To make a composition as used by minstrel troupes for blackening the face and hands, place some good corks, champagne for preference, on an iron plate over a bright fire. W hen they are thoroughly burnt, remove them from the fire, crumble them up, mix into a paste with a little water, or beer, or glycerine, and place in a gallipot. To use, take a little of the black in the palm of the hand, and add a drop of the liquid previously employed; rub up, and apply to the face. The black can easily be removed with warm water and soap.