Page:Family receipt book.pdf/20

20 pebbles, upon which is a layer of fresh charcoal made from bones; and over this lay fine sand, to the depth of an inch,covered with another layer of pebbles; and upon this should be placed another shelf, pierced with holes, to prevent the pebbles, sand, and charcoal being disturbed by the water which is poured or runs in at the top of the cask; and after passing through the filter, is drawn off by a crane placed at the bottom of the cask.

VERMIN.

The best plan for preventing the attacks of vermin in houses is to keep the house scrupulously clean; for where there is cleanliness and ordinary precautions, no vermin will gener-ate or exist.

RATS AND MICE.

These might in some instances be completely prevented from encroaching in dwellings by giving a solid foundation to the house, cutting off the approach by grating the drains, but especially by filling up all open spaees beneath pavements and in walls and partitions. Mice might be effectually kept out by only filling up the spaces behind skirting boards in rooms. These vacant spaces are invariably the habitations of mice, and the first thing any person should do in entering into possession of a domicile, is to cause all the spaces behind the skirting-boards and wainscoats to be filled with plaster. Where mice and rats have gained a footing in a house, they should be taken off by a cat or trap, and when one kind of trap fails, another may be tried. All schemes for poisoning them with arsenic or other ingredients are dangerous, and cannot be re-commended.

Bugs.

These pests exist only in dirty houses. A carefu house-wife or servant will soon completely destroy them. The surest method of destruction is to catch them individually when they attack the person in bed. When their bite is felt, instantly rise and light a candle and capture them. This may be troublesome, but if there be not a great number, a few nights will finish them. When there is a large number, and they have gained a lodgment in the timbers, take the bed in picees,and fill in all the apertures and joints with a mixture of soft soap and Scotch snuff. A piece of wicker-work, called a bug-