the blacking; the third of a medium hardness, for polishing; and
each should be kept for its particular use. The blacking should
be kept corked up, except when in use, and applied to the brush
with a sponge tied to a stick, which, when put away, rests in a
notch cut in the cork. When boots come in very muddy, it is a
good practice to wash off the mud, and wipe them dry with a
sponge; then leave them to dry very gradually on their sides,
taking care they are not placed near the fire, or scorched. Much
delicacy of treatment is required in cleaning ladies' boots, so
as to make the leather look well-polished, and the upper part
retain a fresh appearance, with the lining free from hand-marks,
which are very offensive to a lady of refined tastes.

2175. Patent leather boots require to be wiped with a wet
sponge, and afterwards with a soft dry cloth, and occasionally
with a soft cloth and sweet oil, blacking and polishing the edge
of the soles in the usual way, but so as not to cover the patent
polish with blacking. A little milk may also be used with very
good effect for patent leather boots.

2176. Top boots are still occasionally worn by gentlemen. While
cleaning the lower part in the usual manner, protect the tops,
by inserting a cloth or brown paper under the edges and bringing
it over them. In cleaning the tops, let the covering fall down
over the boot; wash the tops clean with soap and flannel, and
rub out any spots with pumice-stone. If the tops are to be
whiter, dissolve an ounce of oxalic acid and half an ounce of
pumice-stone in a pint of soft water; if a brown colour is
intended, mix an ounce of muriatic acid, half an ounce of alum,
half an ounce of gum Arabic, and half an ounce of spirit of
lavender, in a pint and a half of skimmed milk "turned." These
mixtures apply by means of a sponge, and polish, when dry, with
a rubber made of soft flannel.

2177. Knives are now generally cleaned by means of Kent's or
Masters's machine, which gives very little trouble, and is very
effective; before, however, putting the knives into the machine,
it is highly necessary that they be first washed in a little
warm (not hot) water, and then thoroughly wiped: if put into the
machine with any grease on them, it adheres to the brushes, and
consequently renders them unfit to use for