s, at the regular rate of wages; that he shall not
have neglected his duty, or misconducted himself, or wasted his time,
or in other ways have acted so as to diminish the profits of the
contract, or injure the reputation of the firm for good and honest
work; and, that he shall not have engaged in any strike for shorter
hours, or for wages above the schedule of wages which prevailed at the
time the contract was made, and upon which the contract price was
based. That the workmen may assure themselves of the fairness with
which the division is carried out they are invited by the circular to
send a representative to watch the making-up of the accounts by the
auditor of the firm, and to sign the balance-sheet. In order to
identify the claimants, every man must obtain a printed ticket from
the time-keeper, on beginning his work, countersigned by the foreman,
and noting the day and hour when his employment commenced, with his
name, number and wages. This is to be again signed and countersigned
when he leaves, and must be produced to secure a share in the
dividend. Unpretending as it is, this bids fair to be one of the most
interesting experiments in social science yet tried, and unless the
trades-unions in England have forgotten their prowess, it will not be
carried out without a struggle. Our readers will remember Mr. Lewis H.
Williams's experiences in trying a similar plan with his carpenters in
New York, and his final victory, but he had only one union to contend
with, and that not a very compact one, while Messrs. Peto Brothers
will have all the building trades about their ears at once, and the
great question whether men shall be allowed to do only a fixed amount
of work in a day, and that amount as small as possible, or whether
they shall be allowed to work as they please, will be fairly brought
before the parties for decision.

THE APARTMENT-HOUSE.

[Illustration: "THE SURE REVOLVING TEST OF TIME--PAST AND PRESENT"
CARTOON FOR SGRAFFITO by HEYWOOD SUMNER.]

From _Building News_.

Most people are willing to admit that they cannot afford to pay over
twice as much for a thing as it is worth; but few in this country are
aware that they do this very thing when they build for themselves an
independent city dwelling-house or pay a rent equivalent to or greater
than the interest on this outlay.

In the old country the secret of obtaining luxury and economy combined
in building has been learned, and rich and poor, f