OLD-FASHIONED SCENT BAGS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXIV, Issue 4883, 7 February 1903, Page 4 (Supplement)

OLD-FASHIONED SCENT BAGS.

Some who have mothers, and more who fiavo had nriindmothers, recall that delightful fragrance that characterised all their belongings, a fragrance indefinably better than the finest Cologne or sachet powder, the perfume that comes only from carefully dried flowers a.nd herbs. This delicate odour pervades the house and all its furnishing-;, but has no disagreeable after smell.

■Whether in town or country, one can provide herself with tiio little sweet bags by exercising a little care and forethought. 'iUi bags themselves, which hold about ono pint, may be made, of small remnants cf thin silk or the cleansed pieces of sdk garments, though I personally prefer whito lawn or organdie with French seams, and find the fallowing tiio most satisfactory method of procedure :

Before roses have begun lo fade, after the dew has dried in tiio morning or before it falls at night, is tiio best time to pick the petals; placo on a perfectly new tin or an earthen flat dish ‘and put in a warm place for half an hour (to let insects crawl out) ; thou keep very hot for a few hours until tho petals are dry as dust : then mix m a little salt, put on a clean earthen dish in tho sun for a further drying before putting in the bags. It is imperative that every particle of moisture bo driven out. or mould, must or sourness will result. Ono or two loaves of sweet-scented geranium added to two quarts of fresh petals aro a' pfleasant addition.

Thoso who like potpourri will mix other fragrant flowers with tho rose leaves, and when perfectly dry add to ono quart of loaves ono tcaspoanlul salt, ono nutmeg, ono tcaspoouful cassia buds, a pinch of any other spice but pepper and mustard, and a few drops of any fragrant essential oil; although to my mind tho real rose fragrance is most'desirable. If the rich, heavy roses aro not available, tho common ones that grow wild m tho country make nice sachets and pillows. Any other flowers may ho preserved in exactly the samo way, always remembering to got them perfectly dry. -To mo tiio sweet whito clover tho honey beo loves (which is regarded as a noxious wood in somo States) is especially nice for bed linen. Sweet grass, thyme, lavender, rosemary, etc., dried, roiled into little bundles six inches long, covered with whito lawn, and tied with baby ribbon tno prevailing colour of a room, are a pleasant souvenir for friends and useful m one’s own homo.

But no amount of scent . bags will keep a house of furnishings sweet — only absolute, unceasing cleanliness and pure air will give tho exquisite atmosphere that characterised tho model house of tho old regime.