THERE is something in the word stone suggestive of stability; something that conveys the idea of endurance, solidity, and capability to stand the tempest, the wear of winter's ice and snow, and of summer's parching rays. This ability to withstand the forces of the elements, and to maintain intact in spite of these forces, renders stone the natural product of nature, and brick the offspring of man's genius, especially suitable for purposes of building, both for domestic and commercial use. And then it gratifies the natural vanity of a man to be able to erect a residence of such material as will last for generations, and serve as a land-mark of family history.

One great advantage of brick or stone work is, that when once properly put up, it requires but little outlay to keep it in good repair, while, on the other hand, a building of wood must be looked after frequently, and repainted every few years, to preserve it from decay and keep it in good appearance. A brick house requires more care than stone, as the bricks, in time, become discolored, and require to be stained and penciled over.

Security from fire is another consideration in favor of stone and brick, houses of these materials being less liable to take fire from the outside; but when once well started inside, a fire will do as much damage to furnishings and contents as in a building of wood.

Comparative Cost

The cost of buildings of brick and stone, of course, is much more than of wood, being about twenty-five per cent more for brick and more yet for stone. The cost of stone mainly depends upon the locality of the quarry, the quality of the stone itself, the means of transportation, and the ease with which it can be worked.

As brick clay is found in almost every locality, the cost of brick depends simply upon the cost of labor, fuel for burning, and the relation of supply and demand. It may be well to state that quality depends much upon the methods and thoroughness of burning the brick. This matter should be looked to in the purchase of brick. Beautiful enameled brick of many colors are now made, but their cost is too great to bring them into general use, though for special purposes they give a pleasing effect.