This is the most difficult part of the operation, and requires some practice; but with a little caution and attention, it may be easily performed.

Turn your gold out of the book on your cushion a leaf at a time; then passing your gilding knife under it, bring it into a convenient part of your cushion for cutting it into the size of the pieces required; breathe gently on the centre of the leaf, and it will lay flat on your cushion, then cut it to your mind by bringing the knife perpendicularly over it, and sawing it gently till divided.

Place your work before you in a position nearly hori zontal, and with a long-haired camel-hair pencil, dipped in water (or with a small quantity of brandy in the water,) go over as much of your work as you intend the piece of gold to cover; then take up your gold from your cushion with your tip; by drawing it over your forehead, or cheek, it will damp it sufficiently to adhere to the gold, which must then be carefully transferred to your work, and gently breathing on it, it will adhere; but take care that the part you apply it to is sufficiently wet; indeed, it must be floating, or you will find the gold apt to crack; proceed in this manner by a little at a time, and do not attempt to cover too much at once, till by experience you are able to handle the gold with freedom. Be careful, in proceeding with your work, if you find any flaws, or cracks appear, to take a corresponding piece of gold, and apply it immediately.