which are the source from which this gum is obtained. The larval
insects insert their proboscides into the bark of young shoots of
certain lac-bearing trees, varieties of Ficus, draw out the sap for
nutriment, and at once exude a resinous secretion which entirely
covers their bodies and the twigs, often to the thickness of one-half
inch. The females never escape and after impregnation their ovaries
become filled with a red fluid which forms a valuable dye known as lac
dye. The encrusted twigs are gathered by the natives in the spring
and again in the autumn, before the young are hatched, and in this
condition the product is known as "stick lac." After being crushed and
separated from the twigs and washed free from the coloring matter the
product is known as "seed lac." It is then melted and strained and
spread out in thin layers in a form called "shell lac." This is
what is known as orange shellac in the market. It may be bleached
by boiling in caustic potash, and passing chlorine thru it until the
resin is precipitated. It is further whitened by being pulled. This
is what is known in the market as "white shellac." It comes in lumps.
Orange shellac is the stronger and is less likely to deteriorate,
but white is easier to apply because it sets less rapidly. Another
advantage of the white is its colorlessness. Shellac is soluble in
both grain alcohol (ethyl alcohol) and wood alcohol (methyl alcohol),
but grain alcohol is preferable. Great care must be taken not to mix
even a drop of water in it or it will curdle. To make perfect the
process of ordinary filling, shellac may be used as a filler either
by itself or preparatory to other processes. Since it dries quickly it
can be rubbed down in six or eight hours either with No. 00 sandpaper
oiled, or better, with No. 00 steel wool. This process when repeated
several times gives a good "egg-shell" finish. It may be applied alone
over stained wood or the shellac itself may be colored with aniline
dyes cut in alcohol. This, for example, is an easy way to get a black
finish.

A good waterproof wood polish is made thus: 1 pint alcohol, 2 oz. gum
benzoin, 1/4 oz. gum sandarac, 1/4 oz. gum anime. Put in a bottle,
and put the bottle in a hot water bath until all solids are dissolved.
Strain and add 1/4 gill clear poppy oil. Shake well and apply with
cotton cloth.

A soft, dull, glossy finish may be obtained by applying two coats of
a mixture of one part each of white shellac and b