FG UN DA TIONS. 2 2 7 



hard, tough, close-grained and durable. Upon its closeness 

 of grain and non-porosity depend its non-absorbent proper- 

 ties, without which the stone is likely to disintegrate along 

 its layers. A stone with a granular texture is likely to crumble 

 in weathering to a greater extent than one with a crystalline 

 formation. Before determining upon a building stone, and 

 where a choice is possible, investigation as to its possible use- 

 fulness for the particular service required should be made by 

 an examination of the effects of exposure and service upon 

 like stone in any old structure, or by an examination of the 

 quarry, where the effects of weathering and decomposition 

 should be carefully observed, noting whether the stone has 

 disintegrated to an appreciable extent, or has corroded, or 

 whether the old lines of fracture remain sharp and fresh. 

 Where a new quarry is to be opened, and there is any doubt 

 as to the character of the stone, it should be subjected to 

 artificial tests such as crushing, abrasion, etc. 



The more common and serviceable building stones are 

 granite, limestone and sandstone, in their several varieties. 

 The cost of quarrying such stone will depend upon such fac- 

 tors as the wages of the quarrymen, the mechanical facilities 

 for such work, as well as the amount of "stripping" neces- 

 sary, and other items likely to affect their cost. Roughly, 

 stone can be quarried at from 40 to 80 cts. per cubic yard, 

 varying in different localities and unlike conditions. 



Stone masonry is of various classes, but for such foun- 

 dation work as the foundations for stand-pipes, it may be 

 assumed that it will be either ashlar, range rubble, or rubble, 

 laid in cement-mortar. 



Ashlar is the highest grade of masonry; it is squared 

 dimension-stone, cut with varying degrees of nicety, and is 

 consequently considered as first class, second class, etc., 

 owing to the finish required. 



Owing to the care necessary for its preparation, it would 



