PART IX.

WORK IN DOORS AND OUT.

_Home Comforts--Household Receipts--Wise Economy--Fuel--Things to

Know--Cleanliness--Accidents--Agriculture--Gardening--Etc., Etc._

HOUSEHOLD MAXIMS.

1836. A short needle makes the most expedition in plain sewing.

1837. When you are particular in wishing to have precisely what you

want from a butcher's, go and purchase it yourself.

1838. One flannel petticoat will wear nearly as long as two, if

turned behind-part before, when the front begins to wear thin.

1839. People in general are not aware how very essential to the

health of their inmates is the free admission of light into their

houses.

1840. A leather strap, with a buckle to fasten, is much more

commodious than a cord for a box in general use for short distances;

cording and uncording is a disagreeable job.

1841. There is not any real economy in purchasing cheap cottons for

gentlemen's night shirts. The cloth cuts in holes, and soon becomes

bad colored in washing.

1842. Sitting to sew by candle-light by a table with a dark cloth

on it is injurious to the eye-sight. When no other remedy presents

itself, put a sheet of white paper before you.

1843. People very commonly complain of indigestion: how it be

wondered at, when they seem by their habit of swallowing their food

wholesale, to forget for what purpose they are provided with teeth.

1844. Eat slowly and you will not over-eat.

1845. Keeping the feet warm will prevent headaches.

1846. Late at breakfast--hurried for dinner--cross at tea.

1847. Between husband and wife little attentions beget much love.

1848. Always lay your table neatly, whether you have company or not.

1849. Put your balls or reels of cotton into little bags, leaving the

ends out.

1850. Whatever you may choose to give away, always be sure to _keep

your temper_.

1851. Feather beds should be opened every third year, the ticking

well dusted, soaped and waxed, the feathers dressed and returned.

1852. _Bed-rooms_ heated are pernicious to health.

1853. _Beds_, instead of being made up as soon as people rise out of

them, ought to be turned down, and exposed to the fresh air from the

open windows through the day.

1854. _Feather beds_, especially in youth and in warm weather,

enervate the system, destroying its vigor and health. Neither should

beds be too hard. Sleeping with the head under the clothes is

pernicious; so, also, confined air caused by curtains.

1855. _The floor_ is the unhealthiest part of a room, from the

tendency of impure air to descend.

1856. _Charcoal_, when burning, should have an uncovered vessel

of boiling water over it, the vapor of which will counteract the

deleterious fumes.

1857. _Powdered charcoal_ will remove smells, impurities, &c., from

old glass vessels, after the grosser parts have been scoured off with

sand and potash.

1858. A _perfume_ for linen, &c., is made of rose leaves dried in the

shade, mixed with powdered cloves, scraped mace, and put in little

bags.

1859. Persons of defective sight, when threading a needle, should

hold it over something white, by which the sight will be assisted.

1860. In mending sheets and shirts, put the pieces sufficiently

large, or in the first washing the thin parts give way, and the work

is all undone.

1861. Reading by candle-light, place the candle behind you, that the

rays may pass over your shoulder on to the book. This will relieve

the eyes.

1862. A wire fire-guard, for each fire-place in a house, costs

little, and greatly diminishes the risk to life and property. Fix

them before going to bed.

1863. In winter, get the work forward by daylight, to prevent running

about at night with candles. Thus you escape grease spots and risks

of fire.

1864. Matches, out of the reach of children, should be kept in every

bedroom. They are cheap enough.

1865. Apple and suet dumplings are lighter when boiled in a net than

a cloth. Scum the pot well.

1866. When chamber towels get thin in the middle, cut them in two,

sew the selvages together, and hem the sides.

1867. When you dry salt for the table, do not place it in the

salt-cells until it is cold, otherwise it will harden into a lump.

1868. Never put away plate, knives and forks, &c., uncleaned, or sad

inconvenience will arise when the articles are wanted.

1869. After washing, overlook linen, and stitch on buttons, hooks and

eyes, &c.; for this purpose, keep a "housewife's friend," full of

miscellaneous threads, cottons, buttons, hooks, &c.

1870. For ventilation, open your windows both at top and bottom. The

fresh air rushes in one way, while the foul makes its exit the other.

This is letting in your friend and expelling your enemy.

1871. Never allow your servants to put wiped knives on your table;

for, generally speaking, you may see that they have been wiped with a

dirty cloth.

1872. There is not any thing gained in economy by having very young

and inexperienced servants at low wages.

1873. Dirty windows speak to the passer-by of the negligence of the

inmates.

1874. _Carpets._--If the corner of a carpet gets loose and prevents

the door opening, or trips every one up that enters the room, nail it

down at once. A dog's-eared carpet marks the sloven as well as the

dog's-eared book.

1875. _Cravats_ or stocks should not be worn so tight as to compress

the many large blood-vessels of the neck, which connect with the

brain.

1876. _Impure air_ of theatres, ball-rooms, and other crowded and

badly-ventilated buildings and sleeping-rooms, is poison to the lungs.

1877. _Eye-sight_ is best preserved by a moderate light--too little,

strains--too much, dazzles and injures. Bathing in cold water is of

service.

1878. _Consumption._--Remedies.--Vigorous, daily, but not violent,

exercise, and free exposure to the air, are important. As the great

difficulty in medicine is in reaching the seat of this disease,

frequently inhaling certain fumes may be a means of healing the

lungs. Sitting and sleeping in a room through which the fumes of

resin, turpentine, or other similar gums are moderately diffused, may

be of service.

1879. _Small Pox_ is prevented by vaccination, if well done. Never

neglect vaccination.

1880. _Water_ is purified by--1, filtration through gravel, sand,

or soft porous stone and charcoal. Or, 2, it may be sweetened and

improved by charcoal, coarsely pulverized and thrown into a vessel of

water. 3, by boiling and distillation. Water is greatly improved in

wells or pumps that are frequently used.

1881. _Distilled Water_, after being exposed to the air, is the

most salubrious of all drinks, and its daily use is of the greatest

importance in dyspepsia and similar diseases.

1882. _Wet Clothes_ should not be worn near a fire, or so as to

occasion sudden heat. Keep in motion till dry can be had, then change

at once, and give the feet a long heating.

1883. _Black Silks_ wash in warm small beer and milk.

HOUSEHOLD RECEIPTS FOR MANY THINGS.

1884. _To Extract Grease from Clothes._--Scrape off all the grease

that you can with a knife; then lay over the spot a thick brown

paper, and press it with a warm iron; if the grease comes through

the paper, take another piece, and so on until it does not soil the

paper.

1885. If not all out, wrap a bit of cloth or flannel round the

finger, dip it in spirits of wine, and rub the grease spot; this will

take it out. Be careful not to have the iron too hot. Try it on white

paper; if it scorches this, it is too hot.

1886. _To Extract Paint from Woolen._--Rub the spot with a piece of

flannel saturated with turpentine, or spirit of wine.

1887. _To Preserve Hats._--Brush them always with a soft brush. Keep

them in a hat box if not in constant use, as air and dust soon turn

them brown. Have a stick for each hat.

1888.--_Hats when wet_ should be handled lightly, wiped dry with a

cloth or silk handkerchief, and brushed. If the fur sticks, dampen it

with a sponge dipped in vinegar, and brush it dry.

1889. _When heated by exercise_ avoid drinking cold water. Rinse the

mouth with cold water before drinking.

1890. _To Procure Sleep._--On going to bed take a warm or cold bath.

1891. _Another Way._--Rub the body well with rough towels or the

flesh-brush for a quarter of an hour.

1892. _To Relieve Headache in Bed._--Wash the head in cold water, and

lay aside the night-cap, but see that the feet are kept warm.

1893. _The air bath_ is very healthful. Children especially should

resort to this method of enjoying the salubrious influence of the

atmosphere.

1894. _Dr. Franklin's_ plan was to rise at day-break, and pass half

an hour in his chamber undressed, reading or writing.

1895. _Close Closets_ that have become infested with moths should

be well rubbed with a strong decoction of tobacco, and repeatedly

sprinkled with spirits of camphor.

1896. _The Sting of a Nettle_ may be cured by rubbing the part with

rosemary, mint, or sage leaves.

1897. _Charcoal Fumes._--The usual remedies for persons overcome

with the fumes of charcoal in a close apartment are, to throw cold

water on the head and to bleed immediately; also apply mustard or

hartshorne to the soles of the feet.

1898. _An Ever-Dirty Hearth_, and a grate always choked with cinders

and ashes, are infallible evidences of bad house-keeping.

1899. _Effects of Charcoal_, in stopping putrefaction, are now well

ascertained; fish or meat may be restored by boiling charcoal with

them.

1900. _Moths--to get rid of them._--Procure shavings of cedar-wood,

and enclose in muslin bags, which should be distributed freely among

the clothes.

1901. _Second._--Sprinkle pimento (allspice) berries among the

clothes. Sprinkle the clothes with the seeds of the musk plant.

1902. _To Destroy the Eggs._--When deposited in woolen cloth, &c.,

use a solution of acetate of potash in spirits of rosemary, fifteen

grains to the pint.

1903. _To Drive away Moths_ from clothes, wrap up some yellow or

turpentine soap in paper; or place an open bottle containing spirits

of turpentine in the wardrobe.

1904. _Cold Green Tea_, very strong, and sweetened with sugar, when

set about in saucers, attracts flies and destroys them.

1905. _For Keeping a Door open_, place a large brick, covered neatly

with a piece of carpeting, against the door.

1906. _A Stair-Carpet_ should never be swept down with a long broom,

but always with a short-handled brush, and a dust pan held closely

under each step of the stairs.

1907. _A Hat_ should be brushed every day with a hat-brush, and twice

a-day in dusty weather.

1908. _Rings_ that have stones in them should always be taken off the

finger when the hands are washed, else they become discolored.

