Furnishing a House for $1,000 HOM Sand @ AR ) j |. eee RR AROORREIE: LINE AITO TENT RAEI Y CPI NONOR RE 0 CoH ] W. The fact that muslin collects considerable d dust and dirt is one argument used in.favor O nson S OO Dye of the absolutely open-front house. It is a good plan to brush off the curtains daily in winter. In summer, they may be removed entirely if desired. Although fresh air is one of the secrets of poultry-keeping, the house must be tight everywhere except in front. Drafts must be carefully avoided and the roof must not leak. Fresh air does not imply a house with gaping cracks in the walls. And yet a sin- gle-boarded house is sufficient protection. - At a recent test with three flocks of Leg- horns, a house with double walls on two Bete: and “the -ordinary ~“staim.”’ Water ““stains”’ — Forartistic colorieg of all Hise the wera eomathou wood. Oil stains’ | lace more do not sink below the surface of the wood or ¥* 225 Zieh 008 bring out the beauty of the grain. Varnish %2 125 Mision Oat C6 = 9 S No. 140 Early English stains " are not stains at all, they are merely ¥2- 110 B04 , 3 No. 128 Light Mahogany surface coatings which produce a cheap, shiny, %% 122 22”! Mahesany painty finish. Johnson’s Wood Dye is a dye, Ne. 131 Brown Weathered Oak It penetrates the wood; does not raise the 2 12)Mes Gren grain; retains the high lights and brings out %*}2 the beauty of the wood. No. sides, one with double walls on all sides, 9 and one with no double walls at all were ex- Jo h nson Ss P re Pp are d Wa aN perimented with. The egg yield in the cold- est house was slightly less than that in each will not scratch or mar. It should be applied with a cloth: dries instantly of the others, but not enough so to war- —tubbing with a dry cloth gives a velvety protecting finish of great — 2 rant the more expensive building. The con- beauty. It can be used successfully over all finishes. . OS clusion arrived at was that a house for We want you to try Johnson’s Wood Dye and Prepared Wax aU as poultry should be dry, free from drafts, at our expense, Fill out attached coupon being careful to specify mo) ss well-lighted and thoroughly ventilated. When those conditions have been’ secured, other factors must be taken into considera- tion when it comes to egg production. In passing, one may suggest that there is no more need of the prevalent ugly architec- ture, or lack of architecture at all, in the building of the poultry house. Like other outbuildings, it should be and can be made attractive and in harmony with its sur- roundings, and that with very little or no added expense. the shades of dye wanted. We will mail you the booklet and samples promptly, Do not pass this page until you have mailed the coupon. S. C. JOHNSON & SON Racine, Wis. ““The Wood Finishing Authorities’’ iv AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS January, 1912 A Cheap Way To Get Good Evergreen Trees IG up the wild ones growing around the fields D and move them to your grounds. We know how to do it so they will go right on growing as 1f nothing had happened. If you haven’t them in your own fields they can generally be bought most reasonably of your neigh- bors. We will send you a skilled foreman, a man or two and the necessary tools, and we can use your horses or hire local teams. Your men can also add their assistance if you wish to make a still quicker job of it. Right now, these winter months is the time to do just this kind of work, and then when spring comes there will be one less thing to bother you. If you can’t get desirable wild trees we have a nursery containing thousands in all sizes from 6 inches up to 30 feet high. Fine, root-pruned, splendid specimens, every one of them. Along with your evergreens you may also want a fine full spreadi.g maple, a shapely linden, or one of our graceful limbed pin oaks; and while you are arranging for the evergreens you can also select these trees tor early spring planting. Come to the nursery and select them yourself. That’s the best way. If you can't, we will give you every attention by mail. But don’t put it off-—that’s the point. Send for catalog now. On, Westbury, L. I. ore af aes is a ihasen WOLFF PLUMBING GooDs IFTY-SEVEN YEARS OF QUALITY | eh These buildings ranging from the modest residence to the imposing office building and mammoth hotel, have been chosen at random from those put into commission during the past twelve months in the different cities of the United States and represent a fair selection from the many examples of Architectural Art. In all of these the far-seeing architect has specified and the discriminating builder has accepted Wolff’s Goods as embodying all the desirable features of modern plumbing backed by the reputation cf Fifty-seven Years of Quality. | L. Wolff Manufacturing Company MANUFACTURERS OF PLUMBING GOODS EXCLUSIVELY THE ONLY COMPLETE LINE MADE BY ANY ONE FIRM General Office Trenton, N. J. Omaha, Neb. Minneapolis, Minn. SA Sa ee 601-627 W. Lake St., Chicago St. Louis, Mo. San Francisco, Cal. Showrooms 111 N. Dearborn St., Chicago Denver, Colo. Branch Offices: Cleveland, Ohio Kansas City, Mo, Washington, D. C. Cincinnati, Ohio Buffalo, N. Y. Dallas, Texas THE SCOTTISH DEERHOUND By T. C. TURNER F the aristocrats of the canine race O there are none of them more worthy of this distinction than the Scottish Deerhound. Here we have one of the oldest known dogs, valued most highly and kept extensively in the early days. Yet for a period the breed dropped almost into obscurity. I am glad to say that of late years his rising popularity bids fair to make him as well known and as much sought after as he deserves. The canvases painted by Sir Edwin Landseer have done much to make him famous. They show him in every variety of attitude, for the great artist has many times depicted the Scottish Deerhound as sharing the sorrows as well as the pleasures of his master. He was frequently part of the falconry equip- ment ot the old barons, and history records him as having often been the companion of kings and emperors. A particularly fine breed of Scottish Deerhounds existed in the kennels at Windsor Castle, and were most highly esteemed by the late Queen Victoria. In the early days, deer-stalking was the sport of princes, and, as the name implies, the Deerhound was used for tracking and running down such game. But later, when deer became fewer in Scotland and Eng- land, it was only natural that the Deerhounds should become less popular than they had been in days of old. In general appearance the Deerhound is of the Greyhound type, but of stronger and heavier build. His coat is harsh and wiry, varying in length from one to three inches, and his best color is what might be called a blue-brindle. The average dog stands between twenty-eight and thirty inches high. In disposition he is gentle, affectionate, obedient and faithful, dignified in appearance, and a good guard. In fact, he is all that could be desired for a companion and pet, especially so where space will permit the keeping of such a dog, for with him, as with all dogs of his size, they should only be kept where free access to at least a large lawn can be had. Their long limbs preclude them from being kept where the smaller breeds, such as toys or even terriers, will do well. The Deerhound should have a long body and muscular shoulders, a larger and coarser head than the Greyhound, with larger and more power- ful jaws, made more striking by the coarse hair covering them. There should be no fullness of jaw below the eyes. The nose should be black, the ears small, carried a trifle high and coated with a fine short soft hair. The eyes hazel or blue, although a recent English winner has unusual eyes that almost match the color of the coat. The neck should be long, but of good strength. The chest deep and a little wider than that of the Greyhound. The loins powerful, the legs straight and bony. The feet longer or less cat-like than those of the Greyhound, and strong in bone, to enable him to stand rough travel. The color varies—fawns, grizzly and brindle, but the darker shades are preferable. There should be no sign of white upon the body. However, a small white star on the chest is not a defect. The Deerhound should also possess the faculty of tracking by scent, as well as by sight. There is, perhaps, no breed of dog more in keeping with the landscape of the wooded estate than the Deerhound. He seems to belong to oak forests and just the sort of animal one would choose for a home in the woodland. He is, too, an excellent type to select in the choice of a single dog for the small place, that is to say for the country home which contains enough area to give him a spot to romp in but which, perhaps, is not of sufficient extent to make the keep- ing of many dogs advisable or desirable. January, 1912 TREATING INTERIOR WOODWORK By GEORGE E. WALSH | Cae necessity of using cheaper woods to-day in place of hard varieties for the interior finish of our houses has de- veloped the art of staining and varnishing so that beautiful effects in grain can be obtained with satisfying results. In the hands of the novice, these woods can be made to yield a durable and artistic finish that was quite beyond our forefathers. In order to obtain the best effects, however, the woods must be classified and be treated differently. Not all soft woods will take stains alike, or at least not the common kinds of stains. For instance, mahogany stain should not be used on such woods as oak, ash or chestnut. These woods have too pro- nounced a grain and characteristics to give good results with mahogany stain. But birch, cherry, pine or whitewood take the rich red-brown and lighter shades of mahogany with gratifying results. The surface can be polished to a semigloss finish or the dull natural finish, so that a good imitation of the mahogany wood is obtained. In the semigloss finish an ef- fect is obtained that resembles the waxed and hand-polished old mahogany of old days, and it can be wiped off with a damp cloth without injuring the gloss. Ma- hogany stain finish can be successfully used with hazel, spruce, gumwood, Wash- ington fir and California redwood. Hazel wood, which is quite inexpensive in some localities, can be stained a beautiful gray or moss-green color, and with a rich brown stain it greatly resembles Circas- sian walnut. Cypress is a common wood now for in- terior finish, but, like ash, chestnut and bass, it lends itself beautifully to weath- ered effects. Time and exposure tend to The Ideal Home Country lies in the wide territory traversed by the Southern Ry. System. From the high lands of the Appalachians, with their dry, healthy climate, to the Piedmont section, with its heavy yielding lands, on to the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, where every crop thrives— somewhere in this broad territory you can find a place just suited to your needs and means, Land prices range from 15 to $50 per acre. The first year’s crop often more an returns the purchase price. A\ll grasses, grains, fruits and vegetables known to the temperate zone thrive in the Southeast. Alfalfa grows nearly everywhere—4 to 6 tons per acre not un- common—$15 to $22 per ton paid locally. Apple orchards net $100 to $500 an acre. Truck gardening yields $200 to $400 per acre—everything else in proportion. The Southeast is the farmer’s paradise. We have booklets giving full in- formation of conditions in each Southeastern State. Address M. V. RICHARDS, Land and Industrial Agent, Southern Railway, Room 4, Washington, D. C. Do You Want To Sell A Building Lot A House A Farm or -An Estate? AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS a You can find that Country Place o or Estate (Shore or Inland) you have been seeking ez Every courtesy and all pains taken to assist in your selection. aurence Timmons Opposite R. R. Station Telephone 456 Greenwich, Conn. @ An Advertisement in “American Homes & Gardens“ new Advertising Section “The Real Estate Mart’’ produce a mild change in color effects. and, taking advantage of this, a little stain RE or plain varnish treatment will greatly improve its appearance. By using light shades of brown on such woods, varying tints which help to intensify the grain will harmonize beautifully. Cypress wood contains a great quantity of resin and methylene, and some good liquid filler is needed over the coat of stain to seal the grain. Otherwise the resin will exude at times and thus spoil the finish. The stain is applied first so that it will dye the wood, and then the filler seals the grain and prepares a smooth surface for the fin- ishing coats of stain or varnish. The use of fillers is sometimes of great value in treating woods. Some of the very open- grain woods are much better for a coat of filler first, and again the stain is used first to secure a dull or natural finish. Ash is a wood susceptible of many dif- ferent kinds of artistic treatment. A beautiful antique appearance with it can be produced by applying a dull brown stain and filling the grain with copper- green pigments. In imitation of old wood, weathered and saturated with salt water, ash is sometimes treated with a black stain and a gray filler. A coat of varnish | rubbed down to a dull finish follows. Maple is a wood that takes the soft green and silver-gray stains to perfection. This wood is susceptible to a high polish, and gives better effects in this way than with a dull finish. Bass or whitewood is used freely for interior home work of all kinds, and it shows well under mahogany or any of the dark stains; but it is a wood that shrinks and checks considerably in the drying, and unless well-seasoned tim- ber is used the results will be very disap- pointing. Beechwood is also a poor one Will Be Read by People Who Want TO BUY! PHOTOS OF PROPERTY REPRODUCED Rates of Advertising on Request Address: “The Real Estate Mart” oe AMERICAN HOMES & GARDENS 361 Broadway, New York, N. Y. ¢ | aa 3 E "THE most modern, and best illuminating and : cooking service for isolated homes and institutions, is furnished by the CLIMAX GAS MACHINE. Apparatus furnished on TRIAL under a guarantee to be satisfactory andin advance of all other methods. Cooks, heats water for bath and culinary purposes, heats individual rooms between seasons—drives pump- ing or power engine in most efficient and economical manner —also makes brilliant illumination. IF MACHINE DOES NOT MEET YOUR EXPECTA- TIONS, FIRE IT BACK. Send for Catalogue and Proposition. Low Price Better than City Gas or Eleo- Liberal Terms tricity and at Less Cost. C. M. KEMP MFG. CO. 405 to 413 E. Oliver Street, Baltimore, Md. An Unteaally Chamning Florida Home On shores of finest inland Jake in the orange belt, connected with the ocean. Forty acre place, 15 acres fine bear- ing orange and grapefruit grove, great variety original forest trees, with lawn and gardens on lake front. Large ten- room house, bath and attic, large barn, gardener’s lodge and packing house. Write owner—H. G. HUBBARD Crescent City ea 8 Cheaper and more durable than wood; for Lawns, Churches, Cemeteries, Public Grounds. Ornamental Wire Fence, Farm and Poultry Fence. Catalog free. Ask for Special Gifer. THE WARD FENCE Co. Box 991, DECATUR, IND. Iron Works Co. PRISON, HOUSE & STABLE WORK OIST HANGERS AWN FURNITURE FENCING, ETC. CLEVELAND, OHIO he) le Vili AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS January, 1912 Ts] rc pa TTT ——— eR Nh y = HUPP-YEATS ee ie eee "ELECTRIC. COACH 0" 223215 = a 66 A REVIVAL of the golden age in coach building.”” So writes a well-known critic in speaking of the Hupp-Yeats. And ~ in truth no monarch in state procession, no courtly retinue, ever rode in greater luxury, greater elegance and greater ease z i than is exhibited in these late Hupp- Yeats models. SPAN A i litokalh But the Hupp- Yeats design, low-hung, safe and easy to enter or leave, represents the first adaptation of coach construction to 5 OEY modern needs. In mediaeval times coach bodies were swung high, because even in the large cities the streets were mere seas of mud often over the hubs. Modern coach-builders followed this design blindly. And on the smooth streets of a modern city it looked awkward and stilted, was dangerously liable to skid, and was difficult of ingress or egress. The Hupp-Yeats with its low-hung body, is the ideal twentieth-century town car. The low center of gravity makes skidding, swerving or overturning a practical impossibility, and it is as easy to enter or leave as to step from one room to another. Women with memories of torn skirt-hems and sprained ankles will appreciate this feature. “ROYAL” and “IMPERIAL” Limousine (shown above). A five-passenger, fore-door car—all passengers facing forward. The most superb electric coach in finish and appointments ever produced. Both models identical, except that the “Royal” offers a choice of any domestic upholstery and in the “Imperial” this choice is extended to include the richest imported tapestries or leathers. “ROYAL” $4,500 “IMPERIAL” $5,000 “De Luxe’’ Coupe (shown below). Ass supreme in the four-passenger coupe class as are the other two models among limousines. Highest quality Morocco leather or French tapestry upholstering, with specially designed laces. Metal body parts and trimmings ‘old- lated. Sgt “DE LUXE” COUPE $4,000 Other models $3,000, $2,500 and $1,750. Full line of Hupp-Yeats Models on exhibition at Booth B, Automobile Show, Grand Central Palace, New York City, January 10 to 17, and at Chicago. HUPP CORPORATION, 7° Setcie Mihigan Distinct from and having no connection whatever with Hupp Motor Car Co. BRANCHES :—Boston, 563 Boyleston Street; Buffalo, 1225 Main Street; Cleveland, 2122 Euclid Avenue; Chicago, 2021 Michigan Avenue; Denver, 1520 Broadway; Detroit, Woodward and Warren Avenues; Kansas City, 1301 Main Street; Los Angeles, 816 So. Olive Street; Minneapolis, 1334 Nicollet Avenue; New York, 1989 Broadway; Philadelphia, 330 No. Broad Street; Atlanta, 548 Peachtree Street. LL = sa tt “ Ga Wy 4HOMES AND GARDENS , AN GONE POR JANUARY, 1912 PORMCOROn MEE eH OUSE-ORNCARTETON MACY, HSQ. 2.050 oe. de 0k eens oes Frontispiece PLONE STAND aC OW NDRYMILOUSES cae oh i. dc kee eee Slee By Robert Leonard Ames 3 ERVIRISEMENG Ae HOUSE ERORG 15 OOO% vic gn cciale gos rons Sik sle st ne ole os By Esther Singleton 7 EAC SE MED AE UUSMERG STORY te oh. 25 ies Fark naiele ele ee lob By Henry Morton Blake 11 rip OUSP ell ARDWARE sce. 01 iss tas akhee ie adv ale By Rossiter M. Lenbach 14 PU NGEVORENEGIUAS | EUWIRONTSIERUNGSie copes... s.2 oly sated Slsce elie eos oo tate By Howard V. Bowen 15 5 CSTETT VA TEILTD LS UANICILV AROS 0 Stork Rae Rei en ee mr one rn a a a 18-19 POP RGRE PSHE ORT UNDOORSHe te: ale so clan olen tee he aoe ad Se eae es By Gardner Teall 23 LETTING VIB AOI IES dG syca ele) ois ee ce acne en By George Leland Hunter 25 “TTT: LEG ANTS? (GON A aoe Gee Ben a nM gen Perea eee By R. M. Gow 29 WITHIN THE House—Unity in Interior Decoration........... By Harry Martin Yeomans 31 ROUNDER GARDEN —Writhethe New Year hic! oi. 8c. wees Fem eee ee ce leg os 33 HeE.Lps To THE HousEwlFE—Concerning the Breakfast............ By Elizabeth Atwood 35 Warm vs. Cold Poultry-Houses. New Books. The Editor's Note Book. ae CHARLES ALLEN MUNN FREDERICK CONVERSE BEACH FR President MeEUUNeENe é 1G Or Inc. Secretary and Treasurer Ca Publishers Sa 361 Broadway, New York Published Monthly. Subscription Rates: United States, $3.00 a year; Canada, $3.50 a year. Foreign Countries, $4.00 a year. Single Copies 25 cents. Combined Subscription Rate for “American Homes and Gardens” and the “Scientific American,” $5.00 a year. [ebenoogocento|foogecr fol [O) ft canafpooco fat noo ocento| REE) LOSS Copyright 1912 by Munn & Co., Inc. Registered in United States Patent Office. Entered as second-class matter June 15, 1905, at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., « under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1879. The Editor will be pleased to consider all contributions, but ‘“American Homes and Gardens” will not hold itself responsible for manuscripts and photographs submitted EES) 7 eS) \ ips C. Turner le - a) > s N > i) owt S => a ~ av, _ G = Zz no} = oS i, — oo S } =] aS _— ae > a6 — 3 lop wn ea] > (3) S = 3 i} oO ae 3S O — ° oO n 3 3 a) oO aa —_— an 3 Oo oO “Da vo (S} [= 3 5 S vo oO 8p 3 say _ 3 1S} o co ==] — ° ° (3) 5 _ 3) 2. o # RAEN AINE CAAA LT e cst: oe Pay AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS A Long Island amuany,. 192 Country House The Home of Carleton Macy, Esq., Hewlett, New York By Robert Leonard Ames Photographs by T. C. Turner g| HERE are few architectural styles better suited to eastern landscape requirements than the Italian, or adaptations of it, for the country house of goodly proportions. Whether upon a hillside, as with the villas of Campania or of Tuscany, or in the plains, as with the villas of Lombardy, there is always an oppor- tunity to make the Italian style effective in any setting. In fact, is has often been said that domestic Italian architecture, a heritage from Roman times, belongs distinctly to country living, and that despite the buildings of Italian cities being crowded together, that this is one of the reasons Italian towns always retain the aspect of much that is rural and even rustic, whether it be Rome, Naples, Florence or Milan. The country estate of Carleton Macy, Esq., at Hewlett, Long Island, New York, is adorned with an excellent ex- ample of the adaptation of the Italian style to the require- ments of American living, as one may discover by a study of the house designed for Mr. Macy by Messrs. Albro and Lindeberg, architects, New York. The countryside of the south shore of Long Island is, for the main part, flat, well- wooded here and there, and outlined by bays, lagoons and other inlets that provide easy access to the water and attord —s ——= i a Ww w ri . i 1 1 This view shows the facade fronting the uncompleted lawn, and it presents a remarkably fine example of unusually successful fenestration 4 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS January, 1912 ee Ree By The carriage entrance side of the house of Carleton Macy, Esq., Hewlett, Long Island, New York. The grounds as they are seen in the late Fall lovely views of the sea. Hewlett is one of the very attrac- tive spots not far from the Great South Bay, and some of the loveliest homes in the country are to be found there. The house we are describ- ing is set within ample grounds, and although the il- lustrations that accompany this article have been taken in the late Fall in order to disclose the architectural de- tail, one can easily supply by imagination the effect that the trees and shrubbery and vines in leaf add much to the charm of the place. Never- theless, where we have long stretches of Winter, bereft of blossom and verdure, it is a happy thought to take ac- count of the effect the house is to have these gray days, as have Messrs. Albro and Lindeberg, who have planned the house along lines de- signed to make one feel that it is as attractive in mid- Winter as it may be in mid- Summer. Indeed, this is an example that might well be followed, for the instances are not rare of the country- house that presents a de- lightful aspect in Summer, but which is forbidding in its appearance of an almost feu- dal barrenness in Winter- time. This house is planned, y BS SSA: VG The plastered soffits and two-story circular bay form particular features of this interesting Long Island house AMY “y SOME ix. as a place of its very dignified character should be, with two fronts—one facing the roadway and having the carriage entrance, and the garden side fronting the great lawn. The stucco walls are completely in harmony with the sur- roundings, which are, as yet, not fully planted, although the work of lawn and gar- den-making will be rapidly advanced this coming season to bring the house into even a more beautiful setting than that afforded by the natural state of the site. The north point, contain- ing the main or carriage en- trance to the house, is charmingly frank and simple in its lines. The entrance portico itself is particularly beautiful, and suggests the portico of certain old houses in Charleston and in Savan- nah, by reason of its Doric columns and the arrange- ment of the glass over-door panels. The portico floor is of brick laid in wide white joints, and on each side of the three steps lifting one to it is an old Italian terra- cotta oil jar. The front which faces the lawn is planned with great care and presents an appearance of unusual dignity. The win- dows are so designed as to January, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS ee es The beautiful terrace-roofed piazza leading from the den and from the living-room at the west end of the house, is one of sterling dignity afford a flood of light to the interior, and although French placed and give emphasis to the pleasing symmetry of the windows are here combined with others they are all kept harmonious in their proportions and the same in design. The windows of the upper floor form an unbroken line, one of the best ex- amples of successful fenes- tration in a house of this sort which the writer has seen. The loggia and per- gola extend the apparent width of the house, and the roof, with its careful re- straint of line, completes the design of this distinctly indi- vidual and beautiful country- house. The area covered by the house is so ample that all service quarters are arranged upon the two main floors. This makes unnecessary the use of the garret space for service quarters, and this has enabled the architects to de- sign the broad low-pitched roof of unbroken horizontal lines seen from the south front of the house. The roof of the north front of the house is less formal in its plan. The chimneys are well designed and suggest those the traveler in Umbria con- stantly sees throughout the countryside. They are well E Detail of the pillars of the spacious piazza at the north end of the house roof, whose amply broad overhang affords deep soffts, up to which the shuttered windows of the second floor extend. From the portico on the north, one enters the house through a vestibule, coming intoahall. Directly in front, doorways lead to the living- room and to the dining- room, with a doorway to the den directly on the right, and the stairway and entrance to the service-wing upon the left. A good-sized lavatory occupies the space under the stairway, and is reached by a couple of descending steps. The entire plan of the house shows the careful thought given to the matter of utiliz- ing every square foot of space by the architects, who have shown good taste and ingenuity in their task, for, after all, one is not confused by innumerable turnings and twistings and _ unexpected doors and passageways. [The entire plan is what one might term straightforwardly ob- vious and harmoniously sim- ple. The large living-room, occupying the southeast cor- ner of the house, is thoroughly homelike, as a living-room ought to be, and, like the 6 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS January, 1912 Dining-room, showing screened service entrance and entrance to the breakfast-room spacious den on the northwest corner, connected with it by a door, it opens upon a loggia, whose floor is flagged with quarries and whose terrace-roof is supported by Doric columns, forming an immense outdoor room for Summer use, and yet so designed that it is an architectural adornment to the house at any time, and never appears to have been merely dictated by utility. Glass doors give access to den, living-room and dining-room, all in excellent proportion. There are generous fireplaces in the den, in the dining-room and in the breakfast-room, which opens out of the last and occupies the southeast corner of the house, the windows of which flood it with morning sunlight. The dining-room is one of the finest rooms in the house, of goodly proportions and simple dignity and in exquisite taste. The white paneled walls are especially noteworthy, and the fine pieces of old furniture resting upon the beauti- ful rug lend a warmth to the scheme of the room. ‘This room is illuminated by side lights and candles, and these lights have been carefully placed with reference to securing just the proper illumination a room of this sort requires. Moreover, this scheme of lighting apparently tends to in- crease the size of the room. ‘The service entrance to the dining-room has been skillfully worked out, and while giving ready access for prompt service, it occupies an unobtrusive corner of the room and is concealed by a great three-paneled screen. Directly in front of this service door is the long butler’s pantry, the door to the right leading past the service- stairs into a large kitchen. Beyond this is the laundry, while the northeast corner of the service-wing is occupied by the service-porch. The cellar runs the length of the house and is one of its most carefully planned features, being Dining-room, showing entrance to the living-room and closed doorway to the hall unusually well lighted and well ventilated. One should note the clever treatment of the service extension, which has its south wall covered with trellis-work, giving it a pergola- arbor effect that balances the loggia at the west end of the house. Few houses of any size have embodied so many excellent features as has this one in the plan of its second story, where, without any sacrifice to design, the architects have succeeded in carrying out a plan that ensures comfort and every con- venience both in the family and in the service sections of this story. The unusual amount of space at command en- abled the architects to provide for all the sleeping-rooms to be placed on one floor. Here one finds five large bedrooms for the family, all with adjacent baths, and three bedrooms in the service-wing. ‘The largest of the sleeping-rooms has also a dressing-room forming its suite, and a great open fireplace, while its south wall is formed by the semicircle of the second-story bay, with five windows. ‘This room, in common with all the rooms on the floor, is furnished in excellent