Neve 1703

T. S. [Richard Neve ?], Arts Improvement: Or, Choice Experiments and Observations in Building, Husbandry, Gardening, Mechanicks, Chimistry, Painting, Japaning, Varnishing, Guilding, Inlaying, Embossing, Carving, Preserving several Things in their Natural Shape and Colour. And in other Arts and Sciences Profitable and Pleasant…, London [D. Brown] 1703.

pp. 1–2

CHAP. I.
Experiments and Observations
MECHANICAL.

PROEM.

BY Mechanical Experiments, &c. We would have the Ingenious Reader to understand them to be such as relate to the Practices of Artificers, or Handicrafts Men; and not that part of the Mathematicks which is commonly call’d Mechanicks; which Explains the Nature of the Leaver, the Wheel, the Pully, the Wedg, the Screw, &c. Furthermore, as these Handicraft Arts or Trades, so likewise are the Work-men themselves often stiled Mechanicks; a word ignorantly used amongst the Vulgar, by way of Contempt; whereas there are scarce any Faculties more necessary to Humane Life. It’s observed also, that some great Scholars and Learned Disputants, do deride those Handicraft Arts; tho’ at the same time they cannot deny, that it’s from the Illiterate and contemned Mechanick (a Name of disgrace with them) that we have received the Improvements of divers useful Arts; of which divers instances might be given, if it were requisite, to vindicate their Cause against their Opponents: I shall rather add, that Mechanicks or Handicrafts-men, are necessary Members in any Common-wealth: For tho’ Nature, which hath Armed most Creatures, sent Man Naked into the World; yet in giving him Hands, and Wit to use them, She did in Effect, give him Shells, Scales, Paws, Claws, Horns, Tusks, with all offensive and defensive Weapons of Beasts, Fish and Fowl, which by the help of his Hands, in imitation, he may provide for himself. And herein, consists the skill of the Handicrafts-Man; his Trade is such, whereby he provides things necessary for Mankind. What St. Paul saith, 1 Cor. 12. 22. of the Natural, is true also of the Politick Body; those Members of the Body are much more necessary, which seem most feeble: Mean Trades for Profit are most necessary in the State; and a House may better want a Gallery than a Kitchin. The Philistines knew this, when they Massacred all the Smiths in Israel (who might worse be spared than all the Usurers therein) and whose Hammers Nail the Common-wealth together, being necessary both in Peace and War. These Arts contribute to Man’s Lawful Pleasure. GOD is not so hard a Master, but he alloweth his Servants Sauce (besides Hunger) to eat with their Meat. The Mechanick is also a grand Benefactor to the Common-wealth. England in former Ages, like a dainty Dame, partly out of State, but more out of Laziness, would not suckle the Fruit of her own Body, to make the best advantage of, and improve her own Commodities, but put them out to Nurse to the Netherlanders, who were well paid for their Pains. In those days, the Sword and the Plough so took up all Mens Imployments, that Cloathing was wholly neglected; which Calling now employs several Thousands of divers Trades or Callings: Nay, I shall further add, that the Almighty Creator and Maker of all things, has not superseeded to shew his value of Vulgar Arts. In the whole History of the First Monarchs of the World, from Adam to Noah, there is no mention of their Wars, or their Victories: All that is Recorded, is this; they lived so many Years, and taught their Posterity to keep Sheep, to Till the Ground, to Plant Vineyards, to dwell in Tents, to Build Cities, to Play on Organs and Harps, and to Work in Brass and Iron. Having said thus much by way of Proem, before I proceed to the Matter intended, I shall here acquaint the Reader with the meaning of those Terms which I shall make use of in this Chapter for the Titles of Paragraphs: I design to divide this Chapter into Five Paragraphs: The First shall be Stiled Fabrile; The Second, Sartorian; and the Third Chymico-Mechanical; The Fourth, Mathematico-Mechanical, The Fifth, Miscelanio-Mechanical. By the Word Fabrile, I would be understood, to mean all such Works or Operations as do chiefly appertain to Houses or Utensils, whether for Necessity, or Nakedness, or Recreation: By Sartorian, I mean, such things as Relate to Cloathing of all sorts, whether Silk, Linen, Woollen, &c. and of the Preparation of the Stuffs of its making, &c. Thickening, Colouring or Dying, and making into Form, of Folding, &c. Preserving of such Stuffs; Cleansing, Taking out of Spots, &c. By Chymico-Mechanical, I mean only such kind of Works or Trades as relate to the Preparation of Minerals (or other Fossils) and Vegetable Substances, &c. And also Concreates thereby, adapting them for other Mechanical or Domestick uses. By Mathematico-Mechanical, I mean such Experiments and Observations, as depend upon some Mathematical Principles, as making of Maps, Globes, and other Curious Mathematical Instruments, &c. By Miscelanio Mechanical Experiments and Observations, I would be understood to mean such Experiments and Observations, as we cannot well Comprehend under none of the other Four Paragraphs.

