_It must be distinctly understood that we do not hold ourselves
accountable for the opinions of correspondents._
WASHINGTON,
July 20th, 1869.
“DEAR SIR:—Give your readers in your notes on
Drawing and Drawing Materials, information that if a little
powdered borax (borate of soda) is put into the water with
which India Ink is rubbed up, and the mixture is kept in a
tight bottle when not in use, it will keep sweet for months.
“The ink with which this is written was rubbed one year
ago, and has sufficed for all my drawing during the past
twelve months. A hard rubber ink bottle and screwed top has
preserved, and it flows well, and the fragrance of the musk
is as pleasant as when it was first rubbed.
“I have used the drawing pen for nearly forty years, and
only a year ago was, by this receipt given me by a friend,
relieved from the trouble of rubbing ink for every day’s
work.
“Yours respectfully,
“M. C. MEIGS.”
[Illustration]
We have assumed the liberty of giving the name of the writer of the
foregoing excellent suggestions, in order to inspire learners with
additional enthusiasm by showing them what an interest is taken in
their progress by one who has attained to such a high position as the
Quarter Master General of the United States Army, and we trust that
Major General MEIGS’ solicitude for art education may be emulated by
many others, capable (if willing) of doing the cause an occasional
service.
* * * * *
OMISSION.—In the preceding number of the REVIEW we overlooked the name
of the architect who designed and super-intended the _Atlantic_ Hotel,
of which we gave an illustrated description in the article on our “Sea
Bathing Resorts.” Unrequested by that gentleman, we think it but proper
to give the credit to Mr. JOHN STEWART, Architect, of this city.
WEST PHILADELPHIA,
June 21st, 1869.
SIR:—It is to be hoped that at some time or
other, before the appearance of cholera shall compel
attention to the matter, we may see a move made in the
direction of public baths. Is it not a little singular that
our people of means who acknowledge the healthful necessity
of bathing, and are lavish of expenditure to secure it in
its utmost salt-water purity, do not seem to be aware of the
advantage that blessing would be to hundreds of thousands of
their fellow-beings, too poor to provide it for themselves.
In winter we have Soup Associations, and other charitable
societies. In summer can we not have Public Bathing
Societies, just as necessary to the health of our community?
There are surely thousands who would subscribe their mite
towards it; will not the millionaires lead off and set the
ball in motion?
A CITIZEN.
Yes, we certainly think they ought, and we have not the slightest doubt
but that they will, as soon as the coming man, who is to lead in this
matter, shall make his appearance. Let us hope that person will soon be
on hand.
_Queries and Responses._
NEW YORK,
July 8th, 1869.
MR. EDITOR:—Is it not a most unaccountable
fact that the New York Post Office structure, which was to
have been commenced some two years since, is as seemingly
a myth as one of those “castles in Spain,” of which we all
have had at some time of our lives an idea. The site was
duly purchased by the United States Government, designs
were called for and provided in most eccentric profusion,
and the select, if not elect, among the eighth-inch sealed
suggestions were liberally paid for in awarded premiums.
In fact all that is necessary to trumpet forth an advance
was done. Where, then, is the new POST OFFICE?
Out of sight—for, even the purchased site itself is not a
certainty, then how should we expect to find the Post Office
over ground when the ground is not yet decided on.
That Treasury Building at Washington is just now finished,
after a lapse of time which makes gray hairs come on in
unbidden numbers. Will the infant born this year, behold the
promised New York Post Office before his growth of manhood
is doubled into
“Lean and slipper’d Pantaloons?”
Alas, the “temporary” addition to that old Dutch church
on Nassau street has but too truly proved a prediction, and
we of the Empire city will either have to put up with the
present arrangement, or build a postal structure of our own.
It is evident now that the act of Congress, in this case
made and provided, is but
A DEAD LETTER.
SARAH B.—In the case you mention, the lightning
rod was secured to the wall of the house by iron staples.
There was nothing to hinder the electric fluid from turning
off on one of these, as it actually did. Accidents of a
like nature are constantly happening, and where sufficient
precaution is not taken it would be far safer to have no
conductor.
S. T., asks, is there any bank lock, of how many, and
whatever combinations, that is absolutely secure against
thoroughly posted and prepared burglars? We doubt that there
is. For years the Bank of England trusted its vaults, filled
with treasures, to the celebrated _Chubb_ lock. Yet that
ingenious Yankee, Hobbs, opened it in a surprising short
time. The fact is—what man’s ingenuity can make, man’s
ingenuity can also unmake.
C. G., Cincinnati.—We perfectly agree with you; the
dwellings of this day are really combustible, and highly
dangerous; much more so in fact than before burning fluids
came so much into use. We also agree with you that the roofs
of houses should not be of a material so liable to take fire
on the occasion of a pyrotechnical display, or the passing
of a spark-emitting locomotive.
Shingles could be easily rendered fire-proof by steeping
them, before use, in a strong solution of alum. But most
people would willingly “lose the sheep, to save the
pennyworth of tar.”
R. D., Baltimore.—The silica coating of any building
material renders it very durable. It is the combination of
carbonate of lime, or chalk, with silicate of soda, or what
is more commonly known as “soluble glass,” and by the old
chemists called “oil of flint,” which, under heavy pressure,
produces extraordinary hardness, and causes the great
adherence of this cement to iron, brick, stone, or wood. And
it is but one more proof of the practical property of the
silicate, when applied to purposes such as those in which
building most requires its valuable aid.
W. A., Ellsworth, Maine, asks for information as to the
best manner of polishing instruments. We would recommend his
getting a piece of buckskin and straining it on a square
stick, covering one surface with pulverized rotten-stone, or
whiting, perfectly free from “grit.” For the instruments in
which ink is used, having unscrewed and opened the hinged
joints, clean off the ink first with a wet, then with a dry
rag. Next rub the blades on the coated side of the buckskin,
and lastly on the plain buckskin, until the appearance is
satisfactory. We repeat that the pens should not be put away
wet, but be carefully dried and rubbed on the buckskin after
use. A drop of watchmakers’ oil on the screws and springs
occasionally, will tend to insure the long and good service
of instruments. Velvet is the best bed for them in the
box; and the mould of their tray would be better cut
out of cork than of wood. Any one can fit up his own
instrument-case to suit his wants. Our advice is to buy
only the instruments you have use for, _and get the best_,
keeping them in constant order.
L., New York.—We agree with you, the names of streets
should be painted on the lamps, and when a light of glass is
broken and replaced the name should also be replaced.
S. R., Reading, Pa.—The idea is not new. Nay, it is as
old as the hills. The ancients used hot air flues under
their tiled floors. As long as we use boarded flooring we
cannot do likewise, for reasons which any insurance office
will freely give you.