taste, and the cheeriness of the sleeping-rooms lends much charm to the house. From all these rooms one commands beautiful views of the surroundings. It is fortunate that in the work of the architects of Mr. Macy’s house they have had the satisfaction of seeing its beauty further enhanced by the good taste that has been exercised throughout in the selection and arrangement of its furnishings, and that the result has been not only a beautiful house upon beautiful lines, but one whose interior carries out the promise of its exterior. Here the dignity and charm of a country home is complete and satisfying, with a beauty which will grow with each passing year. The living-room, showing entrance to the hall The large sleeping-room, showing circular bay January, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS —_ iy FELLA SS LLY AD BD 1 DL ‘ame cy gs AE BT) AED A OPAL CSB EG Bi) 2S 2 SE ET ARS GE LET ED LED BY SE LS REE This type of house, presenting so delightfully homelike and artistic an exterior, leads one to expect to find it equally attractive within doors ~ Furnishing a House for $1,000 By Esther Singleton Photographs by T. C. Turner and others one requiring careful thought and planning. The reader will find illustrated above, the exterior of a charm- ing little house in the suburbs, which is so delightful in this aspect that one is led to expect an equally attractive _ interior. How to go about to furnish such a house to make it so, and to keep well within the thousand-dollar limit, is the problem here discussed. In the first place, it is probable that a house of this sort will First - floor house that plan may Porch Cement Floor furnished for $1,000 pEG)|F course, it is easy to furnish a six- or eight- i4|| room house comfortably for $1,000, if one disregards the matter of careful selection for thoroughly harmonious results, but to make such a house artistic and individual with this appropriation is a more dificult problem, and of be have floors of polished and waxed hardwood already laid, builder’s, and not furnishing, items, being included in the contractor’s specifications. Furthermore, let us assume that the windows have been supplied with roller shades and with awnings, and that our furnishing estimate is to exclude rugs, wall-paper, and hearth furnishings, as well as the laundry fittings. These ought all to be considered by themselves, being such variable quantities, and the reader will find many Second-floor plan of house that may be furnished for $1,000 valuable hints on the choice of rugs and their prices in the De- cember, IQII, issue of AMERICAN HoMEs AND GARDENS. Let us assume that the chosen house is finished in woodwork painted white. Noth- ing is of more im- portance to good fur- nishing than the ap- pearance of the win- dows, both within and without. Fresh, crisp muslin or lace cur- tains proclaim good housekeeping. There is no excuse for not having every window properly adorned, for there are many inexpensive and attrac- and that all the painting has been done, as these are usually tive materials of good quality always in the market. In any city, curtains can, of course, be purchased ready-made. 8 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Fancy muslin curtains, plain or ruffled, in white or in col- ors, come to between one dol- lar and a dollar and a half a pair; white Swiss, printed Swiss, organdie and scrim can be purchased for as little as twelve and a half cents a yard, and fancy netting for long windows, or for case- ments, at from one dollar and a half to two dollars a pair. But first of all let us take a preliminary survey at the division in the distribution of the funds we have set aside to provide furnishings. The following estimate will show us at a glance the totals requisite for this purpose: First FLOOR: Living-room, $280.50; dining-room, $250.00; kitchen, $25.00; hall, $15.00. SECOND FLOOR: Bedroom No. 1, $125.00; bedroom No. 2, $144.50; bed- room No. 3, $52.00; hall, $4.00. Tor rLroor: Bedroom No. 4, $39.00. Miscellaneous (not itemized), $65.00. Total, $1,000.00. The unitemized miscellaneous amount can be applied, of course, to bathroom fittings, etc., items not included in the whole estimate. Let us first take the ground floor into consideration. The living-room has, as the reader will see Figured cretonnes. by the plan, five windows—one looking out upon the veranda, two at the back, § aby and one on either side of the fireplace. Although we use the term somewhat freely in covering the intended furnish- ings for this room, we shall call it the Jacobean Room, for, although it cannot be strictly that, it will be more nearly Jacobean in effect than anything else, by reason of the draperies and upholsteries. A beautiful and effective pattern of fabric shows large birds amidst leaves and flowers, the colors being beautiful subdued greens and blues, and this we shall use to upholster two Queen Anne chairs and a comfortable stuffed sofa of the same design, and also for the curtains, that should hang on rings in straight widths and folds. The pattern is so handsome that these need neither festoons nor borders. Although they are of block print and of cotton, and would be out of place in a city drawing-room, in a simple country or suburban living- room they will prove very effective. These, with the muslin under-curtains for the five windows, will come to around sixty dollars. We — have two upholstered * high-back armchairs, & two cane-seated and cane - backed arm- chairs with oak frames, and a two- back or a three-back oak settee with cane seat and cane panels in the back, and one upholstered sofa. The floor will look best with a covering of gray or with an Ori- ental rug. The walls should be papered with a plain gray The upper pattern is for the Rose Room, and the lower is suggested for the Peacock Room Another attractive patterned cretonne I pee ME f are, 2 This is the striking fabric selected for the Jacobean living-room January, 1912 English cartridge paper, run- ning up to the molding below the tinted coved ceiling. The library table, with its lamp and books, and the logs brightly burning on brass andirons, will give the proper cozy and hospitable welcome to the man of the house after his long day in the city. Vases, pots of flowers, and bric-a-brac can be arranged on the top shelf. Silk cur- tains of green or blue, match- ing either of the colors in the window curtains, and moving easily on rings, will protect the books and add a nice touch of color. For the major fitting of this living-room, let us make an allowance divided as follows: LIVING-ROOM: Oak settee, $48.00; 2 oak armchairs, $46.00; 2 Queen Anne armchairs, upholstered, $50.00; sofa, $50.00; library table, $24.00; muslin curtains, $7.50; Jacobean print window curtains, $55.00. Total, $280.50. We will assume that the dining-room has rough walls tinted yellow. The table and chairs and buffet chosen are of the Sheraton style, simple and elegant in lines. The cur- tains for this room may be cream or écru fishnet fabric, and a good floor rug, preferably an Oriental, will make a feature distinctly pleasing. The broad window-shelves have made possible, indoor plants that will lend a note both of color and of homelikeness. We will assume that the major furnish- ings for the dining-room are to cost as follows: DINING-ROOM: Mahogany dining table (48-inch), $50.00; mahogany buf- fet, $85.00; 6 Sheraton chairs, at $9.75 each, $58.50; 2 Sheraton armchairs, at $13.50 each, $27.00; serving table: $25.00; window curtains, $4.50. Total, $250.00. The kitchen can be adequately furnished for $25.00, in- cluding all utensils. Many of the big shops supply itemized lists. It is well to remember that a floor covering of blue- and-white oilcloth makes a more cheerful and attractive kitchen than one with a floor covering of brown or mixed colors, and blue ware should also be selected. Of course, the range will be in the house already, coming under the other building estimates. The hall should have a small rug, of course, and curtains _ at the front doom = lace, of net, or of silk, of red, old rose, sage green or yellow. A china jar umbrella- stand can be pur- chased for very little, and a box settle, with a seat that lifts up, is very practical in such a place. Ina shadowy spot behind the stairs a row of hooks will be found to be very useful. The upstairs hall, being very small, will give us little trouble. January, 1912 Sects. Settee, armchair and chair of this sort will cost under $80 A rag rug, a fresh muslin curtain at the window and a small wicker table for the emergency candlesticks, that should al- ways stand upon it with a matchsafe, are all that we really need. We may estimate these furnishings as follows: LOWER HALL: Settee, $10.00; door curtains, $2.50; um- brella jar, $2.50. Total, $15.50. UPPER HALL: Curtain at window, $1.00; small table (wicker), $3.00. Total, $4.00. Now for the bedrooms. Room No. 1, over the living- room, also contains five windows and a fireplace. This room could be handsomely fitted up with mahogany and old rose. It would be a pleasant task to search for “Colonial” furniture and discover a high- post bedstead in some out-of- the-way place at one time; a : tall, high case of drawers RY my with brass handles and key- | Na plates in another; a few | | X XA Chippendale ladder - backed chairs on another occasion, and to bring home a tip-and- turn tea-table for a mere song; but, if we have not time to wait for opportunity, a very good suite of furniture can be had for a small price, in dull mahogany or quar- tered oak polished. We will allow for this room the fol- lowing amounts: BEDROOM NO. I—OLD- ROSE ROOM: Bed, $35.00; chiffonier, $36.00; dressing table, $22.00; muslin cur- tains, $5.00; old-rose lambrequin, $15.00; three wicker chairs, $9.00; small wicker table, $3.00. Total, $125.00. In place of the dressing table one might substitute a wicker desk and table. The desk would cost $14.00 and the chair to match $7.50. [hat would leave a credit of 50 cents to add to the miscellaneous total. For the wall-paper of this room, a warm fawn color brightened with a gold frieze would be appropriate, or a frieze of pink roses, or any other pink flower. Room No. 2 is the “Peacock Room.” The wall-paper is cream with frieze of peacocks, and the floor is covered Sheraton dining chairs AMERICAN HOMES AND A light table desk and chair of willow furniture is appropriate as part of the furnishings for a dainty bedroom Sheraton buffet GARDENS 9 The furniture is white enamel and wicker painted white, and the chair- cushions and window draperies are of chintz of quaint de- with a square rug of plain peacock blue. sign. It is white, and the birds and flowers blue, red and green, with a little touch here and there of yellow. The bedstead is white enamel, with cane panels in the headboard and footboard; the dressing table is also white enamel, with a glass slab; we have one wicker armchair, also painted white, and a big wing chair upholstered with the peacock cretonne. A small wicker table stands by the bedside and utility boxes in the two windows. The estimate for this rooms is as follows: ROooM NO. 2— PEACOCK ROOM: Bedstead, $40.00; dressing table, $55.00; wing chair with peacock cushions, $25.00; one wicker arm- chair, peacock cushions, $6.00; small wicker table, $3.00; two utility boxes cov- ered with matting, serving as window-seats, $1.25 each, $2.50; two pairs muslin half- sash curtains, $1.00 per pair, $2.00; curtains of peacock print, 98c. a yard, $12.00. Total, $144.50. The material selected for Room No. 3 is equally attrac- tive. The roses are not pink, as might be expected, but are violet. This material is the same price as the ‘‘Peacock”’ drapery, and can be washed. The ‘Violet Rose’? Room contains two windows, and these can be draped with pretty muslin curtains and above them a deep ruffle of the cretonne. The curtains should only come to the top of the sill, as the windows are furnished with utility boxes. The one wicker armchair is painted pale violet to match the cretonne, and is supplied with cretonne cushions, and a small rush-bot- tomed rocking chair is made comfortable with a cushion of catawba-colored silk. The wicker table at the side of the bed is also painted violet. A bedstead and a chiffonier complete the furniture of this room, which is as follows: Table on Sheraton lines 10 AMERICAN ¥ An inexpensive but tastefully furnished bedroom Bed, $16.00; chiffonier, $15.00; one wicker chair with cretonne cushions, $6.00; one small rocking-chair with cush- ions of catawba silk, $4.00; one wicker table, $3.00; two muslin window curtains, $2.00; cretonne cornice ruffle for windows, $2.00; two utility window-box seats, $2.00 each, $4.00. Total, $52.00. Room No. 4, a little room with one window, we shall arrange for a child, selecting a cheerful design in cretonne, such as apple blossoms, daisies or butterflies, and calling it by the name of the “‘Apple Blossom Room,” or the ‘Daisy Room,” or the “Butterfly Room.” The cretonne will be used to drape the window and for cushions for the chairs, which consist of a small armchair and a small rocking chair. A little table or child’s desk is a necessity. [here should be a chiffonier—a small one—and a pretty bed, both of white enamel. A white enamel bed, with cane or picture panel, is listed at $12.00, and a very attractive way to fill the panel would be by placing in it two or three of Kate Greenaway’s pictures. It would be a never- ceasing pleasure to the child if Kate Greenaway’s books, “Under the Window,” ‘Marigold Garden,” ‘‘The Pied Piper,” etc., were purchased and the pictures cut out and p p p used as a frieze for this room. The remainder of the pic- tures could be framed and hung upon the wall. RooM NO. 4—CHILD’s ROOM: Child’s bed, white enamel, $12.00; chiffonier, $10.00; one small rocking chair, $2.00; one small armchair, cushioned like window, $2.00; one utility box window-seat, $1.50; one little table, $2.00; drap- ery for window, $2.00; three Kate Greenaway books, $1.50 Queen Anne sofa should be especially upholstered in selected fabrics HOMES AND GARDENS January, 1912 Various types of chairs, excellent in design and moderate in cost each, $4.50, and framing pictures taken from them, $3.00. Total, $39.00. One must remember that there are few per- sons who go about furnishing a house completely to the minutest detail, from cellar to garret, at one time, and this estimate neither pretends nor is expected to be one inclusive of everything, from lares and penates, to china upon the table. However, such an estimate as has here been pre- sented ought to prove useful to the homemaker who has a problem of furnishing in mind and desires some basis on which to work, either toward evolving a plan for a more elaborate expenditure or for economizing by bringing this estimate lower where necessity requires it, and careful shop- ping, guided by good taste, makes it possible to do so. It is hoped that the various hints contained in this article will prove of service to the American homemaker of moderate means, and also be a reliable guide to the inexperienced. Queen Anne armchair and side chair, to be upholstered like the sofa 4 January, 1912 The Colonial portico possesses a classical dignity, but does not take away from the exterior the homelike appearance that is its great charm AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS II A House [That Tells Its Story The Home of Robert Cade Wilson, Esg., Summit, New Jersey By Henry Morton Blake Photographs by T. C. Turner HERE are few houses of its size more attrac- tively located upon the area of ground at its disposal than the home of Robert Cade Wilson,. Esg., at Summit, New Jersey, de- signed by W. L. Stoddart, architect, New York, which stands back from the roadway over four hundred feet, partially concealed from the street view by a screen of well- placed shrubbery, leaving a great expanse of lawn that leads invitingly to the classic portico that gives the house its definite Colonial note, further carried out by the shingled walls, which are set off by the white Doric col- umns and entrance-face of the portico, the white corner and window trims, and the dormer windows. A roadway to the right of the well-kept lawn, which lawn reminds one of an English bowling- green, leads to the house, whose foundations are slight- ly above the soil level and screened by carefully chosen The spacious living-room, with beamed ceiling and abundant light shrubs, planted with reference to their not obscuring the outlook from any of the windows of the lower story. The exterior of the house suggests the hospitable warmth one finds in Virginian domestic architecture, and in houses of other southern states—a happy intimation of repose about it that is sometimes lacking even in some of the finest and most perfectly designed Colonial houses modeled after types of the period of the Revolutionary War. Attrac- tive as) one. of ‘these= last named may be, there is. too often about the old Colonial house the suggestion of mili- tant historic connection, that leads one to wonder, first, if some patriot of 1776 ever hid from the Loyalists in its cellar, and then to be sure, from its newness, no patriot ever dida) oo it 1s that the house along Colonial lines that does not attempt to sug- gest a history to which it is not entitled, but which, on the other hand, has a distinction conferred upon its modern inception in the matter of its OSS A ett AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS January, 1912 12 F z i Sea Hal i The interior of the sunroom is both homelike and thoroughly attractive enclosure, which is flooded with sunshine on bright days, but in which, by reason of its generous proportions, one is never compelled to sit in the glare of the sun’s direct rays. The beamed ceiling of the living-room is repeated in effect in the large and handsomely furnished dining-room, directly across the hall. As one enters this room the fireplace is directly ahead, the doorway to the right leading to the cozy “den” and the doorway to the left to the attractive little breakfast-room, beyond which is the butler’s pantry, leading from the spacious, well-planned kitchen. The service-wing is ideal in its arrangement, and presents features that can- not fail to interest home-planners, to whom the problem of arranging the service portion of the house successfully has presented itself. It is not often that so generous a section of the dwelling is given over to the needs of those to whom is entrusted the task of its routine, and the present plan, both in the lower and the upper stories, will commend itself to delightfully inviting homelike qualities is, after all, in the’ i everyone taking into account the requirements of the service writer’ s opinion, the sort of a house that best expresses the, | quarters of the well-ordered household. Note the unob- || ‘structed light derived from the large windows in the kitchen, || and that these, having the same cheerful outlook that one has from the dining-room and the living-room, are yet away The one-story sunroom, with its terrace-roof, forms a wing to the house} a ele ot of which a spacious hall opens, running}! through to the rear entrance, with lavatory and closet-roomf!’ , from the line of the windows of this portion of the house under the broad stairway. To the right of the hall a broad}: by reason of the recession of the wall. The service-porch square arch leads into the living-room, French windows at\!’'is spacious and quite apart from the other porches of the the end of which, on either side of the fireplace, give access}); house, and out of range of the line of vision from them. to a sunroom, one of the most attractive features of the The laundry and the storeroom are especially well worked house. ‘This is informally furnished in willow furniture and} i out, and the back stairway has its own hall, well aside from pieces upon Mission lines, and the ferns and other foliage} plants placed about further lend color and cheeriness to this’ {) the rest of the house, but leading, by three steps, to the rear entrance, opening upon a cement platform. All the bed- The spacious, cheery Aine -room opens from the hall upon the left The bedrooms are all well planned, well lighted and well ventilated January, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 13 The broad expanse of the beautiful lawn in front of the house suggests an English bowling-green rooms of the second story are large, well ventilated, and well lighted. The largest of these chambers, directly over the living-room, has a fine Colonial fireplace with a broad hearth and wide mantel-shelf, above which is a _ white- framed three-section mirror, P rie while the furniture of the] room is patterned after an- tique pieces. Long windows on either side of the fireplace’ look out over the terraced roof of the one-story sun- room below, its balustrade being brushed by the foliage of the nearby trees. ‘This room has a bathroom and a dressing-room on either side of the entrance door, com- pleting the suite. Four other chambers, another bathroom, and a storeroom complete the arrangement of this floor, above which is the smaller top story, containing the servants -rooms. That this house has been built to become a home in the fullest sense of the word can- not be doubted after a study of the plans and a visit to the delightful premises, and there is a sense of permanency about its whole arrange- ment that one seeks always to find in the dwelling, and which, one is glad to note, is coming more and more to be an attribute to the homes that are being built by our Ameri- can architects for the homemakers of America. A sense of breadth, of room—of comfort, in fact—per- yades each part, from the broad wings of the building, as seen from outside, to the inner details; and this is the true spirit of the Colonial, that which we look for in it and which contents us when it is present. For we like to think of the passing days as leisured, in the suggestion of which Plans of the lower and of the second story Colonial architecture abounds. In the wide and open hall, the level lines throughout, whether in the fireplace facings or the proportions of the windows, one finds this sense of The impression of a generous and complete domestic life the Colonial must ren- der, whether the forms are imitated in fact or the spirit merely kept with enough of characteristic detail. Outside, the same general effect is to be found. The grounds give, as already noted, a sense of freedom by their broad spaces and the generous length of green lawn—a length undisturbed by misplaced shrubbery. At the first turning from the road, at the gate, the house itself is not completely seen, but as one advances it soon appears across the distance of green, and detail after de- tail presents itself freshly to the sight as one draws nearer. An effect gained just here is not shown by the illustra- tions—that of the curve at the extreme end of the lawn. This is secured by bordering flower beds, which, without being luxuriant or especially prominent, introduce the needed notes of color and convey an impression of freedom and recreation, which, by way of contrast, gives dignity to the expanse of lawn and at the same time relieves any possible monotony. ‘These flower- beds are arranged in a crescent curve, the house resting, as one might say, upon it. The angle at the right is mostly filled by the roadway, which turns here in order to pass before the house. On the other side, however, there is room for more informal detail, and here are several large, venerable and spreading apple trees of great beauty. ease. 14. AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS January, 1912 Types of keyplates The House Hardware By Rossiter M. Lenbach HERE are various things which the person intending to build for the first time is apt to overlook in planning for the house. One of the most important of these is the matter of hardware; that is to say, of the details that should enter into consideration concerning the provision to be made for the proper sort of doorknobs, keyplates, keys, doorguards, hinges, window fastenings, handles, latches— everything, in fact, that can come under the name of house hardware, from cellar to attic-room. One should hardly leave the selection of hardware for the house to the contractor. In fact, this is an item that should be embodied in a separate clause, after the one for whom the house is to be built has paid a visit to the showrooms of the dealer or manu- facturer, in company with the contractor’s repre- sentative, and has given careful thought to his choice of the various utilitarian objects of the sort, which, having been selected, should be itemized and then embodied in the contract. Of course, in the larger houses the architect will prob- ably arrange this matter and make a careful selection to accord with the ar- chitectural styles. > oe ae ’ - me} 4 ihe t ey ve Da a ¢ 4a S254 ASB | at bys eae ow: fet Many excellent Artistic keyplates for the door Wedgewood knob Again, if the house be put in the hands of a professional decorator, he should be consulted about this matter. However, in the house for the person of moderate means the owner cannot do better than to exercise especial care in the matter of everything that pertains to the house hardware. Just as the crafts- , builders of early times, who wrought @ with loving care everything that had Y to do with the detail of the house, so are our best manufacturers of to-day devoting attention to producing well- made designs in house hardware of high artistic merit. Some of these products are reproductions of historic examples, and others are commendable adaptations or entirely original modern designs. Such a set of brass fittings as that of which the doorknob and key are shown on this page, adapta- tions of designs from Benares, India, is especially suited for bungalow fitting, just as the dainty Co- lonial design shown at the bottom of the page would be in excellent taste for a boudoir, or the Wedge- wood doorknob above it for a room fitted in the Chinese taste. It is to be hoped that in planning the details of house furnishing the sub- ject of proper hard- ware for the house will come to receive the complete atten- tion it should have. esigns in doorknobs, keys, keyplates, handles and various other pieces of house hardware are now to be had in all deconative styles January, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 15 (i i Ti Ti BT ih, Ta Antiques as Furnishings By Howard V. Bowen Photographs by Jessie Tarbox Beals, T. C. Turner, and others HE passion for collecting antiques in America really dates from the Centennial, in 1876. At that time, in the effort to make much of our national history and to emphasize our progress, various small “loan collections” were shown, the pieces exhibited being chiefly those which had played some small part in the history of the times, such as the table upon which the Declaration of Independence was signed, and certain old articles said to have been brought over in the “Mayflower.” Taste in America had then reached its lowest ebb. The horrors of the mid-Victorian era were about to give way to the absurdities of the “Eastlake” and the American ver- sion of “Queen Anne” periods. Everything was being made by machinery, craftsmanship had been banished and all but forgotten, and people of discrimination were struck with the refinement, beauty and tasteful elegance of the old fur- niture, silver, glass and fab- rics which were being shown. This resulted in a general ransacking of garrets and the bringing forth of a vast as- sortment of old treasures which had been discarded, but which a lurking sentiment "or reverence had preserved from destruction. Particularly in the older cities of the east, small shops appeared which catered to the new craze by supplying these old-fashioned treasures to those who loved them, but had them not. Along with all this came a greater inter- est in the study of American history, the revival of cer- tain old customs, the search for ancestors, the formation of the patriotic societies, the study of Colonial architec- ture, and the general return in matters of taste to the ideas of an earlier and bet- ter period. Many people affected to scorn the collect- ing idea, forgetting that a An excellent assembling of antiques and modern pieces thing can have a value beyond merely being old; indeed, age alone confers no value, unless it be combined with utility and beauty. But age lends historic interest, as the old makers of household furnishings understood thoroughly the art of combining beauty with usefulness, in consequence of which their works are now eagerly sought after and highly prized when obtained. After all, what constitutes an “‘antique’? The term, of course, is purely relative and has no connection with classical antiquity, but was originally selected merely because it was convenient. It may mean just as much or just as little as one likes, very often. An English article, for instance, need not be considered an antique only if dating before the ending of the Georgian period; French, if made only before the fall of Napoleon, and American, only if made before the ending of the Revolutionary era. Such a chronology would practically disqualify almost all American antiques, for in the early days of our national existence very little of ar- tistic value was made in the American colonies; every- thing was imported from England or France. To me an antique has no value if it does not exhibit the quality of beauty, a beauty which is permanent, enduring and all- satisfying, and if the object was made by an artisan or craftsman before the domi- nant era of machinery—that is to say, made at least sixty or seventy years ago. A real collector, like a poet, must be born and not made, though, of course, even the true collector may not have been collecting the same sort of thing his whole lifetime. If one does collect, his collection should serve some useful and really def- inite purpose. It would be dificult to point out any royal road to starting a col- lection