1909. _Reading in Bed_ at night should be avoided, as besides the

danger of an accident, it never fails to injure the eyes.

1910. _In Escaping from a Fire_, creep or crawl along the room with

your face close to the ground. Children should be early taught how

to press out a spark when it happens to reach any part of their

dress, and also that running into the air will cause it to blaze

immediately. (See page 204.)

1911. _Bronzed Chandeliers, Lamps, &c._, should be merely dusted with

a feather brush, or with a soft cloth, as washing them will take off

the bronzing.

1912. _Iron Wipers._--Old soft towels, or pieces of old sheets or

tablecloths, make excellent iron wipers.

1913. _To Clean Looking-Glasses._--First wash the glass all over

with lukewarm soap-suds and a sponge. When dry, rub it bright with a

buckskin and a little prepared chalk, finely powdered.

1914. _Flowers and Shrubs_ should be excluded from a bed-chamber.

1915. _Water_ of every kind, except rain water, will speedily cover

the inside of a tea-kettle with an unpleasant crust; this may easily

be guarded against by placing a clean oyster-shell in the tea-kettle,

which will always keep it in good order, by attracting the particles

of earth or of stone.

1916. _Paper Fire-Screens_ should be coated with transparent varnish;

otherwise they will soon become soiled and discolored.

1917. _The best Lamp-Oil_ is that which is clear and nearly

colorless, like water.

1918. _Oil-Grease_ may be removed from a hearth by covering it

immediately with thick hot ashes, or with burning coals.

1919. _Candles_ improve by keeping a few months.

1920. _Glass Vessels_, and other utensils, may be purified and

cleaned by rinsing them out with powdered charcoal.

1921. _Family Clocks_ ought only to be oiled with the very purest

oil, purified by a quart of lime-water to a gallon of oil, in which

it has been well shaken, and suffered to stand for three or four

days, when it may be drawn off.

1922. _To Heat a Bed_ at a moment's notice, throw a little salt into

the warming-pan, and suffer it to burn for a minute previous to use.

(See page 17.)

1923. _To Destroy Flies_ in a room, take half a teaspoonful of

black pepper in powder, one teaspoonful of brown sugar, and one

tablespoonful of cream, mix them well together, and place them in the

room on a plate, where the flies are troublesome.

1924. _Feet, to Keep Warm in a Carriage or Cold Room._--Use a stone

or glass bottle filled with boiling water and wrapped in flannel.

1925. _To Prevent Cold Feet at Night._--Rub the ankles and feet with

the hand as hard as can be borne for five or ten minutes before

retiring. This will be found an effectual remedy.

1926. _Another Way._--Frequent washing, and rubbing them thoroughly

dry, with a linen cloth, or flannel, is useful.

1927. _To Warm Beds._--Take all the black or blazing coals out of the

pan, and scatter a little salt over the remainder. This will prevent

the smell of sulphur.

1928. _To Explore Unventilated Places._--Light sheets of brown paper

and throw into the well or cavern. Or, fix a long pipe to a pair of

bellows, and blow into the place for some time.

1929. _To Destroy Crickets._--Put Scotch snuff upon the holes where

they come out.

1930. _To Brush Clothes._--Have a wooden horse to put the clothes on,

and a small cane to beat the dust out of them; also a board or table

long enough for them to be put their whole length while brushing them.

1931. Have two brushes, one hard and the other soft. Use the hard

brush for the great coats; the soft for the fine cloth garments.

These should never be brushed with too hard a brush, as this will

take off the nap.

1932. _The Cane for the Clothes_ should not be too large. A small

hand-whip is the best to beat with. Be careful not to strike the

buttons.

1933. If the coat be wet and spotted with mud, let it be quite dry

before brushing it. Then rub off the mud with the hands; put the coat

at its full length on the board, and brush the cloth the same way the

nap goes, which is toward the skirt of the coat.

1934. _Chimneys, Smoky, to Cure._--A northern aspect often produces a

smoky chimney.

1935. _Stacks of Chimneys_ are less apt to smoke than single ones.

1936. _Straight Funnels_ seldom draw well.

1937. _Large Fire-Places_ are apt to smoke. When they do so, the

lower aperture should be diminished.

1938. If the _chimney_ smokes only when the fire is first lighted,

lay any inflammable substance, as shavings, on the top of the grate;

the rapid combustion of which will warm the air of the chimney, and

give it a tendency upward before any smoke is produced.

1939. A _chimney so incorrigible_ as to require the constant

admission of fresh air, should have a pipe introduced, one of whose

apertures is under the grate, and the other in the open air. Or

openings may be made for ventilation near the top of the apartment.

1940. _To prevent unpleasant odor in Clothes laid up for a time_,

place recently-made charcoal between the folds of the garments. Even

when the odor has taken place, the charcoal will absorb it.

1941. _To Purify Stagnant Water._--One part of chalk and two of alum

will speedily purify stagnant water, and four parts of animal carbon

and one of alum are sufficient to purify a thousand parts of muddy

river water.

1942. _To Prevent the Smoking of a Lamp._--Soak the wick in strong

vinegar, and well dry it before you use it.

1943. _To Clean Cane Chairs._--Sponge them, until soaked, with soap

and hot water.

1944. _Clean White Vails._--Put the vail in a solution of white soap,

and let it simmer a quarter of an hour; squeeze it in some warm water

and soap till quite clean. Rinse it from soap, and then in clean cold

water, in which is a drop of liquid blue; then pour boiling water on

a teaspoonful of starch, run the vail through this, and clear it well

by clapping it. Afterward pin it out, keeping the edges straight and

even.

1945. _Restoring Color to Silk._--When the color has been taken from

silk by acids, it may be restored by applying to the spot a little

hartshorne, or sal-volatile.

1946. _Clean White Ostrich Feathers._--Four ounces of white soap,

cut small, dissolved in four pints of water, rather hot, in a

large basin; make the solution into a lather, by beating it with

birch-rods, or wires.

1947. Introduce the feathers, and rub well with the hands for five or

six minutes. After this soaping, wash in clean water, as hot as the

hand can bear. Shake until dry.

1948. _Cure for a Burn._--Wheat flour and cold water mixed to the

consistency of soft paste, is an almost instantaneous cure for a

burn, whether large or small. Renew before the first gets so dry as

to stick.

1949. _Slippery Elm_ bark powdered makes an excellent healing

poultice for burns, sores, &c., boiled with milk and about one-third

bread.

1950. _Cod-Liver Oil._--This is a nauseating medicine, but the

following receipt is said to remedy the bad taste.

1951. To a pint of cod-liver oil add an ounce of fine salt; shake

them well together, till they amalgamate.

1952. _To Dress Squirrel and other Skins._--Take a handful of common

salt, and half the quantity of alum; boil it in half a gallon of

water till dissolved. When cold, the skins may be put in to steep,

and allowed to remain for a fortnight, occasionally turning them;

they may then be taken out, stretched on a board (skin side outward)

till dry; they will then be found perfectly soft and pliable.

1953. _Another Method._--Stretch the fresh skin on a board, and dress

it with water in which salt and alum have been dissolved--applying

the solution with a brush. This does not injure the glossiness of the

fur, which is apt to be affected when the skin is immersed.

1954. _To Clean Furs._--Strip the fur articles of their stuffing and

binding, and lay them as much as possible in a flat position.

1955. They must then be subjected to a very brisk brushing, with a

stiff clothes-brush; after this, any moth-eaten parts must be cut

out, and be neatly replaced by new bits of fur to match.

1956. _Sable, Chinchilla, Squirrel, Fitch_, &c., should be treated as

follows: Warm a quantity of new bran in a pan, taking care that it

does not burn, to prevent which it must be actively stirred.

1957. When well warmed, rub it thoroughly into the fur with the hand.

Repeat this two or three times; then shake the fur, and give it

another sharp brushing until free from dust.

1958. _White Furs, Ermine, &c._, may be cleaned as follows: Lay the

fur on the table, and rub it well with bran made moist with warm

water; rub until quite dry, and afterward with dry bran. The wet

bran should be put on with flannel, and the dry with a piece of

book-muslin.

1959. _The Light Furs_, in addition to the above, should be well

rubbed with magnesia, or a piece of book-muslin, after the bran

process.

1960. _Stretching Furs._--Furs are usually much improved by

stretching, which may be managed as follows: To a pint of soft water

add three ounces of salt, dissolve; with this solution sponge the

inside of the skin (taking care not to wet the fur), until it becomes

thoroughly saturated; then lay it carefully on a board with the fur

side downward, in its natural disposition; then stretch, as much as

it will bear, to the required shape, and fasten with small tacks. The

drying may be quickened by placing the skin a little distance from

the fire or stove.

1961. _To Preserve Furs from Moths._--Warm water, one pint; corrosive

sublimate, twelve grains. If washed with this, and afterward dried,

furs are safe from moth. Care should be taken to label the liquid

"poison."

1962. _To Keep away Flies._--No fly will enter a room in which a

wreath of walnut leaves has been hung up. The experiment is worth

trying.

1963. _Washing._--The most important department of domestic economy

naturally includes the washhouse, into which philosophy has found its

way for the application of many useful principles, and much useful

practice. (See p. 262.)

1964. _To Clean Morocco Shoes._--Dissolve gum arabic in water, and

mix with it a little white sugar. If it is to be kept any time, put

in a little spirits of wine. Brush the shoes with it.

1965. _Cheap Door-Mats._--Cut old broadcloth or any woolen articles

into long strips from one to two inches broad. Braid three of these

together, and sew the braid round in gradually increasing circles

till large enough.

WISE ECONOMY.

1966. If you have a strip of land, do not throw away soap-suds. Both

ashes and soap-suds are good manure for bushes and young plants.

1967. _Woolen Clothes_ should be washed in very hot suds, and not

rinsed. Lukewarm water shrinks them.

