1. Methods.-To be truly efficient, the bricklayer should work with the fewest possible motions. This requires study upon his part to determine just which motions are unnecessary. A bricklayer may work twice as hard as he really needs to lay a given number of brick. Each motion should have a definite purpose and should accomplish a definite result.

It is not only necessary to learn how to lay a brick correctly and to have the right quantity of mortar both under and against it, but it is also essential to know how to do it the easiest way, without wasting energy. Every bricklayer will develop methods of his own for working to best advantage upon the job. The difference between workers in height, length of arm, strength, and natural quickness of action will influence the handling of the trowel and the laying of brick. Many systems have been devised for aiding the bricklayer in working to best advantage; none has been universally accepted.

The proper way to fill a mortar board.

2. Using the Mortar Board. - All mortar boards should be wet down before mortar is placed upon them to prevent the wood from absorbing the moisture from the mortar, thus causing it to dry out too quickly. The mortar should be kept turned up in the middle of the board, leaving the outer edges clean. If it is spread out in a thin layer over the entire board, it will dry out quickly, be hard to spread, and will prevent the picking up of a trowelful.

The mortar should be kept well tempered at all times, that is, of the proper working consistency. Have the mortar board placed where it is most convenient so that it may be reached with the shortest possible motion. Always pick up mortar from the outer edge of the mortar pile and from the part of the board nearest the worker.

The board should be kept well supplied at all times. Some contractors find it economical to hire a mortar tender to keep the mortar tempered.

Correct way of holding trowel. Handle between thumb and forefinger.

3. Holding the Trowel.-The trowel should be held firmly, yet not tightly, fully grasped with the right hand and controlled by the muscles of the fingers, wrist, and arm, so that it may be rolled between the thumb and the forefinger to any desired position. The holding of the trowel is comparable to the holding of a razor. The thumb should not go around the handle but should rest on top of it, the first two fingers bearing most of the weight of the trowel.

The shank and ferrule should be kept out of the mortar while working because the contact of the forefinger with the mortar will hinder the worker and cause sore fingers: Some bricklayers find it convenient to hold the trowel between the third and the fourth fingers with the blade away from the body, and pick up brick with the thumb and first and second fingers when necessary.

Wrong way of holding trowel. The thumb should never encircle it.

4. Picking Up Mortar.-Pick up a trowel full of mortar each time but do not overload it as this will cause the mortar to spill and make the scaffold and wall dirty. Take enough to bed from three to five brick at a time. Lean over only as far as is necessary in order to pick the mortar up with a practically straight arm. Lift the mortar in as straight a line as possible to the place where it is to be spread on the wall, and make the force of its lifting help in throwing it.

Use a straight-arm swinging motion in picking up the mortar from the edge of the mortar pile, thus

Proper way of picking up mortar. Note the full trowel.

not spreading the mortar over the mortar board and causing it to dry out. Zigzag interrupted motions should be avoided; they waste time and strength. The young apprentice should not be too ambitious in the amount of mortar he attempts to throw at the start; throwing enough mortar for one brick is sufficient for the first attempts. Don't play with or roll the mortar before picking it up; it is waste motion and tires the worker unnecessarily.

Continue to spreading mortar

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