Star compositions which inflame vigorously in dry summer weather, will often scarcely burn at all in damp weather; this is especially the case with stars containing nitrate of strontian.
In washing sulphur, stir it with a wooden spoon; if a silver one were used, a black sulphide would be formed on the surface, very difficult to remove. If silver coins in the pocket get tarnished while using sulphur, rub them with salt, or chalk, or whiting.
A magnet is convenient for lifting tacks, small screws, &c., from divisions in nail boxes.
If the brass tube formers get tarnished, scrape off the lacquer with a knife, sand paper them anew, and give them a fresh coat of lacquer.
Let all wheel frames and woodwork be coloured black, either with paint, or with a mixture of vegetable or lamp black and size, or thin glue, to prevent their being seen. A white thread hung upon a bush, is visible many yards off; a black one can scarcely be seen a few feet distant. Black is not only invisible, but it throws the brilliancy of sparks, and the vividness of colours, into stronger relief.
Let every article be dried, reduced to a fine powder, put into a clean bottle, and carefully corked: also let every bottle be labelled: the labels are best stuck on with paste, not gum: gum labels are apt to drop off in damp weather.
Let all metallic articles, liable to rust, be wiped with a rag dipped into olive oil, before being laid by for future use.
Before putting aside the six-inch circular frying-pan, set it over the fire till warm, put into it a lump of tallow, and smear it with a rag: when wanted for use, set it on the fire, put into it a cupful of water and a piece of soda; make the water boil, and stir it well round; pour away the water, and dry the pan over the fire.
Let muslin sieves always be dried before being put aside; also, again, before use. Zinc sieves may simply be wiped dry.
Have a place for everything; and keep everything in its place.