, the
to leg at back, then put angle part together—i. e., the two front proper degree of naturalness compatible with this kind of distribu
square rails ; the two complete parts can then be glued together at tion is a matter of the first consideration. It may be taken as a prin
the long leg corners. It must not be forgotten that before glueing ciple of general application that the gre iter the repetition the les^
it is necessary to put in listing and rebate rails for loose seat. The natural ought to be the treatment. A natural type always loses
back can now be made. Get two uprights far back, place on seats by repetition. Many other reasons may be given for assuming that
to get right, and use top with uprights before glueing, to get a conventional or ideal treatment of ornament is one which most
complete back in correct line, placing them on to seat with loose strictly follows the method of nature ; and the real issue be
dowels. Now fit splat and top. and having got them nicely fitted, tween the disputants of the two schools of decorative art appears
glue splat in first, taking care to knock on top before glue of splat to be that while one copies nature as he sees it, the other studies
isdry. After being thus glued up the back can be shaped, rebated, her methods and true spirit.
and moulded, and then placed on to seat again, still with loose The true characteristics of decorative art can only be under
dowels. Nothing now prevents the fitting of the arms, springing stood by distinguishing clearly the limits of these principles—in
them in with loose dowels, and then fit brackets under anus. The fact, by defining those modes of arrangement which separate
operation of glueing back on to seat may now be done, but it will decorative from " expressive " art. Decorative art has been well
be well to put arms and brackets on at same time, in case the back defined by Veron in his admirable work on esthetics as being
would not give sufficiently for the dowels in the arms. The "achieved mainly by arrangement of line, form, color, sound,
making of n loose seat (" Trafalgar" chair fashion) is a simple rhythm, movement, light, and shade, without any necessity for
matter ; the loose seat should stand up a quarter-of-an-inch above the intervention of idea or sentiment. The arts of design are, there
the level for the convenience of the upholsterer, leaving about an fore, not the only ones which may have a decorative character.
eighth-of-an-inch all around the rebate. The wood for the seat It is to be found in the dance, in music, poetry, and in rhetoric.
Our ballet measures are nothing but decorative dancing, with the on account of its losing less heat by radiation, and allowing the
one object to please the eye." The same author, however, seems upper portion of the lime to settle more gradually and evenly as
to place decorative art in a lower category than has been assigned the lower portion is withdrawn.
to it, and it is probably the endeavor of late to revive what is The kiln may be built of either stone or brick, either cylindrical
called " high art " that has made decorative artists impatient to or rectangular, and usually against the side of a natural bank, or a
the limits and necessary trammels imposed on decorative design. mound is thrown up behind it. It should be lined with a double
They like to introduce images, ideas, and sentiments into their thickness of fire-bricks, the space between which and the outer
work, and to this extent they fail to give us purely decorative masonry is filled in with well-rammed cinders to prevent loss of
character. Greek art was purely decorative in its feelings ; we heat.
mean that which has ever remained subordinate to architecture. It A continuous kiln, employed in Belguim, has eight openings for
was perfection and grace of ontline and form which were the removing the lime, which is being continually withdrawn, while
alms of the Greek artist ; even Greek sculpture was decorative, fresh charges are added at the top. It is charged with alternate
and the same spirit was rekindled by the artists of the Renais layers of coal and limestone, in the proportion of one coal to four
sance. limestone, and is allowed to cool but once a year, for inspection
We might instance the decorative art of the Renaissance as and repairs.
having been found on principles derived from Greek art ; but our A kiln was invented by Count Rumford, having for its principal
main object is now to show that architectural decoration, including objects to consume the smoke, to bring a large surface of flame
sculpture, has been long suffering from a confused view of the and hot vapor in contact with the limestone, to keep the latter sep
principles upon which the best examples have been designed, and arate from the fuel, and to allow the process to be continuous.
that our ideas of decorative beauty in design have been solely de It consists of a truncated cone, some 15 feet high, 2 feet in dia
rived from the antique, without a corresponding ability to use the meter at base and 9 inches at top. In order to retain the boat, the
methods the artist of the antique followed. Without this knowl sides, which are of brick and very thin, are double and filled in
edge, all our copies and academic studies, and all the teachings with dry wood ashes. The fuel is introduced through an opening
given in our art schools will be of little avail. We must train our above, which is covered b}r a hinged iron door, raised and lowered
art students, especially those who will direct our manufactures, to by means of a chain, to regulate the draft. The opening for
become decorative artists, not imitationists or dabblers in " high cleaning the fire-place is provided with a grate and ash pit, and
art ; " and to do this we must show them how to convert natural also, by causing a horizontal draft into the furnace, assists in con
types into ornament which shall subserve the objects which it is suming the smoke. The limestone is fed in at the top of the fur
intended to decorate. But a knowledge of natural types is useless nace. The products of combustion are directed downward before
if it leads to no other result than copying or reproducing them ; it they are admitted into the body of the kiln, the unconsumed por
must be accompanied by an ability to idealize—the power of ab tion finally passing out at the top. The incandescent mass of lime
straction or of seeing things in a sense removed from the visible below assists in heating the charge above. The lime is removed at
and concrete manifestations in which they are presented to the an opening below, and fresh charges are added at the top as this
eye. The greatest artists have been those who have been gifted with is gradually withdrawn.
the power of "conventionalizing," as we term it ; in other words, A kiln invented by Mr. Booker, of Dublin, having the form of
of abstracting the elements of natural types, and applying them in two truncated cones joined at their bases, where the diameter is
a decorative manner. about 7 feet, tapering to 3 feet at top and bottom, and from 23 to
30 feet in height, is said to have produced excellent results. A
pivoted plate of iron is placed over the top for regulating the
draft.
Tin Roofs. Artificial hydraulic lime is now manufactured on a large scale
ATIN roof properly put on and kept properly painted will last in England and France, and has been employed in a number of
about 30 years. A tin roof ought not to be painted for the important works.
first time until it has been on about 30 days, so as to get the grease Two qualities are prepared by two different processes. The
off the tin, and all the rosin should be carefully scraped off. first, which produces the best lime, but is most expensive, consists
It, is sometimes necessary, on buildings where there is much in mixing with rich slacked lime a certain proportion of clay, and
dampness or steam, as stables, blacksmith shops, round houses, calcining the mass. In the second, some soft calcareous material
etc., to paint the tin one coat on the under side before laying. is substituted for the lime, and the materials incorporated by
After the roof has been painted the first coat, it should be painted grinding.
again in about a year, and after that, once in three years is In an establishment at Mendon, near Paris, the materials used
are the cha'k of the vicinity and a clay from Vaugirard, in the
enough. proportion of four chalk to one clay. These, broken into lumps,
There are two kinds of tin ; one, the coating of which is all are thrown into a circular basin, around which an upright mill
tin—that is, the tin proper, sometimes called "bright tin"; the stone, having its axis attached to a vertical shaft, is caused to
other, the coating of which is a composition, part tin and part travel ; this is provided with a follower, consisting of a wheel
lead; this is called "tern," "leaded," or "roofing" tin. This having attached tooth arrangements ; by this the mixture is, with
last is a little cheaper than the "bright," and will not rust any the addition of water, ground into a pulp, and is drawn off, des
quicker, but we think, as do many others, that the sulphur in our cending successively into a series of chambers at different levels,
soft-coal smoke eats through the "leaded" coating sooner than until it attains the proper consistency for molding. The mass is
through the " tinned." then divided into regular and equal prisms by means of a mold,
Of tin there arc two sizes, 10"xl4" and 14x20 and two grades as and these are placed on drying shelves until sufficiently dry for
to thickness, IC the light, and IX the heavy. burning.
For a steep roof, one-sixth pitch or over, the IC, 14x20 tin Cato (150 b. c.) gave directions for forming a lime kiln. He pre
("leaded," if high up, where little smoke will get to it ; "bright," ferred a truncated cone, 10 feet diameter at the bottom, 20 feet
if low down, where much smoke will get to it), put on with a high, and 3 feet diameter at the top. The grate covered the whole
standing groove, and with the cross reams put together with a bottom ; then there was a pit below for the ashes and two fur
double lock, makes as good a roof as can be made. nace doors, one for drawing out the burnt stone and the other for
For flat roofs, the best roof is made with the IX, 10x14, "bright" admitting air and fuel.—Brick, Tile and Metal Review.
tin, laid with cleats ; but the others make good roofs, and any of
them will last 25 years at least.
All tin roofs should be laid with cleats, and not by driving the Tiles.
nails through the tin itself. — Carpenters' and Builders' Jmrnal. TILES are thin slabs of baked clay, of whose manufacture we
gave a description in these columns some time ago. They are
extensively used in Europe for various purposes—roofs, gutters,
About Lime Kilns. pavements, drains, house siding, lining flues, furnaces, etc. They
assume many forms ; some have a local character, others are made
LIME is derived from its carbonate, which exists in immense in imitation of the antique.
quantities in nature in the form of limestone, including Plain tiles are usually made \ of an inch in thickness, 10i inches
marble. It is, where these are abundant, prepared from oyster long and inches wide. They weigh from 2 to 2i pounds each,
shells, which are also a carbonate of lime. and expose about one-half to the weather. 740 tiles cover 100 su
The process consists in calcining the carbonate in kilns, during perficial feet. They are hung upon the lath by two oak pins, in
which the carbonic acid is driven off, leaving oxide of calcium, serted into holes made by the molder. Plain tiles are now made
orquicklinie. with grooves and fillets on the edges, so that they are laid without
The forms of kilns are various, probably the most primitive overlapping very far, the grooves leading the water. This is eco
being made by excavating a hole in the earth in the shape of an nomical of tiles, and saves half of the weight, but is subject to leak
inverted cone, in which alternate layers of limestone and fuel were in drifting rains, and to injury by hard frosts.
placed, and the top covered with sods. Kilns having chambers in Pan tiles, first used in Flanders, have a wavy surface, lapping
the form of an inverted cone are generally employed in places under and being overlapped by the adjacent tiles of the same rank.
where materials are scarce and coal is the fuel used. The ovoidal They are made 14ixl0A ; expose 10 inches to the weather ; weigh
form, truncated at, its upper part, is, however, generally preferred, from 5 to5J pounds each ; 170 cover 100 square feet of surface.
THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER _
s
Crown, ridge, hip and valley tiles are semi-cylindrical, or seg sometimes employed, which gives a smoke-brown color. Iron fil
ments of cylinders, used for the purposes indicated. A gutter tile ings produce black ; copper slag, green ; smalts, blue. The tile
has been introduced in England, forming the lower course, bring being wetted, the composition is laid on with a sieve, and the tile
nailed lo the lower sheathing board or lath. subjected to the heat necessary to vitrify the application. —Brick,
Siding tiles are used as a substitute for weather-boarding. Holes Tile t£ Metal lievitw.
nre made in them when molding, and they are secured to the lath
by flat-headed nails. The gage, or exposed face, is sometimes in
dented to represent courses of brick. Fine mortar is introduced Kalsomining and Distemper.
between them when they rest upon eacli other. Siding tiles are
sometimes called weather tiles and mathematical tiles ; these names DISTEMPER C0LOB8 FOB WALLS.
are derived from their exposure or markings. They are variously
formed, having curved or crenated edges, and various Ornaments IF distemper is to be applied to a wall or ceiling which is cov
either raised or encaustic. ered with plaster, some whiting is put into water, where it must
The glazed tiles are inferior to slate, as they imbibe about one- be easily broken and diluted if allowed time to soak ; it must be
seventh of their weight of water, and tend to rot the lath on which completely saturated, and when it has settled the clear water
they are laid. Good roofing slate only imbibes one two-hundreth must be poured off. To correct the too great whiteness, and to
part of its weight, and is nearly waterproof. prevent a yellow cast, grind separately in some water a little in
Encaustic tiles are ornamented tiles having several colore. A digo orivory black, and mix with it ; then add to the mixture some
mold is prepared which has a raised device on its face, so as to strong size which has been previously warmed, well stirring the
leave an impression on the face of the tile cast therein. This in whole till properly mixed. The whole of the distemper must
taglio recess is then filled by a trowel with clay compounds, in the be strained while warm, in order to remove all impurities and
liquid or slip stage, and which retain or acquire the require ! colors thoroughly mix the color. When this is done, the distemper may
in baking. The tile is then scraped, smoothed, baked and glazed. be put into a cool place till it is formed into a weak trembling jelly,
This tile is common in ancient and modem structures. The glaz which is the only proper state in which to apply it to the walls.
ing came from the Arabs, who derived it from India, and primarily All size distemper colors which are applied to walls, and which
from China. are mixed with whiting, should at all times be worked cold, and
Drain tiles are either molded flat and bent around a former to of a weak trembling jelly, otherwise it will be impossible to make
the proper shape, or are made at. once of a curved form by pressing good work, and great care should be taken not to have too much
the clay through a dod or mold of the required form. The latter body in the color, for it will certainly crack and fall off in scales,
plan is now generally used. as it is not the strength of the size that causes the work to crack,
Various machines are used in the manufacture of tiles. One of but the body of color. There is a great advantage in having a suf
these has two iron cylinders, around which webs of cloth revolve, ficient quantity of size in the first coat of distemper, as it binds
whereby the clay is pressed into a slab of proper thickness without hard, and stops the suction of the wall, in consequence of which
adhering to the cylinders. It is then carried between two vertical the next coat, if properly prepared, will not move the first coat, but
rollers, which impart a semi-cylindrical or other required shape, it will work perfectly free, and when dry the work will have a
after which the tiles arc polished and finished by passing through uniform and solid appearance. This method of whitewashing and
three iron molds of horseshoe form, being at the same time moist coloring walls is far superior to lime, as it works much smoother,
ened by the dripping of water from a tank above, and finally con and when properly mixed and worked upon a new wall it will
ducted off upon an endless web. not crack and fall off in scales ; it also covers belter, and after
In more recent machines theliles are generally formed at one oper being repeatedly applied for a number of years the walls need no
ation, by pressing. A charge of clay sufficient to form a number scraping, as the color easily washes off with a whitewash brush,
of tiles is placed in a cylinder and subjected to the action of a after they have been well soaked with water.
piston, which forces it out as a continuous tube, after which it is
cut in lengths by a wire. The most modern machines generally
employ a screw, which serves at the same time to mix the clay Woods Stains.
and force it through the mold ; the process of feeding and mold
ing is thus rendered continuous, no time being lost in charging HERR LEO, pharmacist of Benshein, Germany, recommends
the cylinder. the following stains for oak, pine, beech, poplar, etc. :
One of the most improved of modern machines consists of a 1. Yellow Stain.—Wash over with a hot, concentrated solution
vertical pug mill, containing rotary curved knives and a screw of picric acid, and when dry, polish the wood.
follower for forcing the clay through the dies. The pipe, on 2. Ebony Black. —Wash with a concentrated aqueous solution
issuing from the dies, is carried forward by a series of rollers of extract of logwood several times ; then with a solution of
having hollowed surfaces, and is cut into lengths by a rocking acetate of iron of 14 degrees, Raume, which is repeated until a
frame provided with cross wires. In another machine the clay deep black is produced.
is forced through the ties by two plungers working in boxes at 8. Gray.—One part of nitrate of silver dissolved in 50 parts of
the base of the pug mill, and reciprocated by cranks set at right distilled "water ; wash over twice, then with hydrochloric acid,
angles to each other on the same shaft ; two sets of dies are and afterwards with water of ammonia. The wood is allowed to
employed ; one plunger being retracted to allow its box to re dry in the dark, and then finished in oil and polished.
ceive a supply of clay, while the other is engaged in forcing the i. Light Walnut. —Dissolve one part of permanganate of potas
clay through its die. sium iu 30 parts of pure water, and apply twice in succession, and
Tiles are usually placed in the kilns in bunches of twelve, and after an interval of five minutes wash with clean water, and when
laid alternately cross and lengthwise. The spacing of the tiles dry, oil and polish.
. allows the circulation of the iieat between them, and the circular 5. Dark Walnut.—Same as for light Walnut, but after the wash
form of oven is found well adapted to secure uniformity of heat. ing with water, the darker veins are made more prominent with a
The kiln is protected on the windward side to prevent uneven solution of acetate of iron.
urging of the tires. The oven being set, the doorway is bricked up 6. Dark Mahogany.—Introduce into a bottle 15 grains alkanet
and daubed, the fires kindled and kept burning moderately at first, root, 30 grains aloes, 30 grains powdered dragon s blood, 500
and then more freely. The usual time for firing is thirty-eighl grain? 9"> per cent, alcohol, closing the mouth of the bottle with a
hours. Three days are then allowed for cooling, and they are piece of bladder, keeping it in a warm place for three or four days,
afterwards taken out of the kiln. Those tiles that arc to be made with occasional shaking ; then filtering the liquid. The wood is
of a grayish color are thus treated : It having been ascertained first mordanted with nitric acid, and when dry washed with the
that the tiles are burnt enough, and while still red hot, a quantity stain once or ofteuer, according to the desired shade ; then the
of small fagots of green alder with the leaves on is introduced into wood is dried, oiled and polished.
inch flue. The Hue holes are then well secured, and the holes in 7. Light Mahogany. —Same as dark mahogany, but the staiu
the roof each stopped with a paving tile, and the whole surface being only applied once. The veins of true mahogany may be
is covered with four of five inches of sand, on which a quantity imitated by the use of acetate of iron skillfully applied.
of water is thrown to prevent the smoke from escaping anywhere.
It is this smoke which gives the gray color to the tiles, both inter
nally and externally. The kiln is then left closed for a week,
when the sand is taken off the top, the door and roof holes are Dangers of Wooden Structures.
opened, ns also the flue holes, and the charcoal produced by the rr^HE unsanitary condition of certain towns in this country has
fagots taken out. Forty-eight hours after, the kiln is cool enough _L drawn attention to the fact that wooden houses, and especially
to allow the tiles being taken out and the kiln charged again. wooden foundations, are liable after a certain time to cause mala
Whenever any of the tiles are to be glazed, they nre varnished rious symptoms. So many malarious attacks have been experi
after they are baked ; the glaze being put on, the tiles are put in enced of late years iu San Francisco, that the medical men began
a potter's oven till the composition begins to run. The glaze is to suspect the buildings, especially as the structures themselves,
generally made from what are called lead ashes, bing melted and which are nearly all built on wooden foundations, beffan to show
stirred with a ladle till it is reduced to ashes or dross, which is then disturbances, cracks appearing in the walls and the floors settling.
sifted, and the refuse ground on a stone and resifted. This is Scientific investigation into the causes of these troubles points to
mixed with pounded calcined flints. A glaze of manganese is also the fact that the wood used in the foundations become decayed by
contact with the sand, which destroys its fiber and leaves it porous required. In the construction of Mansard roofs its use cannot be
and brittle. The next stage in the process is the formation of a overestimated.
fungus growth from the edge of the wood, composed of infinitesi For sheathing around boilers, no known substance equals Terra-
mal insect life, which burrows the remaining wood until its vitality is Cotta Lumber. It is cheap, can be easily sawn to any desired
gone, and the insect itself dies. Physicians attribute many of the thickness, shape or size ; removal for repairs is a simple process,
unpleasant smells and the bad health that hang about the inhabi and it is the best non-conductor of heat in the market. The method
tants of these dwellings to this malarial condition, which to a great of application can be varied to suit any shape as easily as wood.
extent disappears as soon as proper foundations are substituted for The question of success in the transmission of steam through pipes
those of wood. (as in the heating of cities by steam now being largely put in oper
ation, or in supplying power at a distance from the boilers,) de
pends entirely upon efficient protection against the loss of heat by
Priming for Oil Paint. radiation. In fact the use to which this material can be put is
OKALL, of Heidelberg, prepares a substitute for boiled oil by virtually without limit. Mr. George B. Post has used it in many
• mixing ten parts of whipped blood just as it is furnished from ways. Mr. 0. C. Haieht, Trinity building, is using it as rooting
the slaughter-houses with one part of air-slaked lime sifted into it and ceilings in Columbia College. Messrs. Hubert, Pierson & Co.
through a fine sieve. The two are well mixed and left standing are putting it in the Navarro apartment houses, and the Wight
for twenty-four hours. The dirty portion that collects on top is Fire-Proofing Company is using it largely, in this city and others,
taken off, and the solid portion is broken loose from the lime at the for its specialties. In a future article we will give further informa
bottom, the latter is stirred up with water, left to settle, tion in regard to this wonderful material.—Real Estate Record.
and the water poured off after the lime has settled. The clear
liquid is well mixed up with the solid substance before mentioned.
This mass is left standing for ten or twelve days, after which a A Specimen Chicago Residence.
solution of permanganate of potash is added which decolorizes it
and prevents putrefaction. Finally the mixture is stirred up, di A MASSACHUSETTS artist recently completed the interior
luted, if necessary, with more water to give it the consistence of decorations of a house for a gentleman in Chicago, upon
very thin size, then filtered, a few drops of oil of lavender added, which he has been engaged for some time past, the design and
and the preparation preserved in closed vessels. It is said to keep much of the work being his own. The wide hall has a ceiling of
a long time without change. A single coat of this liquid will suf pale blue, sprinkled with gold stars. The frieze shows clusters of
fice to prepare wood or paper, as well as lime or hard plaster wild flowers, and over the doors, on crescent-shaped fields, are
walls, for painting with oil colore. This substance is cheaper than varied and beautiful floral designs. One of these shows apple
linseed oil, and closes the pores of the surface so perfectly that it blossoms and blue birds on the pale blue ground, another a gar
takes much less paint to cover it than when primed with oil. —D. land of pansies Over one door are scarlet poppies and golden-
1. Zeit. hearted marguerites, and over another bright geraniums and
grasses. Several large wall panels show golden rod and purple
asters, lilacs and flowering almond, hollyhocks and pansies, as free
Terra-Cotta Lumber. and natural as to impart a sense of out-door sweetness and pleas
ure. The remaining wall space is covered with a geometrical
AN EXTRAORDINAEY INVENTIOS—YHE GREAT BUILDING MATERIAL design in two shades of gold. Perhaps the finest effects are those
OF THE FUTURE. ;. . in the library, the walls of which are dull mottled red, shading to
lighter tones toward the ceiling. Upon this ground are lpng vine
THERE are now on exhibition at the American Institute sprays with dark leaveB, so painted that they seem to stand out
several specimens of what is known as Terra-Cotta Lum from the shaded surface. The frieze is divided into rectangular
ber, a material composed of clny and of sawdust, these substances spaces, in which are bright flowers—marigolds, helianthus and
being manipulated by steam machinery and worked through geraniums. Dividing this room from the wall is a border simulat
different processes to a finished product, giving a material as ing a fringe, and above is a narrow band in soft neutral tints
cheap and not unlike brick. Owing to its extreme toughness and between the frieze and the ceiling. The latter is shaded olive,
porosity, however, it can be bored and nailed and treated with across which are thrown vine sprays with dark foliage. Over the
edged tools like wood. It is one-half to six inches thick and three doors are panels bearing a wreath of bright blossoms. One
generally twelve inches wide. The sawdust is first screened in the has a cluster of many-lined pansies on a gold ground, and the
same manner as sand, so as to take all the large chips or culls out others marguerites and purple clover heads, buttercups and feath
of it. The clay is of the finest quality, being culled "top clay" ery grasses. A large space above the mirrors is filled with the old-
or "Kaolin," which is put into the grinding mills, afterward all fashioned garden flowers of spring, great red and pink peonies,
being thoroughly mixed. Then it is taken up by elevator buckets sweet syringas, snowballs and pale lilacs, the soft, loose petals and
to the moulding mill and moulded into different sizes. It is allowed fresh colors being entirely faithful to nature. A smoking-room,
to stand in the drying-room until all the moisture evaporates, and adjoining the library is brightened with autumn tinted sprays
then transferred to the kilns where it is burned. against the dark green wall background, the pale gold of the frieze
The company which has become the owner of the patent by and the soft grey and green, of the ceiling, on which is thrown a
