690 . Reading-Course for Farmers' Wives. 



Thick starch. 



J cup starch, mixed with ^ cup cold water. 



I quart boiUng water. 



J to I level tablespoon borax (if borax is used). 



J level tablespoonful lard or butter or kerosene or turpentine, 



or J in. square of wax or paraffin (if any of these is used). 

 Mix and cook as directed above. 



Thin starch. 



J cup starch, mixed with J cup cold water. 

 3 quarts boiling water. 



Other ingredients, same as for thick starch. 

 Mix and cook as directed above. 



Clear starch. 



Dilute i cup of thick starch with i quart of hot water. 

 This starch is used for thin muslins, infant's dresses, etc. 



Raw starch. 



Same proportions as for thick starch. 

 Use borax but omit butter or lard, etc. 

 Stir thoroughly before using. 



Raw starch is often used with very thick or very thin goods to increase 

 the stiffness. A fabric will take up a greater amount of starch in the 

 raw form, and the stiffness desired is produced by the cooking given it 

 by the heat of the iron. The difficulty of ironing is increased in using 

 raw starch, for unless the ironer is skillful the starch cooks on the iron 

 and starch specks are then produced on the clothes. Raw starch does 

 not give so durable a finish as cooked starch. 



Rice starch. 



\ cup rice, i quart boiling water. 



Wash rice and cook in the water until it is a pulp. 



Add more water as it evaporates to keep it up to a quart. 



When cooked add another quart of boiling water. 



Strain without squeezing, through a double thickness of cheese 

 cloth or through flannel and use it while hot. This is the best 

 starch for delicate fabrics and may be used in place of clear 

 starch. 



Glue for stiffening dark colors. 



1 2 oz. dark glue, i quart water. 



Boil together until the glue is dissolved. 



Cool somewhat. 



The garment to be stiffened is dipped in glue and the excess of 

 glue is wiped off with a piece of black cheese cloth, sateen or 

 caHco. After sprinkling, the garment is rolled in a black 

 cloth and should be ironed on a board covered with a black 

 cloth. Any glue left over may be saved and used again. 



