Repairs. 233 



error is to attempt the result, while utterly ignoring the 

 means by which the result is to be obtained as though 

 a man should wish to keep books without first learning 

 how to write. 



First acquire a few very simple principles, and the rest 

 follows "like rolling off a log." 



As we said before, this chapter is written as addressed 

 to one utterly ignorant of this branch; and this for two 

 reasons : first, because for the benefit of such it is in- 

 tended; and second, because it is the most direct way to 

 accomplish the end in view. 



At the foundation of the majority of repairs lies cov- 

 ering and strengthening the injured part with a layer of 

 silk thread, tightly wrapped around it. It is thus that 

 rings are secured to rods, and breaks repaired. 



Do you know how to wind a string around a stick? 

 That is what we are about to do. But if you really wish 

 to learn from what follows if you really wish for suc- 

 cess, you must, as in your every-day life, accept the con- 

 ditions of success. 



As to knots, and manipulations of that kind, the con- 

 dition of success is this : Actually try each step with 

 the book before you, and following its directions ; be 

 sure you understand that step before you essay the next. 

 Thus you will be led to the goal as easily as you walk 

 from your parlor to your dining-room, with hardly an 

 appreciable effort. But if you attempt to cover the 

 ground in either case with a leap, you court and will 

 meet failure. 



Now to our lesson (see Fig. 70). 



Take a round cane and a piece of fish-line or string 

 of similar size. Wax your string. It will facilitate you. 

 Hold the cane in your left hand, knuckles up and thumb 



