CAOUTCHOU, (Encycl.) A method of dissolving this elastic gum without ether is as follows: Take one pound of the spirit of turpentine, and a pound of the gum cut into very small pieces; pour the turpentine into a long-necked matras, which must be placed in a sand-bath; throw in the gum, not all at once, but by little and little according as it is perceived to dissolve. When it is entirely dissolved, pour into the matras a pint of nut or linseed oil, or oil of poppies,
Cardamom pies, rendered defecative in the usual manner with li-
tharge. Then let the whole boil for a quarter of an
hour, and the preparation is finished.—This would
make an excellent varnish for Air-balloons, were it
not so expensive on account of the price of the gum.