Cement, Flour

Syn. Paste , Flour paste . This useful and well-known article is made by mixing about a tablespoonful of wheat flour with cold water, (say) 1 ⁄ 2 pint, adding the latter gradually, and thoroughly stirring in each portion before pouring in more; the ve el is then placed over the fire, and the whole a iduously stirred until it boils, great care being taken to prevent caking on the bottom, or burning. Some persons add about 1 ⁄ 3 of a teaspoonful of powdered alum to the water, which is said to strengthen the product; the shoemakers add a little quantity of powdered resin to the flour, with the same intention. The addition of a little brown sugar and a few grains of corrosive sublimate will prevent it turning mouldy, and is said to preserve it for years. When too hard or dry, it may be softened by beating it up with a little hot water.