The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1897-01-08
SUBSTITUTES FOR GLASS.
dhree Compositions Coming Into Uso In
Europe.

dhree Compositions Coming Ipto Uso In
Europe.
There are Soveral substitutes for glass
in use in Germany, the chief among
them being tectorium, fensterpappe and
hornglas. Teotorium consists Of gal
vanizod iron web covered with gelat-
inous substance and is translucent, but
not transparent. 1t is described as q
substance that can be bent without be-
ing broken and is both tough aud flexi-
bic. It is said not to be softoned by the
rays of the sun, is nonsoluble, and is
not affected by severe cold. 1t is poor
conductor of heat and is we'll adapted
for roofs Oh account OF its extreme light
ness.
When exposed to the sum- it losos its
original yellowish color i'll timo and be-
comes harder and more durable. One
advantage is that it can be easily re-
paired in case it is cut, does not break
and is we'll adapted for factory windows
and slsylights for hothouses, market
halls, verandas, transportablo buildings
and for roofing.
For ordinary hotbeds and forcing
houses, such as are used by most florists
and market gardeners, there is another
and cheaper substitute for glass in the
so called fensterpappe, which ia tough,
strong manila paper, that may be
stretched OH large sashes or frames and
saturated by painting the exposed sur
face with boiled linseed oil until it be-
comes translucent and impervious to
water. Light wooden frames, 40 inches
in width, and Of any desired length, are
provided and covered with tho paper,
which is fastened by mailing at the
edges and then painted with ordinary
boiled linseed oil until the paper is so
saturated that the last coat Of oil forms
smooth, glistening surface, like var
nish. AS soon as dry the frame is ready
for use. 1t admits sufficient light for
growing plants, does not require to be
shaded in hot sunshine, is light, dur
able, Eecure against broakago by hail or
ordinary accident, and, taking every.
thing into account, is said to be about
100 times cheaper than glass. 1t is
largely used by florists and market gar
deners in the district of Frankfort, and
their general verdict is strongly in its
favor, although for handsome conserva-
tories, skylights, etc., it possesses less
durability and none of the nestness and
elegance of toctorium.
Finally, there is q rev product, called
hornglas, which has been recently pat
onted and placed on the German market.
Horngias resembles tootorium in appear
ance. with the difference that it is thin
ner, and consequently lighter in weight,
and the insoluble gelatin with which
tho wiro geuze is covered is winter and
more nearly transparent than tectorium,
although it may be colored red, green,
blue or any other tint that may be de-
sired for special purposes. 1t is manu-
factured in two qualities, one being of
heavier wire and with larger meshes
than the other. The special advantage
claimed for hornglas is that it does not
soften under sun heat and is therefore
adapted to use in any climate without
the danger of becoming SO soft and ad
hosive us to retain dust and dirt. Its
uses aud general characteristics are sim
liar to those Of teotorium. st. Loais
Globe-Democrat