is the result of one of three causes, either it
is too weak, or there is a deposit of dirt or it is too strong.
Continue to boil for a few hours, when it should flow from the stick
with which it is stirred like thick molasses; but if after boiling it
remains thin, let it stand over night, removing it from the fire, then
drain it off very carefully into another vessel, being very
particular to prevent any sediment from passing. Wash the kettle,
return the soap and boil again, if dirt was the cause; it will now be
thick and good; otherwise if it was _too strong_, rain-water added
will make it right, adding the water gradually until right and just
thick enough.

[Illustration]

FACTS WORTH KNOWING.

_An Agreeable Disinfectant:_--Sprinkle fresh ground coffee on a shovel
of hot coals, or burn sugar on hot coals. Vinegar boiled with myrrh,
sprinkled on the floor and furniture of a sick room, is an excellent
deodorizer.

_To Prevent Mold:_--A small quantity of carbolic acid added to paste,
mucilage and ink, will prevent mold. An ounce of the acid to a gallon
of whitewash will keep cellars and dairies from the disagreeable odor
which often taints milk and meat kept in such places.

_To Make Tracing-Paper:_--Dissolve a ball of white beeswax, one inch
in diameter, in half a pint of turpentine. Saturate the paper in this
bath and let it dry two or three days before using.

_To Preserve Brooms:_--Dip them for a minute or two in a kettle of
boiling suds once a week and they will last much longer, making them
tough and pliable. A carpet wears much longer swept with a broom cared
for in this manner.

_To Clean Brass-Ware, etc.:_--Mix one ounce of oxalic acid, six ounces
of rotten stone, all in powder, one ounce of sweet oil, and sufficient
water to make a paste. Apply a small portion, and rub dry with a
flannel or leather. The liquid dip most generally used consists of
nitric and sulphuric acids; but this is more corrosive.

_Polish or Enamel for Shirt Bosoms_ is made by melting together one
ounce of white wax, and two ounces of spermaceti; heat gently and turn
into a very shallow pan; when cold cut or break in pieces. When making
boiled starch the usual way, enough for a dozen bosoms, add to it a
piece of the polish the size of a hazel nut.

_An Erasive Fluid for the Removal of Spots on Furniture_, and all
kinds of fabrics, without injuring the color, is made of four ounces
of aqua ammonia, one ounce of glycerine,