Gather rose petals when the roses are in their richest bloom, but not when the dew is on them, and pack in a jar in layers two inches deep, sprinkling about two tablespoonfuls of fine, dry salt upon each layer. Continue this until the jar is full, adding fresh petals and salt daily. Keep in a dark, dry cool place. A week after the last relay is gathered turn out the salted petals upon a broad platter, mix and toss together until the mass is loosened. Then incorporate thoroughly with the formula given below; pack in a clean jar, cover lightly and set away to “ripen.” It will be ready for rose jars, etc., in a fortnight, and, if kept covered, will be good and fragrant for twenty years.
Formula—Violet powder, one-half ounce; orris root, one ounce; rose powder, one-half ounce; heliotrope powder, one-half ounce; mace, one-half teaspoonful; cinnamon, one-quarter teaspoonful; cloves, one-half teaspoonful; oil of roses, four drops; oil chiris, ten drops; oil melissne, twenty drops; oil eucalyptus, twenty drops; bergamot, ten drops; alcohol, two drachms.
A rose pillow
If you wish to fill a pillow with rose leaves alone, spread the petals in the shade, but on a sunny day, and dry thoroughly before stuffing the pillow. Then scatter a tablespoonful of powdered orris root among them, and sprinkle with ten drops of real attar of roses. The inferior qualities will not hold the fragrance. Make the inner cover of glazed cambric, the outer of silk or satin, decorated to suit your fancy.
Heat marks on tables
Hot plates frequently disfigure tables by leaving on them a cloudy, white stain. This could be avoided if a mat were always placed between the hot plate and the table. The same with hot water jugs, etc. To remove the heat stains rub on a few drops of sweet oil, and afterwards polish with spirits of wine and a soft cloth.
Or hold a hot iron a few inches above the spot until the wood regains color. Polish with a cloth wrung out in kerosene.
If the spot be small, surround it with a muffin-ring, and let the hot iron rest on it a moment. It will confine the heat and rest the hand.
Match marks
Marks that have been made on paint with matches can be removed by rubbing first, with a slice of lemon, then with whiting, and washing with soap and water.