1968. Do not let coffee and tea stand in tin.

1969. Scald your wooden-ware often, and keep your tin-ware dry.

1970. Preserve the backs of old letters to write upon.

1971. If you have children who are learning to write, buy coarse

white paper by the quantity, and keep it locked up, ready to be made

into writing-books. It does not cost half so much as it does to buy

them at the stationer's.

1972. See that nothing is thrown away which might have served to

nourish your own family or a poorer one.

1973. As far as possible, have bits of bread eaten up before they

become hard; spread those that are not eaten, and let them dry, to be

pounded for puddings, or soaked for brewis.

1974. _Brewis_ is made of crusts and dry pieces of bread, soaked a

good while in hot milk, mashed up, and eaten with salt.

1975. Above all, do not let crusts accumulate in such quantities that

they cannot be used. With proper care, there is no need of losing a

particle of bread.

1976. All the mending in the house should be done once a week, if

possible.

1977. Never put out sewing. If it be not possible to do it in your

own family, hire some one into the house, and work with them.

1978. Do not let knives be dropped into hot dish-water. It is a good

plan to have a large tin pot to wash them in, just high enough to

wash the blades _without wetting_ the handles.

1979. It is better to accomplish perfectly a very small amount of

work, than to half do ten times as much.

1980. _Charcoal Powder_ will be found a very good thing to give

knives a first-rate polish.

1981. _A Bonnet_ and trimmings may be worn a much longer time, if the

dust be brushed well off after walking.

1982. Much knowledge may be obtained by the good housewife observing

how things are managed in well-regulated families.

1983. _Apples_ intended for dumplings should not have the core taken

out of them, as the pips impart a delicious flavor to the dumpling.

1984. _A Rice Pudding_ is most excellent without either eggs or

sugar, if baked gently; it keeps better without eggs.

1985. "Wilful waste makes woful want." Do not cook a fresh joint

whilst any of the last remains uneaten--hash it up, and with gravy

and a little management eke out another day's dinner.

1986. A warming-pan full of coals, or a shovel of coals, held over

varnished furniture, will take out white spots. Care should be taken

not to hold the coals near enough to scorch; and the place should be

rubbed with a flannel while warm.

1987. _Sal-volatile_ or hartshorne will restore colors taken out by

acid. It may be dropped upon any garment without doing harm.

1988. _New Iron_ should be very gradually heated at first. After it

has become inured to the heat, it is not so likely to crack.

1989. The shanks of mutton make a good stock for nearly any kind

of gravy--and they are very cheap--a dozen may be had for a penny,

enough to make a quart of delicious soup.

1990. Thick curtains, closely drawn around the bed, are very

injurious, because they not only confine the effluvia thrown off from

our bodies whilst in bed, but interrupt the current of pure air.

1991. Regularity in the payment of accounts is essential to

housekeeping. All tradesmen's bills should be paid weekly, for then

any errors can be detected whilst the transactions are fresh in the

memory.

1992. _Linen Rags_ should be carefully saved, for they are extremely

useful in sickness. If they have become dirty and worn by cleaning

silver, &c., wash them and scrape them into lint.

1993. If you are troubled to get soft water for washing, fill a tub

or barrel half full of wood ashes, and fill it up with water, so that

you may have ley whenever you may want it. A gallon of strong ley

put into a great kettle of hard water, will make it as soft as rain

water.

1994. "_Morning's Milk_," says an eminent German philosopher,

"commonly yields some hundredths more cream than the evening's at the

same temperature. That milked at noon furnishes the least; it would

therefore be of advantage, in making butter and cheese, to employ the

morning's milk, and to keep the evening's for domestic use."

1995. _Scouring Drops for Removing Grease._--There are several

preparations of this name; one of the best is made as follows:

Camphene, or spirits of turpentine, three ounces; essence of lemon,

one ounce; mix.

1996. _Sweeping Carpets._--Persons who are accustomed to use

tea-leaves for sweeping their carpets, and find that they leave

stains, will do well to employ fresh cut grass instead. It is better

than tea-leaves for preventing dust, and gives the carpets a very

bright, fresh look.

1997. _Economy of Fuel._--There is no part of domestic economy which

everybody professes to understand better than the management of a

fire, and yet there is no branch in the household arrangements where

there is a greater proportional and unnecessary waste, than arises

from ignorance and mismanagement in this article.

1998. It is an old adage that we must stir no man's fire until we

have known him seven years; but we might find it equally prudent if

we were careful as to the stirring of our own.

1999. Anybody, indeed, can take up a poker and toss the coals about;

but that is not stirring a fire!

2000. If the consumer, instead of ordering a large supply of coal at

once, will at first content himself with a sample, he may, with very

little trouble, ascertain who will deal fairly with him; and, if he

wisely pays ready money, he will be independent of his coal merchant;

a situation which few families, even in genteel life, can boast of.

2001. Indeed, we cannot too often repeat the truth, that to deal for

ready money only, in all the departments of domestic arrangement, is

the truest economy.

2002. Ready money will always command the best and cheapest of every

article of consumption, if expended with judgment; and the dealer,

who intends to act fairly, will always prefer it.

2003. Trust not him who seems more anxious to give credit than to

receive cash.

2004. The former hopes to secure custom by having a hold upon you in

his books; and continues always to make up for his advance, either

by an advance price, or an inferior article; whilst the latter knows

that your custom can only be secured by fair dealing.

2005. There is, likewise, another consideration, as far as economy is

concerned, which is, not only to buy with ready money, but to buy at

proper seasons; for there is with every article a cheap season and a

dear one.

2006. The master of a family who fills his coal cellar in the middle

of the summer, rather than the beginning of the winter, will save

one-fourth which it would otherwise cost him; and will be enabled

to see December's snows falling without feeling his enjoyment of

his fireside lessened by the consideration that the cheerful blaze

is supplied at twice the rate that it need have done, if he had

exercised more foresight.

2007. We must now call to the recollection of our readers that

chimneys often smoke, and that coal is often wasted by throwing too

much fuel at once upon a fire.

2008. To prove this observation, it is only necessary to remove

the superfluous coal from the top of the grate, when the smoking

instantly ceases.

2009. As to the waste, that evidently proceeds from the frequent,

intemperate and injudicious use of the poker, which not only throws

a great portion of the small coals among the cinders, but often

extinguishes the fire it was intended to foster.

2010. _Economy in Carpets._--In buying a carpet, as in every thing

else, those of the best quality are cheapest in the end. As it is

extremely desirable that they should look as clean as possible, avoid

buying carpet that has any white in it. Even a very small portion of

white interspersed through the pattern will in a short time give a

dirty appearance to the whole; and certainly no carpet can be worse

for use than one with a white ground.

2011. A carpet in which all the colors are light, never has a clean,

bright effect, from the want of dark tints to contrast and set off

the light ones.

2012. For a similar reason, carpets whose colors are all of what

artists call middle tint (neither dark nor light), cannot fail to

look dull and dingy, even when quite new.

2013. The caprices of fashion at times bring these ill-colored

carpets into vogue; but in apartments where elegance is desirable,

they always have a bad effect.

2014. For a carpet to be really beautiful and in good taste, there

should be, as in a picture, a judicious disposal of light and shadow,

with a gradation of very bright and of very dark tints; some almost

white, and others almost or quite black.

2015. _Red Carpets._--The most truly chaste, rich and elegant

carpets, are those where the pattern is formed by one color only,

but arranged in every variety of shade. For instance, we have seen a

Brussels carpet entirely red; the pattern formed by shades or tints,

varying from the deepest crimson (almost a black), to the palest pink

(almost a white).

2016. _Green Carpets._--Also one of green only, shaded from the

darkest bottle-green, in some parts of the figure, to the lightest

pea-green in others.

2017. _Brown Carpets._--Another, in which there was no color but

brown, in all its various gradation, some of the shades being nearly

black, others of a light buff. All these carpets had much the look of

rich cut velvet.

2018. _The Curtains, Sofas, &c._, of course, were of corresponding

colors, and the effect of the whole was noble and elegant.

2019. Carpets of many gaudy colors are much less in demand than

formerly. Two colors only, with the dark and light shade of each,

will make a very handsome carpet.

2020. A very light blue ground, with the figure of shaded crimson or

purple, looks extremely well; so does a salmon-color or buff ground,

with a deep green figure; or a light yellow ground, with a shaded

blue figure.

2021. _Rugs._--If you cannot obtain a hearth-rug that exactly

corresponds with the carpet, get one entirely different; for a

decided contrast looks better than a bad match.

2022. We have seen very handsome hearth-rugs with a rich, black,

velvet-looking ground, and the figure of shaded blue, or of various

tints of yellow and orange.

2023. A carpet decidedly light-colored throughout, has a good effect

on the floor, or continues long to look clean.

THINGS TO KNOW.

2024. Why do candles and lamps "spirt," when rain is at hand?

2025. Because the air is filled with vapor, and the humidity

penetrates the wick, where (being formed into steam) it expands

suddenly, and produces a little explosion.

2026. Why does a drop of water sometimes roll along a piece of hot

iron without leaving the least trace?

2027. Because (when the iron is very hot indeed) the bottom of the

drop is turned into vapor, which buoys the drop up, without allowing

it to touch the iron.

2028. Why does a laundress put a little saliva on a flat-iron, to

know if it be hot enough?

2029. Because, when the saliva sticks to the box, and is evaporated,

she knows it is _not_ sufficiently hot: but when it runs along the

iron, it is.

2030. Why is the flat-iron hotter, if the saliva runs along it, than

if it adheres till it is evaporated?

2031. Because, when the saliva runs along the iron, the heat is

sufficient to convert the bottom of the drop into vapor; but if the

saliva will not roll, the iron is not sufficiently hot to convert the

bottom of the drop into vapor.

