142 Miscellaneous Intelligence. 



surfaces ; and, that of the corrosive sublimate, independently 

 of preserving it from insects, is an effectual check against its 

 fermentation. This salt, however, does not prevent the form- 

 ation of mouldiness ; but, as a drop or two of the essential 

 oils above-mentioned, (lavender, peppermint, anise, bergamot, 

 &c.,) is a complete security against this, all the causes of de- 

 struction are effectually guarded against. Paste made in this 

 manner and exposed to the air, dries without change to a state 

 resembling horn, so that it may at any time be wetted again, 

 and applied to use. When kept in a close covered pot, it 

 may be preserved in a state for use at all times." — Edin. 

 Jour. viii. 35. 



15, Improved Glaze for Red Ware.— The common red ware 

 much used in the manufacture of cooking-vessels for the lower 

 class of people, is generally glazed either with litharge, or the 

 potter's lead ore. This glaze is objectionable, not only be- 

 cause it cracks when the vessels are heated and cooled, but 

 also from its being soluble in vinegar, acid juices, and animal 

 fat, aikl producing very deleterious effects. Mr. Meigh of 

 Shelton, Staffordshire, has been rewarded by the Society of 

 Arts for the discovery of a glaze, having none of these bad pro- 

 perties. Red marl is first ground in water until it forms a 

 creamy mixture ; the ware, previously well dried but not burnt, 

 is then immersed in it, by which the superficial pores are filled 

 up. Being again well dried, it is dipped in the glaze, which 

 consists of one part Cornish granite, chiefly felspar, one part 

 glass, one part black oxide of manganese, ground in water to 

 the consistency of cream. The ware is then dried and fired in 

 the usual way. If an opaque white glaze is required, the man- 

 ganese is to be omitted. 



Mr. Meigh has also manufactured an improved common 

 ware from a mixture of four parts common marl, one part of 

 red marl, and one part of brick clay. It is harder, more com- 

 pact, and less porous than the common red ware, and when 

 combined with the above glaze, produces vessels very supe- 

 rior for those uses to which the red ware is applied. — Trans. 

 Sac. Arts, xl. 45. 



16. Soldering Sheet Iron. — Sheet iron may be soldered by 

 means of filings of soft cast-iron applied with borax, deprived 

 of its water of crystallization and sal ammoniac. Tubes of 

 sheet iron have been constructed at Birmingham lately by means 



