Household hints

No Zinc Under the Stove, — An old housekeeper, and a wise woman, said to me last autumn that, after twenty-five years of hard work in kitchen and parlor, she had come to the conclusion that, although it might cause a revolution in the civilized world, she would never put another zinc under her sitting-room stove. She amplified her statement, saying : ^* The time I have spent on my knees scouring that zinc would, if otherwise employed, have made me a well-read woman ; or, if devoted to my children, would have been of great benefit to them and a comfort to me." Her words seemed to me to have great force in them, and the result was that our own sitting-room stove was put up without the customary zinc. Certain members of the family, who encouragingly prophesied the destruction of the house by tire, were surprised to find that we were just as well off without it. (From one point of view we were infinitely better off.) A heavy oil-cloth, with newspapers under it, was put under the stove ; and, although it is a base-burner, and we kept a large room warm with it, the experiment was considercd a success. The oil-cloth is easily taken care of. Wash it with warm suds, then with milk and water, wiping with a soft cloth ; when it loses its fresh look it may be varnished with the varnish which carriage-makers use, and be made to look like new, besides being preserved. Washing Dishes and Making Hard Soap, — Dishes should always be rinsed in clear, hot water after having been washed in soap-suds. Nothing is more unpleasant at the table than to notice a certain stickiness that the soap is likely to leave. It is necessary, also, from a sanitary point of view ; the caustic alkali is corrosive and unwholesome, and the grease is often impure. It is a simple matter to make hard soap, which is not only agreeable to use, but which has the great merit of cleanliness. To seven pounds of tallow use three pounds of rosin, two pounds of potash, and six gallons of water ; boil for three hours, or, better still, for five ; turn from the kettle into a wash-tub ; let it stand all night. In the morning cut into bars, and lay them on a table or board in the sun to harden for two or three days. This quantity will last a family of four persons a year, if used for ordinary household purposes. How to Keep Black Gloves from Crocking. — Black cotton gloves will not crock the hands if scalded in salt and water before wearing. The salt prevents fading. When almost dry, one should put them on, in order to stretch them and keep them in good shape. Some one may wish to know how to wash a linen duster in such a way that it will not look faded. All old colored linen should be washed in lukewarm water. If there are any grease-spots, use a little hard soap, or, better still, remove them with benzine. Rinse thoroughly in water in which a third of a cup of salt has been dissolved ; the last water must be very blue, and a small handful of starch put in. Hang in a shady place ; and, as soon as the duster is dry, take it down, so that the wind will not blow the starch out. If dampened with warm water, it will soon be ready to iron. How to Wash Flannels. — There are many conflicting theories in regard to the proper way to wash flannels, but I am convinced, from careful observation, that the true way is to wash them in water in which you can comfortably bear your hand. Make suds before putting the flannels in, and do not rub soap on the flannel. I make it a rule to have only one piece of flannel put in the tub at a time. Wash