1700.Alabaster, Marble and Stone, may be stained of a yellow, red, green, blue, purple, black, or any of the compound colors, by the stains used for wood.1701.Bone and Ivory.—Black.—Lay the articles for several hours in a strong solution of nitrate of silver, and expose to the light.1702. Boil the article for some time in a strained decoction of logwood, and then steep it in a solution of per-sulphate or acetate of iron.1703. Immerse frequently in ink, until of sufficient depth of color.1704.Blue.—1. Immerse for some time in a dilute solution of sulphate of indigo—partly saturated with potash—and it will be fully stained. 2. Steep in a strong solution of sulphate of copper.1705.Green.—1. Dip blue-stained articles for a short time in nitro-hydrochlorate of tin, and then in a hot decoction of fustic. 2. Boil in a solution of verdigris in vinegar until the desired color is obtained.1706.Red.—Dip the articles first in the tin mordant used in dyeing, and then plunge into a hot decoction of Brazil wood—half a pound to a gallon of water—or cochineal.1707. Steep in red ink until sufficiently stained.1708.Scarlet.—Use lac-dye instead of the preceding.1709.Violet.—Dip in the tin mordant, and then immerse in a decoction of logwood.1710.Yellow.—Impregnate with nitro-hydrochlorate of tin, and then digest with heat in a strained decoction of fustic.1711.Second.—Steep for twenty-four hours in a strong solution of the neutral chromate of potash, and then plunge for some time in a boiling solution of acetate of lead.1712.Third.—Boil the articles in a solution of alum—a pound to half a gallon—and then immerse for half an hour in the following mixture.1713. Take half a pound of turmeric, and a quarter of a pound of pearlash; boil in a gallon of water. When taken from this, the bone must be again dipped in the alum solution.1714.Hornmust be treated in the same manner as bone and ivory for the various colors given under that heading.1715.In Imitation of Tortoise-Shell.—First steam and then press the horn into proper shapes, and afterward lay the following mixture on with a small brush, in imitation of the mottle of tortoise-shell.1716.Second.—Take equal parts of quick lime and litharge, and mix with strong soap-lees; let this remain until it is thoroughly dry, brush off, and repeat two or three times, if necessary.1717. Such parts as are required to be of a reddish brown, should be covered with a mixture of whiting and the stain.1718.Iron.—Black, for Ship's Guns, Shot, etc.—To one gallon of vinegar add a quarter of a pound of iron rust, let it stand for a week; then add a pound of dry lamp-black, and three-quarters of a pound of copperas; stir it up for a couple of days.1719. Lay five or six coats on the gun, &c., with a sponge, allowing it to dry well between each. Polish with linseed oil and soft woolen rag, and it will look like ebony.1720.Paper and Parchment.—Blue.—Stain it green with the verdigris stain given below, and brush over with a solution of pearlash—two ounces to the pint—till it becomes blue.1721. Use the blue stain for wood.1722.Green and Red.—The same as for wood. (See 717,page 178.)1723.Orange.—Brush over with a tincture of turmeric, formed by infusing an ounce of the root in a pint of spirits of wine; let this dry, and give another coat of pearlash solution, made by dissolving two ounces of the salt in a quart of water.1724.Purple.—Brush over with the expressed juice of ripe privet berries. The same as for wood.1725.Yellow.—Brush over with tincture of turmeric.1726. Add anatto or dragon's blood to the tincture of turmeric, and brush over as usual. (See 716,page 178.)1727.Wood.—Black.—Drop a little sulphuric acid intoa small quantity of water, brush over the wood and hold it to the fire; it will be a fine black, and receive a good polish.1728.Second.—Take half a gallon of vinegar, an ounce of bruised nut-galls, of logwood chips and copperas each half a pound—boil well; add half an ounce of the tincture of sesquichlorid of iron, formerly called the muriated tincture, and brush on hot.1729.Third.—Use the stain given for ships' guns.1730.Fourth.—Take half a gallon of vinegar, half a pound of dry lamp-black, and three pounds of iron rust sifted. Mix, and let stand for a week. Lay three coats of this on hot, and then rub with linseed oil, and you will have a fine deep black.1731.Fifth.—Add to the above stain an ounce of nut-galls, half a pound of logwood chips, and a quarter of a pound of copperas; lay on three coats, oil well, and you will have a black stain that will stand any kind of weather, and one that is well suited for ships' combings, &c.1732.Sixth.—Take a pound of logwood chips, a quarter of a pound of Brazil wood, and boil for an hour and a half in a gallon of water. Brush the wood several times with this decoction while hot. Make a decoction of nut-galls by simmering gently for three or four days a quarter of a pound of the galls in two quarts of water; give the wood three coats of this, and while wet lay on a solution of sulphate of iron (two ounces to a quart), and when dry oil or varnish.1733.Seventh.—Give three coats with a solution of copper filings in aquafortis, and repeatedly brush over with the logwood decoction, until the greenness of the copper is destroyed.1734.Eighth.—Boil half a pound of logwood chips in two quarts of water, add an ounce of pearlash, and apply hot with a brush. Then take two quarts of the logwood decoction, and half an ounce of verdigris, and the same of copperas; strain and throw in half a pound of iron rust. Brush the work well with this, and oil.1735.Blue.—Dissolve copper filings in aquafortis, brush the wood with it, and then go over the work with a hot solution of pearlash (two ounces to a pint of water), till it assumes a perfectly blue color.1736. Boil a pound of indigo, two pounds of woad, and three ounces of alum in a gallon of water; brush well over until thoroughly stained.1737.Green.—Dissolve verdigris in vinegar, and brush over with the hot solution until of a proper color.1738.Mahogany Color.—Dark.—1. Boil half a pound of madder and two ounces of logwood chips in a gallon of water, and brush well over while hot; when dry, go over the whole with pearlash solution, two drachms to the quart.1739.Second.—Put two ounces of dragon's blood, bruised, into a quart of oil of turpentine; let the bottle stand in a warm place, shake frequently, and, when dissolved, steep the work in the mixture.1740.Light Red Brown.—Boil half a pound of madder and a quarter of a pound of fustic in a gallon of water; brush over the work when boiling-hot, until properly stained.1741.Second.—The surface of the work being quite smooth, brush over with a weak solution of aquafortis, half an ounce to the pint, and then finish with the following:—Put four ounces and a half of dragons blood and an ounce of soda, both well bruised, to three pints of spirit of wine; let it stand in a warm place, shake frequently, strain, and lay it on with a soft brush, repeating until of a proper color; polish with linseed oil or varnish.1742.Purple.—Brush the work several times with the logwood decoction used for No. 6Black, and when dry give a coat of pearlash solution, one drachm to a quart, taking care to lay it on evenly.1743.Red.—1. Boil a pound of Brazil wood and an ounce of pearlash in a gallon of water, and while hot brush over thework until of a proper color. Dissolve two ounces of alum in a quart of water, and brush the solution over the work before it dries.1744.Second.—Take a gallon of the above stain, add two more ounces of pearl ash; use hot, and brush often with the alum solution.1745.Third.—Use a cold infusion of archil, and brush over with the pearlash solution used for No. 1dark mahogany.1746.In imitation of Rosewood.—1. Boil half a pound of logwood in three pints of water till it is of a very dark red, add half an ounce of salt of tartar; stain the work with the liquor while boiling hot, giving three coats; then with a painter's graining-brush form streaks with No. 8black stain; let dry, and varnish.1747.Second.—Brush over with the logwood decoction used for No. 6black, three or four times; put half a pound of iron filings into two quarts of vinegar; then with a graining-brush or cane, bruised at the end, apply the iron filing solution in the form required, and polish with beeswax and turpentine when dry, or varnish.ORNAMENTED LEATHER WORK.1748. An excellent imitation of carved oak, suitable for frames, boxes, vases, and ornaments in endless variety, may be made of a description of leather called Basil.1749. The art consists in simply cutting out this material in imitation of natural objects, and in impressing upon it by simple tools, either with or without the aid of heat, such marks and characteristics as are necessary to the imitation.1750. The rules given with regard to the imitation of leaves and flowers (1887) apply to Ornamental Leather Work.1751. Begin with a simple object, and proceed by degrees to those that are more complicated.1752. The tools required are ivory or steel points of various sizes, punches, and tin shapes, such as are used for confectionary. The points may be made out of the handles of old tooth-brushes.1753. Before cutting out the leaves, the leather should be well soaked in water, until it is quite pliable. When dry, it will retain the artistic shape.1754. Cut out an ivy or an oak leaf, and impress the veins upon it; then arrange these in groups, and affix them to frames, or otherwise.1755. Leaves and stems are fastened together by means of liquid glue, and varnished with any of the drying varnishes, or with sealing-wax dissolved to a suitable consistency in spirits of wine.1756. Wire, cork, gutta-percha, bits or stems of trees, &c., may severally be used to aid in the formation of groups of buds, flowers, seed-vessels, &c.DYEING.(SEE PAGES74,75,76.)1757.Dye Hair and Feathers Green.—Take of verdigris or verditer, of each one ounce: gum water, one pint; mix them well, and dip the hair or feathers into the mixture, shaking them well about.1759.Cleansing Feathers of their Animal Oil.—The following receipt gained a premium from the Society of Arts:1760. Take for every gallon of clean water one pound of quicklime, mix them well together, and when the undissolved lime is precipitated in fine powder, pour off the clean lime-water for use.1761. Put the feathers to be cleaned in another tub, and add to them a quantity of the clean lime-water, sufficient to cover them about three inches, when well immersed and stirred about therein.1762. The feathers, when thoroughly moistened, will sink down, and should remain in the lime-water three or four days; after which the foul liquor should be separated from them, by laying them in a sieve.1763. The feathers should be afterward well washed in clean water, and dried upon nets, the meshes of which may be about the fineness of cabbage-nets.1764. The feathers must be, from time to time, shaken on the nets, and as they get dry will fall through the meshes, and are to be collected for use. The admission of air will be serviceable in drying.1765. The process will be completed in three weeks; and after being thus prepared, the feathers will only require to be beaten to get rid of the dust.1766.Dyeing Eggs.—Wrap the egg incrimson silk ribbon(taking care that no part is uncovered), tack it on and boil it five minutes, and when it is divested of the ribbon the shell will be of a pretty mottled red; any colored ribbon may be used with a very pretty effect.1767.Crystallization upon Cinders.—Saturate water, kept boiling, with alum; then set the solution in a cool place, suspending a cinder in it, by a hair or fine silk thread; as the solution cools, a beautiful crystallization will take place upon the cinder, which will resemble a specimen of mineralogical spar.1768.Staining Grasses and Mosses.—Take some common powder-blue, mix with water, rather thin; take dry moss and dip it in, and let it soak a few minutes, take out and squeeze it—you will have a blue moss. Takelightchrome yellow (as there are two sorts), mix with water, as before: with the same process you will have a yellow moss. Take some of the blue and some of the yellow, mix with water, as before, and you willhave a green moss. You may have a variety of shades by adding or diminishing the yellow.THE GAME OF DRAUGHTS.1769.Rules of the Game.—The nine laws for regulating the game of draughts are as follows.1770. Each player takes the first move alternately, whether the last game be won or drawn.1771. Any action which prevents the adversary from having a full view of the men is not allowed.1772. The player who touches a man must play him.1773. In case of standing the huff ten minutes, the other may call upon him to play; and if, after that, he delay above five minutes longer, then he loses the game.1775. In the losing game, the player can insist upon his adversary taking all the men, in case opportunities should present themselves for their being so taken.1776. To prevent unnecessary delay, if one color have no pieces, but two kings on the board, and the other no piece but one king, the latter can call upon the former to win the game in twenty moves; if he does not finish it within that number of moves, the game to be relinquished as drawn.1777. If there are three kings to two on the board, the subsequent moves are not to exceed forty.LAWS OF CHESS.1778. The rules given below are based upon the code published in "Walker's Art of Chess Play." The wordpiecefrequently includes thepawn.1779. If the board or pieces be improperly placed, or are deficient in number (except in the case of odds), the gamemust be recommenced, if the error is discovered before the fourth move on each side (the eighth move of the game.) If not discovered before this stage, the game must proceed.1780. If the player gives odds, and yet omits to remove the odds from the board at the commencement, he may recommence the game, and remove the odds given, provided he discover his error before playing his fourth move.1781. But if he has made his fourth move, the game must be played out; and should the player who agreed to give the odds win the game, it shall nevertheless be considered drawn.1782. When parties play even, they draw lots for the first move of the first game. The first move is afterward taken alternately throughout the sitting, except when a game is drawn, when he who had the first move in that game still claims it, a drawn game being of no account.1783. He who gains the move has also the choice of color. Each player uses the same color throughout the sitting. When a match is made for a given number of games, the move passes alternately throughout the match. A player giving odds has the choice of men, and takes the move in every game, unless agreed to the contrary.1784. A player who gives the odds of a piece, may give it each game from the king's or queen's side, at his option. If he gives the odds of a pawn, he must give the king's bishop's pawn, unless otherwise stipulated.1785. The player who receives the odds of a certain number of moves at the commencement, must not with those moves cross from his own half of the board.1786. If a player, in his turn to play, touch one of his men, he must move that piece, if it can legally move, unless, when he first touches it, he says aloud, "J'adoube." No penalty is attached to touching a piece, unless it is your turn to move.1787. If the player touch his king, with the intention of moving him, and then finds that he cannot do so withoutplacing the king in check, no penalty can be inflicted on his replacing his king and moving elsewhere.1788. [Otherwise?] If the player should touch a man which cannot be moved without placing his king in check, he must move his king instead.1789. If a player about to move touch one of his adversary's men, without saying "J'adoube" when he first touches it, he must take that piece, if it can be lawfully taken.1790. Should it not be taken, he must, as a penalty, move his king; but should the king be unable to play without going into check, no penalty can be enforced. It is not allowed to castle upon a compulsory move of the king.1791. While you hold your piece you may move it anywhere allowed by the rules; but when you quit your hold the move is completed, and must be abided by.1792. If you inadvertently move one of your adversary's pieces instead of your own, he may compel you to take the piece you have touched, should it been prise; or to replace it and move your king, or to leave it on the square to which you have moved it, and forego any other move at that time.1793. Should you capture one of the adverse pieces with another, instead of one of your own, the capture holds good, if your opponent so decides.1794. If the player takes a piece through a false move, his adversary may compel him to take such piece with one that can lawfully take it, or to move the piece that has been touched, if such move does not expose the king to check, or he may be directed to move his king.1795. If you take one of your own men, instead of one of your adversary's, you may be compelled to move one of the two pieces touched, at the option of your opponent.1796. Mr. Walker thinks that the penalty should be to lose the man you have improperly taken off.1797. An opponent has the option of punishing a false move, by claiming the false move as your move, by compelling you to move the piece touched, as you may think fit, or to replace the piece and move your king.1798. The king must never be exposed to check by any penalty enforced.1799. If you move twice running, you may be compelled to abide by both moves, or to retract the second.1800. Unlimited time is allowed for the moves [unless otherwise agreed.] If one player insists upon the postponement of the termination of a game, against the will of his opponent, the game is forfeited by him who will not play on.1801. When a pawn is moved two squares, it is liable to be taken,en