that would be applic- able to everyone’s pleasure 16 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS in collecting. ‘The collecting of old household furnishings is particularly interesting in that one’s treasures may be used, lived with, and loved in a most intimate way. I derive vastly more pleasure from the things I have collected—from my old chairs, tables, candlesticks, brass kettles, and old engravings—than could possibly be obtained from a collec- tion of hornets’ nests, birds’ eggs, or reptiles preserved in alcohol, though such objects might appeal more to another. I always think that collecting is more fascinating if one dis- covers his treasures in unexpected and out-of-the-way places, and that it really means more to the collector if each thing he acquires is obtained through bargaining and perhaps at the cost of some sacrifice in the matter of other things—the little self-denials dear to the collector. I am particularly fond, for instance, of two old mahogany chairs in the ‘Chippendale manner,” which I value all the more when I remember that I secured them only by curtailing certain usual small expenditures from time to time throughout an entire Winter and Spring. No one thing among my antique belong- ings is more highly valued by me than an old table in the American adaptation of the Empire style. It was literally discovered in a shabby little shop in Chicago, where cast-off junk of various sorts was being sold. It was certainly in a sorrowful condition; all the hinges of its drop-leaves were rusty and out of order, and it had been sadly mutilated and defaced with several coats of a particularly sticky and depressing drab paint. I first caught sight of it under a pile of dishes and pillows which had been brought from the auction sale of an old hotel, but after carefully studying it I realized its pos- sibilities, and purchased it for almost nothing, turning itvover to ca ‘little»German cabinet-maker who had al- ready proved his value in re- storing other forlorn old pieces forme. ~The table cost me $3.00, the repairs nearly $18,00, but the result January, 1912 splendid American home in the style of the Italian Renais- sance; his own collection included a side-light, or bracket, of wood, heavily carved, colored and gilded, and some twelve copies of the same bracket, fitted with bead-covered incandescent globes, supplied the light for the most beauti- ful drawing-room I have ever seen. Again, at a certain sale of old studio properties, someone purchased an old Empire chair, from which others were copied to complete the fur- nishing of a dining-room. ‘The warerooms of a large firm of furniture-makers are full of what are frankly copies of pieces in great museums or of objects purchased to serve as models, and this furniture, I am told, is made almost en- tirely by hand and combines the beauty of the old-time design with the strength and utility of modern furniture properly made. Indeed, copying or dupli- cating old pieces is to be encouraged when they are along better lines than modern specimens, and when such copies are faith- fully worked out, honestly and carefully made. Possibly those who will read this issue of AMERICAN HoMEs AND GARDENS are them- selves making collections of household an- tiquities, and this word regarding reproduc- tions and imitations may not be amiss. Per- sonally, I do not object to the marketing of a clever reproduction, provided it be frankly regarded and sold as such, since a good copy possesses every decorative and practical value of an antique and is very nearly as satisfactory to the eye. Harm is done only when an unscrupulous and dis- honest dealer palms off such an object upon an unsuspect- ing or inexperienced cus- tomer as an original, of which only a very few dupli- cates, if any, are in existence. The wiles and cunning of the imitators of antiques have often baffled even the most experienced collector, and when even the learned cura- tors of the greatest museums are deluded into accepting as genuine what is proved to be is a splendid old piece, fault- less in line and beautifully carved, and of the hand- somest mahogany I have ever seen, of a tone which only age and very careful polishing can produce, and which could not be purchased anywhere now for under $100. The collecting of antiques has had an extended influence of late in forming public taste in America. Educated and discriminating people have demanded for their homes the beauty of the old furnishings seen in England and some of the other countries of Europe, and this demand our own makers have been obliged, somewhat reluctantly, to satisfy. The result is that almost all domestic furnishings not “‘crafts- man” or “art nouveau” are now practically copies of the same things of the English, French or Italian periods. Museums have been drawn upon for ideas and our de- signers seem to have exerted their utmost ingenuity, which has resulted in a greater splendor and variety of effect than the older makers even dreamed of, made possible by the wider range of materials which are available to-day. Sometimes an article may come to be copied for a special place. A few years ago a great architect was fitting up a The little tables Baiotie hairs Are specimens i dell soanle oe sites ducing valuable examples of early furniture merely a_ skillful imitation, there is hope and excuse for on the average collector, who is ee generally also an amateur. Uowever, there is always satisfaction and consolation to be gained in knowing the object to be beautiful and pleasing. Most of the imitations of the household antiques which have come to my notice are of metal, pottery, and furniture. Most of the imitations in metal, I have noticed, are andirons, fenders and candle- sticks of various kinds, and these imitations are so clumsily made and finished that even the most unsophisticated col- lector could hardly be deceived into. purchasing them as genuine. The finish of these reproductions is quite different from that of the really old pieces. Brass and silver, and even silver plate, acquire with age a wonderfully soft and “satiny” surface, which grows more beautiful with increas- ing age. ‘This is true even of silver-plated ware, the plating of which has been renewed. I have several articles which I have had replated upon the original copper, and the finish is as different as possible from the hard “brassy” surface of those reproductions which I see on sale in the shops. Of course, in purchasing antiques one must be guided by or- January, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 17 The chair to the left is a reproduction of the famous William Pos Ritir plesemed a ie BevauceRaon of Independence Hall, Philadelphia. The settee and the armchair have been fashioned to complete the suite by modern craftsmen dinary common sense. One would hardly expect to find on sale anywhere, even in the most plausible shop, an antique seven-light candelabrum from Solomon’s Temple. Such a treasure, if it existed at all, would have been acquired long ago for such a museum as the Louvre or the Metropolitan, and one may safely accept as copies all the array of really charming candelabra, lamps and brackets on sale in the shops, to which dealers are wont to give extraordinary his- tories and put forth at low prices. Of late years the market has been flooded with reproduc- tions of the different sorts of Majolica, which are unblush- ingly sold in many shops as original, and from Italy. This class of imitations is particularly exasperating, for the sub- ject of Majolica is as yet a sealed volume to most amateur collectors, and the wily imitator finds a ready sale for his reproductions of plates, decorative panels, and apothecary jars. The best and indeed the only protection for one in- terested in antiquities of this class is a close and careful study of the subject—an intelligent idea of the technicalities of glaze and surface, and the other points upon which a good guide will be of the greatest possible help. Another class of pottery which is now extensively imi- tated is the blue-and-white Staffordshire, a ware especially popular with amateur collectors by reason of its decorative value and of its spirited portrayal of places and events con- nected with American history. Everyone knows, or has heard, of the fabulous prices paid by collectors for rare ex- amples of this ware. I remember some years ago attending a sale in New York of the collection of a noted amateur, and much of the interest centered upon the eager compe- tition between two or three bidders for a few plates, platters and a tureen of white-and-blue Staffordshire. The very popularity of this ware has caused its successful imita- tion and the shops are glutted with plates showing the “Landing of Lafayette,” the “Boston State House,” and even some of the series showing the adventures of ‘‘Dr. Syntax.” A particularly disagreeable episode occurred not long ago when a dishonest dealer sold for a very high price one of these imitations, the actual value of which is but a few cents. Staffordshire ware is now being made showing modern views. I have seen plates showing excel- lent pictures of ‘Trinity Church, Boston” and “‘St. Patrick’s Cathedral,” and possibly these plates, and others of the same series, will sell for high prices a century hence—who can tell ? Perhaps after all, imitations of the antique in furniture are the most difficult of detection, for here the craft of the imitator seems to have surpassed even himself. Of course, any clever furniture-maker can skillfully copy old furniture, but in the finishing and “‘aging” all sorts of clever processes are employed. One finish will be used to brighten a sur- face, another to deaden its appearance; a solution of dis- solved wax will produce still another effect, and the shooting _of wood full of bullet holes produces the worm-eaten ap- pearance which the amateur collector usually expects to find in old oak. Mirrors are among the articles most widely and success- fully imitated. I have a charming little gilt-framed mirror which caught my fancy some years ago and which I pur- chased (with some misgivings) as being a real old Georgian mirror. It bore all the ear-marks of age—frame worn and dull, under surface of glass somewhat injured and several layers of different kinds of paper were pasted over the back, under which was painted or stenciled the name of what was evidently a London dealer, and a date some time in the Eighteenth Century. I long ago decided to regard the little mirror as a beautiful fraud, but console myself with con- templating its beauty and by remembering that neither in England nor in America have I ever come across a duplicate. In arranging antiques as household furnishings care must be exercised in planning their setting. Try to plan their backgrounds so that the quaint old treasures may be set forth with all their beauty and charm well displayed. Often antique pieces may be utilized in building. I once knew a dramatist, for instance, who made frequent trips to Europe, bringing home all sorts of artistic ‘junk’ which he had run across. One of his treasures was a fine old carved beam, colored as well as carved, which came from the facade of an old tavern in Rothenburg and which afterwards was used with excellent effect in a beautiful country home not far from New York. There can be no general rule regarding the placing of the possessions one may be fortunate enough to acquire. Few can hope to achieve a house which consists of period rooms, each furnished in antiques of some particular era— and many of us must live with our treasures placed in set- tings more or less ‘“‘composite.”” If one’s collected antiques be many or few, their interest will make them seem to fit in with any surroundings of fair woodwork and wall covering. , ' z t : Fi F k f i J, HERE never yet was built a house that room of some sort that would lend itself dwelling that can boast of greater antiqu been mainly evolved, so far as its grounc of feudal times into the rooms one finds | architects expend thought and ingenuity" the modern dwelling the sense of hospitality to whomsoey | has been said that the hall is the key to the dwelling, and way presents to the hall which is uninviting, to understanc HHALLWAYS ti be considered a success if it did not have an entrance )omelike adaptation. There is not a room in the whole #oerhaps, than the hall. In fact, the modern house has —.n is concerned, from the division of the old hall space tie house of to-day upon its entrance floor. Our best & the matter of the hallway in order that it may carry in -osses the threshold that admits one to its precincts. It has but to recall the contrast which the hospitable hall- v important it is to give much thought to the planning. | SOF OP Oe Pe , C4 Lp Z Shee ey, ; y ff i iA Jé : Bey, : Ao, BoD 7 Px 3S Sus PRE AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS ml a4 vii es ome a Ole nee OE. 24) zd HOSPITABLE. HALLWAY HERE never yet was built a house that could be considered a success if it did not have an entrance room of some sort that would lend it ) homelike adaptation. There is not a room in the whole dwelling that can boast of greater antiquity, perhaps, than the hall. In fact, the modern house has || been mainly evolved, so far as its ground plan is concerned, from the division of the old hall space || of feudal times into the rooms one finds in the house of to-day upon its entrance floor. Our best architects expend thought and ingenuity upon the matter of the hallway in order that it may carry in the modern dwelling the sense of hospitality to whomsoever crosses the threshold that admits One to its precincts, It has been said that the hall is the key to the dwelling, and one has but to recall the contrast which the hospitable hall- way presents to the hall which is uninviting, to understand how important it is to give much thought to the planning. (DB cxccFoccs fel ¥ 20 AMERICAN HOMES Pa Sar aera eI «i rate: AND GARDENS This well-planned house is set upon an elevation which commands superb views in every direction, across field lands, toward mountainous country A Brick House of Distinction By Henry Norman Photographs by T. C. Turner NIE most successful examples of domestic architecture in America are, perhaps, those houses which have been built near the larger cities, a success achieved despite the limita- tions often set by suburban plots. In the present instance under consideration, the house designed for Mr. I. Sheldon Tilney, by Messrs. Walker and Hazzard, architects, New York, there pre- sented to owner and architect alike the opportunity of evolv- ing a homelike dwelling unhampered by a cramped area, and of working out a house with direct reference to the unusual beauty of the locality and its accessibility. When an archi- tect is given a commission to plan a country house of these proportions, to be erected upon a site that offers an endless variety of vista, views across broad fields and mountain foot- hills, he finds an inspiration that awakens him to a deep in- terest in the problems before him. A few years ago the owner of this house acquired a tract of some sixty acres in extent, situated at the summit of the first range of the Orange Mountains, in New Jersey, but con- venient to the main road and easily accessible. In selecting the site the fact was borne in mind that it must be suitable for a country house along broad and generous lines. There is not a lovelier spot in eastern New Jersey than that which was chosen, offering as it did a certain ruggedness of scenery that was quite unlike that of neighboring sections. The acreage chosen, furthermore, had the marked advantage of possessing an unusually broad frontage. Therefore, the house was placed back some distance from the road and its grounds planned to be entered by a long, straight avenue lined with trees. While these have yet to attain their growth, this avenue even now presents a very lovely appear- ance when the foliage is out. Just in front of the house the avenue terminates in a broad, sweeping circle, lending to the home an effect of old-fashioned dignity. The house is of red brick with white joints, a variety selected for massing in broad spaces, lending its roughness and unevenness of texture to the results of weathering in such a manner as to produce a most attractive, velvety sur- face in effect. This forms an admirable background for such planting as has been begun, and for that which will follow, probably, in the course of time. In its lines the house is broad and low, with strong emphasis upon the roof-lines and cornice. The exterior effect of the fenestra- tion is particularly good in the main portion of the house, the white trimmings of which form a happy contrast to the tone of the brick walls. The entrance-porch is simple and elegant in design. Indeed, simplicity is the keynote of the design of the house. One notices with satisfaction the re- straint that has been shown in the detail throughout the January, 1912 SD VCHAMBER | 18°0°% 140" — (ay) a= LINEN i) | ] BALCONY a 7 _ CHAMBER wml /2-0°* 18-0" ClOy 80% 104" The porch area indicated by the plans of this house is one of its special and most agreeable features building, both in exterior and interior, apropos of which one has but to notice the unobtrusive manner in which the archi- tects have worked out the problems of the chimneys. In de- signing the shutters, those for the ground floor windows are solidly paneled, marked in each upper panel by a quarter- moon sunray, while those of the second floor are of the type commonly known as blinds. ‘This arrangement is more usual in European domestic architecture than in that of America. With the vast expanse which the elevation of the site commanded, it was possible to give each room a distinctive outlook of its own—a rare enough but happy plan. There are few houses of the proportions of this one that better follow the lay of the land, and that seem to ‘‘belong”’ to it. Moreover, it receives an abundance of sunlight on every side, and it is remarkably well planned for ventilation in all seasons. No matter how attractive we find a house outwardly, this quality only intensifies the suggestion of the charm one ex- pects to find within its doors. The entrance-porch already referred to has the triangular pediment of its gabled roof supported by turned pillars, with seats on either side of the single door. Above the porch is a little casement window of leaded glass, and trellised vines climb nearly up to it. On entering the house one finds the ground floor arranged with the same suggestion of straightforward simplicity that the exterior presents. First comes a broad hall, containing the main stairway. This hall leads at the left into a living- room of generous proportions, and upon the right into the corridor leading to the service portion of the house, while directly ahead to the right of the stairway is the large dining-room, opening upon a great canvas-decked porch at the rear. The restraint shown in designing the exterior detail of the house has been repeated with success in planning the in- terior, and nowhere will one find an over-emphasis of motifs. The living-room, trimmed in quartered oak, has two sets of large windows upon opposite sides, and French windows either side of the fireplace, opening upon a great veranda sixteen by twenty feet, which is screened in summer and enclosed in glass throughout the cold season. This is pro- AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 21 vided with a deep fireplace of fieldstones. It is easy to imagine the charm of this out-of-door living-room, with its summer setting of hammocks, bamboo chairs, chintz-covered cushions and the tea-table; but one also thinks of it as a comfortable retreat upon a winter day, with the bright sun- shine pouring through its walls of glass, and its rugs and furnishings framing in the crackling fire upon the broad stone hearth. In furnishing a home one is very apt to overlook the decorative value of furniture in cane-wicker and bamboo, and yet no kind of furniture possesses in so marked a degree the advantage of “‘agreeing”’ with any surroundings in which it may be placed. If we except rooms furnished in the French periods, there is almost no style of decoration which would not make a suitable setting for furniture of this variety. The out-of-door living-room, which at all seasons of the year makes so practical a part of this house, is fur- nished very largely with tables, chairs and settees of this sort, and they are made even more beautiful by summer cushions and coverings of chintz, linen and flowered taffeta, and winter fabrics of rep, velour and the like. In several rooms of this house are chairs, large and small, of oak or walnut, having backs and seats of open canework, and these pieces are quite in keeping with the dignified character of the house, without interfering in any way with the homelike informal feeling which is its chief characteristic. The dining-room is, perhaps, the most beautiful room in the house. Here the walls are paneled to the ceiling. They are finished in ivory white, against which is arranged fur- niture in the deep tones of old mahogany. Pictures upon such a wall are usually superfluous and often fatal to best effects, and here the beauty of the paneling itself supplies all the decoration necessary, and the few sidelights, in the simplest of Colonial pattern, give just the relief the eye de- mands from the white. The color in this beautiful room is supplied by the tones of an old Oriental rug. The candle- shades and the long straight curtains pushed back from the windows, the brick hearth, the brass fitting of the fireplace, - = J = = = => = = = = = = - — = =e == i=) = == == = < The entrance-porch exhibits dignity in the proportions of its design 22 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Ee ei Dining-room, showing the French windows the sparkle of glass and gleaming of old silver. Accessory to this room is another porch, which is used as an out-of-door dining-room, and which, like every part of this attractive house, has a delightful outlook, toward mountainous scenery. The kitchen-wing and sery- ice portion of the house are thoroughly shut off on both floors from the remainder of the house, and are unusually well arranged and complete in appointments. A pantry of ample proportions is placed between the dining- room and the kitchen, and the kitchen is provided with every possible device for the comfort and convenience of those who must work therein. The kitchen is so arranged that it has an attractive out- look in two directions. The kitchen-wing is completed by still another enclosed porch. The upper floor has been so planned that it provides four large family bed- chambers, three of which open directly into bathrooms, every room having ample closet space. The windows are arranged to provide cross ventilation. The wing which contains the servants’ bedrooms is arranged with a corridor down the One ne the fave pein: A corner of the living-room January, 1912 The dining-room, looking toward the hall middle, which gives each room windows and ventilation of its own. This wing contains the servants’ bathroom, a linen closet and a large storeroom, each having a window. This story is connected with the service quarters below by its own stairway, so the servants’- wing may be entirely apart from the rest of the house. The third floor contains two large guestrooms and a bath- room, which connects the two. This entire house, with its beautiful surroundings and the dignity of its design with- in and without, is a home which will grow more beauti- ful with the passing years. One can scarcely expect to produce in the few months since its completion the effect which nature will provide in but a few seasons more, and it is pleasant to imagine what a new home may be like when its walls come to be covered with ivy turning from its summer green to the browns and golden reds of autumn and winter—when the trees will be so fully grown that their branches will meet overhead, and when hedges and shrubbery will have attained full and complete growth. The outdoor living-porch January, 1912 Evergreens AMERICAN VHOMES: “AND GARDENS i) Ww The Heath is an indoor Evergreen that requires careful attention, but it is also one of the most attractive of all the houseplants for cool temperatures for Indoors By Gardner Teall Photographs by Nathan R. Graves, Charles Jones, and others sq)| HILE nearly all of the plants in the window- ‘| garden retain their foliage, in effect, the year round, a certain number of them actually do, and this class of Evergreen house-plants de- serves consideration by itself, as indoor Evergreens are not so widely known as they should be, nor are they as often found among house-plants as they deserve to be. Aside from their place near flowering window-plants, indoor Evergreens lend themselves to table decoration, and being especially suitable plants for hall and stairway, are most useful in arranging decorative effects when the house is being made ready for some festal oc- casion. The most interesting Ever- greens of the indoor class are, perhaps, the Araucarias, the most easily obtain- able species being Araucaria excelsa, better known by its common name, the Norfolk Island Pine. This distinc- tive plant is, in reality, a little tree of coniferous habits, quite as lovely, though not so unusual and curious, as some of the dwarf Japanese trees that have become more or less the fashion. Its branches radiate like the spokes of a wheel from the central stem, and its rich, spiny foliage is a dark yellow- green. It is the most symmetrical of the indoor Evergreens. The dAraucaria robusta is a more sturdy species and it is more compact than the first named, while the Arau- caria glauca is a handsome blue-green leaved variety of the same species. The indoor gardener may be interested to know that the cousin to these Ever- greens (the large form of the Araucaria, known to botan- ists as A. imbricata) is said to be the only tree which the monkey is unable to climb. Small specimens of the Norfolk Island Pine, and of other species of the Araucarias, are comparatively inexpensive, and may be had from almost any reliable nurseryman. A well-started specimen will re- quire but ordinary care, as this Evergreen grows freely under The Norfolk Island Pine is the most popular of all the easily-grown indoor Evergreens almost any conditions, where light, water and a little heat can be given it. The Araucarias must be watered sparingly, and care must be taken not to transfer them too rapidly to larger pots, as they do not like frequent disturbing. These Evergreens should be repotted only when one feels sure they require more room than they have already been given. English Ivy is an Evergreen of the broad-leaved variety, and although it has long been one of the most popular plants in the window-garden, it may not have been classed among Evergreens by those who have not familiarized themselves with plant divisions. The botanical name of the English Ivy is Hedera helix, which it is well to know, in order that its variety, Hedera helix Canar- iensis, commonly known as Irish Ivy, may not be chosen by mistake in place of it. This latter Ivy has much larger leaves, but it is not nearly so attractive for indoor growing, unless one is in- different to the pattern effect and merely seeks abundance of foliage, as often is the case. The English Ivy will stand a goodly amount of watering and must always be generously potted. As for its potting soil, any good house- plant soil will do that has a mixture of sand in its composition. The Camellia’s beautiful, dark, shining leaves are remarkably persist- ent, and this should receive more con- sideration as a house-plant possibility than has yet been given it. The re- markable beauty of its flowers is, of course, known to everyone, as it is a favorite flower with poets and novel- ists. Camellias may be had from nurserymen in both single and double varieties, in white, pink, and red, the d/ba plena (white), Lady Hume (pink), and the Hovey (red) being good varieties to select. Keep the potting soil for Camellias just moist, as over-watering will cause their buds to drop before flowering. Camellias should be repotted every two years in a mixture of equal parts of peat, sand, fibrous loam, and leaf-mold. 24 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS The Myrtle, or Periwinkle (Vinca minor), a plant which the ancients dedicated to Venus, may be grown in any house, although one usually associates it with outdoor gardening. Its bushy growth must be induced by frequent trimming. A rich loamy potting soil is best for this plant, and it should be given a sunny place in the window-garden. There is a variegated species of Periwinkle to be had (Vinca minor, var. Alba) which presents bright yellow foliage, and also a somewhat rarer variety, having white instead of the usual purple flowers. Beside these there is Vinca rosea, a pink, erect-growing species, which requires an abundance of sun- light and liberal watering. Azaleas are among the most beautiful of the broad-leaved Evergreens, although outside the greenhouse it is difhcult to grow them in northern temperatures with anything like success. The Azalea thrives best in a cool and airy room. Azalea Indica is the usual species one meets with at the florist’s. he proper night temperature for Azaleas is from 50 to 60 degrees. After flowering (in the Spring), new growth in the plants must be encouraged by warmer tem- perature, and though the potting soil requires to be kept just moist, it must never be permitted to become dry. Sweet Bay (the Laurus nobilis) is one of the most decora- tive of indoor Evergreens, being cultivated with stem and globular crown, or as a bushy or pyramidal plant, leafing to the soil. It must be kept very cool and should be carefully cellared in Winter. When brought out for indoor use in Summer, the Sweet Bay should be placed only in unheated rooms. The Partridge Berry is the only hardy Evergreen we have which, in its native state, carpets the ground and bears red