which, when moistened with the tongue, furnishes
a ready means of uniting papers, &c. It is made by dissolving one
pound of fine glue or gelatine in water, and adding half a pound of
brown sugar, boiling the whole until it is sufficiently thick to
become solid on cooling; it is then poured into moulds, or on a slab
slightly greased, and cut into the required shape when cool. (_See_
LIQUID GLUE, No. 2491.)

[ECONOMY IS THE HOUSEHOLD MINT.]

2489. Paste.

Paste is usually made by rubbing up flour with cold water, and
boiling; if a little alum is mixed before boiling it is much improved,
being less clammy, working more freely in the brush, and thinner, a
less quantity is required, and it is therefore stronger. If required
in large quantity, as for papering rooms, it may be made by mixing one
quartern of flour, one quarter pound of alum, and a little warm water;
when mixed, the requisite quantity of boiling water should be poured
on whilst the mixture is being stirred. Paste is only adapted to
cementing paper; when used it should spread on one side of the paper,
which should then be folded with the pasted side inwards, and allowed
to remain a few minutes before being opened and used; this swells the
paper, and permits its being mere smoothly and securely attached. If
kept for a few days, paste becomes mouldy, and after a short time
putrid; this inconveince may be obviated by the use of:

2490. Permanent Paste.

Permanent Paste, made by adding to each half-pint of flour paste
without alum, fifteen grains of corrosive sublimate, previously rubbed
to powder in a mortar, the whole to be well mixed; this, if prevented
from drying, by being kept in a covered pot, remains good any length
of time, and is therefore convenient; but unfortunately it is
extremely poisonous, though its excessively nauseous taste would
prevent its being swallowed accidentally. It possesses the great
advantage of not being liable to the attacks of insects.

2491. Liquid Glue.

The liquid glue of the shops is made by dissolving shelac in water, by
boiling it along with borax, which posesses the peculiar property of
causing the solution of the resinous lac. This preparation is
convenient from its cheapness and freedom from smell; but it gives way
if exposed to long-continued damp, which that made with naphtha
resists.

2492. Comm