brush is longer than the other. (cut No. 4) These are called deer-foot, and are convenient for getting around handles, inside of cups, and other uneven surfaces.
The best brushes for painting china are those called square shaders. (cuts Nos. 5 and 6.) They come in quills ; and two large ones, a No. 10 and 12, and two smaller sizes, a no. 6,7, or 8, are quite sufficient for the ordinary painting. Each brush should be provided with a cedar handle.
Before inserting the handle, throw the new brush in a cup of water, to soak for a few hours. This softens the quill, and the handle is fitted without danger of splitting, as the quill when dry is brittle. and liable to split if this precaution is neglected.
Handles should fit snuggle, to avoid any possibility of the brush slipping or falling off ; but they should never be forced in the quill. If the handles are to large, reduce them by rubbing with sandpaper, rather than cutting with a knife. This method keeps the handles round. After the handle is firmly attached to the brush, sharpen the other end to a point with a penknife ; this end will be found to be very serviceable for cutting