berries throughout the Winter. Mitchella repens is its botanical name. It does exceedingly well when brought out of the woods (though it may be procured without trouble from nearly any florist or nurseryman), and it should be grown under a bell-glass or in a vivarium; that is, an aquar- ium-like case for tender house-plants. The Laurustinus is an Evergreen native to southern Europe, and though hardy to Great Britain, it requires house culture in our climate, flowering indoors from November to April. Its blossoms are fragrant, white flowers, which are well set off by the dark green of its foliage. ‘This plant stands indifferent usage, being almost hardy, but it thrives best with generous potting and in earth composed of one part each of sand, leaf-mold and well-rotted manure. Care should be taken to give the leaves frequent washings, as they are great dust-attracters, and therefore their beauty is marred if the foliage is not kept clean. This Lauraustinus bears the botanical name of Viburnum tinus, and thus it is closely related to the common Snowball of the garden, the Viburnum Populus. Heath (Erica), like the Azalea, produces a multitude of small, hair-like roots, and requires loamy potting soil, rich in decaying organic matter. Good pot drainage is also requisite, and rain-water should alone be given these difficult Fvergreens. As a general rule they stand cool tempera- tures unusually well, and they must have plenty of air, though cold draughts will speedily injure them. Do not permit these plants to grow tall and spindling, but keep them low, bushy, and compact, by pinching and by the frequent turning of all sides to the light. ‘This preserves symmetry. Few house-plants make a greater show. A single ‘day’s neglect to water a Heath, or a day’s over-watering, may kill the plant; therefore many, through carelessness or a lack of knowledge of its requirements, have failed to raise the Heather successfully. The following varieties will be found the best for the window-garden: Erica Cavendishii (yel- low), E. caffra (white and fragrant), E. hyemalis (pink), E. persolute (red), and E. ventricosa (purple). The Daphne is a beautiful, sweet-scented Evergreen, but January, 1912 The waxen-like Camellia is the loveliest of all indoor Evergreens it requires careful attention, for which reason it is seldom met with in gardens indoors. Daphne Indica is the variety for window purposes, bearing terminal bunches of fragrant white flowers. The leaves are long, glossy, and dark-green. It should have plenty of pot room, and its soil should (in common with that of all house-plants) be well drained. The Yucca’s handsome, stout foliage makes this well- known plant exceedingly decorative as an indoor Evergreen. Every traveler who has visited California recalls the great Yuccas to be found there, especially in the southern part of the state. Occasionally these giant species are transplanted to our gardens, and the smaller varieties thrive in gardens by the sea, being useful for decorative borders. The Yucca filamentosa is especially recommended to the amateur for the purpose, as also are Y. aloefolia and Y. quadricolor. Do not repot often, and give Yuccas a rich loamy soil. Yucca pilomentosa var. variegata has leaves streaked with white and is very attractive. The Kennedya is a lovely and graceful twining indoor Evergreen, and is not as often met with in the window- garden as it deserves to be. The shoots should be kept well trained to the wall, or against a frame. Give it plenty of water. Kennedya Marryattae is the scarlet variety, while the blossoms of the K. monophylla are a rich purple. There is not a finer climber for the window-garden. Although the varieties of indoor Evergreens here men- tioned by no means exhaust the list of those that are avail- able for house culture, those described are especially worthy the attention of everyone who has a window-garden and loves house-plants, and who, though acquainted with some of the more common varieties of these plants, may not have known that they come under the head of true Evergreens, which fact may, perhaps, lead the amateur indoor gardener to cultivate a real and lasting interest in them. . q a AMERICAN January, Ig12 One-light bracket, cost- ing about $2.50 Lighting Six light fixture of wood compo furnished with key (sarko) control ESIDENCE illumination is comparatively a ‘|| new art. Before the invention of the incan- || descent electric lamp and of the gas mantle, it was difficult to get enough light; now the problem is to distribute the light properly and shade and tone it so as to eliminate glare. To residence illumination comparatively little attention has been devoted by illuminating engineers. Their efforts are concentrated on commercial and public buildings, where con- tracts are larger and more lucrative. And when they at- tempt to apply to the lighting of houses the experience gained in the lighting of hotels and stores, they discover that conditions are diametrically dissimilar. Even in commercial lighting, engineers are apt to rely too much on the photo- meter and on algebraic formule, trusting them rather than the less complicated and more direct conclusions of the human eye and common sense. In other words, they do not appear to realize that while the photometer is useful in figuring cost and quantity, the final test of illumination, public or private, under scientific direction, is its effect on the vision. It is absolutely necessary to approach the lighting of houses from the decorative point of view. The location of the outlets and the number of lights per outlet depend not only on the size and shape of the room, but also on the color and pattern and texture of walls and furniture. Important also is the question of style. If an interior is Colonial, or Georgian, or French, or Mission, the lighting fixtures should conform, in finish as well as in shape and ornament. Different periods also have their preferences as re- gards material—wood and compo fixtures associating themselves with Gothic and Renaissance, crystal glass beads and balls and prisms with the Louises, the Queen Anne and the Georgian periods, dull brass with the Colonial, hammered old brass and hammered old iron with Mission, etc. The best lighted houses are those whose illumination has been planned and whose lighting fixtures have been selected by the architect or decorator, working in close understanding with the manufacturer. Here the archi- tect has a distinct initial advantage—not always appreciated —the fact that the owner’s confidence is his from the very beginning—from the time of the adoption of the plans— and that he is in a position, where the use of electricity is concerned, to impress upon the owner the desirability of selecting the lighting fixtures before the wiring is done. The wiring is of fundamental importance. Unless the outlets HOMES This two-light bracket of wood compo, frosted bulbs, costs about $30.00 By George Leland Hunter A shower with a 27-inch drop, and — shades in ground crystal, this, sells for $31.50 AND GARDENS 26 A very good bracket, costing about $3.00 Fixtures Louis XIV lantern of armor bronze. Ground glass conceals bulbs are properly placed, with sufficient current for each, the skill of the wisest decorator and of the most competent engineer will fail to accomplish good lighting. Re-wiring is so ex- pensive and often so difhcult—involving the mutilation of finished walls and floors—that owners cannot often be per- suaded to authorize it. The wiring of many houses is too often left to the electrician, who seldom knows anything about the art of effective and economical illumination and whose interest it is, usually, to complete his contract with as little cost to himself as possible. Either he underwires the house and makes it impossible ever to light it well, or he overwires the house in such a way as to secure the minimum of illumination from the maximum of current. Important in wiring for electric lighting is the question of control. Fixtures that are out of reach, and fixtures and brackets with candle lights and miniature bulbs, should have switch control. The sarko switches, with key often used in the backplate of candle brackets and others too small for regular sockets, are not particularly trustworthy or durable, especially when overloaded, as they often are. Despite the initial cost, it will pay in the long run to have all ceiling fixtures of the average house con- trolled by switches. In the more expensive houses the brackets also will all be on switch, and there will be such useful refine- ments as burglar lights and master switches, and switches to light the hall above or the hall below, etc. In preparing a general scheme of illumi- nation for a house, the problem should be approached room by room and floor by floor, the main rooms of the first floor taken into consideration first. Starting, for in- stance, with the dining-room, 14x17 feet, with ceiling ten feet from the floor, this means 238 square feet of floor space, which divided by fifty, equals a trifle under five as the number of 15-candle-power lights neces- sary, where ceiling and walls are not too dark. At this point I should explain that I have found fifty to be a convenient divisor for use in de- termining the proper number of lights to a room of given size, with ceiling 9 feet 6 inches, which is the average height for ceilings throughout the United States, and for which many manufacturers plan their ceiling fixtures, giving them an overall drop of three feet unless otherwise ordered. This brings the bottom of the fixture 6 feet 6 inches from the floor, which is right for most drop fixtures with lights up. But in very large, higher rooms fixtures should hang higher than this, and in some low rooms perhaps three inches lower. such as 26 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS This dining-room is agreeably lighted by wax candles, but not brilliantly, in spite of the high reflection that is derived from the white walls and from the light ceiling Of course, the higher a room is the more light it takes to illuminate it—something like 10 per cent. for every addi- tional foot over g feet 6 inches—while rooms as low as 8 feet 6 inches, with light ceiling and walls, need considerably less. To return to our dining-rooms that require five lights. For a ceiling fixture we can choose between a hanging dome, that should drop to a height of 4 feet 6 inches above the floor, a shower, a stem fixture, or a ceiling plate, all with lights pointing down. Once leaded domes were the fashion. The dining-room without a dome was as much out of it as the living-room without a dado was twenty years before this time. ‘To-day, in many parts of the country, the shower is the sine qua non of the multitude. In these localities, the dining-room without a shower is considered as barren as the Desert of Sahara. It makes not much difference what kind of a shower, or whether it gives the right kind of light in the right place; the great thing is to have a shower, like other people. The reason for having the dining-room fix- ture bulbs and shades point down is to light the table much while lighting the walls and ceiling little. Only when the room is used also as a living-room, or for general entertain- ment, is much general illumination necessary. On the whole, it seems to me that a leaded dome of good design, in luminous colors, lights a small dining-room more suitably and more agreeably than any other fixture. But everything depends on the colors and the quality of the glass. The cheap opaque dome that reflects al] the light down, leaving the upper part of the room in black shadow, is hard on the eyes and decoratively ugly. But the dome that glows with golden radiance, distributing enough to ceiling and upper walls to avoid blackness there, is easy on the eyes and right decoratively. The fault with ceiling plates and showers and stem fixtures is that they give too much general illumination and not enough at the table. But when the lights hang low, shades carefully selected will cure the fault. A special reason for leaded, or iridescent, or color-enameled shades in a dining-room is that of all the rooms in a house it is usually and rightly the richest in color. But be sure that the colors of the shades are close to the colors of the room— with a tendency away from reds and blues and greens to- wards golden yellows and oranges. i Here a few words on color in lighting may not be out of place. As everybody knows, many persons are color-blind January, 1912 Tg Crystal Bente and balls a cayatal Deel iD atl diabare ‘the light from candles with frosted cone bulbs. The illumination is brilliant, but without disagreeable effect to reds and blues—the red rays at one end of the spectrum being too long for their eyes, and the blue rays at the other end too short. But with the golden yellow rays in the mid- dle of the spectrum everyone can see well, and in them is contained the effective luminosity of light. Once it was the fashion to cry for white light, and every new electric lamp put on the market was advertised by its promoters as giving whiter light than any other and light more like that of the sun. Now, white light may be all right when matching ribbons and dress goods and millinery—although one would imagine that in matching fabrics to be seen by night the kind of artificial light commonly found would be better. However, white light at its best is not at all suitable for decorative illumination. No one who has had experience in decorating would use tungstens in residence lighting, except in the kitchen or in domes and in lanterns and shades that partially eliminate the reds and blues, turning the white light in the direction of golden yellow. Good light in a kitchen prevents waste and promotes quickness and accuracy of domestic service. ‘The best way to secure it is with a single 60 to 100- watt tungsten, close to the ceiling, with frosted top and with wide shade of alba glass. At minimum cost, on account of the superior efficiency of the tungsten, the room will be flooded with illumination that is brilliant but not disagree- able, though not satisfactory for the master rooms. It is the master rooms—main halls, library, reception-room or parlor, sitting-room or living-room—that call for the prin- cipal part of the fixture appropriation. The fixtures must be in harmony with the furniture and draperies that in these rooms are more expensive and elaborate than elsewhere. And in these rooms the illumination must be brilliant; not only the general illumination when guests are present, but also the local illumination, when one wishes to read, or write, or sew, or embroider. General illumination, of course, means light evenly dis- tributed through the whole of a room, while local illumina- tion is light concentrated at one particular spot. This gen- eral illumination is most economically and agreeably ob- tained by wall and ceiling reflection. When walls and ceil- ings are light in color—especially in ivory or cream—and the ceiling is not high, light is reflected and re-reflected and eficiency is multiplied. Twenty-five watts here produces more illumination than one hundred watts in a room with dark walls and ceiling. It is important to remember that the amount of light generated in a room by no means determines the amount of illumination. Complicated pattern and intri- cate texture in dark tones on furniture and draperies and walls swallow up the light. Under such circumstances lights must be many and widely distributed, for the only luminous January, 1912 x A well-lighted @olonial nee The cut-glass disk over the table sends down a mild illumination that can be supplemented by the extra size (16-candle-power) lamps around it surfaces are those of the lights themselves and their shades. A room looks high only in proportion as luminous surfaces meet the eye. And what the eye says about the brightness of a room is the only real measure of illumination that we have. In other words, the room that looks dark is dark, and no photometer test counts in rebuttal. Also, the most useful light for general illumination of a residence is that which is reflected back and forth between the heights of three and seven feet. It is in this space that are located the persons and objects and surfaces whose visability give character and individuality, even existence, to a room. The floor of a room need not—indeed, should not—be brilliantly lighted. So that the custom of covering all or part with rugs whose pile devours the light is an ex- cellent one from the point of illumination. Whether the ceiling shall be brightly lighted depends upon the height of the room as compared with its lateral dimensions. the ceiling brilliantly increases its apparent height, while throwing it in shadow brings it down. So that keeping the light away from the ceiling of small bathrooms and narrow halls and concentrat- ing it on side walls tends to make the proportions of these rooms more agreeable. Fixtures with lights at about the height of six feet six, and point- ing down, with lights and shades adjusted to give the desired distribution, will accomplish this. The lighting of large square halls presents the same problems as the other master rooms. If the ceiling is of average height and light in color, we can utilize ceiling reflections from fixtures and brackets with lights up. But if the walls and ceil- ing are dark and nonreflective, we must have many outlets with both fixtures and brackets so placed as to give the maximum distribution later- ally. This means that a dark, nonreflecting room twelve feet square must have at least four wall brackets in order to look illuminated, and in larger | rooms there must also be one or more fixtures to light the middle of the room. The shades on the lights should be large in order to present a large | area of bright surfaces. The old-fashioned way of lighting such a room was from fixtures only, with transparent glass bulbs pointing down. The fixtures were usually combination gas and electricity, and the location an inherit- ance from the gas-only period. This style of installation is not only wasteful but dangerous. The glowing electric filaments burn the eyes terribly by contrast with the pre- vailing dark surfaces, and have ruined the vision of thou- AMERICAN HOMES AND Lighting A lantern in old ham. mered brass. panels on the under side are a good feature, pre- venting shadows below GARDENS 27 The square ones commonly used would over-emphasize the squareness characteristic of the Mission style sands. In this respect the old-fashioned open-flame gas- burner was far better. It does flicker, and it does vitiate and heat the air, but the broad, yellowish flame is almost as agreeable to the eye as that of the kerosene lamp. Frosted bulbs are one of the most blessed inventions of the age. They absorb ten or fifteen per cent of the light, but increase the amount of effective illumination. With eighty- five per cent of the light, the eye can see better than it could with one hundred per cent. For the burning of the eye by the filament closes the pupil and makes it inefficient. Frost- ing also tones the light slightly towards cream. Frosted bulbs, especially round ones, large for their power, are ca among the most efficient distributors of agreeable illumination. By them the quality of tungstens and tantalums is much improved and the ultra- whiteness softened. Many architects now recom- mend brackets only for the main living-rooms and chambers. Some of them seem to be inspired by animosity toward the word “chandelier,” while others object to any kind of ceiling light except cove lighting or other forms of the so-called in- direct lighting, which are wasteful as well as ‘“‘bad”’ art. Light is the most beautiful thing in the world. It is not only beautiful in itself, but upon it de- pends the beauty of all beautiful objects. With- out light, they might as well be nonexistent. Care- fully to conceal light sources is deliberately to abandon the greatest decorative possibilities. The work of the illuminating artist is to place and so shade the lights correctly that they glow with gentle, grateful radiance. A room 20x22 and 9 feet 6 inches high can be lighted perfectly well with brackets only (one two-light and four one- light ones), provided the color scheme of the room is light and surfaces and textures plain and simple. But if there are rich and heavy upholsteries and draperies, and dark woodwork and furniture, and brocade-paneled walls with compartment ceil- ing, the number of bracket lights should be doubled, and four or five lights at the ceiling will also be advisable. Reverting to the matter of underwiring, there recently came to the writer’s notice an instance wherein a lighting- fixtures salesman, in default of blue-prints or wiring plans, had distributed brackets and fixtures and lights among the The glass 28 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS outlets according to his best judgment, the result being a house by no means overlighted. Unfortunately, the elec- trician had been given the wiring contract for a lump sum and without definite specifications—just a general under- standing to do a satisfactory job. Only after the fixtures were up was it discovered that the circuits were overloaded, i.e., had to carry more 16-candle-power bulbs (or their equivalent) than is allowed by the regulations of the Na- tional Board of Fire Underwriters. Consequently, several two-light brackets had to be replaced by one-light brackets, a sixty-watt tungsten substituted for three regular pear lamps on the dining-room dome, and one ceiling fixture omitted altogether. The only alternative was rewiring, at a cost three times that of the original wiring. Of course, the fixtures salesman should have insisted on plans showing the arrangement of outlets on circuit, and the man who did the hanging should have reported the situation before making the installation. But they didn’t, and the electrician, not being financially responsible, the final outcome was a poorly lighted house and a considerable loss to the firm who sold the fixtures. If the lighting had been planned first, and the blue-prints marked with outlets, and lights to outlet given to the electrician as part of his specifications, this would not have happened. I cannot sufficiently emphasize the difference that exists between the simple rooms in light colors and the elaborate rooms in dark colors. The latter take from two to five times as much light, without being satisfactorily illuminated. With gas there is much more reason for avoiding fixtures than with electricity. ‘The electric bulbs can turn up or down or at any angle, making it easy to control the field of distribu- tion, but gas open-flames point up only, and must be kept far from the ceiling lest they burn or smoke it. For a long time electric fixtures copied the awkwardness necessary to open- flame gas installation, and, of course, combination gas and electric fixtures are still obliged to do so. Only recently did there seem to come understanding of the completeness of the release from cramping conditions. Now we point our electric fixture lights up or down or at any angle, and locate the lights in the ceiling or close to it, or eighteen inches below it, or wherever else the best and most- agreeable distribution can be obtained. The open-flame gas fixture is an ugly thing that casts ugly shadows below, and the mantle flames, pointed either up or down are not much better. But a single mantle flame, high in a small light room, with abundant ceiling and wall reflec- tion, is the extreme of economy and effectiveness. Groups of mantle flames on a single fixture destroy the attractive- ness of a room, and burn the eye quite as badly, though differently, as the clear glass electric bulb. Mantle flames are best and most effective, as well as least ugly, in a large room when installed on brackets extending far enough from the wall to give good wall reflection. “Two of them are sufficient to light a room 12x22. ‘This is the cheapest illumination known in cities where the price of gas is reason- able and the gas is of fair quality. Of fixtures and brackets the shades are a most important part. While frosted, round, and pear, and cone bulbs can be used uncovered, the desire, founded on reason, to in- crease the area while decreasing the intensity of the luminous surface makes the use of crystal, iridescent, or opalescent glass shades common. The crystal shades of better quality are ground and ribbed, ground and cut, or plain ground {roughed or frosted or sandblasted). They come in the most various shapes and sizes, from narrow to wide, making it possible to secure any desired distribution, and the ma- jority of them are planned to cover the regular 16-candle- power incandescent bulb. The light of this being slightly orange, is very agreeable when sifted through the frosted shade. ‘The incandescent shades are extremely interesting, January, 1912 with their mysterious tones and rainbow tints, but only the light ones are satisfactory from the illumination point of view. The dark ones absorb too much light. Particularly interesting and fairly economical of light are the pearl and crystal iridescents. Leaded shades are satisfactory on fix- tures and brackets in the luminous tones only—the golden yellows and soft browns and pale greens. Silk shades are comparatively opaque, but very beautiful, especially to direct the light down from upward-pointing candle lights. Of course, they are lined with white cambric to increase the reflection. Beautiful beyond description are the carved ala- baster bowls imported from Italy. They glow with a milky light that brings out the beauty of the carving sufficiently, but not too much. The designs are classic, and they demand a classic environment. The glass imitations of alabaster are surprisingly good and far less expensive. Alabaster bowls and lanterns of various styles and materials are especially suitable for entrance halls, where brilliant illumination is not desired. The material of which most fixtures are made is brass, which is very obedient in the foundry, or on the lathe, or under the hammer, or in the press. It also takes numerous finishes easily, and holds them well when they are well applied. But the finish of very cheap fixtures is fleeting and looks more stained and spotted after six months than it should after six years. The metal work of very cheap fix- tures also lacks durability, being so thin and weak that slight knocks and injuries injure it beyond repair. ‘The finest fixtures are made of bronze, that might be described as a ‘‘sublimated kind of brass.”” It costs much more and is more difficult to cast and work, but is vastly harder and more dur- able, interpreting the most delicate outlines definitely, and deserves the reputation in the arts it acquired thousands of years ago. At the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, the bronze statuettes and other objects from Roman and pre-Roman days are a permanent testimony to its durability. Once polished brass and bright gilt appealed to the multi- tude; now even they accept dull brass and dull gilt. But there are other finishes, like antique brass and yellow bronze and Pompeian, that should be more generally ordered. The antique brass finish is particularly good on the hand-ham- mered brass fixtures and brackets for Mission and rustic rooms. Pompeian (vert antique) is above all a finish for porches and out-of-door pieces, and for pieces in the classic styles (being reproduced from the ancient bronzes that during the ages turned a white and flecked green of delight- ful texture). Yellow bronze is much warmer than dull brass, and better for living-rooms and rooms fairly rich in color. Gold and silver, which increases the cost by twenty per cent, are suitable only for more expensive fixtures. Fixtures that deserve to be put in a class by themselves on account of their great beauty are those in carved wood or compo, principally in the Gothic and Italian Renaissance styles and styles derived from them. The finishes are an- tique gold, antique silver, and antique oak, often with poly- chrome, and the effects are large and noble without the ponderosity of metal. Compo fixtures are at least a third cheaper than carved wood, and do not split like wood when subjected to moisture. But they do check and chip, slightly, which, with reasonable care, does not injure them—rather accentuating the antique character with which they are born. Fixtures in similar models that will not check or chip are those in the so-called armor bronze, which is copper-plated compo. Among attractive novelty fixtures are those with ground and slightly tinted glass shades, enameled in color. ‘These are suitable for dining-rooms and Mission-rooms and un- conventional rooms generally. They give a very soft and agreeable light, and have a distinct decorative character of their own. Another feature is, they are not at all expensive. January, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 29 a ae | Ze mae Qk it LBS - 3 ye rom, Hh haps Many consider the Jersey breed produces the ideal family cow, as well as being one of the most beautiful and the best all-round dairy animal The Family Cow By R. M. Gow =sq)| HE cow has been so long and intimately ‘d\| identified with the domestic life of mankind that it has been said that wherever there is a cow there is a home. Home is not home without a mother, and without a cow it is not so much of a home as it is possible for the very climax of the domestic calamities x to’ be.- As enumerated in the old Scotch song, “Auld Robin Gray,” the le bye) “coo was stolen awa’.’”’ The home may be a peasant’s turf hut in Scotland, a log cabin in the wilds, a board shanty, a modern suburban home or a multi-millionaire’s palace, yet the meek and patient cow is ever an important and valuable adjunct. She accompanied our American pioneers as they journeyed ever westward to people the wilderness and found homes, helping to haul the family wagon as well as to sustain its members, as they carried with them— “A book and piow and pen, A cow and sickle and seeds; Yea, all God needs For the making of men.”’ For many of us the family cow occupies a prominent place in those pictures which memory draws of “‘our life’s morn- ing march, when our bosoms were young”’; and although we may have attained to circumstances of affluence and even luxury, we sometimes sigh: “‘O, for festal dainties spread Like my bowl of milk and bread, Pewter spoon and bowl of wood On the doorstep gray and rude!”’ What then more natural than that, in these days when so many are returning to the land, we should consider the cow as almost a necessity to the completeness of our country or suburban home? Waiving all sentiment, there is no better aid to pleasant and economic housekeeping than that derived from the dairy product of the cow, the source of some of the best and most wholesome of foods, and of the most necessary and universal delicacies of the table, either alone or as culinary necessities. The family cow should be a producer—that is to say, her yield of milk should be generous in quantity, rich in quality or percentage of butter-fat and casein, and persistent the year around. In her selection, therefore, knowledge of dairy type and conformation is necessary, for dairy quality and perfection of dairy type are very apt to be found in combination in the same animal, although there are excep- tions to the rule, and the ultimate criterion is the milkpail and the butter-fat test. The conformation of the good dairy cow should be somewhat like a wedge, thin in the front quarters and wide in the hinder, looking from the head. The side view of the body should present much greater depth at the flanks than the front, with the ribs well rounded out and a capacious paunch. This latter shows capacity for food, the raw material for the animal to turn into milk. The line of the back should be reasonably straight, but the older animals will drop some at the loins under the continued weight of the digestive organs and calf-bearing. The rump should be straight and broadly arched. The head should be clean cut, with bright and prominent eyes and a broad muzzle, the sign of a good feeder, and large distended nostrils show constitution. ‘The neck should be thin. The most important feature to study is the udder. It should be capacious, flexible to feeling with the hand, with teats evenly placed and of such size as to be easily handled. The udder should extend well posteriorly, attached high up be- hind and run well forward. Large milk-veins should charac- terize the mature animal, indicating a good supply of blood to the udder, needful for the production of a large yield of 30 milk. The thighs should curve well outward, to accommo- date such an udder. Of course, the family cow should be a healthy animal. All breeds are equally susceptible to bovine tuberculosis, and while the degree of the communicability of this disease to man is the subject of debate, no one would knowingly risk using the milk of an infected animal. ‘The tuberculin test should be insisted on before purchase, and even then pur- chase should be made only from a reputable breeder or dealer, as animals may be “‘plugged’”’—1i. e., the tuberculin may be injected a short time before the test so that the ani- mal may not react to it. A healthy animal, kept for family use in sanitary surroundings, is not apt to contract the dis- ease. Some of the dairy breeds are of more delicacy of build than others, but it should be remembered that delicacy of conformation is not by any means the same as delicacy of constitution, nor does coarseness indicate strength. Beauty is a very desirable characteristic of any domestic animal, even the cow, and therefore is worthy of considera- tion, for beauty combined with utility should be the keynote of all our domestic economies. Enumerating what the family cow should be and what requirements she should fulfill raises the question, What breed possesses them in the highest degree? For it is to be presumed that the family cow is to be a thoroughbred, not a nondescript or mongrel. ‘The various breeds of dairy cattle have been developed under different circumstances, and with somewhat different purposes in view, and each of them, therefore, although possessing much in common, has distinct characteristics. Some breeds of cattle have been bred for generations for the production of beef; on the other hand, the various dairy breeds have been bred as producers of milk, or butter, or cheese, and one or all of these it is the function of the family cow to provide. The four prominent breeds of dairy cattle are the Holstein, Ayrshire, Guernsey and Jersey, the last two being known as the Channel Island breeds. In size and weight these breeds run in the order in which they are mentioned, the Holstein being larg- est and the Jersey smallest. The big Holstein is a showy animal in the pasture, from her clear black and white map-like markings. OF that tells about the wonderful Irises, Peonies, Poppies and C= Anemones that have made Wyomissing famous, besides numer- Q ous other garden treasures. More than a mere catalogue—Free. Bertrand H. Farr, Wyomissing Nurseries, 643 E Perm St, Reading, Pa, Fa SS The Wizard Lawn Producer Mixed seed and fertilizer that comes up even where everything else failed. 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Berries ripen early and continue late; are nearly an in ong, sweet and melting; delicious as dessert; superior to other berries for jams or preserves. Strong plants 20 cents each, $2.00 a dozen, $5.00 a hundred, $40.00 a thousand. Add 10 per cent. when wanted by mail. Get a Berrydale Berry Book. Tells about several other good erries, and is sent free. Write for it now. Berrydale Experiment Gardens American Avenue Holland, Mich. were decorated with these plants, most of which were in bloom by July 1. With the Garden Club acting as intermediary, every vacant lot on Hennepin Avenue, one of the principal thoroughfares of Minneapolis, was cleaned and planted to grass and flowers. About 600 vacant lots in other parts of the city were cleared of rubbish. The total cost of all the cleaning, seeds, instruction, supervision and machinery was $4,000, while, with the experience gained, it is said, the same work could be accom- plished another season for about $1,800. MARKET-GARDENING FOR TWO By CRAIG S. THOMS “lee carry on garden work for market trade is comparatively easy. One sim- ply raises all he can of the vegetables that will sell at the greatest profit. Gardening is complicated when one does not desire to sell his yield and has only two mouths to feed, or to waste vegetables, or to feed all his neighbors, or to let any ground go to waste, but does desire to have “garden stuff” on his table all the year round. I have been wrestling with the problem of gardening for two on a garden plot of about fifty by a hundred feet for several years, and possibly my experience may be of interest, at least to newly-wedded couples. Many a man, when beginning housekeeping, feels the necessity of having a garden to supply his table, and also that his work in cultivating the ground is in a way equivalent to his wife’s performance of household duties. I begin each year, about January first, by holding a detailed and exhaustive family conference on the subject of seeds, and then immediately send to some reliable house for a full supply, so that there will be no delay in planting on account of the rush of Spring orders. In order to raise the utmost from the space available, I] next lay out my garden plot, assigning to each vegetable its place and amount of ground, using as a basis those kinds that take longest to mature, such as tomatoes, potatoes, corn, celery, carrots, parsnips, onions, etc. When this has been done, I plan how many of the short-season vegetables can be raised on the same ground that has been selected. For example, one can raise all his early radishes on the space awarded to tomatoes. Last year I matured three plantings of the Early French Break- fast radishes before the tomato plants were large enough to need the ground. Early lettuce may be raised on tomato ground in the same way, and even the first transplant- ing of celery. The space between tomato rows is necessarily wide, and the plants do not begin to spread much until radishes and lettuce are out of the way and the small celery plants have been removed to another place. The “other place” for my celery I arrange as follows: On the east side of my garden space I run four rows of sweet corn north and south. In the middle of these rows, space is left for a fifth row, but in- stead of planting corn I there put in my early peas. By the time the peas are off the ground the corn is so tall that I can dig my celery trench where the row of peas stood, and scatter the soil among the two rows of corn on either side. In the trench the celery is planted in a double tow if the temporary half-shade of the corn, although, since the rows run north and south, the celery re- ceives the benefit of the full sunlight for several hours each day, and, since the row of corn on either side nearest to the trench is of the earliest variety, and therefore short, the celery enjoys a sort of half-shaded sun- PATENTED UPERB collections of Trees, Shrubs, Ever- oreens, Roses and Hardy Plants adapted to small gardens, private estates, public parks and ceme- teries. Selected from the Most Complete Nursery Stock in America. 72 years of leadership, based on absolute integrity. A world-wide patronage. Every specimen is true to species, is well rooted and sturdily developed, and is packed and shipped with utmost care. Bothlargeand smallordersreceive close attention, and ourreputation assures your Satisfaction. Goods safely delivered in all parts of the world. ELLWANGER & BARRY Mount Hope Nurseries Box 23, Rochester, N. Y. AN INVALUABLE FREE BOOK. Write for a copy of our 72nd Annual Catalogue. ft is a standard guide in ali matters per- taining to lawn and garden dec- oration. IT IS FREE. Just mail us a postal, and wewillsend you a copy at S BERRIES| V4 Plants by the dozen or by the million. 4120 acres planted in 103 varieties. Al) the standards and the most promising ol the new ones. Largest grower in ‘America, Every plant true to name. ) Also Raspberry, Blackberry, Gooseberry and Currant Plants, Grape Vines, Cali- fornia Privet and other Shrubbery (Cultural directions with each ship ment. Beautiful Catalogue FREE. Send a postal today. My personal guarantee fh) back of every sale. W. F. ALLEN é 10 Market Street, Salisbury, Md. CLINCH right through the standing seam of metal roofs. No rails are needed unless desired. We makea simila1 one for slate roofs. Send for Circular Berger Bros. Co. PHILADELRHIA xii AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS January, 1912 From an old printin La Telegrafie Historique- Napoleon’s Visual Telegraph The First Long Distance System Indians sent messages by means of signal fires, but Napoleon established the first permanent system for rapid communication. In place of the slow and unreliable ser- vice of couriers, he built lines of towers extending to the French frontiers and sent messages from tower to tower by means of the visual telegraph. This device was invented in 1793 by Claude Chappe. It was a semaphore. The letters and words were indicated by the position of the wooden arms; and the messages were received and relayed at the next tower, perhaps a dozen miles away. Compared to the Bell Telephone system of to-day the visual telegraph system of Napoleon’s time seems a crude make- shift. It could not be used at night nor in thick weather. It was expensive in construction and operation, considering that it was maintained solely for military purposes. Yet it was a great step ahead, because it made possible the transmission of messages to distant points without the use of the human messenger. It blazed the way for the universal telephone service of the Bell System which provides personal intercommuni- cation for 90,000,000 people and is ind’s- pensable for the industrial, commercial and social progress of the Nation. AMERICAN TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH COMPANY AND ASSOCIATED COMPANIES One Policy RELATING TO Architecture Decoration | Surniture Rugs Ceramics, ete. will be recom- mended and sup- plied by our well equipped Book Department. MUNN & CO. 361 Broadway NEW YORK i AIR AND PROTECTION Ventilate your rooms, yet have your windows securely fastened with The Ives Window Ventilating Lock assuring you of fresh air and pro- tection against intrusion. Safe and strong, inexpensive and easily applied. Ask your dealer for them 88-page Catalogue Hardware Specialties, Free. THE H. B. OLE MANUFACTURER® nae One System IVES CO. NEW HAVEN, CONN. Universal Service The highest attain- ment in artistic and Handel Lamp practical illumination. Sold by leading jewelers and lighting-fixture dealers, Write for our Booklet, ‘Suggestions for Good Lighting.” The Handel Company 393 East Main Street Meriden, Conn. New York Showrooms: 64 Murray Street * HARTSHORN * SHADE ROLLERS ' Bear the script name of iy Stewart Hartshorn on label. Get “Improved,” no tacks required. Wood Roilers Tin Rollers FRANCIS HOWARD 5 W. 28th St.. N, Y. C. Benches. Pedestals, Fonts, Vases, Busts. GARDEN EXPERTS Send 15c. for Booklet | Mantels Entrances | light the rest of the time. This is temper- ing the wind to the shorn lamb, for the par- tial shade shields the newly transplanted celery until it gets a good start, while it is not long until the early corn is ready for use and the stalks, of course, are cut down to give the celery the space. The purpose of this arrangement, however, is the economy of space which comes from being able to throw the soil from the trench among the rows of corn, and, when the celery is ready for blanching, being able to gather it again, and indeed all the soil from the space which the corn rows occupied, to hill up the celery. In a small garden, where every inch of space is valuable, one of the most — difficult things is to get soil enough for blanching purposes. Half of my celery is of the Self-Blanching and half of the Giant Paschal variety. The former, being short and stocky, is easiest covered for winter use, while the latter, being a rapid grower, may by early hilling be made soonest ready for the table. The first year that I had a garden I planted peas and string beans in the spring, only to find that they matured about the same time, and that we could not use both; in fact, that we did not care for the beans while the more delicious peas were available. I do not plant my beans now until I have taken off my last planting of peas. We find them just as good in the autumn as in the spring, and very welcome for fall use. I stick in a few hills of beans in any vacant spaces that I find in the garden after July, as for example where a tomato vine has been killed, or along the edges of walks, or the margins of my potato patch. We like to use beets when they are young and tender. Last year I raised two crops from the same row, and both the early and the late planting had ample time to mature. If beets are canned for winter use it is doubtless best to can from the late crop, as the risk from the heat is not so great. A year ago I stored beets for winter use, packing them in sand in the cellar, but they kept too well, becoming as hard as rocks, so that the hardness could not be adequately reduced by boiling. This winter we are trying a new experiment, that of not pulling up the beets, but, after the tops have been somewhat frozen, covering them with leaves where they stand. I found that in December, and there had been some severe weather, that my beets, as they were pulled and prepared, half a dozen at a time, were as fine as at any season of the year. Of onions we are very fond, but instead of planting many onion sets, as at first, [ have learned to have a corner with winter onions for early use, and then to sow the onion seeds with a view to thinning out very freely for the table. There is no delicacy in the onion line quite equal to the tender onions pulled up in thinning an onion bed. I go over my small bed many times, aiming to do the thinning so as to keep the grow- ing onions from crowding, and in the season we are never without all the green onions we can eat. Two bushels of potatoes last us a year. but we always plant an early variety, not only because new potatoes are expensive, but also because the vines die down early enough so that we can utilize the ground between the rows for some fall crop. One important part of my garden is the strawberry bed. We like the berries right from the plants, but they ripen too rapidly for us, and so I have learned to uncover only half of the bed at a time in the spring, leav- ing the other half to be held back by its covering as long as I dare, and thus the cenit season is prolonged. At first we found it difficult to use a rivets ; - came on nicely, and we had the finest of January, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS xiii cauliflower, of which we are very fond, but we have solved the difficulty by simply cutting from the head of the cauliflower as ~much-as we need for a meal, while the rest is left to grow. When eight or ten cauli- flowers all head at the same time, two peo- ple find great embarrassment amidst such bounty, but this trouble was overcome last year by distributing the plants in the garden so that they received unequal amounts of shade from nearby trees. Those that have the most shade are slowest in maturing. Last year some heads were fully matured, or rather, ready for table use, before the more shaded heads were formed; but all The beauty of Sargent Hardware is funda- mental. We work with honest metals, specially compounded to give exquisite coloring and resist wear. Our designs are derived from purest examples of vanous schools and penods of architecture and are true to type. Over all is the touch of the craftsman who is skilled in metal working and whose heart is in his work. cauliflowers until frost. With cabbage plants we have found the same difficulty. A large head is too much for two people to use even at several meals, and one does not like to feel that it is necessary to eat food to save it from being wasted. Taking my cue from the cauli- flower, I tried cutting one head in half, cutting it perpendicularly, and leaving one half on the steam. But the exposed face kept on growing, and the white leaves turned green. Next year I shall try removing the outer leaves, throwing away the green ones and using the white ones freely. The ex- posed white leaves, of course, will turn green, but the head will doubtless keep on growing, and I should not be surprised if it kept the heads from bursting, as several did this year. A JAPANESE INNOVATION IN MANUFACTURED MILK HE Japanese retain their native subtle ingenuity, and under the invasion oi Western ideas this quality, combined with what one might call Yankee shrewdness, does not leave that nation lacking in ability to keep up with modern inventive resource- fulness. For instance, cows are not num- erous in Japan, but the Japanese are fond of milk, and to meet this demand in the face of natural shortage they long ago put their wits to work and evolved a product that the average person cannot distinguish from the regular dairy article. The artificial milk is derived from the soja bean. The beans are first soaked, then boiled in water. Presently thé liquid turns white; sugar and phosphate of potash in proper quantities are added, and the boiling Z continued until a substance the thickness of molasses is obtained. This fluid corresponds very accurately with ordinary condensed milk, and when water is added cannot be told from fresh milk. When you are build- ing or remodeling, confer with your architect in the selec- tion of designs that thoroughly harmonize with the lines of the building. Sargent Hardware includes so many examples of each school and period that personal taste has wide latitude. Sargent Book of Designs Mailed Free Illustrates and describes a variety of patterns suitable for residences. SARGENT & COMPANY, 156 Leonard St., New York Sample and A House Lined with Circular ( t s) Mineral Wool Beton ae Leceaue or Reonees< Teens , as shown in these sections, is Warm in Winter, AND PLaANntTs. By Charles N. Scainer Cool in Summer, and is thoroughly DEAFENED. Philadelphia and London: J. B. Lippin- Hey The lining is vermin proof; neither rats, mice, cott & Company, 1911. Cloth, gilt top; nor insects can make their way through or live init. a NY ae Ie MINERAL WOOL checks the spread of fire and $1.50 net. The love of flowers and trees, and the dread of some of them, is no new thing, but has existed in all ages and climes. Flowers have therefore gathered about them many stories and have inspired many more. The love of them would seem to be incomplete U. S. Mineral Wool Co without a knowledge of the delightful k : da comces isi dace ee YORE so difficult to locate in history and literature. Mr. Skinner has gathered them together in keeps out dampness. CORRESPONDENCE SOLICITED VERTICAL SECTION, xiv AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Filter Your Entire} Water Supply with the Improved | Paddock | Double Water Filter } and you will Use Pure Water Only} to the better health of your family. You safeguard your health and that of your family by insisting upon —pure food, healthful surroundings —pure air. Just As Important to you is the purity of your water. Don’t overlook it. Your entire water supply is twice filtered and delivered from | The Paddock Double Filter as pure as the water fresh from the rock-lipped spring. It cannot be otherwise—it’s filtered twice through emery, the hardest substance known excepting the diamond. Write to-day for catalog. (Adbantic Filter Co. | 309 White Building, Buffalo, N. Y. Send for catalogue A 27 of pergolas, sun dials and garden furniture or A 40 of wood columns. Exclusive Manufacturers of Suitable for PERGOLAS, PORCHES or INTERIOR USE CHICAGO, ILLINOIS Eastern Office: 1123 Broadway, New York Cit: | Hartmann-Sanders Co. | KOLL’S PATENT LOCK JOINT COLUMNS | ELSTON and WEBSTER AVES. | the present volume. Although this volume has a table of contents, one regrets that it was not supplied with an index. Nothing is so disturbing to the student as a volume of this sort which is not fully and carefully indexed. GARAGES, COUNTRY AND SUBURBAN. New York: The American Architect, 1911. 4to; 80 illustrations. Price, $4.00. He must be hard to please whose eye is not gratified by the garages shown in the beautiful half-tone reproductions of this album. Even Cairo, Egypt, has yielded the publishers an artistic and satisfying model, while America has apparently been ran- sacked for buildings that delight the artistic sense and meet the most exacting practical requirements. The plans of most of these are included, so that much help is afforded the man who is deciding on the structural features of a new garage. Some twenty preliminary pages of text take under con- sideration the essentials of construction and equipment, including the safe handling and storage of oils. Tue AMERICAN ARTISAN WINDOW DISPLAY Manuat. Chicago: Daniel Stern, 1911. 8vo; 271 pp.; illustrated. The suggestions and arrangements of- ered are confined to hardware. It is a com- paratively easy matter to place in a shop window some curiosity or design that will attract a crowd. It is quite another mat- ter to make the window a “silent sales- man” that will bring patronage to the pro- prietor. The writer has endeavored to keep the more important purpose to the fore. Several of the illustrations show prize- winning designs. Others specialize on such goods as nickel-plated ware, fishing tackle, tools and sporting goods. Still others show attractive dressings for Christmas, New Year’s and Thanksgiving, while a Wash- ington’s Birthday display utilizes the episode of the boy and the cherry tree to call attention to hatchets. The manual will be particularly helpful to retail dealers in the smaller towns who are sometimes at a loss to know just how to dress their win- dows to the best advantage. ENGINEERING OF To-Day. By Thomas W. Corbin. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Company, 1911. 8vo; 367 pp.; 39 illus- trations and diagrams. Price, $1.50 net. The man who allows the title of this volume to deter him from reading it, be- cause he knows nothing of engineering, is unconsciously foregoing a pleasure. It is safe to say that this popular exposition of well-known but little-understood devices is just what many of us have been waiting for. Those of us who have an overwhelming sense of our own ignorance in the presence of a steam engine should examine for a minute the full-page drawing entitled “The Soul of the Steam-Engine,” in which a cylinder is represented as if transparent, thus enabling us to see what takes place within its walls. The gas-engine is similarly explained by simple description and illus- tration, and this simplicity and clearness is carried through the entire range of subjects, from the making of big guns to submarine diving; from the trolley-car to war ves- sels; from running water to the railway. Gas-EncInE Desicn. By E. J. Stoddard. Detroit: Parker & Burton. 4to; 100 pp. Price, $1. The pamphlet starts with an introduc- tion on compressed air. It discusses, in ordinary language, gasoline and air mix- tures, valves and ‘helical springs, the | Is there any excuse for unattractive houses on account of expense? { Inanswer to this Geo, M. Kauffman, Architect announces Ist, 2nd and 3rd series “Distinctive Homes and Gardens.’’ The masses are q just awakening to the fact that there is mere building and then there is art in building; that under favorable conditions and with proper knowl- ede one should cost no more than the other. These books are devoted to the home, its planning, building, re- W mocleling, beautifying, etc. Much thought and labor has been ex- § pended on them. They are therefore just the beoks the home lover H should possess. They contain many illustrations, floor plans, descrip- B tions and correct estimates of the best, moderate and low cost houses built today. thus offering an excellent opportunity of studying some of ¥@ the best designs of the various and popular types of domestic architecture. These nooks also contatn plans of gardens and best of all we devote 4% many pages to general information and in telling you how to secure all | these things. The information and suggestion will greatly aid you in ervstallizing your ideas—in deciding what you really do want and need. This timely advice alone might save or make you hundreds of dollars to 4 siy nothing of having as a result a true home instead of perhaps a lif2-long disa- pointment. Your home means much to you! It expresses your life—your in- A diy iduality—your taste and the degree of your culture and refinement. § @ The soul must be fed in the home as well as the body, therefore there must be poetry as well as mathematics, and while your home should be @ made to fit your every need it should also be wholesome in its art, fitting to its environment and possessing the charm that will increase ¥ with age. Why not spend your money wisely? We can help you. 1st and 2nd series each have 72 (10x13) pages and 35 designs. Houses of Ist series vary from 1,000 to 6,000, 2nd series from 6,000 to 15,000. Price of each $1.00 postpaid. Third series (a combination of 1st and 2nd @ series) will be sent postpaid upon receipt of $1.50. We furnish plans @ and specifications as per our special offer. THE KAUFFMAN CO. 621 Rose Building Cleveland, Ohio FST FLOOR No. 105. Cost $2,500 illustrates 40 Bunga- Homes of Character [(o2"@,0 003 Houses costing from $1,000 to $10,000, all suitable for American Homes—with floor plans, exterior views, de- scriptions and accurate cost estimates. We develop these plans to suit the individual requirements of clients all over the world. We will develop one to fit your needs, or make special plans according to your ideas, at reasonable prices. Homes of Character $1.00, postpaid. Descriptive Cir- cular 2-cent stamp. JOHN HENRY NEWSON, (Inc.) Architect 1245 Williamson Building Cleveland, Ohio The Burlington Venetian Blind will make your rooms shady and your porch cool and comfortable. It can be raised or lowered at will, and can be adjusted to any angle to suit the height of the sun. Enclose your porch and see what a change it will make in your whole home. It will give you a cozy, secluded room. The air will circulate freely and you will get all the advantages of open air; at the same time you will not be subjected to an inquisitive public gaze. The Burlington Venetian Blind will give you a place to read, sew or entertain—a place for the children to play, too. Write for our illustrated booklet; ét will tell you about the various styles Burlington Venetian Blind Co. ,339Lake St.,Burlington, Vt. ) January, 1912 SWEET PEA QUARTET Plant Them This Year LANT these wonderful Peas that won for Mrs. Fraser the thousand pound sterling prize at the great London contest held last July at the Crystal Palace. Won against the keenest kind of competition of over 10,000 exhibitors. By a special arrangement. we have secured a stock of these prize winning varieties, which are :— Paradise Carmen—clear, lovely carmine, waved. Constance Oliver—delicate pink suffused with cream, waved. ur Unwin—rose shaded with cream, waved. Tom Bolton—dark maroon, waved, As you see them illustrated here. they are much re- ducedin size. Why don’t you stir up some triendly competition with your neighbors this year with this quartet? Here is our offer, which is backed up by Bodding- ton’s Seal of Quality—and you know what that Buy your seeds now and plants them early means. —the earlier, the better, 1 packet of the above 4 prize winners for____. $0.35 3 collections of 12 packets in all for. PERS HOO! Post paid with each order we will send you Boddington’s 1912 Garden Guide Contains a complete description of the sweet pea competition Ae Guide is a decided departure from the usual ed ‘Seed Catalog.” The cultural directions are erties by successful gardeners who have of flowers i = them—gardners who know. These “tell you how” directions are especially good —no elaborate, discouraging directions — just common sense advice, like your neighbors tell you over the back fence. f you want this Guide and not the Sweet Peas Quartet we will gladly sent it to you, free, just the same. e love a ON : BODDINGTONS SEEDS fg Arthur T. Boddington S326 West 14th St. _ New York Half the irritability in domestic pets can be traced directly to a laek of pure drinking water when they are thirsty. Your pets will appre- jate pure water to drink just as keenly as you do—why not see that they have a plentiful supply, free from contamination in a Moe’s Top Fill Drinking Fountain For Domestic Animals It always supplies just enough pure water in the trough—will never slop over—dog can’t up-setit. Dead air space keeps water Cool in Summer, Warm in Winter. Simple in con- struction—just remove cover and fill from top—water ceases to flow when top is re- moved—no valves to get out of order. Nickel plated, holds quart and a pint. If not at deal- ers, will be sent on receipt of price, $3.50. Silver plated, 5.00. Satisfaction guaranteed. OTIS & MOE, 544 8. Dearborn St., Chicago strength and proportion of parts and the sparking coil. Diagrams are presented for obtaining without calculation the pressure and volume during compression, the maxi- mum explosion pressure and the theoretical indicator diagrams. The large pages per- mit of large drawings, whose smallest parts are thus readily seen and their functions easily understood. \WESTERHAM WITH ITs SURROUNDINGS. A Handbook to Wolfe-Land. By Gibson Thompson. New York: Frederick Warne & Company. 