“The outer diameter of this tube is the same as the outer diameter of the nut piece: f, a long brass tube, fitting upon the nut piece, c, and short tube, e, having a pin, g, to work in the circular groove, h, of the nut piece, and allow the tube to be turned upon the nut piece without coming off; and also a pin, k, going through its side, and into the side of the short tube, e, so that when the long tube is turned around, it shall carry the short tube around with it: l, a groove, around near the middle of the nut piece, to receive a wrapping of silk or other elastic sub-stance, for the purpose of occasioning a small degree of friction, and thus of preventing the tube, f, from turning too easily: m, an outer tube of gold, silver, tortoiseshell, ivory, or other substance, fastened upon the brass tube, f, to form an ornamental handle to the pencil-holder or port-crayon. The whole of these parts being put together in their respective places as described, and as seen in the section, B, and the point of the pencil or crayon being worn away close to the end of the nozzle, if the milled rims are then held in one hand, and the handle, m, turned around with the other hand, it will carry around with it the tubes, fande, and the driver, d, which, working in the screw of the nut piece, e, will be moved longitudinally, and. drive or force the pencil or crayon out of the nozzle, to whatever distance may be required for use. When it is desired to make the holder draw in the pencil or crayon, as well as drive it out, we cut a female screw in the end of the driver, and screw the pencil or crayon into it; or we form, for a short distance, the end of the driver into a hollow cylinder, having thin sides, and cut three or more longitudinal slits in the sides, so as to render them elastic, and capable of embracing the end of the pencil or crayon: n, the end of the driver, made hollow, with slits in the sides, to embrace the end of the pencil or crayon. When the pencil or crayon is worn out, and the holder requires to be re-charged, hold two of the milled rims in each hand, and unscrew the nozzle; then put a new pencil or crayon into the screw end of the nozzle, the opening of the tube at that end being made conical, to facilitate the entrance.
Before the nozzle is returned to its place, hold the two milled rims remaining attached to the handle, and turn the handle the reverse way to that which protrudes, and the driver will be drawn in ; after which, the nozzle may be returned into its place, and the pencil or crayon is ready for use.
In describing this our most favourite pencil-holder or port-crayon, we have given no dimensions, because these must ever depend upon the size and length of the pencils or crayons to be used, which may vary from a quarter of an inch, or more, to the one fiftieth of an inch, or less, in diameter, according as the artist may require a bold line, a fine line, or an extremely delicate line; and from three inches, or more, to half an inch, or less, in length. “