t, in a few days the alkali will become
liquid, which must be diluted in double its quantity of soft water,
with an equal quantity of new-slacked lime. Boil it half an hour,
frequently stirring it; adding as much more hot water, and drawing off
the liquor, when the residuum may be boiled afresh, and drained, until
it ceases to feel acrid to the tongue.

2738. Washing Machines.

Much labour in washing has been saved by the introduction of washing
machines, by which the toil of washing day, formerly so severe, has
been much abridged. Suitable machines for washing, wringing, and
mangling may be purchased at comparatively low prices of any of the
makers of what is termed "labour-saving machinery," such as Kent,
Bradford, Twelvetrees, &c. Preparations for softening water, and
facilitating the process, exist in the Extract of Soap, and the
various washing powders now to be purchased of most grocers and oil
and colourmen. Cold water soap, too, has achieved considerable
popularity, for by its use a lather can be quickly produced, even in
the hardest water.

2739. Save Soap and Labour.

Soap and labour may he saved by dissolving alum and chalk in bran
water, in which the linen ought to be boiled, then well rinsed out,
and exposed to the usual process of bleaching.

2740. Hardly Any Soap.

Soap may be dispensed with, or nearly so, in the getting up of muslins
and chintzes, which should always be treated agreeably to the Oriental
manner; that is, to wash them in plain water, and then boil them in
rice water; after which they ought not to be submitted to the
operation of the smoothing iron, but rubbed smooth with a polished
stone. This work, which is known as "calendering," is very heavy and
laborious, and is done by men.

2741. Improvements.

The economy which must result from these processes renders their
consideration important to every family, in addition to which, we must
state that the improvements in philosophy extend to the laundry as
well as to the wash-house.

2742. Gum Arabic Starch.

Procure two ounces of fine white gum arabic, and pound it to powder.
Next put it into a pitcher, and pour on it a pint or more of boiling
water, according to the degree of strength you desire, and then,
having covered it, let it set all night. In the morning, pour it
carefully from the dregs into a clean bottle, cork it, and keep it for
use. A t