i 4 2 THE IDYL OF THE SPLIT-BAMBOO 



bench, followed by turning it within a fold of sand- 

 paper only sufficient for a good snug fit of metal 

 over the wood; and remember that the ferrule will 

 expand a bit when heated. Be especially careful to 

 have the female ferrule fit the wood as tightly as 

 possible, for it is this ferrule that is more likely to 

 work loose from its attachment. As you file and 

 sandpaper, pause now and then to try on the fer- 

 rule, giving to it a twisting motion, which will leave 

 black rubbing-marks on the wood that indicate the 

 high spots requiring further cutting away. 



In your filing of the joint, endeavor to remove the 

 wood equally on all sides, in order that the ferrules 

 will be centered, and thus bring the whole rod into 

 true alignment when its sections are jointed together. 



In applying the cement, be careful to avoid getting 

 any upon that inside part of the outer ferrule which 

 receives the male (inner) section. Soften the stick 

 of cement in the flame of an alcohol lamp, a gas- or 

 candle-flame; stick a few small gobs on the wood, 

 and heat the cement and joint-end over the flame 

 carefully, turning the joint to and fro the while, 

 till the cement flows; spread the now liquefied cement 

 evenly over the wood by stroking lengthwise with a 

 match, toothpick, or sliver of bamboo; slip the fer- 

 rule on as far as it readily will go; heat ferrule and 

 all again over the flame a moment, then by firmly 

 pushing against the floor or some other solid object, 

 as the door-jamb, quickly force the ferrule home to 



