Chapter XVI: Part 16

x. Do not ride on footways.

xi. Look closely after children, whether they are up or in bed; and
particularly when they are near the fire, an element with which they
are very apt to amuse themselves.

xii. Leave nothing poisonous open or accessible; and never omit to
write the word "POISON" in large letters upon it, wherever it may be
placed.

xiii. In walking the streets keep out of the line of the cellars,
and never look one way and walk another.

xiv. Never throw pieces of orange peel, or broken glass bottles,
into the streets.

xv. Never meddle with gunpowder by candle-light.

xvi. In trimming a lamp with naphtha, never fill it. Leave space for
the spirit to expand with warmth.

xvii. Never quit a room leaving the poker in the fire.

xviii. When the brass rod of the stair-carpet becomes loose, fasten
it immediately.

xix. In opening effervescing drinks, such as soda water, hold the
cork in your hand.

xx. Quit your house with care on a frosty morning.

xxi. Have your horses' shoes roughed directly there are indications
of frost.

xxii. Keep lucifer matches in their cases, and never let them be
strewed about.

xxiii. Kick into the gutter any piece of orange peel that you may
see on the pavement or the roadway. By so doing you may save many
from meeting with dangerous accidents.

xxvi. Never allow your servants to leave brooms, brushes,
slop-pails, water cans, &c. in outside doorways, or at the head of a
flight of stairs when engaged in house-work.

[IF YOU ARE IN DEBT, SOMEBODY OWNS PART OF YOU.]

1369. Accidents in Carriages.

It is safer, as a general rule, to keep your place than to jump out.
Getting out of a gig over the back, provided you can hold on a little
while, and run, is safer than springing from the side. But it is best
to keep your place, and hold fast. In accidents people act not so much
from reason as from excitement: but good rules, firmly impressed upon
the mind, generally rise uppermost, even in the midst of fear.

1370. Life Belts.

An excellent and cheap life belt, for persons proceeding to sea,
bathing in dangerous places, or learning to swim, may be thus
made:--Take a yard and three quarters of strong jean, double, and
divide it into nine compartments. Let there be a space of two inches
after each third compartment. Fill the compartments with very fine
cuttings of cork, which may be made by cutting up old corks, or (still
better) purchased at the corkcutter's. Work eyelet holes at the bottom
of each compartment, to let the water drain out. Attach a neck-band
and waist-strings of stout boot-web, and sew them on strongly.

1371. Another.

Cut open an old boa, or victorine, and line it with fine cork-cuttings
instead of wool. For ladies going to sea these are excellent, as they
may be worn in stormy weather, without giving appearance of alarm in
danger. They may be fastened to the body by ribands or tapes, of the
colour of the fur. Gentlemen's waistcoats may be lined the same way.

1372. Charcoal Fumes.

The usual remedies for persons overcome with the fumes of charcoal in
a close apartment are, to throw cold water on the head, and to bleed
immediately; also apply mustard or hartshorn to the soles of the feet.

[ECONOMY IS THE EASY CHAIR OF OLD AGE.]

1373. Cautions in Visiting the Sick.

Do not visit the sick when you are fatigued, or when in a state of
perspiration, or with the stomach empty--for in such conditions you
are liable to take the infection. When the disease is very contagious,
place yourself at the side of the patient which is nearest to the
window. Do not enter the room the first thing in the morning, before
it has been aired; and when you come away, take some food, change your
clothing immediately, and expose the latter to the air for some days.
Tobacco smoke is a preventive of malaria.

1374. Children and Cutlery.

Serious accidents having occurred to babies through their catching
hold of the blades of sharp instruments, the following hint will be
useful. If a child lay hold of a knife or razor, do not try to pull it
away, or to force open the hand; but, holding the child's hand that is
empty, offer to its other hand anything nice or pretty, and it will
immediately open the hand, and let the dangerous instrument fall.

1375. Directing Letters.

It may sound like being over particular, but we recommend persons to
make a practice of fully addressing notes, &c., on all occasions;
when, in case of their being dropped by careless messengers (which is
not a rare occurrence), it is evident for whom they are intended,
without undergoing the inspection of any other person bearing a
similar name.

1376. Prevention of Fires.

The following simple suggestions are worthy of observation:

Add one ounce of alum to the last water used to rinse children's
dresses, and they will be rendered uninflammable, or so slightly
combustible that in event of coming into contact with fire, they would
only smoulder away very slowly, and not burst into flame. This is a
simple precaution, which may be adopted in families of children. Bed
curtains, and linen in general, may also be treated in the same way.
Tungstate of soda has been recommended for the purpose of rendering
any article of female dress incombustible. Any chemist will intimate
to the purchaser the manner in which the tungstate of soda should be
employed.

1377. Precautions in Case of Fire.

The following precautions should be impressed upon the memory of all
our readers:

1378. Fire!

Should a Fire break out, send off to the nearest engine or police
station.

1379. Water.

Fill Buckets with Water, carry them as near the fire as possible, dip
a mop into the water, and throw it in showers on the fire, until
assistance arrives.

1380. A Wet Blanket.

If a Fire is violent, wet a blanket, and throw it on the part which is
in flames.

1381. Chimney Fire (1).

Should a Fire break out in the Kitchen Chimney, or any other, a
blanket wetted should be nailed to the upper ends of the mantelpiece,
so as to cover the opening entirely; the fire will then go out of
itself: for this purpose two knobs should be permanently fixed in the
upper ends of the mantelpiece, on which the blanket may be hitched.

