Science.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 382, 3 September 1903, Page 7

Science.

EYES IN WATEIi. f£T is almost a universal belief among S the laity that the eyeß are strength* § ened by burying the face in a basin of water and keeping the eyes open. Nothing could b9 more fallacious. The healthiest eyes are irritated by this operation, and delicate eyes suffer serious injury. "The reason is that the fluid which naturally moistens the eye, as well as ail the tissues that surround that organ, contain an abundance of salts. When the eyes are opened in ordinary water all these salts axe washed away,

If, therefore, you want to opeß your eyes n water, y«.u should first add some salt to it. After a walk or oycle ride over dusty roads the operation is very refreshing. But in ordinary circumstances it is better not to open the eyes under water at all. It is all very well for frogs and fishes, but our eyes are constructed to open in air. TO REMOVE A GEEASE STAIN. To remove a stubborn grease stain, put two thicknesses of blotting-paper on an ironing-board. Place the grease-stained material on it, saturate it with benzine, cover it with two more thicknesses, of blotting-paper, and iron it with a moderately hot iron. But remember that benzine is highly inflammable, and, therefore, must not be used near a fire or light. A NIGHT LIGHT. Next time you want a night light, and find your stock exhausted, try this plan. Take an ordinary wax candle and some finely powdered salt; eovor the top of tbe candle—which should have been burnt till it is level—with a thin layer of the salt, leaving only the blackened end of wick exposed. Light the candle, and it will give a faint but steady light all night.

TO CLEAN AN INVALID'S EOOM. An invalid's rcom should never be swept in the ordinary sense of the word. Instead, carpet and floor should be cleaned in this jray: To a bucket of cold water add one tablespoonful of liquid ammonia. Wring a clean cloth out of this, getting it as dry as possible, and with this carefully wipe over both carpet and floor, turning and rinsing the cloth, and changing the water as it gets diity. TO FRESHEN A FELT HAT. Ammonia and water ia excellent for this. Pat a little cold water in a saucer, add a few drops of ammonia to it, and. with this sponge the hat thoroughly, after first bribing to remove all dost; then wring -a fairly thick cloth out of cold water, lay it over the hat, and iron with a moderately hot flat-iron till dry. Pulling the cloth away will raise the nap, and the hat, unless very dilapidated, will look almcst as good as new. FOR RAINY DAYS. Never wear ycur beEt clothes in rainy or muddy weather, if you can av;id it. Nothing makes them look shabbs more quickly. It is an excellent plan to keep an old coat and ekirt for bad weather; but be sure that, however old, the braid and lining are in good condition. Neglect of these points at once matks a girl as carelcFs and untidy. By the way, remember that wings and quills, after being worn in windy, rainy weather, should be stroked and smoothed into their proper shape while still wet. TO WASH A SHETLAND bHAWL, Make a. good lather of Boap and lukewarm water, and press and squeeze the shawl in this till clean, but do not rnb soap on it. Then rinse in two lots of weak suds of the same temperature. Rinsing in weak suds makes the shawl look fluffy and new, but if rinsed in clear water it would be spoiled. After the final rinsing press out what water you can, and throw it in a heap on a clean Bheet pinned to the floor, turning occasionally till dry. Now stretch it on the sheet to the shape and s'ze you wish it to be, pin it firmly down, and well sprinkle with cold water. When dry it should look like new.