Drawing tools or instruments are contrived solely for mechanical drawing; aside from this use they are perfectly worthless, hence the quality of these special utensils is a matter of the first consideration to the earnest student.

There are several degrees of excellence to be found in the make-up of drawing instruments and materials; it may be remarked with truth that "any kind are good enough, and the best none too good," i. e., a learner in this delightful art should not stop at the lack of goodness or the low grade existing in his "tools," but rather do the best work possible with the means at hand.

However, in order that acceptable work may be accomplished, fairly good instruments should be pro

cured. The advice of some one experienced in the use and care of draughting tools should be sought before purchasing. A drawing board, a single sheet of paper and a pencil is the simplest "outfit" to be thought of; to this small beginning may be added, soon afterwards, an inexpensive pair of compasses, a T-square and a couple of triangles; a vast range of work can be executed with these few tools.

Nothing else will be needed to do fine work except, perhaps, one or two pairs of better compasses and a few sweeps or means of drawing irregular curves; all these had best be purchased separately; for in buying a "box of instruments," it may contain some. articles which are not desired, or that are of a wrong size, or even duplicates of those already possessed.

45-degree triangle, 9 inches.

30 and 60 degree triangle, 9 inches.

I Scroll.

Dixon's V. H. pencil.

12-inch boxwood scale, flat, graduated 1-16 inch the entire length.

Bottle of liquid India ink, four thumb-tacks, pen and ink eraser.

20 sheets drawing paper, 11X15 inches, and a drawing-board about 16X23 inches will also be necessary; students can usually make the board themselves for less money than it can be bought.

NOTE. The purchasing of drawing tools is one of the most difficult points to settle that can present itself to a person about to buy a drawing outfit for the first time. Nothing can be so productive of distress to a person drawing as to have his tools getting out of order, joints one day too tight, next day too slack, points getting blunt or perhaps turning up altogether; if needle points, then the needles slip up, and drawing spoiled; in fact, the purchaser can be annoyed in numberless different ways.-W. H. THORN.