passant, by a pawn, but not by a piece.1802. If you touch both king and rook, intending to castle, you must move one of the two pieces, at the option of your adversary; or he may compel you to complete the castling.1803. You cannot take a piece and castle at the same time; nor does the rook check as it passes to its new position; but it may check on its position after castling.1804. False castling is liable to the same penalties as a false move.1805. When a player gives the odds of a rook, he does not relinquish the right of castling on the side from which the rook has been taken, all other conditions being lawful, as if the rook were in its place.1806. When you give check you must say so aloud.1807. If check is not called on either side, but subsequently discovered, you must endeavor to recall all the moves back to the period when the check first occurred.1808. You are not compelled to cry check when you attack the queen.1809. If you cry check, and afterward alter your determination, you are not compelled to abide by the intention, provided you have not touched the piece.1810. When a pawn reaches the opposite side of the board it may be replaced by any piece, at the option of the owner, and irrespective of the pieces already owned by him.1811.Stale-mateis a drawn game.1812. Drawn games count for nothing; and he who moved first in the drawn game moves first in the following.1813. If you declare to win a game, or position, and only draw it, you are accounted the loser.1814. When you have either of the following advantages of force, you are compelled to give check-mate in fifty moves, or the game is considered drawn:1815. King and queen against king.King and rook against king.King and two bishops against king.King, bishop, and knight, against king.King and queen against king and rook.King and rook against king and minor piece.King and pawn against king.King and two pawns against king and pawn.1816. If you move after your adversary has made a false move, or committed other irregularity, you cannot claim the penalties.1817. Spectators are forbidden to make remarks.1818. Disputes to be referred to a third party.EVENING PASTIME.1819. Among the innocent recreations of the fireside, there are few more commendable and practicable than those affordedby what are severally termed Anagrams, Charades, Conundrums, Enigmas, Puzzles, Rebuses, Riddles, Transpositions, &c.1820. Of these there are such a variety, that they are suited to every capacity; and they present this additional attraction, that ingenuity may be exercised in theinventionof them, as well as in their solution.1821. Many persons who have become noted for their literary compositions may date the origin of their success to the time when they attempted the composition of a trifling enigma or charade.1822.Anagramsare formed by the transposition of the letters of words or sentences, or names of persons, so as to produce a word, sentence, or verse of pertinent, or of widely different meaning.1823. They are very difficult to discover, but are exceedingly striking when good. The following are some of the most remarkable.1824.Transposed Forms—Astronomers—No more stars; Catalogues—Got as a clue; Elegant—Neat leg; Impatient—Tim in a pet; Immediately—I met my Delia; Masquerade—Queen as mad; Parishioners—I hire parsons; Parliament—Partial men; Penitentiary—Nay I repent; Presbyterians—Best in prayer; Sweetheart—There we sat; Telegraphs—Great helps.1825.Conundrums.—These are simple catches, in which the sense is playfully cheated, and are generally founded upon words capable of double meaning. The following are examples.1826. If a person were looking at a conflagration by the names of what three great British writers, could he express his emotions?1827.Dickens, How-itt Burns!1828. The name of what class of persons, in Rome, might a bear be supposed to say when he was licking his paws after having eaten a little girl?1829.Gladiator—Glad I ate her.1830. Who first introduced salt provisions into the navy?1831.Noah, when he took Ham into the ark.1832. Why need a person never be hungry in the desert?1833.Because of the sand which is there.—Sandwiches!1834. Why is a clock the most modest thing in the world?1835.Because it always keeps its hands before its face, and no matter how good its works are, it will run itself down.PART IX.WORK IN DOORS AND OUT.Home Comforts—Household Receipts—Wise Economy—Fuel—Things to Know—Cleanliness—Accidents—Agriculture—Gardening—Etc., Etc.HOUSEHOLD MAXIMS.1836. A short needle makes the most expedition in plain sewing.1837. When you are particular in wishing to have precisely what you want from a butcher's, go and purchase it yourself.1838. One flannel petticoat will wear nearly as long as two, if turned behind-part before, when the front begins to wear thin.1839. People in general are not aware how very essential to the health of their inmates is the free admission of light into their houses.1840. A leather strap, with a buckle to fasten, is much more commodious than a cord for a box in general use for short distances; cording and uncording is a disagreeable job.1841. There is not any real economy in purchasing cheap cottons for gentlemen's night shirts. The cloth cuts in holes, and soon becomes bad colored in washing.1842. Sitting to sew by candle-light by a table with a dark cloth on it is injurious to the eye-sight. When no other remedy presents itself, put a sheet of white paper before you.1843. People very commonly complain of indigestion: how it be wondered at, when they seem by their habit of swallowing their food wholesale, to forget for what purpose they are provided with teeth.1844. Eat slowly and you will not over-eat.1845. Keeping the feet warm will prevent headaches.1846. Late at breakfast—hurried for dinner—cross at tea.1847. Between husband and wife little attentions beget much love.1848. Always lay your table neatly, whether you have company or not.1849. Put your balls or reels of cotton into little bags, leaving the ends out.1850. Whatever you may choose to give away, always be sure tokeep your temper.1851. Feather beds should be opened every third year, the ticking well dusted, soaped and waxed, the feathers dressed and returned.1852.Bed-roomsheated are pernicious to health.1853.Beds, instead of being made up as soon as people rise out of them, ought to be turned down, and exposed to the fresh air from the open windows through the day.1854.Feather beds, especially in youth and in warm weather,enervate the system, destroying its vigor and health. Neither should beds be too hard. Sleeping with the head under the clothes is pernicious; so, also, confined air caused by curtains.1855.The flooris the unhealthiest part of a room, from the tendency of impure air to descend.1856.Charcoal, when burning, should have an uncovered vessel of boiling water over it, the vapor of which will counteract the deleterious fumes.1857.Powdered charcoalwill remove smells, impurities, &c., from old glass vessels, after the grosser parts have been scoured off with sand and potash.1858. Aperfumefor linen, &c., is made of rose leaves dried in the shade, mixed with powdered cloves, scraped mace, and put in little bags.1859. Persons of defective sight, when threading a needle, should hold it over something white, by which the sight will be assisted.1860. In mending sheets and shirts, put the pieces sufficiently large, or in the first washing the thin parts give way, and the work is all undone.1861. Reading by candle-light, place the candle behind you, that the rays may pass over your shoulder on to the book. This will relieve the eyes.1862. A wire fire-guard, for each fire-place in a house, costs little, and greatly diminishes the risk to life and property. Fix them before going to bed.1863. In winter, get the work forward by daylight, to prevent running about at night with candles. Thus you escape grease spots and risks of fire.1864. Matches, out of the reach of children, should be kept in every bedroom. They are cheap enough.1865. Apple and suet dumplings are lighter when boiled in a net than a cloth. Scum the pot well.1866. When chamber towels get thin in the middle, cut them in two, sew the selvages together, and hem the sides.1867. When you dry salt for the table, do not place it in the salt-cells until it is cold, otherwise it will harden into a lump.1868. Never put away plate, knives and forks, &c., uncleaned, or sad inconvenience will arise when the articles are wanted.1869. After washing, overlook linen, and stitch on buttons, hooks and eyes, &c.; for this purpose, keep a "housewife's friend," full of miscellaneous threads, cottons, buttons, hooks, &c.1870. For ventilation, open your windows both at top and bottom. The fresh air rushes in one way, while the foul makes its exit the other. This is letting in your friend and expelling your enemy.1871. Never allow your servants to put wiped knives on your table; for, generally speaking, you may see that they have been wiped with a dirty cloth.1872. There is not any thing gained in economy by having very young and inexperienced servants at low wages.1873. Dirty windows speak to the passer-by of the negligence of the inmates.1874.Carpets.—If the corner of a carpet gets loose and prevents the door opening, or trips every one up that enters the room, nail it down at once. A dog's-eared carpet marks the sloven as well as the dog's-eared book.1875.Cravatsor stocks should not be worn so tight as to compress the many large blood-vessels of the neck, which connect with the brain.1876.Impure airof theatres, ball-rooms, and other crowded and badly-ventilated buildings and sleeping-rooms, is poison to the lungs.1877.Eye-sightis best preserved by a moderate light—too little, strains—too much, dazzles and injures. Bathing in cold water is of service.1878.Consumption.—Remedies.—Vigorous, daily, but not violent, exercise, and free exposure to the air, are important. As the great difficulty in medicine is in reaching the seat of this disease, frequently inhaling certain fumes may be a means of healing the lungs. Sitting and sleeping in a room through which the fumes of resin, turpentine, or other similar gums are moderately diffused, may be of service.1879.Small Poxis prevented by vaccination, if well done. Never neglect vaccination.1880.Wateris purified by—1, filtration through gravel, sand, or soft porous stone and charcoal. Or, 2, it may be sweetened and improved by charcoal, coarsely pulverized and thrown into a vessel of water. 3, by boiling and distillation. Water is greatly improved in wells or pumps that are frequently used.1881.Distilled Water, after being exposed to the air, is the most salubrious of all drinks, and its daily use is of the greatest importance in dyspepsia and similar diseases.1882.Wet Clothesshould not be worn near a fire, or so as to occasion sudden heat. Keep in motion till dry can be had, then change at once, and give the feet a long heating.1883.Black Silkswash in warm small beer and milk.HOUSEHOLD RECEIPTS FOR MANY THINGS.1884.To Extract Grease from Clothes.—Scrape off all the grease that you can with a knife; then lay over the spot a thick brown paper, and press it with a warm iron; if thegrease comes through the paper, take another piece, and so on until it does not soil the paper.1885. If not all out, wrap a bit of cloth or flannel round the finger, dip it in spirits of wine, and rub the grease spot; this will take it out. Be careful not to have the iron too hot. Try it on white paper; if it scorches this, it is too hot.1886.To Extract Paint from Woolen.—Rub the spot with a piece of flannel saturated with turpentine, or spirit of wine.1887.To Preserve Hats.—Brush them always with a soft brush. Keep them in a hat box if not in constant use, as air and dust soon turn them brown. Have a stick for each hat.1888.—Hats when wetshould be handled lightly, wiped dry with a cloth or silk handkerchief, and brushed. If the fur sticks, dampen it with a sponge dipped in vinegar, and brush it dry.1889.When heated by exerciseavoid drinking cold water. Rinse the mouth with cold water before drinking.1890.To Procure Sleep.—On going to bed take a warm or cold bath.1891.Another Way.—Rub the body well with rough towels or the flesh-brush for a quarter of an hour.1892.To Relieve Headache in Bed.—Wash the head in cold water, and lay aside the night-cap, but see that the feet are kept warm.1893.The air bathis very healthful. Children especially should resort to this method of enjoying the salubrious influence of the atmosphere.1894.Dr. Franklin'splan was to rise at day-break, and pass half an hour in his chamber undressed, reading or writing.1895.Close Closetsthat have become infested with mothsshould be well rubbed with a strong decoction of tobacco, and repeatedly sprinkled with spirits of camphor.1896.The Sting of a Nettlemay be cured by rubbing the part with rosemary, mint, or sage leaves.1897.Charcoal Fumes.—The usual remedies for persons overcome with the fumes of charcoal in a close apartment are, to throw cold water on the head and to bleed immediately; also apply mustard or hartshorne to the soles of the feet.1898.An Ever-Dirty Hearth, and a grate always choked with cinders and ashes, are infallible evidences of bad house-keeping.1899.Effects of Charcoal, in stopping putrefaction, are now well ascertained; fish or meat may be restored by boiling charcoal with them.1900.Moths—to get rid of them.—Procure shavings of cedar-wood, and enclose in muslin bags, which should be distributed freely among the clothes.1901.Second.—Sprinkle pimento (allspice) berries among the clothes. Sprinkle the clothes with the seeds of the musk plant.1902.To Destroy the Eggs.—When deposited in woolen cloth, &c., use a solution of acetate of potash in spirits of rosemary, fifteen grains to the pint.1903.To Drive away Mothsfrom clothes, wrap up some yellow or turpentine soap in paper; or place an open bottle containing spirits of turpentine in the wardrobe.1904.Cold Green Tea, very strong, and sweetened with sugar, when set about in saucers, attracts flies and destroys them.1905.For Keeping a Door open, place a large brick, covered neatly with a piece of carpeting, against the door.1906.A Stair-Carpetshould never be swept down with a long broom, but always with a short-handled brush, and a dust pan held closely under each step of the stairs.1907.A Hatshould be brushed every day with a hat-brush, and twice a-day in dusty weather.1908.Ringsthat have stones in them should always be taken off the finger when the hands are washed, else they become discolored.1909.Reading in Bedat night should be avoided, as besides the danger of an accident, it never fails to injure the eyes.1910.In Escaping from a Fire, creep or crawl along the room with your face close to the ground. Children should be early taught how to press out a spark when it happens to reach any part of their dress, and also that running into the air will cause it to blaze immediately. (Seepage 204.)1911.Bronzed Chandeliers, Lamps, &c., should be merely dusted with a feather brush, or with a soft cloth, as washing them will take off the bronzing.1912.Iron Wipers.—Old soft towels, or pieces of old sheets or tablecloths, make excellent iron wipers.1913.To Clean Looking-Glasses.—First wash the glass all over with lukewarm soap-suds and a sponge. When dry, rub it bright with a buckskin and a little prepared chalk, finely powdered.1914.Flowers and Shrubsshould be excluded from a bed-chamber.1915.Waterof every kind, except rain water, will speedily cover the inside of a tea-kettle with an unpleasant crust; this may easily be guarded against by placing a clean oyster-shell in the tea-kettle, which will always keep it in good order, by attracting the particles of earth or of stone.1916.Paper Fire-Screensshould be coated with transparent varnish; otherwise they will soon become soiled and discolored.1917.The best Lamp-Oilis that which is clear and nearly colorless, like water.1918.Oil-Greasemay be removed from a hearth by covering it immediately with thick hot ashes, or with burning coals.1919.Candlesimprove by keeping a few months.1920.Glass Vessels, and other utensils, may be purified and cleaned by rinsing them out with powdered charcoal.1921.Family Clocksought only to be oiled with the very purest oil, purified by a quart of lime-water to a gallon of oil, in which it has been well shaken, and suffered to stand for three or four days, when it may be drawn off.1922.To Heat a Bedat a moment's notice, throw a little salt into the warming-pan, and suffer it to burn for a minute previous to use. (See page17.)1923.To Destroy Fliesin a room, take half a teaspoonful of black pepper in powder, one teaspoonful of brown sugar, and one tablespoonful of cream, mix them well together, and place them in the room on a plate, where the flies are troublesome.1924.Feet, to Keep Warm in a Carriage or Cold Room.—Use a stone or glass bottle filled with boiling water and wrapped in flannel.1925.To Prevent Cold Feet at Night.—Rub the ankles and feet with the hand as hard as can be borne for five or ten minutes before retiring. This will be found an effectual remedy.1926.Another Way.—Frequent washing, and rubbing them thoroughly dry, with a linen cloth, or flannel, is useful.1927.To Warm Beds.—Take all the black or blazing coals out of the pan, and scatter a little salt over the remainder. This will prevent the smell of sulphur.1928.To Explore Unventilated Places.—Light sheets of brown paper and throw into the well or cavern. Or, fix a long pipe to a pair of bellows, and blow into the place for some time.1929.To Destroy Crickets.—Put Scotch snuff upon the holes where they come out.1930.To Brush Clothes.