Sealing-wax Varnish.--Black or red sealing-wax, dissolved in spirits of
wine, makes a very effective stiff and waterproof varnish, especially for
boxes of paper or cardboard. It might be useful in keeping some iron
things from rust: it is the same material that is used to cover toy
magnets. When made stiff it is an excellent cement for small articles.
Opticians employ it for many of these purposes. I have also used it as a
paint for marking initials on luggage, cutting out the letters in paper
and dabbing the red stuff through.
Small Boxes for Specimens.--Cut the side of a cigar-box, or a strip of
pasteboard, half through in three places, add two smaller pieces like
wings, one on each side, by means of a piece of gummed paper overlapping
them, as in the picture.
[Sketch of box unfolded and folded].
Any number of these may be carried like the leaves of a book, and when a
box is wanted they may be bent into shape, and by the adherence of the
moistened gum-paper, can be made into a box at a moment's notice. The
shaded border of the figure represents the gummed paper. Quills make
convenient receptacles for minute specimens. They should be dressed (see
"Quills"), and may be corked with a plug of wood or wax, or, for greater
security, a small quill may be pushed, mouth forward, into a larger one,
as into a sheath.
TIMBER.
Green Wood.
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