68 



THE ' SMALL COUNTRY PLACE 



Mixing Cement and Sand. 



In making a solid wall or blocks of cement it should 

 be with the idea that they are to last for centuries, but 

 this cannot be unless cement of the best quality is used 

 and thoroughly mixed with the best of sand. In mix- 

 ing, a layer of sand (two, three or four parts) is spread out 



FIG. 17 A Machine for Making Hollow Concrete Blocks. 



evenly on the bottom of the mortar-bed; one part of 

 cement is spread evenly over it, and then the mass is 

 shovelled over back and forth until thoroughly mixed, 

 when water is added and the mass is given another 

 thorough mixing. For making solid walls or laying up 

 rustic stone, cement should be as soft as it can be made 

 to hold to the stones and should be used as soon as made. 

 For the moulds, what is called the dry mixture is most 



