Impression wax for vents.

Beeswax4 parts.
Tallow2 parts.
Charcoal, finely powdered1 part.

Melt the beeswax and tallow, and stir in the charcoal.

Paper parchment.

Immerse unsized paper for a few seconds in sulphuric acid, diluted with half its volume of water at about 60°; wash it well in cold water, then immerse it in a weak solution of caustic ammonia, and again wash.

It absorbs water, and becomes soft and pliable like animal parchment, but is water-proof. It is not affected by boiling water, is indestructible by most acids, and is not diminished in strength by wetting. It has about 2/3 the strength of animal parchment when dry; the thinner kinds make capital tracing-paper, which takes ink readily.

Cement for the above.

Cheese—fresh, without salt, if possible3 parts.
Quicklime1 part.

Wash the cheese thoroughly three or four times in boiling water, and grind the materials on a stone and muller, adding cold water until it is of the consistency of honey.

Composition for lining the interior of rifle-shells.