ly a strong one; for if too dark a tint is first obtained
it is often irremediable. Flat surfaces will take stain more evenly if a
small portion of linseed-oil is first wiped over, well rubbed off, and
allowed to dry, then lightly papered down with fine glass-paper. End-way
wood which is of a spongy nature should first have a coat of thin
varnish, and when dry well glass-papered off. For applying stain a flat
hog-hair tool is the best; and for a softener-down a badger-hair tool is
used. For mahogany shades and tints a mottler will be found of service,
as will also a soft piece of Turkey sponge. For oak, the usual steel
graining-comb is employed for the streaking, and for veining badger
sash-tools and sable pencils.

=Ready-made Wood Stains.=--There are numerous stains suitable for common
work in the market obtainable at a small cost by residents in London,
but it is cheaper for those who reside in country towns to make their
own, if only a small quantity is required. The principal makers of wood
stains are H. C. Stephens, of 191, Aldersgate-street, E.C., and Jackson,
213, Union-street, Southwark, S.E. These makers prepare stains in a
liquid state, and also in powders for oak, walnut, mahogany, satin-wood,
ebony, and rosewood. The powders are sold in packages at 8s. per lb. or
1s. for two ounces, and are soluble in boiling water. Judson, of 77,
Southwark-street, S.E., makes a mahogany powder in sixpenny packets, and
any reliable oilman will sell a good black stain at 8d. per quart, or a
superior black stain at 1s. 2d. per quart. Fox, of 109, Bethnal
Green-road, also prepares stains in a liquid state.

CHAPTER III.

_FRENCH POLISHING._

=The Polish Used.=--The oil or wax polish was used for all kinds of
furniture before the introduction of French polish, the invention of
which, as its name implies, is due to French cabinet-makers. It was
first introduced into England about seventy years since; some time
elapsed, however, before it was brought to a high state of perfection.
At first apprentices or porters were entrusted with the polishing, they
having been usually called upon to do the wax polishing; but in course
of time it was found that its successful adoption implied the possession
of considerable skill, and it came to be regarded as an art of no little
importance--so much so, that the early polishers who had perfected
themselves used to work in a shop with closed doors, lest the secret of
their success s