The Lily White Brand, or quality, is selected from the very best rock, each stone is tested at the factory, and labeled, telling whether it is a Soft, Coarse or a Hard, Fine grit. Every Lily White stone, Whether of coarse or fine grade, is of UNIFORM GRIT THROUGHOUT, free from hard or soft spots, or streaks, and fast cutting. Each stone is perfectly white, carefully finished and bears a guarantee label. The manufacturer warrants each stone to be just as labeled and to give absolute satisfaction; hence neither the dealer nor the mechanic take any risk on this stone, as it will be replaced free of charge if not satisfactory.
THE. NUMBER ONE QUALITY WASHITA is a well-finished stone, free from cracks, quartz, or notice able imperfections. It is the most largely used brand on account of its lower price, but as there are both hard and soft stones in this grade, and they are not warranted, the stone should be selected by an experienced judge. It is usually better economy to buy the labeled and guaranteed Lily White Brand.
THE NUMBER Two QUALITY WASHITA is, as its name would imply, a second-quality stone. It usually contains some quartz streaks, “sand holes,” or other imperfections, but always has one or more. serviceable faces, and many very excellent cutting stones can be found in this grade.
In addition to the above-named grades of Washita stone, there is also the Rosy Red, which is very similar in cutting qualities to the Lily White, except that it is generally a little softer and coarser. This stone is streaked with orange or dull red color, which indicates a soft, porous grit. It is a guaranteed
brand, and is well adapted for grinding down dull tools or wherever rapid work is required.
The difference between a hard and soft Washita stone can be told in several ways: first, by the sight, as in a soft stone the minute pores are usually apparent to the eye, and the surface of the stone will have an open, granulated appearance; second, by scratching with a knife blade, as a soft stone can be quite readily scratched on the edges, whereas a hard stone will show very little impression; third, by the sound, holding the stone loosely by one end between the thumb and forefinger and tapping it with a knife, light hammer, or any metal substance; the soft stone will sound dead like wood whereas a hard stone gives for a metallic ring.