The following is another mode of taking impressions: Procure tin or lead foil as thin as possible, place it on the coin, and with a pin’s head, or any small, smooth instrument, work it into every part; then take it off, revert it into a shallow box, and pour plaster into its concave side; a durable plaster cast is thus obtained, covered with tin foil, which will resemble silver.
27.—ENGRAVED BOXES.
The box should be white or light straw-color, in order to show the faint impression to advantage. It should be varnished five or six times in succession, and suffered to dry thoroughly each time. While the last coat of varnish is yet so fresh that your finger will adhere to it, the engraving must be put on, the picture side next to the varnish. The engraving must be prepared in the following manner:—
All the white paper must be cut off close to the edges of the engraving, which must be laid on a clean table, with the picture downward, and moistened all over with a clean sponge. It must then be placed between two leaves of blotting paper, to dry it a little. Before putting it on the box, take great care to have it even, and determine exactly where you wish it to be. Lay one edge of the print, picture downward, upon the varnish, and gradually drop it to its place, passing the hand successively over the back of the print in such a manner as to drive out all the air, and prevent the formation of blisters. Then carefully touch it all over with a linen cloth, so as to be sure every part adheres to the varnish. Leave it until it is thoroughly dry. Then moisten the back of the engraving with a clean sponge, and rub it lightly backward and forward with the fingers, so as to remove the moistened paper in small rolls. When the picture begins to appear, take great care lest you rub through, and take off some of the impression. As soon as you perceive there is danger of this, leave it to dry. In drying, the engraving will disappear, because it is still covered by a slight film of paper. You might think it mere white paper; but give it a coat of varnish, and it will become quite transparent. Should you by accident have removed any part of the engraving, touch it with India ink and gum-water, in order that no white spots may appear; but when you put on your second coat of varnish, you must take care to pass very lightly over the spots you have retouched. The box should be varnished as many as three times after the engraving has been placed on it, and suffered to dry thoroughly each time. The white alcoholic varnish is the best. It should be put on in the sunshine, or near a warm stove. After the last coat is well dried, sift a little pulverized rotten stone through coarse muslin, and rub it on with linseed oil and a soft rag; after being well rubbed, cleanse the box thoroughly with an old silk handkerchief or soft linen rag. Some persons say that a very thin sizing of nice glue should be put on the box before it is varnished at all; others say it is not necessary. This work requires great patience and care; but the effect is very beautiful, and pays for the trouble.
Solitaire Games of Cards.
There are very few games one person alone can play. Mrs. Cheney has compiled a collection of these games, under the name of “Patience,” which are very desirable. These games are an acquisition to any home. They amuse an invalid, and often act as a sedative to men wearied of business cares, who desire some simple amusement before sleeping. They do not produce the feverish excitement of games of chance and skill played against an opponent. Yet they can become a social pleasure, by others looking on and sharing in the interest of the game, and the pleasure of success. Boys and girls would do well to learn them, as they will not divert the mind from study, yet may help to pass pleasantly an idle hour, besides exercising the patience. The publishers have allowed us to give the directions of some of the games; we also will add “The Army Solitaire,” and when you play it, think of the pleasure it has given to many a weary soldier, in diverting his mind from the hardships of war. Our famous generals often played it the night before a battle, and if successful, looked upon it as a good omen. We will add a few simple social games.