112 pages; illus- trated. The quiet little Kentish village of Wester- ham is the birthplace of General Wolfe. Although so near London, the surrounding district is intersected by rambling paths that give glimpses of some enchanting views. The village itself is little altered since the days of Wolfe. The philology of the name carries us back ten centuries. In the Domes- day Book of William the Conqueror it ap- pears as “Oistreham.” The handbook—one of the famous “Homeland” series—while serving as a brief history and general guide to the district, lays much stress upon Wolfe’s connection with Westerham, sketches his boyhood and manhood, and presents pictures of the vicarage in which he was born and of the buildings and byway: so familiar to him. CoNCRETE FLoors AND SIDEWALKS. By A. A Houghton. New York: The Norman W. Henley Publishing Company. 63 pp.; illustrated. Price, 50 cents. This is No. 2 of the series of monographs on kindred subjects, and proceeds from the simplest forms of floors and sidewalks to the most ornamental tile effects. There are timely warnings as to the reason for com- mon defects in the work. It is the author’s claim that the greatest measure of success is usually secured by the simplest and most inexpensive methods, and his best results are obtained by the use of easily-made molds of strap-iron. Macician’s Tricks. How They Are Done. By Henry Hatton and Adrian Plate. New York: The Century Company, 1910. 8vo; 344 pp. Price, $1.60 net. Most books of this kind consist of a col- lection of time-worn illusions whose work- ings have been exposed over and over again. While the old, basic principles are of neces- sity to be found in this treatise, there are also many things that will be new, at least in their combinations and mode of pre- sentation, to most of our amateur con- jurers. Card, coin and egg tricks are dealt with at some length, and there are sections on spiritualistic ties, mind reading and the more elaborate stage illusions. Formulas for making flash paper, conjurer’s wax, and other preparations are appended. The illustration is profuse, the description com- mendably clear. THE Joy oF GarpDENS, by Lena May McCauley. Chicago and New York. Rand, McNally & Company. 1911. Cloth, 8vo. Illustrated, 246 pages. Price, $1.75 net. The gardens enchanced by garden archi- tecture are beautifying the countryside, but the most joyful gardens are the little planta- tions of flowers about homes everywhere snuggling away perhaps beyond some privet hedge. The writer has wisely chosen for illustrations examples of the smaller garden, and throughout the pages one finds much that breathes of the spirit of true garden- ing delight. AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS XV RRR RNR y Protect Your 1 Hlday Boks | Provide a suitable place to te keep the books given you, they will be instantly accessible I; and always free from dust and dirt. | Start with one or more Globe Wernicke NS units and add other units during succeed- where ing years as your books accumulate. ‘ Each section will hold an average of 25 books. ; GlobeWernicke W i Bookcases y without exposed metal ends. yy You can obtain Globe SwWernicke Book- cases in certain designs without the metal interlocking device that shows their sectional construction. The new styles have the appear- aes Acs | ance of the solid bookcase, while retaining i" | all the advantages of the unit system, thus 4, 4 providing for the future addition of extra \ j units which are always obtainable in styles rout i! ’ and finishes to match original purchases. Ly Sold by 1500 authorized agencies. Where a | not represented, goods will be shipped on h approval, freight prepaid. ’ The “Blue Book of Fiction” Free tx It contains a comprehensive list of good, WS wholesome novels published in English, selected \ from the world’s greatest writers of fiction, by : Hamilton W. Mabie. uh Ace A copy of this helpful, instructive book, Ss! together with the Globe-Wernicke Bookcase Cata- rN log containing many_ beautiful suggestions for ' Individual ac Home Libraries will be mailed free on request. Address Dept. ,.H. The Globe“Wernicke Co., Cincinnati Branch Stores: New York, 380-382 Broadway Philadelphia, 1012-1014 Chestnut Street Boston, 91-93 Federal Street Chicago, 231-235 So. Wabash Avenue Washington, 1218-1220 F St., N. W. SS ee CS ie feraneetont s Useful Sena Annual Now Ready—Ask for Free Copy The 130 pages of this practical catalog abound with truthful facts about dependable seeds. Nearly 300 illustrations from photographs in connection w ‘ith honest descriptions w ill help you to form an accurate idea of *“True Blue’’ Seeds. A copy of the catalog is yours for the asking. Trial Collection “True Blue” Seeds, 25c. You will like the seed value found in this collection and the quality of the product will appeal to you. Six large packets of vegetables shown on back cover of catalog above, viz.: bean, beet, com, lettuce, muskmelon and radish Alls splendi 4 Sorts of proven merit. Try them and learn more about “‘true blue’ seeds. The Livingston Seed Co., 446 High St., Columbus, O. xvi AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS January, 1912 Z TheOnly Modern, Sanitary STEEL Medicine Cabinet #)] or locker finished in snow-white, baked ; everlasting enamel, inside and out. Beautiful beveled mirror door. Nickel Plate brass trimmings. Steel or glass | shelves. Costs Less Than Wood Never warps. shrinks, nor swells Dust and vermin proof, easily cleaned. Should Be In Every Bath Room ie Four styles—four sizes. To recess in f fs, wall or to hang outside. Send forillus a trated circular. The Recessed Steel HESS, 926 Tacoma Building, Chicago Medicine Cabinet Makers of Sleel Furnaces.—Free Booklet HESS 38 LOCKER ALL P UM Ps xkinps CYLINDERS, ETC. Hay Unloading Tools Barn Door Hangers Write for Circulars and Prices RS & BRO., Ashland, O. Ashland Pump and Hay Tool Works D Via THE SATURDAY EVENING POST ; OFA ane catalog. field. ++ Subscribing for your periodicals, you should see our Catalog, containing a list of 3000 magazines and club offers, at prices that will surprise you. It is the handsomest and most complete Magazine Guide ever published, filled with all the latest and best club offers at rates, lower than you think possible. YOU cannot afford to be without it. In ordering your magazines, be sure you use a HANSON Accept no substitute. The name HANSON stands for promptness and reliability in the magazine It is so accepted by all leading publishers. THIS CATALOG FOR 1912 is FREE for the asking. It will SAVE YOU MONEY The Schilling Press Job PRINTERS Fine Book Art and a Press Catalog VY Work Work A Specialty 137-139 E, 25th St., New York Printers of AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS PROTECT Your floors and floor coverings from injury. Also beautify your furniture by using Glass Onward Sliding Furniture and Piano Shoes in place of casters. Made in 110 styles and sizes, If your dealer will not supply you Write ur—Onward Mfg. Co., Menasha, Wisconsin, U. S, A. Canadian Factory, Berlin, Ont. — NMS Send us your name and address today. We'll do the rest. 7 M. Hanson Magazine Agency 167 HANSON BLOCK, LEXINGTON, KY. Fill in This Coupon and Mail to Us J. M. HANSON, Lexington, Ky. Please send me FREE of expense to me, this Catalog for 1912. == 2000,000 EDITION E SCOTTISH GARDENS, by Sir Herbert Max- well. New York: Longmans, Green & Company, 1911. Cloth, 8vo. Illustrated, 206 pages. Price, $2.25 net. This volume is a representative selection of different types, old and new, of Scottish gardens by an authority, who presents not only his antiquarian knowledge carefully, but delightfully. The book is exquisitely il- lustrated in color with thirty-two plates by Mary G. W. Wilson, who, by the way, is a member of the Pastel Society and the So- ciety of Scottish Artists. The opening chapter concerns itself with Scottish Gar- dens in General; then there are thirty-three chapters on various historic gardens, and an appendix of species of Rhododendrons Suitable to the Climate of the West of Scotland, and another appendix on the sub- ject of other shrubs which have proved hardy in Scotland. Although this book has to do with gardening in the British Isles, it is a volume that will be none the less inter- esting therefore to American readers. The illustrator’s work alone contains many sug- gestions that will be applicable to the gar- den in our own country. Tue Book or Rock AND WATER GARDENS, by Charles Thonger. New York: John Lane Company. Cloth crown, 8vo. Il- lustrated, 94 pages. Price, $1.00 net. This is an excellent handbook to rock, wall and water gardens, containing a de- tailed account of the culture of Alpine plants, a division of gardening that has re- cently come to the attention of the garden- makers of America. This volume should arouse in those who have no knowledge of rock and water plants, and yet have facili- ties for growing them, an interest in the sub- ject. Water gardening must not be thought to appeal only to a favored few, inasmuch as aquatics may be grown under purely arti- ficial conditions, and the pleasure of the water garden is not limited to the possessors of natural streams and ponds. In these days of stress and hurry, when one seeks in Nature the balm for many ills in our gar- dens and all that pertains to them, one may hope to find rest and relaxation in the pur- suit of just such plant culture as Mr. Thonger sets forth in his delightful volume. BACKBONE OF PersPEcTIveE. By T. U. Tay- lor. Chicago: The Myron C. Clark Publishing Company, 1910. 12mo; 56 pp.; illustrated. Price $1. The student will find this to be a helpful little manual on a subject not without diffi- culties of its own. First, the primary prin- ciples of plan and projection, lines, points and planes are set out by problems and diagrams; then the vanishing-point method is applied to monuments and_ buildings; axometric projections are given a chapter to themselves; and the rules governing the perspective of shades and shadows con- clude the treatise. THE Lure oF THE GARDEN, by Hildegard Hawthorne. New York: Century Co., 1911. Cloth. Quarto. Illustrated. 259 pages. Price, $4.50 net. The granddaughter of Nathaniel Haw- thorne has contributed to essayical garden literature this delightful book, containing chapters on such topics as Our Grand- mothers’ Gardens ; Childhood in the Garden, Winter Gardens, The Social Side of Gar- dens, Gardens in Literature, etc. Miss Hawthorne’s volume is one of the most beautiful books of the season, exquisitely illustrated by Jules Guérin, Maxfield Parrish, Anna Weyland Betts and Ivan | Ivanowski. |_S 100][}]}5}?)™™mHqu_QOT =i LEAVENS | FURNITURE | —_ WOUMGMW GK [te ee oe mene geaneee sporacesesee at mI ee Vj é : me f Wi Yi ee. gene ; i i a a a iim Uy (dadadaddddddddéddédééddééééa | Li @Repeated orders from satisfied custom- ers, and their frequent letters of commen- dation place Leayens’ Made Furniture in a class by itself. It is furniture that meets every requirement of the particular pur- chaser. A large variety of styles, all good, and each purchaser's individual taste in finish, insure the measure of satisfaction that “ resulted in a marked increase in sales during the past year. GLeavens’ Made Furniture is designed on the plain, simple lines that give style and character. It is strong but not clumsy. Each piece has individuality. An inspection of unfinished stock in our ware-rooms shows = good is the material, and how honestly it is built. It is finished to your order if so desired. GA package of over two hundred prints anda color chart will show you possibilities for every room in your house. Send for them. Nees a Clinton Wire Lath is HeLa for use in exterior as well as interior plaster work. A wire mesh made up of drawn steel wire of high quality, galvanized after weaving, and provided with our famous V-stiffeners affords the ideal material for supporting stucco. Its unusual strength and rigidity prevents buldging or sagging. Smooth even surfaces are readily obtained while its stiffness and perfect key for the plaster eliminates all danger of cracking. In use for more than fifty years Clinton Wire Lath has proved its durability. It is everlasting and absolutely will not rust away. Tanna UM aa MMMM Uldddd Ma ivenntmonen. asaamaetiha ans i ecennnet Nnenets Vdd ey Ld oe OS Write for descriptive matter : MM = aa na? Ned | | N \ \ \ | Ba lll | 3) WU Uldddeda NS Ff sec qqnnOO A (| sete agi WILLIAM LEAVENS & CO. et | MANUFACTURERS, | SCPE ECE CEEEe SeSeen WN AF L 32 Canal Street, Boston, Mass. = >< ms : {ff ee: moos A BL is H ED Lane’s Trolley National Photo- ||| Parlor Door Hangers and Track e Engraving Fitted with superior quality ball bearings of the Company oe f The only Trolley Track adjustable laterally @ Designers and after the equipment has been installed. Engravers for all If the building settles slightly or when door Artistic, Scientific dries out in winter or swells in summer, by this and Illustrative patented feature any binding or scraping of beauti- Purposes :-: : ful woodwork may be entirely prevented. Send for Complete Catalog Engravers of "American Homes and Gardens" Lane Trolley Hanger No. 109 14-16-18 Reade St., New York LANE BROTHERS COMPANY EEE 434-466 Barclay Street, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. TPELUEPH ONE, Co A. Copy't A. Dupont Martin says: “Superior to all Player- Pianos’’ Copy't Mishkin py't Dupont BROOKLYN 524 FULTON STREET Copy't Foley Destinn says : "It is a real joy to me” Jadlowker says: “The best in the world” Tetrazzini says; “The Hardman is my choice’’ DePasquali says: “The only satisfactory Player-Piano’” Amato says: “*Most extraordinarily satis- factory in its results’’ Slezak says: “The best Player-Piano.of them all" Caruso says; ‘Superb and unique’? CAR US O loves to play upon the Hardman Autotone NE of the Hardman Autotone’smany claims to consideration as ‘‘ The Perfect Player-Piano,”’’ is that the greatest artists love to play upon it. Not only Caruso but practicallyevery artist of world-wide distinction regard the Hard- man Autotone with real affection. This is because the Autotone is the only Player-Piano which gives increasing satisfac- tion to those who play it and to those who hear it played. The Hardman Autotone isthe only Player-Piano having expression devices so sensitive and so easily controlled, that any music may be rendered with the most deli- cate shadings of INDIVIDUAL expression. The basic piano of the Hardman Autotone is the HARDMAN (the official piano of the Metropolitan Opera House) than which there is no nobler instrument, none of reputation better established. The Hardman Autotone is the supreme development among musical instruments and is therefore the BEST Player-Piano for you to buy. Harrington Autotones, $550.00 upward Hardman Autotones, Terms arranged to suit your own convenience. BRANCH 800.00 upward Full values for old pianos taken in exchange Hardman, Peck & Company | | Hardman House, 433 Fifth Avenue, New York Copy't Mishkin Copy't Ennini FOUNDED 4 18424" S > ease Copy't A. Dupont - a F Ez Bese MUNN & CO.,, Inc., NE ORK, N. Y. FEBRUARY, 1912 Vol. IX, No. 2 EUTTTPTTTATUIVSQQONAIUUCCUUCUTSH UU CQUVECATTOAIVUOTOOHDIIUOLOOOUUOUCOTRUULIUDLLOOMERTATLLULILOCUERTEAUA I UUUULL EH 2 6e = 99 ; (lip, Excelsior “Rust-Proof = s FEN | 5 FuNTS FINE FURNITURE s ENCES, GUARDS and TRELLISES 2 EXHIBIT OF = py Bi V. a. PR your young = SPRING AND SUMMER STYLES = ame yin ree eae = = XCEe - = We invite inspection of our New Spring = Proof” Guards These = Patterns in Fumiture for Country Homes and = Guards aS made of heavy = particularly emphasize the guaranty in the Flint = moatenal with ngid up rights = a ae = is acl hence a = In the world-wide competition for Excellence, = int ella ae ae oe = A , ‘ = » and com- = the Flint Trademark’ stands for the highest furniture = pletely coated with this rust- = ideals. “ Flint quality” is recognized as “the best” = proof metal. = —and Flint Prices are proved to be uniformly = In buying ornamental wire = low: = Fences, Trellises, Flower = RUE DUNES = Conids dine eae = = ards, always as - = During January of from 10% to 50% on many S celsior “ Rust-Proof”” brasil = ys odd pieces and discontinued S It will last longer than any 5 aden ens = other make on the market, sla ii (Booklet illustrating Spring = Bt never his to Pea | ; = ardware dealers sell it. i || and Summer Styles mailed on = ; | ieee = s he to us for illustrated | | = atalog. | Geo. C FuntCo = Wright Wire —S moll 43-47 WEST 23% ST: x C 24-28 WesrT 24° ST. = ompany VIII ULL fe aor ne Worcester, Mass. 33 West Michigan St., Chicago, Ill. 410 Commerce St., Philadelphia, Pa. | 256 Broadway, New York City 125 Summer Street, Boston, Mass. 420 First Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. 5 First Street, San Francisco, Cal. 5) 2012091 Oe O20 G21 O01 e022 G9 sO 20 G11 Oo O22 91 G91 Oe1 Or ++ e220 os Oe2 O02 O 9+ G01 O20W 10 O 01 er or O21 Os O11 Gor Oe Oe1 Orr Ge OO Orr Ger Oee BOUND VOLUMES OF American Homes and Gardens 1911 eo? AY exquisite volume full of interest to the home planner, the home builder and the home maker. 456 pages. Over 1,000 illustrations, many of which are full- page plates. Price, $5.00. The volumes are beautifully bound in green library cloth, stamped in colors, gilt top, American Homes and Gardens is a magazine of taste and dis- tinction in all things that pertain to home-making, and every one of the numbers which compose this fine volume is thoroughly illustrated by many half-tone reproductions from, photographs especially taken for this publication. Dreer’s Garden Book O MATTER what you want to grow—be it flowers Houses Flowers or vegetables—or one of the thousands of varieties we Bungalows Fruits offer—you will find it fully explained in Dreer’s Gar- Hoss liam ree den Book for 1912. Furnishings Garden Plans E I e Plumbing Aviation asy Instructions for Amateurs Water Supply Automobilne : I ‘ Lighting Poultry There are many American and European novelties this year Heating Kennel —Cardinal Climber, Asters, Sweet Peas and Zennias. Se: a THE SITTING HEN AND HER MANAGEMENT By IDA D. BENNETT HE “sitting hen” is not so much in evi- dence these days as one would wish her to be, perhaps. When one has jealously saved up one or more settings of our choic- est eggs in anticipation of utilizing them for future additions to the flock, it is try- ing, to say the least, to see all one’s flock go on contentedly from day to day laying eggs and busying themselves about the house and yards with apparently no thought of their duties to the coming gen- erations of chickens which shall fill the pot and egg basket when they are no more. Formerly, the sitting hen was the bane of the poultry keeper and schemes for her effacement were rife. Every country woman has some dearly cherished formula for “breaking up a hen,’ but so far no one has evolved a satisfactory scheme for set- ting them. There is no question of the superiority of a hen over an incubator and as a mother she discounts any brooder yet invented many times over, and could she be set during the early spring months, we would have little, if any, use for the ma- chine-completed chickens. Frequently a hen will show broody ten- dencies for a day or two and then go back to laying, and it is never wise to set a hen until it has been clearly demonstrated that she has a well developed attack of incubat- ing fever. When a hen stays on the nest in the daytime and is cross when ap- proached, but returns to the perches at night, the symptoms are not to be trusted, but if she remains on the nest throughout the twenty-four hours, leaving it only once or at most twice a day for food, and comes off clucking and with outspread wings and ruffled feathers, it may be ac- cepted as prima facie evidence that the attack will run its usual course of twenty-one days and arrangements may be made for setting her, if setting be de- sired. If, however, it is not desired then means for “breaking her up” must be adopted, and this is usually quickly ac- complished by a change of environment. Much time is lost and little is gained by shutting a hen up. This serves rather to encourage the broody tendency, but if the hen can be placed in another yard where the conditions are different and more congenial than those she has been accustomed to, she will become so in- terested in her new surroundings as to quite forget that she was intending to sit. When, however, it is decided that Biddy shall follow her natural inclina- tion and sit, the first thing to be consid- ered is the condition of the fowl; she should be perfectly well and, above all things, entirely free from lice of all de- scription. To ascertain the last condi- tion a careful examination of the fowl should be made; take the hen up gently in both hands, holding the wings close to the body and turn her over onto her back, head toward one side and gently separate the feathers along the breast bone and other parts and look sharply for the big body lice which will be found I AM THE BAY “STATE}—~ COATING MAN @ My Bay State Brick and Cement Coating is a protection for concrete and stucco, has been tried under all sorts of conditions and has met all the requirements. Years before anybody else Se) Se Pe FS WO a are necessary, preserve the roof lines, that make the entire exterior consistent and harmonious. house carries out to a great extent the Dutch idea. A very The planning of this broad hall divides the floor area and opens at one end upon the broad en- trance piazza, and at the other upon an equally broad terrace. A home of this kind in the old days contained a few very large rooms, rather than a great many small ones, and here the rooms, although sufficiently numerous, are very large—living-room and dining-room be- ing the full depth of the house. Here the rooms open into each other by wide openings, and from the dining-room one may see across the hall into the broad living-room, and then through other Openings into a wide piazza flagged with brick. The planning of the upper stories is quite as pleasing—large, spacious bed- rooms, plenty of baths, and a large sit- ting-room, and over all is still another floor with ample quarters for servants. No effort has been made to adhere to the Dutch style of interior treatment, but the woodwork has been carefully planned, ornament sparingly used, and the simplicity of furnishings, together with the unusual size of the rooms, produces the useful eS End of the living TooH in the interesting house of C. C. Beard, Esq. February, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 43 Fe country home of G. M. Pinney, Esq., at Donen Hills, New York and dignified result which belongs to a country home of this size. The interesting house of John W. Charlton, Esq., Bronx- ville, New York, planned by O. J. Gette, architect, is an adaptation of a farmhouse motif and suggests certain afhliations with what is known as the Pennsylvania Dutch style of architecture, particularly the broad “hood” which is carried across the windows of the lower floor, the paneled wooden shutters and the dor- mers, with their graceful arrange- ment of window panes. The house occupies a site in rugged, hilly coun- try, where rocks and boulders are often pushed up through the soil. Such boulders are often covered with Ivy or Creeping Phlox, but here a very simple treatment proves inter- esting and appropriate. The house is placed against a background of fine old trees and is of frame, excepting part of the first story, which is of stone. Perhaps the most interesting single feature of the exterior is the broad piazza with balcony above. The treatment of this end of the house, with its tall white columns and detail of balustrade, suggests a plantation house of the Louisiana or Mississippi type. The floor plans are very simple and direct—a broad entrance-hall, reception- The effect obtained by Mbales oF a thatched roof lends a aecidea Pe a DECOND: F-Lape: PLAN: The floor plans of the house of Alfred Cluthe, Esq. The Pinney house is one of the most attractive homes on Staten Island room, living- and dining-rooms and kitchen below, and four bedrooms and bath on the floor above, and the garret pro- vides rooms for the maids. In this house, as in most su- burban and country homes now being built, the architect has provided an out-of-door living-room, or veranda, entirely apart from the porch which marks the entrance. This adds greatly to the comfort and convenience of the family as well as of the arriving guest. The house at Westfield, New Jer- sey, here shown, suggests the New England farmhouse type. Its pro- portions are accurate, its lines severe and, like its New England forbears, its slight touches of decoration mark the entrance to the house, which is approached from the street by a straight walk of brick, which is bor- dered by a low hedge of box. No frills or fads here—no gypsy kettles filled with blooming geraniums! But the hedges are closely clipped, the lawn duly shorn, as befits the sur- roundings of a house of this fascinat- ing type. The Beard house, A. L. C. Marsh, architect, New York, is of the kind which might or might not be surrounded by ample grounds. It does not re- quire them, and would be exceedingly pleasing had it just sufficient space for the trees and the amount of shrubbery £22444 2422228808 (400800800 480808 i Et SS) x ot oF a ai ~SeRRECEE S eRe SSRs the SHsice a Alfred Cluthe, ee at Glen Ridge, New Jersey 44 AMERICAN HOMES Front of the interesting stucco house of Mrs. Valentine, at Bay Ridge, New York necessary to create what might be called a “‘setting.” For this reason it should be carefully studied by the homemaker who has not a great deal of space to build upon. Upon the high ground of Staten Island, G. M. Pinney, Esq., has built a charming home, planned by Kirby & Petit, architects, New York, who must have drawn their inspiration from certain old houses built by the early Dutch or Eng- lish settlers near Hempstead, Long Is- land. ‘These old homes are models of austerity and severe dignity, but in the Pinney house all of this austere dignity seems to have been preserved, with the addition of just enough decoration to re- lieve its uncompromising exterior. The designing has been carefully done, and with such fidelity to tradition that it pleases without one discordant note. The house is of frame, with well-studied fenestration and well-planned porches and chimneys. One can hardly imagine a house of this type being provided with an ample array of porches and verandas without considerable violence being done AND GARDENS February, 1912 The Valentine house is one of the most successful houses of its type on Long Island between the Atlantic Ocean and New York Bay, and in many places affords broad sweeping views across hills and plains and bodies of water, and this beautiful house seems to have been planned with special fitness to its location. There is not a direction toward which its verandas do not afford a view. The modern English type of suburban house is almost sure to be successful if handled with reasonable restraint. The home of Alfred Cluthe, Esq., at Glen Ridge, New Jersey, is very interesting, and there is scarcely a part of the country in which such a house would not be suit- able. ‘he Cluthe house, D. S. Van Ant- werp, architect, Montclair, New Jersey, is long and narrow, placed lengthwise with the street, which makes it appear to the greatest advantage. The walls are of stucco, and the roofs are of shingles so applied that they present much the ap- pearance of thatch. Two wings, one containing the kitchen and one a screened piazza, are so planned that they extend the main building and balance the com- position. ‘The trellises at each side and to tradition, but here the arrangement is over the windows of the main floor agree so good that it is happy indeed. ‘The floor plans of the Pinney house fulfil every promise made by the broad simple expression of the outside. Like the old farmhouses from which it has been adapted, it is divided by a wide hall with an entrance at either end. The main floor is divided into reception-room, library, dining-room, and the usual service quarters, and the upper floor contains four large bedrooms with two baths, and two bed- rooms and a bath for the maids. One small point of ig excellence in design should be ™* especially noted. This house is so well provided with an unusual amount of porch and veranda space that to add