—Have a wooden horse to put the clothes on, and a small cane to beat the dust out of them; also a board or table long enough for them to be put their whole length while brushing them.1931. Have two brushes, one hard and the other soft. Use the hard brush for the great coats; the soft for the fine cloth garments. These should never be brushed with too hard a brush, as this will take off the nap.1932.The Cane for the Clothesshould not be too large. A small hand-whip is the best to beat with. Be careful not to strike the buttons.1933. If the coat be wet and spotted with mud, let it be quite dry before brushing it. Then rub off the mud with the hands; put the coat at its full length on the board, and brush the cloth the same way the nap goes, which is toward the skirt of the coat.1934.Chimneys, Smoky, to Cure.—A northern aspect often produces a smoky chimney.1935.Stacks of Chimneysare less apt to smoke than single ones.1936.Straight Funnelsseldom draw well.1937.Large Fire-Placesare apt to smoke. When they do so, the lower aperture should be diminished.1938. If thechimneysmokes only when the fire is first lighted, lay any inflammable substance, as shavings, on the top of the grate; the rapid combustion of which will warm the air of the chimney, and give it a tendency upward before any smoke is produced.1939. Achimney so incorrigibleas to require the constant admission of fresh air, should have a pipe introduced, one of whose apertures is under the grate, and the other in the open air. Or openings may be made for ventilation near the top of the apartment.1940.To prevent unpleasant odor in Clothes laid up for a time, place recently-made charcoal between the folds of the garments. Even when the odor has taken place, the charcoal will absorb it.1941.To Purify Stagnant Water.—One part of chalk and two of alum will speedily purify stagnant water, and four parts of animal carbon and one of alum are sufficient to purify a thousand parts of muddy river water.1942.To Prevent the Smoking of a Lamp.—Soak the wick in strong vinegar, and well dry it before you use it.1943.To Clean Cane Chairs.—Sponge them, until soaked, with soap and hot water.1944.Clean White Vails.—Put the vail in a solution of white soap, and let it simmer a quarter of an hour; squeeze it in some warm water and soap till quite clean. Rinse it from soap, and then in clean cold water, in which is a drop of liquid blue; then pour boiling water on a teaspoonful of starch, run the vail through this, and clear it well by clapping it. Afterward pin it out, keeping the edges straight and even.1945.Restoring Color to Silk.—When the color has been taken from silk by acids, it may be restored by applying to the spot a little hartshorne, or sal-volatile.1946.Clean White Ostrich Feathers.—Four ounces of white soap, cut small, dissolved in four pints of water, rather hot, ina large basin; make the solution into a lather, by beating it with birch-rods, or wires.1947. Introduce the feathers, and rub well with the hands for five or six minutes. After this soaping, wash in clean water, as hot as the hand can bear. Shake until dry.1948.Cure for a Burn.—Wheat flour and cold water mixed to the consistency of soft paste, is an almost instantaneous cure for a burn, whether large or small. Renew before the first gets so dry as to stick.1949.Slippery Elmbark powdered makes an excellent healing poultice for burns, sores, &c., boiled with milk and about one-third bread.1950.Cod-Liver Oil.—This is a nauseating medicine, but the following receipt is said to remedy the bad taste.1951. To a pint of cod-liver oil add an ounce of fine salt; shake them well together, till they amalgamate.1952.To Dress Squirrel and other Skins.—Take a handful of common salt, and half the quantity of alum; boil it in half a gallon of water till dissolved. When cold, the skins may be put in to steep, and allowed to remain for a fortnight, occasionally turning them; they may then be taken out, stretched on a board (skin side outward) till dry; they will then be found perfectly soft and pliable.1953.Another Method.—Stretch the fresh skin on a board, and dress it with water in which salt and alum have been dissolved—applying the solution with a brush. This does not injure the glossiness of the fur, which is apt to be affected when the skin is immersed.1954.To Clean Furs.—Strip the fur articles of their stuffing and binding, and lay them as much as possible in a flat position.1955. They must then be subjected to a very brisk brushing, with a stiff clothes-brush; after this, any moth-eaten partsmust be cut out, and be neatly replaced by new bits of fur to match.1956.Sable, Chinchilla, Squirrel, Fitch, &c., should be treated as follows: Warm a quantity of new bran in a pan, taking care that it does not burn, to prevent which it must be actively stirred.1957. When well warmed, rub it thoroughly into the fur with the hand. Repeat this two or three times; then shake the fur, and give it another sharp brushing until free from dust.1958.White Furs, Ermine, &c., may be cleaned as follows: Lay the fur on the table, and rub it well with bran made moist with warm water; rub until quite dry, and afterward with dry bran. The wet bran should be put on with flannel, and the dry with a piece of book-muslin.1959.The Light Furs, in addition to the above, should be well rubbed with magnesia, or a piece of book-muslin, after the bran process.1960.Stretching Furs.—Furs are usually much improved by stretching, which may be managed as follows: To a pint of soft water add three ounces of salt, dissolve; with this solution sponge the inside of the skin (taking care not to wet the fur), until it becomes thoroughly saturated; then lay it carefully on a board with the fur side downward, in its natural disposition; then stretch, as much as it will bear, to the required shape, and fasten with small tacks. The drying may be quickened by placing the skin a little distance from the fire or stove.1961.To Preserve Furs from Moths.—Warm water, one pint; corrosive sublimate, twelve grains. If washed with this, and afterward dried, furs are safe from moth. Care should be taken to label the liquid "poison."1962.To Keep away Flies.—No fly will enter a room in which a wreath of walnut leaves has been hung up. The experiment is worth trying.1963.Washing.—The most important department of domestic economy naturally includes the washhouse, into which philosophy has found its way for the application of many useful principles, and much useful practice. (Seep. 262.)1964.To Clean Morocco Shoes.—Dissolve gum arabic in water, and mix with it a little white sugar. If it is to be kept any time, put in a little spirits of wine. Brush the shoes with it.1965.Cheap Door-Mats.—Cut old broadcloth or any woolen articles into long strips from one to two inches broad. Braid three of these together, and sew the braid round in gradually increasing circles till large enough.WISE ECONOMY.1966. If you have a strip of land, do not throw away soap-suds. Both ashes and soap-suds are good manure for bushes and young plants.1967.Woolen Clothesshould be washed in very hot suds, and not rinsed. Lukewarm water shrinks them.1968. Do not let coffee and tea stand in tin.1969. Scald your wooden-ware often, and keep your tin-ware dry.1970. Preserve the backs of old letters to write upon.1971. If you have children who are learning to write, buy coarse white paper by the quantity, and keep it locked up, ready to be made into writing-books. It does not cost half so much as it does to buy them at the stationer's.1972. See that nothing is thrown away which might have served to nourish your own family or a poorer one.1973. As far as possible, have bits of bread eaten up beforethey become hard; spread those that are not eaten, and let them dry, to be pounded for puddings, or soaked for brewis.1974.Brewisis made of crusts and dry pieces of bread, soaked a good while in hot milk, mashed up, and eaten with salt.1975. Above all, do not let crusts accumulate in such quantities that they cannot be used. With proper care, there is no need of losing a particle of bread.1976. All the mending in the house should be done once a week, if possible.1977. Never put out sewing. If it be not possible to do it in your own family, hire some one into the house, and work with them.1978. Do not let knives be dropped into hot dish-water. It is a good plan to have a large tin pot to wash them in, just high enough to wash the bladeswithout wettingthe handles.1979. It is better to accomplish perfectly a very small amount of work, than to half do ten times as much.1980.Charcoal Powderwill be found a very good thing to give knives a first-rate polish.1981.A Bonnetand trimmings may be worn a much longer time, if the dust be brushed well off after walking.1982. Much knowledge may be obtained by the good housewife observing how things are managed in well-regulated families.1983.Applesintended for dumplings should not have the core taken out of them, as the pips impart a delicious flavor to the dumpling.1984.A Rice Puddingis most excellent without either eggs or sugar, if baked gently; it keeps better without eggs.1985. "Wilful waste makes woful want." Do not cook a fresh joint whilst any of the last remains uneaten—hash it up, and with gravy and a little management eke out another day's dinner.1986. A warming-pan full of coals, or a shovel of coals, held over varnished furniture, will take out white spots. Care should be taken not to hold the coals near enough to scorch; and the place should be rubbed with a flannel while warm.1987.Sal-volatileor hartshorne will restore colors taken out by acid. It may be dropped upon any garment without doing harm.1988.New Ironshould be very gradually heated at first. After it has become inured to the heat, it is not so likely to crack.1989. The shanks of mutton make a good stock for nearly any kind of gravy—and they are very cheap—a dozen may be had for a penny, enough to make a quart of delicious soup.1990. Thick curtains, closely drawn around the bed, are very injurious, because they not only confine the effluvia thrown off from our bodies whilst in bed, but interrupt the current of pure air.1991. Regularity in the payment of accounts is essential to housekeeping. All tradesmen's bills should be paid weekly, for then any errors can be detected whilst the transactions are fresh in the memory.1992.Linen Ragsshould be carefully saved, for they are extremely useful in sickness. If they have become dirty and worn by cleaning silver, &c., wash them and scrape them into lint.1993. If you are troubled to get soft water for washing, fill a tub or barrel half full of wood ashes, and fill it up with water, so that you may have ley whenever you may want it. A gallon of strong ley put into a great kettle of hard water, will make it as soft as rain water.1994. "Morning's Milk," says an eminent German philosopher, "commonly yields some hundredths more cream than the evening's at the same temperature. That milked at noon furnishes the least; it would therefore be of advantage, in making butter and cheese, to employ the morning's milk, and to keep the evening's for domestic use."1995.Scouring Drops for Removing Grease.—There are several preparations of this name; one of the best is made as follows: Camphene, or spirits of turpentine, three ounces; essence of lemon, one ounce; mix.1996.Sweeping Carpets.—Persons who are accustomed to use tea-leaves for sweeping their carpets, and find that they leave stains, will do well to employ fresh cut grass instead. It is better than tea-leaves for preventing dust, and gives the carpets a very bright, fresh look.1997.Economy of Fuel.—There is no part of domestic economy which everybody professes to understand better than the management of a fire, and yet there is no branch in the household arrangements where there is a greater proportional and unnecessary waste, than arises from ignorance and mismanagement in this article.1998. It is an old adage that we must stir no man's fire until we have known him seven years; but we might find it equally prudent if we were careful as to the stirring of our own.1999. Anybody, indeed, can take up a poker and toss the coals about; but that is not stirring a fire!
1700.Alabaster, Marble and Stone, may be stained of a yellow, red, green, blue, purple, black, or any of the compound colors, by the stains used for wood.1701.Bone and Ivory.—Black.—Lay the articles for several hours in a strong solution of nitrate of silver, and expose to the light.1702. Boil the article for some time in a strained decoction of logwood, and then steep it in a solution of per-sulphate or acetate of iron.1703. Immerse frequently in ink, until of sufficient depth of color.1704.Blue.—1. Immerse for some time in a dilute solution of sulphate of indigo—partly saturated with potash—and it will be fully stained. 2. Steep in a strong solution of sulphate of copper.1705.Green.—1. Dip blue-stained articles for a short time in nitro-hydrochlorate of tin, and then in a hot decoction of fustic. 2. Boil in a solution of verdigris in vinegar until the desired color is obtained.1706.Red.—Dip the articles first in the tin mordant used in dyeing, and then plunge into a hot decoction of Brazil wood—half a pound to a gallon of water—or cochineal.1707. Steep in red ink until sufficiently stained.1708.Scarlet.—Use lac-dye instead of the preceding.1709.Violet.—Dip in the tin mordant, and then immerse in a decoction of logwood.1710.Yellow.—Impregnate with nitro-hydrochlorate of tin, and then digest with heat in a strained decoction of fustic.1711.Second.—Steep for twenty-four hours in a strong solution of the neutral chromate of potash, and then plunge for some time in a boiling solution of acetate of lead.1712.Third.—Boil the articles in a solution of alum—a pound to half a gallon—and then immerse for half an hour in the following mixture.1713. Take half a pound of turmeric, and a quarter of a pound of pearlash; boil in a gallon of water. When taken from this, the bone must be again dipped in the alum solution.1714.Hornmust be treated in the same manner as bone and ivory for the various colors given under that heading.1715.In Imitation of Tortoise-Shell.—First steam and then press the horn into proper shapes, and afterward lay the following mixture on with a small brush, in imitation of the mottle of tortoise-shell.1716.Second.—Take equal parts of quick lime and litharge, and mix with strong soap-lees; let this remain until it is thoroughly dry, brush off, and repeat two or three times, if necessary.1717. Such parts as are required to be of a reddish brown, should be covered with a mixture of whiting and the stain.1718.Iron.—Black, for Ship's Guns, Shot, etc.—To one gallon of vinegar add a quarter of a pound of iron rust, let it stand for a week; then add a pound of dry lamp-black, and three-quarters of a pound of copperas; stir it up for a couple of days.1719. Lay five or six coats on the gun, &c., with a sponge, allowing it to dry well between each. Polish with linseed oil and soft woolen rag, and it will look like ebony.1720.Paper and Parchment.—Blue.—Stain it green with the verdigris stain given below, and brush over with a solution of pearlash—two ounces to the pint—till it becomes blue.1721. Use the blue stain for wood.1722.Green and Red.—The same as for wood. (See 717,page 178.)1723.Orange.—Brush over with a tincture of turmeric, formed by infusing an ounce of the root in a pint of spirits of wine; let this dry, and give another coat of pearlash solution, made by dissolving two ounces of the salt in a quart of water.1724.Purple.—Brush over with the expressed juice of ripe privet berries. The same as for wood.1725.Yellow.—Brush over with tincture of turmeric.1726. Add anatto or dragon's blood to the tincture of turmeric, and brush over as usual. (See 716,page 178.)1727.Wood.—Black.—Drop a little sulphuric acid intoa small quantity of water, brush over the wood and hold it to the fire; it will be a fine black, and receive a good polish.1728.Second.—Take half a gallon of vinegar, an ounce of bruised nut-galls, of logwood chips and copperas each half a pound—boil well; add half an ounce of the tincture of sesquichlorid of iron, formerly called the muriated tincture, and brush on hot.1729.Third.—Use the stain given for ships' guns.1730.Fourth.—Take half a gallon of vinegar, half a pound of dry lamp-black, and three pounds of iron rust sifted. Mix, and let stand for a week. Lay three coats of this on hot, and then rub with linseed oil, and you will have a fine deep black.1731.Fifth.—Add to the above stain an ounce of nut-galls, half a pound of logwood chips, and a quarter of a pound of copperas; lay on three coats, oil well, and you will have a black stain that will stand any kind of weather, and one that is well suited for ships' combings, &c.1732.Sixth.—Take a pound of logwood chips, a quarter of a pound of Brazil wood, and boil for an hour and a half in a gallon of water. Brush the wood several times with this decoction while hot. Make a decoction of nut-galls by simmering gently for three or four days a quarter of a pound of the galls in two quarts of water; give the wood three coats of this, and while wet lay on a solution of sulphate of iron (two ounces to a quart), and when dry oil or varnish.1733.Seventh.—Give three coats with a solution of copper filings in aquafortis, and repeatedly brush over with the logwood decoction, until the greenness of the copper is destroyed.1734.Eighth.—Boil half a pound of logwood chips in two quarts of water, add an ounce of pearlash, and apply hot with a brush. Then take two quarts of the logwood decoction, and half an ounce of verdigris, and the same of copperas; strain and throw in half a pound of iron rust. Brush the work well with this, and oil.1735.Blue.—Dissolve copper filings in aquafortis, brush the wood with it, and then go over the work with a hot solution of pearlash (two ounces to a pint of water), till it assumes a perfectly blue color.1736. Boil a pound of indigo, two pounds of woad, and three ounces of alum in a gallon of water; brush well over until thoroughly stained.1737.Green.