Touch
The sense of touch is perhaps more acute in the hands than in any other part of the body, and it is certain that the touch will reveal inequalities of surface which the unaided eye would fail to detect. This sense when fully developed is of infinite service when a mould surface consisting of numerous varying curves has to be formed in the sand so that all the lines may mingle one into another in such a manner as shall defy the strictest scrutiny to detect where one angle intersects the other. This nicety of touch should be cultivated among moulders more than it is: eminent sculptors have it, poor ones do not; and it is rational to say that the moulder who is deficient in this quality will never accomplish anything in his trade but what is mediocre. The study and practice of modelling in sand and clay should by all means be encouraged in our technical schools. Both touch and design could there be cultivated, and opportunity given for the American moulder to reach that degree of artistic superiority which has been already attained by the educated artisan in many parts of Europe. See TECHNICAL EDUCATION FOR THE MOULDER.