1382. Curtains on Fire.

Should the Bed or Window Curtains be on fire, lay hold of any woollen
garment, and beat it on the flames until extinguished.

1383. No Draughts.

Avoid leaving the Window Or Door open in the room where the fire has
broken out, as the current of air increases the force of the fire.

1384. Burning Staircase: Escape.

Should the Staircase be burning, so as to cut off all communication,
endeavour to escape by means of a trap-door in the roof, a ladder
leading to which should always be at hand.

1385. Avoid Hurry and Confusion.

Avoid hurry and confusion; no person except a fireman, friend, or
neighbour, should be admitted.

1386. Dress on Fire.

If a Lady's Dress takes Fire, she should endeavour to roll herself in
a rug, carpet, or the first woollen garment she meets with.

1387. Handy Baize.

It is a Good Precaution to have always at hand a large piece of baize,
to throw over a female whose dress is burning, or to be wetted and
thrown over a fire that has recently broken out.

[LITTLE STICKS KINDLE THE FIRE, BUT GREAT ONES PUT IT OUT.]

1388. Use Pearlash.

A Solution of Pearlash in Water, thrown upon a fire, extinguishes it
instantly. The proportion is a quarter of a pound, dissolved in some
hot water, and then poured into a bucket of common water.

1389. Buckets and Mops.

It is recommended to Householders to have two or three fire-buckets
and a carriage-mop with a long handle near at hand; they will be found
essentially useful in case of fire.

1390. Check before Retiring.

All householders, but particularly hotel, tavern, and inn-keepers,
should exercise a wise precaution by directing that the last person up
should look over the premises previous to going to rest, to ascertain
that all fires are safe and lights extinguished.

1391. To Extinguish a Fire in a Chimney (2).

So many serious fires have been caused by chimneys catching fire, and
not being quickly extinguished, that the following method of doing
this should be made generally known. Throw some powdered brimstone on
the fire in the grate, or ignite some on the hob, and then put a board
or something in the front of the fireplace, to prevent the fumes
descending into the room. The vapour of the brimstone, ascending the
chimney, will then effectually extinguish the fire.

1392. To Extinguish a Fire in a Chimney (3).

To Extinguish a Fire in the chimney, besides any water at hand, throw
on it salt, or a handful of flour of sulphur, as soon as you can
obtain it; keep all the doors and windows tightly shut, and hold
before the fireplace a blanket, or some woollen article, to exclude
the air.

1393. Escaping from a Fire.

In escaping from a fire, creep or crawl along the room with your face
close to the ground. Children should be early taught how to press out
a spark when it happens to reach any part of their dress, and also
that running into the air will cause it to blaze immediately.

1394. Don't Read in Bed.

Reading in bed at night should be avoided, as, besides the danger of
an accident, it never fails to injure the eyes.

1395. Warming a Bed.

To heat a bed at a moment's notice, throw a little salt on the hot
coals in the warming-pan, and suffer it to burn for a minute previous
to use.

1396. No Plant Life.

Flowers and shrubs should be excluded from a bed-chamber.

1397. Swimming.

Every person should endeavour to acquire the power of swimming. The
fact that the exercise is a healthful accompaniment of bathing, and
that lives may be saved by it, even when least expected, is a
sufficient argument for the recommendation. The art of swimming is, in
reality, very easy. The first consideration is not to attempt to learn
to swim too hastily. That is to say, you must not expect to succeed in
your efforts to swim, until you have become accustomed to the water,
and have overcome your repugnance to the coldness and novelty of
bathing. Every attempt will fail until you have acquired a certain
confidence in the water, and then the difficulty will soon vanish.

[WHAT THOU CANST DO THYSELF, COMMIT NOT TO ANOTHER.]

1398. Dr. Franklin's Advice to Swimmers.

"The only obstacle to improvement in this necessary and
life-preserving art is fear: and it is only by overcoming this
timidity that you can expect to become a master of the following
acquirements. It is very common for novices in the art of swimming
to make use of cork or bladders to assist in keeping the body above
water; some have utterly condemned the use of them; however, they
may be of service for supporting the body while one is learning what
is called the stroke, or that manner of drawing in and striking out
the hands and feet that is necessary to produce progressive motion.
But you will be no swimmer till you can place confidence in the
power of the water to support you; I would, therefore, advise the
acquiring that confidence in the first place; especially as I have
known several who, by a little practice, necessary for that purpose,
have insensibly acquired the stroke, taught, as it were, by nature.

The practice I mean is this: choosing a place where the water
deepens gradually, walk coolly into it till it is up to your breast;
then turn round your face to the shore, and throw an egg into the
water between you and the shore; it will sink to the bottom and be
easily seen there if the water be clear. It must lie in the water so
deep that you cannot reach to take it up but by diving for it. To
encourage yourself in order to do this, reflect that your progress
will be from deep to shallow water, and that at any time you may, by
bringing your legs under you, and standing on the bottom, raise your
head far above the water; then plunge under it with your eyes open,
which must be kept open on going under, as you cannot open the
eyelids for the weight of water above you; throwing yourself toward
the egg, and endeavouring by the action of your hands and feet
against the water to get forward, till within reach of it.

In this attempt you will find that the water buoys you up against
your inclination; that it is not so easy to sink as you imagine, and
that you cannot, but by active force, get down to the egg. Thus you
feel the power of water to support you, and learn to confide in that
power, while your endeavours to overcome it, and reach the egg,
teach you the manner of acting on the water with your feet and
hands, which action is afterwards used in swimming to support your
head higher above the water, or to go forward through it.

1399. continued...

