In a message dated 12/23/98 9:04:26 PM EST, [log in to unmask] writes:

> Murdo Morrison, a gentleman from Scotland (!) who is asking about re-
building a
>  fireplace in his 1880 granite-built house .... he right kind of mortar. He
says, "I have
> seen modern synthetic mixtures that are used on new fireplaces and
>  they don't look authentic."

Unless the kilted gentleman is 130 years old, how does he know "they don't
look authentic"?

Christopher Gray
(Opinions do not necessarily coincide with those of Mary Queen of Scots)