342.  To Prevent Fruit from Moulding.—­A layer of absorbent cotton laid over the fruit in the mouth of the fruit cans is an excellent preventive against the mould.  If mould should form, it will cling to the cotton and leave the fruit clean.

343.  Linoleum or Oilcloth That is Cracked.—­Linoleum that is badly cracked may be improved by a filler made of ochre and boiled flour paste.  After the filling is dry the linoleum may be painted.

344.  Borax as a Purifier for Ice Box.—­Borax is an invaluable aid to the woman who wishes to keep her ice box immaculate.  It is especially desirable for use in small refrigerators where little food is kept, and where ice is kept more for the purpose of preserving butter and milk and keeping bottled water cool.  Cold water with plenty of pure borax, is preferable to hot water to use in wiping off the walls of the refrigerator.  It does not heat the box and, being a germ killer, it purifies everything it touches.  It may also he put in the corners of the refrigerator.  Its best use of all is perhaps in keeping the receptacle for the ice itself and the outside tube in pure and sanitary condition.  It may be sprinkled freely over the bottom of the ice box proper and on the rack holding the ice.

345.  To Clean Gilded Surfaces.—­To clean gilded surfaces, dip a soft brush in alcohol to which a few drops of ammonia water have been added, and with it go over the surface.  Do not rub roughly or harshly.  In about five minutes the dirt will have become soft and easy of removal.  Then go over the surface again gently with the same or similar brush dipped in rain water.  Now lay the damp article in the sunlight to dry.  If there is no sunlight place it near a warm (but not hot) stove, and let dry completely in order to avoid streaks, taking care that the position of the article, during the drying is not exactly vertical.

[892 Mothers’ remedies]

346.  Hints for the Housewife.—­Every housewife should have plenty of waxed paper or paraffin paper about the house.  It is of the greatest value in preserving eatables from the air and keeping them properly moist.  In the sandwich basket it is indispensable.  Cake wrapped in it will keep moist and fresh for a much longer time than if put directly into the box.  When the paper has become sticky run cold water on it, and it may be used again.  Cheese wrapped up in it and put in the refrigerator will keep fresh for a week.

347.  Excessive Gas Light Weakens the Eyes.—­When the excessive light of the gas light or the electric bulb tires weak eyes, resort to the tallow candle.  For the sick room wax candles are preferred, as they never produce smoke or smell.  They seem to soothe the nerves of the invalid and in this way help to produce a restful night.

348.  Handy Disinfectant for the Household.—­Chlorate of lime moistened with vinegar and water, equal parts, is a handy disinfectant for the household.  It can be kept in the cellar, and in case of sickness a few drops scattered around the house will purify the air.