and rivets on their edges;
and such, again, are those abominable old rascals, chiefly born in the
fifteenth century, who are proud of being dressed in real boards with
brass corners, and pass their lives with fearful knobs and metal
bosses. . . . . When your books are being dusted, don't impute too much
common sense to your assistants--take their ignorance for granted.'

Mr. Blades then points out certain dangers which beset the inexperienced
handler of books. Never lift a book by one of its corners. Do not pile
books up too high. Be careful not to rub the dust _into_ instead of
_off_ the edges. If mildew or damp is discovered, carefully wipe it
away, and let the book stand open for some days in a very dry spot--but
not in front of a fire. Be careful that no grit is on the duster, or it
will surely mark your books. Do not wedge books in too tightly.
Common-sense must dictate what is right, but every volume should _fit
easily_ in its place.

Children and servants are not to be classed as friendly to books, but
little lapses on their part are much more easily tolerated than the
ignorance of the person who ought to know better. Such people insist
upon having their books bound in hideous bindings, and mutilated almost
beyond recognition by the bookbinder's plough.

I will talk about bookbinding later, but this I will say, that in no way
can a book be easier ruined than by being placed unconditionally in the
hands of a bookbinder.

It is frequently supposed that the insect, known as the bookworm, is a
great enemy to books. 'Tis true where the bookworm exists it does
irreparable damage, but fortunately it is not an insect which may be
found every day. In America, they have, I believe, greater trouble from
these boring insects. They have 'fish bugs,' 'silver fish,' and 'bustle
tails,' scientifically known as _Lepisma Saccharina_. Another is known
as 'Buffalo Bug,' or 'Carpet Bug,' or the _Anthrenus varius_ of
scientists. A third is _Blatta Australasia_, a species of cockroach.

The following maxims may be learned by heart, or if preferred, they can
be bought by experience:

Do not bite your paper knife until it has the edge of a saw.

Do not cut books except with a proper ivory paper knife.

It is ruination to a good book not to cut it right through into the
corners.

Do not turn the leaves of books down. Particularly, do not turn down the
leaves of books printed on plate paper.

If you are in the habit of lending