The annexed engraving represents a simple apparatus for preserving
fruit in its natural state, by means of a partial vacuum. The vessel
is especially designed for the purpose, and is provided with an
absorbent which takes up whatever moisture may emanate from the fruit.
The vessel is preferably made of glass or earthenware, and is provided
with a cover having a packing ring and a device for receiving
the stems of the fruit. The cover is secured to the vessel by an
adjustable screw clamp. In the bottom of the vessel there is an
absorbing ring made of burnt or dried clay, which absorbs the moisture
escaping from the fruit. The air in the vessel is rarefied either
by heat or by the application of an air pump to the opening in the
bottom.
This apparatus was recently patented by Mr. Carl J. Renz, of Hudson,
N. Y.
[Illustration: FRUIT-PRESERVING APPARATUS.]
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NEW PROCESS FOR PRINTING GOLD AND SILVER COLORS ON CARPETINGS AND
OTHER TEXTILES.
(TRANSLATED FOR THE _COMMERCIAL BULLETIN._)
Gold and silver designs for carpeting and oilcloths have been hitherto
prepared in the following manner: The gold or silver were put in
leaves or bronze powder on the designs, which were printed with a
varnish of linseed oil, or similar adhesive. The bronze thus attached
did not possess much firmness, and the method was necessarily
expensive. The method recently adopted by Wohlforth is as follows:
The bronze powder is united at once to printing material. The liquid
silicate of potash, or of oxide of sodium, answers this purpose. One
part, by weight, of gold, silver, or bronze powder, along with two
parts of the silicate, will give a print color, which is easily
transferable by rollers to paper, oilcloth, and woods and metals. The
bronze thus printed dries very rapidly, and cannot be taken off by
oil or water, unless they are boiling. It bears light and heat
equally well, and especially sulphureted hydrogen, which has such
a destructive effect on bronzes put on in the form of powder. It is
recommended to thin the mass by an addition of warm water, 10 to 20
per cent, so as to keep it from becoming too hard during the process
of printing. An addition of glycerine or sirup, of 5 to 10 per cent.,
will be even preferable. The bronze color remaining on the printing
forms can be taken off by warm water.
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