THE HOUSEHOLD.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1424, 15 June 1899, Page 21

THE HOUSEHOLD.

Very old furniture is much improved if washed with lime water, and a coat of oil immediately applied. Wash flat irons occasionally with warm water, to every two quarts of which has been added half a tablespoonful of melted lard. Wipe thoroughly, and melt in a warm place till perfectly free from moisture. ' , . . . An inexpensive but good cake icing is .made by boiling three tablespoonfuls of rnilK, setting it aside to cool, adding u teaspoonful of flavouring extract, and thickening with powdered or confectioner’s sugar till it will spread nicely. Test bluing with washing soda; if it turns red it is made of Prussian blue, a compound of iron. With some soaps and washing compounds this is decomposed and causes iron rust spots. The gummed margins of envelopes are •excellent labels. Boil old rubber rings in a strong solution of ammonia and water; it will soften them, and they may be used again with safety. ' Waterproof glue is made by soaking common glue in water until the pieces are soft, but retain their shape; then dissolve by gentle heat in unboiled linseed oil. A teaspoonful of powdered borax sprinkled over a closet or kitchen shelf before it is covered with paper, will prevent vermin from gathering betwwen the shelf and the paper. A teaspoonful of borax added to cold starch gives linen an added gloss and stiffness. . A cracked egg may be safely boiled if wrapped in a piece of greased paper. - A few drops of camphor put into the water when bathing the face will prevent the skin from shining. A raw egg taken immediately will carry down a fishbone that canot be got up from the throat. The white skin that lines the shell of an egg is a useful application for a boil. Turpentine mixed in blacklead and Brushed over the gresy stove is very effective in cleaning it. A good way of using up stale bread is to bake it well in a moderate oven, then roll finely with a paste pin. This saves "buying rasps for ham, fish, etc. ' . POLISHING FURNITURE. The polishing of furniture seems to be •of comparatively modern date. The effect is that a hard surface is secured which is not so liable to become scratched as varnish, and which presents equally as brilliant and fine appearance. There are several pastes and polishes used, a few of which are herewith given. A good furniture polish is made with half an ounce of beeswax and a quarter •ounce alkinet 'root, which are melted together until the wax is well coloured. Then add half a gill each of raw linseed •oil and spirits of turpentine. Strain through muslin.

A polishing paste is made as follows: Take three ounces of white wax, half an "ounce of castille soap, one gill spirits of turpentine, Shave the wax and soap very fine put the wax in the turpentine. Let the mixture stand twenty-four hours. Then boil the soap in one gill of water and add to the wax and turpentine. This paste is highly recomended by practical men. To wax furniture, use a mixture of two ounces white or yellow wax, according to the colour of the wood, and which has first been melted o’er a moderate fire, and four ounces best spirits turpentine. Stir until cool, or, if for immediate use, apply hot, and rub with a hard brush. The polish may be renewed at any subsequent time by rubbing with a piece of fine cloth.

TO WHITEN HANDS. Turn a pair of old white kid gloves inside out, and rub over with Vinolia Cold Cream. Wear these gloves during the night. THE TOE-NAILS. The nails on the toes should be kept as clean and well shaped as those on the fingers. They should be kept regularly cut, and should be cleaned- daily with a nail-brush. It is contrary to all sense of refinement to neglect the feet in any way, just because they are covered up and the defects are not visible. TO BLACKEN TAN BOOTS. When tan boots or shoes become soiled they can be blacked in the following manner:—Brush the boots free from dust or dirt, then make a strong solution of common washing soda and boiling water — a handful of soda to a cupful of water —well sponge the boots with it. When dry, again sponge them with good black ink. Then apply blacking, and polish in the usual way. HAND STAINS. Stains often come on the hands, and these may be removed with lemon-juice. It is said, too, that a slice of raw potato well rubbed in will take stains from the fingers and hands, but lemon-juice will be found the speediest and most effectual remedy. CHAPPED HANDS. Sometimes, even in warm weather, the hands become chapped through overmuch dabbling in water. Glycerine and rosewater, mixed in equal quantities, is a very good remedy for chapped hands. It must be used in small quantities, and well rubbed in. Oatmeal rubbed into the hands after washing and drying will help to prevent the skin from cracking. The following preparation will also be found useful, and may be made at home:—Take equal quantities of white wax and sweet oil, and a small piece of camphor. Put all these into a small stone jar, and melt together till the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. This preparation must be kept closely covered. It should be applied to the hands after washing and previous to drying them. THE MEANING OF SOME CHRISTIAN NAMES. John, the gi’ace of the Lord; Walter, a conqueror; Theodore, the gift of God; Godfrey, God’s peace; Leonard, like a lion; Richard, powerful; William, defending the people; Robert, famous in counsel; Frederic, rich peace; Edward, liappy keeper; Andrew, courageous; Felix, happy; Amy or Emily, beloved; Bertha, bright or famous; Mabel, lovely; Beatrice, making happy; Anne, gracious; Winifred, winning peace; Gertrude, truth; Edith, happiness.