. The iron used for reinforcing the concrete was all
obtained from the scrap pile of the burned buildings. The processes, or
methods of procedure, were new to all the workmen. As the work advanced
it called forth expressions of distrust, rather than confidence and
commendation. The mixing of materials had to be strictly forbidden save
in the presence of the superintendent, whose hands afterwards placed
them in position on the wall.

After the lapse of four years this wall is solid as a rock in every
respect. It has now the reputation of being not only the first, but also
to this date one of the most perfect and substantial concrete walls in
that section.

WORKING ACCORDING TO RULE

An expert carpenter has observed, "It takes the average apprentice about
one year to discover, that he does not know how to drive a nail with the
skill of an expert;" one who drives it through hard woods without
bending and brittle, without splitting. This skill is however always
more quickly acquired, when a rule like the following is given the
apprentice at the beginning of his training. "Gripping the hammer near
the end of the handle and setting the nail slightly slanting from the
edges toward the solid center, strike the top of it fairly with the
center of the hammer, starting and finishing it with gentle taps."

Whenever a new tool or implement was put in the hand of a student, the
rules governing its use were fully explained, and a constant effort was
made to have the student do all work by rule; whether it was on the
farm, in the kitchen, laundry or shop, as well as in the class room. The
essential parts of the text books, that were reviewed most frequently,
were the definitions and rules. A good position is the first essential
in reading, writing, speaking, sawing, planing or plowing; and the
second is to grasp and use aright the tool or implement, whether it be
the pen, pencil, brush, axe, hammer or saw. The good effect of patiently
taking the time to make every one familiar with the rules governing the
tools and work, became noticeable very soon on the part of the older
students, both in the better quality of the work and the larger amount
of it performed. Progress in studies and success in the shop or field
depends largely on the ability to follow the rule, and the decision
never to violate it.

XXVII

ELLIOTT HALL

THE GIRLS HALL LOST AND REPLACED.--OLD LOG HOUSE--DAVID ELLIOTT.--ALICE
LEE ELLIOTT.

"Be nob