Page:Treatise on Soap Making.djvu/71

55 short experience, however, with attention, will perfectly inform any sagacious person with regard to this particular.

The boilings to be thus continued day after day, until the soap becomes thick, and of a strong consistence. Take then a little upon the forefinger, and after letting it cool a few seconds, press it with the thumb. If it squeezes into a thin, hard scale, the soap is fit, or ready, for finishing: if otherwise it appear greasy, and stick to the finger, and of a soft consistence, more leys must be added, and if that does not harden it, another boil must be given. But, in consequence of the former scaly-like appearance, give the pan a good hearty boil, and draw the fire. Cool down with two or three pails of leys, and in about two hours thereafter pump off the leys; which should be done at all times as clean as possible. This done, put in six or eight pails of water to the