ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2921, 9 March 1910, Page 71

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Eliza. —There is such a variety of recipe* for marking ink that it is difficult to decide which would prove most suitable for your purpose. I append' two, the first used with a pen and the second with ( stamp. (I) Twenty parts potash are dissolved in boiling water, 10 parts finely cu ' leather chips and five parts flour of sulphur are added, and the whole is heated; in an iron vessel until it is evaporated tc dryness. Then the heat is continued until the mass becomes soft, particular care be ing taken that it does not ignite. The pot is then removed from the fire, and water added. The solution is strained, and preserved in bottles. (2) For using with a stamp: Twenty-two parts carbonate e„ soda are dissolved in 85 parts glycerine and triturated with 20 parts gum arabic. In a small flask are dissolved 11 parts nitrate of silver in 20 parts officinal water of ammonia. The two solutions are then mixed and heated to boiling. After the ' liquid has acquired a dark colour, 10 parts Venetian turpentine are stirred into it. The quantity of glycerine may be varied to suit the size of the stamp letters. After stamping expose to the sun or apply a hot iron. It is possible t learn music without a teacher if you have good books, but you will find it advantageous to take lessons from a competent teacher.

Behind the Scenes.—The essentials are bed linen and napery, of which at least half a. dozen sets should be provided. Anything beyond this must depend on your own judgment. In furnishing an engaged couple generally consult witb each other and their parents.

Keduco. —A cold bath every morning, followed by vigorous rubbing, would scarcely help to reduce flesh. It is supposed to give tone to the system, and in this way. would possibly serve to reduce unhealthy fat. (2) Without knowing the cause, it would be unwise to give any advice. The diet usually given is of a nourishing nature where the trouble is due to the blood having been robbed of its vital principle. Your safest plan is to consult a good family doctor, and lay your case fully and imreservedly before h'im.

Olga.—The stains left by fruit juices require a preliminary washing with, water, to remove sugary matter, treatment with very dilute ammonia to neutralise the acid, and exposure while damp to the fumes of burning sulphur. Another method is to rub the spot on each side with hard soap, and then lay on a thick mixture of starch and cold water. Rub this mixture of starch well into the spot, and afterwards expose it to the sun and air. If the stain has not disappeared at the end of three or four drys, repeat the process.