h
corresponding in shade to the window drapery.
A buffet may stand in one corner for the display of ceramics or
decorated china. The sideboard should be of high, massive style, with
shelves and racks for glassware and pieces of china.
A few pictures--two or three fruit pieces and one or two plaques of
still life--are appropriate.
A case of stuffed birds, a few large pots of tropical plants, and a
fernery are in keeping with the dining-room appointments. A three-leaf
folding Japanese screen should not be forgotten; also, a lamp shade of
antique lace, lined with crimson silk, is very desirable.
THE KITCHEN.
It is a remark too often made that this or that "is good enough for a
servant." If all knew that unpleasant surroundings made unpleasant
servants and ill-prepared meals, we think more pains would be taken to
have pleasant and comfortable kitchens. There should be a pleasant
window or two through which fresh air and floods of sunlight may come,
a few plants on the window sill, a small stand for a workbasket, an
easy-chair that the servant may "drop into" when an opportunity
offers, the walls painted or calcimined with some cheerful tint, and a
general air of comfort pervading the whole kitchen.--_The Popular Art
Instructor._
CHAPTER XIV.
FLORAL.
HOW TO CARE FOR HOUSE PLANTS.
Plants that require a high or low temperature or a very moist
atmosphere and plants that bloom only in summer are undesirable.
Procure fresh sandy loam, with an equal mixture of well-rotted turf,
leaf mold, and cow-yard manure, with a small quantity of soot. In
repotting plants use one size larger than they were grown in.
Hard-burned or glazed pots prevent the circulation of air. Secure
drainage by broken crockery and pebbles laid in the bottom of the pot.
An abundance of light is important, and when this cannot be given it
is useless to attempt the culture of flowering plants. If possible
they should have the morning sun, as one hour of sunshine then is
worth two in the afternoon. Fresh air is also essential, but cold,
chilling drafts should be avoided. Water from one to three times a
week with soft, lukewarm water, draining off all not absorbed by the
earth.
DO NOT PERMIT
water to stand in the saucers, as the only plant thriving under such
treatment is the calla lily; and
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