HOME HELPS. 323 



of the other end to a pin or skewer. The wicks should first 

 be dipped in alum or lime water, and dried before they are 

 put into the moulds, to prevent their burning too 

 rapidly. When the wicks are all placed, pour in the melted 

 tallow. 



If the tallow when run into the mould be too hot it 

 will stick to the tin, and then the application of hot water 

 is necessary, which spoils the look of the candles. To 

 obviate this, let the tallow cool until a scum forms on the 

 surface. This scum begins at the edge, and moves to- 

 wards the centre, and it is just when the last clear spot 

 vanishes, that the temperature is perfect for moulding 

 purposes. It is better that the temperature be under than 

 over this degree, but if it be too cool the candles will have 

 a honey-combed appearance. When the candles have 

 thoroughly cooled, press them downwards with the thumb, 

 when they will give way with a click, and can be easily 

 drawn out with an awl. 



PAINT FOR OUTSIDE PLACES. Few things please better 

 than a coat of paint, and the winter season is the time to 

 do it. Be the object a slab wall, or any rough outside 

 place, it is not only preserved, but the surroundings are 

 much improved. Amongst other compositions found 

 useful for this purpose, the following are favorites : 



1. Uuslacked lime 20 Ibs., slake it with water, 

 covering during the process to keep out carbonic acid ; 

 strain the liquid through a tine sieve or bag, and add to it 

 5lbs. or more salt, previously dissolved in water ; rice, 

 31bs., boiled to a thin paste and stirred in boiling hot; 

 Spanish whitening, ^lb. ; clean glue, lib., previously dis- 

 solved. Add hot water to the mixture, enough to make a 

 nice thick paint, stir it well, and let it stand a few days 

 covered from dust; then put it on hot, if possible. This 

 will last on wood, stone, or brick for years, and is suitable 

 for coating iron roofs. 



2. "Machine," or skimmed milk, 2 quarts; fresh 

 slacked lime, 8 ozs.; linseed oil, 4ozs.; common whitening, 

 3 Ibs. Put the lime in a stoneware vessel ; put upon it 

 sufficient milk to make it like thick cream ; add the oil a 

 little at a time; mix thoroughly ; add remainder of milk, 



