To blacken brown boots and shoes, first clean off all the dye with a strong solution of hot soda water, using a tooth brush. When the dye is removed, rub with a little black dye, which can be bought at most boot repairers' or grindery shops (a pennyworth will be ample). Allow this to dry, rub with a bit of pork fat, which makes the leather soft, and afterwards give the boot a good blacking and polishing.