for Hats or Helmets of Felt, Gaiters, 8£c» 65' 
from the leather, wax, or fish oil, in order that the var- 
nish may incorporate with the leather more easily. This 
precaution must be made use of with soft boots, when 
placed upon moulds or boot-trees ; and, without even tak- 
ing them off, as many coats of varnish may be laid on as 
necessary. 
Method of preparing the Varnish . 
Take of Prussian blue . 12 ounces. 
Indigo . . 12 
Bruise these two separately upon a marble slab ; mix 
them up with a little oil, and put them in a pot by them- 
selves. 
Afterwards take of gum copal . S ounces. 
Prepared nut oil 5 
Spirit of turpentine 14 
Put the gum-copal, bruised in a matrass with a large 
neck, upon a strong fire, but not flaming, taking care to 
stir it often, and to keep it uncovered. We know that 
the gum is totally dissolved when the smoke has entirely 
abated in the matrass ; pour into it, by little and little, pre- 
pared nut oil, stirring it in order to incorporate the whole 
completely. Afterwards, and in the same manner, the 
spirit of turpentine is poured in, and the mixture is them 
taken from the fire, filtered, and cooled ; it is then made 
use of to grind with the Prussian blue and indigo in small 
quantities at a time, and the whole is well mixed together* 
This mixture forms the fine varnish for the purposes 
indicated. 
Vol. IT. 
T 
