imeye) JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGS. 
the correctness of the statement as given by a quarryman) something 
that throws light on our neglected resources. Valuable and durable 
as the freestones are they scarcely pay the cost of extraction. 
The proprietors of the quarries complain that the demand for 
the material is greatly lessened by the preference given by the 
stonecutters and masons of the city to imported sandstones, 
softer and more easily worked into the required shape. Admitting 
that it is more difficult to dress (the fact points to superiority as re- 
gards durability), then why should you, I ask, “City Fathers,” 
Hamilton Aldermen, favor the introduction of an inferior article 
because an influential body possessing votes ‘‘ for civic honors” may 
mar the chances of success at election time? Anticipating objections 
to what I have already stated regarding the stones used for public 
and private buildings in this city, I have examined as far as I could, 
without intrusion, a good many edifices within the limits. Of course 
the examination was restricted to the portion appearing above the 
ground (except in a few cases.) I found as a general rule the 
material was carefully selected, and the absence of destructive agents 
proved that masons must have taken pains to reject objectionable 
material, such as shaly limestones, for instance. I have every reason 
to believe, however, that the same care has not been displayed re- 
garding the foundations. Indurated shale or, in plainer words, 
hardened mud is too frequently substituted for the basement, be- 
cause it may be purchased at a cheaper rate by some greedy con- 
tractor, than a more enduring substance. I need scarcely remark 
how important it is that the foundation should be firm and unyield- 
ing, capable of sustaining the very great pressure of the superin- 
cumbent walls, etc. About two or three years ago I met a mechanic 
(apparently) at the head of the Jolley Cut, who informed me he had 
invested a little money in the purchase of a house in Hamilton, 
and the basement was crumbling away. It proved to be indurated 
shale, and he gradually replaced it by a more durable material. 
In the Clinton beds here there are many layers which may be 
safely used as foundation stones, especially the upper green band. 
The hard grey sandstone beds are very compact. ‘There may be a 
little difficulty in dressing it on that account, though probably not 
much shaping would be necessary. ‘“‘ Experience has everywhere 
proved,” remarks Dr. Jas. Hall, of Albany, “that the brown sand or 
freestones are not durable; their destructibility is not only due to 
