When required for use, the coin mat is prepared, shortly beforehand, by rubbing the whole of the space within the ornamental border on one of its faces with diachylon, in the solid form. The diachylon is used cold, the necessary friction melting it sufficiently, without any additional heating. This treatment renders the surface of the mat, for the time being, adhesive, without in any way altering its appearance. To make sure of its being just right, press a half-crown or penny down firmly upon it, turn the mat over, and wave it about freely. If the coin adheres securely, the mat is in working order.
[1] Where coins of English denominations are referred to in the text, the American wizard will naturally replace them by corresponding coins of the U. S. currency.
THE FAIRY FLOWER-POTS
These are, strictly speaking, only flower-pot cases, called in French cache-pots. They may be of leather or cardboard, ornamented on the outside, but plain black inside, their general appearance being as shown in Fig. 4. They have neither top nor bottom, and when not in use, can be opened out flat or rolled up as in Figs. 5 and 6, for greater portability.
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6