J. HOUSEHOLD ECONOMY. 383 



crinolines, which require to he made stiff, a strengthened so- 

 lution is necessary. Being a neutral salt, it does not affect 

 the texture of linen in the slightest degree ; and as it softens 

 the hardest water, it is much used in washing generally. It 

 is also said to be unsurpassed for cleaning the hair. 17 A, 

 April, 1871,55. 



REMEDY FOR WHITE ANTS. 



The ravages of the white ants in tropical countries are fa- 

 miliarly told of in works of travelers, and given as among 

 the most remarkable curiosities of insect life ; and much in- 

 genuity has been expended in the attempt to eradicate or 

 destroy them. It is said by a late writer that by scattering 

 common salt around places frequented by them they will 

 soon be made to disappear entirely. 3 D, January, 1871. 



SOLUBLE GLASS FOR FLOORS. 



Instead of the old-fashioned method of using wax for pol- 

 ishing floors, soluble glass is now employed to great advan- 

 tage. For this purpose the floor is first well cleaned, and 

 then the cracks filled up with a cement of water-glass and 

 powdered chalk or gypsum ; afterward a water-glass of sixty 

 to sixty-five degrees, of the thickness of sirup, is applied by 

 means of a stiff brush. Any desired color is to be imparted 

 to the floor in a second coat of the water-glass, and additional 

 coats are to be given until the requisite polish is obtained. 

 A still higher finish may be given by pumicing off the last 

 layer, and then putting on a coating of oil. 8 C, April 21, 

 127. 



INSERTION OF SCREWS IN WOOD. 



When screws are driven into soft wood, and subjected to 

 considerable strain, they are very likely to work loose, and it 

 is often difficult to make them hold. In such cases it is said 

 that the use of glue is of service. A stick of about half the 

 diameter of the screw to be used is to be first immersed in a 

 thick glue, and then inserted in the hole prepared for the 

 screw, which is then to be driven home as quickly as possible. 

 When an article of furniture is to be hastily repaired, and no 

 glue is at hand, insert the stick, fill the rest of the cavity with 

 pulverized resin, then heat the screw sufficiently to melt the 



