Boil two quarts of wheat-bran in six quarts, or more, of water, half
an hour. Strain through a coarse towel and mix in the water in which
the muslin is to be washed. Use no soap, if you can help it, and no
starch. Rinse lightly in fair water. This preparation both cleanses and
stiffens the lawn. If you can conveniently, take out all the gathers.
The skirt should always be ripped from the waist.