Every student should know how to sharpen the tools. The chisel and knife are to be sharpened on the Washita stone, which is first wetted with a little oil before placing on the table. The cutting edge of the tools is rubbed up and down on it, and then they must be wiped and stropped on the leather. The veiner and gouge should be sharpened on the Turkey slip, held in the hand; the inside of these should be rubbed with this, which on one of the rounded sides should fit into the veiner. Care must be taken not to turn over the cutting edge of the tool. For the back of the tool hold the slip in the right hand, the tool in the left, and move the flat surface of the slip up and down; afterwards wiping and stropping it.

For the flat gouge use the thicker edge of the Turkey slip for the inside. The tools must be frequently sharpened, as otherwise the work will not be good. If possible it would be an advantage to have a lesson in sharpening from a practical woodcarver (not a carpenter, as their method of sharpening tools is very different).

When the carving is finished it should be first stained, and then French polished.

Not many stains are required, as by mixing them various colours are obtained. Four bottles of Stephens' water-colour stains - (1) walnut; (2) rosewood; (3) ebony; and (4) satinwood, costing 6d. each - and two small tubes of water-colour paint, crimson lake and indigo, and two camel-hair brushes, will be sufficient to start with.

The stains should be mixed in little saucers, and when taking up a brushful al-ways stir a little, as the colours are apt to separate Use rather a large brush, and take care never to let one brush-mark dry before the next is added.

When working, be careful not to rest the hand on the wood, as the slight moisture from the hand will prevent the stain taking evenly. Brushes must be thoroughly washed before using each different colour, and before being used the colour should be tested on a waste piece of wood.