Hoop-iron bond is either a plain ban 1 of iron, such as is used to fasten bales of goods, about 1 in. wide by No. 20 gauge thick, or it is stouter, and specially made with triangular stabs in it to cause projections, as in Tyerman's patent. In either case it is usually tarred and sanded, and then laid in the courses of brickwork parallel with the face, one to each half-brick thickness Of wall, and at such intervals in height as may be directed by the architect. The object is to strengthen the wall, especially where settlements are liable to take place. Sometimes it is laid in footings only, at other times at the angles of a building; and again, it may be usual as a virtual stringcourse round a building between the successive floors. The only disadvantage that could be caused by its use would be due to rusting if insufficiently protected and laid in a damp wall.