FAMILY FUN

New Zealand Tablet, 26 November 1908, Page 38

FAMILY FUN

Incombustible 'Wood. — Alum and glue in equal parts are dissolved in water strongly saturated with salt. Dip splinters of wood into the fluid until every part is saturated ; let them dry and repeat the process. Wood prepared in such a way will not burn. To make the trick more interesting and to avoid the suspicion that the splinters are prepared, mix them among other unprepared splinters after marking them in a certain way. Afterburning a few splinters pick out one of the prepared ones and declare that by your magic influence the splinter you hold ;n; n your hand will become incombustible. Hand it over to the audience, and it is easily understood that nobody will be abte to set it afire. . ' Why are fowls the most economical things a farmer can keep? — Because for every grain they give a peck. " What would you call a boy who eats green apples? — A pajns-taking youngster. What is the difference between a doctor who is timing a pulse and a champion walker? — One records the beat and ihe other beats the record. v