Inmates of my House and Garden

Dipping the brush in the paste, place some along the edges of the upper part of the cross, and then, selecting one of the largest pieces of pith, place it firmly on the edge of the upper part of the cross, pressing it gently to make it adhere, which it readily will if the paste is properly adhesive; in this way a line of pith should mark out all the edges of the model. If there are panels in the pattern of the stem or arms, then the pith should be used as a moulding to keep each design distinct, and within the panels the smaller-sized pieces of pith are used to imitate arabesques or figures according to the pattern, the pointed stick being used to twist and place the material.

These are all the directions needed for a cross of simple style, like those to be found in Cornwall. The more elaborate Irish crosses with figures in relief may perhaps be rudely imitated in rush pith, but when delicate work is needed, elder pith cut with a sharp penknife would be required to make an accurate copy.

The work must be allowed to become perfectly dry, and whilst drying it should be protected from dust settling upon it.

Finally, the model should have a glass shade and will then last for years, and have the effect of carved ivory.

1

My pet mongoose.

2

“Extermination of Birds,” by Edith Carrington. Wm. Reeves.

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By the Rev. C. A. Johns. S.P.C.K.

4

This kind of roller and the ink can be obtained at any stores.

5

To this day great quantities of these husks are imported into England for the purpose of feeding cattle.

6

“And forth on floating gauze, no jewelled queenSo rich, the green-eyed dragon-flies would break,And hover on the flowers – aerial things,With little rainbows flickering on their wings.”Jean Ingelow.

7

It would be a wise precaution to paste a piece of paper over the keyholes of drawers in which furs are kept during the summer, the moth could not then find access to their contents if the drawers are close-fitting.

8

To be obtained from any plaster figure maker’s for about half a crown.