purchase claims that this new material is indestructible either by tangle of vines with an occasional film of cobweb softening the
fire or water. Add to this the fact that it is remarkably cheap, whole effect. Against the sky background of the dining-room
and there appears to be no reason why this latest product of the ceiling is a golden trellis work, over which are grape-vine clam
inventor's mind known as Terra-Cotta Lumber should not become bers. Through the wider latticed space of the frieze hang bunches
the most popular building material in use. of full purple grapes, and the same design fills a large wall panel.
The New York Terra-Cotta Lumber Company, of which Mr. C. Over the wide door is a great tangle of country blossoms on a field
C. Gliman is president, have erected a large factory at Crow's Mills, of blending blue and grey, and opposite the door is a wide panel
near Perth Amboy, N. J., where the process of manufacturing this bearing branches laden with red and golden apples, wonderfully
lumber can be witnessed by those interested. These works cover true in modeling and color, and stauding out very effectively from
over twelve acres, and their manufacturing capacity exceeds fifty a shaded ground. The perfection of delicate color and design is
tons daily. On a recent visit to the factory, the foreman in order seen in the decoration of the parlor, where the walls and ceilings
to display the resistant qualities of the Terra-Cotta Lumber to fire are of a soft grayish blue, with a stenciled frieze of blue and gold.
and water, withdrew from the centre of a burning kiln a red hot The floral ornaments are roses and pansies in exquisite tints and
"trial-piece," about four inches square, and plunged it into a pail combination.
of water. After cooling, it was placed upon the blacksmith forge
and the water with which it was saturated expelled in shape of
steam ; then pouring petroleum over it, the foreman ignited it with Items of Interest.
a lighted match and presented the writer with an elegant torch, ANEW form of window is being introduced in London, Eng
remarking that it would burn long enough to boil a tea kettle. land, for preventing accidents in cleaning, and securing good
Subsequent examinations of the block, by sawing it in twain, dis ventilation. The two side-bars of each of a pair of ordinary sash
covered no difference in appearance from the other material which frames are divided into two parts vertically, and the part carrying
had not been submitted to so fiery an ordeal. the glass is swiveled or pivoted in the side pieces, at a point central
The very fact that a composition as thoroughly proof against fire to its height. The frame with the glass is held in position by two
as asbestos, as workable with edged tools as wood and as cheap of small boltsin the top rail, which shoot into the side strips. When
manufacture as bricks, can be made of materials hitherto considered this latter fastening is effected, the two sashes may slide up and
worthless and existing in immense quantities within twenty- down in the ordinary way. It will be seen that to clean this kind
five miles of New York is really, looked at either from a scientific of window there is no! necessity for servnnts to go outside.
or business standpoint, a miracle. In the erection of fireproof
buildings, Terra-cptta Lumber must of necessity occupy the very
first rank, la a prospectus issued by the company illustrations HAIR belts are quite extensively used in Germany. They are
are given showing the manner of laying floor arches of Terra-Cotta less smooth than leather or rubber, and therefore adhere bet
Lumber, and also for the erection of fireproof partitions. Plaster ter to the pulleys without slipping, so that a much narrower hair
ing adheres to the material with great tenacity, no lathing being belt and pulley can be used than is the case with leather or rubber.
THE BU I LDER AND WOOD-WORKER _
Kate |\l°87
They are little affected by damp weather or by getting wet ; at least wall at least of such closets and urinals shall be an outer wall of the
they elongate much less than leather, and do not involve'the stop building.
page of the machinery when long belts become so slack as to neces 2. All soil pipes shall be carried outside the building, and venti
sitate shortening. .They_ are exceedingly strong and durable, only lated by means of pipes leading the foul gases above the highest
friction at the edges, which are the weak parts, must not be allowed, point of the building. Such pipes to be carried to points removed
by avoiding the crossing of these belts. The high price at which from chimney stacks.
they were sold at first has been lowered, so that now they coi t about 3. Separate cisterns shall be constructed for the water closets and
the same as leather belts. for the general purposes of the building. No tap or "draw-off"
j shall be affixed to any pipe communicating with a cistern supply
ing a water closet or urinal.
*HE improvement in architecture throughout the country is 4. All waste pipes and overflow pipes of cisterns shall terminate
T very noticeable. It is another mark of progress. Int>tead in the open air, and be cut off from all direct communication with
of the one-pattern houses of a few years ago, presenting unbroken drains.
front walls and stiff roof lines, we find in almost even- village new 5. Great attention shall be paid to insuring thorough ventilation
homes that are attractive in design and pleasing in finish. There in all rooms. Rooms so high that their ceilings shall be more than
are fewer white houses, and the absence of glare is as restful as the two feet above the top of the windows, corridors, staircases, and
architecture is suggestive of comfort. other open spaces, shall be specially ventilated so as to prevent the
The. idea that if one has the materials, any sort of a builder can accumulation of stagnant air.
put them together, has been superseded, to a great extent, by the 0. All main drains should, where practicable, be formed outside
desire to have the design perfected as the first step toward the new the building. In the event of its being necessary to carry a main
house. The belief that the services of an architect is a useless ex drain underneath a building it must be tapped immediately out
pense has often caused the waste of more material than would have side the main wall, and a ventilating pipe must be carried from
paid the best of them. The material worked into the iuconvenient that point to the highest part of the roof, as under Rule 2.
aud unattractive dwelling, in skillful hands would have given the
owner a pleasant place of abode. No surer sign can be found of
the thrift of the people than the character of the buildings seen OF all substances apparently the least likely to be used in the
throughout the country. construction of a fire proof building, cotton would perhaps
t>>ke the first rank and paper the second ; and yet both these mate
ANEW process of wood decoration, known as diachrom&tized rials are actually being employed for the purpose indicated, and
their use will probably extend. Compressed paper pulp is success
wood, has been recently patented in England by Henry Chalk fully
Webb, of Worcester. The invention consists in producing pat other used in the manufacture of doors, wall panelings and for
terns on wood and other materials by injecting colors, which has | cracking similar purposes, with the result that all risk of warping and
is obviated, while increased lightness is attained, and the
the effect of inlaying or painting, and for flooring, dados, and other fear of dry rot is forever banished. Papier-mticlic, after having
decorative purposes, it appears to be highly applicable. One great served a useful purpose in an obtrusive manner for years as a mate
merit of the invention, apart from its beauty and inexpensiveness, rial for small tray-, paper knives, and other such liidit articles, has
is the fact that the color being forced into the wood, under pressure now suddenly assumed a still more important position in the indus
is not likely to be obliterated by any amount of wear which it trial world. A still more
might be subjected to. Some specimens of flooring blocks of pitch employment of cotton as a striking advance has been made in the
pine, about one inch in thickness, were completely soaked through, celluloid, in which cotton building material. A preparation called
is a leading ingredient, has been used
although it is understood that for dado and wall purposes it is lately as a substitute for ivory in the manufacture of such articles
found sufficient to force the color-in about 1-15 of an inch. It ap
pears that the process is most successful using the darker colors, as biHiard. balls and paper cutters : and now a Canadian manufact
such as those which are employed for producing on a piece of com urer has invented a process by which compressed cotton may be
used not, merely for doora and window frames, but for the whole
mon fir the effects of inlaying, in walnut, dark oak, mahogany, facrtde of large buildings. The enormous and increasing demand
etc., while the treatment of the lighter colored woods, such as for paper for its normal uses, as printing and writingmaterial, pre
sycamore, satin wood, etc., with such colors as pink and blue, does i vents the extended use of papier-mache as a building material, for
not produce such a real or artistic effect. This remark, however, ! which it is bo well suited in so many ways ; but the production of
does not apply to a remarkably handsome piece of wall dado, pret cotton is practically unlimited, and there seems to be a large field
tily made of American walnut, satinwood, and bird's-eye maple, available for its use in its new capacity
" diachromatized " in mauve, black, and other colors in a florid, ar or at least plaster—and wood. Treatedaswith a substitute for bricks—
tistic pattern, and having all the appearance of a good specimen of compressed, it can be made fire-proof, and certain chemicals and
inlaid work. For public halls, churches, libraries, and also private solutely air and damp-proof, and a material as hard as stone, ab
houses, this invention only requires to be known to acquire great mirably adapted for the lining—internal andis external—of thus produced ad
build
favor with the public. ings, of which the shell may or may not be constructed of other
material, while it easily lends itself to decorative purposes.
JENNIE JUNE has a good word for aesthetics. Those who
cavil and sueer,.she says, at the modern decorative School,
should remember what the art idea has already done for us ; they Of Ourselves.
should go back to the bare, while walls, the frightful family por
traits, the hideous vulgarity of the cabbage-rose carpets, and the SINCE the issue of our last number some very important changes
masses of hard, crude color which paralyzed or excited the nerve in the peritonei and management of Tub Builder and Wood
forces, and created an atmosphere which every one was glad to get
away from. Would the small towns and villages of New England worker have taken place. It is hoped that the changes have
have been decimated of their youth if they had cultivated beauty ? lieen such ns will prove of advantage to our readers in more re
No, indeed ! It is in the homes of the New Englanders to-day, spects than one. The reduction of the subscription price from
who have left New England, that we find the reactionary influ
ence strongest—it is here that we find graceful form, picturesque $1.50 to $1.00 per year has been the result of careful consideration
draperies, harmonies of color ; a softened light in place of a glare, and would never have been made had it been thought for a mo
and that completeness of material conditions which produces, or at ment that such changes would lower the standard of the paper one
least assists in producing, the serenity and satisfaction of the spirit. fraction Or reduce its usefulness one iota. Indeed, we look for
Beside, sneering and groaning are alike unavailing. The spirit is ward to a large and steudy increase of readers on our subscription
in the air, and instead of condemning it unheard better listen and
find out what message it brings and how far we can apply it to our list, and to the introd::ctiou of several new and important features
needs. Doubtless the school of romance and picturesque beauty of a useful and practical character in the paper. Neither money
is opposed to the leveling, practical, democratic spirit of the age; nor labor will be spared in making the Builder the best jour
but do we not want something to oppose to this, to preserve to us nal of the kind ever published in this or any other country for the
our ideals, to restore our faith, to refine our manners, to save us
from falling into the dead level of commonplace 1 There is no use money, and it is confidently expected by the management that in
of trying to drown a voice that comes from the East, and the West, less th in a year from this date the circulation will be more than
and afar off—a voice that sounds so many echoes that it seems to doubled. • i
be almost universal—and to that extent it is so is the voice of God Those who have sent in their subscriptions for next year iÛba
himself.
rate of $1.50 per year will get a year aud a half for their subs'orip
tion, or will have their balance returned, just as they may de.' ire.
T buildings erected under her Majesty's Office of Works, have Subscriptions at $1.00 per year must begin with the January n-us-
been prepared and issued by the Secretary to the Office of Works : ber, 1888. No back numbers can be given away under thiyi u
1. AH water-closets and urinals shall be constructed so that one rangement.
cured to a block of wood in such a manner that the very points
only nviy be jointed, so that the cutting ed#e of the same may be
in a complete line or circle. Evt-rv tooth should cut a little as the
saw is worked. The teeth of a liandsaw, for all sorts of work,
shouid be filed fleaming, or nt an angle on the front edge, while the
back edges may be filed fleaming or square across the blade. The
best way to file a circular saw for cutting wood across the grain is
to dress every fifth tooth square across and about one-twentieth of
an inch shorter than the other, which should be filed fleaming at an
angle of about forty degrees." We can give you no information
whatever regarding the firm that manufactures the stcll squares,
W. R., Cleveland. —You are right, there is no such a term as you speak of. They refuse to advertise in any trade paper, and
" rabbit plane ;" the proper term is " Rebate plane." This is only we think it would not be doing justice to ourselves or kindred
one of the many careless expressions workmen make when using Journals to give the firm a gratuitous advertisement. We can send
technical terms." It is quite common for workmen to say " cornish you a square, if you require one, for less than the price you say
when they mean " cornice," "champer"for "chamfer," you are asked for one. Let us hear from you again.
for '• ndze," "spile" for "pile," " tennent " for " tenon," "adje"
" three-
square file " for " three sided file," " circular head " for " segmen-
tal-head," and many other like careless expressions. You had bet
ter get one of W. J. & F. Barnes' $20 saws. You will find it
capable of cutting all the bracket work you will require, out of
any kind of wood, from two inches in thickness down to one-
sixteenth of an inch. Address Rockford, 111., or Chas. E. Little, 59
Fulton street, New York city. For stained glass you hail better
address some of the dealers whose advertisements you will find in
our advertising columns. Yes, the " Ironclad " Roofing Company
will guarantee to give you a good, durable, tight roof. We cannot
rind the address of Agar & Bro., tool makers. Are you sure you Robert Clarke & Co., of fil and 86, West Fourth street, Cincinnati, Ohio,
have the name right ? have just toned a catalogue of their scientific publications. They will send it to
any address on receipt of one three-cent stamp. Their works embrace Engineer
W. S. Q. Columbus, Ohio.—We do not know of any work that ing, Hydraulics, Drainage, Naval Architecture, &c, &c.
will answer your purpose exactly. The best books on the subject We are in receipt of the " Illustrated Catalogue and Price-List M of grates and
of drainage, sewerage, &c, for .suburban houses and most fire-places, manufactured by Thos. S. Dixon & Sons, No. 1330 Chestnut street,
likely to suit your especial case, are "Easy Lessons in Sanitary Philadelphia, Pa. The catalogue contains over seventy examples of grates, &c ,
Science," by Wilson. Published by Presley Blackiston, 1013 Wal of the most improved make and modern artistic design. Indeed, the catalogue
itself is a work of art. and carries evidence on every page of the cood taste and
nut street, Philadelphia, and " Bayley's Home Drainage and Water judgment of its originators. We believe the Messrs. Dixon will gladly send
Service," published by David Williams, New York city. The their catalogue to anyone wanting grates or fire-places, and who will send their
first named would probably suit your requirements best. address.
We have received a seventy-page illustrated catalogue of wood-working
R. P. S. Denver.—Yes. we believe there is one variety of ash machinery, manufactured by J. 8. Graham & Co., Rochester, N. Y. The cata
growing in this country that is sometimes called Hungarian. The logue is a very creditable cne, and gives evidence of the vigor and good taste of
kind you send us a specimen of is not the Hungarian asli, however, the firm Issuing It Proprietors, foremen, and those having charge of wood
working machinery, will find many valuable hints and suggestions in it, on the
but, we should judge, is a piece of a burl, or excresence that is care ana management of their machines ; and to those who are about to purchase
sometimes found growing on the trunk of black ash trees. Hun machinery, it cannot fail of being of great, service.
garian ash is merely one variety of the common ash, of which For information regarding the catalogue or machinery, address J. S. Graham &
Co., Mill street, Rochester, N. Y.
there are about fifty species, mostly natives of Europe and North Our < out in< in. for October 25, is more than an ordinary number, and
America. As a rule, the wood is white, tough and hard, and is contains a Dumber of very excellent articles, besides the serial stories—*' Dust,"
useful in a number of ways to wheelwrights, coacbmakers, join and "Hot Plowshares." The illustrations are, if possible, better than any
ers and turners. Sometimes it grows very irregular in its fibers, thing that has appeared in the magazine before ; indeed, some of them are- very
fine, and equal to anything found in any of our great periodicals. The number
and thus becomes finely veined, having a curling grain of beautiful referred to contains articles by Helen Campbell, K. P. Evans, Win. Z. Murfee,
silvery mottle, somewhat like the appearance of mottled silk or C. C. Rhys, Alice C. Hall, and others. The editorial columns are full of timely
moreeri. It is very extensively used by cabinetmakers for bed and spicy itema.
room furniture, and is often iniaid with other woods, making very Ruildf iig. An Architectural Monthly Journal, published by Win. T.
elegant furniture indeed. This species is principally grown in the Comstock, ti Astor Place, N. T. We welcome the advent of this new claimant
for public favor, and trust it will find an ample field for its usefulness, and that
mountain forests of Hungary, hence the name Hungarian ash. its efforts will meet with the appreciation they deserve. The initial number of
J. S., Hartford. —The instrument for scribing a stair string after the journal is very creditable, and if subsequent issues equal it in quantity and
quality, subscribers will have no reason to complain.
the stairs are in position, shown in plate 72, is not to be found on The Decorator and Fiimlnher, E. W. liullinger, Publisher, 75 Ful
sale, in this country. We think you would experience but little ton street, N. Y. This is a new monthly publication, and will be issued at the
difficulty in making one. It is very simple in construction, and a price of four dollars per year. That there is room for this journal there is not
little study of figs. 4 and 5, will enable you to thoroughly under the slightest doubt, for with the present tendency to progress in art and good
taste among the fifty millions of English-speaking people on this continent, and
stand it. You cannot get at the exact cost of a building without the myriads speaking t he same tongue in other lands, a field of vast extent and ap
you figure on every item in it. The best book we know of in esti preciation exists. In which the Decorator and FurnUlter will be sure to find a
mating, is the "Builder's Guide and Estimator's Price Book," reasonable welcome.
The present number contains many things that will be read and admired, and
price two dollars. "Hints on Estimating" is an excellent little the illustrations of drapery, ceilings, oil-cloth, Ac, Ac, will no doubt be fully
work as far as it goes. "Comstock's Modern Home Painting" appreciated by those who are fortunate enough to obtain a copy. There is one
will aid you very much in making a selection of colors. very handsome plate, in gold and colors, of designs for ceilings that merits espe
cial mention on our part, as we think it very fine so far as design is concerned,
T. P, S., Ottawa, Canada. —The following is perhaps what you though, if we had been consulted in the matter, we might have suggested some
want, it is clipped from an exchange : " The grand secret of put changes in the colors and tints.
ting any saw in the best possible cutting order consists in filing We might also suggest that the cartoons on page 28, viewed from our stand
point, had better given place to t-omething more useful, as they are meaningless,
the teeth at a given angle to cut rapidly, and of a uniform length, and lower the dignity of this otherwise excellent journal.
so that the points will all touch a straight edged rule without show From the formidable array of contributors, pome of whom are well-known on
ing a variation of a hundrcth part of an inch. Besides this there both sides of the Atlantic, we are inclined to think the readers will have served up
to them many things that will be both useful and interesting.
should be just enough set in the teeth to cut a kerf as narrow as it
can be made, and at the same time allow the blade to work freely
without pinching. On the contrary, the kerf must not be so wide
as to permit the blade to rattle when in motion. The very points
of the teetlt do the cutting. If one tooth is a twentieth of an inch
longer than two or three on each side of it, the long tooth will be
required to do so much more cutting than it should, that the saw
ing cannot be done well. Hence the saw goes jumping along,
working hard and cutting slowly. If one tooth is longer than
those on either side of it, the short ones does not cut, although the
points may be sharp. When putting a cross-cut saw in order, it
will pay well to dress the points with an old file, and afterwards
shaipen them with a fine whetstone. Much mechanical skill is
requisite to put a saw in prime order. One careless thrust with a Any of our readers who may have legal business to transact with the U. S.
file will shorten the point of a tooth so much that it will be utterly Patent Office, should address J. IJ. Brock, Solicitor of Patents. Washington. D.
use'ess, so far a cutting is concerned. The teeth should be set C, and we have no doubt they will find him prompt and efficient in the perform
ance of any business they may entrust to his charge.
with much care, and the filing should be done with great accuracy.
If the teeth are uneven at the points a large flat file should be se- For twelve cents in cash or three-cent stamps, sent to this office, we will for
ward to any address in the United States or Canada, six copies of thelLLVSTRA-
Nov., 1882.] , THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. 219
tkd Wood-Worker, containing forty-eight full-page plates, with over two hun The T square of a peculiar construction enables the operator to draw all the
dred separate drawings of book-cases, tables, cabinets, mantels, over-mantels, vanishing .lines 'toward the imaginary center, called the vanishing point, which
chairs, organ-cases, stands, picture frames, bay-windows, stairs, cottages, is frequently quite a distance from the drawing-board.
writing desks, music stands, newel, posts, balusters, hanging shelves, altars, The T square is also used to draw the vertical lines as well as for general office
wash stands, sideboards, work bench, wall-tables, easels, wardrobes, &c, Ac, work.
together with forty-eight pages of explanatory, and other useful matters. This
is the cheapest lot of drawings ever offered the public, and can not be obtained
elsewhere for ten times the sum.
"The Hidden Record; or. The Old Sea Mystery," by E. W.
Blaisdell, just published by T. B. Peterson & Brothers, Philadelphia, is a love
fctoiy literally packed with action and incident, the interest of which is of the
most ii tense description. The sc« ne is laid principally in New York, though
some of the episodes take place in Cuba and on the ocean. Crime In the metrop
olis receives a large share of attention, though so perfect is the tact of the au-
ther that nothing revolting is presented, wWIe there is not a line that can shock
the most fastidious. The midnight fire-scene, the assault on the old gambling
house, and the attack on the robbers' cave, followed by the awful death of Pedro
Anteno, arc remarkably vivid and startling descriptions, while the ocean scenes
are very natural and felicitous, and the love scenes tender and telling. Taken as
a whole, " The Hidden Hecord ; or, The Old Sea Mystery,''1 is one of the best,
most entertaining and most notably original novels of the day. It cannot help
finding a very large circle of admiring readers. It is published in a large square
duodecimo vol nine, bound in paper cover, price seventy-live cents, or bound in
morocco cloth, price $1.25.,
** Claude's Conreitftlon," by Emlle Zola, just published by T. B. Peter
son & Brothers, Philadelphia, is one of the most exciting and naturalistic ro
mances that great author hi: s ever produced. It is founded on Zola's own life,
and he himself, under the name of Claude, figures as the hero. The book is a
deep and searching analysis of human feelings, and surely the miseries of student
life in the Paris Quartier Latin were never set forth in such vivid and startling
fashion as in its pages. The translation by George D. Cox, which has been
carefully and faithfully made, and reproduces Zola's style so completely that
" Claude's Confession " in English reads like an exact transcript of the original.
It is published in a large square duodecimo volume, paper cover, nniform with
"Nana," and " L'Assommoir," price seventy-five cents, or bound in morocco
cloth, price $1.25.
Thkrk can be no question as to the fact that W. P. & John Barnes, of 1016
Main street, Rockford, 111., manufacture the best scroll saws in the world for
general purposes. These saws possess extraordinary cutting powers, and will Fro. 1.
cut equally well stuff one-sixteenth of an inch thick up to three inches thick. In referring to the diagram it will be observed that by the introduction of a
I 'or the general workman we should recommend the large sized foot power, as curve below the perspective plane in Fig. 1, this device can be used to draw the
it is capable of doing almost any kind of work within its range, allowing, as it visual rays from.thc corners, jambs, etc., on the geometrical plane toward the sta
does, a swing of twenty-four inches, with a capacity of 1,200 strokes per minute. tion point 3, intersecting the perspective plane of line IS, thereby using a
For amateurs, the velocipede saw is, probably, the best, ae it enables the ope- smaller board than is usually employed.
ratr r to be seated while at work, a matter of considerable importance to the non
professional workman. These eaws, like all other machines made by this firm,
are the best of the kind, both as to efficiency and durability.
Besides scroll saws, lathes, boring and mortising machines, the firm also make
a very useful and efficient hand circular saw, one that is nicely adapted for use
in small shops where all the work is done by hand. Full particulars of ull their
machines may be obtained by addressing the firm and stating wants.
The illustration shown here is of a window sash-fastener and lock combined.
The inventors claim it to be the best in the world. It is said to be so simple that
a child cHit taise, lower or stop the window at any point, with ease.
. It can be put on and used without cutting or disfiguring the sash and casing.
Fig. 3.
Fig. 2 on diagram represents the apparatus as applied to perspective drawing
by the introduction of curves, whose radii will be equal to the distance of the
vanishing points.
Thefc instruments may be obtained from the inventor and manufacturer, Mr
J. 13. Sheigle, 20 Newton street, Cleveland, Ohio, to whom address for particulars
THE accompanying cut represents the latest novelty

