7. Damask by the yard is slightly cheaper than by the cloth. One dollar a yard is a fair price. Table cloths from 2½ to 3 yards are a good size for a family of six. A cloth wears about as long as 1½ or 2 dozen napkins. The price of one dozen napkins about equals the cost of a cloth. Napkins come in three sizes: 5⁄8, 17-22 inches; ¾, 23-27 inches; 7⁄8, 29-31 inches.
8. Scotch, French, and Irish linens are the best for quality, beauty, and variety of patterns. German damask is good; but German patterns are perhaps the least attractive. Unbleached linen will wear much longer, is less expensive, and is bought by many housewives and bleached as used.
9. For family towels huckaback is the most serviceable, although damask is used a great deal. Linen towels vary in price from $3.00 a dozen up, according to size and quality. Dish towels of linen crash are very serviceable.
10. The microscope is the only sure test for distinguishing cotton and linen fibers.
EXERCISES AND PROBLEMS
1. Ask mother if she knows any other methods of judging good linen.
2. When you go to town, price some tablecloths and napkins. How much will a good cloth and napkins cost?
REVIEW PROBLEMS
I. Plan a systematic way of looking over your clothing and keeping it in repair.
II. How do you store your winter clothing for protection during summer? Your summer clothes during winter?
III. How does your knowledge of buying linens help you in going shopping with mother?