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 | drachms. |
| Powdered Camphor, | 2 | drachms. |
| White Soap, powdered, | ½ | ounce. |
| Spirits of Wine, | 6 | ounces. |
| Essence of Thyme, | 3 | drops. |
The arseniate of potash, sulphate of alumine, and soap, are to be placed in a phial 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 phial 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 pearlash to one gallon of water.
ANNEALED IRON WIRE.
Take common iron wire, make it red hot, and suffer it to cool gradually; this renders it soft and pliable, so that it may be easily bent in any direction.
CEMENT.
| Fine Whitening, | 2 | ounces. |
| Gum-Arabic, | 2 | ounces. |
| Finest Flour, | ½ | ounce. |
| Ox-Gall, a teaspoonful. |
The whole to be dissolved, and mixed well with water into thick paste.