the work of each of the stone-cutters, often to the number of 70 men. A proper block having been selected for each stone, leaving about 1¹⁄₂ inch all round the extremity of the moulds when applied to its several faces, it was conveyed, by means of the sling-cart, to the shed where it was to be dressed. The shed for dressing granite stones differs in no respect from an ordinary mason’s shed, except in its greater height; but, as the stone cutter, in order to wield his tools to advantage, must, at certain parts of the work, stand on the top of the block, it has been found, that a height of about 15 feet is required for the back-wall of a granite mason’s shed. Each man also requires, for large blocks, a space of about 10 feet (measured along the front of the shed), as his peculiar territory. [22] Such nicety, I would observe, was by no means superfluous, because the arrangements of the Tower precluded the possibility of using a trainer in building; and as the whole was done by means of _plumb-templets_, the greatest accuracy in tracing the curve of the Tower became necessary, as the only true basis of good workmanship on the Rock. When a block has been brought to the shed, the first thing to be done, if it is a large stone of 1¹⁄₂ or 2 tons weight, is to lay it nearly level on the ground, with the side which is to be first dressed uppermost. The form or _plan_ is then sketched upon it according to the mould, and the stone is _blocked_ out with a large hammer weighing 30 or 35 lb. (fig. No. 16), which is the most suitable weight for ordinary men, although a stout man will manage one of 40 lb. well enough, if the block be lying in an advantageous position. When the stone has been thus rudely _blocked_ out, it is set upon its edge with a gentle inclination to one side, so that the mason, who mounts on the top of it, may conveniently use a pick of 18 lb. weight, having a handle three feet long, to dress off very roughly the most prominent parts of its irregular surface. In doing that he makes a great many deep ruts in a downward direction, at the same time taking care that none of them shall be so deep as to fall below the general surface of the stone when finished. When he has in that style dressed as far down the surface of the stone as he can conveniently reach, (and that is generally about half way,) the stone is then thrown over and set up on the opposite edge, when he again mounts upon it, and goes over the rest of the surface in the same manner, until the whole shall be reduced to one rough plane, so that in spite of numerous partial inequalities, the general face may be straight, or what is technically termed _out of winding_. A stone in that state is also said to be _well opened_. [Illustration: No. 16.] [Illustration: No. 17.] [Illustration: No. 18.]