under this head—the Magic Water Gauge Reflector
for Steam Boilers—we have from the H. B.
Smith Machine Co., of 9'J5 Market street, Phila
delphia, Pa., who are the sole proprietors, the
following statement of its merits : It enahles an
engineer to see the height of water in his guage
glass clearly, even in a comparatively dark room.
It is f- mall, compact, neatly got up, and an ornament to any window. In cases where boilers are placed in cellars and
It has no tprtngs to get out of repair or rivets to wear loose. dark places, it will quickly save its cost in burn
It can be used a lifetime and still be in good condition.
Any one can put it on in a minute's time, a screw driver being ull the tools ing gas. It is so arranged as to show a distinct
needed, saving the expense of skilled workmen. line almost entirely across the Reflector, thus
It is sold cheap, so as to be within the reach of all, the first cost when on
being less than the poorest, cheapest thing in the market. rendering the water line visible from across the
For further particulars address Hyde, Ayer & Co., Box 1471, Springfield, Mass. engine-room, and materially lessening the danger
of explosion from low water in the boiler.
Architectsand others, who have occasion to make perspective drawings, wilt Any one can have a sample Reflector sent, post
appreciate the instruments illustrated in this notice. " The Dexter Perspective
Linend " is now on the drawing-boards of many of the leading architects in New paid, for |1.
York. Philadelphia, St. Louis, Chicago, and other towns and cities, and has
given thebest of satisfaction wherever and whenever used. It is certainly one It is one of those precautions which careful
of the best and most useful instruments ever devised for making drawings in per engineers will have.
spective. It is plain, cheap, and effective, and just the thing required by the
general draftsman.
With the "Dexter Perspective Linead"the study of perspective becomes a
pleasure instead of a task. It can be practiced in the study or school room, re Send seventy-five cents to this office for a copy of the
quiring no more space than that allotted to any other branch of science. " Steel Square and its uses." The best Book for young
This apparatus is adapted to any system of perspective.
The apparatus consists of nine curves, a few of which are shown In the engrav
ings, and are employed upon the drawing-board, as shown, for determining the workmen, in the market.
directions of the lines in the perspective. Each curve is stamped indicating its
radius. It is only a few minutes* work to adjus-t all the curves to their proper Send ten cents to this office for " Hints on Estimating."
place on the drawing-board.
ix THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [Nov.,
ADVERTISER'S INDEX. Fine Grates and Open Fireplaces—Thos. S. Metallic Shingles—Anglo-American Roofing
Dixon A Sons • Co xiv
CLASSIFIED. Fine Orates and Open Fireplaces—Open Stove Kinsely Bros. A Miller vf
Ventilating Co xiii The Bodlne Roofing Co
Art Metal Work and CSaa Fixtures. Edwin A. Jackson xiv Saws.
Ornamental Metal Work, Gas Fixtures, etc.—paoe B. C. Bibb xvii
Mitchell, Vance & Co v H. W. Pence iii
Artistic Cabinet Hardware—J. B. Shannon & Insurance. Richardson Saw Works vii
Sons .' ii Travelers' Insurance Co H. Disston A Son xiv
National Art Foundry i" Home Insurance Co Solicitors of Patents.
Knickerbocker Life Insurance Co
Architect*. New York Life Insurance Co Paine A Ladd
Edward Dewson xiv Liverpool A London A Globe Insurance Co — It Skylights.
GouldAAngcll xii Metropolitan Life Insurance Co vi
1'iiitea States Life Insurance Co XII Perforated Metallic Blinds, Skylights, etc.-
Band Saw Machines. Union Mutual Life Insurance Co XV Geo.ilayes
Kollstone Machine Co vi Equitable Life Assurance Society zl A. E. Rendle viii
Hartford Steam-Boiler Insurance Co 11 E. Van Noorden xvii
Bella. Penn. Mutual Life Insurance Co Xiv Knisely Bios. A Miller Ti
Copper and Tin Bells for Churches, Schools, Manhattan Life Insurance Co XV
etc.—Van Deuecn A Tift xtv Stone Wash Tubs and Heaters.
Iron Work. Soap-Stone Wash Tubs, etc.—J. H. Serene. x
Books. E. T. Burnum . Soap-Stone Heaters—J. G. Porter iii
Jas. Leffel vi Mantels. Steel Shutters.
Usefnl Books-E. A F. N. Spon vli Fine Mantels—Penrhyn Slate Co I Fire-Proof Steel Shutters—Clark Bannett A
J. O. Kane xiii Slate Mantels—Chas. Williams' Sons. xiv Co xvii
C. D. Lakey il Slate Mantels, etc.—Jos. S. Miller
Wm. T. Comstock xvii Wood Mantels—C. J. Soyard xii Tools.
National Book Co xiii Perspective Made Easy xiv
Scientific Books—Keppy v • Black. Hand and Band Saws, etc.—H. W. Peace iii
Jas. LefTell A C« vi Mortar Machinists' Tools, etc.—Chas. E Little xiii
Builders' Hardware and Supplies. French, Richards & Co iv Tallman A McFadden xvi
L. Martin A Co xiii Keystone Saw and File Works, etc.—H.
Wrought-Iron Hinges, Butts, Bolts, etc.—Stan Henry D. Dnpee xii Disstnn A Sons ill
ley works vli Geo.H. Morrill xvii J. Wilkinson A Son... x
Burglar and Fire Alarms, etc.—A. G. Newman, iii Paints. S. B. Shannon A Sons II
Doors, Sashes, Blinds, Wood Mouldings, etc.
C. B. KeoghACo v Atlantic White and Red Lead, Litharge, etc.- Tiles.
Steel Stamps—New York Stencil Works x R. Colgate & Co i i
Sash Chains—Thos. Morton v Bridgeport Wood Finishing Co xi Thos. Stretton
Burplar Proof Door Bolts—Hobert B Ives xiii Asahel Wheeler xii Edward Boote li
Revolution in Wood-Finishing, etc—Bridge Veneers.
port Wood-Finishing Co xvii Drawing Paper. Spurr's Papered Veneers—Chas. W. Spurr. xvi
Porcelain Lined Baths—J. L. Mott xvi Sensitive Paper—Thos. H. McCollin.
Holt's Patent Gimlet Bits—M. W. Robinson ... iv Venetian Blinds.
Galvanized Iron Cornices.— Knisely Bros. A Pens. E. Louderback A Co iii
Miller iv Steel Pens—Joseph Gillott
Door Hangers—Prescott M'f'g Co , v Wall Papers.
G. D. B. Kelley xiii Photographic Outfits. Fr. Beck A Co viii
I. P. Frink xvii E. A H. T. Anthony. xvii Wood-Working Machinery.
Stoddard Lock Co xii
J. D. Simmons iii PI ii in her*' Supplies. For Arsenals. Car Shops and House Builder,
F. P. Baker 4 Co xil J. L. Mott. xvi Ac—J. A. Fay A Co rli
A. H. Andrews A Co xvii A. E. Jennings xvii H. B. Smith Machine Co.. xiv
J. B. Shannon A Sons U New and Second-hand—S. C. Forsaith A Co... II
John Mack A Son xvi Publications. For Car and House Builders—Godell A Waters xi
BulldliiK Paper. Young Scientist xiv ForMachinery
Panelling. Dovetailing, etc.—Battle Creek
Co iii
Scott Paper Co 200 Hydraulic and Sanitary Plumber. . . vli Foot Power Machinery—W. F. A J. Barnes. . . vf
C. P. Harris M'f'g Co xiii National Car Builder vl
Bricks. Southern Lumberman xv Rotary and Stationary BedChas. E. Little
Planers—Rollstone
vi
Wood and Iron XV Machine Co viii
Colored and other Brick, Fine Fronts, etc.— Mechanical Engineer Xiv I Rowlev and Hcrmance vii
Peerless Brick Co iv Musical Visitor J. S. Graham A Co iii A xvi
Carpets. Brick. Tile and Metal Review Frank A Co iv
Building
Fine Carpets, etc.—W. A J. Sloanc i Commercial Traveler vii C. B. Rogers vii
Church Furnishing. Manufacturer and Builder xiv
Banner of Light XIV
Silk Banners in Colors and Gold—J. A R. Carpenters' and Bnildcrs' Journal. ii "Pioneer" Building Paper.
Lamb ii Pumps.
Cornices, Galvanized Iron. Steam Pnmps—H. R. Worthlngton . WATER-PROOF, AIR-TIGHT, DURABLE, STRONG-
111 Better
Knisely Bros. & Miller x W. A B. Douglass V and does and stronger than plaster ; clean, odorless
E. Van Nborden xIt Delamaler Iron Works viii Used fornotlining,
stick.
roofing, ceiling, plastering.
Deslguing. Roofing, SCOTT PAPER COMPANY. Limited,
C. J. Soyard Gravel Roofs, Trinidad Asphalt, etc.—Warren Manufacturing Paper Dealers,
Door Hangers. Chemical and Manufacturing Co :t:. 27 Sorta Sixth Street, PHILADELPHIA, FA., V. C A
Roofing Slate—Penrhyn Slate A Co Write for sample and prices.
Prescott Mfg. Co. . . RoofilngTin Plate—N. A G.Taylor.Philadelphia,
Elevators.
Geo. K. Gelbauch vi
Granville Hydraulic Elevator Company 1
Reedy's Patent Hoisting Machines, Elevators,
etc.-J. W. Reedy I
Hydraulic Elevators-Otis Bros. A Co iv ARCHITECTS !
Clem A Morse ▼
Hydraulic and Hand Elevators—L. S. Graves
A Son xiv ACCEPT NO OTHER !
N. B. dishing. iii
Win. S. Richards A Co xi BE SURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE GENUINE AND ONLY TRUE "OLD STYLE"
C. H. Mitchell * Co xvii (Makers' Brand of re-dipped or double-conted
Engines.
Schtimm & Co. . .
and Ranges. Fob Public ROOFING TIN
and Pbivats Buildings.
Fireplace Heaters and Stoves—Open Stove WnEN YOU SPECIFY IT IN YOUR CONTRACTS.
Ventilating Co
Steam Heating Apparatus —E. Rutzier iii N. & C. TAYLOR CO., PHILADELPHIA,
John G. Porter. iii
Glass. Are the sole Importers of the GENUI>E " OLD STYLE," »nQ every DO* bear* their
Crystalline, Antique Glass, etc.—Wm. Gibson's name and contains their guarantee of quality.
Sons Plate and Window -Theo. W. Morris
Polished BEWARE OF IMITATIONS
A Co
D. Tumo THAT ARE FREELY CIRCULATED WITH TnE SOLE VIEW OF INJURING THE REPU
Grates and Fenders. TATION OF THE GENUINE " OLD STYLE."
New and Artistic Designs, etc.—Wm. H. Jack Sbnd for Circulars and Pricks.
son and Artlslic Grates -W. n. Harrison A 1
Plain
Bro xvii
paper a hearty welcome, we have never disguised the fact

