Paraffin oil cannot be removed from the pores of a wooden barrel by chemical means. If the barrel is to be used for storing water, the oil could be removed by knocking out one end of the barrel and placing some lighted shavings in the barrel. After the oil has been burnt out the bavrel may be covered with boards and earth until the flame has disappeared. The charcoal formed by the partial burning of the wood in the interior of the barrel will be an advantage rather than otherwise in a water-butt. The only alternative plan is to take one end out of the barrel and leave it in the open air until all the paraffin oil has evaporated, then give the inside of the barrel a coat of slaked lime, thinned to a cream with water. This will take longer, but will be safer than the first method.