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To Clarify Quills

Cut off the dles from Cracking. When the blades of small top of the quills, tie them loosely in knives require washing or standing in water, bundles, fix them nearly upright in a sauce- it should be done in a pitcher, with water pan of water in which a small piece of alum enough to cover the blades, but not to touch has been dissolved, about the size of a walnut the handles; and the water no hotter than is of alum to a quart of water; let them boil absolutely necessary. Soaking the handles in slowly until they become clear; add a little turmeric or a small pinch of saffron to the water, to give them the yellow color; dry them in the sun. Tie paper round the feather part of the quills, to keep them from dust.

The quantity of alum may be increased according as you wish the quills more or less brittle. water makes them crack. 6324. Τo Cleanse Goose Feathers.

Feathers are prepared by exposing them to the sunshine or in a stove until perfectly dry, and then beating them to remove dust and loose dirt. When carelessly collected and dirty, they may be cleansed with lime-water; or, still better, with a weak solution of car-