STANDARD RECEIPTS. 515 



paint and is almost as durable as slate. It will stop small leaks in a 

 roof, prevent the moss from growing over it, and render it incombus- 

 tible from sparks which might fall upon it. When applied to brick 

 work, it renders the brick waterproof; it lasts as long as paint, and the 

 expense is a mere trifle. 



Moss on Roofs. Moss should never be allowed to gather on the 

 roofs of buildings. Shingles will rot fast enough from the moisture 

 held by themselves without aid from that retained by the moss. To re- 

 move, sprinkle some fine lime upon the shingles just before a rain, and 

 the moss will be taken off almost clean. Repeat the lime if necessary 

 just before the next shower. 



Awnings and Tents Made Mildew Proof. As mildew is a 

 plant living at expense of other matter, its prevention requires some- 

 thing destructive to vegetable life, and a kind of varnish to close the 

 pores of the texture of the linen awning, to protect it against the chem- 

 ical influences of the atmosphere and the penetration of the fine root fil- 

 aments of the fungus which has great vitality. Different varnishes will 

 answer the purpose. It is best first to moisten the linen with a solution 

 of arseniate of potash, which has the special property of preventing or- 

 ganic changes. After drying, put on a benzine varnish. Carbolic acid 

 has the same effect, when the cloth is steeped in it; but it may discolor 

 the canvas, and it may be washed out by repeated rains. 



To Soften Putty. To remove old putty from broken windows, dip 

 a brush or swab in nitric and muriatic acid equal parts, or caustic soda 

 (concentrated lye) and paint over the dry putty that is fastened to the 

 sash or glass and in an hour the nutty will have become so soft as to be 

 easily removable. 



To Kill Thistles. Cut the thistles to the ground and cover the 

 fresh cuts with salt. Old brine from the pork, beef, or fish barrel may 

 be used if desired. 



Offensive Breath.. Scarcely anything is more disagreeable or dis- 

 gusting than a stinking breath. Various means have been proposed to 

 remove this annoyance, depending principally upon the administration 

 of aromatics, which bj' their odor might smother it for a time; but these 

 require continual repetition and are liable to interfere with the organs 

 of digestion. The real cause of a stinking breath is either a diseased 

 stomach or carious teeth; when the former is the case, aperients should 

 be administered; and if these do not succeed, an emetic may be given, 

 followed by a dose of salts, or castor oil occasionally. When rotten 



