[Illustration:  FIG. 2.—­THE BRIEF BAG.]

The cricket bat bag (represented in Fig. 3) is made on the same principle throughout as the carpet bag.

[Illustration:  FIG. 3.—­THE CRICKET BAT BAG.]

Frames and all necessary fittings required in making bags may be purchased of dealers.

Care must be observed in choosing all the pieces necessary for a bag from the same pattern carpet, otherwise it will present an unsightly appearance when completed.  There may be some who would prefer American cloth; this is thoroughly waterproof, and has a good appearance for some time, but, like all articles of imitation, it has only cheapness to recommend it.  If cloth is to be used (I mean American cloth), let it be the best that can be bought, that which is called “double-twill duck,” if possible.  As the making is the same whether cloth or carpet be used, it will be understood that the instructions for making apply to both.

The following tools, which are few and inexpensive, will be required:  A pair of clams (Fig. 4), cost 1s. 6d.; knife (Fig. 5), 6d.; half dozen awl blades, 1/2d. each; three or four boxwood handles, 11/2d. each; 3 foot rule, 1s.; hammer, 1s.; a packet of harness needles, size 4, cost 21/2d. (these have blunt points); a bone (Fig. 6) will also be required for rubbing the stiffening into place, cost about 3d.; and a ball each of hemp and wax for making the sewing threads—­hemp 21/2d., wax 1/2d.  For making holes in the bottom where the nails or studs are fixed, a large sewing-awl will be required; this will probably have to be bought at a saddler’s; the other tools can all be obtained at any grindery and leather seller’s.

[Illustration:  FIG. 4—­Pair of Clams.  FIG. 5—­Knife.  FIG. 6—­Bone Rubber.  FIG. 7—­Method of Measuring Registered Frame:  A to A, Top of Sides; A to B, Top of Gussets.  FIG. 8—­Pattern of Bottom, Showing Place of Nails.  FIG. 9—­Side Pattern Folded.  FIG. 10—­Gusset Pattern Folded.  FIG. 11—­Pattern for Gusset Stiffening.  FIG. 12—­Handle, Showing Distance of Rings.]

The awl blades mentioned above are of two kinds, and either may be used for this work.  Those generally used are of a straight diagonal shape, making a perforation the shape of a diamond, <>*; the others are perfectly round, tapering gradually to a fine point.  To fix them in the boxwood handles, place the blade in a vise, leaving the unpolished part above the jaws; hold the handle above this, and commence driving it down, taking care that the blade is penetrating the middle of the handle.  Continue tapping the handle until the ferrule reaches the polished part of the blade; it will then be in far enough.

  * Transcriber’s Note:  Original diamond vertical instead of horizontal.