“Upon a review of such literary works extant as may be deemed the property of that body to whom The Builder is addressed, I think it will be found that no class of men are so ill provided for as journeymen mechanics generally, and this is the class that I would recommend to your preference in the conduct of The Builder; to this class The Builder ought to be considered invaluable in the dissemination of practical knowledge,—extracts from works made inaccessible by their cost,—experiments,—hints on construction,—design,—enrichment, and similar topics; which at the same time would be very acceptable to the more enlightened portion of the building community, and produce inquiry and improvement in the minds of the less experienced and youthful.
“With this view but little will be expected or required of The Builder in the character of a newspaper. Further than the limited notice of occurrences appertaining to its title, I would suggest the insertion of the markets, or current prices of building materials, &c. &c., and in particular, that an allotted space be given up to the subjects just referred to, to the exclusion of advertisements or any other matter. Probably once a fortnight might suffice for such a work; this point, however, with its price, I will not now enter upon, having already, I fear, trespassed too long on your attention.
“Be assured of my interest in the success of The Builder; to the aid of which my humble tribute will be given with much pleasure.
“I am, Sir, your obedient Servant,
“Sidney Harvey.”
The next letter is from a plasterer, and we make it the occasion of reiterating our intention to give designs of ornaments for plasterers. There is a field of novelty and propriety open to them which we venture to say has scarcely yet been touched upon. Hitherto architectural ornament in plaster-work has been principally confined to imitations of marble, or stone-work and wood. Now this is a perversion and a deception, and a better principle will inevitably obtain, since just and sound views of the principles of design and ornament are beginning to be inculcated. So beautifully plastic a material has its own peculiar province in decoration, and we shall take occasion, as we advance, to throw out practical suggestions for ascertaining and working in it.
“Sir,
“It is with much satisfaction I have read the precursor of The Builder, which I think will be well received by all persons in that line of business, for nothing can possibly be so much wanted for the trade in general as a publication of the sort you are about to send into the world. I have been a practical plasterer these thirty years, and have often expressed a wish that a useful intelligent paper might be published. I shall be most happy to become a subscriber. I am fearful there will be thousands read the Precursor, like myself, that will be proud to subscribe, but will not take the trouble to express themselves by letter, and then you may fancy it will not be taken up with spirit, though I am convinced, by the many persons, indeed all, that I have conversed with, that it is their intention to become purchasers the moment it is fairly out. Wishing you success,
“I am Sir, your obedient servant,
“B. J. Maskall.”