The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1881-09-23
USEFUL HINTS.

TnE poison of bee sting may be
forced ont by pressing the barrel of
small key firmly for minute over the
wound. No wound or swelling will
result
The Harrisburg Patriot says that a
lady has discovered plan to keep
watermeions In their natural form and
flavor for an indefinite length of time.
She has successfully tried it in past
seasons, and, as consequence, has been
able to treat her family to watermelon
supper at Christmas time. The plan Is
an inexpensive aud simple one, ana con-
sists IN giving the melon three or four
coats of varnish to exclude the air. She
says they not only keep from decay, but
that the flavor and sweetness are re-
tanned, and when eaten at Christmas or
New Years the fruit seems to be won
derfully improved in these particulars.
THE following rules to test good flour
are given by an old dealer: First, look
at its color. Ii it is white, with slight
ly yellow or straw-colored tint, it is
good sign. Ii it is very white, with blu
ish cast or with small black specks in it,
the -four is not good. Second, examine
its adhesiveness. Wet and knead lit
tie of it between the fingers; If it works
dry aud elastic it is good if it works
soft and sticky it is poor. Flour made
from spring wheat is often sticky. Third,
throw 4 little lump OF dry -four against
dry, smooth, perpendicular surface if
it adheres in lump, the flour has life in
it; if it falls like powder, it is bad.
Fourth, squeeze some of the -four In
your hand; if it retains the shape given
by the pressure, that, too, is good
sign. 1t is safe TO buy -four that will
stand all these tests, and they are SIM
Pile.
AN agricultural contemporary tells us
hsw to wash hght-colored prints and
cambrics. Take tablespoonful of pow
dered alum and dissolve it in boiling
water, and add to it enough water in
which to wet the dress. Have the wa
ter quite cool to the hand; hot water
fades all prints. Dip the soiled dress
into the water, taking care to wet every
part of it thoroughly. Then wiring out
and wash the dress in moderately warm
soapsuds made from bar soap, and rinse
it in cold water. Have the starch ready,
and not hot; dip in the dress, wiring it
out, shake it well, and hang to dry in
the shade. Don't let the sunbeams
touch it. When partly dry just damp
en- enough to iron we'll; bring it
In and iron it on dress-board. Prints
should never be allowed to become
rough dry, and they should be ironed
on the wrong side or under damp
cloth. 1t is a good plan to wash dress
at time when it can be ironed the same
day, as it will look much better than if
laid aside till next day.
In the season of fruits, says the
American AgriculturiSt. the napkins
used al table, and often the handker-
chiefs and other articles, will become
stained. Those who have access to a
good drug store can procure a bottle of
Javelle water Ii tine stains are wet
with this before the articles are put into
the wash they will be completely re-
moved. Those who cannot get Javelle
water can make solution of chloride of
lime. -Four ounces OF the chloride of
lime is to be put into quart of water in
q bottle, and after thorough shaking al
low the dregs to settle. The clear liquid
will remove the stains as readily as Jaw
ellie water, but, III using this, one pre-
caution must be observed. BE careful to
thoroughly rinse the article to which this
solution las been applied in clear water
before bringing it III contact with soap.
When Javelle water is used this precau-
ton is not necessary, but with the chlor-
ide-of- lime liquid 1t is, or the articles
Will be harsh and stiff