TO WASH A SPONGE.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 65, 10 December 1907, Page 3

TO WASH A SPONGE.

If tho sponge is kept in a net basket and hung near an open window, in tho sunshine if possible, and' also if the water supply is soft, it does not require much attention in the way of washing. All that'is necessary is to wash it once a week in a solution of borax, or in a good soap lather, then rinse it well and put it to dry in the usual way. ' But sometimes a sponge becomes very slimy and elisagreeablo to use. This condition much depends on two things; for example, soap may have been frequently rubbfcd on the sponge, or it may have been used in hard water. To prevent it achieving this state frequent washing in warm, soft water or salt water is necessary. This, to be successful, must be done at least once a week. Another method of cleansing a sponge is to wash it in a solution of ammonia or soda dissolved in hot water, but as both these substances toncl to harden the sponge, care must be taken not to uso too strong a solution. After thorough washing the sponge ought to be rinsed well, squeezed tightly, to remove the water, and put at once to dry. It is really necessary, if a spongo is to bo kept in good condition, to squeeze it tightly each time after it has been used, as water and soap, if left in, tend to give the sponge we slimy feeling that makes it so disagreeable to uso.

A lady has been engaged by the London County Council to deliver a course of lectures on the "Art of Story-telling." One often wonders that peoplo do not cultivate the »rt of tcllhig amusing stories. They take the trouble to learn tho banjo,, they train infinitesimal voices, they are nt elaborate pains, to appear on tho amateur stage, and yet, who practises the telling of funny stories? Those who keep a good stock in their memories and can tell thorn with the point nicely sharpened and wjthout an unnecessary word, are really public benefactors. They make others laugh, and such as these are always to be commended; they cheer people, and this is a noble work. But, alas, it is only the few who mako story-telling an accomplishment. It is the most acceptable of all "parlour-tricks," and women might make much more of it than thoy do, if thoy but had a keener sense of humour. Why assume that men alone arc born raconteurs?