WOOD CARVING.
Modelling, wood carving, working in papier maché, or in boiled leather, are all arts which are comparatively easy of attainment, (that is, so far as decorative work is concerned), to all who have attained a fair proficiency with the pencil. Not only so, but they themselves will aid the amateur in attaining that proficiency. Here, as in everything that is worth doing at all, one must be willing to begin at the lower round of the ladder. Diligent practice will soon give you the control of your tools; after that, your progress need only be limited by your talent.
The first essential is to provide yourself with good tools. Do not get fancy tools, such as are put up in sets for amateur's use, but make up your set as you find out your needs. The best tools are of English make, and should have ash handles. Short handles, not more than three inches in length, are preferable for beginners, but experts can get a firmer grip of their tools with longer handles. Carpenter's gouges and chisels can be used, the principal difference between them and carver's tools being in the shape of the edge. In the latter, the tool is ground on both sides, giving a roof-shaped edge. Carpenter's tools having an edge on one side only, have to be frequently turned in the using.
A full set of carver's tools would be about thirty in number, but half a dozen will do for a beginner, and it will probably be a year before you will need more than
