664. To give Plaster Figures the appearance of Marble.—Put into a well-glazed earthen vessel, four pounds of clear water and one ounce of pure curd soap, grated; add one ounce of white bees'-wax, cut into thin slices. Let them dissolve over a slow fire. As soon as the whole is incorporated, it is fit for use. Let the figure be thoroughly dried, then suspend it by a twine, and dip it once into the varnish; upon taking it out, the varnish will appear to have been absorbed; in two minutes' time, stir the compost, and dip it a second time, which is generally sufficient. Cover it carefully from the dust for a week; then, with a soft muslin rag, rub the figure gently, when a most brilliant gloss will be produced.
665. To improve Plaster Casts.—Brush them over with size, and, when dry, varnish them with copal varnish.
666. To dissolve Putty.—To remove old putty from glazed frames, brush over it pearlash and slaked stone-burnt lime, mixed to the thickness of paint.
ANGLO-JAPANESE WORK.
667. This elegant and most useful work is very easy in its execution, while the means and appliances for its performance are within the reach of every one. The materials are simply yellow withered leaves, a little dissolved gum, black paint, and copal varnish: while the objects to be ornamented may be a box, cupboard, table, &c., in fact, any old furniture that has been rendered unsightly by age or long use. A plain deal box, costing about a shilling, may by this process, so far as the outside goes, be converted into a costly-looking dressing-case. An exquisite chess-board may be made, with very little skill, from a square piece of deal. Flower-pots, pole-screens, folding and hand-screens, may all be decorated in this manner, and, from untidy-looking lumber, may be converted into articles of use, elegance, and beauty; and this at a merely nominal expense, taste being the chief requisite in the production. The employment forms one of the most agreeable and pleasing amusements for summer days and winter evenings; in the summer, giving a purpose and an aim to many a joyous ramble, for in these desultory walks a goodly collection may be made of Nature's ambered jewels.