The vase which is to be decorated being in the right state, a lump of clay, having the plasticity necessary for modeling, is procured. This may be of C. C., a deeper cream color, or red, according to the color desired. White granite is not plastic enough, and is, besides, liable to crack in drying. But of all white clays, parian forms the most beautiful substance for this kind of modeling. Leaves and petals of flowers can be shaped from pieces of clay, which have been flattened to the required thickness, either by pressing upon a slab of plaster of paris, by means of a weight, such as potters use; or, if the work is not on a large scale, the clay can be shaped in the palm of the hand. The forms can then be cut with a sharp modeling tool. If there is more moisture in these pieces of clay than in that which forms the body of the vase, they should be allowed to remain a short time upon a dry plaster slab. The plaster will quickly absorb the moisture in the clay. When ready, the pieces can be placed in position on the vase, the places where they are to be applied having been previously washed with clay and water (technically called “slip”), or with glaze water, to make them adhere. Stems are made by rolling pieces of clay between the palms of the hands, or upon a flat surface of wet plaster or wood. They are afterwards allowed to dry, and when in proper condition, applied in the same manner as the flowers and leaves. Delicate touches may be put in with a brush dipped in clay, of a proper consistency for painting. The forms of the design can be shaped and finished after they have been applied to the vase by the use of modeling tools, and, finally, with a camel’s-hair brush. The design may also be brushed over with a sponge, moistened with water, which will also be found very useful in restoring the smooth surface of the ground, if it has been injured in the process of modeling. After the modeling has been completed, the work should be gone over with a modeling tool, and in places where a mass of clay has been attached to the surface, the edges should be under-cut. This will prevent cracking. If this precaution is not taken, a crack thus produced may extend into the body of the vase and render it unfit for firing. Where a large mass of clay occurs in the modeled design, it is better to hollow out the projection from the inside of the vase, to prevent the cracking or warping of the whole in firing, caused by the unequal thickness. Cracks, which may appear in drying, should be filled, or, if possible, be pressed out with a modeling tool, before the piece is fired. If the crack is so deep that it is necessary to fill it, the place should be cut open with a modeling tool, moistened with water, and filled with clay, as nearly as possible in the same condition as that upon the vase.