316 Method of preparing a resinoun Varnhh. 



be used as varnish. Other proportions of ingredients are some- 

 times employed; but in all, the resinous juice of the SemecaYpus 

 predominates. The varnish is laid on like paint, and when dry, 

 is polished by rubbing it with an agate or smooth pebble. 



A gentleman, now deceased, who resided long in Silhet, and 

 who communicated the process to me, entertained an expecta- 

 tion that this varnish, or a similar combination of the same in- 

 gredients, might be usefully employed for marine purposes* 

 He had found a varnished target untouched by the white ant, 

 (termes) in circumstances where every thing contiguous had 

 been demolished by that destructive insect. In consequence of 

 that remark, it was tried by him as a sheathing of vessels used 

 in the navigation of the Ganges. His notion was that the re- 

 sinous varnish would effectually defend the planks of a vessel, 

 keeping the wood dry and water-tight, deterring attacks of the 

 borer or timber-worm, and preventing adhesion of barnacles. 

 The trials made of it were attended with a more satisfactory 

 result in the internal navigation of the river, than in the tide's 

 way. On a sea voyage it was found, that barnacles fixed them- 

 selves on the varnished plank. 



Though not adapted to marine uses, the resinous coating in 

 question might admit of other useful applications. In any case 

 it may be satisfactory to know the composition of a most du- 

 rable varnish, which takes so very high a polish, as is seen 

 upon Indian targets. With this impression I take leave to 

 communicate it for publication, if judged proper. 



H. T. C. 



Art. XI. Observations on the Chemical Fart of the Evi- 

 dence y given upon the late Trial of the Action brought by 

 Messrs. Severn, King, and Co., against the Imperial 

 Insurance Company. By Samuel Parkes, F.L.S., 

 M.R.I., M.G.S., S^c, 



Upon the trial of the action brought by Messrs. Severn, King, 

 and Co., against the Imperial Insurance Company, before Lord 



