running
through the centre of the sides, which it is necessary to cover with
cloth or paper to absorb all the moisture that may be made by applying
the heat, and the buffs are put in and taken out at the open end. In
order that the heat may be as nearly uniform as possible, an iron bar
one inch wide, eighteen inches long and one half inch thick, is so bent
that the centre is one quarter inch from the bottom of the box, and
that at least two inches of each end come in contact with the bottom;
this being riveted on the bottom, and a lamp with a small blaze applied
to the centre of the bar of iron. This will constitute one of the best
and cheapest buff dryers in use. It may be suspended from the wall by
placing wires around it, or it may stand upon legs. Perhaps a more
convenient plan is to place it under the workbench in a similar
position to a drawer. One precaution is necessary: when first heating
the dryer, apply but a very gentle heat. This will prevent an
accumulation of moisture, which would otherwise pass off in steam,
coming in contact with the buff, thus causing a dampness. Another
caution: never have the temperature of the air in the heater more than
ten degrees above that which surrounds it.

When wheels are used, they should be encased in a sheet iron or wood
case. All those made for our market are provided in this respect.

Keeping Buffs in Order.--This is one of the most important objects to
arrest the attention of the operator. Every buff is more or less
liable to get out of order by dust falling upon or coming in contact
with the polishing powder employed in cleaning the plate. The edge of
every plate should be thoroughly wiped and freed from any material that
may adhere while cleaning. I have adopted the following method, which
proves highly successful:

Rub the buff leather, holding the face down, with the sharp edge of a
pair of shears or a piece of glass. This brings out any portion of the
skin which may have become matted from any moisture, and also takes out
any substance imbedded in it, and prevents it from scratching. Then,
with a stiff brush, rub the buff well, and it will be found to work
well. This same process employ on wheels and hand buffs every morning,
or oftener, as occasion requires.

Preparing Buffs.--Two of these are necessary. That part of the stick
to be covered should be about eighteen or twenty inches long, and three
wide, and made crowning on the face from one e