to the wing another porch for the servants would be to overload the building with verandas. The place by which the little piazza for the servants is modestly screened and covered by the upper story is so charming that it should be emphasized here. Staten Island is placed btm $asfv PLAN FIRST FLOOR Floor plans of the Valentine house The brick house of Harry H. Gifford, Esq., at Summit, New Jersey completely with the character of the building, and the ‘‘curves”’ in the cornice line offer just the variety required to avoid being monotonous. This house would be beautiful anywhere, and it represents a type which should be more widely employed in suburban building. The house of Mrs. Valentine, designed by Messrs. Slee and Bryson, architects, Brooklyn, New York, with its stucco walls, tiled roofs and arched entrance portico, may have been inspired by a study of some of the old California missions. The house is very interesting and would be al- most as appropriate any- where else as at Bay Ridge, Long Island, where it is located. The use of stucco provides a wall of sufficient texture to avoid being dull in large spaces. A stucco of rough gray or yellow is par- ticularly successful with white painted woodwork, green blinds or shutters, and red (Continued on page 72) February, 1912 * TOMMASO MS MON THe meget SMe NS TTS NAN Os To TAT OT A superb Renaissance tapestry, ‘“Vertumnus and Pomona,” about fourteen by twenty feet in size, in the Spanish Royal Collection at Madrid ANIERIGAN HOMES AND GARDENS 4S Real Tapestries What They Are, and Something About Buying Them By George Leland Hunter Photographs by T. C. Turner —a|APESTRY is a broad word. It ranges all the way from ten cents a roll for verdure papers to tenthousand dollars a yard for the marvelous pictures woven on the high-warp looms of the Fifteenth and the Sixteenth Century. In between the wall papers and the arras come numerous printed, painted and loom-figured textiles that, on account of their resemblance to real tapestry —often remote—have acquired the same name. Conse- quently it is not strange that confusion exists in the minds of many as to what real tapestry actually is, especially as dictionaries and encyclopedias almost without exception de- fine the word incorrectly or incompletely, while its trade meaning varies according to the shop in which it is found. Several years ago the writer was invited by an intending purchaser to visit an antique shop to pass on the genuine- ness of what purported to be a Seventeenth Century Gobelin tapestry, declared to be worth $10,000. While the dealer disclaimed all expert knowledge of tapestries and was not ready to guarantee the attribution, the eagerness with which he pointed to the woven signature, Ch. Le Brun Pinxit, and the willingness with which he introduced references to per- sons and books likely to spur on the hesitating purchaser, showed that he was either extraordinarily ingenuous—which antique dealers seldom are—or was trying to perpetrate a gross fraud without technically violating the law. The dealer was indignant and threatened violence when the writer stated that the tapestry was machine-made and worth about twenty-five dollars. The purchaser covered our re- treat, incidentally expressing his opinion of the dealer. Re- cently I related the anecdote to the manager of a house that imports many of these Jacquard tapestry panels, expecting him to be as surprised at the customers ignorance and the dealer’s dishonesty as myself. Imagine my amazement when he retorted: ‘““Wha’d yer wan’der butt in on der man’s busi- ness fur? He had a ridt to get what he could. Lodts of the tealers magke good money on dese dapestries.”” He then went on to express an unflattering opinion of writers who give illustrations and prices that tend to make the public less gullible. Indignant at his attitude, and enlightened by it, I have since made it a point to investigate the methods of distribution of these tapestry panels, and have discovered that a large proportion of them are sold to persons who do not understand what they are buying, at prices that are ex- tortionate. They are an important source of revenue to the cheap and tawdry auctioneers of bric-a-brac and what are called “‘art”’ objects for the home. And, as instanced above, they are a treasure trove to the dealer in bogus “‘antiques”’ and second-hand furniture. Only in a few of the large establishments is it possible to purchase these Jacquard tapestry panels at a fair price, from a stock that is large enough to give reasonable choice of designs and sizes. Even there, few or none of the sales- men have ever seen a real Gobelin or learned to understand the difference between real tapestry and imitation. So the writer is confident that those behind the counters, as well as 46 AMERICAN HOMES AND ‘ oy. gO = ONS. This Gothic tapestry, and the ones shown at the bottom of this and of the facing page, were originally woven for bed hangings. GARDENS February, 1912 Se * » only fp” Pe eA LY: They are in the Spanish Royal Collection and measure about thirty inches by eleven feet those in front of them, will appreciate the attempt here made to present the points of difference, with illustrations that effectively supplement the printed story. First, as to what constitutes real tapestry. ‘There have been many poetic descriptions glorifying it with the iri- descent beauties of the rainbow, and the rich tones of sun- rise and sunset; but such descriptions are of little help in deciding whether a particular textile is or is not a real tapestry. Only a definition based on weave can do that. It is the weave that makes the difference. A real tapestry is a fabric in plain weave with warp en- tirely concealed by the weft, which is of uniform thickness, and is exactly alike on both sides, except for the loose threads on the back that mark the passage of bobbins from block to block of the same color. With some exceptions, it is also a rep fabric—that is to say, it has a ribbed surface—and in weaving open slits are left where two colors meet parallel with the warp. This sounds harder than it really is. If the fabric is ribbed with from seven to twenty-four ribs to the inch, is of uniform thickness and exactly alike on both sides, with the characteristic open slits, then it is a real tapestry. If the threads that float loose on the back are parallel instead of zigzag, then the fab- ric is not a real tapestry, but a broché tapestry, with body that is thicker where figured. The loose threads on the back are not a necessary criterion, for they can easily be clipped close, leaving the back exactly as if it were the face show- ing through. ‘This is sometimes done to ancient tapestries, which are then mounted back side out, like two of the famous pieces of the “Seven Sacra- ments”’ series of the Fifteenth Century tapestries in the Metropolitan Museum, New York, in order to show the colors, that have faded less on the protected back than on the long-exposed face side. Between furniture-tapestries and wall-tapestries there are a number of usual but not vital distinctions. The latter are comparatively large, with coarse horizontal ribs, and tell a story. The former are comparatively small, with fine ribs, A Gothic tapestry, “Starting for the Hunt,” four by nine and a half feet, in the famous Hoentschel Collection now owned by Mr. J. Pierpont Morgan and exhibited in the Metro- politan Museum of Art, New York either vertical or horizontal, and with designs that are pri- marily decorative. Of wall-tapestries, wool is the basic material, with gold and silver to add richness and silk to increase high lights. Of French furniture-tapestries silk is the favorite material, with wool to serve as background and to supply the low tones. The first step in learning how to buy real tapestries is to learn where to buy them. It is foolish to seek fine china in a five-cent store, and it is equally foolish to look for important tapestries in ordinary shops. ‘Tapestries are in a class by themselves, and even the furniture cover- ings are rather above the heads of general dealers, who are less able than a few archi- tects and decorators and connoisseurs to see the superiority of an Aubusson set— five pieces, covering sofa, two armchairs and two side-chairs—at $1,400, over a Belleville set at $950, or a Nimes set at $700. Most of the business in real tap- estries—furniture coverings, as well as the vastly more important wall hang- ings—is done through auction- rooms and decorative shops—not the average auction-room, and not the average deco- rative shop—yust a few that, on account of their high reputation for straight- forwardness and quality, have as regu- lar clients persons who can appreciate good things of the sort. Among im- portant tapestries sold at auction in New York city during the last few years were those belonging to Henry G. Mar- quand, Stanford White, Charles T. Yerkes, James A. Garland, and Henry W. Poor. One of these, sold at the Yerkes sale, a Gobelin on the subject of “Vulcan and Venus,” designed by Bou- cher and woven by Andran, brought $17,700. For three or four days be- fore such sales begin opportunity is given to examine the tapestries at one’s leisure, and the catalogues supplied are not intentionally inaccurate. But they are seldom as complete as they should be. Perhaps that is why the tendency is for imperfect and damaged and artistically inferior tapestries to sell for more than they are worth, while the superior examples sometimes sell for less than February, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 47 These two illustrations show the front and the back of an Aubusson chair back, woven in silk and wool. Note the irregularity of the floating threads, which if removed would disclose the same design, reversed, that appears on the right side of this tapestry. A genuine example of this sort with back to match would cost $400 they are worth. Out of twenty large tapestries the writer recently examined in an auction-room, seventeen had never been especially good, while the other three were so badly repaired as hardly to merit house room. Herein lies a lesson that the amateur of tapestries should take to heart. Mere age counts for little. The value of an inferior work of art does not increase as the generations pass, although the price paid by ignoramuses sometimes does. It is the tapestry, or rug, or chair, or table, that artistically excels which multiplies in value more rapidly than the interest on money, and at last is enshrined in the palace of a collector, in the museum of a great city or nation. The only museum in the United States that contains a collection of fine tapestries to an extent worth considering is the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Com- pared with the forty splendid pieces now displayed on its walls, the collections of the Boston and Chicago art mu- seums—as well as of the Metropolitan Museum itself five years ago—are insignificant. The collection of books on tapestry in the library of the Metropolitan Museum is also large and important. The prize tapestry in the Metropolitan collection is one in the Gothic style, lent by Mr. J. Pierpont Morgan and called the Mazarin tapestry, because tradition says that it once belonged to the famous French Cardinal who chast- ened the youthful haughtiness of Louis XIV. The subject of this tapestry, which is partitioned after the fashion of a three-fold screen, with Gothic columns between the leaves, is “Christ Proclaiming the New Dispensation.” The Christ is seated on a throne in the upper part of the middle panel, with angels on each side of Him, one bearing a long branch with lilies, symbolic of the Church; the other a sword, sym- bolic of the State. Below are two groups of worshippers, the Church group headed by the Pope and the State group by the Emperor. A figure representing the Synagogue of the Old Dispensation appears on the right, blinded, with broken sceptre and shattered tablets of the Mosaic law, while the State of the New Dispensation is represented by the Persian King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) and Esther. A figure representing the Holy Catholic Church of the New Dispensation appears on the left with crozier and chalice, while the State of the New Dispensation is represented by Emperor Augustus, to whom the Tiburtine Sibyl announces the coming of the Messiah. Technically, this is one of the most wonderful, perhaps the most wonderful, tapestry ever woven. Certainly the flesh tones of faces and hands and of the tiny nude figures of Adam and Eve, and the silver tones of hair and beards, and the gold and jewels of the costumes are marvelously expressed. Almost in the same class as regards excellence of weave are two Renaissance tapestries illustrating the ‘Story of Herse,” lent by Mr. George Blumenthal. They were woven in Brussels by Willem van Pannemaker, whose woven sig- nature, together with the Brussels monogram, appears in the border. The borders are rich with gold in basket weave, and the one of the two tapestries that show the ‘“‘Bridal Chamber of Herse” is almost equal to the great Gothic tapestries as regards the suitability of the design for inter- pretation on the loom. ‘Tapestries like these, however, are beyond the reach, even at present prices, of all but the greatest collectors, and therefore the writer would call at- tention to other tapestries, excellent duplicates of which can be bought or reproduced at prices that make them available more generally for adorning the home. At this point I should like to remark that the nouveau riche dog-in-the- manger spirit which locks up many famous paintings in 48 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS : A ‘‘double-cloth” tapestry chair back. ‘The tex- ture is most interesting and pleasing private galleries, without affording the public an opportunity to see them, is mani- fested to a much less extent by those Americans whose good fortune it is to possess fine tapestries. Perhaps they are influenced by the example of Leo X, who left with the weaver, Pieter van Aelst, in Brussels, the cartoons of the tapestries designed for him by Raphael, with the result that duplicate sets were woven for all who had the taste to select and the money to pay. It is important for the revival of the art of tapestry weaving that every opportunity should be afforded by owners of Gothic tapestries to those who wish to copy them on the loom, and the writer is glad to note the tendency of American collectors who’ possess historic ex-. ao oS te Eas An old Flemish verdure tapestry. About four by six feet in size This shows the back of a tapestry seat that is not a real tapestry in weave, but a broché lord and a lady half hidden in the foliage. Other figures on the left. In the fore- ground there are dogs. A tapestry like this is a thing of beauty and a joy forever, and deserves reproduction not only for the training in technique it would give the weaver of to-day, but also, and especially, for its intrinsic merit. It is worth a multitude of ‘‘counter- feit arrases,” which is what they called painted imitations of tapestry in the Fifteenth Century, real arras being, of course, real tapestries, called arras from the now French, but then Flemish, city of Arras, that was long the center of produc- tion of high-warp picture tapestries. ; The oldest, and on the whole the most interesting, tap- amples to be very substan- tially generous in this respect. Among the Gothic tap- estries at the Metropolitan Museum especially suited for reproduction to-day are two, for instance, from the famous Hoentschel collection, lent to the museum by Mr. J. Pier- pont Morgan. One of these, that pictures “Jesus Among the Doctors” and the ‘‘Mar- flascwatscana, is § beet 3 inches high and 12 feet 6 inches long. It is the ‘“‘Mar- riage at Cana”’ that I suggest as affording the best oppor- tunity for the modern weaver to attempt to emulate his Fifteenth Century forbears. The composition of this scene is most interesting. ‘The col- oring of the tapestry is extremely simple, and the weave is masterful without being intricate. In copying a tapestry like this a weaver would learn more than most weavers now know. ‘This dates from the age when tapestries were still line drawings, with long slender vertical hatchings (spires of color) that combined with the cross-ribbed weave to pro- duce the most interesting and unique texture that the world has even known. Also interesting for the purpose of modern reproduction would be the Gothic “‘Departure for the Hunt,” likewise lent to the museum from the Hoentschel collection. It is ro feet high by 3 feet 11 inches wide, and pictures a forset of oaks with floriated ground. A page and three valets lead the way. Two of the valets carry hooded falcons. On the right a white horse, above whose head appear the busts of a ow One of the scenes, “The Marriage at Can in the Hoentschel collection, belonging to Mr. J. Pierpont Morgan, and exhibited in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York estries at the Metropolitan Museum are the five frag- ments containing seven scenes from an early Fifteenth Cen- tury tapestry, originally con- taining fourteen scenes, illus- trating the Seven Sacraments in their origin and also as celebrated contemporaneous- ly. These tapestries, also from the Morgan collection, were correctly named and de- scribed for the first time in my article in the Burlington Mag- azine of December, 1907. Though much repaired, they are splendid examples of technical perfection in tap- estry weaving, and point out the path that weavers should follow in attempting to re- vive the glories of the past. A large proportion of the real tapestries that one finds in the shops are from Aubus- son looms, and whether antique or modern, they are usually in the style of the Eighteenth Century—rustic and pastoral scenes with verdure or landscape backgrounds, and with narrow verdure or woven-frame borders. One reason for their popularity is their size, which is comparatively small and adapted for display on the walls of houses as they are built to-day. Another reason is that the styles of Louis XV and of Louis XVI, as ex- pressed in tapestry, harmonize with most modern English as well as French interiors—Louis XV being preferable with Chippendale chairs and Baroque or Rococo backgrounds; Louis XVI with Hepplewhite and Sheraton and Adam de- signs. A third reason is the price, which is less, because (Continued on page 67) oe a,’ from a Gothic tapestry February, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 49 “Making The Corer Attractive q]| HERE are many ways of making the corner of a room attractive. The illustrations here given suggest a few of them. Of course, one never wishes to spoil the symmetry of a well-planned room by any ‘‘afterthought”’ that mere ingenuity and not good taste sug- gests. Therefore, we can hardly expect to go about our rooms cutting off corners simply for the sake of adding to them some architectural feature, such as a fireplace, a china closet, or a bookshelf. Nevertheless, there are many times when the utilization of corner space would prove a means of enhancing the beauty of the room, bearing which in mind the examples of corner treatment here shown have been selected as representative of what one may accomplish in this respect. There is, for instance, something particularly attractive about the corner fireplace. The cosiness of the sort of seclusion one has a sense of, in being within the space formed by the walls at right angles is, in itself, enough to encourage one to place a fireplace in such a manner as to make it pattern after the proverbial chimney corner. Of course the placing of a fireplace in a room of extended proportions is hardly advisable, since the corner fireplace usually best adapts itself to the small room. In connection with the dining-room corners one naturally thinks of a china-closet designed after the Colonial fashion in such matters as being particularly ap- propriate, but here the problem of filling the corner is almost the reverse of the fireplace rule, for corner china-closets appear best from an architect’s and from a decorator’s view when placed in a large room instead of in a small one. Well placed bookshelves, especially built in ones, likewise lend themselves to making a corner attractive, as one of the illustrations here reproduced will suggest to the modern homemaker. AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS February, 1912 style An Architects Own House By Rutherford M. Nesbit Photographs by T. C. Turner FE, find many architects to-day whose own houses are marked by their personal style, imposed by them distinc- unhampered by restrictions clients, and this serves to make tive. They may be Colonial, English, or Italian in character, but whatever they are in style, they express the individuality of the designer as perhaps few other sorts of houses do. Although the first question the home-builder planning for a new house appears to be in the habit of asking him- self is, “What style of house shall I have?” it would be far more wise for him to let the character of the site whereon he plans to build suggest the style, or, if he is determined upon a style, to select a site that will fit it. The romantic quality of the splendid and stately Florentine villas, standing as they do among hills, suggests at once the type best adapted for the hillside country house here illustrated. There is no doubt that Mr. J. H. Phillips was influenced by the impressions he received while studying Italian domestic archi- tecture in the Tuscan countryside around Florence, Italy, where one finds some of the loveliest villas in the world, when he designed An excellent window detail the charming studio house here illustrated, which he de- signed and built for himself at Mohegan Heights, Yonkers, New York. ‘The house is set upon a hill slope, terraced on three sides, the upper garden terrace being practically built at the level of the main living-room floor, which looks out upon the front of the premises, marked by an avenue of Locust trees. The house is not large, being only twenty-six by forty-eight feet, and it is placed some thirty feet back from the tree line. As one approaches from the avenue, over the brick steps and walk, the simple and charming design of the main front is most impressive. This front has indeed a Flor- entine quality, while the corniced loggias at the ends, with their heavy. consols _be- neath the sills, are set far apart in true Tuscan fashion. ‘The Palladian window of the two-storied living-room, designed in con- nection with the entrance, and the curved balcony forms a detail of great beauty in design. It is evident that the owner-architect of this house took genuine delight in carrying out the detail of this entrance, which is perhaps the most distinctive note in the architecture of February, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES CE RS 1 73 AND GARDENS 51 4 & a . a“ é Rectan es i Bs pe Seah Se CA nd oe This ee of the hous e of John H. Phillips, Esq., in the Italian style, shows the terrace entrance above the high basement floor the house. The cartouch above the arch was modeled by country home depend very largely upon the magic appeal Mr. Phillips himself directly on the stucco wall, with the of a well-planned garden, and especially true is this of a aid of one of the Italian plasterers engaged upon the build- house of the villa type. It is interesting to note, in connec- ing. There is a ledge tion with the garden at the band course plans of this house, just above this car- the decorative quality touch, on which is in- in the stone walls and. tended to rest gaily brick steps, and also blooming flower-pots. of the brick coping The large wall sur- between the _ stone faces, of a warm col- masonry and the ored buff stucco, white stucco walls of the trim and the faded l | ——_ dwelling. This line tone of the bluish- 7 carries around and green blinds, with the warm vee forms the cap of the stone tile color of the roof, give a ee & SO oO piers at the sides of the steps very decorative effect, and it VEGETABLE GARDEN that carry the path up to the is also worth noting in the formal garden of the upper color effects that the soffit of terrace. This path leads di- the cornice was given an old- rectly to the sundial and a blue stain between the white garden seat beyond. painted rafter ends. A glance at the floor plans The gardens, which at the will reveal a very delightful present time are but partially scheme of planning, and one planted or developed, show particularly adapted for the that they bear an intimate re- home of an artist or of a lationship to the house, and it musician. ‘The entrance re- is probably the owner’s idea ception-room on the lower to spend his hours of recrea- level has a large fireplace of tion here working out his Ground and floor plata of the house of John H. Phillips, Esq. The cement and brick directly op- problems; for, after all, the basement plans, showing the reception-room on the lower level, are POSItE the entrance doorway. charm and success of the not given here The vari-colored brick and — I AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS February, 1912 — ce ie. , Fi oo é, The dining-room is one of the most beautiful rooms in the Phillips house, charming in the elegance of its simplicity, and yet thoroughly homelike cement floor is so designed as to suggest an Oriental rug effect. The main stairs leading to the living-room floor winds around the chimney, and the dominating feature of the plan is the spaciousness and privacy of the living-room floor, which is gained by the entrance stairs coming up from the reception-room below, while it does not cut the main floor plan into two parts, as in the typical Colonial house. To live in a house with a large central living-room running One of the well-designed chimneys in the Phillips house up through two floors with a balcony, gives an effect of spaciousness and freedom commensurate with life in the country. In this house the same freedom is carried through the whole house, lending to the enjoyment of its occupancy. The living-room has a loggia at each end, with double- hinged casements, and when thrown open the entire southern front of the house can be made into one large room, forty- eight feet long. The west loggia opens directly into the formal garden. It also has a door leading through a pantry into the kitchen, making a delightful room in which to serve breakfast or afternoon tea. The loggias, glassed-in in winter (as they are heated), make fine conservatories. When one considers the value of the loggia in the framing of the picture of the landscape and in enhancing vistas, it is not surprising that Mr. Phillips has chosen it in the place of the customary porch. The living-room fireplace is most interesting, with the balcony above, and the seats at the ends of the recess form an inglenook which gives a home-like air to the room, which might otherwise be rather formal because of its lofty ceiling and decorative arched window. ‘The work on the mantelpiece was executed by the owner by designing the ornament on the fresh cement, and then cutting away with a sharp tool before the material had set. The ceilings of the living-room and the dining-room enjoy a medieval effect not unlike those of the simple old Hollandish interiors, a re- sult which was obtained by staining the structural beams a dark brown and plastering in between. The plaster walls were February, 1912 left in the natural color, and rather rough, which give a rich- ness in tone to the room. The trim of the living-room is cypress treated with a coat of white lead and oil and finished with a very thin coat of dull-finish enamel, which was put on thin enough to allow the graining of the wood to show. The accompanying illustration shows a dining-room of unusual charm and beauty. The color scheme employed there is brown—a brown of soft red shades—and there is considerable variety in the unique design of the mantel, with its brick of tapestry texture. A tapestry hangs on the wall. On the latter the painting of an Italian Madonna is placed, while heavily ribbed curtains of old-blue silk, with tapestry borders at the high bay-window, which extends almost to the ceiling beams, and the antique furniture complete the deco- rative scheme. Casement doors open into the east loggia, which attord charming views of the old apple orchard across the way and down a road overlooking the picturesque valley. The kitchen occupies the same relative position as the dining-room at the other end of the house, with the butler’s pantry between. The servants’ quarters, which is separated from the other floors of the house, is directly above the kitchen on the mezzanine floor—the same level as the balcony. From the balcony the stairs continue up behind the chimney to a landing in front of the studio door, which is four steps lower than the main bedroom floor. It is a real working studio, with a large north window, a brick fireplace and the ceiling running up to the underside of the roof rafters. At the southeast corner casement doors open into the sleeping-porch, from which a delightful view is obtained of the beautiful hillside country. From the stairhall, ad- joining the studio, an open flight of stairs leads to the attic, call AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 53 A view of the spacious living-room in the Phillips house which opens on the roof-garden at the rear of the house. A dumbwaiter adjoining the chimney connects with the butler’s pantry to doors at the studio entrance and on the roof- garden. The reader will find by a close study of the accompanying plans and photographs that they have the merit of a per- sonal style, which makes this house distinctive, and which renders it thoroughly successful as an example of domestic architecture well suited to its site. He will see that it carries out the foregleam of an attractive interior arrangement, which its outer proportions impose upon the expectant critic. AT ea RD Mi ie OR ae ae rn awl = The spacious two-storied living-room of this unusually