porary ease, and lay the foundation for increased pain. A poultice
laid on the gum not too hot takes off inflammation, or laudanum
and spirits of camphor applied to the cheek externally; or mix with
spirits of camphor an equal quantity of myrrh, dilute it with warm
water, and hold it in the mouth; also a few drops of laudanum and oil
of cloves applied to decayed teeth often affords instantaneous relief.

Powdered cloves and powdered alum, rubbed on the gum and put in the
diseased tooth will sometimes lessen the pain.

Toothache often proceeds from some irritation in the digestive organs
or the nervous system: in such cases pain can only be removed by
proper medical treatment.

CHAPTER IV.

Hands.

Nothing contributes more to the elegance and refinement of a lady's
appearance than delicate hands; and it is surprising how much it is
in the power of all, by proper care and attention, to improve
them. Gloves should be worn at every opportunity, and these should
invariably be of kid; silk gloves and mittens, although pretty and
tasteful, are far from fulfilling the same object. The hands should
be regularly washed in tepid water, as cold water hardens, and renders
them liable to chap, while hot water wrinkles them. All stains of ink,
&c., should be immediately removed with lemon-juice and salt: every
lady should have a bottle of this mixture on her toilette ready
prepared for the purpose. The receipts which we have already given
as emollients for the skin are suitable for softening the hands and
rendering them smooth and delicate. The nails require daily attention:
they should be cut every two or three days in an oval form. A piece of
flannel is better than a nail-brush to clean them with, as it does not
separate the nail from the finger.

When dried, a little pummice-stone, finely powdered, with powdered
orris-root, in the proportion of a quarter of a tea-spoonful to a
tea-spoonful of the former, mixed together, and rubbed on the nails
gently, gives them a fine polish, and removes all inequalities.

A piece of sponge, dipped in oil of roses and emery, may be used for
the same purpose.

When the nails are disposed to break, a little oil or cold cream
should be applied at night.

Sand-balls are excellent for removing hardness of the hands. Palm
soap, Castille soap, and those which are the least perfumed, should
always be preferred. Night-gloves are considered to make the hands
white and soft, but they are