that the Builder and Wood-Worker is issued in the in
terests of operative workmen, and our chief object has
been to supply this class with a large variety of modern
and popular designs, and to offer the paper at so low a
price that every apprentice in the land might be able to
secure a valuable library of illustrations and information
preliminary to his occupation. Sometimes we may have
A JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ART. published things that to the advanced student might have
appeared too elementary in character, but our great aim
PUBLISHED MONTHLY. has been to meet the popular want, and we feel that
our efforts have been appreciated, if we are permitted to
IT judge from our increased patronage. As regards the fu
ture, we have only to say that, although the subscription
178 Broad-way, 3ST©-w "2"03r3si. price has been reduced to one dollar a year, beginning
with the January Number, 1883, we shall earnestly try
to make the paper worthy of continual support. We
shall give as much, and in some instances more, in the
PRICE ONE DOLLAR AND FIFTY CENTS A TEAR. numbers making up the nineteenth volume, than ever we
gave before. Prompt renewals are requested. In con
clusion, we may say to all our friends and well-wishers
CHARLES D. LAKEY. Publisher. FRED. A. HODGSON, Manager. that we wish them, one and all, a merry, happy and pros
perous life during the year 1883.
Newsdealers will please order through The various yews Companies.

Subscriptions to Great Britain and the Continent of Europe, Australia and SUBSCRIBERS are requested to send in their renew
Japan, $2.00: China, Sandwich Islands, Mexico, and Cuba, |8.M>; South America als for subscriptions before the 20th inst. By
$4,50. doing so they will save us considerable labor in preparing
our books for the ensuing year. Bound copies for 1882
N.B.—Persons remitting money to this office through the jxxst are requested will be ready for delivery by the 24th of this month.
either to procure a post-office order or to register tlie tetter, and address it to the They will be sent post-paid to any address in the U. S.
publisher, CHARLES D. LAKEV, 170 Broadway, AV-w York, to whom all letters or Canada for $2.00.
of a business character should be sent.
AS the American Institute Fair docs not close until
the ninth 'of the present month, (Dec.,) we advise
VOL -|0LD SKniK!i' xvmi Whole Number, 181 those of our readers who live near by, or who should visit
' | New Series, IV. 1 DECEMBER, 1882.] New Number, - YZ New York before that date, to be sure and call. The
Exhibit this year in some departments excels that of any
previous year. We may especially mention the fine dis
play of exhaust fans shown by Sturtevent of Boston,
Mass., also of tiles exhibited by the Encaustic Tile Co.
of New York. Indeed, we could call attention to quite
a number of very tine kinds of goods.
A PLAN recently introduced into Belgium for pre

serving wood from the decay produced by the at
mosphere, water, etc., etc.,—is to fill the pores of the
wood with liquid gutta-percha, which is said to effectu
ally preserve it from moisture and the action of the sun.
The process employed consists in exhausting the air from
the pores of the wood and filling them with gutta-percha
solution, in poring the solution into the pore. The solid
To Our Readers. gutta-percha is liquified by mixing with paraffin in pro
portion of about two-thirds of gutta-percha to one-third
ARRANGEMENTS have been made with the pro of paraffin ; the mixture is then subjected to the action of
prietor of The Lumber World of Buffalo, heat, and the gutta-percha becomes sufficiently liquid to
N. Y., by which his valuable Journal and The Builder be easily introduced into the pores of the wood. The
and Wood-Worker, will be furnished together for one gutta-percha liquified by this process hardens in the pores
dollar and fifty cents per year. We consider this arrange of the wood as soon as it becomes cold.
ment of great value to those of our readers who are in any
way interested in the timber trade. We have also made
similar arrangements with other valuable $1.00 papers, THE recent burning of the Park Theatre, New York,
such as the Young Scientist, Wood and Iron, &c. is another forecast of what will surely happen be
For particulars see our clubbing list. fore many years, i.e., a repetition of the burning of the
Brooklyn Theatre. What lamentable consequences
would have taken place if the fire had occurred a few
'1 1 7"ITH this number Volume Eighteen closes, and we hours later, no one can describe ; they would have horri
W are sure that our subscribers will be satisfied with fied the whole world. The little progress made in rend
the year's work done, and will feel that w e have more ering churches, and theatres fire-proof since the burning
than filled the promises given a year ago. While archi of the great cathedral in Santiago, when over two thou
tects, engineers, cabinet-makers and mechanics of all sand lives were lost, is not at all creditable to our civili
classes are among our readers, and have accorded our'j zation. Not only are our theatres flimsy and easily
222
destroyed by fire, but they seem to be designed in such a THERE is at present at the Madison Square Art
manner that when once a person gets inside, he is like a Rooms, N. Y., an exhibition of bric-a-bric which,
mouse in a trap, the way to get out is difficult and besides bronzes, faience, porcelain, rugs, and the usual ar
mysterious. We do not blame Architects in these ticles of temptation to connoisseurs and collectors, con
matters, they often have no choice, the owners insists on tains some exceedingly artistic specimens of wood-work
certain things, and they have no option but to obey ; and ing. The great majority of these pieces consists of
in many cases they are not even allowed to choose the carved wood from Nuremberg of the eighteenth century,
materials of which the building is to be constructed. A and of the famous Lippman productions of Louis
thorough, and honest examination of i«everal of the popu Quinze art-furniture. Lippman is not a copyist. He is
lar places of amusement in New York would bring to a true reproducer, and has not fully recovered the very
light some things that would deter many sensible people spirit of the epoch, but has certainly rediscovered the
from visiting them. Are not our municipal enactments to famous " vernis de Martin" so prized by collectors of an
blame somewhat in this matter ? tique furniture. The essential aim of Louis Quinze wood
work was to bring out forcibly the qualities of various
ornamental woods, their beautiful graining, their exquis
ite inottlings, cloudings and modulations and their native
Ol OME weeks ago "The American Fire Shield Company'" colors. This is done by artful combinations and con
gave an exhibition test of the asbestos fire-proof trasts of woods of different hues and qualities, as French
cloth, at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. A large curtain, one walnut, oak, ebony, rosewood, mahogany and amaranth.
twentieth of an inch in thickness, composed of woven The effect of these combinations when brought out by
abestos, presenting the appearance of common ducking, the famous Martin varnish is charming, and one or two
was suspended from two straight iron posts. On one pieces of this furniture will add a surprising lustre to a
side of the curtain, and near to it, was placed two empty room decorated in the prevailing style. Mention should
tar-barrels, one on top of the other. On the other side of also be made of some specimens of Parsee carving in un
the curtain and distant from it about two feet, was a large stained teakwood. It is curious to trace in the decorative
pile of dry wood, which had had tar over it and was motives of this very artistic ware the old Assyrian spirit
saturated with kerosene oil. This pile was set on fire, the of design. The idea used to be in every piece the same,
flames rising beyond the height of the curtain and driv namely, foliage in which are birds and beasts and hunt
ing the spectators back fifty or sixty feet. The effect ers presented in a beautiful network of perforated carv
upon the asbestos curtain, which was enveloped in the ing. But of late years the Parsis of Bombay have com
flames for about an hour, was only to slightly discolor it. menced to make great progress, and have applied in their
while so far from the tar-barrels at the back becoming carved wood motives which they have certainly taken
ignited the curtain was not heated through. The experi from old German medieval work. One of the tables in
ment was conducted by the Secretary of the company, this collection shows in its supports evidence of this. It
and was witnessed by several naval officers and other cannot be denied that as far as rehttes to wood-work the
persons interested in appliances for the prevention of Renaissance, with its eternal reference to the human
fires. form, did more harm than good and was not suited to
The American Fire Shield Company claim that this the material. The old Augsberg and Nuremberg carving,
cloth is eminently adapted for stage curtains in place of before the Renaissance overwhelmed everything with its
the inflammable baize now commonly used. The new flood of Hellenicism, was exquisitely artistic. That the
material may easily be decorated with asbestos fire-proof Parsees have gone back to that epoch for instruction is a
paint. For its effectual use, however, as a fire-proof stage proof of their true feeling for wood-carving.
curtain, it is admitted that a change in prosceniums of
theatres as at present constructed would be necessary.
The cloth is not intended for stage curtains only, but can
be applied to fire-saving purposes in different ways.
QUINCE the burning of the Ring Theatre in Vienna, an

