Another delightful new thing on the market is the starch which does not starch but which imparts a gloss and resistance without a stiffness. This will come as a boon to many women who do not want their lingeries stiff but do want it to look as a starched bit of linen does. In the same way as starch this composition permits the lingerie to stand up longer under use. The foregoing is just a group of ideas in concrete form to add to the comfort of laundry days. They can be passed on to friends as ideas, even ideals, or as practical, concrete gifts. All three or any would be acceptable to the thinking housekeeper who wants one hundred and one things done better than a man can do one thing well. So all aids in the home are worth not only considering but investigating with eye and ear as well as heart and soul. TO AVOID BLOW-OUTS Perhaps more money is wasted on blow-outs in homes that utilize electricity than any other cause. If you follow the rules, illustrated here and first published by the Edison Company, not only will you save expense in the home, but you will save the Fire Department, which is constantly called upon to save lives and property because of unnecessary fires due to carelessness (Not to electricity) in handling flat irons. The cardinal principle for the use of all electrical appliances is this: When you are not continuously using any device, shut off the current. To do this, entirely disconnect the flatiron, curling iron or whatever the device may be, by pulling out the plug. Do not be content with turning off the current at the lamp socket. It is absolutely necessary that the current be completely cut off when the iron is not in constant use. Sometimes the current has been inadvertently turned on when the flatiron has been left connected at the lamp socket, and material has been badly scorched or even more serious damage has resulted. An electric coil for heating water has caused fire when carelessly left near inflammable material. In like manner a connected curling iron when heedlessly placed on a bureau scarf has also caused damage. Remember the invariable rule for the use of all electrical appliances--pull out the plug to disconnect when not using. L’ENVOIE Go to the best dealer. Buy the best only; it reduces later costs. Simplicity, safety and serviceability necessary. Avoid machinery with extra parts to be cleaned or upon which injury to attendant or clothes can be perpetrated. Don’t buy until you are perfectly sure by numerous comparisons and other experience what are the best types of machinery to install. Be sure to apply the three S tests: Service, Safety, Simplicity. CHAPTER IV THE PORTABLE VACUUM CLEANER “I have seen ten vacuum cleaners at the Electrical Show and every one, according to the salesman, is the best on the market! I want one, but which one shall I buy? It’s most confusing!” This was said to me no less than ten times.