Mix, cold, ¾ lb. Australian red gum, ¼ lb. garnet shellac, 1 pint
spirits of wine; put them in a bottle, and shake occasionally, till the
gum is dissolved; strain, and it is fit for use. The above makes a
capital varnish for leather of all kinds, especially for the leather
covers of old books; it preserves them, and gives an appearance almost
equal to new.