BLACKING BOOTS. 369 



irregular lumps on the boots. Boning makes the surface of 

 the leather smooth and compact, and takes out creases. 



A little glycerine rubbed into the boots occasionally, helps to 

 soften and preserve the leather, and it also improves the polish. 



In the cleaning of top-boots it is a great convenience to 

 have the tops detachable. If they be fixed, the tops will 

 have to be protected while the black leather is being cleaned ; 

 and the black leather, while the tops are being dressed. This 

 protection is usually obtained by means of paper, which in 

 one case is placed over the top and is doubled under its lower 

 end ; and in the other case, it is put round the upper part 

 of the black leather, and between it and the top. 



For blacking boots, a hard brush, a blacking brush and a 

 shining brush are required. There is very little difference 

 between the two last mentioned brushes. 



TOPS. 



Probably the best plan is to follow the directions on the 

 box of top powder, which can be obtained at any saddler's 

 shop. After the application of the fluid in which the powder 

 is suspended, the tops are allowed to dry, and are then 

 brushed over with a hard brush made for the purpose. 



LEATHER BREECHES. 



White breeches, having been put on trees, should be scoured 

 with a little warm soft water, care being taken that they are 

 not made too damp. If any stains remain, they may be 

 touched with a little benzine or lemon juice, either of which 

 should be washed off. Breeches paste of about the consistency 

 of cream should then be applied in a thin and even coating 

 with a special brush. The breeches should be allowed to dry 

 very slowly, and when they have become quite free from 

 moisture, they should be beaten and brushed, so as to remove 

 all loose particles of powder. They may be carefully finished 



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