508 FORSYTH'S COMPOSITION. 



thick, all over the part where the wood or bark has been 

 so cut away, finishing off the edges as thin as possible. 

 Then take a Quantity of dry powder of wood-ashes mixed 

 with a sixth part of the same quantity of the ashes of 

 burnt bones ; put it into a tin box with holes in the 

 top, and shake the -powder on the surface of the plaster 

 till the whole is covered with it, letting it remain for 

 half an hour, to absorb the moisture ; then apply more 

 powder, rubbing it on gently with the hand, and repeat- 

 ing the application of the powder till the whole plaster 

 becomes a dry smooth surface. 



" If any of the composition be left for a future occa- 

 sion, it should be kept in a tub or other vessel, and urine 

 poured on it so as to cover the surface, otherwise the 

 atmosphere will greatly hurt the efficacy of the appli- 

 cation. 



" When lime rubbish of old buildings cannot be easily 

 got, take pounded chalk or common lime, after having 

 been slaked a month at least. 



" As the growth of the trees will gradually affect the 

 plaster, by raising up its edges next the bark, care 

 should be taken, when that happens, to rub it over with 

 the finger when occasion may require (which is best 

 done when moistened by rain), that the plaster may be 

 kept whole, to prevent the air and wet penetrating into 

 the wound." 



Mr. Forsyth says, farther on, " As the best way of 

 using the composition is found by experience to be in 

 a liquid state, it must therefore be reduced to the 

 consistence of a pretty thick paint, by mixing it up with 

 a sufficient quantity of urine and soap-suds, and laid on 

 with a painter's brush. The powder of wood-ashes and 

 burnt bones is to be applied as before directed, patting 

 it down with the hand." 



Although I do not feel disposed to go the length of 

 admitting of all that has been said of the virtues of this 



