To give some bindings in vellum, calf, or morocco an additional degree of splendour, it is sometimes required to execute ornaments on the covers of a different colour; and, as this is an important manipulation, it will be necessary for the young workman to understand it. Let the pattern be worked in blind upon the volume, taking care to have it well impressed. Pare morocco of the colour desired evenly and thin. While damp, place it upon that portion of the pattern to be inlaid, and press upon it with the fingers. The outline of the figure will appear through the morocco. Then lay it upon the paring-stone; and, with the same gouges with which the pattern has been executed, proceed to cut out the morocco. The gouges used for this kind of work should be made of steel.
The same directions will apply to fancy titles for flat backs.
After the pieces have been properly cut out, the workman will proceed to paste them evenly and adjust them in their place upon the volume.
When dry and prepared, the book will then be ready for gilding, and when covered with the gold ornament the joints of the leather will not be perceptible, if well executed. The gouges must be worked upon the edge of the morocco.
This kind of ornament is more frequently executed on calf than any other substance.
In connection with inlaid ornament, we give a few hints to guide the workman in choice of colours. Much of the effect produced will result from the relations which the colours will bear to each other. A well-executed piece of work may be spoiled by the injudicious selection of colours. If the finisher be ignorant of the lessons which nature teaches in the distribution of colours, he cannot expect to please a connoisseur whose taste has been corrected and refined by a study of the harmonies of colours.
NUMERICAL PROPORTIONS OF HOMOGENEOUS COLOURS.
3 Yellow } Orange. { 5 Red } { These are contrasting colours to the { primaries with which they produce 5 Red } Purple. { harmony in opposition:--the orange 8 Blue } { with the blue, the purple with the { yellow, and the green with the red. 3 Yellow } Green. { 8 Blue } {
Purple } Olive. { Green } { The tertiaries stand in the same relation { to the secondaries that the secondaries Green } Citron. { do to the primaries:--olive to Orange } { orange, citron to purple, and russet { to green. Orange } Russet. { Purple } {