128 THE IDYL OF THE SPLIT-BAMBOO 



the rolling of the joint, and the downward pressure 

 against the table of the palmar surface of the fingers 

 of both hands (Fig. 2). 



Before proceeding very far you will note to your 

 great surprise and delight, first, that as you wind, 

 the joint is straightened by being rolled against the 

 ' unyielding level surface of the table; and, next, that 

 it does not twist when carefully wound in this way, 

 but each of its six flat surfaces holds to its own 

 proper plane. 



Having completed the winding, wipe off the ex- 

 cess of glue with the sponge and a little hot water. 

 This also wets and shrinks the winding-thread, mak- 

 ing still tighter constriction. Sight now along the 

 joint for the more noticeable deflections; correct 

 these by counter-bending, take out any very mild 

 twist by counter-twisting, and then submit the whole 

 joint to some more rolling treatment, very vigorously 

 now, to and fro under the palms of the hands (Fig. 

 3), and bearing on with considerable pressure. Oc- 

 casionally we have rolled a joint under a flatiron. 

 Continue rolling until the glue is well set and the 

 joint considerably stiffened up, which requires only 

 a few minutes, when it may be allowed to repose on 

 the table until morning. 



Yes, it's pretty late but really you should wash 

 your hands again before going to bed. 



The following day you may remove the winding- 

 thread and sandpaper the joint, using number o or 



