wo men
and two or three boys,) cannot, even at present rates of wages, bring the
cost of the tiles to nearly the market prices. If there be only temporary
use for the machinery, it may be sold, when no longer needed, for a good
percentage of its original cost, as, from the slow movement to which it is
subjected, it is not much worn by its work.

There is no reason why tiles should cost more to make than bricks. A
common brick contains clay enough to make four or five 1-1/4-inch tiles,
and it will require about the same amount of fuel to burn this clay in one
form as in the other. This advantage in favor of tiles is in a measure
offset by the greater cost of handling them, and the greater liability to
breakage.

The foregoing description of the different processes of the manufacture of
draining tiles has been given, in order that those who find it necessary,
or desirable, to establish works to supply the needs of their immediate
localities may commence their operations understandingly, and form an
approximate opinion of the promise of success in the undertaking.

Probably the most positive effect of the foregoing description, on the
mind of any man who contemplates establishing a tilery, will be to cause
him to visit some successful manufactory, during the busy season, and
examine for himself the mode of operation. Certainly it would be unwise,
when such a personal examination of the process is practicable, to rely
entirely upon the aid of written descriptions; for, in any work like
tile-making, where the selection, combination and preparation of the
materials, the means of drying, and the economy and success of the burning
must depend on a variety of conditions and circumstances, which change
with every change of locality, it is impossible that written directions,
however minute, should be a sufficient guide. Still, in the light of such
directions, one can form a much better idea of the bearing of the
different operations which he may witness, than he could possibly do if
the whole process were new to him.

If a personal examination of a successful tilery is impracticable, it will
be necessary to employ a practical brick-maker, or potter, to direct the
construction and operation of the works, and in any case, this course is
advisable.

In any neighborhood where two or three hundred acres of land are to be
drained, if suitable earths can be readily obtained, it will be cheaper to
establish a tile-yard, than to haul