"I would the more earnestly press you to the trial of this method,
because I think I shall satisfy you that your body is lighter than
water, and that you might float in it a long time with your mouth
free for breathing, if you would put yourself into a proper posture,
and would be still, and forbear struggling; yet, till you have
obtained this experimental confidence in the water, I cannot depend
upon your having the necessary presence of mind to recollect the
posture, and the directions I gave you relating to it. The surprise
may put all out of your mind.

1400. continued...

"Though the legs, arms, and head of a human body, being solid parts,
are specifically somewhat heavier than fresh water, as the trunk,
particularly the upper part, from its hollowness, is so much lighter
than water, so the whole of the body, taken altogether, is too light
to sink wholly under water, but some part will remain above until
the lungs become filled with water, which happens when a person, in
the fright, attempts breathing while the mouth and nostrils are
under water.

1401. continued...

"The legs and arms are specifically lighter than salt water, and
will be supported by it, so that a human body cannot sink in salt
water, though the lungs were filled as above, but from the greater
specific gravity of the head. Therefore a person throwing himself on
his back in salt water, and extending his arms, may easily lie so as
to keep his mouth and nostrils free for breathing; and, by a slight
motion of his hand, may prevent turning, if he should perceive any
tendency to it.

1402. continued...

"In fresh water if a man throw himself on his back near the surface,
he cannot long continue in that situation, but by proper action of his
hands on the water; if he use no such action, the legs and lower part
of the body will gradually sink till he come into an upright position,
in which he will continue suspended, the hollow of his breast keeping
the head uppermost.

1403. continued...

"But if in this erect position the head be kept upright above the
shoulders, as when we stand on the ground, the immersion will, by the
weight of that part of the head that is out of the water, reach above
the mouth and nostrils, perhaps a little above the eyes, so that a man
cannot long remain suspended in water with his head in that position.

1404. continued...

"The body continuing suspended as before, and upright, if the head be
leaned quite back, so that the face look upward, all the back part of
the head being under water, and its weight consequently in a great
measure supported by it, the face will remain above water quite free
for breathing, will rise an inch higher every inspiration, and sink as
much every expiration, but never so low as that the water may come
over the mouth.

1405. continued...

"If therefore a person unacquainted with swimming and falling
accidentally into the water, could have presence of mind sufficient to
avoid struggling and plunging, and to let the body take this natural
position, he might continue long safe from drowning, till, perhaps,
help should come; for, as to the clothes, their additional weight when
immersed is very inconsiderable, the water supporting it; though when
he comes out of the water, he will find them very heavy indeed.

1406. continued...

"But I would not advise any one to depend on having this presence of
mind on such an occasion, but learn fairly to swim, as I wish all men
were taught do in their youth; they would on many occasions, be the
safer for having that skill; and on many more, the happier, as free
from painful apprehensions of danger, to say nothing of the enjoyment
in so delightful and wholesome an exercise. Soldiers particularly
should, methinks, all be taught to swim; it might be of frequent use,
either in surprising an enemy or saving themselves; and if I had now
boys to educate, I should prefer those schools (other things being
equal) where an opportunity was afforded for acquiring so advantageous
an art, which, once learned, is never forgotten.

1407.

"I know by experience, that it is a great comfort to a swimmer, who
has a considerable distance to go, to turn himself sometimes on his
back, and to vary, in other respects, the means of procuring a
progressive motion.

1408.

"When he is seized with the cramp in the leg, the method of driving it
away is to give the parts affected a sudden, vigorous, and violent
shock; which he may do in the air as he swims on his back.

1409.

"During the great heats in summer, there is no danger in bathing,
however warm we may be, in rivers which have been thoroughly warmed by
the sun. But to throw one's self into cold spring water, when the body
has been heated by exercise in the sun, is an imprudence which may
prove fatal. I once knew an instance of four young men who, having
worked at harvest in the heat of the day, with a view of refreshing
themselves, plunged into a spring of cold water; two died upon the
spot, a third next morning, and the fourth recovered with great
difficulty. A copious draught of cold water, in similar circumstances,
is frequently attended with the same effect in North America.

1410.

"The exercise of swimming is of the most healthy and agreeable in the
world. After having swum for an hour or two in the evening one sleeps
coolly the whole night, even during the most ardent heat of summer.
Perhaps, the pores being cleansed, the insensible perspiration
increases, and occasions this coolness. It is certain that much
swimming is the means of stopping diarrhoea, and even of producing a
constipation. With respect to those who do not know how to swim, or
who are affected with diarrhoea at a season which does not permit them
to use that exercise, a warm bath, by cleansing and purifying the
skin, is found very salutary, and often effects a radical cure. I
speak from my own experience, frequently repeated, and that of others,
to whom I have recommended this.

1411.

"When I was a boy, I amused myself one day with flying a paper kite;
and approaching the banks of the lake, which was nearly a mile broad,
I tied the string to a stake, and the kite ascended to a very
considerable height above the pond, while I was swimming. In a little
time, being desirous of amusing myself with my kite, and enjoying at
the same time the pleasure of swimming, I returned, and loosening from
the stake the string, with the little stick which was fastened to it,
went again into the water, where I found that, lying on my back, and
holding the stick in my hand, I was drawn along the surface of the
water in a very agreeable manner. Having then engaged another boy to
carry my clothes round the pond, to a place which I pointed out to him
on the other side, I began to cross the pond with my kite, which
carried me quite over without the least fatigue, and with the greatest
pleasure imaginable. I was only obliged occasionally to halt a little
in my course, and resist its progress, when it appeared that by
following too quickly, I lowered the kite too much; by doing which
occasionally I made it rise again. I have never since that time
practised this singular mode of swimming, and I think it not
impossible to cross, in this manner, from Dover to Calais."

