Velvet garments which have been stained, or worn, or have grown glossy, may be renovated so as to look new. The garment must, of course, be ripped, breadth by breadth, piece by piece. Then put burning coals in a chafing dish, and place on this dish a platter of thick brass. When it is very hot, cover it with a thickly folded cloth dampened in boiling water. Spread on this cloth the velvet, wrong side out. Do not be frightened if you see a black vapor arise. Pass a brush very lightly over the velvet. Let it dry stretched smoothly on a table.

When the velvet has been crushed, turn it wrong side out, and hold it above boiling water, exposed to the vapor. Brush it against the grain.

Before putting away gowns, mantles, plush or velvet jackets, the dust should be removed. To do this, spread some fine white sand over the material. Brush it un til the last grain of sand has disappeared. If mud stains are on the garment, dilute beef gall and a little spirits of wine in boiling water. Wet a soft brush in the mixture, and rub the stain, repeating as often as necessary. Apply to the back of the material a thin solution of gum.