_Keep a due proportion of strength between the fastenings (joints) and the pieces fastened: i.e., the construction should neither be frail on the one hand, because the pieces of wood are weakened by too much cutting, nor clumsy, on the other hand, because then the fastenings would be inordinately strong.

In other words, the different parts should be equally strong._ Illustrations of this principle are as follows: In a fished joint, Fig.

264, No.

2, the plate should be attached so as to reinforce the splice at the weakest point.
In a scarf joint, Fig.

264, Nos.