2032. Why do wet feet or clothes give us "cold"?

2033. Because the evaporation absorbs the heat so abundantly from

the surface of our body, that its temperature is lowered below its

natural standard; in consequence of which health is injured. [This

also explains why it is dangerous to sleep in a damp bed.]

2034. Why is the health injured when the temperature of the body is

reduced below its natural standard?

2035. Because the balance of the circulation is destroyed, blood is

driven away from the external surface by the chill, and thrown upon

the internal organs, which are oppressed by this increased load of

blood.

2036. Why do not sailors get cold, who are frequently wet all day

with sea-water?

2037. Because the salt of the sea retards evaporation; and (as the

heat of their bodies is drawn off gradually) the sensation of cold is

prevented. Also, the salt of the sea acts as a stimulant, and keeps

the blood circulating in the skin.

2038. What is the cause of snow?

2039. When the air is nearly saturated with vapor, and condensed by a

current of air below freezing-point, some of the vapor is condensed,

and frozen into snow. A few years ago, some fishermen (who wintered

at Nova Zembla), after they had been shut up in a hut for several

days, opened the window; and the cold external air rushing in,

instantly condensed the air of the hut, and its vapor fell on the

floor in a shower of snow.

2040. What is the cause of sleet?

2041. When flakes of snow (in their descent) pass through a bed of

air above freezing point, they partially melt, and fall to the earth

as half-melted snow.

2042. What is hail?

2043. Rain which has passed in its descent through some cold bed of

air, and has been frozen into drops of ice.

2044. What is rain?

2045. The vapor of the clouds or air condensed, and precipitated to

the earth.

2046. Why are rain-drops sometimes much larger than at other times?

2047. When the rain-cloud is floating near the earth, the drops

are larger, because such a cloud is much more dense than one more

elevated. The size of the rain-drop is also increased according to

the rapidity with which the vapors are condensed.

2048. Why does the Bible say that God "giveth snow like wool"?

2049. Because snow (being a very bad conductor of heat) protects

vegetables and seeds from the frost and cold.

2050. How does the non-conducting power of snow protect vegetables

from the frost and cold?

2051. It prevents the heat of the earth from being drawn off by the

cold air which rests upon it.

2052. Why are woolens and furs used for clothing in cold weather?

2053. Because they are very bad conductors of heat, and therefore

prevent the warmth of the body from being drawn off by the cold air.

2054. Do not woolens and furs actually impart heat to the body?

2055. No; they merely prevent the heat of the body from escaping.

2056. Where would the heat escape to, if the body were not wrapped in

wool or fur?

2057. The heat of the body would fly off into the air: for the cold

air, coming in contact with our body, would gradually draw away its

heat, till it was as cold as the air itself.

2058. What then is the principal use of clothing in winter time?

2059. To prevent the animal heat from escaping too freely; and to

protect the body from the external air (or wind), which would carry

away its heat too rapidly.

2060. Why are March winds dry?

2061. Because they generally blow from the east or north-east, and

therefore sweep over the continent of America.

2062. What is the use of March winds?

2063. They dry the soil (which is saturated by the floods of

February), break up the heavy clods, and fit the land for the seeds

which are committed to it.

2064. Why is it said that "March comes in like a lion?"

2065. Because it comes in with blustering east winds, so essential to

dry the soil, which would otherwise rot the seed committed to it.

2066. Why does "March go out like a lamb?"

2067. Because the water, evaporated by the high winds, falls again in

showers to fertilize the earth, and breaks the violence of the winds.

2068. Why is it said that "March flowers make no summer bowers?"

2069. Because, if the spring be very mild, vegetation gets too

forward, and is pinched by the nightly frosts, so as to produce

neither fruits nor flowers.

2070. Why is it said that "April showers bring May flowers?"

2071. Because April showers supply the principal nourishment on which

the seeds depend for their development.

2072. Why does a polished metal teapot make better tea than a black

earthen one?

2073. As polished metal is a very bad radiator of heat, it keeps the

water hot much longer; and the hotter the water is, the better it

draws the tea.

2074. Why will not a dull black teapot make good tea?

2075. Because the heat of the water flies off so quickly, through

the dull black surface of the teapot, that the water is very rapidly

cooled, and cannot "draw" the tea.

2076. Do not pensioners, and aged cottagers, generally prefer the

black earthen teapot to the bright metal one?

2077. Yes, because they set it on the hob to "draw;" in which case,

the little black teapot will make the best tea.

2078. Why will a black teapot make a better tea than a bright metal

one, if it is set on the hob to draw?

2079. Because the black teapot will absorb heat plentifully from the

fire, and keep the water hot; whereas a bright metal teapot (set upon

the hob) would throw off the heat by reflection.

2080. Then sometimes a black earthen teapot is the best, and

sometimes a bright metal one?

2081. Yes; when the teapot is set on the hob to "draw," the black

earth is the best, because it absorbs heat; but when the teapot is

not set on the hob the bright metal is the best, because it radiates

heat very slowly, and therefore keeps the water hot.

2082. Why does a saucepan which has been used boil in a shorter time

than a new one?

2083. Because the bottom and back are covered with soot, and the

black soot rapidly absorbs the heat of the glowing coals.

2084. Why should the front and lid of a saucepan be clean and bright?

2085. As they do not come in contact with the fire, they cannot

absorb heat, and (being bright) they will not suffer the heat to

escape by radiation.

2086. Why should not the bottom and back of a kettle be cleaned and

polished?

2087. Because they come in contact with the fire, and (while they are

covered with black soot) absorb heat freely from the burning coals.

2088. Why are dinner-covers made of bright tin or silver?

2089. Because light-colored and highly-polished metal is a very bad

radiator of heat; and, therefore, bright tin or silver will not allow

the heat of the cooked food to escape through the cover by radiation.

2090. Why should a meat-cover be very brightly polished?

2091. If the cover be dull or scratched, it will absorb heat from the

food; and instead of keeping it hot, it will make it cold.

2092. Why should a silver meat-cover be plain, and not chased?

2093. Because, if the cover be chased, it will absorb heat from the

food; and instead of making it hot, will make it cold.

2094. What is the smoke of a candle?

2095. Solid particles of carbon, separated from the wick and tallow,

but not consumed.

2096. Why are some particles consumed and not others?

2097. The combustion of the carbon depends upon its combining with

the oxygen of the air. Now, as the outer surface of the flame

prevents the access of air to the interior parts, much of the carbon

of those parts passes off in smoke.

2098. Why do lamps smoke?

2099. Either because the wick is cut unevenly, or else because it is

turned up too high.

2100. Why does a lamp smoke, when the wick is cut unevenly?

2101. Because the points of the jagged edge (being very easily

separated from the wick) load the flame with more carbon than it can

consume; and as the heat of the flame is greatly diminished by these

little bits of wicks, it is unable to consume even the usual quantity

of smoke. The same applies when the wick is turned up too high.

2102. Why does a lamp-glass diminish the smoke of a wick?

2103. Because it increases the supply of oxygen to the flame, by

producing a draught; and it concentrates and reflects the heat of the

flame; in consequence of which the combustion of the carbon is more

perfect, and very little escapes unconsumed.

2104. _Hints about Making Butter_ (See page 287).--Milk should

never be set for butter in a dark, damp cellar--as in the case with

butter-makers in this section--as the cream is thereby moulded before

it has had time to rise, which gives the butter a mouldy taste.

2105. The milk is allowed to stand too long before being skimmed,

which gives it a cheesy taste.

2106. The cream is kept too long before it is churned, after it is

skimmed, which gives it the taste of the other two; and also a sour

taste.

2107. The butter should never be washed in water, because it takes

away that beautiful aroma so essential in good butter.

2108. It should never be taken in a person's warm hands, as the heat

melts a certain portion of the globules, which gives it an oily

taste, and makes it become rancid very soon.

2109. The milk should be set in good clean tin or earthen pans, in a

dry, open, airy and shady place, above ground, if possible, although

a cellar may be so built, and ventilated, as to answer the purpose.

2110. It should never be set over twenty-four hours in warm weather;

and for a dairy of three cows or over, the cream should be churned

every morning, and never be kept over forty-eight hours, in warm

weather; in cold weather it may be kept longer.

CLEANLINESS.

2111. The want of cleanliness is a fault which admits of no excuse.

Where water can be had for nothing, it is surely in the power of

every person to be clean.

2112. The discharge from our bodies, by perspiration, renders

frequent changes of apparel necessary.

2113. Change of apparel greatly promotes the secretion from the skin,

so necessary to health.

2114. When that matter which ought to be carried off by perspiration

is either retained in the body, or reabsorbed by dirty clothes, it is

apt to occasion fevers and other diseases.

2115. Most diseases of the skin proceed from want of cleanliness.

These indeed may be caught by infection, but they will seldom

continue long where cleanliness prevails.

2116. To the same cause must we impute the various kinds of vermin

that infest the human body, houses, &c. These may generally be

banished by cleanliness alone.

2117. Perhaps the intention of Nature, in permitting such vermin to

annoy mankind, is to induce them to the practice of this virtue.

2118. One common cause of putrid and malignant fevers is the want of

cleanliness.

2119. These fevers commonly begin among the inhabitants of close,

dirty houses, who breathe bad air, take little exercise, use

unwholesome food, and wear dirty clothes. There the infection is

generally hatched, which spreads far and wide to the destruction of

many. Hence cleanliness may be considered as an object of the public

attention.

2120. It is not sufficient that I be clean myself, while the want of

it in my neighbor affects my health as well as his own.

2121. If dirty people cannot be removed as a common nuisance, they

ought at least to be avoided as infectious. All who regard their

health, should keep at a distance, even from their habitations.

2122. In places where great numbers of people are collected,

cleanliness becomes of the utmost importance.