lO Imperial decree has been passed by which all
theatres built from this date are to be completely detached.
The stage is to be divided from the auditorium by a wall
not less than 20 inches high and 18 inches thick above
the roof, so that in case of lire the stage may be isolated ON Plate 89 we show the side elevation of a very at
from the rest of the house. The stage must be of suffi tractive and quaint looking cottage to be erected
cient height for the curtain to be raised without being this fall at Bay Head, N. J.
rolled. No one is to be allowed to live in the theatre, and The plans were prepared by Mr. Fredk. B. White, archi
the stage carpenter's shops, the stage appliances, and the tect, of Princeton, N. J.
refreshment bars are to be outside the theatre, this latter This cottage is nearly 65 feet long and 34 feet wide.
regulation to be applied to theatres already in existence. On the first floor is a square entrance hall 11x15 feet, out
All the dresses worn by the actors and actresses are to be of which open the parlor and dining-room. A door also
dipped in a preparation which makes them more or less leads from the main hall to the rear hall, from which ac
fire-proof, and no explosive matter is under any pretense cess is obtained to the kitchen, servant's room, store clos-
to be left in the theatre. Very sfc-ict provisions are made sets, cellar, etc.
with regard to the seating of the theatre, so that there Up stairs there is a gallery overlooking the hall, which
may be plenty of room for easy exit, and the prefect of gives a very pleasing and airy effect. On this floor there
police is to have the power of deciding how many tire- are six good sized bedrooms, from three of which, as well
men shall be allotted to each theatre. The manager of as the hall, we open out upon up-stair balconies. There
the theatre is to be held personally responsible for the are good large closets connected with every room. The
carrying out of all these regulations down to the smallest cost of the house complete will be about $3,500.
detail, and he will be severely punished if, upon the very Plate 90 shows the front elevation of a cottage de
tirst alarm of fire, he fails to give the public notice. signed by David S. Hopkins, architect, Grand Rapids,
224b THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [Dec,
Mich. The designer calls the cottage " Multum in Parvo," upon the work-bench at the required distance asunder,
and says, w-hereby the same measurement was obtained. Here was
"I think the name not amiss. This is a cottage I have obtained a practical solution to the problem, given two
just completed for myself, not desiring to build an expen sides of a right angled triangle to find the third side.
sive, one. There were many desires to overcome but 1 kept Take another case, a metal worker desiring to grind the
within a certain limit, and I leave you and the patrons of bevelled edges of a slide to an angle of 60 degrees, and,
the Builder and Wood-Wokkkb to judge how well I having no protractor or goniometer, was about to give up
succeeded. the task, when by chance he was directed to form the re
"This coltage cost, all compie',e, including plumbing, quired guage by cutting out an equilateral triangle from
$2,700. The best rooms are finished in butternut and a sheet of tin. There are, in short, many very simple
walnut. Pilaster finish, with solid butternut doors. By mathematical truths, which would be of extreme service
a careful observation there will be seen several novel fea to working men in the practical execution of their work,
tures about the design. and which would still further aid that inventive genius
" Stained glass transoms over all windows in principal frequently found among them, but which fails to develop
rooms for purposes of ventilation and light. itself solely for want of a knowledge of the principles of
" Economy of cost means economy of room and general practical mechanics. What a vast amount of time and
compactness, which were .-.trie ly adhered to in this. The labor have been expended in designing that ignu JÛuus,
cottage is one that is much admired by all who see it for a perpetual motion, once an absolute mania, as the pages
small family house, and exteriorly it is considered a of old mechanical publications witness ; and, still far
' joy forever.' " from extinct, this passion for designing a />erpetuum
Plate 91 shows a side elevation and plans of thecottage mobile crops out from time to time even in our enlightened
shown on the preceding plate. age in divers specifications sent to the patent office under
Plate 92 shows a portion of a library, and is very hand the head of " prime movers," or motive powers. Nine-
some. It is the work of Mr. Dewson. teen-twentieths of these are based on unsound mechani
Plate 93 shows a number of random sketches from the cal data, which could not have been entertained for a
portfolio of Mi-. Dewson. There are many things in it moment if the designers had possessed even a moderate
that will be useful to most of our readeis. degree of mathematical knowledge. But in addition to
Plate 94 shows a series of excellent designs suitable for this, the very study of mathematics tends to quicken the
amateurs and designers. intelligence of the workmen upon all points connected
Plate 95 is in recognition of the still increasing demand with his trade, and raises him above the general level of
for wood mantels. We this month publish a couple of ex handicraftsmen. In every instance within my knowledge
amples from our Talbert Portfolio. The oue at the top a workman thus instructed has became a marked man,
has the merit of being more in the prevailing Queen Anne and his manipulative skill has kept pace with his intel
style than most of the designs by this artist. The one lectual attainments. It would well repay the employers
below is a still plainer example of the same character, and of such skilled labor to provide their men with a few
will be useful when something very simple is required. books and instruments, and to encourage them to employ
The grates in both these cases may be suggestive to our spare time in the pursuit of this elevating and delightful
hardware manufacturers. science.
Plate 96 is in illustration of the articles on stair-build
ing, and a full explanation is given elsewhere.
To Join the Ends of a Band Saw.
FILE the ends of the saw on opposite sides to form
two wedge shaped ends, having a lap of say, from
The Mathematical Knowledge of the Mechanic. | to 1 A in., according to width and thickness of plate;
IT appears strange that operations in the mechanical a thin narrow plate for light work, like ordinary scroll
arts requiring, in many cases, mathematical accuracy, sawing, | in.; a wide saw, say 4 or 5 in. in width, by No.
should be left to the care of workmen who have no 16, 17 or 18 gauge, or li}-in. lap. When the two beveled
mathematical knowledge. It is true that such work is sides are laid together, they must form a joint of the
often executed with admirable precision and dexterity, same thickness as the blade. Now make two pairs of
but this is simply the result of long and arduous practice, tongs with heavy jaws, long enough to cover the width
without any advantage of method or rule, unless it be of the blade; have the jaws stra'ght and shut close! v;
that too well known by the name of rule of thumb. This cut a notch in a piece of about 0 by 6 joist for wide saws
should not be ; for not only would such work be more and smaller for narrow saws; have the notch large
quickly and satisfactorily executed by help of those enough and covered or plated inside, so that it will not
mathematical rules by which in the drawing office such be burned by the hot tongs; now clamp the saw on the
machinery is always designed, but the maker and designer joists, so that the laps will come over the notch; the
would be brought into closer relationship, and the mas joists should be say, 4 ft. in length, and mounted on legs
ter-hand would become the natural coadjutor of the mas like a saw-horse; now cover the lap with the muriate of
ter-mind. The writer remembers a young gardener, by zinc or borax water, placing a piece of very thin silver
no means diligent at his proper work, but considerably solder or fine spelter solder in the joint. If spelter be sod
given to amateur carpentry, by help of which he had con it may be mixed w'th borax water and spread between the
trived to produce a tolerable wheelbarrow. Not having joint.). (Silver solder however, is preferable to spelter.)
a carpenter's square he used his two-foot rule, which he Now heat one pair of tongs to a bright cherry red, scrape
had pressed into unwonted service in the following man off all the scale, &c, between the jaw^; now clamp the
ner : having carefully set one blade at right angles to joint to the brazed, -. sing the cold tongs to clamp 1 ho
the other, by making use of an angle of a square table as points of the hot tongs; hold them a s ffic'ent length of
a guide, he bored a small hole at one end, through which time to melt the solder; have the other pair of ton?s
he passed a string knotted at the end ; he then measured warmed to about the heat of a sad iron; now carefully
across to the other blade, and cut off the string. Thus, draw the hot tongs off toward the back of the saw,
whenever he desired to use his rule as a square, he simply having the back rest firmly against supports so that
opened it till the string exactly reached from one leg to the saw cannot move edgewise; have another person
the other, and the required right angle was laid down follow up the hot tongs with those merely warmed; hold
with tolerable accuracy. Afterwards, however, finding the grip with the warm tongs until the joints are fairlv
se string somewhat in the way, two marks were made set, when nothing remains to be done more than to file
off the surplus -older. The above process will be found Stairs.
much better than cooling off the joints with water, as it
is liable to harden and crack the blade. The soldering and FIFTH PAl'KR.
cooling tongs should be made heavy and strong. The
cooling tongs should not be used entirely cold, as the PLATE 9 ; represents the formation of carriages for
sudden chilling will harden the plate. If the process be the elliptical stairs in plate 88. Fig. 1 is the
properly performed the saw will be of the same temper longest carriage, or rough-string, and is formed of one
at the splices as at other parts. deal, 11 inches wide by 3 or 4 in thickness ; its length of
bearing betwixt the walls is about 15 feet. To find the
best position for the carriages, lay a straight edge on the
Suggestions. plan, and by its application find where a right line will
be divided into nearly equal parts by the intersection of
A LARGE proportion of the men working in our cab- the risers. The object of this will readily be understood
l \ inet shops seem to have ideas and plans connected
with their ordinary daily work which, though not abso if it is considered that in a series of steps of equal width
lutely wrong, are so far removed from the correct method, line, risers
and
whereas
of equal height, the angles will be in a straight
in a series of unequal steps and equal risers,
and sometimes so much opposed to nature, as to cause a
great deal of extra labor and annoyance. Amongst these the angles will deviate from a straight line in proportion
to the inequality in the width of steps. Notwithstanding
mistaken notions might be mentioned the various plans the inequalitjT in the width of steps, which thus often
adopted by them to bring wood, when warped or twisted, occurs, it seldom happens that carriages may not be ap
back to the proper, or rather the required, condition. It
is very often found to be the case, that wood, which in plied to stairs, if their situation be carefully selected by
the board or plank is perfectly straight, or which at least the means above mentioned. The double line AB is
taken from the plan (Fig. 1, No. 1, plate 88), with the
appears to be so, will twist and wind in every conceivable lines
manner when freed from restraint, and cut up into long Theseoflines risers crossing at various angles of inclination.
narrow lengths, or cross-cut into short broad panels. cording to therepresent the back surface of each riser, ac
number on each. The double line AB will
When wood is very badly turned—i. e., when it is in what therefore be understood as representing the thickness of
is technically termed " winding "—the only remedy is to the piece. Lines drawn from the intersections of each
plane off the high corners, and thus make it perfectly
true by reducing the thickness. But if it be simply cast, willof the risers perpendicularly on AB (Fig. 1, plate 96),
one side being hollow and the other round, the defect present the width of bevel which each notching will
may be easily got over. If the man, by working on some 8require crosses
in the carriage at the junction of the wall. No.
very obliquely; No. 9 with somewhat less ob
other portion of the material required for his job, can let liquity; No. 10 with still less, and the obliquity continu
the defective pieces stand by for a day or two, then by ally diminishes, till at 13 the crossing is at right angles,
placing the wood " hollow side" down on a plane sur presenting only one line. The remaining numbers are
face, or by putting two such boards one on the top of the beveled in the reverse direction, gradually increasing to
other, with the hollow sides facing each other, the wood No. 19, where the carriage enters the wall. The com
will be drawn straight without any more trouble on the plete lines show the side of the carriage next the well-
part of the man. It is always best, when possible, to hole, whilst the dotted lines represent the side next the
work up the wood in its natural state, as even if the ten wall. The most expeditious method of setting out such
dency to cast be overcome previous to working it, there carriages is to draw them out at full size on a floor.
is always the probability of its returning to its normal Having first set out the plan of the stairs at full size, take
condition. Some men, when pressed for time, heat the off the width of every step, in the order in which it oc
round side on the stove. This does indeed make the curs, marking that width, and at right angles thereto
wood straight, but there is a great risk of the wood open draw the connecting riser, thus proceeding step by step
ing and splitting under this toasting treatment, and this till the whole length of the carriage is completed ; next
liability is very much increased if the wood be at all set out one side of the carriage as a face side and square
shaky. If required, the wood can at once be straightened over to the back, allowing the bevel as found on the
without this risk, by damping the hollow side with water, plan ; then, with a pair of compasses prick off to the
when the expansion of the fibre on that side pulls it under edge at each angle, for the strength ; this will
straight. It sometimes happens that a piece of wood of define the curvature for the underside with its proper
some considerable width, such as a carcase end or a ward wind, to suit the ceiling surface of the stairs. The bear
robe panel, has to be reduced from £ineh to înch thick er, CD, Fig. 1, No. 1, plate 88, is a level piece wedged in
ness. If this superfluous wood be all taken off one side, the wall, with its square end abutting against the side of
that side will become hollow, whereas if it be taken off the carriage, AB ; the dotted line on the upper side of
equally on both sides the wood remains as before. the carriage, Fig. 1, plate 96, and the straight dotted
In veneering panels, etc., it is always best to veneer on line on its under side, are intended to show the edges of
the outside, that is, the side opposite the heart side, the an 11-inch deal previous to its being cut ; the shaded
reason for this being that veneer is apt to swell with the part at each end shows its bearing in the wall ; at the
glue being laid on, and must therefore contract after it is riser 18 is shown a corpsing, to receive the lower end of
fixed. As the heart side has always a decided tendency the carriage, figure 3, CL ; and at the riser 16, a similar
to curl, the two forces counteract each other, and the corpsing to receive the carriage, Fig. 4, GH ; Fig. 2
wood remains the same. For this same reason, it is al is the carriage, EF Fig. 1, No. 1, plate 88, parallel with
ways best to inlay on the outside. AB, Fig. 1, against which the front string is nailed;
To some people, these may appear to be very trivial each of the last mentioned is formed in the same man
matters, but it is by keeping these and other little point> ner as the one already described.
in mind that a job may be turned out with more comfort This method of framing the carriages of stairs is not
to the man and satisfaction to the employer, and these yet much practised. It was introduced by the author
hints, if carefully attended to, will frequently save time more than thirty years ago, and has given greater satis
and expense to both master and man. faction than the more laborious process of framing for
every step which is not only weaker from the greater
Send seventy-five cents to this office for a copy of the number of joints, but is also more expensive. It is now
" Steel Square and its uses." The best Book for young gradually coming into use.
workmen, in the market. In circular strings the siring board for the circular part
228 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [Dec,
is prepared in several different ways. Each of these will maybe, on the drawer fronts, the facings and mouldings on
now bedescibed, the first being that adopted in veneered the cornice and plinth, and should the front of the job be
strings. broken by pilasters fixed on the doors, the mouldings of
One indispensable requisite in forming a veneered the cornice and plinth will have to be mitred round these
string, is called by joiners a cylinder; it is, however, in also. Consequently there are a great many contrivances
fact, a semi-cylinder joined to two parallel sides. An ap (some of which are purely local), known to most cabinet
paratus of this kind must first be formed of a diameter makers, which are calculated to assist the workman, and
equal to the distance betwixt the faces of the strings in remove some of the difficulties which mitring entails.
the stairs. Most of these, such as the mitre "cutting block," mitre
Take some flexible material, as a slip of paper, and "shooting board," etc., can be bought at any tool shop ;
measure the exact stretch-out of the circular part of the but the one generally called the "mitre trap " cannot be
cylinder, from the springing line on one side, to the bought at any tool manufacturers, and though well-known
springing line on the other. Lay this out as a straight to the majority of workmen in the form of the finished
line on a drawing-board ; then examine the plan article, the method of making such a tool is not so univer-
of the stairs, and measure therefrom the precise place
of each riser coming in contact with or near to the
circular part of the well-hole as it intersects on the line of
the face of the string, and also the distance of such riser
from the springing-lines. These distances should all be
carefully marked on the slip of paper and transferred to Fig. 1.
the drawing-board : then, with the pitch board, set out
the development of the line of steps, by making each step
equal to the width found, and connecting with it at right
angles, its proper height of riser. When the whole de
velopment has been set out on the drawing-board, mark
from the angles of the steps downwards the dimension
for the strength of carriage; by this means it will be seen
what shape and size of veneer will be required. The Fig. I—Front Vi«w
whole of the setting out must now be transferred to the
face of the veneer; then with the point of an awl prick sally known. To many artizans, therefore, a short descrip
through the angles of the steps and risers, and trace the tion of how to make such a tool will, we trust, prove of
lines on the back as well as on the front ; the veneer must service to our workman readers. One form of mitre trap
now be bent down on the cylinder, bringing the springing is shown in Fig. 1. It consists of three blocks, the faces
lines and center lines of the string to coincide as exactly as of two of them being cut at an angle of 45 degs., which
possible with those of the cylinder; the whole string must work in a frame by means of a screw.
then be carefully backed by staving pieces glued on it, To make this tool, first get out the wood for the frame,
with the joints and grain parallel to the axis of the cylin which is separately shown by Fig. 2. The inside size will
der; the lines on the back of the string will serve to indicate be about 18 inch by 8 inch. This frame will for appear
the quantity of the veneer to be covered by the staving; ance sake be mortised and tenoned together, although of
the whole must be allowed to remain on the cylinder till course it would do quite as well if dovetailed. The two
sufficiently dry and firm; it is next fitted to the work by ends must be cut about 15 inches by 3 inches, and lj inch
cutting away all the superfluous wood as directed by. the thick, and the two longer pieces 24 inches by 3 inches,
lines on the face of the veneer, and then being perfectly
fitted to the steps risers, and connecting string ; it
must be firmly nailed both to the steps and risers, and also
to the carriages; each heading joint in the string should
be grooved and tongued with a glued tongne.
There is another method of gluing up the strings some
times practised. In this the string is set out as before de
scribed, but instead of using a thin veneer, an inch board
is taken, on the face of which the development of steps,
risers, springing, and center lines must be carefully set out
as before; the edge of the board must be gauged from
the face, equal to the thickness of a veneer, which would
bend round the cylinder ; the string must then be confined
down on the work-bench, and grooves made by a dado
plane on its back in the direction of the riser, and at about
half an inch distant from each other, till the whole width and l£ inch thick. As will be seen from Fig. 2, which
of thecylindric surface is formed into a series of grooves; iB a front and end elevation of the frame, the tenons are
these grooves are then filled with keys of wood which left projecting over the front pieces about 2 inches, but
are placed in as the string is bent round to the right curve. only on one side. The use of this will be seen later on.
When this has been framed together " dry," that is,
merely knocked together without being glued, and the
A Chat About Mitres. projecting ends of the frame nicely rounded off, it must
IN almost every piece of furniture that a cabinet maker be laid on one side while the blocks are being\ prepared.
has to manufacture, one of the most important things The number of these latter is in a measure dependent on
to be done, after having framed the job together and got the will of the workman, as only two blocks are abso
the " skeleton " finished, is to mitre in the mouldings, etc. lutely required, the mitre being cut by the wood toeing
To one unaccustomed to examining the detailed con placed between. But as by the addition of one block
struction and manufacture of cabinet work, the amount of fronts mitre trap may be used for "shooting" the ends of drawev
and such like, it will be much better to have threes\
mitring on any ordinary article of furniture such as a
wardrobe would be truly astonishing. There are the blocks. Cut these out, therefore, each 8 inches long bj
mouldings to be mitred in the doorframes, the mouldings, 3 inches square. After fitting these to the requir
length, so tluit they will work easily up and down in the clever study for a figure panel teproduced here shews
frame, two of them are required for the mitre, a section that his talented pencil was not confined to one class of
of which is shown by Fig. 8. The other block must subjects. This p3n?l was designed for a sideboard, and
be left square. .Now, take the frame to pieces, and work Mr. Talbcrt's rough sketch, seems to indicate that the
a couple of grooves along the inside of the two long sides, ground work (ruled across in the e graving) was in
and across the end of the three blocks. Cut out and fit tended to be finished in dead gold.
two tongues of hard wood into each of the grooves in
the end of the blocks, which will now be of the appear
ance shown in Fig. 4. Ornamental Wrought Iron Work.
The frame must now be glued together, the blocks
being put in the order shown by Fig. 6, the grooves in ORNAMENTAL wro ght iron work is coming more
the frame, and the tongues in the blocks allowing the into ::se of late, than formerly, still its prog es- is
very slow. One of the finest pieces of work in New
York city, is the grille over the grand entrance of the
Mills Building on Broad street. This is deservingly ad
Kg 9. mired by every person who is capable of judging of its
merits. We present two illustrations of wrought iron
blocks to move backwards and forwards in the frame.
A screw must next be procured out of a piece of box work, that are full of artistic merit. One is a mirror
wood, and must measure about 10 inches in length,
including the handle, and about 1 inch in diameter on the
thread. In order to attach the end of the screw to the
block, a plate of brass about 2 inches by 1 inch, must be
fixed on to the end of the screw at A (Fig. 5), in such a
manner that it will, wlten screwed on to the block marked
B on Fig. 6, work the block backwards or forwards by
simply turning the handle. The tool will now be of the
shape shoAvn in Fig. 0, which is a section cut right
through the centre. To make a mitre, the wood must be
placed between the blocks C and D, and then planed down
to the level of the frame. To shoot a piece of wood
square it must be placed between the blocks B and C.
The best wood -if which to make this tool is mahogany,
though any hard wood will do. To fix it on the bench,
place a holdfast on one of the projecting tenons, and
screw firmly down.
Decorative Panel.
"A/TK- T ALBERT'S treatment of panels, is always
1VI distinguished by suitability, and just sufficient
conventionality to make the subjects decorative. The
Wrought Iron Lamp.

