Most of the makers nail thin parquetry work through from the surface and
fill the nail holes with putty, although in some cases blind nailing is
used.

Western manufacturers have in the last few years been making rapid
progress in this industry. While J. W. Boughton, who is one of the
oldest and best known makers of ornamental flooring, is still doing a
large and increasing business, Western houses are catering to and
obtaining a great deal of the best trade. The Interior Hardwood Company
of Indianapolis, under the business management of its vice-president,
Mr. Charles Hinman Comstock, has doubled its capacity in the last year
and shows commendable energy in pushing its business. S. C. Johnson of
Racine, Wis., is also in the front rank in first-class trade. The
Wood-Mosaic Company of Rochester should also be considered as one of the
leading and reliable houses. Its collection of designs is full and
varied and its work of the best.

Architects will find the catalogues of these firms most valuable
reference books.

The finishing of a good floor requires care and attention as well as
special knowledge. Oil, varnish, shellac, and wax are the finishes
ordinarily used, but wax is usually the most satisfactory.

The floor should be carefully and thoroughly smoothed, so that no waves
or plane-marks will be seen, and then filled if the wood is at all
porous or open grained. This is done with preparations manufactured by
any of the firms mentioned above, or with fillers specially made for the
purpose such as those sold by Harrison Brothers & Company of
Philadelphia, or the Chicago Wood Finishing Company of Chicago. The wood
filler made by the latter firm is especially adapted for this purpose
and will give excellent results. The finish is then applied in one or
more coats as required, oil and shellac finishes usually requiring more
than one application and an intermediate rubbing down with fine
sandpaper. Shellac and ordinary varnish are usually unsatisfactory from
their tendency to wear unevenly. The Chicago Varnish Company of Chicago
supplies a varnish under the name of "Supremis," which has proved by
years of use under trying conditions, such as those of asylums,
hospitals, and public buildings, to be of exceptional merit. It is
elastic, tough, and gives a fine waxy surface which can be rubbed and
will preserve its finish. It has the additional merit of being easily
applied. It dries quickly and is remarkably durable. Wax