pp. 3–4

PARAG. I.
Of Fabrile Experiments and Observations.

OUR Fabrile Paragraph, shall commence with Observations and Experiments which have been made on Materials relating to Building: And our First Number shall consist of such as have been made on that useful and durable Material Brick.

(1.) Bricks (all know) are made of a Reddish Earth, (which in some places is call’d Loam) of which it is observ’d, that it is best to be dig’d up in Winter, but not to be made out all the Spring Season into Bricks. It is observed also, that in every Clamp or Brick-kiln, (besides the goodness or badness of the Earth, and the well or ill managing of it) there are Three degrees of Brick in goodness: The First and best fort, are those which in burning, lye next the Fire in the Kiln or Clamp; which, if they have much of Saltpeter in them, they will run, and be as it were glazed all over; these, for lasting, exceed all the rest in that Kiln, altho’ the Earth and making be the same.

The Second and most general fort for Building, are those which lye next in the Kiln to those already mentioned.

The Third and worse fort, are those that lye on the outside of the Kiln, where the Fire hath not so much power as it hath over those nearer; and of those (outside Bricks) that lye on the Wind-side of the Clamp or Kiln in the time of Burning, are the worst of all; for they will moulder and turn to Dust. Platf. for Purch. &c. 129.

To excite the Ingenious, I shall here recite what the Ingenious Mr. Worlrige hints at, in his Syst. Agric. p. 237. relating to this Head, viz. It may be queried, Why (with such a Composition as Tiles are made with) might not Window-Frames, Chimny-Pieces, and Door-Cases, be form’d in Molds? That when they are burnt, may be set together with a fine Red Cement, and seem to be as one intire Piece; whereby might be imitated all Stone-work now used in Buildings, it would very well supply its defect, where Stones are scarce and dear; and also may save much Timber, which is now used in Brick Buildings, and appear much more Compleat and Beautiful, and be of more Strength and longer Continuance than Timber, or ordinary Brick, and (as I conceive) is very visible, by the Earthen-Pipes that have been made fine, thin and durable, to carry Water under the Ground at Portsmouth; and by the Earthen Backs, and Grates for Chimneys, made for Sir John Winter, formerly at Charing-Cross, of a great bigness and thickness; which are evident and sufficient Demonstrations of the possibility of making Work fine, thin, and light, for Tiles, either Plain or Crooked; and for making of great Work in Molds, and thro’ burning them, for Doors, Windows and Chimneys. This is one of the most visible and benificial Operations that I know in England to be neglected.

(2.) It hath been observed, that 4500 of (Statute) Bricks, will make a Rod of Wall at one Brick and a half Thick; and that a Brick-layer with a diligent Labourer, in sound and New Work (all Materials being ready) will lay about 1000 Bricks or upward in a Day.

It is likewise observed, that a Molder or Striker of Bricks, with his Attendants, can strike about 9000 of Bricks in a Day.

You are here to note, That by a Rod of Brick-work, is meant, Sixteen Foot and half Square, at a Brick and half thick: And that by Statute-Bricks is meant, such which are Nine Inches long, Four and a half broad; Two and a quarter thick.

pp. 4–5

Observations of Mortar, &c.

