1. Fumigate the wood with benzine.
2. Saturate the wood with a strong solution of corrosive sublimate: if used for carvings, the colour should be restored by ammonia, and then by a weak solution of hydrochloric acid; the holes may be stopped up with gum and gelatine, and a varnish of resin dissolved in spirits of wine should afterwards be applied to the surface.
3. Whale-oil and poisonous ointments have been found of service.
The wood should be carefully brushed before being operated upon.
TO DESTROY ANTS AND INSECTS IN WOOD.
1. Corrosive sublimate is an effectual poison to them.
2. Oils, especially essential oils, are good preventives.
3. Cajeput-oil has been proved effectual for destroying the red ant.
4. Payne’s, Bethell’s, and Burnett’s processes are said to be proof against the white ant of India.
5. Dust the parts with pounded quicklime, and then water them with the ammoniacal liquor of gas-works, when the ammonia will be instantly disengaged by the quicklime, and this is destructive to insect life.