Minnesota weekly times., 1855-05-22
GO We cut the following notice of new
building material, from the correspondence of
the Chicago Press:

CO We cut the following notice of new
building material, from the correspondence of
the Chicago Press:
"The most recent invention, however, of this
character, and one that is unquestonably destin-
ed to supcrsede all others, is that of the lime and
sand blocks of Ambrose Foster, of Dodge Coun-
ty, Wisconsin. These blocks, recently patented
by the inventor, are composed of sand almost dry
and lime in its powdered condition, after slack
ing. This composition being run into mould
of any shape or size, by the power of simple
machine is subject to a pressure OF one hundred
tons. Thus concrete, the block requires but few
days hardening, by drying, to render it tit for use
In contact with the atmosphere, the chemical
change it undcrSoes is to render it continually
harder until it reaches state of hardness little
inferior to the finest granite. The great pressure
each block undergoes makes the surface onte
smooth, and their being all Of the same size, a
wall can be laid up perfectly true, and with but
little mortar to unite the courses. Because of
their great hardness, they possess such strength
that in each block of FIVE inches by ten in size
chamber may be made Of one and a-half inches
by seven, and yet retain sufficient bearing Tor the
courses and possess more strength than the entire
ordinary clay brick. Thus the much desired
chambered walls may be constructed, and the
building relieved from the cold, damp walls so
Objectionable in most stone or brick buildings.
Again, its hardness secures it from the effects of
frost, heat, wet and changes Of atmosphere, and
form liability to warp, crumble under great
weight. When the sand is free from impurities
the block is of marble whteness, and leaves
wall both inside and out, of most exquisite finish.
Colorings of different kinds can be infused in
to the composition, and wall in imitation OF any
kind of stone be obtained. The block is thus
colored throughout, and never require retouching,
like paints and washes. When the material is
on the ground single machine with the aid of
four men, will make from two to three thousand
of these blocks in day, or equal to ten thousand
common brick, thus requiring but few days for
the manufacture of blocks enough for dwellings,
barns, out-houses and fences. The fact of these
blocks being made upon the ground is no ordina-
ry consideration in the expense. The machine is
portable and is moved to the place of building.
1t is apparent from these facts that the great
desideratum in building material has been obtain
ed. Sand, which is to be found upon almost ev-
cry farm, snd almost the same quantity of lime
as would be requisite in case the building would
be of ordinary brick or stone, are the only mate
rial, and can be obtained in any part of the coun-
try. Manufactured upon the ground, of any size
shape or design can be obtained, quickly and
cheap, as beautiful as the fancy can make it, and
enduring, almost, the ''everasting hills
We learn they are to be manufactured this
summer in the principal cities of Wisconsin and
Illinois, and at such places as they may be want
ed.
For the benefit Of those who would wish to know
more about this material, We refer them to Alon-
20 ID. Northway, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, who
has the right to manufacture or dispose of the
right to others, for the State of Illinois and Mis-
souri,. BUILDER.