Delaware inquirer. (Wilmington, Del.) 1859-18??, 1860-02-04
THE HOUSEWIFE.

HINTS TO HousEwIvEs.-Vessels intended 10
contain liquid of a higher temperature than
the surrounding medium, and to keep that
liquid as long as possible at the highest tenn
perature, should be constructed Of materials
which are the worst radiators of heat. Thus,
tea urns and tea pots best adapted for their
purpose when constructed of polished metal.
aud worst when constructed Of black porcelain.
black porcelain tea pot is the worst concei-
vable material for that vessel for both its ma
terial and color are good radiators of heat, and
the liquid contained in it cools with the great
est possible rapidly. On the other hand n
bright metal tea pot is best adapted for the
purpose, because it is the worst radiator of
heat, and therefore cools as slowlyas possible.
A polished silver or brass tea urn Is better
adapted TO retain the heat of the water, than
one of a dull brown color, such as is most COM
monty used. tin kettle retains the heat Of
water boiled in it more eliectually if it be kept
clean and polished, than il it be allowed to
collect the smoke and SCOT to which it is ex-
posed from the action of the fire When coat
ed with this, its surface becomes rough and
black, and is powerful radiator of heat.
set of polished fire irons may remain for long
fimc IN front of hot fire, without receiving
from it any increase of temperature beyond
that of the chamber, because the heat radiated
by the fire is all reflected by the polished sur.
face Of the irons and none Of it is absorbed;
but IT set of rough, unpublished irons were
similarly placed, they would become speedily
so hot, that they could not be used without in
convenience. The polish of the fire irons is,
therefore, not merely matter OF ornament.
but OF use and convenience. The rough. nm
polished poker, sometimes used in kitchen.
becomes speedily so hot that it cannot be held
without pain. A close stove, intended to warm
apartments, should not have polished sur
face, for in that case it is one of the worst ra
diators Of heat, and nothing conld be contriy-
ed less tit for the purpose to which it is an |
piled. On the other hand, a rough, unpublished
surface Of cast iron, is favorable to radiation.
and hire in such stove will always produce
u most powerful eilect.-Dy. Ldrdaer on Heat.
RECIPE FOR WEsTPHALlAY HAMs.-The iustly !
celebrated Westphalian hams are cured in a /
pickle prepared as follows. Boil together over
gentle fire six pounds of good common salt.
two pounds of powdered loaf-sugar three
ounces Of saltpetrc, and three gallons of spring
water. Skim il while boiling, and when quite
cold pour il over the hams, every part Of which
must be covered with the brine. Hams intend |
ed for smoking will be sufficiently sailed in
this prime in two weeks; though, If very large
more Time may be allowed This pickle may
be used repeatedly, if boiled, and fresh ingre-
dients added, Hams, before they are mt IN
the pickle, should be soaked in water. ali the
blood pressed out, and wiped dry. Much Of
the excellence of the ham is depending on the
smoking. This should be done in such n man
ner that the ham shall be cool and perfectly
airy throughout the whole operation If 100
near the fire they will be heated, and their fla
'vor injured fthe building be too close, the
hams will be wet, and taste as if dipped in nv
roligneous acid.