Figs. 115 to 118 represent the various parts used, the design being completed with a few lines.

Before beginning work the blocking press must be heated, the gas in the heater box being lighted some hours in advance. Take a piece of brown paper somewhat larger than the block; it must be of good quality, that known as "casing" being very serviceable. On it draw two lines at right angles to each other near the edges; then glue one of the pieces of the broad and narrow line. A convenient method of applying the glue is to use a lump of dry glue and, having heated the piece of line, rub the glue over it; the heat will of course melt the glue and the fingers will be kept clean. Place the line on the paper carefully close to the pencil line, glue another piece, and place it in the same manner against the other line, taking care that the corner is properly formed. Glue the other two pieces in like manner, one after the other, and lay them upon the paper; attention must be given specially to the corners, and if the pieces have been cut and mitred properly a perfect rectangular border will be the result.

While this is lying on the bench, place over it a piece of strawboard, larger of course than the space occupied by the lines. Draw the whole carefully off the bench on to the flat hand and turn it over sharply so as to have the board underneath; then push it carefully on the bed of the press as near the centre as can be judged by the eye and pull down the lever, causing the blocking plate to press upon it. The heat of this plate will first melt the glue and afterwards dry it, thus causing the lines to adhere to the brown paper. After having been under pressure for a few minutes, take the board out, again turn it over, and place it on the bench. The brown paper may be trimmed off from the outside of the lines with a knife, or it may be left until the whole stamp is set up.

Next place the eight pieces of floral border on the paper inside the lines already adhering thereto; arrange them carefully, adjusting them with the compasses at equal distances all round. Then take up one piece without moving the other and heat it sufficiently to melt the glue; pass the glue over it and be sure that it is well glued, place it on the paper in its former position, pressing it down with the fingers, and repeat the operation with the other pieces, again putting the board over it, and turning it over. Then place it in the press as before.

When sufficient time has been allowed, take it out and place it upwards on the bench as before directed. The four corner pieces are then taken, and each piece is glued and placed in position in the manner described for the other pieces. Then if the paper has not already been trimmed from the outside of the lines it must be done now, and if the various pieces have been properly glued and the paper is of the proper quality, there will be no fear of any of the pieces dropping off to give trouble later on.

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