1412. Using Life-Belts.

Those who prefer the Aid of Belts will find it very easy and safe to
make belts upon the plan explained in _pars_. 1370, 1371; and by
gradually reducing the floating power of the belts from day to day,
they will gain confidence, and speedily acquire the art of swimming.

[A CHILD IS THE BRIGHTEST RAY IN THE SUNSHIRE OF THE PARENT'S HEART.]

1413. Staining.--General Observations.

When _alabaster, marble,_ and other _stones_ are coloured, and the
stain is required to be deep, it should be poured on boiling hot, and
brushed equally over every part, if made with water; if with spirit,
it should be applied cold, otherwise the evaporation, being too rapid,
would leave the colouring matter on the surface, without any, or very
little, being able to penetrate. In greyish or brownish stones, the
stain will be wanting in brightness, because the natural colour
combines with the stain; therefore, if the stone be a pure colour, the
result will be a combination of the colour and stain.

In staining _bone_ or _ivory_, the colours will take better before
than after polishing; and if any dark spots appear, they should be
rubbed with chalk, and the article dyed again, to produce uniformity
of shade. On removal from the boiling hot dye-bath, the bone should be
immediately plunged into cold water, to prevent cracks from the heat.

If _paper_ or _parchment_ is stained, a broad varnish brush should be
employed, to lay the colouring on evenly.

When the stains for _wood_ are required to be very strong, it is
better to soak and _not_ brush them; therefore, if for inlaying or
fine work, the wood should be previously split or sawn into proper
thicknesses; and when it is necessary to brush the wood several times
over with the stains, it should be allowed to dry between each
coating.

When it is wished to render any of the stains more durable and
beautiful, the work should be well rubbed with Dutch or common rushes
after it is coloured, and then varnished with seed-lac varnish, or if
a better appearance is desired, with three coats of the same, or
shell-lac varnish. Common work only requires frequent rubbing with
linseed oil and woollen rags. The remainder, with the exception of
_glass_, will be treated in the following sections:

[A LAUGHING CHILD IS THE BEST PORTRAIT OF HAPPINESS.]

1414. Alabaster, Marble, and Stone.

Alabaster, marble, and stone, may be stained of a yellow, red, green,
blue, purple, black, or any of the compound colours, by the stains
used for wood.

1415. Bone and Ivory. _Black_.

i. Lay the article for several hours in a strong solution of nitrate
of silver, and expose to the light.

ii. Boil the article for some time in a strained decoction of
logwood, and then steep it in a solution of persulphate or acetate
of iron.

iii. Immerse frequently in ink, until of sufficient depth of colour.

1416. Bone and Ivory. _Blue._

i. Immerse for some time in a dilute solution of sulphate of
indigo--partly saturated with potash--and it will be fully stained.

ii. Steep in a strong solution of sulphate of copper.

1417. Bone and Ivory. _Green._

i. Dip blue-stained articles for a short time in nitro-hydrochlorate
of tin, and then in a hot decoction of fustic.

ii. Boil in a solution of verdigris in vinegar until the desired
colour is obtained.

1418. Bone and Ivory. _Red_.

i. Dip the articles first in the tin mordant used in dyeing, and
then plunge into a hot decoction of Brazil wood--half a pound to a
gallon of water--or cochineal.

ii. Steep in red ink until sufficiently stained.

1419. Bone and Ivory. _Scarlet._

Use lac dye instead of the preceding.

1420. Bone and Ivory. _Violet._

Dip in the tin mordant, and then immerse in a decoction of logwood.

1421. Bone and Ivory. _Yellow._

i. Impregnate with nitro-hydrochlorate of tin, and then digest with
heat in a strained decoction of fustic.

ii. Steep for twenty-four hours in a strong solution of the neutral
chromate of potash, and then plunge for some time in a boiling
solution of acetate of lead.

iii. Boil the articles in a solution of alum--a pound to half a
gallon--and then immerse for half an hour in the following
mixture:--Take half a pound of turmeric, and a quarter of a pound of
pearl-ash; boil in a gallon of water. When taken from this, the bone
must be again dipped in the alum solution.

[AVOID YOURSELF WHAT YOU THINK WRONG IN YOUR NEIGHBOUR.]

1422. Horn.

Horn must be treated in the same manner as bone and ivory for the
various colours given under that heading.

1423. Imitation of Tortoiseshell.

First steam and then press the horn into proper shapes, and afterwards
lay the following mixture on with a small brush, in imitation of the
mottle of tortoiseshell:--Take equal parts of quicklime and litharge,
and mix with strong soap-lees; let this remain until it is thoroughly
dry, brush off, and repeat two or three times, if necessary. Such
parts as are required to be of a reddish brown should be covered with
a mixture of whiting and the stain.

1424. Iron. _Black, for ships' guns, shots, &c._

To one gallon of vinegar add a quarter of a pound of iron rust, let it
stand for a week; then add a pound of dry lampblack, and
three-quarters of a pound of copperas; stir it up at intervals for a
couple of days. Lay five or six coats on the gun, &c., with a sponge,
allowing it to dry well between each. Polish with linseed oil and soft
woollen rag, and it will look like ebony.

1425. Paper and Parchment._Blue._

i. Stain the material green with the verdigris stain given in No.
1433, and brush over with a solution of pearlash--two ounces to the
pint--till it becomes blue.

ii. Use the blue stain for wood.

1426. Paper and Parchment. _Green_ and _Red._

The same as for wood.

