Cast Steel 425 
]y reducing its temper along the thin edge, which at the 
same time acquires the colours of oxidation. 
The setting now remains to be performed, which is a 
work of much delicacy and skill : so much so indeed, 
that Mr. Stodart assures me, he cannot produce the most 
exquisite and perfect edge if interrupted by conversa- 
tion, or even by noises in the street. The tool is first 
whetted upon a hone with oil, by rubbing it backwards 
and forwards. In all the processes of grinding or wear- 
ing down the edge, but more especially in the setting, the 
artist appears to prefer that stroke which leads the edge 
according to the action of cutting, instead of making the 
back run first along the stone. This proceeding is very 
judicious ; for if there be any lump or particle of stone, or 
other substance lying upon the face of the grinder, and 
the back of the tool be first run over it, it will proceed be- 
neath the edge, and lift it up, at the same time producing 
a notch. But on the other hand, if the edge be made to 
move foremost, and meet such a particle, it will slide be- 
neath it and suffer no injury. Another condition in whet- 
ting is, that the hand should not bear heavy : because it 
is evident, that the same stone must produce a more uni 
form edge if the steel be worn away by many, than by few 
strokes. It is also of essential importance, that the hone it- 
self should be of a fine texture, or that its siliceous parti- 
cles should be very minute. Mr. Stodart informs me 
that there are no certain criterions by which an excellent 
hone can be distinguished from one of ordinary value, ex- 
cepting those derived from the actual use of both : that 
the Turkey stone cuts fast, but is never found with a 
very fine grit : that the yellow hone is most generally use- 
ful, and that any stone of this kind requires to be soaked 
in oil, and kept wet with that fluid, or otherwise its effects 
will be the same as that of a coarser stone under the better 
treatment : and lastly 5 that there is a green hone found in 