(3.) Of Mortar: It hath been observed about London, that about one Hundred and a Quarter of Lime, and Two and a half Load of Sand, will make sufficient quantity of Mortar to lay a Rod of Brick-work: About a quarter of which, will lay a Square of Tiling; but for this, the Mortar must be dryer and better made. It hath been observed, that their Mortar in former Ages, was far better than ours in this Age; for when they built with small and unequal Stones, their Cement or Mortar far exceeded ours, as is most evident from the Ruins of Old Monasteries, Castles, &c. where the Mortar is far harder than any of our more Modern Buildings.

It is observed, that some Masons and Bricklayers, &c. are in a great Error, to let their Lime slacken and cool before they make up their Mortar; and also to let their Mortar cool and dye before they use it, the contrary Method hath been observed by some, viz. to work up their Lime quick, and but a little at a time, that the Mortar may not lye long before they use it; and if it be used with Stone, to be sure let the Stones be dry; for which purpose the Summer Season is to be Elected.

But for Bricks, If they are laid in the Winter, let them be dry also; but if they are laid in the Summer, then let them be wet; for it will quit your Cost to employ a Boy to wet them in the Summer, for they will Unite with the Mortar the better. Syst. Agri. 238.

(4.) I have heard an old Mason say, that he hath observed that if in their Mortar, there were any little Stones of Lime that were not run; that this would heave up Tiles in the covering of Houses, &c. And he further added, That one time above all the rest, when they were building of a Brick Stable, he did observe, that Three or Four of the upmost Course of Bricks, were heaved up by such Mortar where the Lime was not totally Slackned (or Run, as he Phrased it.) He said, therefore it was their Custome to let their Mortar lye sometime after it was made, to prevent such accidents: He faith they use Fourty Eight Bushels of Sand to Thirty Two of Lime.

He being ask’d, Whether Mortar were not strongest if it were made while the Lime was in Stone, viz. while it was very new, before it was in the least Slackned? He answer’d in the affirmative; but then faith he, it doth require abundance of Water to make it into Mortar; and that’s the Reason we commonly let it Run of it self before we use it.

p. 5

Observations of Lime.

(5.) It hath been observed by some, that Lime made of soft Chalk, is not so good as that which is made of the hardest fort. Compatible to this, is that of Sir H. Wotton, in’s Elem. Archi. who says, it must be confessed, that to make Lime without any great choice of refuse Stuff, as we commonly do, is an English Error, of no small moment in our Buildings: Whereas the Italians at this Day, and much more the Ancients, did burn their firmest Stone, and even fragments of Marble, where it was copious; which in time became almost Marble again, or at least, of indissolvable durity, as appeareth in the standing Theatres and Temples; as the Temple of Romulus, for Instance, which Dr. Burnet saw in his Travels, which has been built these 2400 Years; as also Titus’s Amphitheater and Arch, which are 1600 Years. We have also here in England some Buildings of great Antiquity; I shall instance but one at present, viz. Dover Castle, which is reported to have been built by Julius Cæsar, or Arviragus; but let it be either of them, it must be above 1600 Years Old.

pp. 5–6

Observation of Sand, &c.

(6.) Of Sand and Water in making of Mortar: It hath been observed, that if you cannot have your choice of Lime, it’s a thing of no small importance, to make choice of good Sand and Water to make good Mortar; for all Sand that is dusty, makes the Mortar the weaker; and the rounder the Sand, the stronger the Mortar, as is usually observed in Water-drift Sand; That makes better Mortar than Sand out of the Pit.

Therefore, if you have occasion for Extraordinary Mortar, wash your Sand in a Tub, till the Water, after much stirring, come off clear; and mix that with New Lime, and your Mortar will be very hard and durable. It hath been observed, that if the Water be foul, dirty or muddy, by so much will your Mortar be the weaker. Syst. Agri. 239.