1427. Paper and Parchment. _Orange._

Brush over with a tincture of turmeric, formed by infusing an ounce of
the root in a pint of spirit of wine; let this dry, and give another
coat of pearlash solution, made by dissolving two ounces of the salt
in a quart of water.

1428. Paper and Parchment._Purple._

i. Brush over with the expressed juice of ripe privet berries.

ii. The same as for wood.

1429. Paper and Parchment._Yellow._

i. Brush over with tincture of turmeric.

ii. Add anatto or dragon's-blood to the tincture of turmeric, and
brush over as usual.

1430. Wood. _Black._

i. Drop a little sulphuric acid into a small quantity of water,
brush over the wood and hold to the fire; it will turn a fine black,
and take a good polish.

ii. Take half a gallon of vinegar, an ounce of bruised nut galls, of
logwood chips and copperas each half a pound--boil well; add half an
ounce of the tincture of sesquichloride of iron, formerly called the
muriated tincture and brush on hot.

iii. Use the stain given for ships' guns.

iv. Take half a gallon of vinegar, half a pound of dry lampblack,
and three pounds of iron rust, sifted. Mix, and let stand for a
week. Lay three coats of this on hot, and then rub with linseed oil,
and you will have a fine deep black.

v. Add to the above stain an ounce of nut galls, half a pound of
log-wood chips, and a quarter of a pound of copperas; lay on three
coats, oil well, and you will have a black stain that will stand any
kind of weather, and one that is well suited for ships' combings,
&c.

vi. Take a pound of logwood chips, a quarter of a pound of Brazil
wood, and boil for an hour and a half in a gallon of water. Brush
the wood several times with this decoction while hot. Make a
decoction of nut galls by simmering gently, for three or four days,
a quarter of a pound of the galls in two quarts of water; give the
wood three coats of this, and, while wet, lay on a solution of
sulphate of iron (two ounces to a quart), and when dry, oil or
varnish.

vii. Give three coats with a solution of copper filings in
aquafortis, and repeatedly brush over with the logwood decoction,
until the greenness of the copper is destroyed.

viii. Boil half a pound of logwood chips in two quarts of water, add
an ounce of pearlash, and apply hot with a brush. Then take two
quarts of the logwood decoction, and half an ounce of verdigris, and
the same of copperas; strain, and throw in half a pound of iron
rust. Brush the work well with this, and oil.

[THE HIGHEST HAPPINESS IS TO BE GOOD AND TO DO GOOD.]

1431. Wood. _Blue._

i. Dissolve copper filings in aquafortis, brush the wood with it,
and then go over the work with a hot solution of pearlash (two
ounces to a pint of water) till it assumes a perfectly blue colour.

ii. Boil a pound of indigo, two pounds of woad, and three ounces of
alum, in a gallon of water; brush well over until thoroughly stained.

1432. Imitation of Botany Bay Wood.

Boil half a pound of French Berries (the unripe berries of the
_rhamnus infectorius_) in two quarts of water till of a deep yellow,
and while boiling hot give two or three coats to the work. If a deeper
colour is desired, give a coat of logwood decoction over the yellow.
When nearly dry form the grain with No. viii. _black stain_ (_see
par_. 1430) used hot; and when dry, dust and varnish.

1433. Wood. _Green_.

Dissolve verdigris in vinegar, and brush over with the hot solution
until of a proper colour.

1434. Wood. _Mahogany Colour_._Dark_.

i. Boil half a pound of madder and two ounces of logwood chips in a
gallon of water, and brush well over while hot; when dry, go over
the whole with pearlash solution, two drachms to the quart.

ii. Put two ounces of dragon's-blood, bruised, into a quart of oil
of turpentine; let the bottle stand in a warm place, shake
frequently, and, when dissolved, steep the work in the mixture.

1435. Wood. _Light Red Brown_.

i. Boil half a pound of madder and a quarter of a pound of fustic in
a gallon of water; brush over the work when boiling hot, until
properly stained.

ii. The surface of the work being quite smooth, brush over with a
weak solution of aquafortis, half an ounce to the pint, and then
finish with the following:--Put four ounces and a half of dragon's
blood and an ounce of soda, both well bruised, to three pints of
spirits of wine; let it stand in a warm place, shake frequently,
strain, and lay on with a soft brush, repeating till of a proper
colour; polish with linseed oil or varnish.

1436. Wood. _Purple_

Brush the work several times with the logwood decoction used for No.
vi. _black_ (_see par_. 1430), and when perfectly dry, give a coat of
pearlash solution--one drachm to a quart--taking care to lay it on
evenly.

1437. Wood. _Red_.

i. Boil a pound of Brazil wood and an ounce of pearlash in a gallon
of water, and while hot brush over the work until of a proper
colour. Dissolve two ounces of alum in a quart of water, and brush
the solution over the work before it dries.

ii. Take a gallon of the above stain, add two more ounces of
pearlash; use hot, and brush often with the alum solution.

iii. Use a cold infusion of archil, and brush over with the pearlash
solution used for No. 1434.

1438. Imitation of Rosewood.

i. Boil half a pound of logwood in three pints of water till it is
of a very dark red, add half an ounce of salt of tartar; stain the
work with the liquor while _boiling hot_, giving three coats; then,
with a painter's graining brush, form streaks with No. viii. _black
stain_ (_see par_. 1430); let the work dry, and varnish.

ii. Brush over with the logwood decoction used for No. vi. _black_,
three or four times; put half a pound of iron filings into two
quarts of vinegar; then with a graining brush, or cane bruised at
the end, apply the iron filing solution in the form required, and
polish with bees'-wax and turpentine when dry, or varnish.

