ARTIFICIAL MAHOGANY.—The following method of giving any species of wood of a close grain the appearance of mahogany in texture, density, and polish, is said to be practised in France with success. The surface is planed smooth, and the wood is then rubbed with a solution of nitrous acid; one ounce of dragon’s blood is dissolved in nearly a pint of spirits of wine; this, and one-third of an ounce of carbonate of soda, are then to be mixed together and filtered, and the liquid in this thin state is to be laid on with a soft brush. This process is to be repeated, and in a short interval afterwards the wood possesses the external appearance of mahogany. When the polish diminishes in brilliancy, it may be restored by the use of a little cold-drawn linseed oil.—J. R. C. TO EXTRACT INK FROM MAHOGANY.—Dilute half a tea-spoonful of oil of vitriol with a large spoonful of water, and apply to the ink spot with a feather; let it lie for a few minutes and rub it off quickly; repeat if not quite removed. An excellent receipt.—F. TO RESTORE THE COLOUR TO MAHOGANY.—Wash well with soap and water, and then polish daily with the following oil:—Take half an ounce of alkanet root, cut small, and add to a pint of linseed oil: when this has stood for a week, add half an ounce of powdered gum arabic, and an ounce of shell-lac varnish; let these stand in a bottle by the fire for a week, then strain. Rub well in. WAX FOR POLISHING FURNITURE.—Melt bees’ wax in spirits of turpentine, with a very small proportion of resin. When it is entirely dissolved, dip in it a sponge, and wash the mahogany lightly over with it. Immediately afterwards, rub it off with a clean soft cloth. For carved furniture, spread the mixture on with a small soft brush, and rub it off with another brush, a very little harder. CREAM POLISH FOR FURNITURE.—Half an ounce of Castile soap, dissolved in one gill of rain water, two ounces and a half of bees’ wax, one ounce of white wax, one gill of spirit of turpentine; shred the wax, and place the whole by the fire to dissolve; whilst warm add the soap and mix all well together.—J. H. D. METHOD OF GIVING A FINE BLACK COLOUR TO WOOD.—Steep the wood for two or three days in lukewarm water, in which a little alum has been dissolved; then put a handful of logwood, cut small into a pint of water, and boil it down to less than half a pint. If you then add a little indigo, the colour will be more beautiful. Spread a layer of this liquor quite hot on your wood, with a pencil, which will give it a violet colour. When it is dry, spread on another layer; dry it again, and give it a third; then boil verdigris at discretion, in its own vinegar, and spread a layer of it on the wood; when it is dry, rub it with a brush, and then with oiled chamois skin. This gives a fine black, and imitates perfectly the colour of ebony. Having tried this receipt successfully, I can recommend it to the notice of your numerous readers.—E.