ly curative sometimes. The painstaking, careful girl
seldom injures anything, and the occasional accident may be overlooked.
Before your new maid arrives write out an itemized list of all
crockery, silver, glass, and table linen which are to be in constant
use, designating those which are defaced in any way, and go over it
with her every week, holding her responsible for any damaged or missing
articles.

THE MAID'S ROOM

Remove from the servant's room all traces of its last occupant, and put
it in order for the new maid, with the bed freshly made up with clean
blankets, linen, and spread. The room should be comfortably furnished
with a single enameled bed--the plainer the better and more easily
cleaned--an inexpensive dresser and washstand, the bowl, pitcher, etc.,
for the latter preferably of the white porcelain enamel ware, a
comfortable high-backed rocker, and one common cane-seated chair. A
pair of plain white muslin or scrim curtains draped back with a band of
the same, and plain white covers on washstand and dresser impart a
certain air of dainty hominess. A cheap set of hanging shelves for
books and clock would be a welcome addition. Walls and floor should be
painted, and a colonial rug placed before the bed. Don't give the
servant's room the look of a perpetual rummage sale by making it a
dumping ground for old defaced pictures, furniture, and bric-a-brac.
Remember that it is her only haven of rest, and have it restful, if
only for selfish reasons, for renewed bodily vigor means well-done work
and a made-over disposition. When we think of the average servant's
room, small, stuffy, poorly ventilated, hot in summer, cold in winter,
and unattractive to a degree, it ought to bring a blush of shame.
Above all, see that the bed is comfortable; for who can blame a tired
girl for getting out on the "wrong side" of a bed so hard and lumpy
that it surely must rise and smite her! Place on the woven wire spring
a good mattress either all cotton, or of straw with cotton top and
bottom. Over this spread one of the washable pads which come for the
purpose, then the sheets--unbleached if one prefers--the inexpensive
colored blankets, and a honeycomb spread. One feather pillow of
average size will be sufficient. When two servants occupy a room two
single beds should be provided. If there is no closet, make a
temporary one by means of a shelf and curtain. An attractive room
carries with it a subtle and refining