Several kinds of stains and varnishes are used for baskets. Most stains are applied alter the baskets are made. Brown japan thinned with turpentine will give a mahogany colour. See that the baskets are thoroughly dry. then give a coat of the japan applied with a brush. When dry, give a second, but somewhat thicker, coat. Another method of producing a mahogany colour is to give the baskets a coat of gum thus dissolved in water. When dry, brush over some bichromate of potash dissolved in hot water. Finally, give a coat of shellac varnish. Still another method is to boil some logwood chips, or extract, in water, then carefully add some sulphuric acid; this can be either poured over or brushed on the baskets. When the baskets are dry, finish by coating with shellac varnish as before.