PREFACE.

This Handbook contains, in a form convenient for everyday use, a comprehensive digest of the knowledge of How to Make and Repair Boots and Shoes, scattered over ten thousand columns of Work, the weekly journal it is my fortune to edit—and supplies concise instruction in the general principles of the craft on which it treats.

In preparing for publication in book form the mass of relevant matter already published in the volumes of Work, much that was tautological in character had to be rejected. The remainder necessarily had to be arranged anew, altered and largely re-written. From these causes the contributions of many are so blended that the writings of individuals cannot be distinguished for acknowledgment.

However, it may be mentioned that a number of articles from the pen of Mr. William Greenfield, an acknowledged adept in the craft, are incorporated in the text.

Readers who may desire additional information respecting special details of the matters dealt with in this Handbook, or instruction on kindred subjects, should address a question to Work, so that it may be answered in the columns of that journal.

P. N. HASLUCK.