Take 2 oz. of white gum-arabic powdered finely; put it into a pitcher and pour on it a pint of boiling water; then cover it and let stand all night; in the morning pour it carefully from the dregs into a clean bottle; cork and keep it for use. A tablespoonful of this gum water stirred into a pint of starch that has been made in the usual manner will give to launs either black, white, or printed, the appearance of new, to which nothing else can restore them after washing. It is a good article for collars and shirt bosoms; also, when much diluted, for thin white muslin and bobbinet.
414. ROMAN OR MASTIC CEMENT
Take of pulverised sand stone sifted fine, 20 lbs., litharge 2 lbs., mix both well with linseed oil to the consistency of paste; brush both broken parts over; press them snugly together, and let them dry, this forms an excellent cement.
415. PORTABLE BALLS
For taking stains out of cloths, &c.—Dry fullers' earth so as to crumble it into powder, and moisten it well with lemon juice; add a quantity of pure pulverised pearl-ash, and work the whole up into a thick paste with a little water; roll it into small balls; let them completely dry in the sun, and they will be fit for use. The manner of using them is to moisten, with water, the spots on the cloth, rubbing the ball over, and leaving it to dry in the sun. On washing the spots in the water they will immediately disappear.
416. CLOTH, RAIN PROOF, &c.
To render cloth wind and rain proof. Boil together 2 lbs. of turpentine, 1 lb. of litharge in powder, and 2 or 3 pints of linseed oil. The article is then to be brushed over with this varnish, and dried in the sun.
417. CHOICE CEMENT
A choice cement for china, crockery, and glass. Take of white glue 1/2 lb., dry white lead 1/2 lb., alcohol 1/4 pint, and rain water 1 quart; put the glue, alcohol, and water into a tin pan together; let stand until the glue is soft; then set the pan into a kettle of hot water, occasionally stirring it until the glue is about dissolved; then add the lead, being previously powdered, and stir until it is about dissolved. Bottle while warm, and it is ready for use. If cold when about to be used, set the bottle in warm water until soft; then apply while soft to both edges, set together and let then dry.