SCRAPS FOR ECONOMICAL HOUSEWIVES.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2289, 3 August 1881, Page 4

SCRAPS FOR ECONOMICAL HOUSEWIVES.

“Every Little makes a Mickle.”

See that nothing is thrown away which might have served to nourish your own family or a poorer one. Count towels, sheets, spoons, &c., occasionally, that those who use them may not become careless.

As far as it is 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, &c. A nice dish is made of crusts and dry pieces of bread, soaked a good while in hot milk, mashed up, and eaten with salt or sugar. 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, even in the hottest weather.

Look frequently to the pails, to see that nothing is thrown to the pigs which should have been elsewhere.

See that the beef and pork are always under brine, and that the brine is sweet and clean.

Examine preserves to see that they are not contracting mould, and your pickles, to see that they are not growing tasteless. Attend to all the mending in the house once a week if possible. 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 the worker. Tortoiseshell and horn combs last much longer for having oil rubbed into them occasionally. Lamps will have a less disagreeable smell if you dip the wick into strong hot vinegar and dry. Spirits of turpentine is good to take grease spots out of woollen clothes; to take spots of paint from furniturej to cleanse white kid gloves. Cockroaches and all vermin hare an aversion to spirits of turpentine. The new iron should be gradually heated at first. After it has become inured to the heat it is not so likely to crack. The oftener carpets are shaken the longer they wear ; the dirt that collects under them cuts the threads.

Do not have carpets swept oftener than is absolutely necessary. After dinner sweep the crumbs into the dnsting-pan with your hearthbrush ; and if you have been sewing, pick up the shreds by baud. A carpet can be kept very neat in this way ; and a broom wears it much.