The inception of the work, its original designs, and the entire system, are mine. Whatever is found in it purely literary and scientific, I cheerfully attribute to his assistance. And believing that the work will supply a pressing want, and will be useful both to those who are devoted to the Mechanic Arts and to Amateurs who have felt the necessity of a faithful guide in house-building and other structures, especially in new settlements, I can confidently commend it to them as supplying this deficiency.