A feather duster, long or short, as usually applied, is the enemy of cleanliness.

Its only legitimate use is for the tops of pictures or books and ornaments; and such dusting should be done _before_ the room is swept, as well as afterward, the first one removing the heaviest coating, which would otherwise be distributed over the room.

For piano, and furniture of delicate woods generally, old silk handkerchiefs make the best dusters.

For all ordinary purposes, squares of old cambric, hemmed, and washed when necessary, will be found best.

Insist upon their being kept for this purpose, and forbid the use of toilet towels, always a temptation to the average servant.