Page:Australian enquiry book of household and general information.djvu/150

 the body with it. Also make small bags or pockets, buy the scent in powder (if possible) and fill them with it, and then pin or sew them into the dresses, stays, &amp;c., &amp;c. Some ladies use violet powder or orris root in this way and consequently are remarkable for the sweet odour of violets that always accompanies them. It is best to choose a scent the oil and essence of which is obtainable. Lavender, rosemary, violet, &amp;c., &amp;c., for instance, and once fixed upon it should be adhered to.

This new idea of injecting the scents under the skin is not to be recommended.

Pasta mack if used in the bath gives a delightful perfume to the person, and is also very refreshing and pleasant. Nothing is better than a little ammonia in the bath to neutralize the unpleasentunpleasant [sic] effects of perspiration.

T is a great mistake to wear boots or shoes that are too small, it not only produces corns and bunions, but spoils the walk and carriage of the wearer. On the other hand it is just as great a mistake to wear them too large. They should just fit comfortably, if tight and painful the first few days bathe the feet in warm water before putting them on, or warm water with a spoonful of liquid ammonia in it when bathing them. Those people who walk much will find it invaluable as it takes away the sore, tired feeling. To two quarts of tepid water add two tablespoonsful of liquid ammonia. After dancing all night it is very comforting to the feet. Borax is also very good, particularly after long standing when the feet swell and become painful. Ammonia also obviates the unpleasant smell from hot close feet. There are some feet that always smell, particularly is it noticeable in domestic servants who work hard and perspire freely. If they were to use ammonia always in the water in which they bathe their feet, and do it regularly every night and once or so during the day in hot weather, all unpleasantness would disappear. Besides this they should occasionally bathe them in alum and water to harden them, as it often comes from the feet being soft, though with some people it is constitutional and while nothing will actually cure it, the remedies I have suggested will obviate most of the unpleasantness.

The feet require thoroughly washing at least every night. Many ladies who keep maids have theirs bathed three or four times a a day. The toe nails should be trimmed as regularly as the finger nails and brushed in the same way.