Spirits of nitre. 1 lb.; alcohol, 1 lb.; corrosive sublimate, 1 oz.; mix in a bottle, and cork for use. Directions: Polish the barrel perfect; then rub it with quick-lime with a cloth, which removes grease and dirt; now apply the browning Quid with a clean white cloth; apply one coat, and set it in a warm dark place for from 10 to 20 hours until a red rust forms on it; then cord it down with a gunmaker's cord, and rub off with a clean cloth. Repeat the process if you wish a dark shade.

Browning Compositions For Gun Barrels

1. Blue vitriol, 4 oz.; tincture of muriate of iron, 2 oz.; water, 1 quart; dissolve, and add aquafortis and sweet spirits of nitre, of each, 1 oz. 2. Blue vitriol and sweet spirits of nitre, of each, 1 oz.; aquafortis, ½ oz.; water, l pint. To be used in the same manner as previously described in this work.