of the knife round the
junction of the ribs with the upper table; the cracking sounds emitted
as the knife gradually works its way along are rather trying to the
owner, who, however, has confidence in the reputation of the
master-hand at the kind of work. After a little extra pushing here and
there, and lifting gently to ascertain whether the parting is complete,
the upper table is at last lifted quite clear of the rest.

The owner at once asks, "Is the back in a very bad state?" "Well," is
the reply, "it is in such a dirty condition that it is not possible
to tell.--Here, James, bring me that water and sponge!" These being
at once brought, with a cloth in addition, the chief at once begins
bathing the inside, giving a heavier rub in different parts, as some
appearances suggest the extra treatment.

At last, after some few minutes of this application, the cloth is
applied, and the interior assumes a cleaner aspect.

"Never being cleaned out since it was made, I should think," is the
observation, "excepting once," he adds, as his practised eye lights
on a small, but thick stud resting over a small crack at one side, "and
that was a very long time ago, possibly a hundred and fifty years."
"Does it require the 'lining'--I think that is what it was called?"
"Yes, it will be so much better for it, almost necessary."

The owner soon after departs, and the chief and his assistant proceed
to work upon the violin. In general condition it happens to be very
good, the one opening referred to being the time at which the modern
bar had been attached in place of the very old and small-sized one.
The fingerboard being old is easily removed by a sudden pull or jerk.
After further cleaning with the aid of a hog-hair brush, this being
adapted for getting more completely into the corners, both parts of
the violin--they have both had a cleaning and looks more wholesome--are
placed aside to dry.

When this has taken place to the satisfaction of both master and man,
the back is rubbed over with an oiled rag, the object of this being
to prevent the mould now to be taken from sticking to it.

Some good plaster of Paris is mixed, and a sufficient quantity placed
on it till a coating an inch and a half in thickness is produced; this
amount is necessary owing to the tendency to get out of form or warp
if too thin, failures having often resulted therefrom.

When well hardened, this mould is lifted off; it comes away easily,
showing a perf