The record-union., 1898-10-23

THE more I look into the subject of
household science said the woman
who is making the subject a study,
1.-The more I see the need of educating
the mistresses. The amount of work
they expect from a single servant is
marvellous. I know one woman who
has a large family and one servant, and
she does not expect to do any of the
work of the house herself. She does
not even make her own beds. To be
sure, they are only pulled open, the
clothes thrown over the foot and then
pulled back again, but the one maid
has to do it. And 1 have known her
to call this one girl from her general
Homework to bring her glass of water
upstairs andttake the glass down again,
and she does not hesitate to call her to
bring her a tape measure or something
that she needs for her sewing. She ex
poets personal waiting upon in addi-
ton to all the work Of her house We
cannot expect servants to be reason
able when SO much that is unreason
able is demanded of them"
A tailor says that the shine or gloss
which comes on cloths after wearing
is due either to the fabrics wearing
away or the nap becoming hardened
and glossy from an accumulation of
dust. In the first case it's removal is
very difficult Hard scrubbing with a
stiff brush dipped in hot water to
which a few drops Of ammonia have
been added, and pressing byi the steam
ing process, may, however, somewhat
improve the appearance of the garment.
If the shine comes from dust, it can be
removed by brisk sponging with clear
tepid water softened by a little am
monia- Afterward, with a piece of
linen or silk laid over it, the cloth is
pressed while damp.
If few peas are left over from din
ner add them to the mashed potatoes
before evolving the potato croquettes
for the next days luncheon.
With the return of autumn there
comes to most housekeepers a desire
for change and addition in the decorat-
ing and furnishing of their homes. The
establishment of residences closed or
dismantled for the summer necessitates
q going over of effects and belongings
that is almost sure to produce this wish
70 freshen and alter. The temptation
to carry it out is increased by the dis
plays in the shops of novelties and
staples in attractive array for every
department of the'household. The wise
woman, however, will let her desire for
shopping enthusiasm be tempered by
a careful choice. Many inharmonious
effects are produced in homes which
are as little liked by the woman who
is responsible for them as they are by
the observer. These are usually the
result Of haste or thoughtless buying
The choice made, however, must be
abided by, perhaps, for economical or
other reasons. Il am Disguised" eX-
claimed a young housekeeper recently
to a friend and all because of a shade
in a carpet My father" she went on,
wanted to give me a rug for the Ii
brary Of our little home, but | asked
that instead he let me choose a carpet,
as the floor was not in good condition
He was perfectly willing. insisting only
that to duplicate the sum he meant TO
put into the rug the carpet should be
of the best and most durable quality.
He went with me, and 1 thought l made
a good choice. The carpet certainly
was most attractive as il lay spread
out on the floor at the dealers. 1t was
ordered, fitted, and put down in my IL
brary I was out at the time, but the
first glimpse l had of that floor when
l returned to the house gave me a
shock. / saw instantly that l had made
a serious mistake. It's tone of color,
which seemed rich and neutral in the
shop, became aggressive against the
woodwork and wall covering Of my
room. The furniture and hangings, too.
We're at serious odds with it. so far as
effect went I do not know what il has
or what it lacks. but it brings out the
worst points OF everything in the room.
Father likes 1t immensely, and as l
had a perfectly free choice he has no
idea that I also am not suited. The
dreadful part of it is" she finished, al
most pathetically that I must live
with that carpet for years. II is not
made to wear out. Fathers happiness,
too in his gift is so evident and sincere
that although my teeth are on edge
every time / go into the room I must
not think of suggesting its removal
BY another spring l can alter the wall
treatment, and gradually, I suppose,
change some of1the fittings of the room.
but the process will be slow and mean
while the carpet is a daily torment"
This is, it is to be hoped, an excep-
tional case: yet nothing is more diff