POTPOURRI BAGS

As recently as the early 1900's, perfumed bags for drawers were used to impart a pleasant odour to clothing, stationery, and the room itself. Houses tended to get damp and musty smelling, and this was one of the methods housewives used to overcome the problem. The following has been modified from a nineteenth century recipe.

• 2 ounces yellow sandalwood
• 2 ounces coriander seeds
• 2 ounces orris root
• 2 ounces calamus aromaticus
• 2 ounces cloves
• 2 ounces cinnamon bark
• 2 ounces dried rose petals
• 2 ounces lavender flowers
• 1 pound oak shavings

Cut and slice the ingredients into a course powder and
mix well together. Essential oils of rose and lavender may be discreetly added to intensify the scents. Put the mixture into small draw-string bags and place in clothing drawers.