[Illustration: _Fig._ 38.--Cabinet completed]
Before putting on the enamel, apply a coat of ordinary white-lead paint
and allow it to dry thoroughly. If desired, the outside of the cabinet
may be finished in white enamel, though this is somewhat more expensive
than the paint or stain recommended above.
All the Household Science Cabinets shown have a two-fold purpose. In the
first place, they furnish storage space for the utensils and working
space for the pupils. In the second place, they offer a most interesting
manual training project for a boys' club. The members can make any one
of them, thus correlating their practical woodwork and the domestic
science of the girls and, in this way, exhibiting the co-operative
spirit of the home and the school.
3. In some cases it may be possible to use the school stove for cooking
purposes. Some schools use natural gas for heating and, where this is
the case, provision for cooking may readily be made. Other schools
situated on a hydro-electric line, may, as has been done in one case,
use electricity as a source of heat. At present, however, the majority
of schools may find it best to use one of the many oil-stoves now on the
market. One-, two-, or three-flame-burner stoves may be obtained for
general use. The two-, or three-flame-burner stoves are recommended, as
they are less likely to be overturned. The one-flame-burner stove,
however, is often useful as an additional provision. A good grade of oil
should be used, and the stove should be kept scrupulously clean,
constant attention being paid to the condition of the wick. Any oil
spilt on the stove when it is being filled should be carefully wiped off
before lighting. If attention is paid to these details, the stove will
burn without any perceptible odour.
4. The number of the utensils and the amount of equipment depend upon
the community and the number of pupils to be considered. By careful
planning few utensils are needed. They should be as good as the people
of the neighbourhood can afford and, in general, should be of the same
character as those used in the homes of the district. All the
table-cloths, towels, dish-cloths, etc., required should be hemmed by
the pupils. Articles for storing supplies may be bought or donated.
Glass canisters with close lids are best, but as substitutes, fruit
jars, jelly glasses, or tin cans will serve the purpose. It is an easy
matter to secure an empty lard-bucket or a syrup-can for flour or meal,
empty coffee-cans for sugar or starch, etc., and baking-powder or
cocoa-tins for spices. Each should be plainly labelled.
Several typical lists of equipment in Household Science are given here.
These may be modified to suit particular circumstances. Considerable
expense may be saved if the pupils bring their own individual
equipment--soup-bowl, cup and saucer, plate, spoon, knife, fork, and
paper napkins. This plan is not advised unless it is absolutely
necessary, but, if followed, an effort should be made to have the
articles as uniform as possible.
The following equipment is that contained in the cabinet illustrated on
page 152 and is sufficient for giving organized instruction to six
pupils. If a noon lunch is provided, additional individual equipment
will be required.
EQUIPMENT FOR RURAL SCHOOL HOUSEHOLD SCIENCE
CABINET--NO. 1
1 Perfection blue-flame stove (two-flame) $15.00
1 Two-burner oven 4.50
1 Coal-oil can .50
1 Dish-pan 1.15
1 Tea-kettle 1.50
1 Large sauce-pan and cover .75
2 Medium sauce-pans and covers, 30c each .60
2 Small sauce-pans and covers, 25c each .50
2 Frying-pans, 20c ea. .40
2 Pudding bake-dishes, 50c ea. 1.00
2 Muffin pans (12 rings, each 30c) .60
1 Soap-dish .25
4 Small mixing bowls, 16c ea. .64
2 Pitchers, 55c ea. 1.10
3 Casseroles, 20c, 25c, 30c .75
6 Measuring cups, 90c ea. .60
6 Custard cups, 90c doz. .45
6 White plates, $1.45 doz. .73
6 Supply jars, 90c doz. .45
2 Vegetable brushes, 5c ea. .10
1 Grater .20
2 Egg-beaters, 10c ea. .20
12 Forks 2.25
12 Teaspoons 1.20
6 Tablespoons, $2.85 doz. 1.43
6 Vegetable knives, 25c ea. 1.50
6 Case knives, $3.00 doz. 1.50
2 Strainers, 20c ea. .40
1 Spatula .40
1 Bread knife .50
1 Can-opener .10
1 French knife .45
2 Water pails, $1.15 ea. 2.30
6 Dish-towels, 25c ea. 1.50
3 Dish-cloths, 10c ea. .30
3 Rinsing cloths, 10c ea. .30
1 yd. oil-cloth .45
5 yards cheesecloth .35