1439. Wood. _Yellow_.

i. Brush over with the tincture of turmeric.

ii. Warm the work and brush over with weak aquafortis, then hold to
the fire. Varnish or oil as usual.

1440. Laws of Employers and Employed.

1441. Hiring and Dismissal.

It is customary with respect to domestic servants, that if the terms
are not otherwise defined, the hiring is by the month, and may be put
an end to by either party giving a month's warning; or, at the will of
the employer, a month's wages.

1442. Dismissal.

An employer may dismiss a servant upon paying wages for one month
beyond the date of actual dismissal, the wages without service being
deemed equivalent to the extra board and lodging with service.

1443. Distinctions.

There are Distinctions with respect to clerks, and servants of a
superior class. A month's warning or wages will not determine the
engagements of servants of this class.

1444. Terms.

The Terms on which clerks and superior servants are employed being
very various, it is desirable to have some specific agreement, or
other proof of the conditions of service and wages.

1445. Need for Stamping.

Agreements with menial servants need not be stamped; but contracts of
a higher and special character should be.

1446. Terms of Agreement.

The Terms of an Agreement should be distinctly expressed, and be
signed by both parties. And the conditions under which the agreement
may be terminated by either party should be fully stated.

1447. Mutuality of Interest.

Every Agreement should bear Evidence of Mutuality of interest. If one
party agrees to stay with another, and give gratuitous services, with
the view of acquiring knowledge of a business, and the other party
does not agree to employ and to _teach_, the agreement is void, as
being without consideration.

1448. Contract.

An employer must Contract to employ, as well as a servant to _serve_,
otherwise the employer may put an end to the contract at his own
pleasure. In such a case a servant may be dismissed without notice.

1449. Permanency.

An Agreement to give Permanent Employment is received as extending
only to a substantial and reasonable period of time, and that there
shall be no immediate and peremptory dismissal, without cause.

1450. Stipulation.

When no Stipulation is made at the time of the hiring, or in the
agreement, that a servant shall be liable for breakages, injuries from
negligence, &c., the employer can only recover from the servant by due
process of law.

1451. Prudent Stipulation.

It is a Prudent Stipulation that, if a servant quit his employ before
the specified time, or without due notice, a certain amount of wages
shall be forfeited; otherwise the employer can only recover by action
for damages.

1452. Livery Servants.

In the case of Livery Servants, it should be agreed that, upon
quitting service, they deliver up the liveries; otherwise disputes may
arise that can only be determined by recourse to law.

1453. Change of Trade.

When a Master to whom an Apprentice is bound for a particular trade,
changes that trade for another, the indenture binding the apprentice
becomes null and void.

1454. Act of God.

If a Servant, retained for a year, happen within the period of his
service to fall sick, or to be hurt or lamed, or otherwise to become
of infirm body by the act of God, while doing his master's business,
the master cannot put such servant away, nor abate any part of his
wages for such time.

1455. Terms of Discharge.

But this does not interfere with the Right of an Employer to determine
a contract for services in those cases where terms of discharge are
specified in the contract of hiring. In such cases, inability to
serve, through sickness or other infirmity, puts an end to right to
wages, which are in consideration of such services.

1456. Forfeit.

When the Hiring of a Superior Servant is for a year, if the servant,
prior to the expiration of the year, commits any act by which he may
be lawfully discharged, he cannot claim wages for the part of the year
which he may have served.

1457. Claim.

But a Menial Servant may claim up to the date of his dismissal, unless
his discharge be for embezzlement or other felonious acts.

1458. Death.

Upon the Death of a Servant, his personal representative may claim
arrears of wages due, unless the contract of employment specified and
required the completion of any particular period.

1459. Bankrupt Master.

When a Master becomes Bankrupt, the wages or salary of any clerk or
servant in his employ, not exceeding four months' wages or salary, and
not more than £50, is payable in full before the general creditors
receive anything. So also the wages of any labourer or workman not
exceeding two months' wages. For any further sums due to him, the
clerk, servant, or workman must prove against the bankrupt's estate
the same as other creditors.

1460. Receipts.

Receipts should be taken for Wages paid. Where servants have been
under age, it has been held that moneys advanced for fineries and
extravagances unbecoming to a servant did not constitute payment of
wages, and the employer has been compelled to pay again.

1461. Moneys paid to a Married Woman.

The receipt of a married woman is a good discharge for any wages or
earnings, acquired or gained by her in any employment or occupation in
which she is engaged separately from her husband.

1462. Medical Attendance.

A Master may bacome liable for Medical Attendance upon his sick
servant if he calls in his own medical man, and orders him to attend
to the servant.

1463. End of Claim.

When a Servant is Discharged for any just cause, he cannot claim wages
beyond the last pay-day under the contract of hiring.

1464. General Hiring.

A General Hiring of a Clerk or warehouseman is for a year, even though
the wages be paid by the month, unless a month's warning or wages be
specified in the contract of employment.

1465. Special Privileges.

Where a Servant Reserves to Himself Special Privileges, such as
particular portions of his time, the hiring becomes special, and
cannot be governed by the terms of general engagements. So, also,
where a servant stipulates to be exempted from particular duties that
usually belong to his situation.

1466. Refusal of Duty.

Should a Servant Refuse to perform any duty required from him, his
right so to refuse will generally be determined by the usages
prevailing among servants of a similar class.

1467. Seduction from Employment.

A Servant being Seduced from the Employment of a master, the latter
has a right of action against the seducer for losses sustained.

