The natives in some parts of Bengal, when in the jungle, write
on any large smooth leaf with the broken-off moist end of a leaf-stalk or
twig of any milky sap-producing tree. They then throw dust upon it, which
makes the writing legible. If the leaf be so written upon, the writing is
imperceptible until the dust is sprinkled. This plan might, therefore, be
of use for concealed writing. A person could write on the leaf without
detaching it from the tree. (See Sympathetic Ink.")
Prepared Paper, for use with pencils of metallic lead (see "Pencils"), is
made by rubbing a paste of weak glue and bones burnt to whiteness and
pounded, on the surface of the paper.
Waxed Paper is an excellent substitute for tin-foil, for excluding the
air and damp from parcels. It is made by spreading a sheet of writing
paper on a hot plate or stone and smearing it with wax. A hot flat-iron
is convenient for making it.
Carbonised Paper, for tracing or for manifold writing, is made by rubbing
a mixture of soap, lampblack, and a little water on the paper, and, when
dry, wiping off as much as possible with a cloth.
Tracing Designs.--Transparent tracing-paper can hardly be made by a
traveller, unless he contents himself with the use of waxed paper; but he
may prick out the leading points of his map or other design, and laying
the map on a sheet of clean paper, charcoal or other powder that will
leave a stain, it can be rubbed through.
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