CHAPTER XI 



lime mortar — plastering in lime and dagga — white-washing — 

 painting — distempering 



Lime Mortar 

 Ordinary mortar, used for binding together stones or bricks in building 

 work, consists of blue lime, sand, and water. The mixing together 

 of these constituents may be performed on a rough platform of wood 

 or old sheet-iron about 10 feet square. The required proportions (1:3) 

 of blue lime and sand are measured out on the platform by means of a 

 box measuring, say, 24 inches by 18 inches by 18 inches, or some such 

 convenient size. The lime and sand are now turned over dry, with a 

 spade, until the mixture assumes a uniform colour throughout. Water 

 is added and the mixture is turned over twice wet, and is then piled 

 in a heap, which is covered with sacks and left for from three to five 

 weeks to " season." The seasoning makes the mortar more plastic, and 

 less harsh to use. When seasoning is complete the mortar will be found 

 to have dried out considerably ; it must therefore be re-mixed with water 

 just before it is used. 



The sand for mortar must be clean and free from clay. It may be 

 tested by rubbing a little in the palm of one hand with the fingers of 

 the other, and noting the extent to which the palm is soiled. Clean sand 

 will not stain the palm. 



Plastering in Lime and Dagga 

 Lime Plastering. — The act of plastering is sometimes referred to as 

 rendering. Mortar for plastering is prepared in the same way as has just 

 been described for ordinary lime mortar. Like the latter it consists of one 

 part blue lime to three parts clean sand, but the sand should be screened 

 through a number 12 (or 12 meshes to the inch) sieve, and only that which 

 passes the sieve should be used. Although it is preferable that perfectly 



