The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1880-11-04
The Packing OF Trunks.

1t is said that a woman cannot wrap
up paper parcel or sharpen a lead
pencil as well as man. 1t is true there
have been women who have shown
themselves quite equal to men in these
little enterprises, but these exceptions
may be said to merely prove the general
rule. CandOr and profound venera-
ton for the truth cOmpels one to admit,
however, that such women are uncom-
mon products of nature. A kinder
statement, and one equally hard to dis
prove, is this; A man cannot pack
trunk as satisfactorily, Systematically
and conveniently as woman. He values
his time too highly, and objects to dust
ing or making glossy the knees of his
garments. This peculiar occupation is
not large enough for his superior nature,
nor satisfying to his intellectual powers;
but, all the same. he likes to find every
thing in its proper place and free from
wrinkles when he reaches the end of
journey. Indeed, there have been in
stances when he bestowed that curious
thing which he is pleased to call piece
of his mind upon a valise or a trunk
that proved to be less orderly in its ar
engagements than he anticipated.
The trunk which will hold a great
deal and yet will not take up much
room, has but single tray and no COM
partments, boxes or drawers. If, how
ever, space need not be economical,
the interior is divided up to furnish re-
ceptacles for different articles of attire.
A trunk of light weight, yet which is
substantial, has many conveniences. 1t
is mistake to suppose that a heavy
trunk is stronger than more flexible,
light-framed article. A small amount
of observation added to a trifiing guam
tity of humanity, makes it easy for one
to forgive careless and even a vicious
handling of certain enormous pieces of
luggage belonging to American female
travellers. The English lady prefers a
wicker basket in trunk shape, with a
lock and key. 1t is strong, capacious,
and has cover of waterproof cloth
carefully fastened about it by short
leather straps. This sensible article is
gradually coming into use in America,
to carry costumes, skirts, and large
pieces of raiment, which cannot be
crushed without showing wrinkles.
In packing a lady's trunk never for
get to place the heavy articles of under
wear, neatly folded and compactly
crowded together, at the bottom. If a
bonnet is to be included pack it in
paper box that is as small as possible.
Arrange the white garments about it,
so that when they are all disposed of
they will present as level surface as
possible. Stockings neatly turned into
each other and merino or silk under
vests, etc., tidily rolled up, are excel
lent articles to crowd into the vacancies
about the bonnet box, and also into
spaces caused by garments with gathered
tops. Starched skirts should be folded
into as broad pieces as the trunk will
admit, and their tops folded over or I'M
der to suit convenience. Above them
place the dress skirts, also folded as
broadly as possible, carefully preserv-
ing the smoothness of their lower parts,
and over these lay the neatly folded
waists. Now place towel over them
and tuck it neatly down about the
dresses to further secure them from
dust. If the tray sinks down too easily,
on account of the trunk not having
enough in it, add shawl, newspaper,
or any convenient articles that will pre-
vent the packed garments from becom-
ing disarranged. In the tray, collars,
ribbons, laces, gloves and all the
etceteras of lady's toilet should be
neatly arranged either in or out of pa
per boxes. Fans and parasols should
be wrapped in towels or soft papers
Shoes should be placed in linen pockets
everything is in the trunk, cover the
topmost articles with a towel, and be
sure to fill in with something if there
is any space still left. This style of
packing will carry the finest of dresses
and skirts a great distance without
injury.