To avoid the expense of carving in wood, several attempts have been made to cast figures and ornaments to resemble wood. The most approved process we here present our readers. It was invented by M. Lenormand, and rewarded at the Exposition of French products, in 1823.

Make a very clear glue with parts of Flanders glue, and one part of isinglass, by dissolving the two kinds separately in a large quantity of water, and mix them together after they have been strained through a piece of fine linen, to separate the filth and heterogeneous parts which could not be dissolved. The quantity of water cannot be fixed, because all kinds of glue are not homo geneous, so that some require more and some less; but the proper degree of liquidity may be known by suffering the mixed glue to become perfectly cold, it must then barely form a jelly. If it happens that it is still liquid when cold, a little of the water must be evaporated by exposing the vessel in which it is contained to heat. On the other hand, if it has too much consistence, a little warm water must be added. The glue, thus prepared, is to be heated till you can scarcely endure your finger in it; by this operation a little water is evaporated, and the glue acquires more consistence. Then take raspings of wood, or saw-dust, sifted through a fine hair-sieve, and with the glue form it into a paste, which must be put into plaster or sulphur moulds, after they have been well rubbed over with linseed or nut-oil, in the same manner as when plaster is to be moulded. Care must be taken to press the parts into the mould with the hand, in order that the whole may acquire the perfect form: then cover it with an oiled board, place over it a weight, and Buffer it in that manner to dry. The drying may be hastened a little, and rendered more complete, by a stove. When the casting is dry remove the rough parts, and if any inequalities remain behind they must be smoothed, and then the ornament may be affixed with glue to the article for which it is intended.

It may be varnished or polished in the usual manner This operation is exceedingly easy; nothing is necessary but moulds, and, with a little art, the ornament may be infinitely varied.

The species of ornament called Composition Ornament, is used where the mass is not great, and the surface can be covered with gilding or paint, and is not exposed to wear. Sunk roses, and other ornaments, which are protected by projections or mouldings, may be done in this manner, and it may be successfully applied to all objects beyond the reach of accident.

The composition is made as follows : - Mix 14 pounds of glue, 7 pounds of rosin, 1/2 pound of pitch, 2 1/2 pints of linseed oil, and 5 pints of water, (more or less according to the quantity required.) Boil the whole together, well stirring till dissolved; adding as much whiting as will render it of a hard consistency; then press it into your mould which has been previously oiled with sweet oil.

No more should be mixed than can be used before it becomes sensibly hard, as it will require steaming before it can be again used.

Composition ornaments should be well glued on, and, in some cases, they will require to be further secured by needle-points or brads.

Composition ornaments are chiefly used for picture and glass frames; we have also seen them employed for ornaments on the top of oak book-cases, and, when grained by a good painter, they answer as well as when carved in wood.