Page:Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal, Volume 1, 1869.djvu/499

 1868.] Foundations. 405 has cleared awaj r, plainly diocern your position. Equanimity of temper is a most es- sential characteristic, for no business is so beset by vexations, trials and difficul- ties, as that of building houses — there are so many mechanics, and dealers in materials of every kind, each urging his own individual interests, perhaps to the detriment of all ; some, by their dilatori- ness and delay, causing the whole enter- prise to lag ; for, as said before, each branch is dependent upon the others. Others find, when too late, that their contract is not as favorable as it might be ; and are trying to get out ; and some are trying to overreach. All clamoring, with perhaps much suspicion of the builders' solvency, make the concern a perfect Babel of confusion, to the inex- perienced ; and indeed, it is enough to drive a saint frantic. Now for one man to control all these discordant elements; to still the troubled waters ; and, amidst all the violence and turbulence of other men's passions, to be himself, as calm as a summer's morn, is as necessary to his success, as it is to his health ; for it is only with perfect equanimity of temper, he can view his position fairly ; and, while commanding respect, compel and enforce acquiescence in his plans and determination. A man possessing all these qualifica- tions may become a successful builder ; yet, if he lack steadiness, abstinence from spirituous liquors they are all worthless ; and he will utterly fail in ac- complishing any thing. How many a brilliant genius has shot across our gaze like a meteor, and disappeared forever; sunk irrevocably, beyond all redemption, from the effects of drink! It is a vice, that in its vortex engulfs all the nobler qualities of man. No matter what may be his abilities, his intentions, or his generous virtues, they all succumb to this fell destroyer ; and the poor wretch that panders to his appetite for drink, after a brief space (fluttering like the moth around the lighted candle) is shriveled body and soul ; and hangs, panting on the brink of life, only wait- ing for God to give him rest. Men, beware! It is the rock upon which many a noble man has split. Steer clear of it. Touch it not. You are surrounded by temptations, greater, perhaps, than any other class of business men ; but I beseech you shun the in- toxicating bowl. Through the columns of this book, devoted to the interests of builders, may my feeble voice be heard ; and if the headlong career of only one man be checked, great is my reward ! Builder. FOUNDATIONS. MITCHELL'S SCREW-PILE, & o. By Charles P. Dwyer, Architect. THE form of Mitchell's Screw-Pile is that of a two-bladed propeller. The end of the shaft is pointed and steel- topped. The shaft is solid, and con- nected with hollow continuations, by screwing. These continuations, or hol- low shafts, are screwed on, as long as there is a demand for them. The boring is effected by means of a capstan, with any necessaiy number of arms or bars, to be worked by a gang of men sufficing for the difficulty of the location. It is necessary only to go down, say ten feet ; for, the hold, which the blade, or thread, of the screw-pile takes on the material, through which it is driven, is sufficient to secure the pile thoroughly. To increase the assurance of this hold,