The farm cook & rule book

Then there is the water-seal canner which has a double walled bath and a cover which extends down into the water between the two walls, making a third wall and two jackets of water between the compartment holding the jars and the outer wall. The advantage of this canner is that it takes less water to manipulate it and since there is less, not so much fuel is required to heat it as the larger amount in the water-bath outfits. Next to the water-bath in popularity is the steam pressure canner, which may be a pressure cooker which has been described in this chapter. A pressure canner does not differ much, if any, in construction from a pressure cooker, but it usually is much larger so more cans of food may be sterilized at the same time. Making a Table Pad An inexpensive pad for use in protecting the table top from hot dishes may be made from wall board. Saw this into four pieces, the size and shape depending on the table top. For a round table, saw the wall board into four pie-shaped pieces which fit together. Cover with white cotton flannel and the pad is just as satisfactory as if it were of the more costly asbestos. Caring for Floors If the paint, varnish or other floor finish is worn and ugly in appearance, it is an economy of time and energy to refinish it. Its care will be made so much easier if this is done. If varnish remover is applied with a brush, the old finish will soften so that it may be scraped off with a wide piece of glass or any broad spatula tool. Then the floor is cleaned and left to dry. The next requirement is a filler. For this equal parts of turpentine and linseed oil to which sufficient Japan dryer is added to make the mixture dry overnight may be used. For soft wood floors, such as maple and pine, a little umber may be added to stain the wood. Before applying this filler to the wood, it is a good plan to apply a little on boards of the same wood as the floor, making certain that the color is right and that enough Japan dryer has been added so that the finish will dry overnight. When the filler is applied and is dry, paste wax may be added to provide a glossy, beautiful surface, to repel the dust and dirt and to protect the wood. This is rubbed into the wood and best results are obtained if a weighted wax mop is used. A way to make a substitute mop is to fasten a brick on top of a large scrub brush and to attach a handle on this. Waxed floors may be cleaned easily. A daily dusting with a dustless mop removes the fine particles of dust. This mop is kept clean a long time if a clean cloth is tied over it every time it is used. Liquid wax is sprinkled on the cloth about once a month to help keep the floors attractive and paste wax is added two or three times a year. If the floor is painted, it may be waxed, but if varnished, wax is not so satisfactory. Instead of using it, a little floor oil may be sprinkled on the mop occasionally when dusting the floor. Homemade Shower Bath If there is no space in the house for the shower bath for summer use, it may be made on the back porch and screened off