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1USEKEEPER'S BOOK.
it will be necessary to support the stems with sticks, split
at the bottom so as to fit on the edge of the glasses at the
top. This, however, will not be necessary if they be kept
in a light and airy situation. When out of flower, plant
them in pots of soil to perfect their leaves, and treat them
as above; they will then flower again the succeeding year.
              PRESERVATION OF PLATE.
                    CLEANING PLATE.
   IN establishments in which a butler's pantry and a foot-
man are to be found, the plate is of course well attended to;
but in families where it is left to the care of a female ser-
vant, who has multifarious occupations daily to be de-
spatched, unless a regulation be made and insisted upon,
the plate that is in constant use will be very soon bruised
and scratched, and in its appearance will more resemble tin
or "queen's metal," than silver. The best plan is to pro-
vide a wicker basket with three compartments in it, and
the handle in the middle. One will contain the smaller
spoons and forks; the other will hold the salt-cellars, mus-
tard-pot, &c., and the third will receive the soup-ladle, fish-
slice, gravy-spoons, &c. With even one servant this plate
may be kept in excellent condition by a little cate. It
should never be left in the kitchen, or any other part acces-
sible to strangers; a sideboard drawer, or inner closet in a
store-room, would be desirable.  A japanned tray also,
should be provided, with a clean knife-cloth at the bottom;
and before the dishes are removed at dinner time, every
spoon that has been used, should be laid upon the cloth in
the tray, and be set away in a kitchen drawer, until the tea
things are washed in the evening; this regulation will insure
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