tion; if on
the other hand the point is too prolonged, rough and sharp, the stud
will probably be pulled off again. It will thus be perceptible that
the best shape will be rather obtuse but very smooth. When the stud
is in position and the glue setting or chilling, an additional pressure
with a small rod of wood or hard material will drive the glue out from
the edges and the work may be left to itself.

A word or two as to shape. Sometimes circular discs of sycamore are
met with, at others square. Lozenge shape is frequently met with, and
this I am inclined to favour most, as there being an acute angle at
each end there is a corresponding increase of holding surface with the
least amount of wood. These should be cut so that the grain does not
run with that of the joint, nor in exact opposition to it, but
diagonally.

There is a method much to be deprecated that was fashionable in some
parts of Europe in the last century, of strengthening the middle joint
of the back by first cutting out a lozenge or square space and then
fitting and filling with a stud. When dry, the parts are levelled and
glass-papered over. This system, although looking very neat, the
surface being quite smooth, will hold good for a time, but when this
has elapsed with wear and damp attacking it, the supposed remedy is
much worse than the disease, the whole joint being in danger of
disarrangement and splitting, necessitating even further heroic
treatment.

Should the studs when firm and dry seem to require a little finish,
the chisel must be carefully handled with angular or sharpened surface
downwards, the thinnest shavings being taken carefully off. A slight
touching with glass paper may be allowed to take away the crudeness
of the chisel marks.

When breakages of different degrees have to be treated at other parts
of the back, small studs may be used, particularly when the fractures
are fresh, free from dirt and fit well. In these instances, after the
glueing together has been effected, studs of not more than a full eighth
of an inch will be found sufficient. It is scarcely necessary to add
that they may be thinner in substance also. If, however, there be
sufficient substance of wood, the fractures and joints brought well
together and fitting closely and neatly, then studs are better
dispensed with altogether, the simplicity of the whole being less
impaired.

It must be always borne in mind that the smaller the amount of fresh
wood introduc