Lampblack

A fine soot formed by burning resin, pa es into a chamber covered with a coarse woolen cloth, and a thick coating of lampblack is soon formed, which is shaken off and put up in barrels for sale. Lampblack is used by artists and painters, and is the chief ingredient in China somewhat resembling the eel in form. Its body is destitute of the paired fins found in most other in fishes, is without scales, and covered with a glutinous mucus. The mouth is circular in form, and by it and the tongue, which acts like a piston, the animal attaches itself firmly to fixed objects. Formerly the lamprey was highly es¬ teemed as an article of food, and even of luxury, but is not so commonly used now. the ancients, consisting of a long shaft witn a sharp point. It was an important weapon of war in the Middle Ages, and though now differing in in form is still used by European cavalry. Lances are now made of ash or beech wood, about 12 feet long, with a steel point 8 or 10 inches long. Near the point is a small flag, intended to frighten the horses of the enemy. When not in use the A lance is carried in a leathern shoe by the right stirrup, a leathern thong on the right arm keep¬ ing it in position. In use it is carried under the right arm. West Indies, chiefly in Jamaica, of which it is a native, and po e ing great toughne and elas¬ ticity. It is used by coach-builders for shafts and carriage poles.