1336 The Cornell Reading-Courses 



the fireplace 



Apparatus: 



A stove apron, newspaper, dustpan, whisk, the blackleading imple- 

 ments, and a duster. 

 Procedure: 



1. Spread the newspaper to protect the hearth. 



2 . Brush the ashes from the fire basket or andirons, and move the basket 



or irons out on the newspaper. 



3. Brush the ashes down the ash hole. 



4. Blacken the fire basket or andirons, and replace them. 



5. Lay a fresh fire ready to light, using the newspaper on the hearth. 



6. Brush up the hearth, dust the mantel and the fire irons. 



7. Put away the blackleading implements, dustpan, and other appa- 



ratus, and get a basin of warm water, a small scrub brush, and 

 some soap. 



8. Wash the hearthstone and, if necessary, the fire irons. 



9. A fireplace with red bricks may have the bricks reddened with the 



reddening mixture. 



Reddening mixture 



I oz. common glue ^ lb. Venetian red 



I tablespoonful alum i lb. Spanish brown 



I gal. water 

 Dissolve the glue in the water over the fire. While hot, add the alum. 

 Add the Venetian red and Spam'sh brown. If too light, add more red and 

 brown; if too dark, add water, a little at a time until right. Mix well. 

 Keep in a closely corked bottle. Apply with a paint brush. 



FLOORS, FURNITURE, AND WOODWORK 



To dust hardwood floors 

 Apparatus: 



A string mop. (A dustless mop may be used.) 

 Procedure: 



1. Dampen the string mop if the floor is not a waxed one. It may be 



sprinkled as clothes are for ironing, or may be held in the steam of 

 a teakettle, but it must not be damp enough to show wet on the 

 floor. 



2. Go over the floor assigned, being careful that every board is rubbed. 



It is probably better to rub along the boards than across them. 



3. Take especial pains to go under tables, desks, and like furniture, 



moving them when necessary. 



