HOUSEHOLD HINTS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIV, Issue VI, 9 February 1895, Page 142

HOUSEHOLD HINTS.

MOUNTING SEAWEED. The mounting of seaweed is not difficult, but requires care in order to arrange the pieces artistically. No preparation is required to make the seaweed adhere to the cards. Float tne specimen in water, pass the card beneath it, raise it gradually, allowing the seaweed to assume its natural form upon the card as far as possible, and, where necessary, assisting it to take any desired position by means of a long pin. After the card is once lifted out of the water do not attempt to touch or rearrange the specimen, but if it is not satisfactory float it off and try again. The specimens must be thoroughly dried and pressed.

POLISH FOR WOODWORK To one pint of linseed oil take the same quantity of cold strong tea, the whites of two eggs, and 2oz. of spirits of salt. Mix all well together, then pour into a bottle, which must be well shaken before the polish is used. Make a pad

of soft linen, pour a few drops of the polish on to it, and rub the article to be polished well with it, finishing off with an old silk handkerchief. The above is a Japanese recipe, and in Japan fine paper is used instead of the linen and silk. TWO RECIPES FOR WASHING COLOURED SOCKS. 1. It is unusual for the colour to run if the socks, etc., are washed in the right way. A lukewarm lather should be used ; the articles should not be soaped, but thoroughly well shaken in the lather, rinsed at once in cold water, and dried quickly. The socks, etc., washed according to these instructions, should not show any signs of running ; bnt if, in spite of all precautions, the colour should run, try a little sugar of lead (poison) in the lather, and rinse as above, or wash in nearly cold water with oxgall soap. This always prevents rnnning, but it needs very careful and economical handling, as it melts away rather quickly, and servants are apt to use it very extravagantly. Of course some colours are very poor, and even care and attention would be of no avail when the material is bad ; bnt any of the above methods are infallible given good material to work upon. The great thing is to rtnse and dry at once. Rain water is always to be recommended for coloured articles. 2. Shake the socks, to rid them from dust, etc. To every two gallons of lukewarm water allow a tablespoonfnl of brown vinegar, and a handful of salt. Use boiled soap and wash quickly. Rinse in lukewarm water, wring them thoroughly, and dry in the open air. When quite dry fold carefully, keeping the seam straight, and iron with a cool iron.