If the stack is flat and as near an ellipse as the eye can judge, laying
out and keeping the stack properly balanced will be very easy. Drive
alternate loads on opposite sides of the stack; this will help to keep
the stack properly balanced. If the eye detects a place that seems to be
lower than the general level, it will be found that it was caused by
laying out more there than at other points; to remedy this defect, draw
in the next outside course at the low point, six, eight or ten inches,
according to the depression. The greater the depression, the more it
should be drawn in, and the next inside course at the low point should
be shoved out nearly to the buts of the outside course, then continue to
build as though nothing had happened. If a high place should be
observed, the next outside course should be laid farther out, and inside
course at this point drawn well in.
Glance frequently over the stack and see if the outside presents the
appearance of an ellipse, and keep a sharp lookout for high and low
spots, for they will throw the stack out of balance. If the middle is
too full, the outside will slip out, and an undesirable job of propping
will begin. Put in two-thirds of what is intended for the stack before
commencing to draw in.
Drive so as to leave a little space between load and stack. Don't let a
stack stand over night at this stage if it can be avoided, but put on
the next two loads as quickly as possible, for the outside of the stack
will settle rapidly.