Tms work has been compiled, not with the View of super seding any of the works already published dealing with the architectural or geometrical side of the stone — cutter's art, but as a means of introducing the student of Masonry to the practical work of everyday life in the workshop and on the building. It has no pretensions to instruct skilled workmen, but is intended to initiate young beginners in the craft into the rules and principles of good masonry. It is the result of many years' attentive observation and practical experience, acquired by the Author first as an Operative stone-mason, and afterwards as a foreman mason, on some of our largest public buildings.