f cups
and saucers, buys barbarous delineations of 'Noah in the Ark,' or
'Christ with the Elders,' from the pedler; and the nobleman collects
around him all he thinks precious in bronze or painting. Cleanliness
and order are certainly the simplest manifestations of the love of the
beautiful in the household--the germ, which the feeling in its highest
development must include; but too many among us remain satisfied with
the lower form, and from some reason or other, fail to see the further
gratification that is possible to all. Nature, however, stimulates and
satisfies this love everywhere, and society in many directions is
following in her footsteps. Let us see what can be done in the matter.
After all, rooms must still retain the impress of the character of
their inhabitants. Yes; but there are certain general rules which all
who do arrange them would do well to remember. In the first place,
they should be well lighted, and as thoroughly ventilated as they can
be made; the eye should be pleased with their general effect; no
detail of colouring or furniture should mar it; they should be filled
with gentle relief, not uniformity of colour; and there should be as
many waving lines, instead of angles, as possible. They should contain
all things necessary to their several characters, but nothing very
superfluous; and their whole arrangement should indicate, and be
subservient to, the idea that prompted it. Above all, they should have
in them some thing, or things, to soothe the thoughts, stimulate the
fancy, and suggest something higher than the ordinary uses which they
serve. Human beings, even in the life of a day, experience many
fluctuations of mood, of joy or sadness; and there should be some
thing, if not person, in their homes, that would suggest to them mute
sympathy and comfort.

Are we sad? It is winter now, and these hyacinth bulbs are unsightly,
but spring will bring flowers to them, as time and patience will to
us. Are we glad? These roses and geraniums glow in the sunbeams, and
we rejoice together. Are we dull? That beautiful Greek form rouses us
into activity again. Are we weary of climbing, and dissatisfied with
our want of success? Turn to that Raphael, and let us remember, that
all who faint not by the way, and aspire worthily, shall at length be
transfigured in the light of truth and beauty. There are few if any
rooms that need be without some such suggestion and comfort. Nature
offers them lavishly to a