70 farmers' and mechanics' journal. 



IVIISUELI.AM'EOUS. 



A mode of preparing Paper which shall resist Moisture, 



BT M. ENGEL. 



This process consists in plunging unsized paper once or twice 

 into a clear solution of mastic in oil of turpentine, and drying it 

 afterwards by a gentle heat. The paper thus prepared, without 

 beconiing transparent, has all the properties of writing paper, and 

 may be used for that purpose. It is particularly recommended for 

 passports, for the books of porters, and other laborers, and indeed 

 is desirable for a great variety of purposes for which paper that is 

 capable of absorbing damp, is very inconvenient. When laid by, 

 it is perfectly secure from being injured by mouldiness or mildew, 

 and is not likely to be destroyed by mice or insects. 



The inventor states, that a solution of caoutchouc, would pro- 

 duce a still better effect, but he does not say in what way that 

 elastic gum is to be dissolved or diluted for use, or dried afterwards. 

 This mastic paper has been used by printers, who have discovered 

 in it the above mentioned qualities. By adding a little verdigris 

 to the solution, the paper may be made to assume a greenish tint, 

 similar to the paper known in Paris under the name of" Papier de 

 Cassaboji.''^ \_Bulletin des Sciences, ^c. 



J^ew invented Apparatus for Expeditiously Drying Mildewed Grain, 



This apparatus consists of two long concentric metal pipes, or 

 tubes, winding in a spiral direction. The smaller pipe which is in 

 the centre of the large pipe, forms a passage for the heated air, 

 and the larger pipe receives the corn for drying, by means of a 

 hopper attached to its upper end. The spiral shape of the larger, 

 or conducting pipe, converts it into a long, inclined plane, in de- 

 scending which, the grain is sufficiently heated to render it per- 

 fectly dry before it is discharged at bottom. 



[Annul mens de VIndustrie. 



For the Farmers' and Mechanics' Journal. 



Mr. Editor, — Please to insert the following, for the considera- 

 tion of your readers. Perhaps some of them can answer the 

 Queries. 



1. Is there any cheap and simple method of softening a grind- 

 stone or whetstone, when it is harder than desirable ? 



2. What are the most obvious indications of Fossil Coal ? 



Theory vs. Theory. The received theory is, that apple seeds 

 seldom or never produce trees, which will bear exactly the same 

 kind of apples as those from which the seeds planted, were taken. 



I take the liberty to advance another theory, which is new to 

 me, viz : that apple seeds will produce trees, which will invaria- 



