When bright grates are once
neglected, small rust-spots begin to show themselves, which a plain
leather will not remove; the following method of cleaning them must then
be resorted to:--First, thoroughly clean with emery-paper; then take a
large smooth pebble from the road, sufficiently large to hold
comfortably in the hand, with which rub the steel backwards and forwards
one way, until the desired polish is obtained. It may appear at first to
scratch, but continue rubbing, and the result will be success. The
following is also an excellent polish for bright stoves and steel
articles:--

2299. INGREDIENTS.--1 tablespoonful of turpentine, 1 ditto of sweet oil,
emery powder.

_Mode._--Mix the turpentine and sweet oil together, stirring in
sufficient emery powder to make the mixture of the thickness of cream.
Put it on the article with a piece of soft flannel, rub off quickly with
another piece, then polish with a little dry emery powder and clean
leather.

2300. The several fires lighted, the housemaid proceeds with her
dusting, and polishing the several pieces of furniture in the
breakfast-parlour, leaving no corner unvisited. Before sweeping the
carpet, it is a good practice to sprinkle it all over with tea-leaves,
which not only lay all dust, but give a slightly fragrant smell to the
room. It is now in order for the reception of the family; and where
there is neither footman nor parlour-maid, she now proceeds to the
dressing-room, and lights her mistress's fire, if she is in the habit of
having one to dress by. Her mistress is called, hot water placed in the
dressing-room for her use, her clothes--as far as they are under the
house-maid's charge--put before the fire to air, hanging a fire-guard on
the bars where there is one, while she proceeds to prepare the
breakfast.

2301. In summer the housemaid's work is considerably abridged: she
throws open the windows of the several rooms not occupied as bedrooms,
that they may receive the fresh morning air before they are occupied;
she prepares the breakfast-room by sweeping the carpet, rubbing tables
and chairs, dusting mantel-shelf and picture-frames with a light brush,
dusting the furniture, and beating and sweeping the rug; she cleans the
grate when necessary, and replaces the white paper or arranges the
shavings with which it is filled, leaving everything clean and tidy for
breakfast. It is not enough, however, in cleaning furniture, just to
pass lightly over the s