Mix well with a gallon of clean water, a pound of quick lime; and,
when the lime is precipitated in fine powder, pour off the clear
lime-water for use, at the time it is wanted. Put the feathers to be
cleaned in a tub, and add to them a sufficient quantity of the clear
lime-water, so as to cover them about three inches. The feathers,
when thoroughly moistened, will sink down, and should remain in the
lime-water for three or four days; after which, the foul liquor
should be separated from them by laying them on a sieve. Afterwards,
well wash them in clean water, and dry them on nets, about the same
fineness as cabbage-nets. Shake them from time to time, on the nets;
as they dry, they will fall through the mashes, when collect them for
use. The admission of air will be serviceable in the drying, and the
whole process may be completed in about three weeks. The feathers,
thus prepared, want nothing further than beating, to be used either
for beds, bolsters, pillows, &c.
TO BLEACH WOOL, SILKS, STRAW BONNETS, &c.
Put a chafing-dish with some lighted charcoal into a close room,
or large box; then strew an ounce or two of powdered brimstone on
the hot coals. Hang the articles in the room or box, make the door
fast, and let them hang some hours. Fine coloured woollens are thus
sulphured before dyed, and straw bonnets are thus bleached.