Heavy biscuits, made by newly-wed wives, have served as capital for the joke-makers for many years, but the following recipes are all so plain and the directions so easy to follow, that with their aid even the inexperienced, amateur homebaker ought to be able to turn out creditable results in the line of biscuits, muffins, gems, dumplings, etc. As will be noted, soft doughs, little handling and quick baking are the three essentials to success in this department of cookery. It goes without saying that only the best obtainable ingredients should be used, as no good results can reasonably be expected from inferior qualities of flour, baking powder, spices, etc. There is no lack of variety among the following recipes. Try some of them.