of this proposition to form an association of inspectors, terming it a "trust." Strictly speaking, it certainly would partake of the nature of a trust, but it would be a good and worthy one, whose main object would be to effect a much-needed reform. On the same basis the American Institute of Architects is a trust, for the reason that it establishes a minimum fee of five per cent for the making of plans and specifications and for the services of an inspector on all building work; and surely such an organization should not be condemned on this account. On the contrary, the architects have set the engineers a good example in forming this association; and, until engineers follow their lead in this particular and establish minimum fees for professional work, the engineering profession will fail to attain its highest degree of efficiency, and will therefore not be properly recognized as a profession by the general public.

Returning to the question of the inspection of structural steel, the author herewith presents, as his idea of what good inspection should consist, his standard instructions to the inspecting bureau which he employs and to its inspectors at mills and shops.

First. Study carefully the engineer's drawings as soon as they are finished, and make out a list of special points and features that will require extra care in the shops to secure good workmanship and proper fitting, then make out a type-written report of these and submit it without delay to the Engineer.

Second. Study carefully, as soon as they are finished and approved, all shop drawings, so as to become thoroughly familiar with the entire construction.

Third. Make sure that metal of uniform character and of the strength, elasticity, and ductility specified is furnished by the rolling-mills, following the metal from one process to another from start to finish, and making sure that the test-pieces broken represent correctly the metal they are supposed to represent.

Fourth. Check the chemical analyses of the metal occasionally, so as to see that  they are properly  made,  taking care that