but if
eaten raw it tastes coarse and brackish, but may be improved by feeding.
In order to do this, cover the oysters with clean water, and allow a
pint of salt to about two gallons; this will cleanse them from the mud
and sand contracted in the bed. After they have lain twelve hours,
change it for fresh salt and water; and in twelve hours more they will
be fit to eat, and will continue in a good state for two or three days.
At the time of high water in the place from whence they were taken, they
will open their shells, in expectation of receiving their usual food.
The real Colchester or Pyfleet barrelled oysters, that are packed at the
beds, are better without being put into water; they are carefully and
tightly packed, and must not be disturbed till wanted for the table. In
temperate weather these will keep good for a week or ten days. To
preserve barrelled oysters however, the best way is to remove the upper
hoop, so that the head may fall down upon the oysters, and then to place
a weight upon it. This will compress the oysters, keep in the liquor,
and preserve them for several days.

P.

PAIN IN THE EAR. This complaint is sometimes so prevalent as to resemble
an epidemic, particularly amongst children. The most effectual remedy
yet discovered has been a clove of garlic, steeped for a few minutes in
warm sallad oil, and put into the ear, rolled up in muslin or fine
linen. When the garlic has accomplished its object, and is removed from
the ear, it should be replaced with cotton, to prevent the patient
taking cold.

PAINT. Painted doors and windows may be made to look well for a
considerable time, if properly cleaned. A cloth should never be used,
for it leaves some lint behind; but take off the dust with a painter's
brush, or a pair of bellows. When the painting is soiled or stained, dip
a sponge or a bit of flannel in soda water, wash it off quickly, and dry
it immediately, or the strength of the soda will eat off the colour.
When wainscot requires scouring, it should be done from the top
downwards, and the soda be prevented from running on the uncleaned part
as much as possible, or marks will appear after the whole is finished.
One person should dry the board with old linen, as fast as the other has
scoured off the dirt, and washed away the soda.

PAINT FOR IRON. For preserving palisadoes and other kinds of iron work
exposed to the weather, heat some common litharge in a shovel over the
fire. Then