192. TO MAKE CLOTH, SILK &c., WATER-PROOF

Mix equal quantities of alum and acetate of lead, and dissolve the
mixture in 1-1/2 gallons of boiling water. When the solution has
cooled, remove the supernatent liquid from the sediment, which
consists of sulphate of lead, and is ready for use. Any article
of dress, when well saturated in this liquid, and allowed to dry
slowly, bears the action of boiling water, and does not permit it
to pass through, although steam and air penetrate if freely.


193. CROCKERY CEMENT

Dissolve 1 oz. of common salt in 1 quart of water, bring to a boil,
and put in 1-1/4 lbs. gum shell-lac; when it shall have dissolved,
pour into cold water, and work like wax; make into small sticks.
This will make crockery as firm as a rock. Directions: Warm the
stick, apply it to the broken edges, then heat the edges, place them
together and hold for a minute, and they are firm.


194. A CEMENT FOR CHINA, GLASS-WARE, &c.

Take a thick mucilage of gum arabic, and stir into it plaster of
Paris to form a thick paste, apply to the edges with a brush, and
press firmly together and confine them two or three days, and you
will be astonished at their firmness.