Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1891-12-04
Hints About Stockings.

The stocking is entitled to more than
passing notice, since its relation To the
foot and the shoe is so intimate, and so
much of the comfort of the former and the
satisfaction of the latter depend upon it.
The fit of the stocking must be perfect if
that of the shoe is to be tolerable; while
nothing is more discomforting to the person
of sensitive nerves than a feeling of wrin-
killed. souchiness about the toes, under the
heel or in the hollow of the foot. A great
deal depends upon properly changing the
stockings, both as to comfort and the wear
which may be expected from them. No
stocking should be worn for more than a
day or two without washing, even ON the
best of feet, while i'm all other cases a daily
change should be insisted upon. They are
then easily cleansed, the proverbial 'stitch
i'm time can be taken when it will save the
greatest number of mines, and at least
twice the wear may be looked for rs if they
are worn till the iibres, dampened by alb
sorption, are ground ruthlessly into ire
coverable lint. There is a luxury, positive
and grateful, in clothing the feet each
morning with shoes and stockings that are
clean, dry and perfectly fitted, and the
faithful members respond with an eN-
hilarating vigor which is too pleasing to be
remanded to special and rare occasions.
As the quality and material of the stock
ings to be worn, so much must necessarily
depend on the current fashion, the physi-
cal temperament of the person and the oc-
cupation. that common sense and appreci-
alton of the needs of each individual must
/ be the only adequate criterion. The foot
/ should be kept warm and comfortable
this is i'm all cases the first requisite
Stockings which do not meet this demand
should be discarded and those selected
which have the proper qualities. If a
worsted or wooden stocking is more COM
Portable and satisfactory, let it be worn (;
but to many people firm, well-made cot
ton article is by far the most satisfactory.
This is especially the case with people EN-
ployed indoors, whose feet would be very
uncomfortable if clad in wool Perspira-
ton, even in a moderate degree, will damp
en- the stockings to point where exposure
to the outer and cooler air will insure a
chill, resulting in colds, with all their at
tendant evils. As to color, it is a maxim
among shoe dealers that a woman wearing
a white stocking will want cheap shoe,
while black stockings and the best grade OF
shoes are naturally associated. Black is
indeed the fashionable color at this time to
an unusual degree, but it is regarded with
distrust by some purchasers on account OF
the liability, real or supposed, of fading
1t is claimed by those who should know
that the first washing may be done so as tC
prevent much fading. The formula is thus
given: Both cotton and wooden should al
WAYS be washed before they are worn
Law them all night to soak in water
Wash them next day by themselves in tive
waters, warm, but not hot, the soap being
previously rubbed into the water so as tC
form lather before the stockings are pu
in, and mixing with the first water a table
spoonful of gall. Then rinse them, first il
lukewarm water, till the dye ceases 10 CONF
out and the last water is colorless. Stretcl
them and hang them out Immediately il
the air to dry as fast as possible"