e
or two, then dab in a cloth, and iron it quickly with a very hot iron.

Where the lace or silk is very much soiled, it is best to pass them
through a warm liquor of bullock's gall and water; rinse in cold
water; then take a small piece of glue, pour boiling water on it, and
pass the veil through it, clap it, and frame to dry. Instead of
framing, it may be fastened with drawing-pins closely fixed upon a
very clean paste, or drawing-board.

TO CLEAN BLACK DRESS SILKS.

One of the things "not generally known," at least in this country, is
the Parisian method of cleaning black silk; the _modus operandi_ is
very simple, and the result infinitely superior to that achieved in
any other manner. The silk must be thoroughly brushed and wiped with a
cloth, then laid flat on a board or table, and well sponged with hot
coffee, thoroughly freed from sediment by being strained through
muslin. The silk is sponged on the side intended to show; it is
allowed to become partially dry, and then ironed on the wrong side.
The coffee removes every particle of grease, and restores the
brilliancy of silk, without imparting to it either the shiny
appearance or crackly and papery stiffness obtained by beer, or,
indeed, any other liquid. The silk really appears thickened by the
process, and this good effect is permanent. Our readers who will
experimentalize on an apron or cravat, will never again try any other
method.

TO WASH FEATHERS.

Wash in warm soap-suds and rinse in water a very little blued; if the
feather is white, then let the wind dry it. When the curl has come out
by washing the feather or getting it damp, place a hot flat-iron so
that you can hold the feather just above it while curling. Take a
bone or silver knife, and draw the fibres of the feather between the
thumb and the dull edge of the knife, taking not more than three
fibres at a time, beginning at the point of the feather and curling
one-half the other way. The hot iron makes the curl more durable.
After a little practice one can make them look as well as new
feathers. Or they can be curled by holding them over the stove or
range, not near enough to burn; withdraw and shake out; then hold them
over again until they curl. When swansdown becomes soiled, it can be
washed and look as good as new. Tack strips on a piece of muslin and
wash in warm water with white soap, then rinse and hang in the wind to
dry. Rip from the muslin and rub carefully between the fingers to