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     THE STONE-MASON.
  THE Pyramids of Egypt remain as mo-
numents of the ingenuity of man; it is said
to be at least three thousand years since they
were erected. If we trace history, we shall
find this to be one of the most ancient arts;
and indeed the ancients brought it to such
perfection, that we seem in the present time
even desirous of imitating them.  The
working or cutting of stone is divided into
several branches. The sculptor, or statuary,
ranking among the highest. Specimens of
some of our artists may be seen in St. Paul's,
and other public places; but they are not
generally considered much to surpass those
of the sixteenth century, at which period
lived MICHAEL ANGELO. When the stones
are large, the business of cutting them be-
longs toa stone-sawyer, while the mason is
more immediately employed in hewing the
stone to its proper dimension and placing it
on the building. The level, square, plumb-
line, bevel,  compass, hammer, chisel,
mallet, saw, and trowel, are the principal
tools used by a Mason. Stone-Masons ge-
nerally charge for their work by measure.-
The journeymen usually earn about twenty-
six shillings per week. This business is one
of the most laborious.