Within the past few years much attention has been given to carving on wood as a pastime and useful recreation. This is probably the oldest branch of Art within the knowledge of man. Apparently, the first weapon was a club, and the first attempt at decoration was some scratching or carving on it. Among the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, it was much practiced. As a branch of Christian Art it was one of the earliest, and attained a high development in the fifteenth century, as is attested by the elaborate carvings in many of the old cathedrals in Europe. It greatly declined during the last century or two, but has again revived, and promises to attain great importance. The Swiss are noted for their high attainments in the art of wood carving, as they are in their ornamental scroll sawing, and it is perhaps to them that we owe the revival of this art in America.

Carving in wood is an elegant and useful art, and is easily learned. Of course, elaborate work is not easily done; but many articles of utility and adornment may be carved by any boy or girl with only ordinary mechanical ability. It is said that whittling is natural to Americans. Carving-is only a higher grade of whittling, in which the jackknife gives place to the chisel and the gouge. It would astonish most people to be shown what may be done with these simple tools. For not only may elegant trifles, such as brackets, book rests, bread plates, paper knives, picture-frames, etc., be made by the home carver, but chairs, tables, side boards, bedsteads, and other domestic articles may be ornamented in this way.

That woman may excel in doing carved work, was shown by the work of the Cincinnati Carving Club, exhibited at the Centennial. What has been done by these ladies may be done by other ladies. It is here worthy of note that carving clubs are forming all over the country, and thereby stimulating hundreds to acquire this elegant and useful art. To aid such as may wish to learn the rudiments of carving, we have prepared the following lessons.