HOUSEHOLD HINTS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1289, 12 November 1896, Page 15

HOUSEHOLD HINTS.

Nothing so quickly restores tone to exhausted nerves and strength to a weary body as a bath containing loz of aqua ammonia to each pail of water. It makes the flesh firm and smooth as marble, and renders the body pure and free from all odour. Soiled white shoes may be cleansed by rubbing with dry pipeclay, using an old tooth or nailbrush, rubbing always with the grain of the leather. Or they may be h'rst rubbed with deoderized benzine, then with a coat of pipeclay, which should remain on all night, then brushed off. Fine handkerchiefs should not be ironed, but, after being rinsed and passed through the wringer, they should be laid flat on a clean smooth surface, marble or glass, and smoothed out with a fine cloth or very clean fingers till every wrinkle is out. Let them dry in this way, clinging to the polished glass or marble, and they will look like new.

Never throw away old hats, no matter how dusty or forlorn they may look. Kenovate them. For instance take an old straw or felt hat. It is dusty and misshapen. Whisk it thoroughly, and get a hot iron ready. Lay the hat on an ironing table, place a damp cloth over the brim, press it thoroughly with the hot iron, and do it the same with the crown, and you will find a crisp, bright, brand new hat—or as good. Shoes that are worn regularly if cared for will last much longer than if neglected. A French kid shoe, if kicked on the floor or under the bed, will not last as long or look as well as one inferior in quality if properly eared for. When shoes are taken off they should be wiped with a soft cloth, and after airing a li 1 tic while, oiled or polished and put in a box by themselves or a shoebag, and when wanted for use can be taken out ready for wear.

Everyone knows how wrinkled and soiled gloves become when allowed to lie abont in a bureau drawer, or when rolled up, and so a little case will recommend itself and be appreciated by all who like to keep their gloves in a neat way. The outside of this case is made of a' piece of unbleached or self-coloured linen, ten inches by twentyfour inches in size, and the lining is a piece of dark blue silk of the same size. The liniug is prepared first. Two inches from both long edgeH, and at equal distances, are fastened seven loops of inch-wide dark blue ribbon, so made that two long ribbons of the same width and colour can be passed through. These ribbons serve to hold the gloves in place. The lining and outside are next tacked together, and one of the narrower ends is shaped to a point. All the edges are bound neatly with dark blue ribbon. On the point are fastened two long ribboca. The glove 3 are well smoothed out, and placed beneath the ribbons between the loops ; the case is rolled up and secured by tyiujj the ribbons in a bow. Few people know the medicinal value of vegetables. Asparagus, for instance, forms p;irt of the cure for rheumatic patients at such health resorts as Aix les-liaius. Sorrel is cooling to the mind as well as the blood, and forms the staple of that ''eoup and herbes," which a French lady will order for herself after a long and tiring journey. Carrots, as they contain a quantity of sugar, are fattening, and are avoided by some people as indigestible. It is the yellow core of the carrot, howerer, that is indigestible, for the outer red layer is tender enough. In many parts of France the peasants have recourse to an infusion of carrots as a specific for jaundice. The large sweet onion is very rich in those alkaline elements which counteract the poison of rheumatic gout if ' slowly stewed in weak broth and eaten with a little cayenne pepper, it ia sajd to be an admirable article of diet for people of studious and sedentary habits. The atalks of cauliflower have a similar value, only too often they ere so ill-boiled and unpalatable that they are not inviting. But when well cooked and served with proper dressing there is nothing more enticing. Lettuce has a slight narcotic action, and for soothing the nerves there ig no stalk which grows that equals celery. Scarcely a day passes that many persons do not, in some way or other, get a scratch, a small cut, or a bruise that may break the skin. In most instances not the slightest attention ia paid to this beyond the temporary annoyance of the pain and the possible irritation when the hands are put into water, or some subsequent blow in the same

spot brings an explanation on account of the hurt. This, while a common practice, is by no means a wise one. The air is full of floating diseas* germs, especially the air of cities and towns, and an injury of this sort, be it ever so slight, might iurniah excellent breeding-ground for some deadly bacteria. It is a good plan always to keep a bottle of prepared carbolic acid and glycerine, and frequently touch all bruises or sore spots with it. This is one of the most convenient and effective germicides imaginable. It is said by excellent medical authority that the use of this preparation would prevent half of the contagious diseases that afflict the country. It is believed that many cases of fever and other serious ailments can be contracted by a floating germ coming in contact with the abraded skin. Once snuglj lodged in this most congenial dwelling-place the germ multiplies with amazing rapidity, and soon overruns the entire system. Therefore whenever there is a bruise or scratch, or any injury of this sort, germicidal appliances should be at once resorted to.