1468. Masters Responsible.

It is an Established Maxim in Law, that whoever does an act by the hands of another shall be deemed to have done it himself. And hence, in many matters, masters are responsible for the acts of their servants. But if a servant does an unlawful act, not arising out of the discharge of his duties to his master, then the employer is not responsible.

1469. Purchase of Goods by Servants for Employer.

A servant cannot by buying goods for his employer's use pledge his
master's credit, unless his master authorized him to do so, or unless
the master has previously paid for goods bought by the servant in like
manner on a former occasion. If a master contracts with a servant to
provide certain things and pays him for so doing, a tradesman
supplying the things can only sue the servant and not the master for
his money.

1470. Privileged Communications.

An action will not lie against an employer for giving an unfavourable
character of a servant, even though it be in writing. Communications
of this nature, in answer to inquiries, are considered privileged. But
if it can be proved that an employer has given a _false_ character
from motives of _malice_, then an action for libel will lie against
him; but the representations must be proved to be false as well as
malicious.

1471. Laws of Landlord and Tenant.

1472. Leases.

A lease is a conveyance of premises or lands for a specified term of
years, at a yearly rent, with definite conditions as to alterations,
repairs, payment of rent, forfeiture, &c. Being an instrument of much
importance, it should always be drawn by a respectable attorney, who
will see that all the conditions, in the interest of the lessee, are
fulfilled.

[SAVING AFFORDS THE MEANS OF GIVING.]

1473. Precaution.

In taking a lease, the tenant's solicitor should carefully examine the
covenants, or if he take an underlease, he should ascertain the
covenants of the original lease, otherwise, when too late, he may find
himself so restricted in his occupation that the premises may be
wholly useless for his purpose, or he may be involved in perpetual
difficulties and annoyances; for instance, he may find himself
restricted from making alterations convenient or necessary for his
trade; he may find himself compelled to rebuild or pay rent in case of
fire; he may find himself subject to forfeiture of his lease, or other
penalty, if he should underlet or assign his interest, carry on some
particular trade, &c.

1474. Covenants.

The covenants on the landlord's part are usually for the quiet
enjoyment of the premises by the lessee. On the tenant's part, they
are usually to pay the rent and taxes; to keep the premises in
suitable repair; and to deliver up possession when the term has
expired.

1475. Rent and Taxes.

The lessee covenants to pay the rent and all taxes, except the land
and property taxes, which may be deducted from the rent.

1476. Assignments.

Unless there be a covenant against assignment, a lease may be
assigned, that is, the whole interest of the lessee may be conveyed to
another, or it may be underlet; if, therefore, it is intended that it
should not, it is proper to insert a covenant to restrain the lessee
from assigning or underletting. Tenants for terms of years may assign
or underlet, but tenants at will cannot.

1477. Repairs.

A tenant who covenants to keep a house in repair is not answerable for
its natural decay, but is bound to keep it wind and water tight, so
that it does not decay for want of cover. A lessee who covenants to
pay rent and keep the premises in repair, is liable to pay the rent
although the premises may be burned down, unless a stipulation to the
contrary be inserted in the lease.

1478. Neglect of Repairs by Landlord.

If a landlord covenant to repair, and neglect to do so, the tenant may
do it, and withhold so much of the rent. But it is advisable that
notice thereof should be given by the tenant to the landlord, in the
presence of a witness, prior to commencing the repairs.

1479. Right of Landlord to Enter Premises.

A landlord may enter upon the premises (having given previous notice,
although not expressed in the lease), for the purpose of viewing the
state of the property.

1480. Termination of Leases.

A tenant must deliver up possession at the expiration of the term (the
lease being sufficient notice), or he will continue liable to the rent
as tenant by sufferance without any new contract; but if the landlord
recognises such tenancy by accepting a payment of rent after the lease
has expired, such acceptance will constitute a tenancy; but previous
to accepting rent, the landlord may bring his ejectment without
notice; for, the lease having expired, the tenant is a trespasser. A
lease covenanted to be void if the rent be not paid upon the day
appointed, is good, unless the landlord make an entry.

1481. Rights of Married Women.

Married Women, with the concurrence of their husbands, may grant
leases by deed for any term. Husbands, seised in right of their wives,
may grant leases for twenty-one years. If a wife is executrix, the
husband and wife have the power of leasing, as in the ordinary case of
husband and wife. A married woman living separate from her husband may
by taking a lease bind her separate estate for payment of the rent and
performance of the covenants.

1482. Copyholders.

Copyholders may not grant a lease for longer than one year, unless by
custom, or permission of the lord: and the lease of a steward of a
manor is not good, unless he is duly invested with a power for that
purpose.

1483. Notices.

All notices, of whatever description, relating to tenancies, should be
in writing, and the person serving the said notice should write on the
back thereof a memorandum of the date on which it was served, and
should keep a copy of the said notice, with a similar memorandum
attached.

1484. Yearly Tenancies.

Houses are considered as _let_ for the year, and the tenants are
subject to the laws affecting annual tenancies, unless there be an
agreement in writing to the contrary.

1485. _Agreement for taking a House on an Annual Tenancy_.

Memorandum of Agreement, entered into this----day of-------18--,
between R.A., of----, and L.O., of of----, as follows:

The said R.A. doth hereby let unto the said L.O. a dwelling-house,
situate in----, in the parish of-----, for the term of one year
certain, and so on from year to year, until half a year's notice to
quit be given by or to either party, at the yearly rent of----
pounds, payable quarterly; the tenancy to commence at----day next.

