ery three months, leather so treated seems to be impervious
to outward action and will last for years.

TO RENDER PAPER FIREPROOF.

Whether the paper be plain, written, printed, or even marbled,
stained, or painted for paper hangings, dip it in a strong solution of
alum water and thoroughly dry it. In this state it will be fireproof.

TO PREPARE WATERPROOF BOOTS.

Take three ounces of spermaceti and melt it in an earthen pot over a
slow fire; add thereto six drains of India rubber cut into slices, and
after it dissolves add of tallow, eight ounces; amber varnish, four
ounces. Mix it, and it will be ready for use immediately.

TO CURE DRUNKENNESS.

Keep the patient for one week freely dosed with figwort. This is a
sure cure.

TO CURE LAZINESS.

Give the patient an occasional dose of ferri. The sulphate of ferri is
the best. It acts on the liver and vital organs, and is a sure cure
for laziness.

TO EXTRACT THE ESSENTIAL OIL FROM ANY FLOWER.

Take any flower you like, which stratify with common salt in a clean
glazed pot; when filled to the top, cover it well and carry it to the
cellar; forty days afterwards put a crape over a pan and empty the
whole to strain the essence from the flowers by pressure. Bottle this
essence, and expose it for four or five weeks in the sun and dew of
the evening to purify. One single drop of this essence is enough to
scent a whole quart of water.

TO TAKE LEAF PHOTOGRAPHS.

A very pretty amusement, especially for those who have just completed
the study of botany, is the taking of leaf photographs. One very
simple process is this: At any druggist's get an ounce of bichromate
of potassium. Put this into a pint bottle of water. When the solution
becomes saturated--that is, the water has dissolved as much as it
will--pour off some of the clear liquid into a shallow dish; on this
float a piece of ordinary writing paper till it is thoroughly
moistened, and let it dry in the dark. It should be of a bright yellow
color. On this put the leaf, under it a piece of black soft cloth and
several sheets of newspaper. Put these between two pieces of glass
(all the pieces should be of the same size) and with spring
clothespins fasten them together. Expose to a bright sun, placing the
leaf so that the rays will fall upon it as nearly perpendicular as
poss