Water-proofing Jute Cow Covers

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 62, Issue 3, 15 March 1941, Page 193

Water-proofing Jute Cow Covers

L.L.O. (CAMBRIDGE):— Could you supply me with particulars for a suitable dressing for waterproofing and preserving jute . cow covers? ■ (1.) Would boiled linseed oil and lamp black be satisfactory, and is there any advantage in using the latter?

(2.) Would a mixture of Stockholm tar be any better? FIELDS DIVISION:— (1.) The following methods' have proved satisfactory:—Dissolve soz alum in one gallon of boiling water, and 4oz sugar of lead in one gallon of boiling water. Mix together and stand over-

night; then pour off clear liquid and throw away sediment. Soak covers in solution and move about till thoroughly wet; then squeeze (but do not wring) partly dry; repeat the dipping, squeeze out again and dry. (2.) Paint the stretched-out covers with a mixture of two parts of boiled linseed oil and one part of raw linseed oil well mixed together. This should be well worked into the canvas, which should be hung in a dry airy place until dry. Another light coat can be given if thought necessary. (3.) Satisfactory results can. also be obtained by spraying the canvas with tar and fat mixed together and applied as hot as possible.