6235. To Stop Leaky Skylights

6235.      To Stop Leaky Skylights. Leaky skylights may be stopped and cured with Dutch rushes, bedded in, caulked, and covered with good white lead. On wet making its appearance it quickly attacks the rush, which swells up so tight and firm that all progress of wet and droppings is effectually staved.

6236. To Thicken and Strengthen Muslin

6236.    To Thicken and Strengthen Muslin. Dip the muslin in dilute sulphuric acid. According to Professor Calvert, of Manchester, England, this very much increases its thickness and strength. The cotton thus prepared is technically known as "blanket."

6237. To Develop the Inscription on Worn Coins

6237.      To Develop the Inscription on Worn Coins. By heating these gradually, the inscription will, in almost all cases, make its appearance.

6238. To Preserve Copper Coins and Medals from the Action of the Air

6238.      To Preserve Copper Coins and Medals from the Action of the Air. Immerse them for a moment in melted paraffine, and then wipe off the excess of paraffine with a clean dry cloth.

6239. To Prepare Bladders

6239.    To Prepare Bladders. These articles are prepared by cutting off the fat and loose membranes attached to them, and washing them first in a weak solution of chloride of lime, and afterwards in clear water; they are then blown out and submitted to pressure by rolling them under the arm, by which they become considerably larger; they are next blown quite tight, dried, and tied up in dozens for sale. Or, dip them in warm water, dry and rub them well in with a little glycerine; they will keep soft and pliable. They are employed by druggists and oil and colormen to tie over pots, bottles, and jars, and to contain pill masses, and other similar substances. Never buy bladders unless they are perfectly dry and tight, as, if the reverse be the case, they will neither keep nor prove sound.

6240. To Obtain Herbs of the Finest Flavor

6240.    To Obtain Herbs of the Finest Flavor. When herbs are to be kept for flavoring dishes, it is obviously of the first importance that they should be gathered at tho right time, and dried in the best manner. The seasons when the various herbs have in their fullest flavor, are as follows: Basil, from the middle of August to the middle of September; marjoram, during the month of July; winter savory, the latter end of July and throughout August; summer savory, the same; thyme, of various kinds, during June and July; mint, the latter end of June, and during July; sage, August and September; tarragon and burnet, June, July, and August; chervil, parsley, fennel, elder flowers, and orange flowers," May, June, and July. As the seasons vary in different localities, a good general rule is to gather the herbs when they first blossom. Herbs should be gathered on a dry day, before the sun has been long upon them. "When intended for preservation, they should be cleaned from dirt and dust, and dried gradually upon a warm stove, or in a Dutch oven, after which they may be tied up in bags made of old newspaper. Or, the leaves may be picked off, pounded in a mortar, passed through a hair sieve, and the powders be preserved separately in well-stoppered bottles.