ood, like cherry or walnut,
for the other part; but usually a cherry cabinet should be made of
cherry throughout; while a curly maple chiffonier could not be improved
by having the legs of some other material.

These considerations should determine for you whether or not you can
safely use stains to represent different woods in the same article.

NATURAL EFFECTS.--If effects are wanted, the skilled workman will
properly rely upon the natural grain of the wood; hence, in staining,
you should try to imitate nature, because in staining you will depend
for contrast on the natural grain of the wood to help you out in
producing pleasing effects.

NATURAL WOOD STAINS.--It should be said, in general, however, that a
stain is, at best, a poor makeshift. There is nothing so pleasing as the
natural wood. It always has an appearance of cleanliness and openness.
To stain the wood shows an attempt to cover up cheapness by a cheap
contrivance. The exception to this rule is mahogany, which is generally
enriched by the application of a ruby tint which serves principally to
emphasize the beautiful markings of the wood.

POLISHING STAINED SURFACES.--If, on the other hand, you wish to go to
the labor of polishing the furniture to a high degree, staining becomes
an art, and will add to the beauty and durability of any soft or cheap
wood, excepting poplar.

When the article is highly polished, so a good, smooth surface is
provided, staining does not cheapen, but, on the other hand, serves to
embellish the article.

As a rule, therefore, it is well to inculcate this lesson: Do not stain
unless you polish; otherwise, it is far better to preserve the natural
color of the wood. One of the most beautiful sideboards I ever saw was
made of Oregon pine, and the natural wood, well filled and highly
polished. That finish gave it an effect which enhanced its value to a
price which equaled any cherry or mahogany product.

CHAPTER XVI

THE CARPENTER AND THE ARCHITECT

A carpenter has a trade; the architect a profession. It is not to be
assumed that one vocation is more honorable than the other. A
_profession_ is defined as a calling, or occupation, "if not mechanical,
agricultural, or the like," to which one devotes himself and his
energies. A _trade_ is defined as an occupation "which a person has
learned and engages in, especially mechanical employment, as
distinguished from the liberal arts," or the learned professions.

_Opportun