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that it is soluble in alcohol has to be borne in mind when dealing with 
specimens on which it has been used, especially in the case of goat-horn 
spoons from the west coast, where resin holds shell inlays in place. If 
alcohol is used to remove the grease often found on these spoons, it is 
almost certain to loosen the inlays, which should be replaced when the spoon 
is dry and secured with celluloid cement. 
The seams of birclibark canoes, the lashings of west coast whaling- 
harpoons and sometimes of arrowheads are served with resin which is, in 
many cases, chipped and flawed from hard usage. If the resin is painted 
with alcohol, the edges of the fractured surfaces will be softened and will 
reunite readily, restoring the object to approximately its original condition. 
A coat of celluloid in acetone also will help matters, as acetone too dissolves 
resin and will, after evaporation, leave the specimen covered with a coat of 
celluloid that is firmly united to the resin. 
Textiles 
Textiles, in which for convenience cordage may be included, are of 
animal or vegetable origin. For textiles of animal origin see “Hair" and 
“Wool”. Vegetable textiles are comparatively seldom attacked by insects, 
but appear to decay by a process of slow combustion, possibly aided by 
bacteria and fungi. Very small specimens should be mounted in Canada 
balsam on glass; larger pieces are most satisfactorily strengthened by 
spraying or brushing them with “Duroprene" in benzol or xylol. The 
solution may be made very dilute, as much as three parts of the diluent to 
one of “Duroprene”. “Duroprene” diluted with xylol was used with great 
success in strengthening fabrics from the grave of King Tut-Ankh-Amen, 
and there was no film left between the various fibres. This material, 
which appears to be a chlorinated solution of rubber, may be obtained from 
Messrs. Baird and Tatlock, 14-15 Cross street, Hatton Garden, London, 
E.C.l. It is probable that similar and equally effective substances may 
be secured from other manufacturers. 
If textiles are sprayed with a very dilute celluloid solution, a thin film 
of celluloid may be found to have filled the spaces between the individual 
threads and the natural appearance of the material is destroyed, an opal- 
escent effect being given to the specimen. Celluloid in a solution of not 
more than 2 or 3 per cent may be used, however, if “Duroprene” is not 
available. 
Washing textiles with water is seldom advisable, unless they are in 
very good condition. Pressing the material with a damp cloth and a hot 
iron is often beneficial and greatly improves its appearance. Specimens 
that are stained with grease or spotted should be brushed with a mixture 
of four parts of benzol to one of wood alcohol, dried, brushed with a fairly 
stiff brush, and pressed. Careful tests should be made in the case of dyed 
or painted fabrics to be sure that none of the chemicals employed will be 
injurious to the pigments. 
In some cases, textiles are improved by dampening them with a weak 
solution of alum and gum arabic in water. The alum appears to preserve 
and freshen the colours and the gum adds strength. The fabric should be 
draped on wire netting or other similar support while drying and should 
not be allowed to become damp after this treatment. 
