WOOD FOR STOCKING. 



487 



the liquid left, and wet all parts of the stock you wish to stain. 

 Let it stand until it is quite dry ; then lay on a slight coat of the 

 oil and alkanet-root. Take a quantity of joiners' shavings : set 

 fire to them, and pass the stock through the flame until it becomes 

 quite black or the oil is quite burnt off. Re-sandpaper it, and 

 you will find it, if possessing any figure, of a beautiful mottle. 

 Add a few more coats of oil ; it is then ready for varnishing, or 

 any other way you may fancy to have it finished." 



Maple stained in this way looks very beautiful, but we do not 

 consider it either so handsome or so suitable for stocking as 

 walnut ; it is much more brittle and knotty, and is liable to break 

 if roughly handled. 



