Method of Making Shagreen at Astracan . 309 
the melting performed in a house, the most fatal accidents 
might follow. 
The following is the proportion of the above ingre- 
dients, and the mode of mixing them, which I should re- 
commend. 
Take twelve ounces of resin, and eight ounces of roll 
brimstone, each coarsely powdered, and three gallons of 
train-oil. Heat them slowly, gradually adding four 
ounces of bees ? -wax, cut into small bits. Frequently stir 
the liquor, which, as soon as the solid ingredients are dis- 
solved, will be fit for use. What remains unused will 
become solid on cooling, and may be re-melted on subse- 
quent occasions. 
If the addition of charcoal powder or siliceous sand 
contributes to the durability of drying oil, it may proba- 
bly have a similar effect on this composition ; but whether 
it may be best to mix them with the ingredients, or apply 
them afterward, I cannot from experience tell. In the 
latter case, the powder should be sifted on, while the first 
coat of the composition is still hot ; and, after some days, 
when that is dry, should have a brush gently passed over 
it, in order to remove all the particles which do not ad- 
here ; after which other coats of the composition may be 
applied, as before directed. 
This is all whieh occurs to me as to the mode of pre- 
serving wood when exposed to the weather. 
{To be conclude din our next number^ 
NO. 62. 
Description of the Method employed at Astracan for 
making grained Parchment or Shagreen . By Pro 
fessor Pallas.* 
THE process for preparing shagreen is a very old 
oriental invention, not practised in Europe, and which, 
* Tillo'ch s yol. 6, p, 217- 