2123. It is well known, that infectious diseases are caused by

tainted air. Every thing, therefore, which tends to pollute the air,

or spread the infection, ought with the utmost care to be avoided.

2124. For this reason, in great towns, no filth of any kind should

be permitted to lie upon the streets. We are sorry to say, that

the importance of general cleanliness does by no means seem to be

sufficiently understood.

2125. It were well if the lower classes of the inhabitants of the

United States would imitate the Dutch, in the cleanliness of their

streets, houses, &c.

2126. Water, indeed, is easily obtained in Holland; but the situation

of most towns in the United States is more favorable to cleanliness.

2127. Nothing can be more agreeable to the senses, more to the honor

of the inhabitants, or conducive to their health, than a clean town;

nor does any thing impress a stranger sooner with a disrespectful

idea of any people than its opposite.

2128. It is remarkable, that, in most eastern countries, cleanliness

makes a great part of their religion. The Mahometan, as well as

the Jewish religion, enjoins various bathings, washings, and

purifications.

2129. No doubt these were designed to represent inward purity; but

they are at the same time calculated for the preservation of health.

2130. However whimsical these washings may appear to some, few things

would appear more to prevent diseases than a proper attention to many

of them.

2131. Were every person, for example, after handling a dead body,

visiting the sick, &c., to wash and to change his clothes before he

went into company, or sat down to meat, he would run less hazard

either of catching the infection himself, or communicating it to

others.

2132. Frequent washing not only removes the filth which adheres to

the skin, but likewise promotes the perspiration, braces the body,

and enlivens the spirits.

2133. Even washing the feet tends greatly to preserve health. The

sweat and dirt with which these parts are frequently covered, cannot

fail to obstruct their perspiration. This piece of cleanliness would

often prevent colds and fevers.

2134. Were people to bathe their feet and hands in warm water at

night, after being exposed to cold or wet through the day, they would

seldom experience any of the fatal effects which often proceed from

these causes.

2135. In places where great numbers of sick people are kept,

cleanliness ought most religiously to be observed. The very smell

in such places is often sufficient to make one sick. It is easy to

imagine what effect that is likely to have upon the disease.

2136. A person in health has a greater chance to become sick, than

a sick person has to get well, in an hospital or infirmary where

cleanliness is neglected.

2137. The brutes themselves set us an example of cleanliness. Most of

them seem uneasy, and thrive ill, if they be not kept clean.

2138. A horse that is kept thoroughly clean, will thrive better on a

smaller quantity of food, than with a greater, where cleanliness is

neglected.

2139. Even our own feelings are sufficient proof of the necessity of

cleanliness. How refreshed, how cheerful and agreeable does one feel

on being shaved, washed and dressed; especially when these have been

long neglected.

2140. Most people esteem cleanliness; and even those who do not

practice it themselves, often admire it in others.

2141. Superior cleanliness sooner attracts our regard than even

finery itself, and often gains esteem where the other fails.

2142. A clean, fresh, and well-ordered house exercises over its

inmates a moral no less than a physical influence, and has a direct

tendency to make the members of a family sober, peaceable, and

considerate of the feelings and happiness of each other; nor is it

difficult to trace a connection between habitual feeling of this sort

and the formation of habits of respect for property, for the laws

in general, and even for those higher duties and obligations the

observance of which no laws can enforce.

PREVENTION OF ACCIDENTS.

2143. The following regulations should be engraved on the memories of

all:--

2144. As most sudden deaths come by water, particular caution is

therefore necessary in its vicinity.

2145. Stand not near a tree, or any leaden spout, iron gate, or

palisade, in time of lightning.

2146. Lay loaded guns in safe places, and never imitate firing a gun

in jest.

2147. Never sleep near charcoal; if drowsy at any work where charcoal

fires are used, take the fresh air.

2148. Carefully rope trees before they are cut down, that when they

fall they may do no injury.

2149. When benumbed with cold, beware of sleeping out of doors; rub

yourself, if you have it in your power, with snow, and do not hastily

approach the fire.

2150. Beware of damps.

2151. Air vaults, by letting them remain open some time before you

enter, or scattering powdered lime in them.

2152. Where a lighted candle will not burn, animal life can not

exist; it will be an excellent caution, therefore, before entering

damp and confined places, to try this simple experiment.

2153. Never leave saddle or draught horses, while in use, by

themselves, nor go immediately behind a led horse as he is apt to

kick.

2154. Ride not on foot-ways.

2155. Be wary of children, whether they are up or in bed; and

particularly when they are near the fire, an element with which they

are very apt to amuse themselves.

2156. Leave nothing poisonous open or accessible; and never omit to

write the word "Poison" in large letters upon it, wherever it may be

placed.

2157. In walking the streets, keep out of the line of the cellars;

and never look one way and walk another.

2158. Never throw pieces of orange-peel, or broken glass bottles,

into the streets.

2159. Never meddle with gunpowder by candle-light.

2160. In trimming a lamp with naphtha, never fill it. Leave space for

the spirit to expand with warmth.

2161. Never quit a room, leaving the poker in the fire.

2162. When the brass rod of the stair-carpet becomes loose, fasten it

immediately.

2163. In opening effervescing drinks, such as soda-water, hold the

cork in your hand.

2164. Quit your house with care on a frosty morning.

2165. Have your horses' shoes roughed directly there are indications

of frost.

2166. Keep lucifer matches in their cases, and never let them be

strewed about.

ADDITIONAL DOMESTIC HINTS.

2167. _Easy method of Breaking Glass to any required Figure._--Make a

small notch by means of a file on the edge of a piece of glass, then

make the end of a tobacco-pipe, or of a rod of iron of the same size,

red hot in the fire, apply the hot iron to the notch, and draw it

slowly along the surface of the glass in any direction you please: a

crack will follow the direction of the iron.

2168. _Cleansing of Furniture._--The cleaning of furniture forms an

important part of domestic economy, not only in regard to neatness,

but also in point of expense.

2169. The readiest mode indeed consists in good manual rubbing, or

the "essence of elbows," as it is whimsically termed; but our finest

cabinet-work requires something more, where brilliancy of polish is

of importance.

2170. _China and Glass Ware._--For the best way of cleaning, see page

31.

2171. Much of the red now used in China is actually produced by the

_anotto_ extracted from the cuttings of scarlet cloth, which have

long formed an article of exportation to Canton.

2172. It ought to be taken for granted that all china or glassware is

well tempered; yet a little careful attention may not be misplaced,

even on that point.

2173. Ornamental china or glassware are not exposed to the action of

hot water in common domestic use.

2174. It will be proper never to apply water to them beyond a tepid

temperature.

2175. An ingenious and simple mode of annealing glass has been some

time in use by chemists. It consists in immersing the vessel in cold

water, gradually heated to the boiling point, and suffered to remain

till cold, when it will be fit for use.

2176. Soap and labor may be saved by dissolving alum and chalk in

bran-water, in which the linen ought to be boiled, then well rinsed

out, and exposed to the usual process of bleaching.

2177. Soap may be disused, or nearly so, in the getting up of

muslins and chintzes, which should always be treated agreeably to

the oriental manner; that is to wash them in plain water, and then

boil them in congee or rice-water: after which they ought not to be

submitted to the operation of the smoothing iron, but rubbed smooth

with a polished stone.

2178. The economy which must result from these processes renders

their consideration important to every private family, in addition to

which we must state that the improvements in philosophy extend to the

laundry as well as to the wash-house.

AGRICULTURE--MORE HINTS.

(SEE PAGES 198 AND 264.)

2179. _Small Farms._--Never have more land in culture than can be

_well cultivated_.

2180. _Be a Farmer_, not a mere earth-scraper, lazily scratching up

sufficient earth to destroy the face of the soil, and throw seed

away, or you will always have to scratch hard for a living. But make

your farm a source of pride, and it will surely become a source of

profit. Make the object to be not to have _many_, but _rich_ acres.

2181. _Turnip Fly_ may be expelled by the use of fish-oil, one or two

gallons to the acre.

2182. _Bone Dust._--An English proverb says, "One ton of bone-dust

saves the importation of ten tons of grain."

2183. _Corn._--Sprinkling with salt and water will check the weevil.

Of all the grains, corn is the most valuable, taking into view

quantity and price. Soaking the seed in a solution of saltpetre keeps

off the worm, and largely increases the crop.

2184. _Rye_ is more thrifty on soil of a dry, sandy, or gravely

texture, if well manured, and winters best when sown early.

2185. _Lime_, as manure for wheat, is of great importance Use about

three bushels to the acre.

2186. _Fields._--As a general rule, with but few exceptions, square

large fields are more advantageous than small irregular ones,

requiring less fence, and being more easily watered, manured, plowed,

and harvested.

2187. _Musty Grain_ is made sweet by putting it in boiling water,

(double the quantity of grain), letting it cool in the water, and

then drying it well. Skim the water.

2188. _A Single Weed_ may draw out the nourishment that would have

given fullness to half-a-dozen ears. To be free from taxes is far

less important than to be free from weeds.

2189. _Fences._--Around each post hill the earth, to carry off the

water, and char the end a few inches above the surface. Cedar fences

last about 15 years, which should lead owners to inquire where the

fences are to come from hereafter.

2190. _Manure._--Every farmer can double the quantity of his domestic

or yard manure, with scarcely any additional expense. At least fifty

per cent. of the nutritive properties of yard manure are lost by

drenching of rains, excessive fermentation, and injurious application

to soil.

2191. _Plow deep._--Let a farmer examine the extent and depth to

which the roots of grain, in a loose and favorable soil, will spread,

and he will cease to wonder at the failure of a crop where the

subsoil has never been stirred by the plow.

2192. _Green vegetables_, when put under the soil and submitted to

the process of decomposition, are efficacious in restoring exhausted

soils.