frame on an appropriate ground, the other is a hanging
lamp or lantern. The mirror frame and lamp, would
make an artistic addition to hall or vestibule. The
Brothers Ferdinand of Paterson, N. J., manufacture
these and similar work. Excellent specimens of their
handicraft were exhibited at the "American Institute
Fair" a year or two since, which doubtless resulted in
large orders for their work, as we are very sure they
merited such.
£32 THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. [Dec,
ITmk Editor does nut itotd himself responsible for any opinion* Uiut app.-!ir in
thus column. Contributions are solicited from all who arc interested in building
operations, or wood-work of any kind. Letters will be judged entirely by the
not necessarily for publication, but as an evidence of his good faith. Be brier,
courteous, and to the point.
[Rejected communications can in no case be returned.1
Editor Builder and Wood-Worker :

AS very little has ever appeared in your columns in regard to the
most suitable woods for various compartments. I would like
to present my views, which of course will be open to c.iticism. I
will commence with the parlor and library, as these two rooms are
not in constant use it is hardly necessary that they should be as
bright and cheerful as the living or dining room, nor should they
be finished in saloon style as some I have seen, in dark and light
woods ; this is very much out of place, they should be in some dark
woods of uniform color or as near so as possible. I am at present
putting up a heavy architrave and base of foreign walnut whicli
makes a perfect finish. Rosewood, red-cedar, mahogany and gum
do very well for the parlor and library, but should be worked alone,
not with other wood. The hall and living room should be in lighter
woods which may be worked together, but care should be taken not
to make too much of a contrast. Oak and cherry make a veiy neat
wainscoatingor dado. The following may be worked together with
harmony: White and red-oak, oak and cherry, cherry and satan
wood, asli and cherry, maple, and quartered oak, cherry and
birch and any other woods of similar colors. Southern pine "makes
a fine finish for living and dining rooms, it will take a very high
polish and is light and cheerful.
Most of our grand staircases in this section are built of oak
or cherry and frequently mixed oak steps and risers with cherry
balusters and rail. All hardwood finish should be secret nailed as
nail holt s puttied look very bad, in fact spoil the effect.
Yours &c. ,
Wrought Iron Mirror Frame. J. L. N.,
Decorater and Furnisher, Bloomington, Til.
Now is ihc time to renew subscriptions to the Builder and

Woud-Worker. One Dollar a year, commencing with the January
number, 1883.
Improvement in Band Saws for Fret Work.

AN English journal calls attention to an invention, recently
patented, by which the connection between the two ends of
a band saw is formed in such a manner as to be detachable. The
junction of the two extremities of the saw is effected by means of
a hook or interlocking joint. A portion of the saw near each ex
tremity is reduced in thickness in such a manner that when the
two extremities are held together the two points do not exceed the W. J. C, Allegheny, Pa.—Write to Thos. Moloney, JacksoD,
thickness of the remaining part of the saw. Portions of the back Mich., for a copy of the Builders' Journal.
and front of the extreme ends are also cut away so as to leave We will shortly give some methods for laying out segments,
narrow tongues at each extremily of the saw. These tongues are gothic arches, hips, etc.
provided on opposite sides relatively to each other with hooks. Yes; Gould's Carpenter's and Builder's Assistant is a pretty good
In the thin portions at the extremities of the saw there are formed, book for a young carpenter. "Bell's Carpentry '* is also an excel
i-.t equal distances from the tongues, two longitudinal slits or open lent work.
ings, presenting bevels or inclined surfaces at the edges nearest O. A. M., Brattleboro, Vt. —Thanks for your good opiuion of
the ends of the saw corresponding exactly to the hooks on the us. We intend to give a number of illustrations suitable for ama
tongues. The opposite end of each opening is also beveled or in teurs during the coming year.
clined, but at a much more acute angle, so as to form a recess in
the side of the saw for the reception of the extreme end of the E. G. C, Allegheny, Pa., says: "lam an amateur in wood-
corresponding tongue, which is suitably reduced in thickness to carving and cabinet work, and would be pleased to receive some
ward the extremity in order to enable it to be well within the said advice on the subject. I am attending school, and have not very
recess. In order to join the two ends together the two tongues much spare time. I would like to know what I had best try my
are introduced simultaneously into the two corresponding open hand at first ? I do it merely for amusement, and would like to
ings. The ends of the saw are pressed together laterally in such a know what I could make for home that is simple and useful, and
manner as to cause the hooks on the tongues to engage with, or at the same time beautiful?"
hook on to, the beveled edges in the openings. The thin ends of You have asked us a question that is very difficult to answer, as
the tongues then lie in the inclined recesses in the sides of the saw. we do not know how far advanced you may be. Wc suppose, how
When the parts are in this position, the two extremities of the saw ever, that you are pretty well up to the use of tools, and are able
cannot be spread either by external strain in the direction of its to carve panels, sides for book racks, corners for picture frames,
length, or by a diminution of the tension. To disconnect the pedestal stands, etc, In that case you might make carved lids for
ends of the saw it is simply necessary to spread the hooked and work-boxes, desks, collar and cuff boxes, jewel caskets, etc. You
beveled edges by applying lateral pressure, and at the same time might also try your hand on window cornices, cabinet doors,
draw the extremities apart in opposite directions. mirror frames, and a host of other things. We have reproduced a
A PRETTY PIECE OF CARVING
number of excellent designs for carving during the last year that little shadiness is not at all objectionable. The next darkest stain
you might follow to advantage. may now be proceeded with, and so on for as many stains as are
desired. When all are dry and hard, the black outline may be
W. 8., Trenton, N. J. —From the circumstance that man's past washed clean off the wood with a brush and turpentine, which
experience has been acquired in the treatment of wood and the may be freely used until the whole of the Brunswick black is re
softer metals which admit a higher velocity, the earlier attempts moved. The various co'ored stains will then appear inclosed in a
to bore and turn cast-iron on a large scale failed, because the force white outline, which, if properly done, will be sharp and clean,
was applied in a wrong condition. As experience was gained, it and clear as an inlay of the real woods. What grain the white
became apparent that a much slower velocity, combined with great wood has will be more or less seen through the stains as they may
pressure, was necessary, which entirely overcomes the difficulty. he light or dark.
The range of velocity found most suitable for different substances
lies rather wide. Cast-iron requires a slower motion than wrought-
iron, and may be said to range between twelve to twenty feet per
minute, according to hardness. Sandstones, from their structure,
require a slower motion in the planing machine when being shaped
into blocks or columns, and a slower motion still is found neces
sary by granite turners, where tue action is detrusion and the edge
of the detruding instrument or disc moves in unison with the gran
ite column. Going in the other direction, the limit of speed has
scarcely been reached. A velocity of 8,500 revolutions per minute
is employed in the line cutting of wood ; and even then high speed
is not found to heat the instrument to a degree which would ne
cessitate discontinuance of the operation. It is different when the
piece of -wood itself is driven at that high speed, as in the case of
wood-turning, because from the friction exerted on one point only Oil Varnish.—Coarsely powdered copal and glass, each 4oz.;
the temper would be taken out of the cutting instrument. This alcohol, 64 o. p., 1 pint; camphor i oz. ; heat the mixture with
remarkable difference arises from the swift revolution of the cut frequent stirring in a water bath, so that the bubbles may be
ting instrument, where two new conditions are found to step in. ■ counted as they rise, until solution is complete, and when cold de
The first is that due to the extent of the cutting points. When cant the clear portion. When oil vainish is used, it is made as
each acts in turn,they give a momentary rest to all the other points. for artists' virgin copal.
Secondly, the instrument whirling at such a high velocity is in the
position of a blowing-fan, and is thereby kept cool by the presence Band Saws vs. Circular Saws. —The German Industrial pa
of the atmosphere. pers are discussing the question of the disadvantages of circular
saws as compared with band saws : 1st. Circular saws are very
R. T., Washington, D. C. —The staining of white woods in va dangerous to the workmen. 3d. They require much greater
rious patterns, in imitation of inlaid woods, is a subject to which power to drive them than any other kind. 3d. They make a much
some attention has been paid by an English firm, and the follow wider cut, producing more waste, and thus fewer products from a
ing valuable decorative process, as proposed bv them, will not be given amount of material. The only advantage is that the cost
without interest: The surface to be decorated is made as smooth of procuring a circular saw is less than that of a band saw ; but
as possible, and is then covered with one or two coatings of size, notwithstanding, the Mechanics' Association ((irwcrbtereiii), of
prepare;! by adding to glue size of just sufficient strength to form Muehlhausen, have already published in their yearly report the
a jelly, a little egg albumen and a small quantity of alum. When advice to abolish their use wherever it is practically possible lo
this is dry and thoroughly hardened, the design must be traced or do so ; and this is of course the case in the great majority of cir
pounced upon it. The outline and those lines separating the dif cumstances.
ferent parts of the design, and all other parts that are to retain the The American Institcte Fair.—Those who have not had an
natural color of the wood, are then carefully painted in with opportunity of visiting the fair this season should do so at once
Brunswick black or Canada balsam, laying on the black with a
good body. This should remain until it gets thoroughly hard, if they can. So far, we believe, the fair has been quite a success,
financially, and the exhibits are nearly, if not quite, up lo the
which will be in about six or seven hours. The surface is then usual standard. E. E. Garvin & Co. exhibit quite a number of
washed witli a sponge and lukewarm water until all the size is re machinists'
moved from the exposed parts.the pattern drawn in the Brunswick excellent showineoftools, and the Delamater Steam Pump Co. have an
black, which is impervious to water, remaining intact, and serving A number of boilers hot-air engines, and their celebrated pump.
are also shown. The Terra Cotta Lumber
to prevent the stains running together when being applied. This Co. also have a fair exhibit, and the Flushing Lumber and Build
washing must thoroughly remove all the size preparation, and ing Co. exhibit a two-story portable house, with two rooms on the
after the wood has been allowed to dry it will be re.idy for the ap first floor—a living room and kitchen,
plication of the colored stains. If the "painting has been properly moderate dimensions. The Encaustic and above two bedrooms of
Tile Company have a fine
doBe, the. design will appear as a clear black outline enclosing the exhibition of their manufactures, and one that attracts considerable
white spaces, which are to be filled in with various colors, after attention. There is also a very fine exhibit
which the black outline is to be removed, as will be explained. art, tiles, barbotine, mantel facings, and otherofdecorative
decorative faience,
materials,
The black lines should be fully a sixteenth of an inch wide, and furnished by Brownell & Co , N. Y. This exhibit is woithy of
wider if required. Having decided upon the woods to be imitated, close inspection by all lovers of art, more particularly so in this
and the colors to be used, the stains, which may be either spirit case as the work is by American artists. Take it altogether,
stains or water stains, or both, may be laid in. The lightest stains the exhibits this year are very creditable.
must he put in first, and need not be confined to the exact outline
of that particular part, but it is well that they should be. The United States Pension Office.—A new fire-proof building
stain may be freely used, and laid as level as it will allow, but n for the United States Pension Office is being erected at Washing-
Designs for Mantels, by Brace J. Talbert