—Dissolve verdigris in vinegar, and brush over with the hot solution until of a proper color.1738.Mahogany Color.—Dark.—1. Boil half a pound of madder and two ounces of logwood chips in a gallon of water, and brush well over while hot; when dry, go over the whole with pearlash solution, two drachms to the quart.1739.Second.—Put two ounces of dragon's blood, bruised, into a quart of oil of turpentine; let the bottle stand in a warm place, shake frequently, and, when dissolved, steep the work in the mixture.1740.Light Red Brown.—Boil half a pound of madder and a quarter of a pound of fustic in a gallon of water; brush over the work when boiling-hot, until properly stained.1741.Second.—The surface of the work being quite smooth, brush over with a weak solution of aquafortis, half an ounce to the pint, and then finish with the following:—Put four ounces and a half of dragons blood and an ounce of soda, both well bruised, to three pints of spirit of wine; let it stand in a warm place, shake frequently, strain, and lay it on with a soft brush, repeating until of a proper color; polish with linseed oil or varnish.1742.Purple.—Brush the work several times with the logwood decoction used for No. 6Black, and when dry give a coat of pearlash solution, one drachm to a quart, taking care to lay it on evenly.1743.Red.—1. Boil a pound of Brazil wood and an ounce of pearlash in a gallon of water, and while hot brush over thework until of a proper color. Dissolve two ounces of alum in a quart of water, and brush the solution over the work before it dries.1744.Second.—Take a gallon of the above stain, add two more ounces of pearl ash; use hot, and brush often with the alum solution.1745.Third.—Use a cold infusion of archil, and brush over with the pearlash solution used for No. 1dark mahogany.1746.In imitation of Rosewood.—1. Boil half a pound of logwood in three pints of water till it is of a very dark red, add half an ounce of salt of tartar; stain the work with the liquor while boiling hot, giving three coats; then with a painter's graining-brush form streaks with No. 8black stain; let dry, and varnish.1747.Second.—Brush over with the logwood decoction used for No. 6black, three or four times; put half a pound of iron filings into two quarts of vinegar; then with a graining-brush or cane, bruised at the end, apply the iron filing solution in the form required, and polish with beeswax and turpentine when dry, or varnish.ORNAMENTED LEATHER WORK.1748. An excellent imitation of carved oak, suitable for frames, boxes, vases, and ornaments in endless variety, may be made of a description of leather called Basil.1749. The art consists in simply cutting out this material in imitation of natural objects, and in impressing upon it by simple tools, either with or without the aid of heat, such marks and characteristics as are necessary to the imitation.1750. The rules given with regard to the imitation of leaves and flowers (1887) apply to Ornamental Leather Work.1751. Begin with a simple object, and proceed by degrees to those that are more complicated.1752. The tools required are ivory or steel points of various sizes, punches, and tin shapes, such as are used for confectionary. The points may be made out of the handles of old tooth-brushes.1753. Before cutting out the leaves, the leather should be well soaked in water, until it is quite pliable. When dry, it will retain the artistic shape.1754. Cut out an ivy or an oak leaf, and impress the veins upon it; then arrange these in groups, and affix them to frames, or otherwise.1755. Leaves and stems are fastened together by means of liquid glue, and varnished with any of the drying varnishes, or with sealing-wax dissolved to a suitable consistency in spirits of wine.1756. Wire, cork, gutta-percha, bits or stems of trees, &c., may severally be used to aid in the formation of groups of buds, flowers, seed-vessels, &c.DYEING.(SEE PAGES74,75,76.)1757.Dye Hair and Feathers Green.—Take of verdigris or verditer, of each one ounce: gum water, one pint; mix them well, and dip the hair or feathers into the mixture, shaking them well about.1759.Cleansing Feathers of their Animal Oil.—The following receipt gained a premium from the Society of Arts:1760. Take for every gallon of clean water one pound of quicklime, mix them well together, and when the undissolved lime is precipitated in fine powder, pour off the clean lime-water for use.1761. Put the feathers to be cleaned in another tub, and add to them a quantity of the clean lime-water, sufficient to cover them about three inches, when well immersed and stirred about therein.1762. The feathers, when thoroughly moistened, will sink down, and should remain in the lime-water three or four days; after which the foul liquor should be separated from them, by laying them in a sieve.1763. The feathers should be afterward well washed in clean water, and dried upon nets, the meshes of which may be about the fineness of cabbage-nets.1764. The feathers must be, from time to time, shaken on the nets, and as they get dry will fall through the meshes, and are to be collected for use. The admission of air will be serviceable in drying.1765. The process will be completed in three weeks; and after being thus prepared, the feathers will only require to be beaten to get rid of the dust.1766.Dyeing Eggs.—Wrap the egg incrimson silk ribbon(taking care that no part is uncovered), tack it on and boil it five minutes, and when it is divested of the ribbon the shell will be of a pretty mottled red; any colored ribbon may be used with a very pretty effect.1767.Crystallization upon Cinders.—Saturate water, kept boiling, with alum; then set the solution in a cool place, suspending a cinder in it, by a hair or fine silk thread; as the solution cools, a beautiful crystallization will take place upon the cinder, which will resemble a specimen of mineralogical spar.1768.Staining Grasses and Mosses.—Take some common powder-blue, mix with water, rather thin; take dry moss and dip it in, and let it soak a few minutes, take out and squeeze it—you will have a blue moss. Takelightchrome yellow (as there are two sorts), mix with water, as before: with the same process you will have a yellow moss. Take some of the blue and some of the yellow, mix with water, as before, and you willhave a green moss. You may have a variety of shades by adding or diminishing the yellow.THE GAME OF DRAUGHTS.1769.Rules of the Game.—The nine laws for regulating the game of draughts are as follows.1770. Each player takes the first move alternately, whether the last game be won or drawn.1771. Any action which prevents the adversary from having a full view of the men is not allowed.1772. The player who touches a man must play him.1773. In case of standing the huff ten minutes, the other may call upon him to play; and if, after that, he delay above five minutes longer, then he loses the game.1775. In the losing game, the player can insist upon his adversary taking all the men, in case opportunities should present themselves for their being so taken.1776. To prevent unnecessary delay, if one color have no pieces, but two kings on the board, and the other no piece but one king, the latter can call upon the former to win the game in twenty moves; if he does not finish it within that number of moves, the game to be relinquished as drawn.1777. If there are three kings to two on the board, the subsequent moves are not to exceed forty.LAWS OF CHESS.1778. The rules given below are based upon the code published in "Walker's Art of Chess Play." The wordpiecefrequently includes thepawn.1779. If the board or pieces be improperly placed, or are deficient in number (except in the case of odds), the gamemust be recommenced, if the error is discovered before the fourth move on each side (the eighth move of the game.) If not discovered before this stage, the game must proceed.1780. If the player gives odds, and yet omits to remove the odds from the board at the commencement, he may recommence the game, and remove the odds given, provided he discover his error before playing his fourth move.1781. But if he has made his fourth move, the game must be played out; and should the player who agreed to give the odds win the game, it shall nevertheless be considered drawn.1782. When parties play even, they draw lots for the first move of the first game. The first move is afterward taken alternately throughout the sitting, except when a game is drawn, when he who had the first move in that game still claims it, a drawn game being of no account.1783. He who gains the move has also the choice of color. Each player uses the same color throughout the sitting. When a match is made for a given number of games, the move passes alternately throughout the match. A player giving odds has the choice of men, and takes the move in every game, unless agreed to the contrary.1784. A player who gives the odds of a piece, may give it each game from the king's or queen's side, at his option. If he gives the odds of a pawn, he must give the king's bishop's pawn, unless otherwise stipulated.1785. The player who receives the odds of a certain number of moves at the commencement, must not with those moves cross from his own half of the board.1786. If a player, in his turn to play, touch one of his men, he must move that piece, if it can legally move, unless, when he first touches it, he says aloud, "J'adoube." No penalty is attached to touching a piece, unless it is your turn to move.1787. If the player touch his king, with the intention of moving him, and then finds that he cannot do so withoutplacing the king in check, no penalty can be inflicted on his replacing his king and moving elsewhere.1788. [Otherwise?] If the player should touch a man which cannot be moved without placing his king in check, he must move his king instead.1789. If a player about to move touch one of his adversary's men, without saying "J'adoube" when he first touches it, he must take that piece, if it can be lawfully taken.1790. Should it not be taken, he must, as a penalty, move his king; but should the king be unable to play without going into check, no penalty can be enforced. It is not allowed to castle upon a compulsory move of the king.1791. While you hold your piece you may move it anywhere allowed by the rules; but when you quit your hold the move is completed, and must be abided by.1792. If you inadvertently move one of your adversary's pieces instead of your own, he may compel you to take the piece you have touched, should it been prise; or to replace it and move your king, or to leave it on the square to which you have moved it, and forego any other move at that time.1793. Should you capture one of the adverse pieces with another, instead of one of your own, the capture holds good, if your opponent so decides.1794. If the player takes a piece through a false move, his adversary may compel him to take such piece with one that can lawfully take it, or to move the piece that has been touched, if such move does not expose the king to check, or he may be directed to move his king.1795. If you take one of your own men, instead of one of your adversary's, you may be compelled to move one of the two pieces touched, at the option of your opponent.1796. Mr. Walker thinks that the penalty should be to lose the man you have improperly taken off.1797. An opponent has the option of punishing a false move, by claiming the false move as your move, by compelling you to move the piece touched, as you may think fit, or to replace the piece and move your king.1798. The king must never be exposed to check by any penalty enforced.1799. If you move twice running, you may be compelled to abide by both moves, or to retract the second.
1700.Alabaster, Marble and Stone, may be stained of a yellow, red, green, blue, purple, black, or any of the compound colors, by the stains used for wood.
1701.Bone and Ivory.—Black.—Lay the articles for several hours in a strong solution of nitrate of silver, and expose to the light.
1702. Boil the article for some time in a strained decoction of logwood, and then steep it in a solution of per-sulphate or acetate of iron.
1703. Immerse frequently in ink, until of sufficient depth of color.
1704.Blue.—1. Immerse for some time in a dilute solution of sulphate of indigo—partly saturated with potash—and it will be fully stained. 2. Steep in a strong solution of sulphate of copper.
1705.Green.—1. Dip blue-stained articles for a short time in nitro-hydrochlorate of tin, and then in a hot decoction of fustic. 2. Boil in a solution of verdigris in vinegar until the desired color is obtained.
1706.Red.—Dip the articles first in the tin mordant used in dyeing, and then plunge into a hot decoction of Brazil wood—half a pound to a gallon of water—or cochineal.
1707. Steep in red ink until sufficiently stained.
1708.Scarlet.—Use lac-dye instead of the preceding.
1709.Violet.—Dip in the tin mordant, and then immerse in a decoction of logwood.
1710.Yellow.—Impregnate with nitro-hydrochlorate of tin, and then digest with heat in a strained decoction of fustic.
1711.Second.—Steep for twenty-four hours in a strong solution of the neutral chromate of potash, and then plunge for some time in a boiling solution of acetate of lead.
1712.Third.—Boil the articles in a solution of alum—a pound to half a gallon—and then immerse for half an hour in the following mixture.
1713. Take half a pound of turmeric, and a quarter of a pound of pearlash; boil in a gallon of water. When taken from this, the bone must be again dipped in the alum solution.
1714.Hornmust be treated in the same manner as bone and ivory for the various colors given under that heading.
1715.In Imitation of Tortoise-Shell.—First steam and then press the horn into proper shapes, and afterward lay the following mixture on with a small brush, in imitation of the mottle of tortoise-shell.
1716.Second.—Take equal parts of quick lime and litharge, and mix with strong soap-lees; let this remain until it is thoroughly dry, brush off, and repeat two or three times, if necessary.
1717. Such parts as are required to be of a reddish brown, should be covered with a mixture of whiting and the stain.
1718.Iron.—Black, for Ship's Guns, Shot, etc.—To one gallon of vinegar add a quarter of a pound of iron rust, let it stand for a week; then add a pound of dry lamp-black, and three-quarters of a pound of copperas; stir it up for a couple of days.
1719. Lay five or six coats on the gun, &c., with a sponge, allowing it to dry well between each. Polish with linseed oil and soft woolen rag, and it will look like ebony.
1720.Paper and Parchment.—Blue.—Stain it green with the verdigris stain given below, and brush over with a solution of pearlash—two ounces to the pint—till it becomes blue.
1721. Use the blue stain for wood.
1722.Green and Red.—The same as for wood. (See 717,page 178.)
1723.Orange.—Brush over with a tincture of turmeric, formed by infusing an ounce of the root in a pint of spirits of wine; let this dry, and give another coat of pearlash solution, made by dissolving two ounces of the salt in a quart of water.
1724.Purple.—Brush over with the expressed juice of ripe privet berries. The same as for wood.
1725.Yellow.—Brush over with tincture of turmeric.
1726. Add anatto or dragon's blood to the tincture of turmeric, and brush over as usual. (See 716,page 178.)
1727.Wood.—Black.—Drop a little sulphuric acid intoa small quantity of water, brush over the wood and hold it to the fire; it will be a fine black, and receive a good polish.
1728.Second.—Take half a gallon of vinegar, an ounce of bruised nut-galls, of logwood chips and copperas each half a pound—boil well; add half an ounce of the tincture of sesquichlorid of iron, formerly called the muriated tincture, and brush on hot.
1729.Third.—Use the stain given for ships' guns.
1730.Fourth.—Take half a gallon of vinegar, half a pound of dry lamp-black, and three pounds of iron rust sifted. Mix, and let stand for a week. Lay three coats of this on hot, and then rub with linseed oil, and you will have a fine deep black.
1731.Fifth.—Add to the above stain an ounce of nut-galls, half a pound of logwood chips, and a quarter of a pound of copperas; lay on three coats, oil well, and you will have a black stain that will stand any kind of weather, and one that is well suited for ships' combings, &c.
1732.Sixth.—Take a pound of logwood chips, a quarter of a pound of Brazil wood, and boil for an hour and a half in a gallon of water. Brush the wood several times with this decoction while hot. Make a decoction of nut-galls by simmering gently for three or four days a quarter of a pound of the galls in two quarts of water; give the wood three coats of this, and while wet lay on a solution of sulphate of iron (two ounces to a quart), and when dry oil or varnish.
1733.Seventh.—Give three coats with a solution of copper filings in aquafortis, and repeatedly brush over with the logwood decoction, until the greenness of the copper is destroyed.
1734.Eighth.—Boil half a pound of logwood chips in two quarts of water, add an ounce of pearlash, and apply hot with a brush. Then take two quarts of the logwood decoction, and half an ounce of verdigris, and the same of copperas; strain and throw in half a pound of iron rust. Brush the work well with this, and oil.
1735.Blue.—Dissolve copper filings in aquafortis, brush the wood with it, and then go over the work with a hot solution of pearlash (two ounces to a pint of water), till it assumes a perfectly blue color.
1736. Boil a pound of indigo, two pounds of woad, and three ounces of alum in a gallon of water; brush well over until thoroughly stained.
1737.Green.—Dissolve verdigris in vinegar, and brush over with the hot solution until of a proper color.
1738.Mahogany Color.—Dark.—1. Boil half a pound of madder and two ounces of logwood chips in a gallon of water, and brush well over while hot; when dry, go over the whole with pearlash solution, two drachms to the quart.