(7.) Of a durable, cheap, and very hard Mortar or Cement, much used in some Parts of Sussex, to make Cisterns for to wet their Corn in for the making of Malt; and also for making of Floors for their Couch, or heap of water’d Corn to lye and grow, or come on, as the Rustick Phrases it: These Floors, if well made, are very smooth and hard, almost like a Stone. This Mortar is made of Lime, (which must be good and unslacked, viz. new in the Stone) and Brook-Sand (viz. Such as is by some call’d Water-drift Sand, i. e. such as is washed down into the Rivers) and the dust of Iron from the Forge, (commonly call’d Hamildur:) This Anvil Dust must be beat very small, and so well mixed and temper’d with the Sand and Lime. With this Mortar, I have known several Cisterns made, which did as well as those which were made with Tarris, which is far more Chargeable. But you are here to Note, That the best Season to make these (as well as other Cisterns) is in the Summer, and to let them stand a Month, Two or Three, according as the Season is, that it may be thro’ dry, before you use it.

pp. 6–9

New Observations.

(8.) Of another fort of Mortar or Cement for Cisterns; and also something observable of making Pools to hold Water.

It is common to lay Stone or Brick with Tarris, and it will keep Water very well; or you may make a Cement to join your Brick or Stone withal, with a Composition made of slacked, sifted Lime and Linseed Oyl, Temper’d together with Tow, or Cotton Wool. It hath been observed, that the following Method will make Cisterns to hold Water very well; which is thus: First, lay a Bed of good Clay, and on that, lay your Bricks for the Floor; then raise the Wall round about, leaving a convenient space behind the Wall to ram in Clay, which may be done as fast as you raise the Wall; so that when it is finished, it will be a Cistern of Clay, Wall’d within with Brick: If this be made in a Cellar, or some damp Place, the Brick will keep the Clay moist (altho’ the Cistern be empty of Water) that it will never Crack. This I have known to hold Water perfectly well in a shady place, tho’ not in a Cellar. Thus, in a Garden or other places may such Cisterns be made in the Earth, and cover’d over, the Rain Water being conveyed thereto, by declining Channels running into it; into which, the Alleys and Walks may be made to cast their Water in hasty Showers; also in or near Houses, may the Water that falls from them be deducted thereunto.

It’s Observed, as an usual way, to make Pools or Ponds of Water on Hills and Downs for Cattel, by laying a good Bed of Clay near half a Foot thick; and after a long and laborious ramming thereof, then lay another Course of Clay about the same thickness, and ram that also very well; then Pave it with Flints very well, or other Stones, which not only preserves the Clay from the tread of the Cattle, &c. but from chapping of the Wind or Sun when the Pool is empty. Note also, That if there be the least hole or chap in the bottom, it will never hold Water, unless you renue the whole Labour. Systm. Agri. 105.

(9.) Of an exceeding strong and lasting Cement or Mortar, fit for a Sun-Dial on a Wall; it hath been observed, that Lime and Sand (Brook Sand is best) and some Hair, being well temper’d with a sufficient quantity of Linseed-Oyl, this spread upon a Wall, will harden to the hardness of a Stone, and not decay in many Ages: Where Note, that if you cannot get Oyl, Scummed or Fleet Milk (as it’s call’d in some Places) will do indifferent well; this will last fix times as long as common Plaster, with Lime, Hair and Water. Poligr. 27.

(10.) Of an Excellent Cement for Earthen-Pipes, &c. A very ingenious Man, (faith Esq; Boil) much imploy’d about costly Water-works and Dams, assures me, That the best way to join together, and, if need be, piece and mend with a close and lasting Cement, the Pipes that are used for Subterraneal Aquaducts, that are long to hold running Water, is to take good Clay (such as Tobacco-Pipes are made of) and having dry’d it, and reduced it to very fine Powder, and mixt good store of short Flocks with it, beat it up very diligently, with as much Linseed-Oyl as will serve to bring it to a stiff Past, almost like well kneaded Dow.

This Past, he fashions into Pipes of the length and bigness required, which tho’ they will be long a drying in the Air, yet when once throughly dry, are very stanch and lasting. Boil’sUseful. of Nat. Phylos.

