The box should be white or light straw-color, in order to show the
faint impression to advantage. It should be varnished five or six times
in succession, and suffered to dry thoroughly each time. While the last
coat of varnish is yet so fresh that your finger will adhere to it, the
engraving must be put on, the picture side next to the varnish. The
engraving must be prepared in the following manner:--
All the white paper must be cut off close to the edges of the
engraving, which must be laid on a clean table, with the picture
downward, and moistened all over with a clean sponge. It must then be
placed between two leaves of blotting paper, to dry it a little. Before
putting it on the box, take great care to have it even, and determine
exactly where you wish it to be. Lay one edge of the print, picture
downward, upon the varnish, and gradually drop it to its place, passing
the hand successively over the back of the print in such a manner as
to drive out all the air, and prevent the formation of blisters. Then
carefully touch it all over with a linen cloth, so as to be sure every
part adheres to the varnish. Leave it until it is thoroughly dry.
Then moisten the back of the engraving with a clean sponge, and rub
it lightly backward and forward with the fingers, so as to remove the
moistened paper in small rolls. When the picture begins to appear, take
great care lest you rub through, and take off some of the impression.
As soon as you perceive there is danger of this, leave it to dry. In
drying, the engraving will disappear, because it is still covered by a
slight film of paper. You might think it mere white paper; but give it
a coat of varnish, and it will become quite transparent. Should you by
accident have removed any part of the engraving, touch it with India
ink and gum-water, in order that no white spots may appear; but when
you put on your second coat of varnish, you must take care to pass very
lightly over the spots you have retouched. The box should be varnished
as many as three times after the engraving has been placed on it, and
suffered to dry thoroughly each time. The white alcoholic varnish is
the best. It should be put on in the sunshine, or near a warm stove.
After the last coat is well dried, sift a little pulverized rotten
stone through coarse muslin, and rub it on with linseed oil and a soft
rag; after being well rubbed, cleanse the box thoroughly with an old
silk handkerchief or soft linen rag. Some persons say that a very thin
sizing of nice glue should be put on the box before it is varnished at
all; others say it is not necessary. This work requires great patience
and care; but the effect is very beautiful, and pays for the trouble.
=SOLITAIRE GAMES OF CARDS.=
There are very few games one person alone can play. Mrs. Cheney has
compiled a collection of these games, under the name of “Patience,”
which are very desirable. These games are an acquisition to any home.
They amuse an invalid, and often act as a sedative to men wearied of
business cares, who desire some simple amusement before sleeping. They
do not produce the feverish excitement of games of chance and skill
played against an opponent. Yet they can become a social pleasure,
by others looking on and sharing in the interest of the game, and
the pleasure of success. Boys and girls would do well to learn them,
as they will not divert the mind from study, yet may help to pass
pleasantly an idle hour, besides exercising the _patience_. The
publishers have allowed us to give the directions of some of the games;
we also will add “The Army Solitaire,” and when you play it, think of
the pleasure it has given to many a weary soldier, in diverting his
mind from the hardships of war. Our famous generals often played it
the night before a battle, and if successful, looked upon it as a good
omen. We will add a few simple social games.