where painted, and swept
down with a soft broom or feather brush where papered; the window and
bed curtains, which have been replaced with muslin ones, carefully
brushed, or, if they require it, cleaned; lamps not likely to be
required, washed out with hot water, dried, and cleaned. The several
grates are now to be furnished with their summer ornaments; and we know
none prettier than the following, which the housemaid may provide at a
small expense to her mistress:--Purchase two yards and a half of
crinoline muslin, and tear it into small strips, the selvage way of the
material, about an inch wide; strip this thread by thread on each side,
leaving the four centre threads; this gives about six-and-thirty pieces,
fringed on each side, which are tied together at one end, and fastened
to the trap of the register, while the threads, unravelled, are spread
gracefully about the grate, the lower part of which is filled with paper
shavings. This makes a very elegant and very cheap ornament, which is
much stronger, besides, than those usually purchased.

[Illustration: CORNICE-BRUSH.]

[Illustration: HOUSE-PAIL.]

[Illustration: DUSTING-BRUSH.]

2328. As winter approaches, this house-cleaning will have to be
repeated, and the warm bed and window curtains replaced. The process of
scouring and cleaning is again necessary, and must be gone through,
beginning at the top, and going through the house, down to the kitchens.

2329. Independently of these daily and periodical cleanings, other
occupations will present themselves from time to time, which the
housemaid will have to perform. When spots show on polished furniture,
they can generally be restored by soap-and-water and a sponge, the
polish being brought out by using a little polish, and then well rubbing
it. Again, drawers which draw out stiffly may be made to move more
easily if the spot where they press is rubbed over with a little soap.

2330. Chips broken off any of the furniture should be collected and
replaced, by means of a little glue applied to it. Liquid glue, which is
sold prepared in bottles, is very useful to have in the house, as it
requires no melting; and anything broken can be so quickly repaired.

2331. Breaking glass and china is about the most disagreeable thing that
can happen in a family, and it is, probably, a greater annoyance to a
right-minded servant than to the mistress. A neat-handed housemaid may
sometimes repair these breakages, where they ar