[Dec,
ton, D. C, under the able supervision of General M C. Meigs. Browne's Metau.ic Weatheh-Strips —These strips are made
The building is to be of brick and metal. Its dimensions are to of vulcanized rubber, the quality of which for yielding and
be four hundred by two hundred feet, with the outer walls seventy- adapting itself to unequal surfaces is well known—bound with
five feet to top of "cornice. We shall look forward to the comple zinc (not wood), to hold the yielding substance firmly in its place.
tion of this building with considerable interest, as from the well- They are particularly applicable in situations where the adjacent
known ability of the directing spirit we are justified in expecting surfaces to the apertures to be closed are at right angles to each
a building that will be as nearly fire-proof as it is possible to get other.
one. Very few people have any idea of the amount of fuel wasted in
IIemacite Knobs and Escutcheons. —The illuslralions shown heating houses that are too "thoroughly "ventilated" for comfort.
herewith represent door-knobs and escutcheons mnnufactured by In time, the best constructed houses become uncomfortable in cold
the Dibble Manufacturing Co. of Trenton, N. J. weather, from the shrinkage of the doors and windows. Fresh
air is highly desirable, and very necessay to health, but people
generally choose to regulate the admission of the same to suit their
own tastes ; and have no fancy for piercing drafts and arrowy
Samples of these goods may be seen at this office, and we arc

satisfied that, nfler a fair examination of them, no workman will
rushes of cold air creeping up the back, or blowing never so gently

down their necks. Insidious streams of air ruvhiiiir through
every unguarded crack or crevice are so many airents of death, and
in delicate constitutions very often sow the seeds of disease which
end fatally. To obviate the many evils arising from shrunken
doors and windows, and to economize fuel, which becomes so ex
pensive when it is most needed, these invaluable weather strips
and window bands are introduced, and they are warranted to ef
fectually exclude dust, air, moisture, light, heat, cold, rain, etc.,
from the crevices or apertatures of the tops, sides, centres or bot
recommend any of the mineral or porcelain trash that is so gener toms of doors, windows and skylights, without interfering with
ally used in the cheaper class of houses. We have hairmered an 1 their free use for ventilating purposes, winter or summer, for five
years.
Indeed, we know of no weather strip in the market that is nearly
as good as the one under consideration.
Free Trade vs. Protection.—In a paper recently rend by N.
A. Taylor, of N. & G. Taylor Co., Philadelphia, Pa., before the
U. 8. Tariff Commission, it was shown that the present duty on
tin plate was something enormous, being no less than one and one-
tenth cents per pound, and this, too, where there are no manu
facturers of " tin plate " in the country to be protected. The tin
plate trade of Philadelphia recommends a reduction to three-
quarters of a cent per pound.
We have received from the Traveler's Insurance Company, of
Hartford, Conn., a very handsome plate containing excellent like
nesses of the most prominent newspaper men in the United States.
battered at ihe samples sent us until we were lire 1, vet failed to The pictures are shown in the centers of their several newspapers.
break or otherwise damage l hem to any extent. Not only are James Gordon Bennet, being in the Herald, C. Dana, being in the
Sun. But the most interesting at this moment is the very tine
likeness of the late Thurlow Weed. The plate is worth preserv
ing as a memento, and thanks are due the Insurance Company,
for fastening on paper the features of so many prominent men
OP
Cirlnioliaw on Saw*. \ Supplement.—F. Claxton &

Co., 930 Market street, Philadelphia, Pa Price $i.<IO.
No doubt many of our readers will remember Ihe substance off J
what we said in 1880,when speakingof Mr. Grimsbaw's former eflori
on the subject of saws. We cannot do better than reiterate, in '
measure what was said then in favor of Ihe book, to which the or
they strong and capable of standing hard usage, but they are now under notice is a supplement. Indeed, those who possess t'.
actually handsome and in good taste, which is something that can original work, will not be fully equipped until tliey secure acopy
not be said of the old-lime mineral and porcelain door furnishings. the supplement, which is uniform in size, style and binding, a'#
typographical appearance to the first work. The supplement is A synopsis of the Lien law of the various States is also embodied
probably a little more practical than the first work, and will, in con in the work with much other useful and necessary information.
sequence, be of more value to the practical sawyer. The work is There is an excellent paper on " Builders' Book-keeping," showing
broken up iut > short paragraphs, each paragraph forming a treatise how books ought to be kept and how entries should be made to
on whatever branch it discusses. This may be serviceable to the secure accuracy.
general leader, but to the person who wishes to fully investigate The work also contains very extensive tables for the measure
each b anch of the subject, this is not the proper way. however, as ment of boards, planks, scantlings, timber, etc.. &c, and of
the book was written chiefly for a class of men whose time is squares, cubes, areas of circles, contents of walls, &c. The gloss
limited, it will no doubt fill its mission and fill it well. We give a ary at the end of the work is extended at great length, and nearly
few extracts from the new work so that the reader may have an assumes the form of a dictionary of architectural terms and is both
idea of what the work is: instructive and interesting. The practical builder has but to see
" Virginia Rail Fence."— Sometimes a circular gets a notion of the work to appreciate its value, and we feel confident that we are
running crooked in the edge, even while cold, although not sprung, making no mistake when we say that every intelligent and pro
and when standing seemingly true and both sides alike. In this case gressive builder and contractor in the country will have a copy of
it is. too large at the rim, and tends to wrinkle, although not enough this work as soon as they know of its existence.
to show when standing; but the additional stretch, caused by cen Brown's Building Table and Estimate Book,
trifugal force under motion, causes further rim expansion, and being a systematic and practical method by which to estimate the
dishes the plate on one diameter to one side, and exactly the reverse cost of frame and timber buildings. By L. E. Brown. Will. T.
on the diameter at right angles. This trouble is apt to" occur with Comstock, Publisher. Price $1.50.
inserted tooth saws, simply by overstraining the edge by riveting or The work before us is the second edition, and is put up in much
by too close a fit of the teeth. Dirty or greasy dust or rust in the better shape than the former one, or rather we might say that it is
groove of the teeth, will cause the same trouble. the same edition put in belter shape. .for there are really no addi
Trembling or Fluttering at the edge is caused by lack of balance, tions made to the work whatever. The work gives bills of lumber
one side being gummed or filed more than another. An ounce for quite a number of buildings, varying from 8x10 feet to 50x100
of steel on one side of a saw running at 800 or 900 revolutions feet, and from iO to 22 feet high. This covers a large number of
per minute, will cause this trouble. See that the teeth are all a'ike barns and other outbuildings. There are also a number of very
as to size, or. at least there is as much metal on one side of the useful tables in the work, such as log measurement with the bark
saw as on the other, counting from any diameter. To cure flutter on, cord wood measurement, scantling and timber measurements,
ing, mount the saw on an arbor on two steel straight edges, and file and many other equally useful tables. To the practical framer this
the teeth on the heavy side until it balances. To prevent, use a work will prove a plum, as the bills of lumber, already '■ figured "
sheet metal template. up to his hand, can be adapted to his use with very little trouble ;
Sawdust Packing. —Sawdust packs in the side of the log and in fact with this work in hand he will be able aimost at a glance to
board, sometimes on account of the shape of the gullet. If the give the cost of nearly any kind of a wooden building. We may
tooth be nearly straight, from three-fourths of an inch from the have something to say of this book again in a future number.
point to the bottom of the tooth next behind, there will be less trou
ble from th s. The Hydraulic and Sanitary Fl umber.— This is a
Another cause is frozen or slightly thawed sawdust that strikes spicy semi-monthly journal published at 25 Park Row, New
the side of the log or board, and sticks to it long enough to crowd York. Price $2 a year.
in between the plate and timber. This occurs when the timber is As its name indicates, it will deal with all matters pertaining to
thawing out slightly, and in this case a little extra set will help the hydraulic and sanitary plumbing from all sides of the question, and
matter. if the past four numbers are to be taken as an indication of its
Concave Saws. — "The temper of a concave saw, in our opinion, future course, its readers will be treated with a rich and varied
ought to be as good and as high as in any ordinary circular doing supply of valuable information. Another good feature of the
the same nature of work. The custom has been to leavi- them much journal is its independent tone. It seems to have the right ring
softer to avoid breaking in the hands of the sawmaker, but a soft and so far, its pages have not been used to "puff" up the " traps"
saw will not hold the set when cutting hardwood heading. The disk of any particular firm. This is as it should be.
is made to a true circle, and in size corressponiling with the diam Knight's Mechanical Dictionary. Section 2 of Sup
eter of the heads they are to circle, providing the heads are cut plement. Houghton, Mifflin & Co. , Publishers, Boston, Mass. Price
square on their periphery, as cheese-box heads are made. If we $2. We have frequently had occasion to speak of this work,
want to make a 17-inch cheese-box head, we use a saw dished to a and for this reason there remains little, if indeed anything, to be
circle of 17 inches, and for a flour barrel head 17 inches in diameter added, and we think that a just estimate of the nature of the work
with bevel, we use a saw dished to a circle of 24 inches. The same and its importance to inventors, artisans and others, can be gained
saw may be used for making various sizes of heading having bevelled only by a careful examination. The work sells only by subscrip
edges by changing the angle of the axis of the head in tela tion, so that it is not easily obtained unless application is made to
tion to that of the saw. In that case the bevel on the heading agents, or to headquarters.
is also changed or altered to suit the saw; in a small head they are
sharper and in a large head stunted. Concave saws sawing bevelled The Theoretical and Practical Boiler Maker
heading must be filed like ripping saws, square across the tooth." and Engineer's Be Terence Book.— By Samuel Nich-
olls, Practical Boiler Maker. National Book Co., Publishers, N.
Tlic Builder's Guide and Estimator's Price Y. Price, $2.50.
Book, being a compilation of current prices of lumber, hard- The writer of this work evidently knew what he was about when
waie, glass, plumbers' supplies, paints, slates, stones, limes, ce he made it, for we do not know of a single line in it that wo would
ments, bricks, tin and other building materials ; also, prices of la care to expunge. Not only is it just the thing for boiler makers,
bor, and cost of performing the several kinds of work required in but it is "just the thing" for boiler users, as it contains many ex
building. cellent hints and rules for the management of those "intractable
Together with prices of doors, frames, sashes, stairs, mouldings, necessaries," and it seems to us every " boiler user" would like to
newels and other machine work. To which is appended a large know its contents.
number of building rules, data, tables and useful memoranda, with
a glossary of architectural and building terms. Industrial Publi Hints on Estimating.— ('has D. Lakey, Publisher, 170
cation Compauy. Piice $2.00. Broadway, N. Y. Price, 9 cents.
This is a work that will be sure to meet with a hearty welcome This is a second and revised edition of this valuable little work.
by the building fraternity as it fills a want that every man has felt We do not know where the practical carpenter and joiner could
who has ever been called to exercise his judgment in giving the get so much valuable information on estimating as this little pam
cost of a proposed building, or thn cost of repairs or additions to phlet contains, for three times the money. No carpentei's tool-
same. Her;' we have the current prices of all kinds of materials chest should be without this handy, useful, and comprehensive
used in building, from a nail to the most elaborate piece of stone little work.
work, and to meet the continually varying prices a blank column
is provided, running parallel with the column of given prices, so A Digest of Masonic Jurisprudence. — Especially
that the local prices may be inserted with pencil and erased and re adapted to Canadian Lodges ; together Willi an essay on the duties
newed when change in prices occur. This feature, we think, is an and powers of Deputy Grand Masters. By Henry Robertson,
excellent one and will tend to make the book much more useful L.L. B. Hunter, Rose & Cc, Toronto.
and lasting than it would be if the local prices could not be given. This little work is a valuable addition to Masonic lr-gal litera
The work also contains a large number of tables of the most useful ture, and will doubtless find its way into every lodge in the
kind for builders, plasterers, masons, bricklayers, painters, carpen Dominion of Canada, and many in the United Stales, and will, we
ters, &c., &c., with rules for estimating the contracts and cost of feel sure, become an acknowledged authority concerning the mat
stone, brick, and wood-work. There is also a treatise on the ters on which it treats in thai pail of the world for which it was
"strength of material" iron columns, girders, &c, by F. E. Kid
der, B. C. E., and other very important papers. The rules for written.
measurement of artificer's work are the best of the kind, and are Varnish, Lacquer*, Siccatives and Sealing Wax.
varied to suit local customs. —Being a treatise on the fabrication of volatile ami fat varnishes.
Dec., 188-2.] THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. 239
From the German of Erwiu Anclies, Frederick Kcppy, Publisher. Besides giving information on tree culture, qualities of timber'
Frice, $2.50. particulars of species, legal matters concerning timl>er, etc.-
This is a good honest work in every respect, and we have many other very interesting and instructive items are set
reason to believe, is thoroughly reliable. We know of no better forth, among wliich is the following: "The coloring of aut
book in the language, on the subjects it discusses. It gives detailed umnal leaves appears to be due to the formation of organic
descriptions of the raw materials and the apparatus and receipts for acids from the absorption of oxygen, and caused by a ripening
the preparation of varnishes and lacquers, and a number of excel process, similar to that which "colors ripening fruits. It is
lent methods for preparing stains for wood, leather, bone, ivory and not the effect of frost, as many people believe, but may be
other materials. For varnish makers this book is indispensable, hastened by the cool nights alternating with warm days, that often
and must prove a valuable aid to painters and wood-finishers. The occur in autumn. The autumnal coloring of European forests is
chemist, too, will find many things between its covers that will sometimes bright, but never as brilliant as in our Northern States
be interesting, and in some cases, instructive. We can heartily re and Canada. Its prevailing collors are yellow, shading off into
commend this work to those who have anything to do with var tints of pale orange and reddish brown, while in our Northern
nish, stains, or wood finishing. forests it is often the brightest scarlet and orange, a rich golden
yellow, or an intense purple, but all passing gradually into a
nearly uniform shade of brown."
The following heading of Chapters will give an idea of the scope
and value of the work : Chat. I. Definitions ; II. Of Soils and
their preparation, Effects of Slope and Aspect ; III. Of Climate
and Meteorological Influences ; IV. Reproduction from Seed ; V.
Of the various modes of Propagation of Forest Trees; VI. Plant
ing Continued; VII. Of the Structure and Functions of the va
rious parts of Growing Trees ; VIII. General views in regard to
Forestry ; IX. Acts of Congress relating to Timber-Rights; X.
European Plans of Forest Management; XI. Ornamental Planting;
XII. Hedges, Screens, and Shelter-Belts ; XIII. Cutting and
Seasoning of Wood; Defects in Timber; XIV. Fuel, Charcoal,
How to be Weather-Wise. A New View of Our Wood-Gas; XV. Forest Fires ; XVI. Protection from other In
Weather System. With Illustrations. By Isaac P. Notes. 12mo, juries than Fire; XVII. Insect Ravages in Woodlands; XVIII.
pp. 51, price 25 cents. Fowler & Wells, Publishers, 753 Broad Processes for Increasing the Durability of Timber, or for Improv
ing its Quality; XIX. Resinous and other Products of Conifers;
way New York. XX. Use of Wood in the Manufacture of Paper; XXI. Tanning
This is a little pamphlet written with an apparent intention of Materials; XXII. Description of Particular Species; XXIII. The
explaining the causes of changes of the weather, based upon the Conifers; XXIV. Tree Planting in Kansas and Nebraska.
system of the United States Signal Service. One object of the
author is to show how the data are obtained for making the "daily
indications."
The Litike Shore Series. By Oliver Optic. We do not
know of any books in the market that we would sooner recom
mend for light, pleasant and healthful reading, than the Oliver
Optic series, published by Lee & Shepard, Boston, Mass. Boys
will read, and this is often the making of them, and parents should
see to it that the proper reading is supplied to them, and of a kind
that is pleasing and suitable to their peculiar organizations. Their
books should have life in them, neither too vicious nor too tame ;
this series just fills the bill, and for a Christmas present cannot be
excelled, and we hope many a boy will receive the series in full
during the coming holidays.
"Sylvle's Betrothed. "—Madame Greville's new book, just One of the household words among people who take stock in recent evolu
published by T. B. Peterson & Brothers, Philadelphia, is full of tions of sanitary science, is A. G. rfyer s Sanitary Depot, a card of which
appears elsewhere. Everything necessary to plumbing is to be found here,
an inexpressible charm. Its dainty grace reminds us of " Dosia," and many of the specialties of this house' are of the highest merit. Mr. Myers
while it is far loftier in aim and with much more of a plot. Hav himself, as an expert, was consnltcd in the recent overhauling of the White
ing two heroines—a young and willful girl and a married woman— House, Washington, the shocking condition of which was made public
during the illness of the late President Garfield, and the authorities now
a wider field is offered for such contrasts in character as are pecu seem to be agreed that the improvements effected could not be bettered.
liarly the forte of the author. The sympathies of the reader arc Wc call attention to the card on the last page of this issue, of the Accident
deeply excited, and it is difficult to say which we find most interest Insurance Company of North America. Mr. W. A. Armstrong, the General
ing—Sylvie and her caprices, her gradual development from a Agent in this city, will be happy to furnish inquirers with the fullest details rela
girl to a woman, or the fascinating Madame Clermont, who "suffers tive to the advantages it offers.
and is strong." We heartily recommend it to our readers, as not Leggo Bros. & Co., Times Building, Park Row, New York, do all the photo
only interesting and delightful, but as a very successful study of lithography and photo engraving on the Builder ami Woodworker, and archi
French society. As a translation it is excellent and we can find no tects and others who may require work of this kind cannot do better than apply
to the firm for prices and other particulars. An examination of our paper will
, better words of praise than those employed by Mr. Kichard Grant convince any one competent to judge that the firm turn out a class of work that
White in a review of another of Mrs. Sherwood's translations : can scarcely be excelled.
" English is admirable, and such as we almost never see in such The Rider Compression Hot-Air Pumping Emjine is coming more and more
literary work." The price of the book bound in cloth is seventy- into use, and they seem to give entire satisfaction wherever they have been tried.
five cents. Over three thousaud of those engines are now used for pumping purposes. As
no steam is required to run them, they become favorites for houses and hotels.
The Elements of Forestry, designed to afford A iteel pen, like a race horse, should have good usage, bearing equally on each
information concerning the planting and care of nib and the penholder pointing to the shoulder. With an occasional rest, in con
Forest Trees for Ornament or Profit, and giving junction with every instrument made of steel, an Esterbrook Pen will accomplish
wonders.
suggestions upon the creation and care of Wood Those of our subscribers who wish to bind their Builder and Wood Worker
lands, with the view of securing the greatest be for 1882, can have an index and title page free, by sending their address to our
nefit for the longest time, particular!}- adapted office.
to the wants and conditions of the United States.
By Franklin B. Hough, Ph. D., Chief of Forestry U. 8. Depart
ment of Agriculture. Robert Clarke and Co., Cincinnati, Ohio.
Price $3. Parties who are about to renew their subscriptions should first
This is a most praiseworthy effort on the part of the author to take a look at our Clubbing List on page XII. of the advertising
remove some of the difficulties of timber growers, and to encourge pages.
a taste for tree-culture. The book has been wanted a long time by
those who have watched the wholesale destruction and lamented We send books and papers promptly. Those receiving papers
the vandalism of unscrupulous lumbermen, and it will be welcomed with this item marked with a blue pencil, will know that their sub
by thousands who wish to care for and protect the trees they may scription expires with this number.
have left to them. To those who wish to plant trees, the book will
be invaluable, as the instructions it contains are complete and in
the main reliable.
The illustrations, of which there arc many, add very much to Two Dollabs will buy a copy of the Builders' Guide
the worth of the book, as they show in unmistakable characters and Estimaters' Price Book, which is the best book of
the insect enemies of the different kinds of trees, thus enabling
the cultivator to destroy them bofnre they dpstrny the tree?. tlte kind in the mnrket.
THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER. PDeo,
ADVERTISER'S INDEX. Fine Orates and Open Fireplaces—ThoB. S. Saws.

