When it is necessary to use the soap, put as much as will answer the purpose into a preserve pot, and add to it about an equal proportion of water. This is applied to the skin or feathers with a bristle brush.
N. B. It should be kept as close as possible, and used with caution, as it is a deadly poison.
The above is the receipt made use of at the Jardin des Plantes, Paris.
Mr. Laurent’s Receipt.
A distinguished French naturalist, Laurent, recommends the following composition, after ten years experience, for preserving the skins of stuffed animals. He observes, at the same time, that it penetrates them with greater readiness, and preserves them much better than any preparation which has hitherto been in use.
| Arseniate of Potash, | 2 drachms. |
| Sulphate of Alumine, | 2 do. |
| Powdered Camphor, | 2 do. |
| White Soap, powdered, | 1-2 oz. |
| Spirits of Wine, | 6 oz. |
| Essence of Thyme, | 3 drops. |
The arseniate of potash, sulphate of alumine, and soap, are to be placed in a vial, with a large mouth, and the spirits of wine to be poured on them, at a heat of twenty five degrees, and they will be perfectly combined in twenty-four hours. The essence of thyme is then added, when the vial must be carefully corked. This composition is to be shaken together, before it is made use of, and it must be spread over the skin of the animal or bird with a brush.
SOLUTION OF PEARL-ASHES.
Two ounces of pearl-ash to one gallon of water.