In order to keep the construction of this project as simple as possible, the limitations imposed are that the frame shall consist of two cross-lap joints made of boards under one inch thickness, to which are butted and doweled the legs, having approximately the same thickness. To this frame is attached a board top.

Even under these limitations, great variety is possible, as shown in the accompanying photographs. The size may vary from a tea or smoking table, Fig. 121 or 123, to a low stand, a few inches in height, Fig. 122.

The wood suggested is chestnut or cypress, because of their easy working qualities, but soft mahogany or baywood may be used with great success.

The refinement of proportions includes the consideration of such items as the width and thickness of the legs in proportion to their height, the disposition of the stretchers, whether they shall be on edge or flat, and where located, the amount of projection of the top beyond the legs and the shape of the legs and of the top.

The attractiveness of the project depends largely upon its good proportions and upon the beauty of the grain of the wood. The rounding of the dowels into projecting buttons, plainly indicating the structure, the use of chamfers, or coves, and the addition of feet, as in Figs. 121 and 123 are suggested. The color depends largely upon its intended environment. Chestnut turns to a beautiful brown when it is exposed to ammonia fumes and then oiled.

Fig. 122. Low taboret.

Fig. 123. Tea-table.

Since a taboret is to be used to hold a potted plant, the finish should be such as will stand moisture best. That is boiled linseed oil.

The process of making the typical form, Fig 121, will be described first, and the changes later. The drawing with dimensions is shown in Fig. 125. Either chestnut or cypress is good for this project. Chestnut has rather a coarse texture, and is liable to split along the annual rings on account of the presence of many pores. Cypress is likely to contain many fine checks, produced in seasoning.

Fig. 124. Simple type form of taboret.

Fig. 125. Taboret.

Choose if possible wood with a pleasing grain, especially for the top.

The materials necessary are as follows:

A. 4 pieces ¾"x2⅞"x17".

B. 2 pieces ¾"x2"x8½".

C. 2 pieces ¾"x2½"x8½".

D. 1 piec3/4 "X13 "X13 ". This may be made of two pieces jointed together, as shown later. 16 dowel-pins 5/16"xl¾. 4 brass mending straps l/2"X2", No. 6o. 12 screws ⅝" No. 4. 16 brads No. 13, 2½", No. 12.

Plane up four pieces, A, to proper size. In order to true the ends exactly, all four pieces may be clamped together in a handscrew and the bench vise, and block-planed at one time. First plane one set of ends, then reverse and plane the other set. Great pains must be taken to keep the whole block square, or all the pieces will not be of the same length.

Plane up the stretchers, B and C, in a similar way, all four to exactly the same length. Make a cross-lap joint with pieces B and with pieces C according to directions given in Handwork in Wood, p. 155.

The difference between the joints in pieces B and pieces C is that in B the edges lap, whereas in C the faces lap. With this difference however the process of making is the same, the flat joint being slightly more difficult.

Glue these joints together and leave in a handscrew to set, testing the joint to see that it is a perfect right angle.

To fit the lower stretchers to the legs proceed thus: All around the legs, 3⅞" from the bottom of each, draw a fine pencil line, and on the inside of the legs, at 3/16" from the edges, mark points as in Fig. 126. On this line on the outside of all the legs place a mark