The most effectual mode of removing stoppers, especially those of small bottles, such as smelling-bottles, remains to be described. Take a piece of strong cord, about a yard or four feet in length, double it at the middle, and tie a knot (_Fig. 6_, _b_) so as to form a loop (_a_) of about four inches in length at the doubled end, bring the knot close to one side of the stopper, and tie the ends tightly together on the opposite side, as at _Fig. 7_, _e_, so as to fasten the string securely round the neck of the stopper; now pass one of the ends through the loop (_a_), and tie it firmly to the other end; the doubled cord is next to be placed over a bar or other support, then if the bottle is surrounded by a cloth to prevent accidents in case of fracture, and pulled downwards with a jerk, the force of which is gradually increased, it will be found that in a short time the stopper is liberated. Two precautions are requisite: one is, that the strain on both sides of the stopper is equal; the other, that care be taken that when the stopper is liberated, it is not dashed by the rebound against any hard substance, which would cause its fracture. [Illustration: _Fig. 7._] II. CUTTING, GRINDING, AND WRITING ON GLASS. We have described the most advantageous modes of extracting fixed stoppers from decanters, &c. It is possible that some of our readers may have followed our advice sufficiently well to have succeeded _in cracking the necks of their decanters_. In case any should have been so unfortunate, or rather we would say—if we were quite sure we were not addressing ladies—so clumsy, let them not despair; dexterity in manipulation comes by practice; and as no evil is without a remedy, we will next consider what can be done with the broken decanter. Unless it is cracked down to the bottom, it may be cut off and converted into a handsome sugar basin; or if not high enough for that purpose, will serve for a pickle dish, or a flower-stand, &c.; and in the same way, a tumbler broken at the upper part will furnish an elegant salt-cellar, or serviceable soap dish; and even common bottles, if sufficiently stout, may be made into useful jars, instead of being consigned to the dust-heap.