BRAZING

or Bra -soldeiuno, the proce of uniting two pieces of bra , two pieces of copper, or one of each by means of a hard solder, that is, a solder which fuses at a comparatively high temperature. The solder is applied in the form of a coarse powder, and is always mixed with borax, which prevents the oxidation of the metals which are being soldered together. It is usual to moisten this mixture with water before spreading it over the surfaces to be joined. When the solder has been appUed in this state, the pieces of metal are slowly heated, by which the water is made to evaporate, leaving a crust of the solder on the parts where it is required. The pieces are then exposed to a stronger heat^ until the borax melts and fluxes the solder, which suddenly flushes the joints of the pieces of metal, and thus unites the two surfaces, making them into one piece. The whole is now allowed to cool, and is afterwards dre ed with a file. Pieces of metal which have been united in this way are held together as firmly as if they were only one piece. For the proportions used in Uie best solders for brazing, see Solders. BRAZOS-DE-DIOS, a la^e river. United States, Texas, rising among the mountains in the N.w. part of the state, under the parallel of 33** N.; flowing S.E. between the Colorado and Trinidad, and after a course of about 900 miles, falling into the Gulf of Mexico, between Quintan a and Velasco, 58 miles W.8.W. Galveston; hit. 28" 48' N.; Ion. 95° 40' w. It is navigable during freshets for a considerable distance; but there are only 6 feet water on the bar at its mouth. Its principal affluents are the Red Fork and Navosota. Among the towns on its banks are Milam, Nashville, Washington, and Richmond. The cotton plantations along its banks are highly productive.