For elementary work use nothing but the best grade of prepared cold glue. Do not use it from a large dish or from the can in which it is sold. It may be used from a small bottle having a wide opening like a paste bottle. This bottle may be kept covered with a bit of paper or with the regular screw cover. A better plan is to place a small dish in a larger dish or box and fill the larger dish to near the top of the inner one with plaster of paris. This will keep the brush moist and keep the glue from drying if a little water is poured on the plaster of paris often enough to keep it moist. The dish may have a loose or hinged cover of either wood or metal.

For most purposes in applying the glue a flat stick is better than a brush. In case the glue becomes too thick add a little water. This should be added some time before the glue is to be used that it may become well mixed with the glue.

For directions in applying and using the glue see Lesson 16 (Halved Corner), Fig. 58, Lesson 21 (Slip Mortise And Tenon), Figs. 77, 78, and 79. Glue sizing is explained in Lessons 31 and 34 and making glue joints is explained in Lesson 38 (Glue Joint). If you have purchased a good quality of glue, do not blame the glue if it does not hold. Go over the directions carefully, remembering that the reason for the trouble may be in your not following some part of the directions which you think of no consequence, but which may be the whole cause of the trouble.