WALL AND FLOOR TILES. 
89 
ported at eacli end upon parallel strips either flxed to the walls, or 
otherwise secured on a level. 
4. It is not advisable to lay tiling lipon a floor of boards, as it 
yields so nmch as to loosen the tiles. 
5. For affixing tiles to walls, it is best to remove the plastering, 
and replace it by a coating of cement mortar, upon which, after set- 
ting, the tiles are imbedded with cement. A space, one-quartei of 
an inch in depth, should be left for the purpose. 
6. Placing the tiles. It is best to work from the centre of the 
space, and if the design is intricate, to lay out a portion of the pa\e- 
ment according to the plan, upon a smooth floor near by, fitting the 
tiles together as they are to be laid. Lines being stretchcd ovei the 
foundation, at right angles, the fixing may proceed, both the tiles 
and the foundation being previously soaked in cold water, to pre- 
vent the too rapid drying of the cement, and to secure better 
adhesion. The border should be left until the last. Its position, 
and that of the tiles, are to be obtained from the drawing, or by 
measuring the tiles when laid loosely upon the floor. The cement 
for fixing should be mixed thin, in small quantities, and without 
saud. It is best to float the tiles to their places, so as to exclude 
air and All all the space between them and the foundation. 
For fixing tiles in grate-cheeks, sides and backs of fireplaces, etc., 
equal parts'of sand, plaster of Paris and hair mortar may be used. 
These materials should be mixed with hot glue to the consistency of 
mortar. The tiles should be well soaked in warm water. 
Tiles may be cut in the following manner: Draw a line with a 
pencil or sharp point where the break is desired ; then, placing the 
tile upon a form board, or imbedding it in sand on a flag-stone, tap it 
moderately with a sharp chisel and a hammer along the line, back 
and forth, or scratch it with a file. The tile may then be broken in 
the hand by a gentle blow at the back. The edges, if required, may 
be smoothed by grinding, or by rubbing with sand and water on a 
flat stone. 
Cement should not be allowed to harden upon the surface of the 
tile if it can be prevented, as it is difficult to remove it after it has 
set. Stains of cement, or the thin coating which is almost unavoida- 
ble, upon the surface of the tiles after laying, may be removed by 
a dilute solution of hydrochloric acid, to be obtained of any druggist, 
and then washing with warm water. 
Mosaic Pavements and Pictüres. 
The finest example of mosaic paving, at least upon a large 
scale, was to be seen in the Vestibüle of the Imperial Pavil 
lon, laid down by Italian workmen. 
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