the dust or other substance that may be on the surface of
the plate from coming in contact with the cover of the wheel.
I will here follow out the use of the hand-buffs (two are necessary)
as they are mostly used.

In the morning, before using the buffs, brush both as clean as possible,
in order to free them from dust; then with the blade of a pair of shears,
held perpendicular, rub the buffs from end to end; then knock them
both together in order to free them from all dust or other substances,
occasionally exposing them to the sun or to the fire.

With one of the buffs (reserving the finest and softest for the last
operation), powder its face with fine rouge and brush off slightly,
leaving only the finest particles in it. Every operator should have
two plate-holders; one for cleaning and one for buffing the plate;
for when using only one, the rotten stone is liable to get on the buff
and scratch the plate.

Rest the fingers of the left hand on the back of the buff,
near the farther end, with about the same pressure as in cleaning,
while with the right you bear on the handle to correspond,
and give the buff a free, easy, horizontal motion, passing it
very nearly the whole length over the plate each time.
Continue this operation in such a manner that the plate will on
all parts of its surface have received an equal amount of polish.
This buff once well filled with polish, add but little after,
say a small quantity once in two or three plates.
The polish as well as the buffs must be kept perfectly dry.

The second buff should always be in the best order, and if this