DOCTORING BOOKS

Evening Star, Issue 20313, 23 October 1929, Page 13

DOCTORING BOOKS

When books are attacked by bookworms they should be well beaten and exposed to the sun, and a rag moistened with formalin passed through the binding. In other case the bottom edge of the binding should be moistened with formalin before putting them on the shelves, so that formaldehyde vapour can be diffused (says a writer in the ‘ Woman’s Magazine.’ The musty smell so often present in second-hand volumes, and those w*hich have been stored in damp positions, is best dispelled by sunlight. This is usually a lengthy process in Great Britain. But if the books are treated with lavender incense fumes the musty smell will vanish, leaving in its stead the delicate perfume of lavender. The book must ho quite dry before treatment. When books are stored in boxes, cupboai’ds, or closed bookcases, some napthalino or camphor should always be kept with them.

“ If you were brought up in a barn you might shut the door,’’ said a big man to tho little man who had just entered. Without a murmur the little man meekly complied, and, taking a seat, burst into tears. Observing this, the big man rose, and. going over to the little man, said: “Don’t take it to heart, old man, just because I asked you if you were brought up in a barn.” “As a matter of fact I was brought up in a barn,” sobbed tho little man, “ and every time I hear an ass bray I feel homesick.” Two women of uncertain age, who had long been rivals in love, quarrelled over a trilling gift, which the object of their adoration had indiscreetly bestowed on one of them. “He intended those flowers for me,” the elder woman said to the lucky recipient, “ You waylaid him on the way to my bouse, and shamelessly robbed me of his offering. Your guilty face tells tales.” The other shrugged her shoulders as she answered sweetly: “Oh, .well, my dear, have it your own way. At any rate, no one will ever accuse you of having a tell-tale face. It’s so difficult to read between tho lines I” If a very estimable person with a nice voice gets into the limelight she immediately ceases to be a normal human being and becomes a prima donna.—Dr George Dyson. Simpering Spinster: “When I was born my father made me s promise to give me £lO every birthday, and I have £220 now.” Bachelor: “ When is he going to pay you the balance? ”