USEFUL HINTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2734, 12 February 1910, Page 4 (Supplement)

USEFUL HINTS.

"When cleaning silver mix the: plate powder with methylated spirit instead of water. Thus a good polish is more quickly attained, and it lasts longer. When putting up pictures one sometimes finds the Avail is so crumbling that it won’t hold the nails. In that case scoop a little, hole in the Avail Avith a screwdriver, fill it Avith, plaster of Paris moistened Avith Avater, and then insert your nail. The plaster of Paris Avill harden in a minute or two, and then the nail will be quite firm. Only mix just as much plaster of Paris as you are ready to use, for it hardens so quickly that it Avould soon be unworkable-.

Cheap table mats may be made at home of little brass rings, sold at a feAV pence, a dozen, and colored crochet cotton, cover each ring Avith double crochet, and when a number of rings have been covered, sew five together in a row, then tAvo toavs of three rings should be sewn on each side, of the row of five ; one ring added to each side of the mat finishes it. The sewing must be done neatly, and at the back. Of course, the mats may be of any size. Table napkin rings may he made in similar fashion, and it is Avorlc that children Avill enjoy doing for “mother.” To keep outdoor brass bright, clean the brass as usual, then rub it carefully Avith a little vaseline on a- cloth. This plan is efficacious in the dampest Aveather, and it gives very little extra trouble. When heating Avhites of eggs odd a little salt. The effect of the salt is to lower the temperature and make the ogf froth more easily. . ' Bunches of sAveet-scented grass which have begun to lose their fragrance Avill be-as aromatic as ever if plunged for a minute in boiling water. Dried lavender may be similarly treated.