new article, but that its general form, or
arrangement of parts, shall have some new or striking feature.

A new design in any art does not require a change in all its parts. It
is sufficient that there shall be an improvement, either in some
particular point, as a matter of utility, or some change in an artistic
direction. A manufacturer in putting out a new chair, or a plow, or an
automobile, adds some striking characteristic. This becomes his talking
point in selling the article.

THE COMMERCIAL INSTINCT.--It is not enough that the boy should learn to
make things correctly, and as a matter of pastime and pleasure. The
commercial instinct is, after all, the great incentive, and should be
given due consideration.

It would be impossible, in a book of this kind, to do more than to give
the fundamental principles necessary in designing, and to direct the
mind solely to essentials, leaving the individual to build up for
himself.

FIRST REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGNING.--First, then, let us see what is
necessary to do when you intend to set about making an article. Suppose
we fix our minds upon a table as the article selected. Three things are
necessary to know: First, the use to which it is to be put; second, the
dimensions; and, third, the material required.

Assuming it to be the ordinary table, and the dimensions fixed, we may
conclude to use soft pine, birch or poplar, because of ease in working.
There are no regulation dimensions for tables, except as to height,
which is generally uniform, and usually 30 inches. As to the length and
width, you will be governed by the place where it is to be used.

If the table top is to have dimensions, say, of 36" x 48", you may lay
out the framework six inches less each way, thus giving you a top
overhang of three inches, which is the usual practice.

CONVENTIONAL STYLES.--Now, if you wish to depart from the conventional
style of making a table you may make variations in the design. For
instance, the Chippendale style means slender legs and thin top. It
involves some fanciful designs in the curved outlines of the top, and in
the crook of the legs. Or if, on the other hand, the Mission type is
preferred, the overhang of the top is very narrow; the legs are straight
and heavy, and of even size from top to bottom; and the table top is
thick and nearly as broad as it is long. Such furniture has the
appearance of massiveness; it is easily made and most serviceable.

MISSION STYLE.--