Page:Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal, Volume 1, 1869.djvu/696

 560 The Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal. [Mar., extravagant in price, owing to the neces- sarilj- numerous engravings, that they each had but a meagre sale ; and few of them ever reached the hands of the working Carpenter. The French made many improve- ments in framings ; especially the sys- tem of curbs for domes. And manjr of their old cathedrals are even at this day worthy of attention. Their construc- tion of centering for arches is far in ad- vance of all cotemporary nations. The Germans likewise invented several good methods of framing. Our countrymen are largely indebted to Mr. Peter Nicholson, so famous amongst English writers on Carpentry, for much valuable information, which has had the effect of drawing forth the inventive genius that is so characteris- tic of them ; and many remarkable works have been constructed, on the best principles of framing, which are highly creditable to our nation. The applicability of Iron, to all the uses for which framing is required, has led to a still closer study of the subject ; and Carpentry, instead of losing, on the contrary gains prestige, by the adoption of many of the methods of construction, which that material furnishes ; and, by taking advantage of the many braces, kneelers, shoes, &c, which cast-iron presents. That Carpentry is a subject of very great importance, there can be no doubt, when we consider the paramount neces- sity there exists for its presence in Building. The fact is a conclusive one, that builders, almost invariably, are practical carpenters. And, that they should be such, is very clear; seeing that it is the business of the builder to lay out the lines for the building ; to fur- nish all the necessary wall-plates, floor- ing, frames for doors and windows, roof- in^, &c. Whilst other mechanics devote their attention exclusively to their own particular trade, the Carpenter has the care of the whole ; and is, in truth, a fac-totum, to whom all the branches of mechanic skill look as to a leader. No one, concerned in the various operations of construction, takes such an interest in the whole work as the Carpenter. Hence the ease with which he can assume the role of Builder ; and the confidence with which he becomes a Contractor for struc- tures of an}' extent or cost. The Archi- tect himself must acknowledge the Mas- ter Carpenter as his lieutenant, to whom he gives the custody of his plans, and to whom he looks for the execution of them. A necessity for a thorough knowledge of all the scientific require- ments of his position demands of him an application to their study, which will make him truly a Master Builder. And in that knowledge lies the power to economise material, without incurring the loss of strength. The peculiar province of the Carpen- ter is to prepare piles, sleepers, and planking, or other large timbers, for the foundations. Centerings to vaults, wall- plates, lintels, and bond-timbers, naked flooring, partitioning, roofing, battening to walls, ribbed ceilings to form vault- ing for lath and plaster, &c. The selection of a Carpenter is one of the most important things, which con- cern a building. For, no matter bow excellent may be the designs of the Architect, the best points of his plans may be irretrievably lost by the igno- rance of this one mechanic, so much does success depend upon his ability to execute. The Mason cannot turn an arch, with- out his centering; and the correctness of that arch will depend on the truth of such centering. The Plasterer is likewise dependent on the Carpenter, for his grounds. And here again the accuracy of the Carpen- ter is absolutely requisite. The Slater looks to him for his fit-Id of action. And, in fine, every single artisan, as we have said, is subordinate to this chief; who, call him Contractor, Builder, or Superintendent, is the Car- penter; and must possess the knowl- edge required for his office, as controller of the works.