The following work has been prepared as a book of reference for the master-carpenter, and as a manual of instruction for the journeyman and the apprentice. The costliness of the works of Beli-dor, Rondelet, Tredgold, and others, places them beyond the reach of mechanics of ordinary means; and, being written with reference to scientific formulas, cannot be appreciated, or even understood, except by those versed in mathematics. Having in view the interests of the large and important class above named, we have scrupulously avoided such abstruse algebraic and mathematical formulas as would more properly belong to an encyclopaedia of the science.

Works of distinguished authors have been consulted, but nothing selected which did not commend itself as of immediate practical utility; and, while the advanced student may perhaps regret the absence of the higher mathematics, it is presumed that their omission removes a great obstacle to the progress of the less learned, though not less worthy, mechanic. An extended essay on Carpentry as a science being rendered unnecessary by the comprehensive nature of the work, its place is, we think, more properly occupied by such practical suggestions as have been considered most useful. Practice and experience, those great and successful teachers of all truth, are the privilege of every mechanic; but the lessons which they convey, while perhaps sufficing for his ordinary labors, may be greatly lightened, and far more worthily directed, by a careful study of those results of the experience and science of others, which it is the aim of this work to embody and explain.

The portion of this treatise devoted to building-timber states an average of results arrived at through many experiments and much observation. The authorities on the subject are many, and the field wide. It is, however, believed that the few pages allotted to the subject comprehend nearly all that is of practical value in the works of Hut-ton, Barlow, Du Hamel, Perronet, and many other writers both in Europe and America.

The illustrations are intended not only to exemplify the principles of the art, but also to suggest examples for imitation; and the amount of success attending our efforts in selection - at all times a work of much difficulty - must be judged of by the reader. He will, however, bear in mind that it has been an important consideration to give a variety of each kind of work in a small compass.

The "Glossary," which forms so large a part of the text, is the result of much labor, and, it is hoped, may prove of corresponding value.

Our work is now presented to the public in the belief, that, notwithstanding its imperfections, it contains a sufficient amount of information to make it a desirable companion to the apprentice in his hours of study, as well as a ready assistant to the man of business; and, in this hope, it is respectfully dedicated to their service.

Thos. W. Silloway.

Boston, May, 1858.