upon a wound are cooling and healing.

Half a spoonful of _citric acid_, (which may always be bought of the
apothecaries,) stirred in half a tumbler of water, is excellent for
the head-ache.

People in general think they must go abroad for vapor-baths; but a
very simple one can be made at home. Place _strong_ sticks across
a tub of water, at the boiling point, and sit upon them, entirely
enveloped in a blanket, feet and all. The steam from the water will
be a vapor-bath. Some people put herbs into the water. Steam-baths are
excellent for severe colds, and for some disorders in the bowels. They
should not be taken without the advice of an experienced nurse, or
physician. Great care should be taken not to renew the cold after; it
would be doubly dangerous.

Boiled potatoes are said to cleanse the hands as well as common soap;
they prevent _chops_ in the winter season, and keep the skin soft and
healthy.

Water-gruel, with three or four onions simmered in it, prepared with
a lump of butter, pepper, and salt, eaten just before one goes to
bed, is said to be a cure for a hoarse cold. A syrup made of
horseradish-root and sugar is excellent for a cold.

Very strong salt and water, when frequently applied, has been known to
cure wens.

The following poultice for the throat distemper, has been much
approved in England:--The pulp of a roasted apple, mixed with an ounce
of tobacco, the whole wet with spirits of wine, or any other high
spirits, spread on a linen rag, and bound upon the throat at any
period of the disorder.

Nothing is so good to take down swellings, as a soft poultice of
stewed white beans, put on in a thin muslin bag, and renewed every
hour or two.

The thin white skin, which comes from suet, is excellent to bind upon
the feet for chilblains. Rubbing with Castile soap, and afterwards
with honey, is likewise highly recommended. But, to cure the
chilblains effectually, they must be attended to often, and for a long
time.

Always apply diluted laudanum to fresh wounds.

A poultice of elder-blow tea and biscuit is good as a preventive to
mortification. The approach of mortification is generally shown by
the formation of blisters filled with _blood_; water blisters are not
alarming.

Burnt alum held in the mouth is good for the canker.

The common dark-blue violet makes a slimy tea, which is excellent for
the canker. Leaves and blossoms are both good. Those who have families
should take some pains to