hog-hair tool is the best; and for a softener-down a badger-hair tool is
used. For mahogany shades and tints a mottler will be found of service,
as will also a soft piece of Turkey sponge. For oak, the usual steel
graining-comb is employed for the streaking, and for veining badger
sash-tools and sable pencils.


=Ready-made Wood Stains.=--There are numerous stains suitable for common
work in the market obtainable at a small cost by residents in London,
but it is cheaper for those who reside in country towns to make their
own, if only a small quantity is required. The principal makers of wood
stains are H. C. Stephens, of 191, Aldersgate-street, E.C., and Jackson,
213, Union-street, Southwark, S.E. These makers prepare stains in a
liquid state, and also in powders for oak, walnut, mahogany, satin-wood,
ebony, and rosewood. The powders are sold in packages at 8s. per lb. or
1s. for two ounces, and are soluble in boiling water. Judson, of 77,
Southwark-street, S.E., makes a mahogany powder in sixpenny packets, and
any reliable oilman will sell a good black stain at 8d. per quart, or a
superior black stain at 1s. 2d. per quart. Fox, of 109, Bethnal
Green-road, also prepares stains in a liquid state.




CHAPTER III.

_FRENCH POLISHING._


=The Polish Used.=--The oil or wax polish was used for all kinds of