Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 234 Section 4 Techniques top. This can be done by using the trowel lying flat and running it across the top of the two bricks. The trowel should glide easily from one to another if not they are not flush across the top. 9. Lay the second course following the same sequence used for the first course. Check for proper height just after the course has been laid, but before the brick has been leveled. See Figure 12-34. If the bricks P R O C E D U R E (continued) Author’s image taken at Job Corps, Denison, IA Figure 12-31. Next, plumb the tail end brick. Note how the mason braces his arm against his knee to steady the mason’s level. Brick is tapped lightly with the trowel to adjust it to proper height and position. Author’s image taken at Job Corps, Denison, IA Figure 12-32. The first four brick are straight-edged with the mason’s 4′ level. He lightly taps on the brick to adjust them into alignment. Author’s images taken at Job Corps, Denison, IA Figure 12-33. Left—The other side of the corner lead is begun by spreading mortar and furrowing. Then, place mortar on the side of the first brick as shown. Right—Place the first brick. Note how the mason supports the corner with his trowel. A B Author’s image taken at Job Corps, Denison, IA Figure 12-34. Checking for the proper height with a rule. Hold the rule straight up and down for an accurate measurement.