1739.Second.—Put two ounces of dragon's blood, bruised, into a quart of oil of turpentine; let the bottle stand in a warm place, shake frequently, and, when dissolved, steep the work in the mixture.
1740.Light Red Brown.—Boil half a pound of madder and a quarter of a pound of fustic in a gallon of water; brush over the work when boiling-hot, until properly stained.
1741.Second.—The surface of the work being quite smooth, brush over with a weak solution of aquafortis, half an ounce to the pint, and then finish with the following:—Put four ounces and a half of dragons blood and an ounce of soda, both well bruised, to three pints of spirit of wine; let it stand in a warm place, shake frequently, strain, and lay it on with a soft brush, repeating until of a proper color; polish with linseed oil or varnish.
1742.Purple.—Brush the work several times with the logwood decoction used for No. 6Black, and when dry give a coat of pearlash solution, one drachm to a quart, taking care to lay it on evenly.
1743.Red.—1. Boil a pound of Brazil wood and an ounce of pearlash in a gallon of water, and while hot brush over thework until of a proper color. Dissolve two ounces of alum in a quart of water, and brush the solution over the work before it dries.
1744.Second.—Take a gallon of the above stain, add two more ounces of pearl ash; use hot, and brush often with the alum solution.
1745.Third.—Use a cold infusion of archil, and brush over with the pearlash solution used for No. 1dark mahogany.
1746.In imitation of Rosewood.—1. Boil half a pound of logwood in three pints of water till it is of a very dark red, add half an ounce of salt of tartar; stain the work with the liquor while boiling hot, giving three coats; then with a painter's graining-brush form streaks with No. 8black stain; let dry, and varnish.
1747.Second.—Brush over with the logwood decoction used for No. 6black, three or four times; put half a pound of iron filings into two quarts of vinegar; then with a graining-brush or cane, bruised at the end, apply the iron filing solution in the form required, and polish with beeswax and turpentine when dry, or varnish.
1748. An excellent imitation of carved oak, suitable for frames, boxes, vases, and ornaments in endless variety, may be made of a description of leather called Basil.
1749. The art consists in simply cutting out this material in imitation of natural objects, and in impressing upon it by simple tools, either with or without the aid of heat, such marks and characteristics as are necessary to the imitation.
1750. The rules given with regard to the imitation of leaves and flowers (1887) apply to Ornamental Leather Work.
1751. Begin with a simple object, and proceed by degrees to those that are more complicated.
1752. The tools required are ivory or steel points of various sizes, punches, and tin shapes, such as are used for confectionary. The points may be made out of the handles of old tooth-brushes.
1753. Before cutting out the leaves, the leather should be well soaked in water, until it is quite pliable. When dry, it will retain the artistic shape.
1754. Cut out an ivy or an oak leaf, and impress the veins upon it; then arrange these in groups, and affix them to frames, or otherwise.
1755. Leaves and stems are fastened together by means of liquid glue, and varnished with any of the drying varnishes, or with sealing-wax dissolved to a suitable consistency in spirits of wine.
1756. Wire, cork, gutta-percha, bits or stems of trees, &c., may severally be used to aid in the formation of groups of buds, flowers, seed-vessels, &c.
1757.Dye Hair and Feathers Green.—Take of verdigris or verditer, of each one ounce: gum water, one pint; mix them well, and dip the hair or feathers into the mixture, shaking them well about.
1759.Cleansing Feathers of their Animal Oil.—The following receipt gained a premium from the Society of Arts:
1760. Take for every gallon of clean water one pound of quicklime, mix them well together, and when the undissolved lime is precipitated in fine powder, pour off the clean lime-water for use.
1761. Put the feathers to be cleaned in another tub, and add to them a quantity of the clean lime-water, sufficient to cover them about three inches, when well immersed and stirred about therein.
1762. The feathers, when thoroughly moistened, will sink down, and should remain in the lime-water three or four days; after which the foul liquor should be separated from them, by laying them in a sieve.
1763. The feathers should be afterward well washed in clean water, and dried upon nets, the meshes of which may be about the fineness of cabbage-nets.
1764. The feathers must be, from time to time, shaken on the nets, and as they get dry will fall through the meshes, and are to be collected for use. The admission of air will be serviceable in drying.
1765. The process will be completed in three weeks; and after being thus prepared, the feathers will only require to be beaten to get rid of the dust.
1766.Dyeing Eggs.—Wrap the egg incrimson silk ribbon(taking care that no part is uncovered), tack it on and boil it five minutes, and when it is divested of the ribbon the shell will be of a pretty mottled red; any colored ribbon may be used with a very pretty effect.
1767.Crystallization upon Cinders.—Saturate water, kept boiling, with alum; then set the solution in a cool place, suspending a cinder in it, by a hair or fine silk thread; as the solution cools, a beautiful crystallization will take place upon the cinder, which will resemble a specimen of mineralogical spar.
1768.Staining Grasses and Mosses.—Take some common powder-blue, mix with water, rather thin; take dry moss and dip it in, and let it soak a few minutes, take out and squeeze it—you will have a blue moss. Takelightchrome yellow (as there are two sorts), mix with water, as before: with the same process you will have a yellow moss. Take some of the blue and some of the yellow, mix with water, as before, and you willhave a green moss. You may have a variety of shades by adding or diminishing the yellow.
1769.Rules of the Game.—The nine laws for regulating the game of draughts are as follows.
1770. Each player takes the first move alternately, whether the last game be won or drawn.
1771. Any action which prevents the adversary from having a full view of the men is not allowed.
1772. The player who touches a man must play him.
1773. In case of standing the huff ten minutes, the other may call upon him to play; and if, after that, he delay above five minutes longer, then he loses the game.
1775. In the losing game, the player can insist upon his adversary taking all the men, in case opportunities should present themselves for their being so taken.
1776. To prevent unnecessary delay, if one color have no pieces, but two kings on the board, and the other no piece but one king, the latter can call upon the former to win the game in twenty moves; if he does not finish it within that number of moves, the game to be relinquished as drawn.
1777. If there are three kings to two on the board, the subsequent moves are not to exceed forty.
1778. The rules given below are based upon the code published in "Walker's Art of Chess Play." The wordpiecefrequently includes thepawn.
1779. If the board or pieces be improperly placed, or are deficient in number (except in the case of odds), the gamemust be recommenced, if the error is discovered before the fourth move on each side (the eighth move of the game.) If not discovered before this stage, the game must proceed.
1780. If the player gives odds, and yet omits to remove the odds from the board at the commencement, he may recommence the game, and remove the odds given, provided he discover his error before playing his fourth move.
1781. But if he has made his fourth move, the game must be played out; and should the player who agreed to give the odds win the game, it shall nevertheless be considered drawn.
1782. When parties play even, they draw lots for the first move of the first game. The first move is afterward taken alternately throughout the sitting, except when a game is drawn, when he who had the first move in that game still claims it, a drawn game being of no account.
1783. He who gains the move has also the choice of color. Each player uses the same color throughout the sitting. When a match is made for a given number of games, the move passes alternately throughout the match. A player giving odds has the choice of men, and takes the move in every game, unless agreed to the contrary.
1784. A player who gives the odds of a piece, may give it each game from the king's or queen's side, at his option. If he gives the odds of a pawn, he must give the king's bishop's pawn, unless otherwise stipulated.
1785. The player who receives the odds of a certain number of moves at the commencement, must not with those moves cross from his own half of the board.
1786. If a player, in his turn to play, touch one of his men, he must move that piece, if it can legally move, unless, when he first touches it, he says aloud, "J'adoube." No penalty is attached to touching a piece, unless it is your turn to move.
1787. If the player touch his king, with the intention of moving him, and then finds that he cannot do so withoutplacing the king in check, no penalty can be inflicted on his replacing his king and moving elsewhere.
1788. [Otherwise?] If the player should touch a man which cannot be moved without placing his king in check, he must move his king instead.
1789. If a player about to move touch one of his adversary's men, without saying "J'adoube" when he first touches it, he must take that piece, if it can be lawfully taken.
1790. Should it not be taken, he must, as a penalty, move his king; but should the king be unable to play without going into check, no penalty can be enforced. It is not allowed to castle upon a compulsory move of the king.
1791. While you hold your piece you may move it anywhere allowed by the rules; but when you quit your hold the move is completed, and must be abided by.
1792. If you inadvertently move one of your adversary's pieces instead of your own, he may compel you to take the piece you have touched, should it been prise; or to replace it and move your king, or to leave it on the square to which you have moved it, and forego any other move at that time.
1793. Should you capture one of the adverse pieces with another, instead of one of your own, the capture holds good, if your opponent so decides.
1794. If the player takes a piece through a false move, his adversary may compel him to take such piece with one that can lawfully take it, or to move the piece that has been touched, if such move does not expose the king to check, or he may be directed to move his king.
1795. If you take one of your own men, instead of one of your adversary's, you may be compelled to move one of the two pieces touched, at the option of your opponent.
1796. Mr. Walker thinks that the penalty should be to lose the man you have improperly taken off.
1797. An opponent has the option of punishing a false move, by claiming the false move as your move, by compelling you to move the piece touched, as you may think fit, or to replace the piece and move your king.
1798. The king must never be exposed to check by any penalty enforced.
1799. If you move twice running, you may be compelled to abide by both moves, or to retract the second.
1800. Unlimited time is allowed for the moves [unless otherwise agreed.] If one player insists upon the postponement of the termination of a game, against the will of his opponent, the game is forfeited by him who will not play on.1801. When a pawn is moved two squares, it is liable to be taken,en passant, by a pawn, but not by a piece.1802. If you touch both king and rook, intending to castle, you must move one of the two pieces, at the option of your adversary; or he may compel you to complete the castling.1803. You cannot take a piece and castle at the same time; nor does the rook check as it passes to its new position; but it may check on its position after castling.1804. False castling is liable to the same penalties as a false move.1805. When a player gives the odds of a rook, he does not relinquish the right of castling on the side from which the rook has been taken, all other conditions being lawful, as if the rook were in its place.1806. When you give check you must say so aloud.1807. If check is not called on either side, but subsequently discovered, you must endeavor to recall all the moves back to the period when the check first occurred.1808. You are not compelled to cry check when you attack the queen.1809. If you cry check, and afterward alter your determination, you are not compelled to abide by the intention, provided you have not touched the piece.1810. When a pawn reaches the opposite side of the board it may be replaced by any piece, at the option of the owner, and irrespective of the pieces already owned by him.1811.Stale-mateis a drawn game.1812. Drawn games count for nothing; and he who moved first in the drawn game moves first in the following.1813. If you declare to win a game, or position, and only draw it, you are accounted the loser.1814. When you have either of the following advantages of force, you are compelled to give check-mate in fifty moves, or the game is considered drawn:1815. King and queen against king.King and rook against king.King and two bishops against king.King, bishop, and knight, against king.King and queen against king and rook.King and rook against king and minor piece.King and pawn against king.King and two pawns against king and pawn.1816. If you move after your adversary has made a false move, or committed other irregularity, you cannot claim the penalties.1817. Spectators are forbidden to make remarks.1818. Disputes to be referred to a third party.EVENING PASTIME.1819. Among the innocent recreations of the fireside, there are few more commendable and practicable than those affordedby what are severally termed Anagrams, Charades, Conundrums, Enigmas, Puzzles, Rebuses, Riddles, Transpositions, &c.1820. Of these there are such a variety, that they are suited to every capacity; and they present this additional attraction, that ingenuity may be exercised in theinventionof them, as well as in their solution.1821. Many persons who have become noted for their literary compositions may date the origin of their success to the time when they attempted the composition of a trifling enigma or charade.1822.Anagramsare formed by the transposition of the letters of words or sentences, or names of persons, so as to produce a word, sentence, or verse of pertinent, or of widely different meaning.1823. They are very difficult to discover, but are exceedingly striking when good. The following are some of the most remarkable.1824.Transposed Forms—Astronomers—No more stars; Catalogues—Got as a clue; Elegant—Neat leg; Impatient—Tim in a pet; Immediately—I met my Delia; Masquerade—Queen as mad; Parishioners—I hire parsons; Parliament—Partial men; Penitentiary—Nay I repent; Presbyterians—Best in prayer; Sweetheart—There we sat; Telegraphs—Great helps.1825.Conundrums.—These are simple catches, in which the sense is playfully cheated, and are generally founded upon words capable of double meaning. The following are examples.1826. If a person were looking at a conflagration by the names of what three great British writers, could he express his emotions?1827.Dickens, How-itt Burns!1828. The name of what class of persons, in Rome, might a bear be supposed to say when he was licking his paws after having eaten a little girl?1829.Gladiator—Glad I ate her.1830. Who first introduced salt provisions into the navy?1831.Noah, when he took Ham into the ark.1832. Why need a person never be hungry in the desert?1833.Because of the sand which is there.—Sandwiches!1834. Why is a clock the most modest thing in the world?1835.Because it always keeps its hands before its face, and no matter how good its works are, it will run itself down.
1800. Unlimited time is allowed for the moves [unless otherwise agreed.] If one player insists upon the postponement of the termination of a game, against the will of his opponent, the game is forfeited by him who will not play on.
1801. When a pawn is moved two squares, it is liable to be taken,en passant, by a pawn, but not by a piece.
1802. If you touch both king and rook, intending to castle, you must move one of the two pieces, at the option of your adversary; or he may compel you to complete the castling.
1803. You cannot take a piece and castle at the same time; nor does the rook check as it passes to its new position; but it may check on its position after castling.
1804. False castling is liable to the same penalties as a false move.
1805. When a player gives the odds of a rook, he does not relinquish the right of castling on the side from which the rook has been taken, all other conditions being lawful, as if the rook were in its place.
1806. When you give check you must say so aloud.
1807. If check is not called on either side, but subsequently discovered, you must endeavor to recall all the moves back to the period when the check first occurred.
1808. You are not compelled to cry check when you attack the queen.
1809. If you cry check, and afterward alter your determination, you are not compelled to abide by the intention, provided you have not touched the piece.
1810. When a pawn reaches the opposite side of the board it may be replaced by any piece, at the option of the owner, and irrespective of the pieces already owned by him.
1811.Stale-mateis a drawn game.
1812. Drawn games count for nothing; and he who moved first in the drawn game moves first in the following.
1813. If you declare to win a game, or position, and only draw it, you are accounted the loser.
1814. When you have either of the following advantages of force, you are compelled to give check-mate in fifty moves, or the game is considered drawn:
1815. King and queen against king.King and rook against king.King and two bishops against king.King, bishop, and knight, against king.King and queen against king and rook.King and rook against king and minor piece.King and pawn against king.King and two pawns against king and pawn.
1816. If you move after your adversary has made a false move, or committed other irregularity, you cannot claim the penalties.
1817. Spectators are forbidden to make remarks.
1818. Disputes to be referred to a third party.
1819. Among the innocent recreations of the fireside, there are few more commendable and practicable than those affordedby what are severally termed Anagrams, Charades, Conundrums, Enigmas, Puzzles, Rebuses, Riddles, Transpositions, &c.
1820. Of these there are such a variety, that they are suited to every capacity; and they present this additional attraction, that ingenuity may be exercised in theinventionof them, as well as in their solution.
1821. Many persons who have become noted for their literary compositions may date the origin of their success to the time when they attempted the composition of a trifling enigma or charade.
