VARNISH FOR OLD STRAW OR CHIP HATS.

Take half an ounce of the best black sealing-wax, bruise it, and put

it to two ounces of spirit of turpentine; melt them very gently, by

placing the bottle that holds them in boiling water, or near a fire.

When all the wax is melted, lay it on warm with a fine hair brush

near the fire or in the sun. It will not only give a beautiful gloss

and stiffness to the hats, but make them resist wet.