IDEAL PILLOWS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 30, 5 February 1937, Page 10

IDEAL PILLOWS.

SOME UNCOMMON FILLINGS.

"For most of us two pillows is the usual number, the ideal being one rather hard and fat, the other thin and soft," states a writer in an exchange. "A small, rather hard pillow put in the bed at the foot is of the greatest comfort to tired, aching feet, especially if the ankles are inclined to be puffy. In the case of elderly or bedridden folk a small wedge-shaped pillow to slip under the hack when lying on the side is most useful; also one to put under the knees for a change and rest. For delicate children pillow cases made of white flannelette are cosy, and easily washed.

"When plucking fowls with the intention of using the feathers for stuffing pillows, it is well keep the sorts -separate, putting the feathers from the breast, back and thighs into one strong paper bag and the wing and tail feathers in another. Put the bags containing the feathers into a warm (not hot) oven and leave overnight. Then, with a sharp pair of scissors, cut the end of each feather. This may sound a tedious job, but tf you pick up a handful of feathers and snip each end as it «ho\vs. it is quickly done. The wing and tail feathers are stripped up each side and the quill discarded. The Ticking. "The best linen feather-proof ticking is cheapest in the end. Before putting in the feathers, soap over the ticking, particularly down the seams. If an under-pillow case of stout, firm calico is used and changed frequently, the tick will keep clean for years, thus avoiding any necessity for the troublesome job of emptying and refilling the pillows. "Pillows can be stuffed with other things besides feathers. Clean wheat chaff (or hulls) is now recommended by doctors, especially for tiny babies. A pillow filled with dried hops makes for refreshing sleep; while I have heard of a pillow filled with clover biooms. ''A small pillow, loin by Bin. filled with kitchen salt, is a great comfort to a sufferer from earache, toothache, or neuralgia. Make the case of unbleached calico, fill loosely with salt, put in the oven until it is as hot as can be borne, slip a flannel case over it. and apply to the affected part. It often induces sleep and can be used over and over again. "There is a belief among Old Country folk that piireon feathers in a pillow prevent, or rather, delay death. I have heard an old woman say. 'Poor dear, 'e couldn't go till T moved the pillow. 'Twere pigeons' feathers, see.'"