In London it is hardly worth while to make varnish, unless required in large quantities, as there are several shops where it may be had very good, and at a fair price; but in the country, where the carriage is an object, and you cannot depend upon the genuineness of the article, it is necessary to be known by the practical mechanic;* yet where it can be purchased, we should recommend it to be had.

When wood, or other porous material, is to be varnished, it ought to be coated with some substance which will glare of eggs, gum-water, or gum tragacanth, are occasionally employed, the object in view being to prevent the absorption of the varnish by a coating of some substance not soluble in spirit. When linseed oil is used, it ought to be rubbed on sparingly, then wiped carefully off, and a day or two should be allowed for it to harden, before the varnish is put on.

* There being so many kinds of varnishes, and so variously prepared according to the nature of the work for which it is required, that only those essential to the Cabinet-maker are here given, but we would recommend those desirous of making their own varnishes, to obtain "The Painters, Grainers, and Writers' Assistant," which treats fully on the subject.