rather thin by adding more spirits, after which the ground can be
delicately darkened if required.


=Imitation Satin-wood.=--Take methylated spirits one quart, ground
turmeric three ounces, powdered gamboge one and a-half ounces. This
mixture should be steeped to its full strength, and then strained
through fine muslin, when it will be ready for use. Apply with a sponge,
and give two coats; when dry, glass-paper down with fine old paper. This
makes a good imitation for inside work. By the addition of a little
dragon's blood an orange tint can be produced. A yellow colour can also
be given to wood by boiling hot solutions of turmeric, Persian berries,
fustic, etc. but the colour is very fugitive. A more permanent colour
results from nitric acid, and last of all by the successive introduction
of acetate of lead and chromate of potash. Sulphate of iron also stains
wood of a yellowish colour when used as a preservative agent, so much
so, that the use of corrosive sublimate is recommended for this purpose
when it is desirable to preserve the light colour.


=A Blue Stain.=--This dye can be obtained by dissolving East Indian
indigo in arsenious acid, which will give a dark blue. A lighter blue
can be obtained by hot solutions of indigo, of sulphate of copper, and
by the successive introduction of pyrolignite of iron and prussiate of
potash.


=A Green Stain.=--Dissolve one ounce of Roman vitriol in a quart of
boiling water, to which is added one ounce of pearlash; the mixture
should then be forcibly agitated, and a small quantity of pulverised