Floor boards can be tightened up without the aid of a floor dog by the method shown at Fig. 1. The board next the wall should be well secured to the joists, and then three or four boards can be laid down and tightened up by means of wedges, as shown. The following is the method of procedure: - Place a piece of quartering about 2 in. by 3 in. next to the floor board, as at C. Cut a wedge, and place it as at B; then nail down a piece of batten to the joists, as at A (both this and the wedge can be cut out of odd pieces of floor hoard). The wedge B should be driven with a large hammer or axe until the joints of the board are quite close. Use prepared grooved and tongued boards, a section of which is shown at Fig. 2, to prevent dust and draught passing through the joints of the boards after they have shrunk.

Fig. 2. Tightening-up Floor Boards.