June, I911 
AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS xi 
PRESERVING EGGS WITH WATER- 
GLASS 
GGS in large quantities are success- 
fully kept in cold storage for many 
months, but this method cannot be 
employed by small dealers or housekeep- 
ers. Of the numerous chemical processes 
which have been devised, only two, the 
water-glass and lime-water processes, 
have been generally adopted. No satis- 
factory explanation of the preservative ac- 
tion of water-glass (sodium silicate) has 
yet been given. The simplest theory 1s 
that the pores of the egg shell are stopped 
by a precipitate of gelatinous silica and 
that the solution of one part of water- 
glass in 15 parts of water protects the 
eggs from the air and from bacteria. The 
colloidal solution cannot traverse the 
membrane which covers the egg. A mix- 
ture of water-glass and calcium carbonate 
hardens in the air, although no chemical 
reaction, causing the formation of cal- 
cium silicate, takes place. R: Berger con- 
cludes from his experiments, published re- 
cently in the Zeitschrift fuer Chemie und 
Industrie der Kolloide, that the product 
which is formed from the water-glass and 
the calcium carbonate hardens in the air, | 
although no absorption occurs, and stops 
the. pores. Solutions of soap and other 
colloids were found to exert a similar pre- 
servative effect on eggs. The best result 
was obtained with a mixture of water- 
glass and a 10 per cent solution of rosin | 
soap containing the smallest possible ex-_ 
cess of soda. The temperature of the 
water-glass was 120 to 125 deg. F. 
- 
THE COLOR OF FLOWERS 
HE colors of flowers have been fre- 
quently studied from the chemical 
point of view as well as from the 
biological—that is, in relation to the ad- 
justment of plants to their surroundings. 
But very little has heretofore been done 
with the physical problems involved. A 
recent study of the physical basis of the 
colors in the petals of flowers brings out 
the fact that the brilliant appearance of | 
many flowers is due not to the character 
of the pigment in the cells of the petals, 
but to the presence of air spaces between 
the cells in the deeper layers; these in- 
closed air bubbles reflect from their sur- 
faces in such manner as to give the bril- 
liant appearance. The great variety of 
colors among flowers is produced by a 
comparatively small number of pigments. 
The explanation for this lies in the fact 
that a few pigments combined in different 
ways or in different proportions produce a 
variety of effects. Thus, a combination of 
two complementary pigments, one of which 
absorbs the light rays not absorbed by the | 
other, will produce the effect of “black.” 
In a similar manner gray tones and 
browns are produced. The shape of the 
epidermal or skin cells is also found to 
modify the effect by modifying the re- 
fraction and the reflection of light. 
POLISHING POWDER FOR GLASS 
UB calcined magnesia down with 
pure benzine, so that a mass is 
formed sufficiently soft to allow 
drops to be pressed out of it. This mix- 
ture must be kept in closely stoppered 
glass bottles to retain the very volatile 
benzine. A little of the mixture is placed 
on a pad of wadding or cotton and the 
glass rubbed with it. 
For the Bride 
AND now it is wedding 
time, which means gifts 
for the bride. 
But what? 
To have the wedding gifts 
distinctive, lasting, valued, 
cherished in future years— 
that’s the thing. 
The artistic Handel Lamps (for elec- 
tricity, gas or oil) solve the question. Not 
ordinary so-called artistic lamps, but 
veritable gems of lamp construction. 
Lamps made by those to whom the 
making of them is a joy and an art. 
Striking beauty of design, originality, 
unquestionable utility make Handel lamps 
gifts that are rated among the _ bride’s 
choicest possessions. 
The name “Handel” on the lamp is a 
guarantee of artistic individuality, of 
perfect color harmony—and the bride 
knows it. 
No. 5345, illustrated above, sells for $25. 
In nearly every city and town leading jewelers 
and lighting fixture dealers sell Handel lamps. If 
your dealer does not sell them send us his name. We 
will refer you to one who does sell Handel lamps. 
Whether or not a dealer in your town sells 
Handel lamps, we will make it easy for you to 
procure them. Prices range from $15 to $150. 
Write for illustrated booklet: “Suggestions 
for Good Lighting.” It shows styles of Handel 
lamps for oil, gas or electricity. 
THE HANDEL COMPANY, 393 E. Main St., Meriden, Conn. 
New York Salesrooms: 64 Murray Street 
JUST PUBLISHED 
Popular Handbook for Cement and Goncrete Users 
| GEMEN 
| & cgnorete USERS 
| Hanp BOOK 
By MYRON H. LEWIS, C. E. 
Octavo (6% x 9% inches) 500 Pages, 200 Illustrations 
Price, $2.50, Postpaid 
HIS is a concise treatise on the principles and methods employed in 
the manufacture and use of concrete in all classes of modern work. 
The author has brought together in this work, all the salient matter of 
interest to the users of concrete and its many diversified products. The 
matter is presented in logical and systematic order, clearly written, fully 
illustrated and free from involved mathematics. Everything of value to the 
concrete user is given. It is a standard work of reference covering the 
various uses of concrete, both plain and reinforced. Following is a list of 
the chapters, which will give an idea of the scope of the book and its 
thorough treatment of the subject: 
I. Historical Development of the Uses of Cement and Concrete. IJ. Glossary of Terms Employed in 
Cement and Concrete Work. III. Kinds of Cement Employed in Construction. IV. Limes, Ordinary and 
Hydraulic. V. Lime Plasters. VI. Natural Cements. VII. Portland Cement. VIII. Inspection and 
Testing. IX. Adulteration; or Foreign Substances in Cement. X. Sand, Gravel, and Broken Stone. 
XI. Mortar. XII. Grout. XIII. Concrete (Plain). XIV. Concrete (Reinforced). NV. Methods and 
Kinds of Reinforcements. XVI. Forms for Plain and Reinforced Concrete. XVII. Concrete Blocks. 
XVIII. Artificial Stone. XIX. Concrete Tiles. XX. Concrete Pipes and Conduits. NXXI. Concrete 
Piles. XXII. Concrete Buildings. XXIII. Concrete in Water Works. XXIV. Concrete in Sewer Works 
XXV. Concrete in Highway Construction. KXVI. Concrete Retaining Walls. NNVII. Concrete Arches 
and Abutments. XXVIII. Concrete in Subway and Tunnels. XXIX. Concrete in Bridge Work. 
XXX. Concrete in Docks and Wharves. XXXI. Concrete Construction Under Water. NXNNII. Con- 
crete on the Farm. XXXIII. Concrete Chimneys. XXXIV. Concrete for Ornamentation, XNNXV._Con- 
crete Mausoleums and Miscellaneous Uses. XXXVI. Inspection for Concrete Work. XXNVII. Water- 
pocnne Concrete Work. XXXVIII. Coloring and Painting Concrete Work. XXXIX. Method for 
inishing Concrete Surfaces. XI.. Specifications and Estimates for Concrete Work. 
MUNN & CO., Inc., Publishers 361 Broadway, New York 
