conditions. Mix eight ounces of soft yeast with as much water. Add enough
flour to make a sponge, but not too stiff. It should be kept warm until
fermentation begins; then apply every day. Finely powdered charcoal can
also be added.

[634 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

For Soothing Effect.--Hop bags or bran bags, dipped in hot water, may be
applied, protected and kept in place with a bandage.

Spice Poultice.--This is very good for pain in abdomen in children
especially. Equal parts of ground cinnamon, cloves, allspice and ginger,
one-quarter part cayenne pepper, if needed very strong. Place all together
in a flannel bag and spread equally. Wet with alcohol or brandy. When dry,
re-wet. This is a mild warming dressing.

Spice Poultice from a Stanlyton, Va., Mother.--"Take one teaspoonful each
of mustard, ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, or as many
ground spices as one has in the kitchen; mix them well in a bowl while
dry, adding boiling water slowly and stir constantly until it is of the
consistency of soft putty; spread between soft thin cloths and apply to
the affected parts as hot as the patient can bear it. When it is cool heat
it again and apply."

Mother's Flour and Water Poultice.--"Make a thick poultice of flour and
water; bake soft and apply hot. Have another ready for change, if
necessary. This is good for any pain."

Poultice of Peach Tree Leaves from our Mother's List.--"Put a handful of
peach leaves in a vessel and let boil well; add enough meal to thicken,
spread between thin muslin cloth and apply to parts affected. This is a
splendid poultice."

Mild Plaster for Children.--"Two teaspoonsful of flour, three teaspoonsful
of mustard, a little fresh lard and a few drops of turpentine, Mix up with
warm water."

Fomentations.--This is the best way to apply moist heat, but it is
troublesome, as they should be changed very frequently, at least every ten
minutes when heat is required. They should never be left on until they are
cold and clammy. Sheets of lamb's wool make the best material. Cut these
layers into sizes required and encase them in a gauze cover over which is
put a layer of oiled silk. Coarse old flannel or an old blanket will do
well. Take two layers of the flannels, dip in the boiling water and wring.
Two should be at hand. Dry the skin first and then put on the flannel. It
should be covered with enough material to keep in the heat and moisture.
Hops, etc., can be put into the water.