Much precaution is necessary in cutting the fore-edge. Mark the book with a bodkin on the projecting part of the end-papers, and on each side, at the head and foot, close to the square side of the boards, drawing a line from one to the other; then, laying the boards open, insert a trindle at each end of the volume, under the back, so as to throw the round out; then wind a piece of fine cord several times round from the head to the tail, to prevent the leaves returning after the back is made flat, to form the gutter on the fore-edge. This done, beat the back flat on the press, and place one of the cutting-boards at the end of the book, even with the line before made; turn it, and place the runner as much below the line on the title-side as has been allowed for the square on the fore-edge. Taking the whole in the left hand, the volume must be examined to remedy any defects, should it not be regular and equal on both sides, and then put into the press, the runner as before even with the right cheek, taking care to keep the other board projected above the left, equal to the square allowed in front, so that, when cut through, the fore-edge may be equally square with the boards on each side. After the fore-edge is cut, the string is taken off, the back resumes its circular form, and the edge in consequence presents a grooved appearance, which puzzles the uninitiated to ascertain how it is produced. The method above described is called "cutting in boards," and is superior to any other.
It is of the utmost importance to the young workman that he should pursue and acquire a methodical system in all his operations. Select the best method, as a matter of course, and then adhere to it. Do not, every time you perform one particular process, do it in a different manner. For instance: in backing or in turning up your books, it is better to always have the head towards you; in cutting head and tail, to have the back nearest you. In laying your work down, always do it in one way. Let that way be the one whereby you can most conveniently take it up again. Much time may be wasted, from inattention to these particulars, in the unnecessary handling and confused manner of working. It will be found that the best and most expeditious workmen are those who do their work in a systematical manner. In taking leave of this department, our parting admonition to the young workman is, strive to excell. Do not be content if your work will merely pass, and say to yourself, "Oh, that is good enough!" If it is possible for you to do it better, it is not good enough. Employ your reasoning faculties as well as your physical powers, so that you do not sink into a mere machine. When performing a process, ask yourself the question, "Why is this done? What is the object of it? Can the process be improved?" You will find the hand to be an apt instrument of the mind and will, and that you will speedily be recognised as an intelligent workman. Have, at least, this much ambition.
The next process which the volume must undergo is the gilding or colouring of
THE EDGES.
Colouring the edges with one colour, equally sprinkling over, marbling, and gilding, come under this head; and the style of ornament of this description must depend on the price allowed for the work, and will vary according to the taste of the workman and wish of the employer.
OF COLOURING AND SPRINKLING.
The colours most used are brown and red, in preparing which it is necessary to grind them in water, very fine, on a slab, with a muller. Each colour is then placed in a separate vase, and mixed up with a little paste and water to the proper consistency for use. To procure a better edge, two drops of oil and about an equal quantity of vinegar and water may be mixed with the paste.
In colouring the edges equally over, the boards at the head of the volume must be beat even with the edges, and the book rested on the edge of the press or table; then, holding the book firm with the left hand, the colours must be applied with a small sponge or brush, passing it evenly upon the edge, proceeding towards the back one way and the gutter the other, to avoid a mass of colour being lodged in the angle of the fore-edge. This done, the other parts are similarly coloured, the fore-edge being laid open from the boards and a runner held firm above to prevent the colour searching into the book. It will be perceived that a dozen volumes may be done at the same time with scarcely more than the additional trouble of placing one above the other. For further security, and to prevent the colour searching into the books, it is advisable to put them into the laying-press and screw them moderately tight. In fact, for all good work, this must be done.
In sprinkling, it is usual to tie together a number of volumes with a board on each side of the outside books, or place them in the laying-press first, with the heads upwards; then, with a large brush, similar to a painter's, dipped in whatever colour may be wished, and well beat on the press-pin over the pot till the sprinkle becomes fine, the edges are covered. The pin and brush are held sufficiently above the book, and the edge sprinkled by beating lightly at first, and stronger as the brush becomes less charged with colour, being careful that the spots are as fine as possible, the sprinkle being thereby made more beautiful.