2193. _Fertilizing._--Buckwheat and clover are striking instances

of this power in green crops to fertilize soils, and both have been

extensively used for this purpose.

2194. _Agriculture_ is worthy the most liberal patronage of our

governments, state and national; it ought to be enlightened by a

better (and thorough) education of the agricultural class.

2195. _Three Pillars of the State._--Agriculture, manufactures,

commerce, stand together; but they stand together like pillars in a

cluster, the largest in the centre, and that largest is agriculture.

2196. _The Civilizer._--Let us never forget that the cultivation

of the earth is the most important labor of man. Man, without the

cultivation of the earth, is in all countries a savage. When tillage

begins, other arts follow. The farmers, therefore, are the founders

of human civilization.

2197. _Independence of Farmers._--We live in a country of small

farms; a country, in which men cultivate with their own hands, their

own fee-simple acres; drawing not only their subsistence, but also

their spirit of independence, and manly freedom from the ground they

plow.

2198. _The Glory of Agriculture._--"The task of working improvements

on the earth is much more delightful than all the vain glory which

can be acquired by ravaging it with the most uninterrupted career of

conquests."--_Washington._

CATTLE.

(SEE PAGE 289.)

2199.--_Treat Domestic Animals kindly and tenderly._--Domestic

animals of all kinds from a horse down to a chicken, should be

treated with gentleness and mildness; men or boys who are rash and

bad-tempered, ought not to be permitted to have charge of them or to

interfere with their management. Animals that are kept in constant

fear of suffering never thrive well, and they often become vicious

and intractable by unkind and cruel treatment.

2200. _Keep Stock in good condition._--An animal may be kept short of

food in the latter part of the fall or first of winter, at a small

saving of food but at a loss in the condition of the animal.

2201. _Stables and Food._--Provide comfortable sheds and stables.

Remember that a _want of comfort is always a waste of flesh_. Give

a sufficiency of food and drink, with great regularity. A meal ten

minutes later than the usual time, causes the animal to fret, and

fretting lessens flesh.

2202. _Drink and Litter._--Most animals will drink several times a

day, and should therefore have it as often as they want it. They

should have plenty of clean litter as often as needed. With such

management, there will be an almost incredible saving of food.

_Tight Stables_ should always be ventilated. The breath and manure

from animals always causes impure air.

2203. _Oxen._--Being well-mated, oxen are more easily trained; and

the more easily to effect this, much self-denial on the part of the

driver, much coolness of temper, more training by motion and less by

voice, may be highly advantageous to man and beast.

2204. _To Select._--Adopt the practice of selecting best lambs every

year, for stock. In a few years you have first-rate sheep. The same

course will produce the same effects in every kind of animal.

2205. _Hogs._--_Food._--If pumpkins, roots, apples, or any of them be

fed to fattening hogs with corn, the advantage will be salutary. Most

of the food for swine should be cooked. Swine fatten much faster on

fermented, than on unfermented food. Salt, charcoal, and once in a

while sulphur, are excellent for hogs under all circumstances.

_Good Medicine._--When your hogs get sick, you know not of what, give

them ears of corn, first dipped in tar, and then rolled in sulphur.

2206. _Bees._--(See p. 176).--Every farmer should keep bees; a few

swarms to furnish honey for his own use, if no more. They toil with

unremitting industry, asking but a full sweep of the wing, and no

monopoly. Every man, in either town or country, can keep bees to

advantage.

2207. _Care of Bees in Winter._--A cold, dry, dark room, is the best

winter-quarters for bees. They will consume less honey than if left

on their summer stands, and will not be weakened by the loss of

thousands, which, tempted out by the premature warmth, are caught by

the cold winds, fall to the ground, and never rise again.

2208. "_Never kill a bee._"--The smoke of the _fungus maximus_, or

common puff ball, when dried so as to hold fire, has a stupefying

effect on the bees, and renders them as harmless as brimstone does,

without any of its deadly effects.

2209. _Mignonette, Sweet._--Is especially mentioned as easily

cultivated by drills in a garden, and is one of the finest and

richest flowers in the world from which the honey-bee can extract its

food.

2210. _Horses._--See page 199.

2211. _To cure Scratches on a Horse._--Wash the legs with warm strong

soap-suds, and then with beef brine. Two applications will cure the

worst case.

2212. _Bite of a Spider._--Catnip bruised and applied to the wound,

is said to be a cure for the bite of a spider.

2213. _To preserve a Granary from Insects and Weasels._--Make the

floor of Lombardy poplars.

2214. _To prevent the Creaking of a Door._--Rub a bit of soap on the

hinges.

2215. _Sulphur_ is valuable in preserving grapes, plants, &c., from

insects.

2216. _Salt_ is really necessary to horses, cattle, and sheep,

and they should be supplied with it at regular stated intervals

throughout all seasons of the year.

2217. _Manure_, on a wet soil, produces but half its effect; and

gypsum, that grand stimulant of dry soils, on a wet one is useless.

2218. _Hen-House_ should be warm in winter, well-ventilated,

white-washed, and kept clean. For the floor, use slaked lime, fine

gravel or ashes, or burnt oyster shells. (See page 200.)

2219. _A single dozen_ fowls, properly attended, will furnish a

family with more than 2,000 eggs in a year, and 100 full-grown

chickens for fall and winter stores.

2220. _Expense._--The expense of feeding the dozen fowls will not

amount to 18 bushels of Indian corn. They may be kept in cities as

well as in the country, and will do as well shut up the year round as

to run at large, with proper care.

2221. _A Fact._--Eggs the nearest to roundness produce females, and

those pointed at one end always produce males.

2222. _For Fattening._--_Boiled_ Indian, wheat and barley, is better

than oats, rye, or buckwheat. One-third is gained by _boiling_.

2223. _Eggs_, little boiled or poached, in small quantity, convey

much nourishment; the yolk only should be eaten by invalids.

2224. _Salt for Poultry._--Salt is good for water-fowls, but death to

land fowls and birds.

2225. _Salt for Pigeons._--Pigeons are fond of salt, and it keeps

them in health. Lay a large heap of clay near the house, and let the

salt-brine that may be done with in the family be poured upon it.

2226. _To Fatten Fowls in a short time._--Mix together ground rice

well scalded with milk, and add some coarse sugar. Feed them with

this in the day-time, but not too much at once; let it be pretty

thick.

2227. _Pork cured._--Soon as cool enough to cut, and before it

freezes, pack a clean cask full, with plenty of salt on all sides

of each piece. Fill up with water, taking care, by means of a large

stone, to keep the pork under the pickle, and covered from flies, in

a cellar. Never boil pickle.

2228. _Pork Feeding._--It is a well-ascertained fact, that more meat

will be made on half the weight of corn, if ground and made into mush

instead of being fed whole.

2229. _In Smoking Hams_, &c., be careful not to have the fire too

high, or the smoke-house top tight. It is best done in an upper

story, to which the smoke is conveyed in tubes, from oak or maple

chips in the cellar. (See p. 324.)

2230. _Hollow Horn._--Where supposed to exist, feed half-peck

potatoes twice a week, and treat your cattle kindly in food and

shelter.

2231. _Sheep_ must be fed well, kept dry, have salt often, and pure

air, and be grazed in hilly stony pastures.

2232. _Cows._--Those who wish their cows to give large messes of milk

in the winter season, should give them warm drink. The extra trouble

will be more than repaid in the increased quantity of milk. (See pp.

285-6.)

2233. _Wild Onion_ may be destroyed by cultivating corn, plowing and

leaving the field in its plowed state all winter.

2234. _Remember._--The great rule in relation to animals holds

perfect in its application to vegetables; breed only from the best

animals; _defects and imperfections have always a tendency to

propagate themselves, and are always, in a greater or less degree,

transmitted_.

2235. _Wheat_ shoots strongest when there is an interval between the

time of plowing and sowing, but _barley_ is most vegetative when sown

immediately after the plow.

2236. _Grease Wheels._--Fifty parts, by weight, of pulverized black

lead, 50 of lard, 50 of soap, and 5 of quicksilver. Rub the lard and

mercury first together, then the lead and soap. If well mixed, it is

invaluable.

2237. _Plants_, when drooping, are revived by a few grains of camphor.

2238. _Flowers_ beginning to fade, can be restored by putting the

stems in scalding water.

2239. _Bacon Hams in Summer._--Pack in a barrel, in clean dry ashes

or charcoal; head up the barrel and put it where it is dry, and as

cool as possible.

2240. _Timber_ cut in the spring and exposed to the weather _with the

bark on_, decays much sooner than that _cut in the fall_.

2241. _In Feeding_ with corn, 60 lbs. ground goes as far as 100 lbs.

in the kernel.

2242. _Apples._--Experiments show apples to be equal to potatoes to

improve hogs, and decidedly profitable for fattening cattle.

2243. _Pears_ are greatly improved by grafting on the mountain ash.

2244. _Rats_ and other vermin are kept away from grain by a

sprinkling of garlic when packing the sheaves.

2245. _Wet Land._--Money skillfully expended in drying land, by

draining or otherwise, will be returned with ample interest.

2246. _Grass._--Sweet and nutritious grass gives a richness and

flavor to milk, attainable from no other source.

2247. _Curing Fodder._--Bundles may be so placed around centre-poles

as to form a hollow-stack, having a foundation of brush, sticks, &c.,

admitting a circulation of air that will thoroughly cure fodder in

the shade.

2248. _Turnips_ of small size have double the nutritious matter that

large ones have.

2249. _Ruta Baga_ is the only root that increases in nutritious

qualities as it increases in size.

2250. _In transplanting_ trees, the hole should not be proportioned

to the extent of the roots _as they are_, but to their extent as they

_may be_ and _should be_.

2251. _Toads_ are the very best protection of cabbages against lice.