(11.) Of an Excellent Mortar, Cement or Lute, which will endure the Fire. That sort of Mortar or Cement which is fitted for the Construction of Furnices, whether Chymical or others, is to be made with Red Clay, not too fat, least it be Subject to Chinks; nor too lean or sandy, least it bind not enough. This Clay must be wrought in Water, wherein store of Horse-dung and Chimny soot hath been steeped, and mixt together; by which, a Salt is Communicated to the Water binding the Clay, and making it fit to abide the Fire: This hath been observed, to do exceeding well for Chymical Furnices. It is observed also, to do well in Luting of Chymical Vessels, viz. to arm or spread about either Glass or Earthen Vessels which are expos’d to the open Fire; but then you must add to the Clay, common Salt, or the Caput Mortuum of Aqua-Fortis, beaten or ground Glass, and Scales of Iron falling from the Anvil in the Smith’s Forge: By this Composition, a Lute may be made so resisting to the Fire, that it will be impenetrable to Vapours; insomuch, that it will serve instead of Retorts, when the length and violence of Flaming Fire which is usually given at the end of Mineral Operations, hath melted the Glass ones. De. Feb. Chym. 96.

(12.) It hath been observed, that in Italy, they much use this Receipt for Plastering of their Ceilings, Floors or Walls, viz. They take fine Loam or Clay, into which they put Bullocks Blood instead of Water, well tempering and mixing it together; this, when dry, will be a very strong and binding Substance; and being well smoothed, it will glister and become very hard: The worst of it is, that it hath a smell which is a little offensive at first, but as it hardens and drys, it will lose this scent. Ricab. 55.

(13.) Of a Plaster wherewith Floors are made. In Nottinghamshire (faith Mr. Speed) there grows a Stone which is softer than Alabaster, but being burnt, it will make a Plaster harder than that of Paris, wherewith they Floor their upper Rooms; for betwixt the Joystes they lay long Bulrushes, and there spread their Plaster, which when it’s throughly dry, becomes so solid and hard, that it seemeth rather to be firm Stone than Mortar; and it is troden upon without any fear or danger.

(14.) Of a Serviceable and useful Plaster for Muring [or Walling] much used in some Parts of Kent, for the external Wall of their Houses, the which they call Rough casting; which is commonly laid over Timber and all, in some kind of Ornamental Work, according to the Fancy of the Artificer, viz. In Rhombs (or Diamonds) Circles, Squares, or mixt of some or all of these; or some Flourishes or Trail work. They first, next to the Laths, lay on a Plaster, which they work in their Ornamental Figures: This Plaster is of Lime, Sand, (Brook, or Water-drift Sand is best) Hair, and Anvil Dust from the Smiths Forge, or Dust of the Boaring of Guns; but for want of this, Iron-Mine-Dust is used. When this Plaster is laid on, they commonly (if they can procure it) stick it full of small pieces of broken Glass, which not only makes it more durable, but also adds a Luster to it, Shimpering against the Sun-Beams, which makes it seem very pleasing to the Beholders. per. Autho.

(15.) Of a Profitable and cheap Mortar for Buildings, wherein, either no Lime, or but a small quantity shall be requisite. A Wise, Ancient, and Rich Soap-boyler dwelling without Aldgate, hath, for the Encouragement of others, long since Erected a Fair and stately Building of Brick for his own Habitation; upon the good success whereof, he hath lately Built another House of no small Charge: The Mortar of which, did consist of Two Loads of wast Soap-Ashes, one Load of Lime, one Load of Loame, and one Load of Wooll, with Sand, temper’d together.Sir H. Plat’s Jewel-House.

