It should be remembered that where two lines are run together in parallels, as for instance, in long stems, the wood lying between is very apt to break off. This can only be prevented by using the point of a thin penknife-blade or a very small wheel, with very great care. For some work a wheel the third of an inch diameter should be used. In cases where the design is very delicate, the line need be merely scratched into the wood. Any indenting which will restrain the flow of the dyes, and indicate a distinct outline is sufficient. Great attention should be paid to this. Do not expect to make a perfect piece of marquetry at a first effort. [Illustration: A SUGGESTION FOR THE DECORATION OF A CHEST IN VENETIAN MARQUETRY.] There is a piece of Venetian marquetry in the South Kensington Museum, London, which was presented by the last Doge of Venice to Sir Richard Worsely. It last came from Apeldoorcombe, in the Isle of Wight. It is at present the property of Sir Thomas Winter. The _Court Journal_ said of it, that even Her Majesty the Queen has not so fine a piece of furniture in all Windsor Castle. Its date is 1602. My attention was directed to it by a London merchant who deals solely in marquetry. And by this the reader may learn that Venetian marquetry is really capable of producing great artistic results. [Illustration: A BORDER OR PANEL.] [Illustration] Oh where are you going my dear little maid? To the school o' fine arts--if you please, she said To learn how to paint on china and glass On velvet and satin, silk, linen and brass On wood, tin and canvas, on matting and zinc Slate, marble and tiles, and leather I think. I have already painted a screen and three plaques A whole set of dishes and two little racks A stand for umbrellas-- A lovely one too-- With a ground of sienna-- And bands of light blue. And cat tails, a dozen, so straight and erect Growing up all around with artistic effect There are other things too-- Which I can't stop to tell, But I think for six lessons I've done very well. [Illustration: "MISS MAMIE SEZ DESE ARE 'HIGHLY CULLUD.'--I'D LIKE TO KNOW EF DEY'RE ANY MO' HIGHLY CULLUD DAN I AM!"] [Illustration] A Lesson in Geography By M. B. Jordan "A Lesson in Geography, With all the States to bound!" My boys grew sober in a trice, And shook their heads and frowned,-- And this was in the nursery, Where only smiles are found. Then suddenly up jumped Boy Blue,-- Youngest of all is he,-- And stood erect beside my chair. "Mamma," he said, "bound me!" And all the other lads looked up With faces full of glee. I gravely touched his curly head; "North, by a little pate That's 'mixed' in 'mental 'rithmetic,' And 'can't get fractions straight.' That never knows what time it is, Nor where are books or slate.