aprons, etc.  The same degree of strength in starch will not suit all kinds of fabrics, collars, cuffs, etc., requiring the stronger solution made by doubling the amount of starch; thin lawns and other fine materials the weaker produced by doubling the amount of water.  Dip each article in the hot starch, those requiring the most stiffening being dipped first, because it is necessary to thin the starch.  See that the starch is evenly distributed, press out as much as possible with the hands, put through the wringer, shake out all creases, and pin evenly on the line.  Additional stiffness is given by dipping the already starched and dried article in raw starch, which is made by moistening a handful of starch in a quart of cold water and rubbing in enough Ivory or other fine white soap to produce a very slight suds.  Squeeze out the superfluous moisture, roll in a clean white cloth, and leave for half an hour.  Iron while still damp.  In stiffening pillowcases dilute the starch until it is of the consistency of milk.  Mourning starch should be used for black goods.  Never hang starched things out in freezing, damp, or windy weather.

COLORED CLOTHES

Colored articles must be washed, starched, dried, and ironed as speedily as possible.  Prepare warm suds with Ivory or Castile soap and add to it a handful of salt to set the color.  Wash each piece through this, and rinse through two clear waters to which just enough vinegar to taste has been added, the latter to brighten the color, then stiffen in cool starch and hang in the shade.  When washing delicate colored fabrics a tablespoon of ox gall may be substituted for the salt.

STOCKINGS

Last come the stockings, which should be washed in clean water, first on the right side, then on the wrong, special care being bestowed upon the feet.  Rinse in clear water, with a final rinsing in hot water to soften the fiber, and hang on the line wrong side out, toes up.  Woolen stockings are washed in the same way as flannels.

DAINTY LAUNDERING

The dainty task of laundering centerpieces and doilies usually devolves upon their owner, unless the laundress has demonstrated her ability to cleanse and iron them properly.  Wash in warm Ivory or Castile soapsuds, squeezing, dipping, and rubbing between the hands until clean, rinse thoroughly—­otherwise the soap will yellow—­bluing the last rinsing water very slightly, squeeze out (never wring) as much moisture as possible, and hang on the line, in the shade if out of doors.  While still very damp lay face down on a thick flannel pad covered with a white cloth, and iron till dry.  If the piece is large it can be turned and ironed lightly on the right side where there is no embroidery.  Colored embroideries must never be sprinkled and rolled.  Iron the linen of large lace-trimmed centerpieces, then lay on a bed or other flat surface, and stretch the lace by carefully pinning down each point.