(16.) Another Soap-boyler of good Credit and Experience, hath used only Loame and Soap-Ashes, temper’d and wrought together instead of Mortar; with which, he hath laid the Foundation, and Built the Chimneys of his Dwelling House in Southwark, which hath endured many Storms already, which have overturned many Tunnels of Chimneys, both New and Old, which were Built with common Mortar: I doubt not (faith Sir Hugh Plat) but that some Bricklayers and Lime-burners, will oppose this New Practice; but if these Three Observations are not sufficient, I can back them with Three score more, which have been already made within the City and Suburbs of London; so that whoever takes a careful view of our late Buildings of Brick (especially within the Suburbs of the City) shall find great store of these wast Ashes imployed in Building. He proceeds, and faith, by the Example of these Two Men, many others of late, have used many Hundred Loads of these Ashes, and would have used many Thousand Loads more before this time, but that they find this Mortar very Corrosive, and fretting their Hands in useing it, and rough in laying, more than common Mortar. These Two slender Faults (of this Mortar, faith he) may soon be Remedied, tho’ the first of these, I take to be none, but rather an Excellent quality approbate to the Nature of Mortar: And for the Encouragement of Builders, I shall here give them the best of Advice or Counsel, as to this Matter; which shall be such, as I dare undertake to Warrantise, upon my Credit, if carefully performed. And First, as to the roughness of it, any one that is not Blind, may see which way to remedy it; for if it be either ground or beat in fine Powder before it be mixt with the Sand, it will be brought to a smoother Temper: And as for the Charge in powdering it, I dare ingage, that the profit of a Days Labour, will answer the Charge of Three Men’s Wages, in the difference of the Price of a Load of these Ashes, and One Hundred of Lime. Then as to the Corrosiveness, it may in some sort be avoided by wearing of Gloves, without which, they seldom lay any Bricks, to avoid the like Effects which they find in Limed Mortar: But for an assured Remedy (if the same be such as cannot be endured by the Bricklayers) let these wast Ashes be re-imbibed with Water, for a considerable time, till some part of the Salt be separated from it; and then, without question, it will be gentle enough, and much of its fretting nature taken away. He farther addeth; I will pass over the Use of them, in Paving the Streets, and laying of Bowling-Alleys wherein many Hundred Loads of these Ashes, are yearly consumed in London and the Suburbs. Ibid.

p. 10

Observations of White-washing.

(17.) Of White-washing Plaster’d Walls; It must be supposed, that the Wall is very well Plastered with fine Plaster well layed; after which, you may Whiten it with Lime-Milk, very clear, which I shall by and by describe. The Wall should be very well wet with Water; for all the Secret consists in the Whitening’s not drying too fast, but rather very slowly, which gives the Lime time to fix it self, drying leisurelly; and being thus managed, the Walls will neither white your Hands nor your Clothes: If there were any dirt upon the Wall, it ought to be scraped off. It will do also upon Freestone, it being struck over Two or Three times; after a while (viz. an Hour or Two) strike it over with the palm of your Hand, and it will Pollish it like Marble. Lemer. Mod. Curios.

p. 10–11

Of making Lime-Milk.

(18.) The best Lime Milk is made after the Lime hath been a long time slacked, into which, having put a sufficient quantity of Water, it must be stirred till it make a white Froth on the top, which must be immediately taken off and kept for use. The last passing over, it ought to be with Milk of unslacked Lime, that the White may have the better Gloss. Ibid.

(19.) Of another way of White-washing: It must be first done over with Lime and Black, well layed by Rule and Plummet, and be rubbed over smooth, then Whiten it Three or Four times together with Lime-Milk: The First White must be very clear; the Second, somewhat thicker; and the Third, more, so putting to it more or less Water, as you think fit. This way may be called the best, most beautiful and quickest of all. Ibid.

(20.) Of a Way used in France, to Rub and Colour Plaster’d, Ceilings and Floors:

You must scrape it very well, then take Urine and Soot of a Chimney, or of an Oven is better; mix and dissolve it well, letting it infuse Two Days; then with a Brush, rub the Floor or Ceiling, and let them dry before you walk over them; when dry, rub them as you do Boarded Floors. Ibid.

(21.) For the Satisfaction of the Curious, I shall here add, the Method of making the Plaster of the Ancients, wherewith they made their Ground for that Noble Way of Fresco Painting, so much esteem’d by the Ancient Greeks, and since by the Romans. Plutarch tells us, that Aratus, the Great Commander under Ptolomy King of Ægypt, spared the sacking of a City, purely for the Excellency of Fresco Painting, that was upon the Walls and outside of the Houses. It hath also been much in esteem amongst the Germans, who had several Towns of it rarely done; which were ruined in the Wars betwixt the Emperor and the Protestants. At Fountain-Bleau, in France, is Excellent Work of this kind, done almost 200 Years ago. The Plaster they made of Lime, which was often washed till the Salt was abstracted; this was done by often pouring Water on it, which the oftener the better; this Lime they mixt with the fine Powder of Old rubbish Stones: This Plaster they laid on in clear dry Weather; but to make this Work the more durable, they used to drive into the Walls, stumps of headed Nails, about Five or Six Inches asunder; and by this means, the Plaster was preserved from peeling. Then with this Past or Plaster, they Plastered the Wall a pretty thickness, letting it dry; being dry, they Plastered it over again, about the thickness of half a Barly Corn, very fine and smooth; then your Colours being ready prepared, work this last Plastering over whilst it is wet, so will your Painting unite and join fast to the Plaster, and dry together as a perfect Compost. For this use all Earthy Colours are best, as the Okers, Spanish Brown, Spanish White, Terra-vert, and the like: Mineral Colours are naught. For this Design they used Pencils and Brushes, long and soft, otherwise the Work would not be smooth: They also observed, to let their Colours be full, and to flow freely from the Pencil or Brush. Sand. Graph. 81. N. B. Your Colours may be mixt with Lime-Water, Milk or Whey.

