Skirrett

In the lecture on the third degree, according to the English work, the following is adopted: “I now present to you the working tools of a Master Mason, which are the Skirrett, Pencil and Compasses..."

The tools of the Master Mason are the Pencil, the Skirrett, and the Compasses. The Pencil is an action tool that symbolizes the use of creative thought. The Skirrett is a tool that constrains the pencil and can symbolize understanding, but also can mean tradition or knowledge that acts as a restraint on action. The Compasses are used to measure in all drafting and for the formation of many geometrical shapes.

The working tools of the different degrees are in threes: the Apprentices' tools are the gavel, the chisel, and the twenty-four-inch gauge; the Fellowcraft's tools are the square, the level, and the plumb-rule; and the Master Mason's are the pencil, the skirrett, and the compasses.

The famous nurserymen, Louden and Wise, did not consider the potato as worthy of notice in their Complete Gardener, published in 1749 ; and Bradley, who about the same time wrote so extensively on horticultural subjects, speaks of them as inferior to skirretts and radishes.

About the orchards here and the beds of asparagus, peas, endive, skirrett, and the rest of the vegetables grown for the London market, lies ever an abiding sense of peace;

Beer made of barley and herbs, lupin and skirrett for hops, was largely consumed in Egypt ; and thence introduced into Palestine.

To these I intend to add this year angelica, skirrett, balm, clary, basil, catmint, dill, comfrey and purslane, when I think that, in herbs for the kitchen, the collection will be complete.