MODELLING COMPOSITIONS, ETC. 215 



whicli, thongli at first capable of mucli finger-and-tliunib 

 manipulation, dries as liard as stone, and is fairly liglit and 

 impervions to damp. Plaster will also make a putty if mixed 

 witli glue-water. 



The composition used by tbe picture-frame makers is also a 

 first-rate medium, being susceptible to tbe softening influences 

 of bot water wben newly made, but ultimately dries as bard as 

 tbe preceding. It is made variously, but perbaps tbe best is 

 made tbus : 



Cement for Modelling. 

 Three parts best glue. I One part linseed oil. 



One part powdered resin. | Whiting. 



Tallow candle. 



Melt tbe glue witb water until it is moderately tbin. Boil up 

 tbe resin and oil together (be careful of fire). Mix up tbis witb 

 tbe glae by thorough stirring and boiling together, turn 

 it all out into a bucket (unless you are boiling it in one), and 

 add haK a tallow candle. Stir in enough powdered whiting to 

 make a thick putty. Pour some out on a plate, and let it get 

 cold ; you will then be able to determine whether the mixture 

 requires more or less glue, whiting or oil. It should dry tough, but 

 not too brittle, and should, when cut into strips and warmed by 

 hot water or steam, be tough and yet pliable. Properly made, 

 this cement is invaluable to the taxidermist, as it works well by 

 the hand or by tools, drying slowly until it sets. It can be 

 worked over real or modelled bones to show sinews or muscles as 

 previously mentioned. The tongues of mammals or fishes may 

 be cast either in plaster, glue, or wax, and subsequently modelled 

 in this cement, plaster, or wax, as required. 



Wax is the last, and, as I have before pointed out, is, whether 

 used melted or softened by warm water, of the highest service to 

 the artist. Beeswax, when melted, will mix well with either plaster 

 or whiting, or with both, and will make a useful modelling 

 composition, its brittleness being determined by its containing 

 more or less plaster. Wax will also mix with red ochre, and 

 makes a modelling composition. Modelling wax is sold, how- 

 ever, ready prepared, and is useful to pack under the skin for 

 delicate muscles or " flabby " folds of skin. 



Paraffin wax melted, and modelled when half cold, is also 



P 