(22.) Of Burning Lime: An Ingenious Sussex Gentleman introduced the use of Fern, for Burning of Lime, which he found answered that end as well as Wood (the Flame thereof being Vehement) and is far Cheaper. Coll. Eng. Wor. 193. And why might it not serve also, to Burn Bricks and Tiles, it were Cut in Season, and bound up when dry into Fagots fit for the Kiln?

(23.) Of White-washing of Walls and Ceilings: For this purpose they generally use Lime incorporated with Size-Water: But I have heard some Ancient Masons commend Fleet-Milk [Viz. such as the Cream hath been scummed from] or Whey, and they say, it makes a better White, and more durable: Esq; Sanderson in’s Graphice says, it will endure the Weather very well.

. . .

p. 16–17

Of Lime.

(31.) Cato Censorius in his Observations doth not approve of Lime that is made of divers sorts of Stones, or of various Colours; and to speak the truth (faith Pliny) white Stones are better to make Lime than hard ones; and it is better for Masons Use: Some observe, that Lime made of hollow and Porous Stones, is best for Parging or Plastering of Walls. Lime made of Stones which are digged out of the Ground, is far better than that of Pebbles gather’d from the River side. That which some make of Mill-Stones, is very good, because it is more Fat and Glutinous than any of the other forts. Plin. Vol. 2. p. 594.

p. 17

Of Sand.

(32.) It is an Observation of Pliny’s, That there are Two Species of Sand, one sort is digged out of the Pits, and this requireth a quarter part of Lime to be added to it, in making it into Mortar: A second sort is found by the River sides, or the Sea shore; and this must have one third part of Lime; and if there be one third part of Pot-sheards beaten to Powder and add to it, it will be much the better Mortar. Plin. Vol. 2. 594.

p. 17

Of Mortar and Plaister.

(33.) Pliny observes also, That Mortar, the older it is, the better for Building; for he faith, it was also accounted so by the Ancients; for (faith he) in the Old Laws, which provided for the perpetuity of Houses, in Ancient times, we find it expressly set down, that the Undertaker to Build a House at a certain Price, shall use no Mortar under Three Years of Age; and this was the reason (faith he) that in those Days, a Man should not see any Rough-cast or Plastering to rise in Blisters, and be subject to peel off, as it doth now-adays: And the Truth is, unless there be laid upon Walls, three Coats or thicknesses of Mortar made with Sand and Lime, and Two Courses over them of other Mortar made of Marble-Grit and Lime temper’d together, the Walls will not be Permanent, nor Fair and Resplendent, as they ought to be; and where Walls are dampish, and given to sweat, by means of a Salt Humour, or Salt Peter which is the cause of it; it were a good way to lay a Ground under it of Mortar, made of the Powder of Pot-sheards and Lime.

As for the Mortar made of Marble-Grit and Lime, the way to know whether it be well made, is this: If it will not stick to the Shovel, but will come out of the heap neat and clean again, it is then good; but it must be the contrary in Whiting and Fretwork; the Lime being soaked and wet in Water, ought to cleave, or stick like Glew. Plin. Vol. 2. 594. The Sheards of Potters Vessels being beat into fine Powder, and mix’d with Lime, will make a very strong and durable Mortar or Cement. Plin. Vol. 2. 554.