From the INTRODUCTION.
The art of bricklaying is unique in that the fundamental principles of brick work today are not unlike those exemplified by the oldest ruins of thousands of years ago. The bricklayer also stands almost alone, as one who has not been obliged to compete in his trade with women, with machinery, or with foreign manufacturers.
Each old country has had its local methods of bricklaying; but not until the last score of years have bricklayers, coming to America from all countries, bringing their best local methods with them, learned from each other and adopted the best of each others, methods.
The purposes of this book are as follows:
(a) To put in writing that knowledge which has been handed down by word of mouth from journeyman to apprentice for generations.
(b) To record methods of handling labor, materials and plant on brick work that will reduce costs and at the same time enable the first-class workman to receive higher pay.
(c) To enable an apprentice to work intelligently from his first day. and to become a proficient workman in the shortest possible time.