Knowing that dark, rich furniture shows wear earli- est, it is best to furnish the parlor with rather light neutral colors and the most durable of fabrics in carpet- ing and upholstery. The number of articles of furniture will depend upon the amount of money which can be spent upon them. A large table with drawers is nec- essary for the centre of the room, a lounge or sofa, made comfortable with cushions, ^two or three easy chairs, and a musical instrument of some sort, for music and books will often keep young people at home when lacking them they would wander in quest of less innocent amusement. The question of floor covering is to be decided by taste and available funds, rugs and polished floors being preferable. Other articles of furniture can be added as they become necessary, and pictures and ornaments chosen as they appeal to the taste, not merely because they are esteemed ornamental. The curtains and cover- ings for furniture indicate the discrimination and ability of the housewife ; embroidered scarfs are preferable to the old-style tidies as affording greater scope for adorn- ment, remaining fresh longer, being less in the way, and not so entirely concealing the woodwork of the furni- ture upon which they are placed. Housewives who desire healthful homes can secure the amount of light and air required and still possess their souls in patience if they heed the advice to choose 14 THE HOME COOK BOOK. neutral colors and thin fabrics for rooms intended for daily use. The pest of flies in summer, which this in- dulgence implies, can be modified by placing in the windows boxes of calceolarias and geraniums, and a castor-oil plant outside ; the leaves of this plant in a room will drive out the flies; and there is also the reserve-force of insect powder made from Persian camo- mile. Dark, closed rooms are most unhealthy. The penalty of ill-health is too great a price to pay for the saving of furniture and carpets. Furnish suitably ; then open the windows and let in health in the form of air and sunlight. The effect of ivory scrim, madras, or some kindred fabric, at the windows, of glossy light paint brightened up with a Ifine of gold or some bright color, light wood-work and furniture, some pretty chintz or light wool fabric for upholstery — what could be found more cheerful? When such a room shows evidence of wear, it can be freshened at slight expense, even by the hands of the housewife who can adapt her- self to everyday uses. When there is a library its chief furniture is book- cases, one or two writing tables, a lounge and some comfortable chairs ; in minor respects the furnishing is not unlike that of other rooms. DINING-ROOM, KITCHEN, ETC. In the dining-room the carpets and draperies should be only those which are essential for comfort. As al- ready indicated, woollen should be avoided as far as possible, because of its tendency to absorb and retain odors. The chairs should be comfortable and portable. A dining table is necessary, the extension pattern being HOME MAKING AND HOUSE FURNISHING. 15

AI-modernized reading of the original text

Knowing that dark, rich furniture shows wear earliest, it is best to furnish the parlor with rather light neutral colors and the most durable of fabrics in carpeting and upholstery. The number of articles of furniture will depend upon the amount of money which can be spent upon them. A large table with drawers is necessary for the centre of the room, a lounge or sofa, made comfortable with cushions, two or three easy chairs, and a musical instrument of some sort, for music and books will often keep young people at home when lacking them they would wander in quest of less innocent amusement. The question of floor covering is to be decided by taste and available funds, rugs and polished floors being preferable. Other articles of furniture can be added as they become necessary, and pictures and ornaments chosen as they appeal to the taste, not merely because they are esteemed ornamental. The curtains and coverings for furniture indicate the discrimination and ability of the housewife ; embroidered scarfs are preferable to the old-style tidies as affording greater scope for adornment, remaining fresh longer, being less in the way, and not so entirely concealing the woodwork of the furniture upon which they are placed. Housewives who desire healthful homes can secure the amount of light and air required and still possess their souls in patience if they heed the advice to choose neutral colors and thin fabrics for rooms intended for daily use. The pest of flies in summer, which this indulgence implies, can be modified by placing in the windows boxes of calceolarias and geraniums, and a castor-oil plant outside ; the leaves of this plant in a room will drive out the flies; and there is also the reserve-force of insect powder made from Persian camomile. Dark, closed rooms are most unhealthy. The penalty of ill-health is too great a price to pay for the saving of furniture and carpets. Furnish suitably ; then open the windows and let in health in the form of air and sunlight. The effect of ivory scrim, madras, or some kindred fabric, at the windows, of glossy light paint brightened up with a line of gold or some bright color, light wood-work and furniture, some pretty chintz or light wool fabric for upholstery — what could be found more cheerful? When such a room shows evidence of wear, it can be freshened at slight expense, even by the hands of the housewife who can adapt herself to everyday uses. When there is a library its chief furniture is bookcases, one or two writing tables, a lounge and some comfortable chairs ; in minor respects the furnishing is not unlike that of other rooms. DINING-ROOM, KITCHEN, ETC. In the dining-room the carpets and draperies should be only those which are essential for comfort. As already indicated, woollen should be avoided as far as possible, because of its tendency to absorb and retain odors. The chairs should be comfortable and portable. A dining table is necessary, the extension pattern being

The new home cook book