both sides of the knife. It would have been slower work with
a violin of later and more careful construction. In the present
instance there are no linings to struggle with. "Now," says the workman,
"we can get to work at this joint much more easily."

After being examined again by both, the rags are again brought into
requisition. The back is laid varnished side downwards and a "poultice"
applied as far along the joint as appears necessary. Meanwhile other
work, such as fitting and finishing, is proceeded with.

A proper length of time has to elapse,--in the present instance it will
be longer than that for the purpose of merely softening the glue. The
damp has to work its way down at the junction of the two parts, a rather
slow process at the best of times; the back now under treatment being
of full average thickness causes some extra time to be taken up.

After repeated examinations, the joint, being gently tried each time,
gives evidence of the glue having softened. "You must clear out that
black stuff," interposes the chief, when the rag or poultice has been
lifted off. James accordingly, having some warm water and a small
hog-haired brush already to hand, proceeds to gently scrub the brush
along the course where the ugly black line is seen. It is necessary
to do this both sides, the varnished one receiving milder attention
than the other. Frequent dippings of the brush in water, gently
scrubbing away the glue and wiping the brush on a cloth, working the
joint backward and forward between the fingers, are details of the
process gone through in a leisurely yet business-like manner; much care
is exercised that no strain is made on the good and unwetted part of
the joint.

At last the old glue having by degrees been got rid of, the outer
moisture is absorbed by a gentle wiping of the cloth along the course
of the joint.

The next movement is simply putting the plate away to dry. To attempt
any glueing together of the parts while they are swollen with moisture
would be to make matters worse than before, as the edges are too soft
to bear interference, besides which, the sharpness of them is difficult
to perceive while wet and semi-transparent.

We will now, after the time allowed for drying, see the work proceeding
under the hands of the workman. After trying the parts, that is,
bringing the separated edges together for seeing whether a fresh and
clean join can be effected, some soft wood at hand is cut for the
co