82 Description of Biddery Ware* [no. 1, mew series, 



with the other hand the workmen holds a sort of chisel (vide Fig. 

 No. 3), with which he cuts and smooths the model. The model 



No. 3. 



thus carefully prepared, is next covered with a mixture of wax and 

 oil boiled together (vide Fig. No. 4), when dry, the whole mass 

 is again turned, care- 

 fully thinned and 

 smoothed. Over this 

 coating is plastered a 

 second layer of la- 

 t elite dust moisten- 

 ed with water but 

 without cow-dung — 

 this coat is rough, 

 and is not subse- 

 quently smoothed 

 down, (vide Fig. 

 No. 5). The next 

 stage consists in bor- 

 No. 4. ing two openings in 



the composite mould, and in placing it in the fire, the effect of this 

 being to melt the intermediate layer of wax, and thus to leave a va- 

 cant space for the reception of the alloy. Into this space is pour- 

 ed the alloy (consisting of copper 1 part and pewter 4). The ves- 

 sel has now a dull leaden look ; it is hard, but easily cut. This 

 model or shell is carefully turned and smoothed. Upon the smooth 

 surface of this shell, the pattern is etched by hand, a small pointed 

 graver (like the pattern of the chisel, but only sharper at the 

 point) being used. This etching is done rapidly. The workman 

 next takes a small chisel and hammer, and following the lines of the 

 pattern, cuts it deeply and expeditiously, scooping out the tracings 

 of the little leaves, &c, and leaving an indented but rough surface. 

 This rough surface is next smoothed down by hammering gently 



No. 5. 



