Paste that Will Keep.--Dissolve a teaspoonful of alum in a quart of
water. When cold, stir in flour, to give it the consistency of thick
cream, being particular to beat up all the lumps. Stir in as much
powdered resin as will lie on a dime, and throw in half a dozen cloves
to give it a pleasant odor. Have on the fire a teacupful of boiling
water; pour the flour mixture into it, stirring well all the time. In
a few minutes it will be of the consistency of molasses. Pour it into
an earthen or china vessel, let it cool, and stir in a small
teaspoonful each of oil of cloves and of sassafras; lay a cover on,
and put in a cool place. When needed for use, take out a portion and
soften it with warm water. This is a fine paste to use to stiffen
embroidery.