All have been busy to-day digging, picking, and quarrying stones, and already we have fairly safe trenches for one company.
"The Incomparable 29th and the "River Clyde""
George Davidson
Yonder is a spot that seems to have been made on purpose for you-a green meadow for the cattle and sheep, when you get 'em; stones scattered here and there, of a shape that will suit admirably for building purposes without quarrying or dressing; a clump of mimosa-trees to shelter your cottage from winds that may blow down the valley, and a gentle green slope to break those that blow up; a superb acacia standing by itself on a ready-made lawn where your front door will be, under which you may have a rustic seat and table to retire to at eventide with Mrs McTavish and lovely young Jessie, to smoke your pipe and sip your tea.
"The Settler and the Savage"
R.M. Ballantyne
It was to prepare for the secret landing of an armed force, disguised as laborers, who, under the outward show of quarrying in the bluff, were to throw up breastworks, and fortify the craggy shelf.
"Sally Dows and Other Stories"
Bret Harte