And the said R.A. doth undertake to pay the land-tax, the
property-tax, and the sewer-rate, and to keep the said house in all
necessary repairs, so long as the said L.O. shall continue therein.
And the said L.O. doth undertake to take the said house of R.A. for
the before-mentioned term and rent, and pay all rates and taxes,
except as aforesaid. The said R.A. to be at liberty to re-enter if
any rent shall be in arrear for 21 days, whether such rent has been
demanded or not.

Witness our hands, the day and year aforesaid.
Witness, G.C.
R.A.
L.O.

1486. Payment of Taxes by Landlord.

If the landlord agree to pay all the rates and taxes, then a different
wording of the agreement should take place, as thus:

And the said R.A. doth undertake to pay all rates and taxes, of
whatever nature or kind, chargeable on the said house and premises,
and to keep the said house in all necessary repairs, so long as the
said L.O. shall continue therein.

1487. Indemnity from Arrears.

If the landlord agree to secure the incoming tenant from all arrears
(and the tenant should see to this) due on account of rent, rates, and
taxes, the indemnification should be written on a separate paper, and
in something like the following terms:

1488. _Indemnification against Rents, Rates and Taxes in Arrear_.

I, R.A., landlord of a certain house and premises now about to be
taken and occupied by L.O., do hereby agree to indemnify the said
L.O. from the payment of any rent, taxes, or rates in arrear, prior
to the date of the day at which his said tenancy commences. As
witness my hand this----day of----18

R.A., Landlord of the above premises.
Witness, G.C.

1489. _Agreement for taking a House for Three Years_.

Memorandum of an agreement made the----day of----, 18 , between
R.A., of----, and L.O. of----, as follows:

The said R.A. doth let unto the said L.O. a house (and garden, if
any) with appurtenances, situate in----, in the parish of----, for
three years certain. The rent to commence from----day next, at and
under the yearly rent of----, payable quarterly, the first payment
to be at----day next.

The said L.O. doth agree to take the said house (and garden) of the
said R.A. for the term and rent payable in manner aforesaid; and
that he will, at the expiration of the term, leave the house in as
good repair as he found it [reasonable wear and tear excepted]. The
said R.A. to be at liberty to re-enter, if any rent shall be in
arrear for 21 days, whether such rent has been demanded or not.
Witness our hands.
R.A.
L.O.
Witness, G.C.

1490. Payment of Rent.

Rent is usually payable at the regular quarter-days, namely, Lady-day,
or March 25th; Midsummer-day, or June 24th; Michaelmas-day, September
29th; and Christmas-day, December 25th. It is due at mid-day; but no
proceedings for non-payment, where the tenant remains upon the
premises, can be taken till the next day.

1491. Payment of Rent Imperative.

No consideration will waive the payment of the rent, should the
landlord insist on demanding it. Even should the house be burnt,
blown, or fall down, the tenant is still liable for rent; and the
tenancy can only be voidable by the proper notice to quit, the same as
if the house remained in the most perfect condition.

1492. Demanding Rent.

The landlord himself is the person most proper to demand rent; he may
employ another person, but if he does, he must authorize him by
letter, or by power of attorney; or the demand may be objected to.

1493. Receipt for Rent.

When an agent has been duly authorized, a receipt from him for any
subsequent rent is a legal acquittance to the tenant, notwithstanding
the landlord may have revoked the authority under which the agent
acted, unless the landlord should have given the tenant due and proper
notice thereof.

1494. Legal Tender.

A tender of rent should be in the current coin of the kingdom. But a
tender of Bank of England notes is good, even in cases of distress.

1495. _Form of a Receipt for Rent._

Received of Mr. L.O. the sum of ten pounds ten shillings, for a
quarter's rent due at Lady-day last, for the house, No. ,-------
street.

£10 10s. [Stamp] R. A.
--------

1496. Receipt Given by an Agent.

If the receipt be given by an agent, it should be signed:

G. C.,
Agent for R.A., landlord of the above premises.

1497. Care of Receipts for Rent.

Be careful of your last quarter's receipt for rent, for the production
of that document bars all prior claim. Even when arrears have been due
on former quarters, the receipt, if given for the last quarter,
precludes the landlord from recovery thereof.

1498. Notice to Quit.

When either the landlord or tenant intends to terminate a tenancy, the
way to proceed is by a notice to quit, which is drawn up in the two
following ways:

1499. _Form of a Notice to Quit from a Tenant to his Landlord._

Sir,--I hereby give you notice, that on or before the------day of
------next, I shall quit and deliver up possession of the house and
premises I now hold of you, situate at------, in the parish of
------, in the county of------.

Dated the------day of------, 18
Witness, G.C.
L.O.
To Mr. R. A.

1500. _Notice from Landlord to his Tenant._

--Sir,--I hereby give you notice to quit and deliver up possession
to me of the house and appurtenances, situate No------, which you
now hold of me, on or before------next.
Dated------, 18 .
(Signed) R.A. (landlord).
To Mr. L. O.

1501. Notice to Quit.

An opinion is very generally entertained, however, that a quarter's
warning to quit, where the house is of small rental, is sufficient
notice; but where the rent is payable quarterly, or at longer
intervals, this is a mistake, for unless a special agreement is made
defining the time to be given as a warning, six months' notice to quit
must be given, to expire on the same day of the year upon which the
tenancy commenced. Where the rent is payable weekly or monthly, the
notice to quit will be good if given for the week or month, provided
care be taken that it expires upon the day of the week or month of the
beginning of the tenancy.

1502. _Form of Notice from a Landlord to his Tenant to Quit or Pay an
increased Rent._