1822.Anagramsare formed by the transposition of the letters of words or sentences, or names of persons, so as to produce a word, sentence, or verse of pertinent, or of widely different meaning.
1823. They are very difficult to discover, but are exceedingly striking when good. The following are some of the most remarkable.
1824.Transposed Forms—Astronomers—No more stars; Catalogues—Got as a clue; Elegant—Neat leg; Impatient—Tim in a pet; Immediately—I met my Delia; Masquerade—Queen as mad; Parishioners—I hire parsons; Parliament—Partial men; Penitentiary—Nay I repent; Presbyterians—Best in prayer; Sweetheart—There we sat; Telegraphs—Great helps.
1825.Conundrums.—These are simple catches, in which the sense is playfully cheated, and are generally founded upon words capable of double meaning. The following are examples.
1826. If a person were looking at a conflagration by the names of what three great British writers, could he express his emotions?
1827.Dickens, How-itt Burns!
1828. The name of what class of persons, in Rome, might a bear be supposed to say when he was licking his paws after having eaten a little girl?
1829.Gladiator—Glad I ate her.
1830. Who first introduced salt provisions into the navy?
1831.Noah, when he took Ham into the ark.
1832. Why need a person never be hungry in the desert?
1833.Because of the sand which is there.—Sandwiches!
1834. Why is a clock the most modest thing in the world?
1835.Because it always keeps its hands before its face, and no matter how good its works are, it will run itself down.
PART IX.WORK IN DOORS AND OUT.Home Comforts—Household Receipts—Wise Economy—Fuel—Things to Know—Cleanliness—Accidents—Agriculture—Gardening—Etc., Etc.HOUSEHOLD MAXIMS.1836. A short needle makes the most expedition in plain sewing.1837. When you are particular in wishing to have precisely what you want from a butcher's, go and purchase it yourself.1838. One flannel petticoat will wear nearly as long as two, if turned behind-part before, when the front begins to wear thin.1839. People in general are not aware how very essential to the health of their inmates is the free admission of light into their houses.1840. A leather strap, with a buckle to fasten, is much more commodious than a cord for a box in general use for short distances; cording and uncording is a disagreeable job.1841. There is not any real economy in purchasing cheap cottons for gentlemen's night shirts. The cloth cuts in holes, and soon becomes bad colored in washing.1842. Sitting to sew by candle-light by a table with a dark cloth on it is injurious to the eye-sight. When no other remedy presents itself, put a sheet of white paper before you.1843. People very commonly complain of indigestion: how it be wondered at, when they seem by their habit of swallowing their food wholesale, to forget for what purpose they are provided with teeth.1844. Eat slowly and you will not over-eat.1845. Keeping the feet warm will prevent headaches.1846. Late at breakfast—hurried for dinner—cross at tea.1847. Between husband and wife little attentions beget much love.1848. Always lay your table neatly, whether you have company or not.1849. Put your balls or reels of cotton into little bags, leaving the ends out.1850. Whatever you may choose to give away, always be sure tokeep your temper.1851. Feather beds should be opened every third year, the ticking well dusted, soaped and waxed, the feathers dressed and returned.1852.Bed-roomsheated are pernicious to health.1853.Beds, instead of being made up as soon as people rise out of them, ought to be turned down, and exposed to the fresh air from the open windows through the day.1854.Feather beds, especially in youth and in warm weather,enervate the system, destroying its vigor and health. Neither should beds be too hard. Sleeping with the head under the clothes is pernicious; so, also, confined air caused by curtains.1855.The flooris the unhealthiest part of a room, from the tendency of impure air to descend.1856.Charcoal, when burning, should have an uncovered vessel of boiling water over it, the vapor of which will counteract the deleterious fumes.1857.Powdered charcoalwill remove smells, impurities, &c., from old glass vessels, after the grosser parts have been scoured off with sand and potash.1858. Aperfumefor linen, &c., is made of rose leaves dried in the shade, mixed with powdered cloves, scraped mace, and put in little bags.1859. Persons of defective sight, when threading a needle, should hold it over something white, by which the sight will be assisted.1860. In mending sheets and shirts, put the pieces sufficiently large, or in the first washing the thin parts give way, and the work is all undone.1861. Reading by candle-light, place the candle behind you, that the rays may pass over your shoulder on to the book. This will relieve the eyes.1862. A wire fire-guard, for each fire-place in a house, costs little, and greatly diminishes the risk to life and property. Fix them before going to bed.1863. In winter, get the work forward by daylight, to prevent running about at night with candles. Thus you escape grease spots and risks of fire.1864. Matches, out of the reach of children, should be kept in every bedroom. They are cheap enough.1865. Apple and suet dumplings are lighter when boiled in a net than a cloth. Scum the pot well.1866. When chamber towels get thin in the middle, cut them in two, sew the selvages together, and hem the sides.1867. When you dry salt for the table, do not place it in the salt-cells until it is cold, otherwise it will harden into a lump.1868. Never put away plate, knives and forks, &c., uncleaned, or sad inconvenience will arise when the articles are wanted.1869. After washing, overlook linen, and stitch on buttons, hooks and eyes, &c.; for this purpose, keep a "housewife's friend," full of miscellaneous threads, cottons, buttons, hooks, &c.1870. For ventilation, open your windows both at top and bottom. The fresh air rushes in one way, while the foul makes its exit the other. This is letting in your friend and expelling your enemy.1871. Never allow your servants to put wiped knives on your table; for, generally speaking, you may see that they have been wiped with a dirty cloth.1872. There is not any thing gained in economy by having very young and inexperienced servants at low wages.1873. Dirty windows speak to the passer-by of the negligence of the inmates.1874.Carpets.—If the corner of a carpet gets loose and prevents the door opening, or trips every one up that enters the room, nail it down at once. A dog's-eared carpet marks the sloven as well as the dog's-eared book.1875.Cravatsor stocks should not be worn so tight as to compress the many large blood-vessels of the neck, which connect with the brain.1876.Impure airof theatres, ball-rooms, and other crowded and badly-ventilated buildings and sleeping-rooms, is poison to the lungs.1877.Eye-sightis best preserved by a moderate light—too little, strains—too much, dazzles and injures. Bathing in cold water is of service.1878.Consumption.—Remedies.—Vigorous, daily, but not violent, exercise, and free exposure to the air, are important. As the great difficulty in medicine is in reaching the seat of this disease, frequently inhaling certain fumes may be a means of healing the lungs. Sitting and sleeping in a room through which the fumes of resin, turpentine, or other similar gums are moderately diffused, may be of service.1879.Small Poxis prevented by vaccination, if well done. Never neglect vaccination.1880.Wateris purified by—1, filtration through gravel, sand, or soft porous stone and charcoal. Or, 2, it may be sweetened and improved by charcoal, coarsely pulverized and thrown into a vessel of water. 3, by boiling and distillation. Water is greatly improved in wells or pumps that are frequently used.1881.Distilled Water, after being exposed to the air, is the most salubrious of all drinks, and its daily use is of the greatest importance in dyspepsia and similar diseases.1882.Wet Clothesshould not be worn near a fire, or so as to occasion sudden heat. Keep in motion till dry can be had, then change at once, and give the feet a long heating.1883.Black Silkswash in warm small beer and milk.HOUSEHOLD RECEIPTS FOR MANY THINGS.1884.To Extract Grease from Clothes.—Scrape off all the grease that you can with a knife; then lay over the spot a thick brown paper, and press it with a warm iron; if thegrease comes through the paper, take another piece, and so on until it does not soil the paper.1885. If not all out, wrap a bit of cloth or flannel round the finger, dip it in spirits of wine, and rub the grease spot; this will take it out. Be careful not to have the iron too hot. Try it on white paper; if it scorches this, it is too hot.1886.To Extract Paint from Woolen.—Rub the spot with a piece of flannel saturated with turpentine, or spirit of wine.1887.To Preserve Hats.—Brush them always with a soft brush. Keep them in a hat box if not in constant use, as air and dust soon turn them brown. Have a stick for each hat.1888.—Hats when wetshould be handled lightly, wiped dry with a cloth or silk handkerchief, and brushed. If the fur sticks, dampen it with a sponge dipped in vinegar, and brush it dry.1889.When heated by exerciseavoid drinking cold water. Rinse the mouth with cold water before drinking.1890.To Procure Sleep.—On going to bed take a warm or cold bath.1891.Another Way.—Rub the body well with rough towels or the flesh-brush for a quarter of an hour.1892.To Relieve Headache in Bed.—Wash the head in cold water, and lay aside the night-cap, but see that the feet are kept warm.1893.The air bathis very healthful. Children especially should resort to this method of enjoying the salubrious influence of the atmosphere.1894.Dr. Franklin'splan was to rise at day-break, and pass half an hour in his chamber undressed, reading or writing.1895.Close Closetsthat have become infested with mothsshould be well rubbed with a strong decoction of tobacco, and repeatedly sprinkled with spirits of camphor.1896.The Sting of a Nettlemay be cured by rubbing the part with rosemary, mint, or sage leaves.1897.Charcoal Fumes.—The usual remedies for persons overcome with the fumes of charcoal in a close apartment are, to throw cold water on the head and to bleed immediately; also apply mustard or hartshorne to the soles of the feet.1898.An Ever-Dirty Hearth, and a grate always choked with cinders and ashes, are infallible evidences of bad house-keeping.1899.Effects of Charcoal, in stopping putrefaction, are now well ascertained; fish or meat may be restored by boiling charcoal with them.
Home Comforts—Household Receipts—Wise Economy—Fuel—Things to Know—Cleanliness—Accidents—Agriculture—Gardening—Etc., Etc.
1836. A short needle makes the most expedition in plain sewing.
1837. When you are particular in wishing to have precisely what you want from a butcher's, go and purchase it yourself.
1838. One flannel petticoat will wear nearly as long as two, if turned behind-part before, when the front begins to wear thin.
1839. People in general are not aware how very essential to the health of their inmates is the free admission of light into their houses.
1840. A leather strap, with a buckle to fasten, is much more commodious than a cord for a box in general use for short distances; cording and uncording is a disagreeable job.
1841. There is not any real economy in purchasing cheap cottons for gentlemen's night shirts. The cloth cuts in holes, and soon becomes bad colored in washing.
1842. Sitting to sew by candle-light by a table with a dark cloth on it is injurious to the eye-sight. When no other remedy presents itself, put a sheet of white paper before you.
1843. People very commonly complain of indigestion: how it be wondered at, when they seem by their habit of swallowing their food wholesale, to forget for what purpose they are provided with teeth.
1844. Eat slowly and you will not over-eat.
1845. Keeping the feet warm will prevent headaches.
1846. Late at breakfast—hurried for dinner—cross at tea.
1847. Between husband and wife little attentions beget much love.
1848. Always lay your table neatly, whether you have company or not.
1849. Put your balls or reels of cotton into little bags, leaving the ends out.
1850. Whatever you may choose to give away, always be sure tokeep your temper.
1851. Feather beds should be opened every third year, the ticking well dusted, soaped and waxed, the feathers dressed and returned.
1852.Bed-roomsheated are pernicious to health.
1853.Beds, instead of being made up as soon as people rise out of them, ought to be turned down, and exposed to the fresh air from the open windows through the day.
1854.Feather beds, especially in youth and in warm weather,enervate the system, destroying its vigor and health. Neither should beds be too hard. Sleeping with the head under the clothes is pernicious; so, also, confined air caused by curtains.
1855.The flooris the unhealthiest part of a room, from the tendency of impure air to descend.
1856.Charcoal, when burning, should have an uncovered vessel of boiling water over it, the vapor of which will counteract the deleterious fumes.
1857.Powdered charcoalwill remove smells, impurities, &c., from old glass vessels, after the grosser parts have been scoured off with sand and potash.
1858. Aperfumefor linen, &c., is made of rose leaves dried in the shade, mixed with powdered cloves, scraped mace, and put in little bags.
1859. Persons of defective sight, when threading a needle, should hold it over something white, by which the sight will be assisted.
1860. In mending sheets and shirts, put the pieces sufficiently large, or in the first washing the thin parts give way, and the work is all undone.
1861. Reading by candle-light, place the candle behind you, that the rays may pass over your shoulder on to the book. This will relieve the eyes.
1862. A wire fire-guard, for each fire-place in a house, costs little, and greatly diminishes the risk to life and property. Fix them before going to bed.
1863. In winter, get the work forward by daylight, to prevent running about at night with candles. Thus you escape grease spots and risks of fire.
1864. Matches, out of the reach of children, should be kept in every bedroom. They are cheap enough.
1865. Apple and suet dumplings are lighter when boiled in a net than a cloth. Scum the pot well.
1866. When chamber towels get thin in the middle, cut them in two, sew the selvages together, and hem the sides.
1867. When you dry salt for the table, do not place it in the salt-cells until it is cold, otherwise it will harden into a lump.
1868. Never put away plate, knives and forks, &c., uncleaned, or sad inconvenience will arise when the articles are wanted.
1869. After washing, overlook linen, and stitch on buttons, hooks and eyes, &c.; for this purpose, keep a "housewife's friend," full of miscellaneous threads, cottons, buttons, hooks, &c.
1870. For ventilation, open your windows both at top and bottom. The fresh air rushes in one way, while the foul makes its exit the other. This is letting in your friend and expelling your enemy.
1871. Never allow your servants to put wiped knives on your table; for, generally speaking, you may see that they have been wiped with a dirty cloth.
1872. There is not any thing gained in economy by having very young and inexperienced servants at low wages.
1873. Dirty windows speak to the passer-by of the negligence of the inmates.
1874.Carpets.—If the corner of a carpet gets loose and prevents the door opening, or trips every one up that enters the room, nail it down at once. A dog's-eared carpet marks the sloven as well as the dog's-eared book.
1875.Cravatsor stocks should not be worn so tight as to compress the many large blood-vessels of the neck, which connect with the brain.
1876.Impure airof theatres, ball-rooms, and other crowded and badly-ventilated buildings and sleeping-rooms, is poison to the lungs.
1877.Eye-sightis best preserved by a moderate light—too little, strains—too much, dazzles and injures. Bathing in cold water is of service.
1878.Consumption.—Remedies.—Vigorous, daily, but not violent, exercise, and free exposure to the air, are important. As the great difficulty in medicine is in reaching the seat of this disease, frequently inhaling certain fumes may be a means of healing the lungs. Sitting and sleeping in a room through which the fumes of resin, turpentine, or other similar gums are moderately diffused, may be of service.
1879.Small Poxis prevented by vaccination, if well done. Never neglect vaccination.
1880.Wateris purified by—1, filtration through gravel, sand, or soft porous stone and charcoal. Or, 2, it may be sweetened and improved by charcoal, coarsely pulverized and thrown into a vessel of water. 3, by boiling and distillation. Water is greatly improved in wells or pumps that are frequently used.
1881.Distilled Water, after being exposed to the air, is the most salubrious of all drinks, and its daily use is of the greatest importance in dyspepsia and similar diseases.
1882.Wet Clothesshould not be worn near a fire, or so as to occasion sudden heat. Keep in motion till dry can be had, then change at once, and give the feet a long heating.
1883.Black Silkswash in warm small beer and milk.
1884.To Extract Grease from Clothes.—Scrape off all the grease that you can with a knife; then lay over the spot a thick brown paper, and press it with a warm iron; if thegrease comes through the paper, take another piece, and so on until it does not soil the paper.
