Indexterous

How often have we seen works of the highest estimation as to subject, and effect, when seen at such a distance as to preclude the appearance of its rough indexterous handling, or the coarse granulated surface on which some smooth skies, etc. have been pretended in small water colour drawings of late; as to force one to say on closer view, 'What a pity it was, that so great a genius did not learn that essential in the art, which is indispensable, even in painting a tea-tray:' and I shall venture to object to that dexterity of hand (except in sketching), which throws too thick a lump of paint on the high lights of clouds, because such lumps will have under shadows; it is not so IN NATURE.

For some time after Blanche's establishment in the pretty cottage by the river side, a pretence of her fulfilling her ostensible functions was maintained; and she had been well pleased to draw patterns, to place bobbins, and show small indexterous fingers how to make stitches seemingly hopeless of execution.

You see that these bodies pressed against other bodies enjoy being held, weighed, being caressed by thick indexterous hands.