It may be observed that, as long and broad timber becomes every year more rare and valuable, artificial timber from smaller plants must certainly take its place.
Whitewash for wood is rendered more durable and glossy by the addition of liquid glue, well stirred in. It is still further improved by the addition of milk. This lasts so much longer than common wash that it is in the end perhaps ten times as cheap. When well made it has been known, when applied to the exterior of certain Government buildings in Washington, U.S.A., to last for seven years. If colouring matter, such as umber, be added, let the latter be mixed separately with the glue, and very thoroughly, before it is joined to the lime. The addition of a few eggs to the mixture will improve it. The lime prepared with the following forms a still better and stronger wash, which is well worth the extra expense:—
| Glue | 60 |
| Linseed-oil varnish | 20 |
The varnish, while hot, is mixed with the boiling glue, and it is to be used at once. This is (Lehner) useful to coat and caulk casks, especially those in which such fluids as highly rectified spirits of wine are carried. Be it observed that the hotter the mixture is when applied the more deeply does it penetrate, yet the less is in the end required.
A good cement for carpenters:—
| Slacked lime | 50 |
| Flour | 100 |
| Linseed-oil varnish | 15 |
Woodwork which is to be under water or much exposed to rain may be cemented with the following:—
| Calcined lime | 10 |
| Flint sand | 15 |
| Iron (powder filings) | 5 |
| Ochre | 20 |
| Brick-dust | 20 |
The powder must be well mixed by shaking, and, just before use, to be mixed with water.
The following may be used for JOINTS IN TIMBERS, holes and cracks, or for covering the surfaces, as it is an excellent protective against wet. It may also be used for stone, &c.:—