Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1908-10-06
hints.
A UNIQUE FLOOR COVERING.

L
A UNIQUE FLOOR COVERING.
In my studio (which Is my bedroom as
welr I have homemade floor covering,
which has been in use two years and is
absolutely satisfactory and prettier now
than when first put down. 1t was first
tried by friend of mine who required
new carpet in her living room, and didn't
feel that she could afford one at the
time. She had a large quantity OF old
burlsp. This she had pasted on the
floor and painted a pretty color. She
employed regular paper hanger TO DO
the work, while did mine myself. l
bought the burlap at six cents yard
and prepared the paste at home, by
mixing glue Ito be found at any paint
shop and sold by the pound) with ordi-
nary boiled -four and water paste. 1t
requires two people to lay the burlap,
as the glue dries quickly. We cut the
burlap in lengths, rolling up each length
for convenience, then lacking one end of
the burlap to the floor, at one end of the
room; with large brushes we spread the
paste on the floor, covering about two
feet of space at time and unr0lling and
stretching the burlap quickly over the
pasted portion of the floor as we went
along, stretching the burlap widthwise
till absolutely smooth, and lacking the
edges down with double tacks, three or
four inches apart (these tacks are scarce
ly visible when the paint is on.)
l proceeded in this way until the entire
floor was covered. When thoroughly
dry lin two or three days. 1 gave it a
good coat of floor paint; later on gave
. second coat. A third would have i'm.
proved it. When finished the effect was
that of a soft ungl ICED surface, an .artis-
tic background for rugs. In my own
case chose a soft pastel-green color.
This covering is easily cleaned by a
cloth moistened with oil, rubbed lightly
over it. 1t wears indefinitely, and is
very inexpensive, except in the item OF
paint.
HOME REMEDIES FOR GROUP.
had five children who were subject
to Group in its worst form, and lived
seven miles from physician. My eldest
boy died before the physician could
reach him. My serious problem, then,
/ WAS, uUW COulu uccl IlliS VI oou uio-
ease until help could arrived"
An old lady solved the problem by
telling me of method that had been
used in her family and neighborhood for
twenty-five years, not only for Group,
but also for pneumonia and diphtheria,
and which had proved infallible, even in
cases which had been given up by physi-
clans. Chop twenty onions; add same
amount of rye meal and vinegar. Sim
mer until thick. Fill three bags with
this paste, putting one on throat and
lungs, the others on soles of feet; give
doses of syrup made by putting sliced
sugared onions between hot weighted
plates.
There must be two sets of poultices,
kept as hot as the patient can bear, and
changes made 80 quickly and deity
that there will not be moments ex-
posure of body surface.
THE MUFF As CARRY-ALL.
I was living within an hour of New
York. 1 had been invited to luncheon
in the city, followed by matinee at one
of the theatres.
had some shopping to do which, by
taking an early train, could accomplish
before the time set for the luncheon.
This was my problem-How to dispose
Of my bundles? l dared not trust to bav-
ing them sent, as l wished the things
early in the morning; neither could
arrive at a luncheon with my arms full
of packages, nor so laden attend the
theatre with a party. A shopping bag
would be also impossible. This was my
solution of the problem:
My muff, being of generous capacity,
would hold all my small articles. With
one end securely sewed UP it made a
most beautiful bag, and presented my
self at the luncheon looking like a lady
of elegant leisure, and no one suspected
that was an ordinary suburbanite laden
with buttons, hooks.and-eyes, thread,
tape, olives and sardines.
All danger of the articles falling out Of
my muff was avoided by keeping the
cord at the open end over my wrist.
So great was the success of the ex-
pertinent that now when 60 into town
my muff usually has one end fastened
Iup, unless the weather is 80 severe that
must put both hands in at the same time.
Even my purse is safe in its depths.
A STITCH IN TIME.
The following will save many moments
each week to the busy housewife. Fast
en- firmly at the centre of the back, tape
or ribbon which is run through beading
in underwear. This keeps it from being
pulled half out or lost entirely in laun-
dering, as is often the case. Good wash
ribbons can be purchased for this pur-
pose; after being laundered they look
quite fresh and new.
As each new ready-made garment
enters the home, it is we'll to sew on all
buttons more securely before the gar
ment is worn. This will save, for
month or two at least, the tiresome
weekly matching and sewing of buttons.
FOR THE TIRED MOTHER.
Try my plan of darning that large
pile of husbands and children's loosely
woven underwear and stockings.
Get mosquito netting as near the color
of the garments as possible. Watch
closely, and as soon as you detect a thin
worn place or hole, haste the mosquito
netting neatly on the under side. Then
simply darn in and out following the
meshes of the netting, and see what
neat piece of work you will have.
FOR BLOOD STAINS.
If the finger be pricked while embroid-
ering, the consequent stain on the dainty
material may be easily removed by blot
ting with small roll of slightly damp
ened cotton thread.
At a recent card party each guest was
asked to draw a score card from vase,
to determine the table at which she was
to play. The score cards were tiny
animals cut out of ordinary calling cards,
each table. There was set of four cats,
one of Dummies, one of Teddy bears, and
one of elephants. They were just large
enough to keep tally on, and then most
of us carried them away with US for the
amusement of the children at home.
The expense was practically nothing, as
the hostess copied the drawings from
illustrations.
Give your maid the use of an electric
fiash-light for going to aud from her
room or down cellar and she will bless
you for it, and you will save danger of
fire from lamp or candle. If you have
never used a flash-light by your bed, at
home or for travelling you have a comfort
yet to try. There are many kinds, but
the short-length, tubular shape l like the
best. A battery lasts two or three
months and can be renewed at any cleo
trio supply store for thirty cents and you
have many dollars worth of comfort.
Such a treat to go down stairs with in
the night, or to see the time! And the