The following is a good recipe for making, or, rather melting, glue. It is given by an authority in " Workshop Receipts : " " Break the glue into small pieces, and soak from twelve to twenty-four hours in cold water; put the glue in the glue-pot, fill the outer vessel with water, and apply heat. For ordinary purposes it should run freely, and be of the consistency of thin treacle. The hotter glue is, the more force it will exert in keeping the two parts glued together; in all large and long joints the glue should be applied immediately after boiling. Glue loses much of its strength by being often melted; that glue, therefore, which is newly made is preferable to that which has been used. When done with, add some of the boiling water from the outer vessel to the glue, so as to make it too thin for immediate use. Put it away till wanted again, and by the time the water in the outer vessel is boiled the glue in the inner is ready melted and of the proper thickness for use. Powdered chalk, brickdust, or sawdust, added to glue, will make it hold with more than ordinary firmness."

To do any kind of work in carpentry and joinery, with blunted tools, in a creditable and workman-like manner is simply impossible. The professional carpenter and joiner will frequently stop in his work to put his plane-iron and chisel on the oilstone for he is well aware of the importance of having a keen edge to all cutting tools of this description—and he will take care to keep his saws sharpened and fit for use. It is necessary that the amateur artisan should imitate the regular mechanic in this essential duty of keeping his tools in a fit condition to do the work that is required of them.