8o TAXIDERMY AND MODELLING 



two are then mixed. They are subsequently stirred into precipi- 

 tated chalk, so as to make the mixture of putty-like consistence." 



For another — 



Take linseed-oil and heat in a water-bath over a slow 

 fire ; add finely levigated whiting until the mass becomes of 

 the consistence of a pudding. Next take some hot strong 

 glue and stir in whiting until it is as a thick paste ; mix 

 thoroughly and add to the other compound, heat the whole, 

 and blend with it a small quantity of Venice turpentine. 

 When melted together, add sufficient fine plaster to make 

 the whole mass, when stirred together, a stiff putty. If at 

 all brittle at this stage, add more glue. Put a little out on 

 a cold iron plate and work it together with a knife ; when 

 cooling, knead it with the fingers previously dipped in fine 

 plaster, and, if at all oily so that it wets the fingers, knead in 

 more fine plaster until it becomes, if properly made, like tough 

 dough or putty and of a nice consistence. If this trial be all 

 right, work up with plaster what is left in the vessel into 

 pieces about the size of a large walnut, using it as made ; if, 

 however, more is made than can be rapidly used, and it should 

 cool and set, place each piece in a water bath, or dip it into 

 hot water, which does very well if quickly managed, and it will 

 become soft again and fit for use, and may be kept soft for 

 some considerable time by rolling it in a little glycerine, which 

 does not affect its ultimate hardness. 



The exact proportions appear to be : — 



61. — Modelling-Composition (M.B.) 



Linseed-oil (heated) . . . 4 oz. (by measure) 



14 „ („ weight) 



Whiting (levigated) 



Glue (liquid) 



Whiting 



Venice turpentine 



Plaster 



10 „ ( 



8 „ ( 



1 .. ( 



2 „ C 



measure) 

 weight) 

 ., ) 

 ,> ) 



