Books that are illustrated with plates independently of the text usually contain for the guidance of the binder directions for the placing of these plates, and it is of course a simple matter to follow the instructions. It must, however, first be ascertained that the margin is perfectly square and straight, and any error should be rectified by cutting with a sharp knife and straightedge. In the case of an upright picture (that is, when the inscription reads across the bottom of the page) there is diversity of practice in placing it in the book, some contending that it should occupy either the right-hand or the left-hand page, as the case may be, so as to face the descriptive text. Many publishers, however, insist that in all separately printed plates the picture when the book is open should be on the left-hand page; and this contention is, for artistic and other reasons, undoubtedly correct. In the case of longway pictures (that is, when the inscription reads along the side of the page), there is no diversity of opinion as to which is the correct position of the picture. It should always be on the left-hand page, the inscription should always read from the bottom to the top of the page, and should always be on the inner and never on the outer margin. Cases are, of course, often occurring where both printers and binders flagrantly disregard this arrangement, but the best authorities never permit a longways picture to be on a right-hand page. The plate is pasted along the edge and placed in the position it is to occupy. The visible margins on the plate should bear the same proportion to each other as the margins of the page. Double plates and maps must be folded correctly, special care being taken to see that the folds do not appear beyond the edges of the book. In some cases a guard is pasted at the fold, and in other cases the ends are pasted like single plates. The guard is preferably of stout drawing or cartridge paper, about 1 in. or 1 ¼ in. wide; tape or narrow linen is sometimes used. This is pasted to the section, and permits the map or double plate to open well when the book is opened.

Colored plates, unless thoroughly dry, are very liable to stick to the protecting tissue paper gener­ally inserted. If the plates show any disposition to stick they may be lightly dusted over with French chalk.

A binder is sometimes required to interleave a book with writing paper, the object being to give a page of white paper facing each page of print, in order, perhaps, to facilitate the making of correc­tions when a new edition of a book is required, or there may be other reasons. The edges ( top and front) of the sheets are cut through with a knife by hand, and the writing paper having been cut and folded to the proper size, a four-page section of white paper is inserted between each four pages of printed paper. The sheets are then dealt with in the usual manner.

As regards law books, generally these are bound in a manner peculiar to themselves. The edges are left white as cut, and the books are whole or half-bound in calf of the natural colour (a kind of fawn colored drab). They have generally marone colored or scarlet lettering pieces, and no other ornament but a plain fillet. If in half calf, the sides are usually of cloth, as such books have frequently to undergo hard wear.

Pamphlet binding may here receive attention. After pamphlets have been stitched, whether with wire or thread, the next operation is that of covering, if this is required. There are many ways of covering pamphlets, and of them the following is very economical of time a very important item in a long job. Supposing the pamphlet to contain 16 pp. or 20 pp., proceed thus: Lay the covers out on the table with the inside uppermost and the head at the right hand, knock up a parcel of, say, twenty or fifty pamphlets, and paste or glue the backs. Paste should be used if there is time to let it dry. Set them down at the right hand, and lift one and place it down in the centre of the cover and draw the front over it. Repeat the operation throughout the job. The operator thus will be able to watch whether the covers are being drawn on straight. The front of the cover has generally more printing on it, and if there are any lines they can be kept even, and the pamphlets will have a good appearance when they are cut. If the pamphlets contain a number of pages and have been sewn, it will be best to knock them well down with the hammer before cutting them, or they will cause much trouble in the cutting. They should be well rubbed in the back with the folder, to make the covers stick properly. Pamphlets of many sections may be stitched with thread through the side, but it will be necessary to make holes for the needle to pass through. This may be done with the hammer and bradawl, or a stabbing machine may be had for the purpose. Make the first hole in the centre of the back, about midway between the printed matter and the outside margin, the other two at equal distances from the first and the head and tail of the book. However, wiring with machines has superseded this old method. After the pamphlets have been covered and properly dried, it only remains to cut their edges.

The rebinding of a book requires considerable care and circumspection, whether the book has been already bound in leather or merely cloth boarded. The book must be very carefully taken to pieces, bindings and thread being cut, and the sheets gently pulled apart, the glue being moistened if necessary. Even if the book has been badly folded in the first instance it is seldom advisable to refold the sheets unless such a measure is unavoidable. In this the binder must use his discretion. Narrow and irregular margins and crooked pages are evils, but it is quite possible to make matters worse by rashly undertaking to refold such a book. Torn leaves, often met in old books, must be carefully mended, and any missing portions of a leaf or margin should be replaced with small strips of paper carefully pasted on. Paper discolored by age should be matched as near as possible. A perfectly clear gum should be employed for mending, or the thin transparent gummed paper that is sold for mending music may be used sometimes with advantage.

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