AN UNIQUE WRITING-TABLE. 277 



loox screwed down to the table itself were a finer pair 

 still, used almost entirely for dissecting purposes. In a 

 number of holes bored through the woodwork at the 

 back were an assortment of bradawls and gimlets; a 

 small pocket just beneath the desk held a paper-knife ; 

 one a little lower contained a two-foot rule; close 

 beside this was fastened a pin-cushion. From a tack on 

 one side hung a pen-wiper, while from a similar tack 

 upon the other depended an almanack. A little farther 

 on was a wire basket for holding letters which required 

 an answer, while from a nail close by was slung a large 

 slate, with sponge and pencil attached. And these 

 were so arranged that one and all could be reached 

 without the necessity for rising from his seat. On the 

 wall close by hung a series of hooks, one for revised 

 proofs, one for receipts, one for answered correspondence, 

 .and so on. And a larger wire basket, within easy 

 reach, contained time-tables, a local directory, and one 

 or two similar chronicles in almost constant use. 



Tolerably accomplished at most arts requiring skill 

 of hand, my father was a capital amateur carpenter, and 

 was perfectly competent to undertake most of the little 

 matters for which a professional workman is usually 

 called in. Of his tools he was exceedingly careful, and 

 kept the greater number under lock and key chiefly, I 

 think, to prevent me from " borrowing " them. He 

 was also a very good locksmith and bell-hanger, and 

 even a plumber in a small way ; and only in very ex- 

 ceptional cases was it necessary to call in a workman 

 while he happened to be at home. 



