The Universal British Builder. 29

alone may do, and not of consequence sufficient tobe trusted without. In such cases the followingmethod must be adhered to.

First, Level the ground at the bottom of thetrench, and at every quoin, and betwixt at the dis-tance of 3 feet lay bridgings of oak the whole widthof the foundation. Between and level with the topof those lay bricks or stones, and planking of 3 or4 inches thick, to cover the whole; and on themproceed, observing to bed well the planking withgood lome, that the planking may lay solid allalong, and likewise particularly level.

The benefits that arise from a level foundationare, I hope, obvious to every professor of building:for it is not only a guide to keep in that state allthe way up, but a shrewd maxim, that when thisexample is strictly adhered to, (and the materials bfa proportional weight) that its bearings upon the

f pound are equal; and if any settlement should en-ue, it may be every where alike.

With regard to inner walls, it is highly requisitethat the like care be taken; for a sure and levelfoundation is of as much consequence in them as inthe outward walls ; and though they will requiremuch less, yet must they be secured in proportionto their several weights: for if settlements shouldhappen within the house, the whole mass of deco-rations will be disconcerted and rendered defectiveto every eye.

The foundation being secured, we are to considerthe other appurtenances of strength, viz. the walls,centring-groins, floors, bond-timber, lintels, csis-charging-pieces, tassels, plates, girders, roof, tie-beams, &c. which must all bear a proportion toone another, and in every respect adequate to thewhole.

And,