Tortoiseshell

This should be rubbed with powdered rotten-stone and oil, then with jeweller's rouge, and lastly with a leather.

To Mend Tortoiseshell

Bind the broken articles together with a tape. Heat a pair of curling-tongs, and with them press the broken parts until they unite; the heat will speedily effect their cohesion.

To Keep Corks Air-Tight

1. Dip in a mixture of equal parts of mutton suet and white wax, and allow this to become hard.

2. Place the corks well down in the necks of the bottles, and then dip in the following mixture: 1/2 lb. cheap red sealing-wax, 1/2 oz. beeswax, and 1/2 lb. resin. These ingredients are to be melted in an old iron pan, and stirred with a candle to prevent burning. The tops may be ornamented by pressing with a thimble or seal.

Another method of treatment, much in vogue with chemists, is the following: The head of the corked bottle is dipped in gelatine which has been dissolved with a little glycerine in a gentle heat.

To Cool Wine

The bottle or decanter should be covered entirely with the folds of a wet cloth, then set in a draughty place till required for use.

To Remove Glass Stoppers

With a feather apply a few drops of any sweet oil round the stopper, close to the mouth of the bottle, and place it about a foot and a half from the fire. The oil will introduce itself between the stopper and the neck. When it is warm, gently strike the stopper on one side and then the other with a small piece of wood; then try it with the hand. If not at first successful, add a little more oil and try again.

Re-Charging Electric Bells

Crushed sal ammoniac (1/4 lb. to 1 qt. cell) is placed in a jar, which is then nearly filled with water. The rim of the jar is then wiped dry and thinly coated over with oil or vaseline to prevent the saline solution from creeping over the edge, and so causing a deposit on the outside. The battery should be covered, and if kept in a cool place evaporation is retarded. After about eighteen months the bells will become feebler and finally silent which is the signal that a fresh re-charging is necessary. New zinc rods cost 3d., but often the old one simply requires scraping to brighten it sufficiently.

A Draught Under The Door

For this the most lasting cure is the arrangement of a roller working in slots, so that it may rise over the carpet or rug when the door is opened.

Locks And Keys

A lock that proves obstinate should if possible be taken off. It will probably be found clogged with oil and dust, which paraffin speedily removes. After it is thoroughly clean, all the parts which rub together, also the key, should be anointed with a good lubricating oil. Then the superfluous oil should be wiped off, as it would only attract dust and again cause stiffness.

To Make Putty

Mix whiting thoroughly with linseed oil, kneading till it acquires the desired consistency.

French Polish

2 ozs. shellac, 1 oz. gum mastic, 1 pint methylated spirit. Crush the gums, sift through muslin, dissolve slowly over gentle heat, add the spirit, and bottle and cork at once.

Put a piece of cotton wool saturated with this polish on linen, doubling it over to form a pad, and then polish; every movement being in a circular direction. Much energy, time, and patience are necessary to obtain a pleasing result.

New Washers

When a washer is worn out, as is seen by the continual dripping of a tap, a new one can easily be substituted. Turn the water off at the main and empty the pipes by turning on the taps. Remove the faulty tap and unscrew it, removing the old washer; replace with a new one, screwing the tap firmly together again and restore it to its original place, being very careful that the screws are tightly turned. Rubber washers costing \d. each are most frequently used, but require renewing as rubber deteriorates and perishes. Leather or asbestos may be utilized for the purpose, but are not so satisfactory.