2252. _Peach Trees_ are protected from hard winters by covering the

roots a foot deep with straw, in _January_, after the ground has

become thoroughly frozen, which keeps the frost in the ground, and so

prevents the sap from starting until the Spring is fairly opened.

2253. _Save your Fire Wood._--Mr. Madison, in his Notes of

Agriculture, says, "Of all the errors in our rural economy, none

perhaps is to be so much regretted, because none so difficult to be

repaired, as the excessive and injudicious destruction of fire-wood."

2254. _Sorrel_ may be killed out by lime, while ashes have no effect

on it.

2255. _Shumac_ or _Sumac_, a poisonous shrub or plant, which grows

wild in abundance, and frequently where nothing else will, is used

for dyeing in England, at the rate of thirteen thousand tons per

annum. It might be made a source of profit to our farmers.

GARDENING

(SEE PAGE 291.)

2256. _Kitchen Garden._--This is one of the most important parts of

general domestic economy, whenever the situation of a house will

permit a family to avail themselves of its assistance, in aid of

butcher's bills.

2257. It is, indeed, much to be regretted that small plots of ground,

in the immediate vicinity of the metropolis more especially, are too

often frittered away into shrubberies and baby gardens, when they

might more usefully be employed in raising vegetables for the family,

during the week-day residence in town, than wasting their sweetness

on the smoky air in all the pride of lilac, hollyhock, and bachelors'

buttons, to be merely smelled to, by the whole immigrating household

on the day of rest.

2258. With a little care and attention, a kitchen-garden, though

small, might be rendered not only useful, but in fact, as ornamental

as a modern grass carpet; and the same expense incurred to make the

ground a labyrinth of sweets, might suffice to render it agreeable to

the palate, as well as to the olfactory nerves, and that even without

offending the most delicate optics.

2259. It is only in accordance with our plan to give the hint, and to

record such novel points as may facilitate the proposed arrangement.

2260. It is one objection to the adoption of a kitchen garden in

front of the dwelling, or in sight of the family apartments, that its

very nature makes it rather an eye-sore than otherwise at all seasons.

2261. This, however, is an objection that may be readily got over

by a little attention to neatness and good order, whilst the plants

themselves, if judiciously attended to, and the borders sown or

planted with ranunculus, polyanthus, mignionette, &c., in succession,

will really be ornamental.

2262. But then, in cutting the plants for use, the business must be

done neatly, all useless leaves cleared from the ground, the roots

no longer wanted taken up, and the ravages of insects to be guarded

against by sedulous extirpation. It will also be found a great

improvement, where space will admit of it, to surround the beds with

neat espaliers, with fruit trees, or even gooseberry and currant

bushes trained along them, instead of these being suffered to grow in

a state of ragged wildness.

DRYING HERBS.

2263. Fresh herbs are preferable to dried ones, but as they cannot

always be obtained, it is most important to dry herbs at the proper

seasons:--

2264. _Basil_ is in a fit state for drying about the middle of August.

2265. _Burret_ in June, July, and August.

2266. _Chervil_ in May, June, and July.

2267. _Elder Flowers_ in May, June, and July.

2268. _Fennel_ in May, June, and July.

2269. _Knotted Marjoram_ during July.

2270. _Lemon Thyme_ end of July, and through August.

2271. _Mint_ end of June and July.

2272. _Orange Flowers_ May, June, and July.

2273. _Orange Thyme_ (a delicious herb), June and July.

2274. _Parsley_ May, June, and July.

2275. _Sage_, August and September.

2276. _Summer Savory_, end of July and August.

2277. _Tarragon_, June, July, and August.

2278. _Thyme_, end of July and August.

2279. _Winter Savory_, end of July and August.

2280. These herbs always at hand will be a great aid to the cook.

2281. Herbs should be gathered on a dry day; they should be

immediately well cleansed, and dried by the heat of a stove, or Dutch

oven.

2282. The leaves should then be picked off, pounded and sifted, and

put away for use.

PROPERTIES AND USES OF VEGETABLES.

2283. _Parsley_ is very cooling and softening.

2284. _Catnip_ is a warm herb, of a diaphoretic or sweating nature.

2285. _Pennyroyal_ is much the same, only more powerful. It retains a

very powerful pungent oil.

2286. _Spearmint_ is pungent and hot, but of an astringent nature.

2287. _Calamint_ is much the same, but not so strong.

2288. _Hoarhound_ is very strengthening to the lungs, and is somewhat

of a pectoral. It is excellent in a cough, or stopage in the stomach.

2289. _Everlasting_, or _Indian Posey_, is a very balsamic

herb--healing and cooling, and excellent in salves or ointment.

2290. _Johnswort_ is much the same.

2291. _Pea Balm_ is a cooling and sweating herb, and is good in

fevers and inflammations.

2292. _Chamomile_ is a great restorative to the lungs, and promotes

perspiration. It is good in salves and ointments to take away

swellings.

2293. _Mayweed_ is of a pectoral nature, and is good for a pain in

the side.

2294. _Garden Coltsfoot_ is a great restorative to the lungs, and is

good in syrups for coughs.

2295. _Melilot_ is good in salves and ointments for swellings and

inflammations. It is mollifying and cooling.

2296. _Sage_ is the greatest restorative to human nature of any herb

that grows.

2297. _Bloodroot_ is a very powerful emetic or purge: steeped in

spirits, it will serve for an emetic; and boiled in fair water it

serves as a purge.

2298. _Mandrake_ root is an excellent physic, dried and pounded.

2299. _Cumfrey_ and _Spikenard_ are so well known that they need no

describing.

2300. _Elecampane_ is good in coughs, yet it is an astringent.

2301. _Cranesbill_ is an astringent, and excellent in cankers.

2302. _Whiteroot_ is of a physical nature, and is good to remove wind

pent in the stomach, or part of the bowels.

2303. _Sassafras_ root is good for the blood.

2304. So also are _Sarsaparilla, Horse Radish, Burdock roots, Elder

roots_.

2305. _Hop roots_, and _Wild Coltsfoot_ are good as pectorals.

2306. _White_ and _Yellow Pond Lily roots_, the same.

2307. _Winter's Bark._--This is the product of one of the largest

trees on Terra del Fuego. It is good in dropsy and scurvy.

2308. _Wild Jenton_ is a strong cathartic, when boiled.

VEGETABLES TO CULTIVATE.

2309. _Artichoke._--Sow early in the Spring, in rows three inches

apart, or plant suckers.

2310. _Asparagus._--Sow in April, in good rich soil.

2311. _Beans._ _English Dwarfs._--Plant as early in the Spring as the

ground will work.

2312. _Kidney Dwarfs._--Plant from end of April to about 20th August.

2313. _Pole or Running._--Plant beginning of May, and at intervals

through the season.

2314. _Beets._--Sow in drills, from early in the Spring till the

middle of Summer. Leave the plants 6 to 8 inches apart in the drills.

2315. _Borecole_ is an excellent green. Sow in Fall, either broadcast

or in drills, as for Winter Spinach.

2316. _Brussels Sprouts_ are cultivated for the small heads, which

are attached to the stem. Sow in the middle of Spring, and treat as

Winter Cabbage.

2317. _Brocoli_ produces heads like cauliflower. Sow in seed bed

about the middle of Spring. Transplant in rich ground when 8 or 12

inches high, and treat as Winter Cabbage.

2318. _Cabbage._--For early cabbage, sow in Autumn, in seed beds.

Protect during Winter; transplant early in the Spring. For late

Cabbage, sow in seed bed, middle of Spring. Transplant early in

Summer.

2319. _Cardoon_ is much used for salads, soups, and stews. Treated

much like Celery.

2320. _Cauliflower._--Sow, for early, in seed beds, in Autumn;

protect from frost, in cold frames, and transplant in rich ground

after frost ceases. For late, manage as Brocoli.

2321. _Carrots_ should be sown early in the Spring, in deep-dug and

well-manured ground, in drills twelve or eighteen inches apart.

2322. _Celery_ should be sown early in the Spring, in light rich

moist soil. Transplant in trenches, highly manured, when about six

inches high. Blanch by earthing up as they advance in growth.

2323. _Chervil._--A small salad. Sow early in the Spring, and after

heat of Summer.

2324. _Cress._--Used as a salad. Sow very thick, in shallow drills,

at intervals through the season.

2325. _Corn Salad._--Used as a salad during the Winter and Spring.

Sow thick, in drills, about 1st of September, and cover with straw on

the approach of cold.

2326. _Cucumbers_ should be planted first week in May, in hills four

feet apart; prepare the ground by incorporating a shovelful of rotten

dung in each hill.

2327. _Endive._--Sow last of Spring to middle of Summer, in shallow

drills.

2328. _Egg-Plant._--Sow in hot-beds early in the Spring; transplant

in rich warm ground late in the Spring, about 30 inches apart.

Egg-plant seed will not vegetate freely without a substantial heat.

2329. _Lettuce_ should be sown in seed bed, in the middle of

September; protect the plants through the Winter, and early in the

Spring transplant in rich ground; or sow in hot-beds, in March, and

at intervals throughout the season.

2330. _Melon._--Plant in hills, in light sandy earth, about the first

week in May.

2331. _Mushroom Spawn_ should be planted in hot-beds of dung, covered

with earth.

2332. _Mustard._--Sown like Cress, and used for a salad.

2333. _Nasturtium._--Sow in May. The flowers and young leaves are

used as a salad; the seed-pods, with foot-stalk, are gathered whilst

green, and pickled as a substitute for capers.

2334. _Okra_, or _Gombo_, is one of the best of vegetables. Plant in

May. The seed should be sown thick, as it is liable to rot in the

ground. Very rich ground is required.

2335. _Onions_ should be sown in drills, early in the Spring, in rich

ground, thin, to stand two or three inches apart.

2336. _Parsley_ should be sown early in the Spring. Soak in warm

water before sowing.

