gealing in the
internal hollow of the mould may be of equal thickness in all parts.
Having continued this process at least two minutes, the hands (still
holding and turning the mould) may be immersed in cold water to
accelerate the cooling process. The perfect congealment of the wax may
be known after a little experience by the absence of the sound of
fluid on shaking the mould.

Fifthly. As soon as the mould is completely cooled, the halves may be
separated carefully, the upper being lifted straight up from the
under, and if the operation has been properly managed, a waxen egg
will be turned out of the mould.

Lastly. The egg will only require _trimming_, that is, removing the
ridge which marks the line at which the halves of the mould joined,
and polishing out the scratches or inequalities left by the knife with
a piece of soft rag, wet with spirits of turpentine or spirits of
wine.

It is always desirable to make several castings of the same object, as
the moulds are apt to get chipped when laid by in a cupboard; and for
this reason, as well as for the sake of practice, we recommend our
pupils to make at least a dozen waxen eggs before they proceed to any
other object. If they succeed in this _completely_, they may rest
assured that every difficulty which is likely to meet them in any
future operation will be easily overcome.

[HE DOETH WELL WHO DOETH GOOD.]

2546. Colouring the Wax.

While the wax is yet on the hob, and in a fluid state, stir into it a
little _flake white_, in powder, and continue to stir the mixture
while it is being poured into the half mould. It will be found that
unless the fixing and shaking of the moulds is managed quickly, the
colouring matter will settle on the side of the half into which the
mixture is poured; a little care in manipulation is therefore again
requisite. The colouring of the wax is a matter which comes easily
enough by experiment. Oranges, lemons, large gooseberries, small
cucumbers, &c.,&c., are excellent objects for practice.

2547. Close Imitation of the Surface.

It will be noted by the accurate observer that the shell of the common
hen's egg has a number of minute holes, which destroy the perfect
smoothness of its appearance. This peculiarity is imitated in the
following simple manner:--In the first place, very slightly prick with
a fine needle