Domestic

New Zealand Tablet, 21 August 1913, Page 57

Domestic

By Maubiib.

To Clean Eyeglasses. . ' Not all who wear eyeglasses know that these troublesome articles may bo kept remarkably clear and bright by rubbing them occasionally with soft tissue paper and. a few drops of methylated spirit. This is - the method of cleaning used by many opticians. v Hint to Test Linen. When buying handkerchiefs or other linen goods,to find out if they are really linen moisten the tip of the finger and press on them. If the wet penetrates the handkerchief at once it is linen, but if cotton it takes some seconds to wet through the thread. •' Drawn-Thread Hint. It is always more or less troublesome to draw the threads for fancy work. If you take a piece of soap and mark along the back of the material where you want the threads to come from, you will find they will slip out ever so easily. In machining new calicoes the same applies with advantage, and saves wear of the delicate parts of the machine. .■ . Preserving Cut Flowers. French chemists have discovered that a sugar solution of varying strength proves the most effective method of preserving cut flowers, except in the case of lilies, lilacs, and sweet peas. Carnations lasted longest in a 15 per cent, sugar solution, while roses were most permanent in a sugar solution of half that strength. Chrysanthemums and tulips were not benefited, but effort is being made to discover a suitable preservative for them also. •• - - An Aid to Boot-Cleaning. . You may reduce the labor of boot-cleaning by using a little glycerine. Brush the boots well, and rub the glycerine into the leather with sponge or a piece of soft rag. When they are nearly dry, brush with a soft cloth. It will give an excellent polish, and they will keep their polish for three or four days, if you give them an occasional brush. They will also keep a good color, and be soft and comfortable. No blacking is required. .. > : ' Beading at Meals. The habit of reading at meals,is to be condemned, and more particularly when it has grown to on© of actual study, and when the reader endeavors to gain knowledge and to save time at his meals. The solitary reader, if he reads, should only read what is light , and amusing. The common practice of having the morning paper at our breakfast-table is not especially injurious, as it furnishes items for. conversation, and does not particularly exercise the brain, but if it should do so it is advisable to at once discontinue it. Digestion is always best served when the mind is free from care and when the physical processes of our frames are left to discharge their work free from nervous trammels. It is on the ground of the elevation of spirits produced by cheerful association with others that pleasant company at meals has always formed a condition of social enjoyment. The stimulus to nervous activity which is thus given acts beneficially on the digestive powers, just as the man who is harassed, worried, and excited will not be likely to digest or eat a satisfactory meal.