2337. _Parsnip._--Sow in drills 18 inches apart, in good and deep-dug

ground, early in the Spring.

2338. _Peas._--The best soil for Peas is a light loam. The early

sorts require rich ground. Sow in drills as early in the Spring as

the ground will work.

2339. _Pepper._--Sow late in Spring, in drills, on a warm border; or

in a frame or hot-bed, in March; set out plants eighteen inches apart.

2340. _Pumpkin._--The Mammoth Pumpkin has been grown to the enormous

weight of 225 pounds. Plant early in May, in rich soil, in hills,

eight to ten feet apart each way.

2341. _Radish._--The early kinds should be sown as soon as the ground

can be worked, in a sheltered situation.

2342. _Rhubarb_ should be sown in Autumn or early in the Spring; when

in the latter, transplant in the ensuing Spring to desired situation.

The stems are used for tarts, and are fit for use before green fruit

can be obtained, being a very desirable substitute.

2343. _Salsify_, or _Vegetable Oyster_, should be sown during April.

The roots boiled, made into cakes with paste, and fried like oysters,

much resembles them.

2344. _Spinach_ should be sown as soon as the ground can be worked.

The soil cannot be too rich for Spinach.

2345. _Squash._--Cultivate same as Cucumber.

2346. _Tomato._--Sow in hills three feet apart, on a warm border,

early in the Spring. As the plants advance in growth, give them

support.

2347. _Turnip._--For summer use, sow early in the Spring. For main

crop, sow close of Summer. The Ruta Baga requires more time to

mature, and should be sown at midsummer.

2348. _Aromatic and Sweet Herbs._--Anise, Brazil, (sweet), Caraway,

Coriander, *Fennel, *Lavender, Marygold, Pot, Marjorum, (sweet),

*Sage, Summer Savory, *Winter Savory, *Thyme, *Mint, *Rosemary, Dill.

2349. Those marked with a * are perennial, and when once obtained,

may be preserved for years. The others are annual.

FRUIT TREES AND FRUIT.

2350. _Fruits_, in a ripe and perfect state, are beneficial to

health, if not eaten to excess.

2351. _Stunted_ trees never become vigorous, nor when too long

crowded in nurseries.

2352. In _Grafting_, 25 well placed are better than 100 grafts placed

at random, and ten placed injudiciously will change the whole top of

a tree in a few years, when 200 grafts may be so scattered as not

materially to change the top of the tree or its fruit. Graft only on

such as are sound and vigorous.

2353. _Haggling_ off limbs and branches and leaving stumps on the

trees, which rot off and let the water into the trunk, soon destroys

the tree; therefore, always cut or saw off smooth, when the wound

will heal and the bark grow over.

2354. _Sound_, vigorous trees, and no other, should be set out, as

they take no more trouble or space than the worthless ones.

2355. _Budding_ should only be done with fresh buds, on very small

stocks of vigorous growth. Begin after sap starts, until 1st June.

Later will do. Make incision like a T; raise the corners and insert

the bud with as little of the wood as possible, and bandage, not too

tight, for three weeks.

2356. _Scions_ may be cut in February or March, before or at the

time the buds begin to swell; or take grafts size of a pipe-stem,

from bearing branches, not from side shoots nor the rank growth of

the top. Put in earth one-third their length, keep from frost, and

occasionally sprinkle, to prevent shriveling, but not so wet as to

sprout them.

2357. _Composition._--Resin 8 oz., beeswax, 3 oz.; melt up with lard,

and work it like shoemaker's wax; for wounds made in pruning or

grafting.

2358. _Split_ the stock, drive in a wedge six or eight inches long,

open the split so as to admit the graft freely; sharpen end of graft

and insert, matching the wood of graft and wood of the stock; remove

the wedge carefully, and cover smooth over with composition, tight,

to exclude air, and the sap will force its way to the graft.

2359. _Seed._--Select from healthy trees, sound, ripe and fair fruit,

and place in sand, in a cellar or other cool, damp place, until

time to plant. If kept too dry, they seldom vegetate. Let the soil

be good, well worked, not too wet; cover up and press the ground

moderately over. Plant in Fall, before the ground is frozen, or in

Spring, soon as the ground can be worked.

2360. _Soil._--Low, wet or marshy ground is not suitable. Soil

appropriate for crops of grain, is also adapted to the cultivation

of fruit trees, shrubs or vines. Occasional digging, mellowing

the ground, keeping down underbrush and weeds, and manuring, are

beneficial.

2361. _Cleanliness_ is essential. Destroy all caterpillars, noxious

worms and insects, and prune off all affected parts. Scrape off all

rough, ragged bark and moss, and wash well with soap-suds or cover

with a coat of limewash. Remove all suckers from the roots, side

branches and excrescences.

2362. _Grubs_, which occasion disease, may be prevented by coating

the roots and lower trunk, about July 1, with tar, train oil, or

whitewash, and sprinkling a little lime, ashes, or soap-suds, on the

ground around the tree. When seriously affected, dig the earth from

the roots near the surface, and search thoroughly in the bark for the

grub; cleanse off the gum, &c., wash with ley or soap-suds, or rub

dry ashes over them, and close up with good fresh earth. Doing this

as occasion requires, will ensure health and vigor.

2363. _Slugs and Snails_ are great enemies to every kind of

garden-plant, whether flower or vegetable; they wander in the night

to feed, and return at daylight to their haunts; the shortest and

surest direction is, "Rise early, catch them, and kill them."--(See

p. 281.)

2364. _Another way._--Lay cabbage leaves about the ground, especially

on the beds which they frequent. Every morning examine these leaves,

and you will find a great many taking refuge beneath.

2365. _Caterpillars and Aphides._--A garden syringe or engine, with

a cap on the pipe full of very minute holes, will wash away these

disagreeable visitors very quickly. You must bring the pipe close

to the plant, and pump hard, so as to have considerable force on,

and the plant, however badly infested, will soon be cleared without

receiving any injury.--(See p. 277.)

2366. _Rake the Earth._--Every time that you use the syringe or

garden-engine, you must immediately rake the earth under the trees,

and kill the insects you have dislodged, or many will recover and

climb up the stems of the plants.

2367. _Grubs on Orchard Trees._--Make a bonfire with dry sticks and

weeds on the windward side of the orchard, so that the smoke may

blow among the trees; you will destroy thousands; for the grubs have

such an objection to smoke, that very little of it makes them roll

themselves up and fall off; they must be swept up afterward.

2368. _Wasps_ destroy a good deal of fruit, but every pair of wasps

killed in spring saves the trouble and annoyance of a swarm in autumn.

2369. _Butterflies and Moths_, however pretty, are the worst enemies

one can have in a garden; a single insect of this kind may deposit

eggs enough to overrun a tree with caterpillars, therefore they

should be destroyed at any cost of trouble.

2370. The only moth that you must spare, is the common black and

red one; the grubs of this feed exclusively on grounsel, and are

therefore a valuable ally of the gardener.

2371. _Earwigs_ are very destructive insects; their favorite food is

the petals of roses, pinks, dahlias, and other flowers.

2372. _To kill Earwigs._--They may be caught by driving stakes into

the ground, and placing on each an inverted flower-pot; the earwigs

will climb up and take refuge under it, when they may be taken out

and killed.--(See p. 279.)

2373. Or very deep holes may be made in the ground with a crowbar,

into these they will fall, and may be destroyed by boiling water.

2374. _Toads_ are among the best friends the gardener has; for they

live almost exclusively on the most destructive kinds of vermin.

2375. _The Rose Slug._--A new and sure mode to destroy these

insects, either when as a fly laying its eggs, or as a slug, is the

following:--

2376. _Whale Oil Soap_, dissolved at the rate of two pounds to

fifteen gallons of water.

2377. _Mode of Preparation._--Take whatever quantity of soap you wish

to prepare, and dissolve it in boiling water, about one quart to a

pound; in this way strain it through a fine wire or hair sieve, which

takes out the dirt, prevents its stopping the valves of the engine,

or the nose of the syringe; then add cold water to make it the proper

strength.

2378. _How to use it._--Apply it to the rose-bush with a hand engine

or syringe, with as much force as practicable, and be sure that every

part of the leaves is well saturated with the liquid. What falls to

the ground in application, will do good in destroying the worms and

enriching the soil, and from its trifling cost, it can be used with

profusion.

2379. _The cost._--A hogshead of 136 gallons costs forty-five

cents--not quite four mills per gallon. Early in the morning, or in

the evening, is the proper time to apply it to the plants.

2380. _Mildew_ on the Gooseberry, Peach, Grape-vine, &c., is checked

and entirely destroyed by a weak dressing of the solution.

2381. _The Canker Worm._--Laying soap oil on the trunk and branches

of the tree, at the consistency of thick paint, destroys the brown,

scaly insect on the bark, and gives the tree a smooth, glossy, and

healthy appearance.

2382. _To free Plants from Leaf-Lice._--Mix one ounce of flowers of

sulphur with one bushel of sawdust; scatter this over the plants

infected with these insects, and they will soon be freed, though a

second application may possibly be necessary.

2383. _Keeping Fruits._--The three best of eight different modes

fairly tried, are, 1, covering in pure dry sand; 2, in dry fern; 3,

in a deal box buried in the earth. In all cases to be kept cool.

2384. _Sunflower_ yields 140 bushels per acre, and each bushel one

gallon of good oil. Its leaves furnish provender; its seeds, food for

poultry and hogs. It thrives on poor soils.

2385. _To prepare a cheap Hortus Siccus._--All the small plants

should be expanded under water, in a plate, on a piece of

writing-paper. In this state they will assume their natural form

and position. Then withdraw the paper with the plant gently from

the water, and place them between sheets of blotting-paper, and

press them with a book or flat board. When dry, it may be placed on

writing-paper.