SPECJF2CA TIONS. 297 



this margin in the original limits when the specifications are 

 drawn. 



" (18) Many producers object to specifications on the ground 

 that they are annoying and harassing, and really serve no good 

 purpose. It is to be feared that the complaint is just in the 

 cases of many unwisely drawn specifications. But it should 

 be remembered that a good reasonable specification, carefully 

 worked out, as the result of the combined effort of both producer 

 and consumer, and which is rigidly enforced, is the best possible 

 protection which the honest manufacturer can have against 

 unfair competition. 



" (19) Many consumers fear the effect of specifications on 

 prices. Experience seems to indicate that after a specification 

 has passed what may be called the experimental stage, and is 

 working smoothly, prices show a strong tendency to drop below 

 figures prevailing before the specification was issued. 



" (20) A complete workable specification for material represents 

 a very high order of work. It should combine within itself the 

 harmonized antagonistic interests of both the producer and the 

 consumer, it should have the fewest possible requirements con- 

 sistent with securing satisfactory material, should be so com- 

 prehensive as to leave no chance for ambiguity or doubt, and 

 above all should embody within itself the results of the latest 

 and best studies of the properties of the material which it covers." 



Unfortunately the design and construction of water-towers has 

 not always proceeded along lines identical with the principles 

 stated. 



Departure from the rules of good practice may, in certain 

 cases, be attributed to dishonest motives,, but it is very certain 

 that in the large majority of cases, failure to make proper provision 

 for such constructive work has arisen largely through ignorance 

 both cf the requirements of the structure and of its constructive 

 material and workmanship. 



As has been said, the inability to procure definite and reliable 



