Recipes for the million

COLIC, To Relieve. — This affection, which is generally brought on through wind or obstinate costiveness, may be relieved by placing a bag of hot bran upon the stomach, and drinking a glass of hot lemonade, or a wineglassful of peppermint with a pinch of cayenne pepper in it. From half an ounce to one ounce of castor oil to be taken to relieve the bowels. COLLOPS (MINCED). — Mince some beef, sprinkle with pepper and salt, put into jars, and cover with clarified butter. When wanted for use, put the clarified butter into a frying-pan with sliced onion ; fry, add a little water, then put in the mince meat. In a few minutes it will be ready for serving. COLOURED FABRICS, To Wash. — The most effectual way of preserving the colour of chintz, merinoes, &c., is to avoid rubbing them with soap when they are washed. This may be done if a good lather is made before the articles are inserted in the water, and mixing with the second water a tablespoonful of ox-gall. The fabric should be washed as quickly as possible and passed through two rinse waters, putting into each a teaspoonful of vinegar. Dry quickly, as it injures the colours to allow them to remain damp long. The articles must never be allowed to freeze, nor should they be smoothed with a very hot iron. Articles of a green or pink tint should be mangled or cold-pressed, as hot irons frequently change the colour. Another method is to boil sago or rice to a pulp, dilute it with warm water, and wash the articles therein without soap. COLTSFOOT (SWEET-SCENTED), To Grow. -This plant Is worthy of cultivation as its heliotrope-scented flowers appear in winter even before its leaves. It will grow in any moist loamy soil from slips taken from the root. It requires to be kept well trimmed, otherwise it becomes very troublesome. COLTSFOOT SYRUP FOR COUGHS. — Into half a gallon of water put a quarter of a pound of coltsfoot, one ounce of hyssop, one ounce of balm, one ounce of rue, and half an ounce of horehound. Boil down to half the quantity ; strain, add one pound of white sugar ; pour it back into the saucepan, and boil to the consistence of honey. A teaspoonful to be taken when the cough is troublesome. COLUMBINE. — This old-established plant well deserves the favour it has received for so many years past, from the peculiarity of its flower, which can be divided into portions, each of which resembles a “ columba," or dove. It will grow in any ordinary garden soil if protected with a little litter in winter. As it is likely to degenerate when raised from seed it is far better to propagate it by root-division. COMPLEXION, To Improve the. — Dissolve fullers’ earth in water, stir well, then let it settle, and use once or twice a day. See also Skin (White), To Procure a. CONCRETE WALKS FOR GARDENS.— Mix together six parts of coarse gravel and one part of lime, lay it down to a depth of six inches, and while wet cover it with an inch of fine sand and roll it well in. CONFECTIONERY, Green Colouring for. — Steep half an ounce of saffron in distilled water for twenty-four hours, and in another vessel infuse a quarter of an ounce of carmine indigo for the same period, then mix. This colouring matter is quite harmless, and may be preserved a considerable time by making it into a syrup.