the next knives that
may be put in. When this precaution is not taken, the machine
must come to pieces, so causing an immense amount of trouble,
which may all be avoided by having the knives thoroughly free
from grease before using the machine. Brushes are also used for
cleaning forks, which facilitate the operation. When knives are
so cleaned, see that they are carefully polished, wiped, and
with a good edge, the ferules and prongs free from dirt, and
place them in the basket with the handles all one way.

2178. Lamp-trimming requires a thorough acquaintance with the
mechanism; after that, constant attention to cleanliness, and an
occasional entire clearing out with hot water: when this is
done, all the parts should be carefully dried before filling
again with oil. When lacquered, wipe the lacquered parts with a
soft brush and cloth, and wash occasionally with weak soapsuds,
wiping carefully afterwards. Brass lamps may be cleaned with oil
and rottenstone every day when trimmed. With bronze, and other
ornamental lamps, more care will be required, and soft flannel
and oil only used, to prevent the removal of the bronze or
enamel. Brass-work, or any metal-work not lacquered, is cleaned
by a little oil and rottenstone made into a paste, or with fine
emery-powder and oil mixed in the same manner. A small portion
of sal ammoniac, beat into a fine powder and moistened with soft
water, rubbed over brass ornaments, and heated over a charcoal
fire, and rubbed dry with bran or whitening, will give to
brass-work the brilliancy of gold. In trimming moderator lamps,
let the wick be cut evenly all round; as, if left higher in one
place than it is in another, it will cause it to smoke and burn
badly. The lamp should then be filled with oil from a feeder,
and afterwards well wiped with a cloth or rag kept for the
purpose. If it can be avoided, never wash the chimneys of a
lamp, as it causes them to crack when they become hot. Small
sticks, covered with wash-leather pads, are the best things to
use for cleaning the glasses inside, and a clean duster for
polishing the outside. The globe of a moderator lamp should be
occasionally washed in warm soap-and-water, then well rinsed in
cold water, and either wiped dry or left to drain. Where
candle-lamps are used, take out the springs occasionally,