Dixon A Sons xvii II. W. Peace Ul
Fine G'ates and Open Fireplaces—Open Stove
CLASSIFIED. Ventilating Co xiii Richardson H. DUston A
Saw Works
Son
vil
xiv
Art llrial Work and Gas Fixtures. Kdwin A. Jackson ; — viii j
Ornamental Metal Work, Gas Fixtures, etc.—paok B. C. Bibb xvii | Solicitors of Patents.
Mitchell. Vance & Co v Insurance. j E. L. Richards A Co Hi
Artistic Cabinet Hardware-J. B. Shannon A Home Insurance Co .... XV ' Skylights.
Sons IH ! New York Life Insurance Co xl Perforated Metallic Blinds. Skylights, etc.—
National Art Foundry iv Liverpool & London A Globe Insurance Co It Geo. Haves Iv
i Architects. Metropolitan Life Insurance Co vi A. E. Rcn'dle viii
I'niieu States Life Insurance Co xn , E. Van Noorden xvii
Edward Dewson xv Union Mutual Life Insurance Co XV I Knisely Bios. A Miller vl
Equitable Life Assurance Society xi Stone Wash Tubs and Heaters.
Band Saw machines. Hartford Steam-Boiler Insurance Co li I
Rollstone Machine Co viii j Penn. Mutual Life Insurance Co xiv Soap-Stone Wash Tubs, etc.—J. H. Serene
Soap-Stone Heaters—J. G. Porter
xl
xl
Iron Work.
Bella. E. T. Barnum Steam Engines.
Copper and Tin Bells for Churches, Schools, Joseph Todd
etc.—Van Dcuwn A Tift xiv iUautels.
Books. Fine Mantels— Penrhyn Slate Co Steel Shutters.
Jas. Leffel vi Slate Mantels, etc.-Jos. S. Miller ii
xll Fire-Proof Slcel Shntters—Clark Bnnnett A
Useful Books-E. 4 F. N. Spon ii Wood Mantels -C. J. Soyard Co xvll
3. O. Kane xiii | mortar Black. Tools.
Win. T. Comstock xvii French. Richards A Co iv
National Book Co xiii Henrv D. Dupee xiii Perspective Made Easy xiv
Scientific Books—Kcppy v Geo. II. Morrill xvii Hand and Band Saws, etc.—H. W. Peace
Machinists' Tools, etc.—Chas. E Little
iii
vf
Builder*' Hardware and Supplies. Palnta. Tallman A McFadden xvi
Wronght-Iron ningcs. Butts, Bolts, etc.—Stan Atlantic White and Red Lead, Litharge, etc.- Kevstone Saw and File Works, etc.—H.
R. Colgate A Co Dissmn A Sons xll
ley Works Bridgeport Wood Finishing Co xvii J.S. Wilkinson A Son ... xll
Burglar and Fire Alarms, etc.—A. G. Newman. Asahel Wheeler xii B. Shannon A Sons ii
Doors. Sashes, Blinds, Wood Mouldings, etc. Tiles.
C. B. Keogh A Co Drawing Paper.
Steel Stamps—New York Stencil Works xii Sensitive Paper—Thos H. McCollIn Thos. Slretton i
Sash Chains—Thos. Morton Edward Boote 11
Burplar Proof Door Bolts—Hobcrt B Ives. .. xiii Pens. Veneers.
Revolution in Wood-Finishing, etc.—Bridge
port Wood Finishing Co xvii Steel Pens—Joseph Gillott
Eeterbrook Steel Pen Co Spurr's Papered Veneers—Chas. W. Spurr xvi
Porcelain Lined Baths -J. L. Mott xvi Venetian Blinds.
Holt's Patent Gimlet Bits—M. W. Robinson... Iv Photographic OutOts.
Galvanlr.ed Iron Cornices.—Knisely Bros. & E. A H. T. Anthony E. Londerback A Co Ml
Miller Wall Papers.
Door Hangers—Prescott MTg Co Plumbers' Supplies.
G. D. B. Kelley
I. P. Frlnk
xiii
xvii J. L. Mott • xvi Fr. Beck A Co ." vil*
Stoddard Lock Co xii A. E. Jennings. xvii Weather Strips.
F. P. Baker * Co xll I Publications. Patent Metallic Weather Strip Co vil
A. H. Andrews & Co xvii .
J. B. Shannon A Sons , iii Young Scientist
Hydraulic and Sanitary Plumber
xiv Wood-Working Machinery.
vli I
John Mack A Son .. . xvi I National Car Builder *< For Arsenals. Car Shops and House Builder,
U. 8. Mineral Wool Co
Myers Sanitary Depot
xii "' Southern Lumberman
v Wood and Iron XV ! H.AcB. -J. A. Fay A Co
Smith Machine Co..
vil
xiv
XV
Hugenin Manufacturing Co xii Mechanical Engineer xiv New and Second-hand—8. C. Forsalth A Co... H
Musical Visitor ii For Car and House Bnildcrs—Godell A Waters xl
Building Paper. Brick. Tile and Metal Review xiii ForMachinery Panelling. Dovetailing, etc.—Battle Creek
Co Ill
8cott Paper Co — 800 Building ii
C. P. Harris M Tg Co xiii Commercial Traveler vil Fool Power Machinery—W. F. A J. Barnes. . . vl
O'Connor, Kimball A Co xvii Manufacturer and Builder xiv Rotary and Stationary Bed Planers— Roll'tone vi
Chas. E. Little
Brick*.. Banner of Light xiv Machine Co viii
Carpenters' and Builders' Journal. . vil Rowley and Hcrmancc v
Colored and other Brick, Fine Fronts, etc- Decorator and Furnisher ii J. S. Graham A Co Hi A xvi
Peerless Brick Co iV| Southern Manufacturer and Builder. Frank A Co iv
Carpet*. Vlck'i Floral Guide C. B. RogerB vil
Llpplncott's Magazine
Fine Carpets, etc.—W. A J. Sloane I Southern Lumberman
Churcb Furnishing. Pumps.
Silk Banners in Colors and Gold—J. A R. W. A B. Douglass ' xii "Pioneer" Building Paper.
Lamb Ii Delamater Iron Works viii WATER-PROOF, AIR-TIGHT, DURABLE, STRONG.
Cornice*. Galvanized Iron. Roofing. Better and stronger than plaster ; clean, odorless
Knisely Bros. A Miller vi Gravel Roofs, Trinidad Asphalt, etc.—Warren and does uot Blick.
Chemical and Manufacturing Co i SCOTT Used for lining, roofing, ceiling, plastering.
E. Van Noorden xvii Roofing Slate—Penrhyn Slate A Co i PAPER COMPANY. Limited,
Designing. RoofflngTIn Plate-N.A G.Taylor.Philadelphia, 2,0 Manufacturing Paper Dealera,
C. J. Soyard xii Metallic Shingles—Anglo-American Roofing Hi. 27 Worth Sixth Street, PHILADELPHIA, FA., 17. 2. A.
Co *lv Write for sample and prices.
Door Hangers. Kinsely BroB. A Miller vi
Prescott Mfg. Co
Elevators.
Geo. F. Gelbauch iv
Granville Hydraulic Elevator Company I
Reedy's Patent Hoisting Machines, Elevators, ARCHITECTS !
etc.—J. W. Reedy 1
Hydraulic Elevators—OtiB Bros. A Co iv
Clem A Morse v ACCEPT NO OTHER !
Hydraulic and Hand Elevators—L. 8. Graves
A Bon xiv BE SURE THAT YOU RECEIVE TnE GENU I IN ■ AND ONLY TRUE ' OLD STYLE '
N. B. Cnshlng iii
C. H. Mitchell A Co xvii (Makers' Brand of re-dipped or double-coated
Engines.
New Otto Silent • Gas Engine—Schleicher,
Schumm A Co v
Furnaces and Bangea. Fob Public ROOFING TIN
and Privatb Buildings.
Fireplace Heaters and Stoves—Open Stove WHEN YOU SPECIFY IT IN YOUR CONTRACTS.
Ventilating Co xiii
Steam Heating Apparatus—E. Rutzicr iii N. & C. TAYLOR CO., PHILADELPHIA,
John G. Porter iii
Glass. Are the sole importers of the GENUINE « OLD STYLE," »nd everT 001 hear» îiT
Crystalline, Antique Glass, etc.—Wm. Gibson's name and contains their guarantee of quality.
Sons vii BEWARE OF IMITATIONS
Polished Plate and Window—Theo. W. Morris
A Co I THAT ARE FREELY CIRCULATED WITn THE SOLE VIEW OF INJURING THE REPU
Grates and Fenders. TATION OF THE GENUINE «' OLD STYLE."
New and Artistic Designs, etc.—Wm. H. Jack SxKD roR Circulars and Pricis.
son 1
Plain and Artistic Grates—W. H. narrlson A
Bro xvii
r
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This is a reproduction of a library book that was digitized

by Google as part of an ongoing effort to preserve the

A JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ART,

BUILDING, WOOD-WORKING AND DECORATIVE INTERESTS.

FRED. A. HODGSON. . . . . . . • • •• Manager.

of these periodic disasters ? It does seem as though these

put on Westminster Hall, in London. It was made of

PUBLISHED MONTHLY, TTTE are frequently in receipt of inquiries for plans

J ©II MIT® in JffiUMElFiYo Kate I 6

/>>. . v* 2 . Fig. 3.\?3.

Chats with Correspondents. Publisher's Notes.

craze is simply the natural rebellion of intelligent judg

THE recent fire in New York has revived the old

THICKNESS OF WALLS REQUIRED IN BOSTON.

BUILDINGS OTHER THAN DWELLINGS.

THICKNESS OF WALLS REQUIRED IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK.

Editor of the Builder, and Wood-Worker:

ADVERTISER'S INDEX. Hydraulic and Hand Elevators—L. S. Graves Roofing.

"OLD STYLE "BRAND ROOFING TIN PLATE

IN the use of hard woods, these that are dark seem to

THE young workman who desires to become more than

FOR keenness, natural shrewdness and indomitable

CB ' AB ' AC;

Answers. is shown and described in another column of the present issue. —

We deem it our duty to keep our readers advised of the public-don of h]

"OLD STYLE" BRAND ROOFING TIN PLATE

tion, tendered in so kind and prompt a manner, we have

O greater mistake can be made by a person who is

PLAN OF PLANING MILL.

•:Bininq 1%. yVLoiTEii:-

ADVERTISER'S INDEX. Engines. Plumbers' Supplies.

Roof Cretin ii Mais.

TO prevent rats from getting into the basement, the

FroTil Elevation Side .1 ileviitiou, Trout Elevation

Cheap Houses for Alecnamcs

Editor of the Builder and Wood-Worker :

•Aft STATE ST BOSTON

ADVERTISER'S INDEX. Glass. Saws.

to us that some of our American manufacturers of ready-

IT is an acknowledged fact among sensible people, that

equal to that of the thrust when referred to a point in the bottom

THE DEHIDKKATCM OEKTLEMAK « »KES8I!i<J ROOM HBITB

FIG. 2. —BAND SAW SETTING MACHINE.

portunity to people who want houses for choosing such a

THE BUILDER AND WOOD-WORKER

Firot Floor. .Second Floor.

BKinftE-fCirriiUr arc.) Engineer.

•'alrin John. Washington Aqueduct , Ft. 57.25

which is herewith shown. It is the lightest

lighter than the framing and decorating them if practicable with a

Knisely Bros Miller

THE value of technical education to a nation is much

DAMP houses are a fruitful source of discomfort

in the end, and I would advise all who contemplate furnishing or

MEASURING LUMBER—Continued. undermined to such an extent by the waves as to render it neces

The Eddystone Lighthouse.

THE NLW LIGItTHOLSF.

The experiment suggested is simple and inexpensive

HE next matter for consideration is the finish and

chrome in place of the medium. It is not practicable here to give