Stucco, c. 1827

Not quite on the subject of mortar, but too good not to share -
Asher Benjamin's "American Builder's Companion", 6th edition, 1827, includes ornamental stucco patterns and instructions, with this footnote:

"The stucco is made of lime putty, mixed with pulverized marble, or raw plaster of Paris, with sometimes a little white sand and a little white hair, to prevent it from cracking. The mixture is then put on a dry wall for 24 hours, after which it is taken off and well beaten, and put on again. This is repeated for four or five days, when it will be fit for use. This preparation makes it tough, and prevents cracking."

The engravings are signed by Raynard and Wightman, who gave the instructions as well. This pattern book was first published in 1806. By the third edition, 1814, Daniel Raynard is no longer involved, so the instructions date to the early 1800's.

I especially enjoy the notes about adding white hair and letting the plaster age on a wall. And how the instructions are written in such a conversational tone that, of course, I can do this too .