1885. If not all out, wrap a bit of cloth or flannel round the finger, dip it in spirits of wine, and rub the grease spot; this will take it out. Be careful not to have the iron too hot. Try it on white paper; if it scorches this, it is too hot.
1886.To Extract Paint from Woolen.—Rub the spot with a piece of flannel saturated with turpentine, or spirit of wine.
1887.To Preserve Hats.—Brush them always with a soft brush. Keep them in a hat box if not in constant use, as air and dust soon turn them brown. Have a stick for each hat.
1888.—Hats when wetshould be handled lightly, wiped dry with a cloth or silk handkerchief, and brushed. If the fur sticks, dampen it with a sponge dipped in vinegar, and brush it dry.
1889.When heated by exerciseavoid drinking cold water. Rinse the mouth with cold water before drinking.
1890.To Procure Sleep.—On going to bed take a warm or cold bath.
1891.Another Way.—Rub the body well with rough towels or the flesh-brush for a quarter of an hour.
1892.To Relieve Headache in Bed.—Wash the head in cold water, and lay aside the night-cap, but see that the feet are kept warm.
1893.The air bathis very healthful. Children especially should resort to this method of enjoying the salubrious influence of the atmosphere.
1894.Dr. Franklin'splan was to rise at day-break, and pass half an hour in his chamber undressed, reading or writing.
1895.Close Closetsthat have become infested with mothsshould be well rubbed with a strong decoction of tobacco, and repeatedly sprinkled with spirits of camphor.
1896.The Sting of a Nettlemay be cured by rubbing the part with rosemary, mint, or sage leaves.
1897.Charcoal Fumes.—The usual remedies for persons overcome with the fumes of charcoal in a close apartment are, to throw cold water on the head and to bleed immediately; also apply mustard or hartshorne to the soles of the feet.
1898.An Ever-Dirty Hearth, and a grate always choked with cinders and ashes, are infallible evidences of bad house-keeping.
1899.Effects of Charcoal, in stopping putrefaction, are now well ascertained; fish or meat may be restored by boiling charcoal with them.
1900.Moths—to get rid of them.—Procure shavings of cedar-wood, and enclose in muslin bags, which should be distributed freely among the clothes.1901.Second.—Sprinkle pimento (allspice) berries among the clothes. Sprinkle the clothes with the seeds of the musk plant.1902.To Destroy the Eggs.—When deposited in woolen cloth, &c., use a solution of acetate of potash in spirits of rosemary, fifteen grains to the pint.1903.To Drive away Mothsfrom clothes, wrap up some yellow or turpentine soap in paper; or place an open bottle containing spirits of turpentine in the wardrobe.1904.Cold Green Tea, very strong, and sweetened with sugar, when set about in saucers, attracts flies and destroys them.1905.For Keeping a Door open, place a large brick, covered neatly with a piece of carpeting, against the door.1906.A Stair-Carpetshould never be swept down with a long broom, but always with a short-handled brush, and a dust pan held closely under each step of the stairs.1907.A Hatshould be brushed every day with a hat-brush, and twice a-day in dusty weather.1908.Ringsthat have stones in them should always be taken off the finger when the hands are washed, else they become discolored.1909.Reading in Bedat night should be avoided, as besides the danger of an accident, it never fails to injure the eyes.1910.In Escaping from a Fire, creep or crawl along the room with your face close to the ground. Children should be early taught how to press out a spark when it happens to reach any part of their dress, and also that running into the air will cause it to blaze immediately. (Seepage 204.)1911.Bronzed Chandeliers, Lamps, &c., should be merely dusted with a feather brush, or with a soft cloth, as washing them will take off the bronzing.1912.Iron Wipers.—Old soft towels, or pieces of old sheets or tablecloths, make excellent iron wipers.1913.To Clean Looking-Glasses.—First wash the glass all over with lukewarm soap-suds and a sponge. When dry, rub it bright with a buckskin and a little prepared chalk, finely powdered.1914.Flowers and Shrubsshould be excluded from a bed-chamber.1915.Waterof every kind, except rain water, will speedily cover the inside of a tea-kettle with an unpleasant crust; this may easily be guarded against by placing a clean oyster-shell in the tea-kettle, which will always keep it in good order, by attracting the particles of earth or of stone.1916.Paper Fire-Screensshould be coated with transparent varnish; otherwise they will soon become soiled and discolored.1917.The best Lamp-Oilis that which is clear and nearly colorless, like water.1918.Oil-Greasemay be removed from a hearth by covering it immediately with thick hot ashes, or with burning coals.1919.Candlesimprove by keeping a few months.1920.Glass Vessels, and other utensils, may be purified and cleaned by rinsing them out with powdered charcoal.1921.Family Clocksought only to be oiled with the very purest oil, purified by a quart of lime-water to a gallon of oil, in which it has been well shaken, and suffered to stand for three or four days, when it may be drawn off.1922.To Heat a Bedat a moment's notice, throw a little salt into the warming-pan, and suffer it to burn for a minute previous to use. (See page17.)1923.To Destroy Fliesin a room, take half a teaspoonful of black pepper in powder, one teaspoonful of brown sugar, and one tablespoonful of cream, mix them well together, and place them in the room on a plate, where the flies are troublesome.1924.Feet, to Keep Warm in a Carriage or Cold Room.—Use a stone or glass bottle filled with boiling water and wrapped in flannel.1925.To Prevent Cold Feet at Night.—Rub the ankles and feet with the hand as hard as can be borne for five or ten minutes before retiring. This will be found an effectual remedy.1926.Another Way.—Frequent washing, and rubbing them thoroughly dry, with a linen cloth, or flannel, is useful.1927.To Warm Beds.—Take all the black or blazing coals out of the pan, and scatter a little salt over the remainder. This will prevent the smell of sulphur.1928.To Explore Unventilated Places.—Light sheets of brown paper and throw into the well or cavern. Or, fix a long pipe to a pair of bellows, and blow into the place for some time.1929.To Destroy Crickets.—Put Scotch snuff upon the holes where they come out.1930.To Brush Clothes.—Have a wooden horse to put the clothes on, and a small cane to beat the dust out of them; also a board or table long enough for them to be put their whole length while brushing them.1931. Have two brushes, one hard and the other soft. Use the hard brush for the great coats; the soft for the fine cloth garments. These should never be brushed with too hard a brush, as this will take off the nap.1932.The Cane for the Clothesshould not be too large. A small hand-whip is the best to beat with. Be careful not to strike the buttons.1933. If the coat be wet and spotted with mud, let it be quite dry before brushing it. Then rub off the mud with the hands; put the coat at its full length on the board, and brush the cloth the same way the nap goes, which is toward the skirt of the coat.1934.Chimneys, Smoky, to Cure.—A northern aspect often produces a smoky chimney.1935.Stacks of Chimneysare less apt to smoke than single ones.1936.Straight Funnelsseldom draw well.1937.Large Fire-Placesare apt to smoke. When they do so, the lower aperture should be diminished.1938. If thechimneysmokes only when the fire is first lighted, lay any inflammable substance, as shavings, on the top of the grate; the rapid combustion of which will warm the air of the chimney, and give it a tendency upward before any smoke is produced.1939. Achimney so incorrigibleas to require the constant admission of fresh air, should have a pipe introduced, one of whose apertures is under the grate, and the other in the open air. Or openings may be made for ventilation near the top of the apartment.1940.To prevent unpleasant odor in Clothes laid up for a time, place recently-made charcoal between the folds of the garments. Even when the odor has taken place, the charcoal will absorb it.1941.To Purify Stagnant Water.—One part of chalk and two of alum will speedily purify stagnant water, and four parts of animal carbon and one of alum are sufficient to purify a thousand parts of muddy river water.1942.To Prevent the Smoking of a Lamp.—Soak the wick in strong vinegar, and well dry it before you use it.1943.To Clean Cane Chairs.—Sponge them, until soaked, with soap and hot water.1944.Clean White Vails.—Put the vail in a solution of white soap, and let it simmer a quarter of an hour; squeeze it in some warm water and soap till quite clean. Rinse it from soap, and then in clean cold water, in which is a drop of liquid blue; then pour boiling water on a teaspoonful of starch, run the vail through this, and clear it well by clapping it. Afterward pin it out, keeping the edges straight and even.1945.Restoring Color to Silk.—When the color has been taken from silk by acids, it may be restored by applying to the spot a little hartshorne, or sal-volatile.1946.Clean White Ostrich Feathers.—Four ounces of white soap, cut small, dissolved in four pints of water, rather hot, ina large basin; make the solution into a lather, by beating it with birch-rods, or wires.1947. Introduce the feathers, and rub well with the hands for five or six minutes. After this soaping, wash in clean water, as hot as the hand can bear. Shake until dry.1948.Cure for a Burn.—Wheat flour and cold water mixed to the consistency of soft paste, is an almost instantaneous cure for a burn, whether large or small. Renew before the first gets so dry as to stick.1949.Slippery Elmbark powdered makes an excellent healing poultice for burns, sores, &c., boiled with milk and about one-third bread.1950.Cod-Liver Oil.—This is a nauseating medicine, but the following receipt is said to remedy the bad taste.1951. To a pint of cod-liver oil add an ounce of fine salt; shake them well together, till they amalgamate.1952.To Dress Squirrel and other Skins.—Take a handful of common salt, and half the quantity of alum; boil it in half a gallon of water till dissolved. When cold, the skins may be put in to steep, and allowed to remain for a fortnight, occasionally turning them; they may then be taken out, stretched on a board (skin side outward) till dry; they will then be found perfectly soft and pliable.1953.Another Method.—Stretch the fresh skin on a board, and dress it with water in which salt and alum have been dissolved—applying the solution with a brush. This does not injure the glossiness of the fur, which is apt to be affected when the skin is immersed.1954.To Clean Furs.—Strip the fur articles of their stuffing and binding, and lay them as much as possible in a flat position.1955. They must then be subjected to a very brisk brushing, with a stiff clothes-brush; after this, any moth-eaten partsmust be cut out, and be neatly replaced by new bits of fur to match.1956.Sable, Chinchilla, Squirrel, Fitch, &c., should be treated as follows: Warm a quantity of new bran in a pan, taking care that it does not burn, to prevent which it must be actively stirred.1957. When well warmed, rub it thoroughly into the fur with the hand. Repeat this two or three times; then shake the fur, and give it another sharp brushing until free from dust.1958.White Furs, Ermine, &c., may be cleaned as follows: Lay the fur on the table, and rub it well with bran made moist with warm water; rub until quite dry, and afterward with dry bran. The wet bran should be put on with flannel, and the dry with a piece of book-muslin.1959.The Light Furs, in addition to the above, should be well rubbed with magnesia, or a piece of book-muslin, after the bran process.1960.Stretching Furs.—Furs are usually much improved by stretching, which may be managed as follows: To a pint of soft water add three ounces of salt, dissolve; with this solution sponge the inside of the skin (taking care not to wet the fur), until it becomes thoroughly saturated; then lay it carefully on a board with the fur side downward, in its natural disposition; then stretch, as much as it will bear, to the required shape, and fasten with small tacks. The drying may be quickened by placing the skin a little distance from the fire or stove.1961.To Preserve Furs from Moths.—Warm water, one pint; corrosive sublimate, twelve grains. If washed with this, and afterward dried, furs are safe from moth. Care should be taken to label the liquid "poison."1962.To Keep away Flies.—No fly will enter a room in which a wreath of walnut leaves has been hung up. The experiment is worth trying.1963.Washing.—The most important department of domestic economy naturally includes the washhouse, into which philosophy has found its way for the application of many useful principles, and much useful practice. (Seep. 262.)1964.To Clean Morocco Shoes.—Dissolve gum arabic in water, and mix with it a little white sugar. If it is to be kept any time, put in a little spirits of wine. Brush the shoes with it.1965.Cheap Door-Mats.—Cut old broadcloth or any woolen articles into long strips from one to two inches broad. Braid three of these together, and sew the braid round in gradually increasing circles till large enough.WISE ECONOMY.1966. If you have a strip of land, do not throw away soap-suds. Both ashes and soap-suds are good manure for bushes and young plants.1967.Woolen Clothesshould be washed in very hot suds, and not rinsed. Lukewarm water shrinks them.1968. Do not let coffee and tea stand in tin.1969. Scald your wooden-ware often, and keep your tin-ware dry.1970. Preserve the backs of old letters to write upon.1971. If you have children who are learning to write, buy coarse white paper by the quantity, and keep it locked up, ready to be made into writing-books. It does not cost half so much as it does to buy them at the stationer's.1972. See that nothing is thrown away which might have served to nourish your own family or a poorer one.1973. As far as possible, have bits of bread eaten up beforethey become hard; spread those that are not eaten, and let them dry, to be pounded for puddings, or soaked for brewis.1974.Brewisis made of crusts and dry pieces of bread, soaked a good while in hot milk, mashed up, and eaten with salt.1975. Above all, do not let crusts accumulate in such quantities that they cannot be used. With proper care, there is no need of losing a particle of bread.1976. All the mending in the house should be done once a week, if possible.1977. Never put out sewing. If it be not possible to do it in your own family, hire some one into the house, and work with them.1978. Do not let knives be dropped into hot dish-water. It is a good plan to have a large tin pot to wash them in, just high enough to wash the bladeswithout wettingthe handles.1979. It is better to accomplish perfectly a very small amount of work, than to half do ten times as much.1980.Charcoal Powderwill be found a very good thing to give knives a first-rate polish.1981.A Bonnetand trimmings may be worn a much longer time, if the dust be brushed well off after walking.1982. Much knowledge may be obtained by the good housewife observing how things are managed in well-regulated families.1983.Applesintended for dumplings should not have the core taken out of them, as the pips impart a delicious flavor to the dumpling.1984.A Rice Puddingis most excellent without either eggs or sugar, if baked gently; it keeps better without eggs.1985. "Wilful waste makes woful want." Do not cook a fresh joint whilst any of the last remains uneaten—hash it up, and with gravy and a little management eke out another day's dinner.1986. A warming-pan full of coals, or a shovel of coals, held over varnished furniture, will take out white spots. Care should be taken not to hold the coals near enough to scorch; and the place should be rubbed with a flannel while warm.1987.Sal-volatileor hartshorne will restore colors taken out by acid. It may be dropped upon any garment without doing harm.1988.New Ironshould be very gradually heated at first. After it has become inured to the heat, it is not so likely to crack.1989. The shanks of mutton make a good stock for nearly any kind of gravy—and they are very cheap—a dozen may be had for a penny, enough to make a quart of delicious soup.1990. Thick curtains, closely drawn around the bed, are very injurious, because they not only confine the effluvia thrown off from our bodies whilst in bed, but interrupt the current of pure air.1991. Regularity in the payment of accounts is essential to housekeeping. All tradesmen's bills should be paid weekly, for then any errors can be detected whilst the transactions are fresh in the memory.1992.Linen Ragsshould be carefully saved, for they are extremely useful in sickness. If they have become dirty and worn by cleaning silver, &c., wash them and scrape them into lint.1993. If you are troubled to get soft water for washing, fill a tub or barrel half full of wood ashes, and fill it up with water, so that you may have ley whenever you may want it. A gallon of strong ley put into a great kettle of hard water, will make it as soft as rain water.1994. "Morning's Milk," says an eminent German philosopher, "commonly yields some hundredths more cream than the evening's at the same temperature. That milked at noon furnishes the least; it would therefore be of advantage, in making butter and cheese, to employ the morning's milk, and to keep the evening's for domestic use."1995.Scouring Drops for Removing Grease.—There are several preparations of this name; one of the best is made as follows: Camphene, or spirits of turpentine, three ounces; essence of lemon, one ounce; mix.1996.Sweeping Carpets.—Persons who are accustomed to use tea-leaves for sweeping their carpets, and find that they leave stains, will do well to employ fresh cut grass instead. It is better than tea-leaves for preventing dust, and gives the carpets a very bright, fresh look.1997.Economy of Fuel.—There is no part of domestic economy which everybody professes to understand better than the management of a fire, and yet there is no branch in the household arrangements where there is a greater proportional and unnecessary waste, than arises from ignorance and mismanagement in this article.1998. It is an old adage that we must stir no man's fire until we have known him seven years; but we might find it equally prudent if we were careful as to the stirring of our own.1999. Anybody, indeed, can take up a poker and toss the coals about; but that is not stirring a fire!
