Bed of the stone (lit de la pierre), is the upper, or under surface of the layer. Bottom-bed is the term used to designate the under-surface of a stone. Calcareous stones should be laid on their bed just as they were in the quarry.
Blade, or Principal-rafter (arbalétrier), piece of timber inclined, according to the slope of a roof, which is joined at the upper end into the king-post, at its lower end into the tie-beam, and which supports the purlins (see next page).
Bond (harpe), projection formed by a dressed-stone for the purpose of a tie into brick or stone-walling.
Broken-backed roof (bresis), a roof so called is one composed of two planes of inclination, one of which is little and the other considerably inclined. The dormer windows are generally opened in the lower and more inclined plane.
Chimney-stack (souche de cheminée), is the part of the smoke-shaft which surmounts the roofs, and is sometimes terminated with pots of earthenware or of sheet metal.
Clip (moise), comparatively thin piece of timber, serving to connect the parts of a framing by means of notches which hold them, and of bolts. Clips are usually placed in couples.
Concrete (béton), a compound of lime, sand, and gravel rammed in horizontal layers, and thus forming a compact and homogeneous mass, which hardens more or less rapidly, according to the nature of the lime; and on which the heaviest superstructure may be raised without fear of cracks or settlements. In the making of concrete great care and attention is always necessary, and a thorough acquaintance with the nature of the lime made use of.
Corbel (corbeau), support of stone or wood projecting from the face of a wall, having its front moulded or carved, its sides vertical and carrying a beam, cornice, shaft, vault-springer, &c.
Elevation (élévation). By this word is designated in architecture the geometrical view of a façade; properly speaking the vertical projection.
Embankment (cavalier), heap of excavated earth, regularly placed and raised above the surface of the ground.