Classic Cook Books
< last page | next page >
page 191
minutes, then stir them well for a few minutes, and boil them for half an hour
in eight or ten gallons of water, to which a table-spoonful of the soap has been
added; rinse them, using blue water where it is required as usual, and they are
ready for drying. After the white clothes are finished, the same waters will
answer for the colored ones, adding hot water and more soap. By the use of this
soap, most of the rubbing can be dispensed with, and it is not injurious to the
texture of the clothes. It has been proved that the clothes washed in this way
are more durable than with the common soaps, and the rubbing required in
connection with them.
It is particularly recommended for washing flannels, and calicoes. The above
quantity is sufficient for a family of four or five persons for a month, varying
slightly as the clothes are more or less soiled. Its cheapness recommends it to
all housekeepers.
Candles.
Weigh the tallow, then you can judge how many candles you can make; six and
eight candles to the pound do very well for working and reading by; ten to the
pound does to use in the kitchen or to carry about the house. Put the wicks on
the rods the day before you expect to make candles, and dip them in a little
melted tallow, you can then straighten them out. Have a large pot nearly half
full of hot water; melt the tallow in another pot and fill it up, and keep more
tallow at the fire to fill in as it is used out; put coals under the pot to keep
it at a proper heat. Have poles set on stools about a foot apart, to support the
rods, dip the rods in the pot, alternately, until they are as large as you wish
them. Wax makes candles burn longer, but
< last page | next page >
Classic Cook Books
|