FoodNet

Efficiency in home-making and first-aid to good cooking

1915

Page 3

Presented as published in 1915. Historical recipes may not meet modern food-safety standards. Cook from the modern interpretation, not the original instructions.
When the gas flame is uneven, what should be done ? Clean out the gas tip. Turn the light out and run a thin card back and forth through the tip. Should a kerosene lamp be turned down ? No ; it will use as much oil, and also give off a poisonous offensive odor, from a gas which will be formed by the low heat of the reduced flame. How should the burners be treated? They should be boiled occasionally in soda and water, and dried thor- oughly. How often should oil lamps be filled ? Every time they are used, for though a little space should always be left when filling them, if the oil gets too low, an explosive gas is liable to form in the space above the oil. Why should a little space be left in filling them? So the oil will have space to expand from the heat. THE WALL PAPER. Which two colors are considered most restful for the eyes and nerves ? Nature's two colors ; blue and green, in soft tones. For a room with only a northern exposure, and poor light, what color would give most cheerfulness to the room ? Light yellow, the sunshine color. Is there any choice in the designs of wall paper? If paper has a figure that stands out with such prominence you are conscious of it when in the room; or if it has a design one is constantly figuring over, it is very dis- turbing when ill. Such papers are never as restful as less obtrusive ones. In these days of intense living, the more quieting and restful one's surroundings, the better for health. Are striped papers desirable? Yes; they increase the apparent height of the ceiling. Striped paper in soft gray, pink, and white are dainty for bed-rooms. Efficiency in Home Making ii SELECTING THE FURNITURE. What kind of furniture is most desirable? That best suited to the needs and income of the family. Are hangings and upholstery of light satin brocade desirable? Only for drawing-rooms, used for special occasions ; not in a room for family use. Why not? Sunlight is Nature's free disinfectant, and must not be shut out to protect the furnishings. The health of the family is of more importance. Happily the darkened parlor with its musty odor belongs to the past. What kind of hangings and upholstery should be selected? Those that will stand the light; can be kept clean easily, and will wear well. Are elaborate carvings, deep tuf tings, and fringes, sat- isfactory? No; they are very difficult to keep free from dust. Is heavy furniture desirable? No; it is difficult to move in cleaning. Are ornate decorations, and faciful shapes in good taste ? No ; well-made furniture with graceful lines, but plain in design, is always to be preferred. Is there danger of overcrowding a room with furni- ture and ornaments? It is a common mistake. If many homes had much of the furniture and many of the orna- ments removed, they would be much more attractive, and hygienic. Try this in a room and note the improve- ment. Homes were not intended for an annex to a fur- niture store, or for museums, and old curiosity shops ; an attic might be set aside for such use, and be very attractive.