214 farmers' and mechanics' journal. 



" The negroes were sent in different directions to see how far 

 the scorched grass extended, and were at a considerable distance 

 when the Father Provincial cried out, " Look at the oxen, they 

 smell water ;" we all eagerly turned to the poor panting animals, 

 and saw them stretch out their necks and raise their heads towards 

 the west, and snuff the air in a manner as if they would be certain 

 of obtaining drink could they but raise themselves in the air. At 

 that moment not a cloud nor a single breath of air was to be seen 

 or felt ; but in a few moments, the cattle began to move about as 

 if mad, or possessed by some invisible spirit, snuffing the air with 

 most violent eagerness, and gathering closer and closer to each 

 other; and before we could form any rational conjecture as to 

 what could occasion their simultaneous motion, the most tremen- 

 dous storm came on of thunder, and lighting, and rain, I ever wit- 

 nessed in my life. The rain fell in perpendicular streams as if all 

 the fountains of heaven were suddenly broke loose ; so that in the 

 space of very few moments, torrents of water rolled around us, 

 and the cattle easily drank their fill at the spot on which they 

 stood." 



On a Method of Cleaning Silk, Woollen, and Cotton Goods. 



BY MRS. ANNE MORRIS. 



Take raw potatoes, in the state they are taken out of the earth ; 

 wash thtm well ; then rub them on a grater, over a vessel of clean 

 water, to a tine pulp ; pass the liquid through a coarse sieve, into 

 another tub of clear water ; let the mixture stand, till the fine 

 white particles of the potatoes (ihe fcecula) are precipitated : then 

 pour the mucilaginous potato-liquor from the faecula, and preserve 

 this liquor for use. 



The article to be cleaned, should be laid upon a linen cloth, on 

 a table ; and, having provided a clean sponge, dip it into the pota- 

 to-liquor, and apply the sponge thus wel, upon the article to be 

 cleaned, and rub it well upon it, repeatedly, with fresh portions of 

 the potato-liquor, till the dirt is perfectly loosened : then wash the 

 article in clean water several times, to remove the loose dirt : it 

 may afterwards be smoothed and dried. 



Two middle-sized potatoes will be sufficient for a pint of water. 



The white fascula, which separates in making the mucilaginous 

 liquor, will answer the purpose of tapioca ; will make a useful 

 nourishing food, with soup or milk ; or serve to make starch and 

 hair-powder. 



The coarse pulp, which does not pass the sieve, is of great use 

 in cleaning worsted or woollen curtains, tapesfry, carpets, or other 

 coarse goods. 



The mucilaginous liquor of the potatoes, will clean all sorts of 

 silk, cotton, or woollen goods, without hurting the texture of (he 

 articles, or spoiling their colors. 



It is also useful in cleaning oil-paintings, or furniture that is 

 soiled. 



