The easiest way in housekeeping and cooking

To make raw starch, allow four even table-spoonfuls to a half- pint of cold water. Dip collars, cuffs, and shirtbosoms, or an}" thing which must be ver}" stiff, into this starch, being careful to have them dry. When wet, clap them well between the hands, as this distributes the starch evenly among the fibers of the cloth. The same rule must be followed in using boiled starch. Roll the articles in a damp cloth, as this makes them iron more smoothly ; and in an hour they will be ready for the iron. In using boiled starch, after the articles have been dried, and then dampened by sprinkling water lightly upon them, either by the hand, or by shaking over them a small whiskbroom which is dipped as needed in water, it is better to let them he ten or twelve hours. All clothes require this folding and dampening. Sheets and table-cloths should be held by two persons, shaken and " snapped," and then folded carefully, stretching the edges if necessary. Colored clothing must be rinsed before starching, and the starch should be thin and cool. For ironing neatly and well, there will be required, half a dozen flat-irons, steel bottoms preferred ; a skirtboard and bosom-board, both covered, first with old blanket or carpet, then with thick strong cotton-cloth, and over this a cover of lighter cloth, sewed on so that it may be removed as often as may be necessary to wash it. If a bag the size of each is made, and they are hung up in this as soon as used, such washing need ver}^ seldom be. Having these, many dispense with ironing-sheet and blanket ; but it is better to use a table for all large articles, and on this the ironing-sheet can be pinned, or tied by tapes, or strips of cloth, sewed to each corner. A stand on which to set the irons, a paper and coarse cloth to rub them off on, and a bit of yellow wax tied in a cloth, and used to remove any roughness from the iron, are the requirements of the ironing-table. Once a month, while the irons are still slightly warm, wash them in warm water in which a little lard has been melted. Never let them stand day after day on the stove, and never throw cold water on them, as it makes them ver}' rough. If the starch clings to the irons, put a Uttle Bristol-brick on a board, and rub them up and down till free. If they are too hot for use, put in a current of air a few moments ; and in all cases try them on a piece of paper or cloth before putting them on a garment. If through carelessness or accident an article is scorched, lay it in the hottest sunshine to be found. If the fiber is not burned, this will often take the spot entirel}^ out.