Should you wish to bind music, an atlas, or any wide volume which should
lie flat on the table when opened, a "flexible" or elastic back should
be made, instead of a "spring" or open one.
In this case, a few appliances will be needed, such as a "baker's rasp,"
some unbleached calico, and a solution of India rubber. This solution is
sold in tins. Three coats of it should be applied to the back of the
music-book, and two to a strip of the calico, which latter should lap
over half an inch on each side. In preparing the back for the solution,
rub up and indent the folded edges composing the back with the baker's
rasp, so as to leave crevices for the reception of as much of the
solution as possible. The head-band is secured by gluing a piece of fine
calico all down the back.
[Illustration: REBUS.]