French cross bond, otherwise diagonal bond _(liaison en croix)_, is
English bond, but with the peculiarity that in every fourth course one
header is made use of in the stretcher course at the quoin. The result
is that the stretchers break joint with each other, and all the joints
range themselves in diagonal lines, and if in any part of the work
headers of a different brick are introduced, the appearance of a cross
is at once brought out; and even without this the diagonal arrangement
of joints is very perceptible and pleasing.

Besides wall building, the bricklayer has many other works to perform.
He has to form fireplaces, flues, chimneys, and the flat trimmer arches
which support the hearth, and has to set the stove, kitchen range,
copper, etc., in a proper manner. He has to form various ornamental
features and much else, some of which we shall have an opportunity of
noticing rather later. The strangest business, however, which is
intrusted to the bricklayer is building downward--by the method known as
underpinning--so that if a foundation has failed, a sounder one at a
greater depth may be reached; or if a basement is required under an
existing building which has none, the space may be excavated and the new
walls built so as to maintain the old.

This work has to be done with great caution, and bit by bit, and is
usually left to experienced hands. The mode in which the mortar joints
of a brick wall are finished where they show on the external or internal
face is a matter worth a moment's attention. It is important that the
joints of the work shall be so finished as to keep out wet and to be as
durable as possible, and it is desirable that they should improve, or at
any rate not disfigure, the appearance of the work.