While a large amount of the matter contained in this work has been published before in some shape or other, it was found in many instances incorrect, and therefore unreliable; this was in a great measure owing to the carelessness and want of knowledge on the part of the compilers, for there can be no doubt that the original recipes, methods, etc., were in the main correct; but in the frequent reproductions, errors, omissions, and interpolations occurred. It has been the aim of the publishers of the present work to make all necessary corrections, and to render the work as reliable as may be; and to this end neither expense nor pains have been spared, and much new matter that has not been generally known before has been added to that which has been public property for along time. That the work will be found a valuable aid to the operative cabinet-maker, furniture man, and to wood-workers generally, there is not the least doubt, and its price has been kept down to such a point as will not be beyond the means of the average workingman.

New York, 1884.