1883. 137 Trans. N. Y. Ac. Scz. 



limestones of the highest promise of durability, allied to that employed 

 in Salisbury Cathedral : refractory sandstones, like some of those of 

 Ohio and other Western States, particularly fitted for introduction 

 into business buildmgs in the " drygoods district," storage houses, etc., 

 where a fire-proof stone is needed ; and highly silicious varieties of 

 Lower Silurian sandstones, such as occur near Lake Cham plain, quartz- 

 ytic and hard to work, like the Craigleith stone of Edinburgh, but 

 possessing the valuable qualities of that fine stone, in resisting discol- 

 oration, notwithstanding its light color, and in remarkable resistance to 

 disintegration. 



As it is, we have many and need many varieties of stone for our va- 

 rious objects, but do not know how to use them. It is pitiable to see 

 our new buildings erected in soft and often untried varieties of stone, 

 covered with delicate carvings of foliage and flower-garlands, which 

 are almost certain to be nipped off by the frost before the second gen- 

 eration of the owner shall enter the house. It is now time for one who 

 loves stone to express his indignation at the careless and wasteful way 

 in which a good material is being misused. 



DISCUSSION. 



Mr. F. CoLLiNGWooD remarked on the durability of the stone 

 (Trenton limestone) used in Montreal, and on the general need of 

 well established rules for the selection of stone. He suggested for 

 investigation, the subject of the effect of internal moisture on ce- 

 ments, /. e., whether the slow percolation of rain-water through the 

 cement in the joints of masonry, e. g., in an arch, is likely to in- 

 jure the integrity of the structure, producing serious damage by 

 the disintegration of the cement. 



A Visitor, a practical builder, stated that at present, in New 

 York, the struggle of competition tended to produce satisfaction 

 with temporary effects, and the mere question of cost was at the 

 bottom of the hasty selection and cheap construction. Neverthe- 

 less, as nice workmanship in stone could be seen, and was being 

 executed in New York to-day, as in any other place in the world. 

 He asked for further explanation, and felt it due to the trade to 

 say that stones were generally treated badly from ignorance rather 

 than from intention. It was the duty of those wlio know all about 

 these things, to inform those who had to build and work the stone 

 all about its properties and capabilities, and then some good result 

 might ensue. He himself felt the necessity of further knowledge 



