Birmingham state herald., 1896-10-25
AFFAIRS OF THE HOUSEHOLD.

Some handsome new mats lO pidce uii- der the jardinieres kept on polished tables are squares of white China silk with a border of plush about finger wide, Inese mats are made over a stiff foundation Of crinoline or canvas, covered with layer of cotton and lined at the back with silk of contrasting color. For instance, one of those seen, which is in a room where there is much green of various shades, has a border of olive plush, and is cov- cred at the back With olive China silk. The center, of white China silk, is cov- cred with an all-over pattern of flowers of about the size of a 25-cent piece. These flowers are outlined in coarse green em- broidery silk. On the mat was green jardiniere holding palm. The plant was placed on a Turkish coffee able of ma hogany. These low tables are much used in all kinds of wood for holding single plant. In a room with different color ing the mat could be made of white and dark or old blue, or of raspberry color and white. A spread made for a large ma hogany diningtable is larger square of Hhis kind so that when laid on the table jt leaves the corners bare. It has bor- der of apple-green satin.
 An excellent sweetmeat to serve with ice cream is made from pears preserved with slices of green ginger root. Cut the pears and root both in small pieces, and use juicy, well-fiavored fruit that is not too ripe. A quart of this preserve is all that will be necessary for good-sized family, as a teaspoonful, often less, is all one will want of this piquant sweet.
 At a pretty luncheon given the week be- fore wedding ceremony the table was decorated with white anemones and ferns, and at each cover there was placed a small white satin slipper filled with rice. At another luncheon given to the same bridal party at each of the twenty covers tH a white tin ribbon Each ribbon crossed the table, and when drawn from under the center-piece where the ends were con- cealed there was found attached card on which was written proposal of mar riage from the works of some famous author. At dinner given lately to bri dai party, the hand-painted guest cards had upon them Cupids carrying baskets of roses and standing upon two arrow pierced hearts.
 Olives look very pretty when served on small glass dish garnshed with glossy leaves and small red peppers. If used in the winter pickled peppers may be taken for the garnish.
 Some beautiful pieces of bed linen made for a new house where there is no money limit are sheet of sheer linen bordered with beautiful hand made lace, half a yard wide, and pillow cases trimmed at the ends with narrower lace of the same pattern. A luncheon cloth of plain linen has a border of heavy point Venise, the pattern in each corner of the cloth taking the form of a large horn of plenty, which is inserted or inlaid in the cloth.
 If a blister is found in wall paper after 1t is hung, take a pen knife, carefully cut the slit, then dip small camePs hair brush in a little paste, and paste the cut surface down. Go over the spot lightly with small hammer, and when the paste is dry the blisters will have disap- peared and the doctoring of the spot will not be suspected. This is the way that professional paper hangers treat blisters in light weight and light colored papers. If very heavy, embossed, or dark colored plain papers were used, a different treat ment would be necessary.
 One of the best relishes to serve with broiled reed birds is a salad of tart or anges dressed with salt, pepper, lemon juice and olive oil. Use the recipe for French dressing, leaving out the vinegar and using lemon juice in its place.
 The wild southern passion flower with its circles of purple and white and its fringy lavender rim or border is beauti- full worked upon any white substance, whether it be linen, silk or satin. A spray of it worked across an upper corner Of sage colored or light olive hanging would be very effective.
 A German has recently invented a sim pie device whereby plants may be fertil- ized at their roots. The instrument con- sists of thin and long steel tube, ending in sharp point. Near the bottom of the tube are a number of holes. The liquid fertilizer is put into funnel attached to the top of the tube, and flows out of the holes at the lower end.
 Caramel for fiavoring ice cream, cus- tards and pudding sauces is prepared in the following way: Measure the desired quantity of sugar, put 1t in a saucepan, and stir over the fire until it becomes per fectly liquid and ark-straw color. For flavoring and coloring meat sauces the bottled caramel may be used.
 If the hair is to be of even thickness and beauty on both sides of the head one side of the hair and of the scalp should be brushed as evenly as the other. The usual practice is to draw all of the hair over either the right or left shoulder, so that only one side of the scalp gets the stimulation that comes from brushing.
 A library writing table lately made consists of a common Kitchen table con- taining a drawer, covered entirely with olive Agra linen. The linen is fastened to the legs and other parts of the table With the large Df1SS JACKS Wlln pointed heads used in upholstering. A table that would be more expensive and somewhat handsomer could be covered with olive velveteen. The silver ornaments so much used on desks look their best when cov- cred with black or dark shades of velvet.
 There are number of good receipts for a cold cream to be used for sunburn, as well as to soften and heal the skin at any time One of them which contains the juice of nearly ripe cucumbers should be made at once. Peel a large cucumber, then grate 1t. or press on sieve to get the juice. Strain the juice and set aside five ounces of it. In "a double boiler put four ounces of almond oil and one-fourth of an ounce of white wax. Add as much spermaceti as wax and when the mixture is very hot and thoroughly blended add the cucumber juice. Mix well, let 1t re- main in the hot bath four minutes longer. then pour into tiny jars with covers. Pots for cold cream may often be bought from the druggist. H. H.
 Sash and doors-Mayberry & Watson.
 MADE FORTUNES IN WHEAT.