2. When 100 c. c. of the distillate are submitted to a continuous distillation, usng an Engler flask and a condenser 22 inches long at an angle of 30° when horiLontal, and cooled with ice water, the first drop shall issue from the condenser at a temperature not less than 265° F. and 98% per cent shall distill below 470° F.

3. When 10 c. c. of the distillate, placed in a glass crystallizing dish 21⁄2 inches in diameter and 1% inches high, and placed in a steam bath maintained at a temper. ature of 212° F., are evaporated, not more than 2-10 per cent of residue shall remain after 21⁄2 hours.

4. When sufficient quantity of the liquid is mixed with pure, dry, basic lead carbonate to form a creamy paste and spread on a clean glass plate maintained at a temperature of 250° F. for two hours, there shall be no perceptible darkening or change in the color of the white lead.

5. The flash test point will not be less than 85° F. when determined by the closed Abel tester method, the test being made in the usual official manner. If an Abel tester is not available, when specifically authorized, flash point shall not be less than 100° F., as determined in an open tester filled within a quarter of an inch of its rim with a sample of the hydro-carbon distillate, which may be drawn at will from any one can of the lot offered under the proposal. This tester thus filled will be floated on water contained in a metal receptacle. The temperature of the water will be gradually and steadily raised from its normal temperature of about 60° F. by applying a gas or spirit flame under the

receptacle. The temperature of the water is to be increased at the uniform rate of 2° F. per minute. The taper flame should consist of a small bead of gas, the size of a pea, burning with a steady flame and held horizontally; it is to be used at every increase of 1 degree temperature, beginning at 90° F. It is to be drawn horizontally over the surface of the hydro-carbon distillate and on a level with the rim of the tester. The temperature will be determined by placing a thermometer in the hydrocarbon distillate contained in the tester so that the bulb will be wholly immersed in the liquid.

HEADQUARTERS AND PRINTING
PLANT.

I read with interest the suggestion in the March Painter and Decorator relative to securing a permanent home for the Brotherhood. I would like to add, why not make it large enough to establish a printing and book binding plant to get out the Journal and all the work of the national organization and for the local unions?

It would cost, perhaps, in the neighborhood of $200,000. The money can be raised by an assessment of $3.00 a member as we have about seventy thousand members. If the constitution does not permit of this being done it could be amended. What do the brothers think of the scheme? L. U. 652, Goshen, Ind.

J. O. MICK.

A QUARTER OF A CENTURY YOUNG. Local Union No. 1, of Baltimore, Md., celebrated its 25th birthday anniversary on March 14, 1912. The hall was decorated with flags and bunting; music was furnished by Brother William Hook. Brother James E. Seamone danced the turkey trot and Brothers G. Fehle, George Booker and Alfred Flutka sang German selections and led in the Schnitzelbank. The banquet was served in German style, the menu including sauerkraut, pig tails, ham and schweitzer sandwiches. The refreshments were served by the committee. Brother James H. Sullivan gave an interesting address on the history and growth of the Brotherhood which was heartily appreciated by those present.

Robert S. Kelley,
James Heiser,
Wm. S. Jenkins,
Sam Taylor,
Chas. A. Jackson,

George W. Fehle.

Committee.

RAMBLERS MEET.

on

The rambling members of the Brotherhood held their First Annual Outing March 17th (Saint Patrick's day.) The day was fine and everything was elegant, though the attendance was not as large as expected, Owing to the late arrival of many side door pullmans.

The boys met at 7:30 a. m. in the Union hall of Local No. 856, Muskogee, Okla., and marched double file to the Banks of the Arkansas river. They were 23 strong and every man in line packed his share of the Mulligan, which was served at one p. m. On arriving at the camping ground, breakfast was served, black coffee with bacon and trimmings. After breakfast, all hands enjoyed fishing and boating, until the Mulligan was ready. Brother Merrell acted as chef, assisted by Windy Kopp, of Chicago. Everyone present did justice to his under belt.

The Mulligan disposed of, every one was at his best. Among the notables present were Jack Harrison, with his overall factory turning out several thousand pairs of overalls per week, the Aged Painters Home Fund was sure going some. Bill Miller was there with his ready-mixed union paint establishment. Bill was turning out thousands of gallons per day. He says he

will make a strike fund good and plenty. Red Evans had his brush factory working over time. Red intends to improve on the dutch brush, he says the only thing that looks dutch about the brush is the name. Election of officers was next in order, Brother John Jury, of 856, acted as teller; after the ballots were counted he conferred the following degrees on the members present: Chief Mixer, Baldy Pharos; Great Can Cleaner, Link Wood; High Extension Climber, J. M. Timmons; Horrible Dope Slinger, Busk Campbell; Sure Thumb Puttier, A. B. Wicks; Lofty Stage Swinger, Jim Lewis; Terrible Water Color Splasher, Hy Ellis; Fast-tracer and Wiper, Charles Close; Only Brush Bridler, Pop Lytle; Expert Color Matcher, Fatty Wiggins; Champion Crown Cutter, Red Huffman. There being no further business the Ramblers started to ramble with the Blue Birds.

SNOW-BURDEN.

By Edith M. Thomas.

They bear the burden of the snow-
They bear it with a patient grace,
The drooping trees! Yet well they know
A melting hour comes on apace.

Ah, if but Time, that crowns me white,
An equal clemency would show,
Then I, some soft, mild day or night,
Would drop the burden of the snow!