Page:Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal, Volume 1, 1869.djvu/737

 1869.] Ornamentation For Looking-Glass and Picture Frames. 595 lead, it was thought, would answer every purpose. The experiment was tried, and proved a failure. The principal difficult}' was caused by the gold losing its brightness, when placed on a leaden surface. At all events, it soon assumed a dull, lustreless appearance, and its use was totally abandoned. We learn that as much as 500 pounds of lead have been used in ornamenting one frame. This extravagant use of the metal would be sufficient to condemn its availability. There was also a large amount of capital wasted in attempts to make this style of moulds out of brass ; but little, if any success rewarded the efforts of those who made the experiment ; and whatever may have been accomplished by this method, must become unavail- able in a very short time. Before wo close this article, we would suggest to the press of the country the propriety of giving wide publicity to the intrinsic merits of Carton Papier as the best and most durable substance from which to obtain ornamentation more perfect and lasting. The gentle- men we have alluded to have turned their whole attention to this article ; and in their issue of new patterns and designs, have kept in view the sole use of carton papier. As the public become familiar with this improvement, the old style of ornamentation will gradually become obsolete ; for a handsome look- ing-glass is quite a costly article of fur- niture, and those inserted in frames of attractive style, ornamented with this durable material, will be generally pre- ferred. Latterly, solid black walnut has come into very general use in the manu- facture of picture frames. This is re- lieved in some degree with gold, and presents a very pretty appearance. We noticed at the establishment of Messrs. Hall & Garrison, a new machine, which they have recently invented, for making and preparing an inside, de- signed to be gilt and placed in front of a Walnut oval. It is well adapted to the purpose, and will no doubt be gen- erally adopted by the trade as the most convenient facilitj 7 for relieving the wal- nut, and giving a tasteful finish to the frame. Cutting Timber to Last. — At the New York Farmers' Club, the question was discussed as to the best time to cut timber for building purposes, in order that it may last a long time with- out decay. Mr. Skinner, who has, per- haps, the largest experience in this mat- ter of any one in the county, said he would always cut when the timber is frozen. He was aware that other sea- sons of the year are recommended. He had tried all seasons, and with a num- ber of species of wood, and no timber lasted so well as that cut in winter when frozen. He said a hemlock stick used as a stringer for bridges will last longer when the bark is left on. He had ob- served it often, and gave as a reason, that the bark kept the wood moist. He thought the best timber for sills, or building purposes, is red elm, next in order is oak, white elm, or red beech. For pins, the raves of wood-sleds, and bolsters to wagons, there is no timber to be preferred to red elm. Measure of an Acre. — The Mary- land Farmer gives the following table of distances, by which it says an exact acre can be found : 5 yards wide by 96S yards long, contains 1 acre. 10 " " " 484 " " '■ 1 acre. 20 " " " 242 " " " 1 acre. 40 " " " 121 " " " 1 acre. 80 60i " '« " 1 acre. 70 " ' " 69 1-7 " " " 1 acre. 220 feet " " 198 fiet " " 1 acre. 440 " " " 99 " " " l acre. 110 " " " 369 " " " 1 acre. 60 " " " 726 " "1 acre. 120 " " " 363 " " " 1 acre. 240 " " " 1814 " " " l acre. Through the intervention of M. Magne, Minister of Finances, the sum of 50,000fr. has been granted for the restoration of the Cathedral of Peri- gueux.