gs for the home there will be enough
of repairing without counting too much upon the ease with which it may
be done. That which will go longest without any repairs is usually
best. Still, as between the two kinds of tubs, one can scarcely make a
mistake either way, and the difference in price will govern the
decision of most of us.

To be consistent in our thought of keeping the floor clear, we should
have a bathtub that rests upon legs. It should not, if avoidable, be
placed under the window, and if it can be several inches from the wall,
it is more easily cleaned on the outside, and the space next to the
wall need not accumulate--or at least retain--soap, towels, and sponges
that elude the grasp of the bather. Tubs come in lengths from four to
six feet, and cost accordingly. The comfort of a six-foot bath to
persons of any considerable elongation is always manifest, while a
four-foot tub is merely better than a footbath. Where hot water is not
on tap in unlimited quantities, five feet is a fair compromise. In
porcelain enameled ware a tub of this size costs from $27 to $60,
without fittings. The better-class goods, included in this range, are
warranted not to crack or "craze." Porcelain prices are almost double
those mentioned. If we want stripings or pretty flowers or highly
ornamented legs for the tub, we will be permitted to pay for them, but
they are scarcely requisites in the bathroom economy.

Waste and overflow arrangements for the tub must be well looked after.
When the master of the household is likely at any time to turn on the
water for a dip and then become absorbed in studying the latest
automobile catalogue, one feels safer to know that the superfluous
water will find a ready outlet through the pipes, rather than the
floors and halls. The same precautions are to be observed with the
lavatory, where young America may choose to devote himself to original
experiments in hydrostatics instead of performing the simple process of
expeditiously removing the grime from his digits.

THE LAVATORY

Anything that is all of one piece is likely to prove more lasting than
the other kinds, in the lavatory. There are various combinations, some
of them including handsome marble tops, but basin and top should not be
separate. If the wall is tile, the back that fits to it is not
essential; but if the back is used, it should be of a piece with the
slab, bowl, and apron, to avoid ugly cracks and breakage.