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Show FIRST-AID AILING HOUSE by Roger B. Whitman (t Roger B. Whitman WNU Service.) Colored Fireplace Flames QUESTION: How can I treat pine cones so that they will burn with colored flames? ' Answer: Heat them on a radiator or otherwise to make them open, and then soak them in a solution of copper chloride in water, letting them dry naturally. The color will be a rich blue. Pine cones burn quickly. For a more lasting flame, soak paper toweling in water until it becomes pulp; squeeze handfuls into lumps and let them dry. Then soak in the copper chloride solution, solu-tion, and again allow to dry. Drying should be on strips of wood; not on metal, because of the corrosive effect. ef-fect. The stronger the copper chloride chlor-ide solution, the better. Because of the poisonous nature of copper chloride, chlor-ide, rubber gloves should be worn when handling the wet lumps. Other chemicals can be used to obtain different dif-ferent colors, but to my mind the intensity of the copper chloride col- . or is the most effective. Disposal Plant Question: What is the advantage of a septic tank over a cess-pool? When we built our house two years ago we were advised to install a septic tank to avoid the trouble of cleaning the cesspool. Now we are told that the septic tank must be cleaned, for which the cost would be $20. We cannot see any advantage advan-tage in having a septic tank. Answer: You are evidently the victim of a poor installation. Properly Prop-erly put in, a septic tank should go for many years without requiring attention. A septic tank has many advantages over a cesspool, and should be used whenever possible. With cleaning necessary at the present pres-ent time, I should have the job done by someone who is thoroughly expert ex-pert and able to make the changes that seem to be necessary. Tar on Sidewalk Question: Some tar or roofing compound was spilled on my sidewalk side-walk by some mischievous boys. Turpentine and scraping do not seem to help. Could you advise me of anything that would remove this unsightly blotch? Answer: First soften the tar by covering it with a few drops of oil, (engine or olive oil will do.i After several hours scrape off as much of the tar on the surface as you can. Then, cover the stain with a paste made of fuller's earth or powdered chalk and a half and half mixture of carbon tetrachloride and benzine. The paste should be put on at least one-quarter inch thick. Place a piece of metal over the paste to prevent fast evaporation. When dry, remove the powder, and repeat the process, if necessary. Radiator Finish Question: With which finish does a radiator throw off more heat; paint, or bronze or aluminum? Has the difference actually been proven by tests? Answer: The National Association of Heating and Ventilating Engineers, Engi-neers, New York city, announces officially of-ficially that an oil paint finish radiates radi-ates about one-sixth more heat than a metallic paint finish. Color of the paint makes little difference. Paint on Screening Question: When painting the moulding of' the galvanized screens for my porch, black paint was touched to the screening. How can I remove it? Answer: Wipe the screening with a strong solution of washing soda in water; .this will soften the paint which can then be washed off. Follow Fol-low by rinsing with clear water. Venetian Blinds Question: What are the essential good qualities to demand when buying buy-ing Venetian blinds; type of wood, finish, metal parts, etc. Answer: Your best move will be to buy the blinds front;' a reliable manufacturer or from a dealer of good reputation, and to pay a good price. Quality must be paid for. |