For the destruction of book worms, put the books into a case which closes pretty well, and keep a saucer supplied with benzine within it for some few weeks. Worms, larvæ, eggs—all are said to be got rid of.
Tinning Paper and Cloth.
The following is a method of tinning paper and cloth:—Zinc powder is ground with an albumen solution, the boiling mixture is then spread over the tissue by means of a brush, when dry, the layer is fixed by dry steam, which coagulates the albumen, and the tissue is then taken through a solution of tin. Metallic tin is reduced, and sets in a very thin layer. The tissues of paper are then washed, dried and hot pressed.
Care of Books.
Books should be shelved in the coolest part of the room, and where the air is never likely to be overheated, which is near the floor, where we ourselves live and move. In the private libraries of our residences a mistake is often made in carrying the shelving of our book-cases so high that they enter the upper and overheated stratum of air. If anyone be skeptical on this point, let him test, by means of a step-ladder, the condition of the air near the ceiling of his common sitting-room on a Winter evening, when the gas is burning freely. The heat is simply insufferable.
How to Prevent Mildew on Books.
To prevent mildew on books, lightly wash over the backs and covers with spirits of wine, using as a brush the feather of a goose quill.
A Cheap Lye.
Boil six gallons of water and add while boiling one pound of unslacked lime and four pounds of common soda. When cold, it should be carefully dipped out, leaving the dregs of the lime at the bottom of the vessel, and it is then fit for immediate application. Cost, about two cents per gallon.