1900.Moths—to get rid of them.—Procure shavings of cedar-wood, and enclose in muslin bags, which should be distributed freely among the clothes.
1901.Second.—Sprinkle pimento (allspice) berries among the clothes. Sprinkle the clothes with the seeds of the musk plant.
1902.To Destroy the Eggs.—When deposited in woolen cloth, &c., use a solution of acetate of potash in spirits of rosemary, fifteen grains to the pint.
1903.To Drive away Mothsfrom clothes, wrap up some yellow or turpentine soap in paper; or place an open bottle containing spirits of turpentine in the wardrobe.
1904.Cold Green Tea, very strong, and sweetened with sugar, when set about in saucers, attracts flies and destroys them.
1905.For Keeping a Door open, place a large brick, covered neatly with a piece of carpeting, against the door.
1906.A Stair-Carpetshould never be swept down with a long broom, but always with a short-handled brush, and a dust pan held closely under each step of the stairs.
1907.A Hatshould be brushed every day with a hat-brush, and twice a-day in dusty weather.
1908.Ringsthat have stones in them should always be taken off the finger when the hands are washed, else they become discolored.
1909.Reading in Bedat night should be avoided, as besides the danger of an accident, it never fails to injure the eyes.
1910.In Escaping from a Fire, creep or crawl along the room with your face close to the ground. Children should be early taught how to press out a spark when it happens to reach any part of their dress, and also that running into the air will cause it to blaze immediately. (Seepage 204.)
1911.Bronzed Chandeliers, Lamps, &c., should be merely dusted with a feather brush, or with a soft cloth, as washing them will take off the bronzing.
1912.Iron Wipers.—Old soft towels, or pieces of old sheets or tablecloths, make excellent iron wipers.
1913.To Clean Looking-Glasses.—First wash the glass all over with lukewarm soap-suds and a sponge. When dry, rub it bright with a buckskin and a little prepared chalk, finely powdered.
1914.Flowers and Shrubsshould be excluded from a bed-chamber.
1915.Waterof every kind, except rain water, will speedily cover the inside of a tea-kettle with an unpleasant crust; this may easily be guarded against by placing a clean oyster-shell in the tea-kettle, which will always keep it in good order, by attracting the particles of earth or of stone.
1916.Paper Fire-Screensshould be coated with transparent varnish; otherwise they will soon become soiled and discolored.
1917.The best Lamp-Oilis that which is clear and nearly colorless, like water.
1918.Oil-Greasemay be removed from a hearth by covering it immediately with thick hot ashes, or with burning coals.
1919.Candlesimprove by keeping a few months.
1920.Glass Vessels, and other utensils, may be purified and cleaned by rinsing them out with powdered charcoal.
1921.Family Clocksought only to be oiled with the very purest oil, purified by a quart of lime-water to a gallon of oil, in which it has been well shaken, and suffered to stand for three or four days, when it may be drawn off.
1922.To Heat a Bedat a moment's notice, throw a little salt into the warming-pan, and suffer it to burn for a minute previous to use. (See page17.)
1923.To Destroy Fliesin a room, take half a teaspoonful of black pepper in powder, one teaspoonful of brown sugar, and one tablespoonful of cream, mix them well together, and place them in the room on a plate, where the flies are troublesome.
1924.Feet, to Keep Warm in a Carriage or Cold Room.—Use a stone or glass bottle filled with boiling water and wrapped in flannel.
1925.To Prevent Cold Feet at Night.—Rub the ankles and feet with the hand as hard as can be borne for five or ten minutes before retiring. This will be found an effectual remedy.
1926.Another Way.—Frequent washing, and rubbing them thoroughly dry, with a linen cloth, or flannel, is useful.
1927.To Warm Beds.—Take all the black or blazing coals out of the pan, and scatter a little salt over the remainder. This will prevent the smell of sulphur.
1928.To Explore Unventilated Places.—Light sheets of brown paper and throw into the well or cavern. Or, fix a long pipe to a pair of bellows, and blow into the place for some time.
1929.To Destroy Crickets.—Put Scotch snuff upon the holes where they come out.
1930.To Brush Clothes.—Have a wooden horse to put the clothes on, and a small cane to beat the dust out of them; also a board or table long enough for them to be put their whole length while brushing them.
1931. Have two brushes, one hard and the other soft. Use the hard brush for the great coats; the soft for the fine cloth garments. These should never be brushed with too hard a brush, as this will take off the nap.
1932.The Cane for the Clothesshould not be too large. A small hand-whip is the best to beat with. Be careful not to strike the buttons.
1933. If the coat be wet and spotted with mud, let it be quite dry before brushing it. Then rub off the mud with the hands; put the coat at its full length on the board, and brush the cloth the same way the nap goes, which is toward the skirt of the coat.
1934.Chimneys, Smoky, to Cure.—A northern aspect often produces a smoky chimney.
1935.Stacks of Chimneysare less apt to smoke than single ones.
1936.Straight Funnelsseldom draw well.
1937.Large Fire-Placesare apt to smoke. When they do so, the lower aperture should be diminished.
1938. If thechimneysmokes only when the fire is first lighted, lay any inflammable substance, as shavings, on the top of the grate; the rapid combustion of which will warm the air of the chimney, and give it a tendency upward before any smoke is produced.
1939. Achimney so incorrigibleas to require the constant admission of fresh air, should have a pipe introduced, one of whose apertures is under the grate, and the other in the open air. Or openings may be made for ventilation near the top of the apartment.
1940.To prevent unpleasant odor in Clothes laid up for a time, place recently-made charcoal between the folds of the garments. Even when the odor has taken place, the charcoal will absorb it.
1941.To Purify Stagnant Water.—One part of chalk and two of alum will speedily purify stagnant water, and four parts of animal carbon and one of alum are sufficient to purify a thousand parts of muddy river water.
1942.To Prevent the Smoking of a Lamp.—Soak the wick in strong vinegar, and well dry it before you use it.
1943.To Clean Cane Chairs.—Sponge them, until soaked, with soap and hot water.
1944.Clean White Vails.—Put the vail in a solution of white soap, and let it simmer a quarter of an hour; squeeze it in some warm water and soap till quite clean. Rinse it from soap, and then in clean cold water, in which is a drop of liquid blue; then pour boiling water on a teaspoonful of starch, run the vail through this, and clear it well by clapping it. Afterward pin it out, keeping the edges straight and even.
1945.Restoring Color to Silk.—When the color has been taken from silk by acids, it may be restored by applying to the spot a little hartshorne, or sal-volatile.
1946.Clean White Ostrich Feathers.—Four ounces of white soap, cut small, dissolved in four pints of water, rather hot, ina large basin; make the solution into a lather, by beating it with birch-rods, or wires.
1947. Introduce the feathers, and rub well with the hands for five or six minutes. After this soaping, wash in clean water, as hot as the hand can bear. Shake until dry.
1948.Cure for a Burn.—Wheat flour and cold water mixed to the consistency of soft paste, is an almost instantaneous cure for a burn, whether large or small. Renew before the first gets so dry as to stick.
1949.Slippery Elmbark powdered makes an excellent healing poultice for burns, sores, &c., boiled with milk and about one-third bread.
1950.Cod-Liver Oil.—This is a nauseating medicine, but the following receipt is said to remedy the bad taste.
1951. To a pint of cod-liver oil add an ounce of fine salt; shake them well together, till they amalgamate.
1952.To Dress Squirrel and other Skins.—Take a handful of common salt, and half the quantity of alum; boil it in half a gallon of water till dissolved. When cold, the skins may be put in to steep, and allowed to remain for a fortnight, occasionally turning them; they may then be taken out, stretched on a board (skin side outward) till dry; they will then be found perfectly soft and pliable.
1953.Another Method.—Stretch the fresh skin on a board, and dress it with water in which salt and alum have been dissolved—applying the solution with a brush. This does not injure the glossiness of the fur, which is apt to be affected when the skin is immersed.
1954.To Clean Furs.—Strip the fur articles of their stuffing and binding, and lay them as much as possible in a flat position.
1955. They must then be subjected to a very brisk brushing, with a stiff clothes-brush; after this, any moth-eaten partsmust be cut out, and be neatly replaced by new bits of fur to match.
1956.Sable, Chinchilla, Squirrel, Fitch, &c., should be treated as follows: Warm a quantity of new bran in a pan, taking care that it does not burn, to prevent which it must be actively stirred.
1957. When well warmed, rub it thoroughly into the fur with the hand. Repeat this two or three times; then shake the fur, and give it another sharp brushing until free from dust.
1958.White Furs, Ermine, &c., may be cleaned as follows: Lay the fur on the table, and rub it well with bran made moist with warm water; rub until quite dry, and afterward with dry bran. The wet bran should be put on with flannel, and the dry with a piece of book-muslin.
1959.The Light Furs, in addition to the above, should be well rubbed with magnesia, or a piece of book-muslin, after the bran process.
1960.Stretching Furs.—Furs are usually much improved by stretching, which may be managed as follows: To a pint of soft water add three ounces of salt, dissolve; with this solution sponge the inside of the skin (taking care not to wet the fur), until it becomes thoroughly saturated; then lay it carefully on a board with the fur side downward, in its natural disposition; then stretch, as much as it will bear, to the required shape, and fasten with small tacks. The drying may be quickened by placing the skin a little distance from the fire or stove.
1961.To Preserve Furs from Moths.—Warm water, one pint; corrosive sublimate, twelve grains. If washed with this, and afterward dried, furs are safe from moth. Care should be taken to label the liquid "poison."
1962.To Keep away Flies.—No fly will enter a room in which a wreath of walnut leaves has been hung up. The experiment is worth trying.
1963.Washing.—The most important department of domestic economy naturally includes the washhouse, into which philosophy has found its way for the application of many useful principles, and much useful practice. (Seep. 262.)
1964.To Clean Morocco Shoes.—Dissolve gum arabic in water, and mix with it a little white sugar. If it is to be kept any time, put in a little spirits of wine. Brush the shoes with it.
1965.Cheap Door-Mats.—Cut old broadcloth or any woolen articles into long strips from one to two inches broad. Braid three of these together, and sew the braid round in gradually increasing circles till large enough.
1966. If you have a strip of land, do not throw away soap-suds. Both ashes and soap-suds are good manure for bushes and young plants.
1967.Woolen Clothesshould be washed in very hot suds, and not rinsed. Lukewarm water shrinks them.
1968. Do not let coffee and tea stand in tin.
1969. Scald your wooden-ware often, and keep your tin-ware dry.
1970. Preserve the backs of old letters to write upon.
1971. If you have children who are learning to write, buy coarse white paper by the quantity, and keep it locked up, ready to be made into writing-books. It does not cost half so much as it does to buy them at the stationer's.
1972. See that nothing is thrown away which might have served to nourish your own family or a poorer one.
1973. As far as possible, have bits of bread eaten up beforethey become hard; spread those that are not eaten, and let them dry, to be pounded for puddings, or soaked for brewis.
1974.Brewisis made of crusts and dry pieces of bread, soaked a good while in hot milk, mashed up, and eaten with salt.
1975. Above all, do not let crusts accumulate in such quantities that they cannot be used. With proper care, there is no need of losing a particle of bread.
1976. All the mending in the house should be done once a week, if possible.
1977. Never put out sewing. If it be not possible to do it in your own family, hire some one into the house, and work with them.
1978. Do not let knives be dropped into hot dish-water. It is a good plan to have a large tin pot to wash them in, just high enough to wash the bladeswithout wettingthe handles.
1979. It is better to accomplish perfectly a very small amount of work, than to half do ten times as much.
1980.Charcoal Powderwill be found a very good thing to give knives a first-rate polish.
1981.A Bonnetand trimmings may be worn a much longer time, if the dust be brushed well off after walking.
1982. Much knowledge may be obtained by the good housewife observing how things are managed in well-regulated families.
1983.Applesintended for dumplings should not have the core taken out of them, as the pips impart a delicious flavor to the dumpling.
1984.A Rice Puddingis most excellent without either eggs or sugar, if baked gently; it keeps better without eggs.
1985. "Wilful waste makes woful want." Do not cook a fresh joint whilst any of the last remains uneaten—hash it up, and with gravy and a little management eke out another day's dinner.
1986. A warming-pan full of coals, or a shovel of coals, held over varnished furniture, will take out white spots. Care should be taken not to hold the coals near enough to scorch; and the place should be rubbed with a flannel while warm.
1987.Sal-volatileor hartshorne will restore colors taken out by acid. It may be dropped upon any garment without doing harm.
1988.New Ironshould be very gradually heated at first. After it has become inured to the heat, it is not so likely to crack.
1989. The shanks of mutton make a good stock for nearly any kind of gravy—and they are very cheap—a dozen may be had for a penny, enough to make a quart of delicious soup.
1990. Thick curtains, closely drawn around the bed, are very injurious, because they not only confine the effluvia thrown off from our bodies whilst in bed, but interrupt the current of pure air.
1991. Regularity in the payment of accounts is essential to housekeeping. All tradesmen's bills should be paid weekly, for then any errors can be detected whilst the transactions are fresh in the memory.
1992.Linen Ragsshould be carefully saved, for they are extremely useful in sickness. If they have become dirty and worn by cleaning silver, &c., wash them and scrape them into lint.
1993. If you are troubled to get soft water for washing, fill a tub or barrel half full of wood ashes, and fill it up with water, so that you may have ley whenever you may want it. A gallon of strong ley put into a great kettle of hard water, will make it as soft as rain water.
1994. "Morning's Milk," says an eminent German philosopher, "commonly yields some hundredths more cream than the evening's at the same temperature. That milked at noon furnishes the least; it would therefore be of advantage, in making butter and cheese, to employ the morning's milk, and to keep the evening's for domestic use."
1995.Scouring Drops for Removing Grease.—There are several preparations of this name; one of the best is made as follows: Camphene, or spirits of turpentine, three ounces; essence of lemon, one ounce; mix.
1996.Sweeping Carpets.—Persons who are accustomed to use tea-leaves for sweeping their carpets, and find that they leave stains, will do well to employ fresh cut grass instead. It is better than tea-leaves for preventing dust, and gives the carpets a very bright, fresh look.
1997.Economy of Fuel.—There is no part of domestic economy which everybody professes to understand better than the management of a fire, and yet there is no branch in the household arrangements where there is a greater proportional and unnecessary waste, than arises from ignorance and mismanagement in this article.
1998. It is an old adage that we must stir no man's fire until we have known him seven years; but we might find it equally prudent if we were careful as to the stirring of our own.
1999. Anybody, indeed, can take up a poker and toss the coals about; but that is not stirring a fire!