interesting house is one of its most beautiful features and well worth study and emulation Pe AMERICAN HONE - a = ¢ 5 ws ree 3 ‘ a AN - 5 4 i. y k i st . : wit Rg SHE F maker gives | | matter when pl _ a good architec | the doors are vf especial definit the ones for wh will lend an en) architect’s worl pause in admi houses, both ir vived a hundr stopping to re days the care t: ing lumber and | to ita permane | ation for all th _ However, reme _ type of door th _ years ago put 17 houses, we may on the excellen: manship emplo stantial doors t should study 1 styles of doors ES AND GARDENS 55 Pigs CNS - Senate > niin tea asin eRARi : ; K “ aoe est Aa po » HERE is no part of the ybuse with which the }veller comes more inti- ately in contact than its ors. And yet how often happens that the home- - or no thought to this | fuing to build. Of course, | ill take care to see that | | p= designed, and yet some qiterest upon the part of ¥ the house is being built siasm to this part of the | gel) worth the while. We gon before the doors of #2 and out, that have sur- qyears of vicissitude, not 42, perhaps, that in early n in the matter of select- building the door gave that awakens our admir- Wcraftsmen of yesterday. ering the commonplace q-er builder of twenty-five even the most expensive ‘ll congratulate ourselves f the material and work- q in the making of sub- way. The homebuilder matter of the various d of all their materials. jm < — 4 WLAN PAE LATO LS SANA PDE EAE AST OF ree eecennnr rman annem. sano an nei | AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS $5 54 HERE is no part of the house with which the dweller comes more inti- nately in contact than its doors. And yet how often | happens that the home | | | maker gives little or no thought to this matter when planning to build. Of course, a good architect will take care to see that | the doors are well designed, and yet some especial definite interest upon the part of the ones for whom the house is being built will lend an enthusiasm to this part of the |) architect’s work well worth the while. We pause in admiration before the doors of | houses, both inside and out, that have sur- | vived a hundred years of vicissitude, not || stopping to realize, perhaps, that in early days the care taken in the matter of select- ing lumber and of building the door gave | toita permanency that awakens our admir- || ation for all the craftsmen of yesterday. However, remembering the commonplace type of door the later builder of twenty-five years ago put into even the most expensive houses, we may well congratulate ourselves on the excellence of the material and work- manship employed in the making of sub- stantial doors to-day. The homebuilder should study the matter of the various | styles of doors and of all their materials. | 56 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS February, 1912 This piano, the panels of which were painted by Mr. Everett Shinn, has been well placed, both from the point of view of lighting and acoustics Pianos in Relation to [heir Surroundings By Mira Edson HE placing of a piano satisfactorily is not always an entirely simple matter. Whether one is considering the square or the upright, care is needed to select the place in the room which is best suited to it, and with which one can be entirely content afterwards. For this one must consider the comfort and convenience of the per- son who uses the piano, and also the relation of the piano itself to other articles of furniture which the room contains. The modern interest in household art has made us all sus- ceptible to arrangement and shown clearly the importance of achieving harmony in matters of form and color. While the placing of a piano in respect to its surroundings is important, it is even more important that the comfort of the performer be considered, and that the music itself shall have opportunity for the best possible effect. It should not be placed in a recess which would interfere with the sound. It should stand at the end of an apartment rather than at the side. Generally, it is well placed across a corner, and should not be too flatly against a wall. If possible, it is desirable that it be near a window, so that there may be a good light upon the score for day use, enabling one to read very easily. The articles which surround a piano can be made to help its perfect relation to the rest of the furnishing. The richer and darker things which are available for this purpose generally offer the best opportunity for choice. A piece of tapestry placed upon the wall near by is one of the best and simplest ways of securing a good effect. The rich and heavy suggestion which tapestry gives accords well with a piano, each possessing a dignity of its own, while the colors of the tapestry reflect themselves in the dark polished case, modi- fying and lightening it. Richly colored rugs help, too, of course, and portraits seem an appropriate accompaniment, with their hint of leisure and of that luxury of taste which can revel in abundance without falling into the ornate. The piano which is most graceful in form is, of course, the grand, with its sweeping lines. ‘These are fine in themselves, and every chance should be given to aid the effect of the curves. With the upright piano the problems are of quite another sort, but can be well solved, as the illustrations show. Placing articles upon the top of a piano is an expedient sometimes employed to bring it into relation with other parts of the room and take away a too great formality; and its broad expanse is tempting for this purpose. There is A well-placed grand piano that adds to the Benue of the oom danger here, however, of overloading, and care should be taken not to allow this. Some persons maintain that nothing should be placed upon it, since the purpose of a piano is that of music alone, and as articles interfere with the tone, they interfere with its proper use. Others, not less alive to the value of music, claim that a few wisely placed articles do not in the least mar the music nor affect the tone of the in- strument. The forms which a piano may have are decided by the necessities of the instrument itself. The outer finish and ornament, however, can be modified to suit personal taste, and in some instances these have been quite changed. The color of the case may be, for example, whatever one prefers, and any kind or amount of deco- ration can be added. Hardly anything, one might think, is too lovely for the adornment of a piano. In some instances the case has been of light- colored wood and was kept a light color. When this is so, any bright and delicate colors in decoration show well upon it. Even painting can be introduced in certain portions, gay and yet sufficiently subdued to the ground tones. Generally the subjects of such decorative paintings are those repre- senting the light enjoyment of poetic romance, in which some of the French painters have excelled. The figures, here in bright draperies, laces, ribbons, move amidst a smiling and always beneficent nature, where skies are always of the bluest and flowers always in abundant blossom. The illustrations show two pianos which have been thus decorated. Both a grand piano and an upright are shown, both ornamented by Mr. Everett Shinn—one to the order of Clyde Fitch, the other for Robert McKee. The upright, as can be seen in the picture, stands amidst articles of fur- niture which have a weight and dignity, and these styles are in keeping with its own rectangular lines. The paintings which form the ornament are shown here in detail. Mr. Shinn refers his inspiration for the designs to Boucher, and with a hint from Watteau. They are original with himself, however, hints merely being taken from the work of others. The ornament upon this piano, it will be noticed, keeps for the most part to the panellings, yet aiding the effect of the whole. The body-color is a dull golden color, upon which the varying tints of color in the panels play harmoniously. Panels from an upright piano, painted by Mr. Everett Shinn AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS te) The other piano illustrated is more ornamental as to its own form and is richly carved and decorated, and to decora- tion it lends itself most sympathetically. The case in this instance is of white mahogany, upon which the colors appear and melt in a delightful way. The lacquer which covers the whole gives to it a golden tone, through which the colors appear subdued yet bright. This warm and beautiful tone greatly enhances the whole effect, which is both delicate and rich in the extreme. The front view here shown gives de- tails of the carving and shows also the garlands which form an ornamental border across the front, broken only by a small oblong panel containing a picture. Another view of the same shows it with the top raised. In this we get an idea of the work as a whole, since it allows us to see the garlands, arabesques and other ornaments with which it is profusely covered. In the medallions, which are of various sizes, are paintings which are more or less free and detailed, according to the space each allows. ‘This beautiful piano was bought at the Clyde Fitch sale by Mr. Tomlinson. ' Sketches for another piano, decorated after the same gen- eral manner, are to be seen in Mr. Shinn’s studio. These he is preparing at his leisure and intends to use them upon a piano for his own home. The body-color in this case is to be anash-gray. To obtain this light color, we are informed, the surface must first be treated in such a way as to remove the varnish, since to obtain it without this it is necessary to put in the order at the fac- tory two years in advance. The gray color may then be put upon the natural wood, and into this carried, in a pleasing way and with much charm as to color, the gay and happy designs which are planned for it. Birds of bright plumage are to be an important part of these de- signs. It is quite plain that when any piece is highly individual- ized, aS these pianos are, there must needs be the more care that they shall be placed in surroundings which are reasonably harmonious. If the destination of the piano is known, this harmony can be secured in advance, the colors and the style of ornament being selected in reference to the desired place. The amount of decoration which is appro- priate will be considered, and what is most suited can be chosen. Even a slight decoration gives lightness and grace. This piano forms a valuable feature to the room’s tasteful decoration 58 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Be aa Bec 5 saline With a little ara se like this, almost anyone may grow Carnations, and make it both a delightful pastime and a February, 1912 cae esi Carnation Growing for Everyone By Mary W. Mount Photographs by Nathan R. Graves and others ARNATION culture offers one of the most interesting and remunerative occupations to the amateur in floriculture. The plants thrive best in a dry atmosphere, and require less moisture than almost any other green- house flowers. ‘The temperature in which Carnations are grown is considered a healthful one to work in, and the odor is stimulating and invigorating. ‘Then, too, the worker is benefitted by sun baths through glass roofs and the tonic properties of radium in the earth constantly handled, making Carnation raising healthful as well as delightful. It is claimed that a temperature of 60° Fahr. should never be exceeded in a Carnation house, and that 50° is the mini- mum night and 70° the maximum day temperature that the plants can stand without injury. Most growers endeavor to preserve a temperature of from 54° to 55° at night, and 60° to 65° in the day time, using more heat on a cloudy day, when the sun does not furnish all, and sometimes more than the warmth re- quired. To the necessity of having heat evenly distributed in a greenhouse is added that of securing light as nearly as possible the same as that outdoors. Changes in temperature have everything to do with promoting or retarding the development of a flower; with making a long, strong calyx or a short, weak one, that splits and lets the petals fall rag- gedly as soon as the blossom unfolds. A good calyx vastly enhances the market value of a flower, and one must learn how chill and sudden heat affect it. Two main essentials in growing Carnations are plenty of ventilation and careful watering; they cannot endure moist earth or poor drainage, and require less ‘water in Winter than in Summer. With a little greenhouse, an amateur may keep his first year’s expense below The lovely Carnation known as the Jessica $100, or if he spends $7 to $14 for completely sashed coldframes, covering 3 by 12 to 24 feet, he should be able to raise enough Carnations in one season to defray the cost of establishing a small greenhouse the next. At least a thousand plants may be contained in a house 50x18 feet, the yield from which is ten to seventy-five blossoms to each plant in the season, lasting from October until June. Twenty- five to thirty blossoms on terminal stems is expected from a properly cared-for plant, while the modest output of ten blooms to a plant will yield the owner of a thousand plants ten thousand Carnations. According to size, variety and color, these bring from $1 to $5 per hundred wholesale, and $1 to $15 a dozen retail, from which may have to be de- ducted the commission man’s fifteen per cent. Nearness to market enables a grower to take advantage of high prices, make two or three trips a day to market, and obtain from any city all the manure wanted for cultivating purposes at merely the cost of hauling. Flowers must be shipped with regularity to retail customers, and should be shipped in quantities to save expenses. A box larger than a trunk, and contain- ing 120 dozen blossoms, can be shipped from states adjacent to New York to that city for forty cents, and shippers find that flowers remain fresh for days if placed in a cool cellar for twenty-four hours before shipping, with their stems plunged deep in clear water. When se- lecting a place convenient to market, the grower must consider whether the soil of that locality is a sandy loam, in which Carnations thrive best, and, if economy is necessary, whether the site offers a spot protected from north winds, where less fuel will be required for heating pur- poses and an even temperature may be more easily maintained. Out of doors the plants will bloom from August until the infliction of the first hard frost, if they are protected from heavy winds. most profitable occupation ail February, 1912 Twelve varieties of good Carnation seed may be pur- chased from any reliable seedsman for $1, twenty-five for $1.75, and fifty for $3. Seed may be planted from Febru- ary to May in a mixture of loam, sand and leaf mold. They are set a quarter of an inch apart and covered to a depth of an eighth of an inch to insure regular germination. Carna- tions show so strong a tendency to sport that it is considered more prudent to begin with plants ready for benching in Autumn. Cutting may be propagated from September to the end of May. They should be taken from the flowering stem of a healty, vigorous plant, and should be broken off at a length of about three inches and placed in a shallow box full of sand. They like a firm-rooting medium, and this sand, as well as the field soil later, must be trampled or pounded before and after planting. Growers set cuttings about half an inch apart, with about two inches between the rows, shade from strong light until the roots start, and sprinkle the sand enough to moisten it. Cuttings spend one month in sand, one in two-inch pots, till these are filled with roots; one in three-inch or larger pots, and then the plants are placed in four-inch pots, or boxes four inches deep, where they are set from nine to twelve inches apart and supported by a lattice of string or wire over the bench, about midway of the plants, where foliage conceals the supports. Leaving plants too long in a small pot or placing them too soon in a large one is apt to interfere with their development, and nothing helps a plant that has been placed in an unsoaked new or unwashed old pot. While in the two-inch pots, baby plants must be given light soil, careful watering, have tall tops pinched off to make them sturdier and multiply flowering stems, and all buds pulled off to conserve strength for Winter blooming. The value of propagating Carnations by layers consists in the rapidity and certainty with which varieties can be in- creased without weakening the resulting plants, because the connection with the parent is not severed until the scion has roots of its own, able to provide for its wants. In this process, the novice must not cut the shoot quite through, but about half way; then, turning the knife upwards, he splits The “Mrs. Ward’’ Carnation is one of the most satisfactory varieties AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS $9 The “Pink Delight’? Carnation has proved very popular with amateurs the stalk for a distance of half to three quarters of an inch. A longer split would ruin the process. The “‘tongue’’ thus formed is gently bent outward away from the stem, inserted its full length in propagating soil, and held in place with a bent or forked twing. Soft, short shoots are best to work on and produce roots more quickly. For layering, a mixture of leaf-mold and sand makes excellent soil. Efficient drain- age is secured to Carnations by a flat piece of potsherd laid over the hole for drainage, with broken shard, brick or small clinkers laid over that to a depth of half an inch to an inch. ‘The bottoms of boxes or benches are covered in the same manner to a depth of three quarters of an inch. The best soil for benched plants consists of fibrous loam mixed with leaf-mold in the proportion of a third, and sand forming one sixth of the quantity. This, or any other com- post, must be mixed and “‘ripened” out of doors for a year before it is put in the house benches. The stem of a plant must not be lowered in transplanting, and the soil must be pressed well around the roots. By the end of April, Carna- tions are established in their bench quarters or set in the open field, from nine to eighteen inches apart, where all the care they need is cultivation, water on rare occasions, and care that no moisture settles at the roots, where it induces stem-rot, which is deadly to Carnations. Plants should not be watered on cloudy days, as this invites “rust,” nor in the sun, as that scalds the foliage. Very early morning is the best time to water Carnations. Before taking plants indoors, the greenhouse should be thoroughly cleaned and fumigated; plants should be ex- amined in a corner of the garden, and every one affected with “‘rust,”’ ‘“‘spot,” “‘rot,’’ yellow-mottled bacteria or any other disease should be burned. After removal to the greenhouse, plants require more water and a little shading from sunlight while the roots are settling in their new soil. Root action is quick in rich bench soil, and blooms appear in four to six weeks. Disbudding must be constant if one wishes to obtain great size and long stems in flowers re- tained upon terminal branches. Liquid fertilizer must be given two or three times a week, and some growers inspect 60 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS plants daily to guard against insects and possible disease. The little Carnation lean-to should, if possible, have a sheltered southern exposure in order to save fuel, while the more desirable little 9x12 greenhouse performs wonders in a sunny hollow, and, in any case, should have its gable ends to the north and south, with its north end walled up. When a grower advances to a house 18x100 feet, holding upwards of two thousand plants, he feels that the ideal size of house for Carnation culture has been secured. Ignorance in the plac- ing of a greenhouse can occasion larger fuel bills, poor blooms, loss and trouble, but ignorance in the selection of material is apt to spell disaster. Greenhouse glass should be double thick, free from “burning” pieces that scorch plants, and well puttied in an absolutely rigid wooden frame to prevent breakage, which sometimes occurs through the contraction and expansion of metal frames. An iron-frame house, however, lasts longer, ad- mits more light, does not warp, and costs more than one of wood. A complete house, 9x12 feet, of the best quality and fitted with benches and ventilators, can be had for $80 to $115, in sections, ready to bolt together. The price is regulated by the amount of metal in the frame. All materials used in greenhouse con- struction should be of the best, to ob- viate warping, leaks, draughts, and ne- cessity for repairs, and all the parts should be perfectly fitted together. In- cluding heating installation, a house 20 feet long may be erected for $250. Beginners who want to experiment at little cost, like the lean-to which forms part of the dwelling and may be heated by extension pipes from the residence; and if they purchase ready-made ma- terials they invest in glazed and painted sash, 3x6 feet in size, and, if they object to keeping up heat in the house at night, they will insure equable heat in the lean- to by placing a separate boiler in the cellar of the residence, with hot-water pipes extending through the green- house. Steam heat does not pay except in large ranges of greenhouses, and is very troublesome. An oil heater, for inside water circulation, is excellent for small houses when all the products of combustion are car- ried off by means of a flue, but neither coal nor gas stoves can be used in a greenhouse. Little extra fuel is required to warm the lean-to greenhouse at night, and one may heat a 100-foot greenhouse for a month with one and a half to two tons of coal. Galvanized iron pipes, in eighteen-foot lengths, costing five to ten cents a foot, are generally used for cold water in a greenhouse; and cast iron,, in nine-foot lengths, or lead for hot. Lead pipes cost twenty to forty cents a foot, and iron ones are preferred because more easily fitted together. Greenhouse necessities that a beginner must provide are prepared earth and fertilizer in bins, shallow propagating boxes, four-inch deep boxes for grown plants, one, two, three and four-inch pots, trowel, fork, rose-spray, watering pot, vessel in which to wash pots, tobacco leaves for fumigating, lime and sulphur for disinfecting, Bordeaux A little greenhouse of the Ieatie to type aoe for Carnation growing Tables for Carnations that can be adapted for small greenhouses February, 1912 mixture to kill insects, broken flower pots, brick or clinkers for box drainage, tray for carrying plants and flowers, wire and string for supports; boxes, paper, string, knife and scissors for packing. Ordinary boxes may be converted into beds and tables, until the grower feels able to obtain durable iron and slate or all-cypress frames and tables, and beds with bottoms of extra-porous tile resting upon frames of galvanized iron. An ideal bed contains five inches of soil upon a perfectly drained bottom. A Carnation grower does not want to learn through experience that it does not pay to buy in- ferior pots. Prices for these vary with the pottery concern from which they are purchased. the best two-inch pots cost from $6 to $9 a thousand, and the best large ones from $15 to $20 a tnousand. If one cannot afford good greenhouse materials it is better to start with hotbeds and cold- frames, as hundreds of people do, and let the product of these pay for the greenhouse that fol- lows, and to which the hotbeds form necessary adjuncts. When establishing coldframes, mats and shutters with which to cover them on cold nights and snowy days must not — be forgotten. Cleanliness, fumigation and care are all that are needed to keep the enemies of Carnations outside of greenhouse doors. ‘To bar insects from potted plants, some florists let soot settle in water until the latter is clear, when they syringe the plants with this solution after sundown. Others dust with tobacco dust, syringe with tobacco tea, and fumi- gate with tobacco smoke. In the field, Carnations must be set out in soil that has been freed by fire or lime from wireworms, and occasionally, if birds and small beasts are plentiful, the plants are sprayed with tobacco water, so as to spoil their flavor for marauders. Indoors, the enemies that may be kept out by tobacco fumigation, dust or solution are blue aphis, green fly, thrip, red spider and cuckoo spit, all of which are minute and attack different parts of the plant. It is easy to learn how to recognize and destroy these, and also how to watch for the wireworm, which requires drastic treatment; the earwig, Carnation twitter, “Spot,” and gout, which must be burned with the affected plant; and the euchoris mite, that is exorcised by petroleum solution. All pests are not common to any one locality, and none need secure entrance to a well-cared-for Carnation house. oo often a novice attributes the death of a plant to one of its enemies, when the trouble has been caused by manure placed so close to the stem as to burn it. Fumigation is a simple and inexpensive process, since half a pound of damp tobacco leaves laid upon a small handful of burning wood-shavings on the floor will fumigate 500 square feet of glass. On general principles, growers usually fumi- gate a Carnation house once a week, and some do this twice. Carnation growing is so easy and so profitable that a novice is apt to lose sight of the fact that ceaseless, even though not arduous care is required in order to achieve success. SE eee February, 1912 at AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 61 There is a definite sense of spaciousness, homelikeness and beauty combined that lends an unusual charm to this room and its various details A City Apartment By Harry Martin Yeomans T IS a pleasure to come across such an attrac- tive apartment as the one shown in the ac- companying illustrations, which demonstrates what can be accomplished with an old- brought to bear in decorating rooms, where existing conditions have to be met and these concrete facts molded into such shape as to form a fitting background for the furnishings selected and the occupants. The walls of the good-sized, rectangular living-room were hung with a restful, neutral green paper, which faded, as most papers do, just enough to further neutralize the green and make a most harmonious background. ‘The woodwork in the apartment was of the ordi- nary stock patterns, which, of course, could not be changed; so the only thing to do was to blot it out as much as possible by painting it a slightly darker green than the walls, thus bringing them into harmony and at the same time not em- phasizing the woodwork. The old Italian straight-backed chairs, the carved mar- riage-chest, the table and the carved and gilded candle- sticks and sconces, give an Italian feeling to this room; but on looking farther we see that a Chinese teakwood console, chairs and stands, as well as Chinese porcelain vases, em- broideries and brass candelabras, have been happily com- bined with the Italian furniture. fashioned apartment when artistic taste is Apartment Plan It may seem a bit far- fetched to think of bringing together Italian furniture and articles from the Orient, and when it is mentioned, one is apt to think of Turkish spearheads and the obsolete cosey- corner. But in this room a subtle and harmonious com- bination of furniture of different kinds has been accom- plished by choosing pieces, as they were picked up one by one, having the same strong structural lines in common, never losing sight of the fact that although a piece of furniture may be individually beauti- ful, it must harmonize with its surroundings and become a part of the room. For these reasons the Italian and Chinese pieces go well together, and they are further brought into re- lationship by the woods being of the same color and being covered with a fabric of the same tone. The large north window contains rectangu- lar leaded-glass panes, with a coat of arms of colored glass set in each section. When a window is treated in this way it is so decorative that nothing is required in the way of draperies, with the exception of a heavy curtain to be drawn in the evening. Underneath this long window is a built-in seat, raised one step above the level of the floor, where one can pass a quiet hour with a book. ‘The space below the seat has been fitted with six good-sized drawers, which afford a convenient storage place, which is usually in 62 demand in an apartment. By the fireplace is a small recessed space containing the radiator, but this usually ugly feature has been trans- formed into a very pleasing one by the simple expedient of placing a wooden shelf over the radiator, from which has been hung an embroidered Chinese skirt of old Italian blue. The space above the radiator was fitted with shelves and enclosed by doors containing small panes of am- ber glass, which made a convenient bookcase and aid to improvement. The windows are hung with straight folds of Italian blue velour, hung on small brass rods and coming just to the sill. The curtains are not merely decorative, but are arranged so they can be drawn to exclude the light or the curious gaze of neighbors. A few pieces of yellow Chi- nese embroidery have been used with good effect, and add just the right touch of light and color. Some Oriental rugs cover the floor, which has been stained and waxed dark brown. It will be noticed that there is an absence of useless deco- rative articles in this room; the pictures are large enough to be seen and enjoyed, and the candlesticks, vases and other small objects embody both the useful and the beautiful and do not merely fill up good space. The miniature suits of armor, which stand on the teakwood console, are interest- ing, as they are not often seen. The sleeping-room, which is in an alcove opening directly off the living-room, contains a carved four-post bed and other mahogany furniture of late Colonial design. The PBs Snape oe From every side the oR FRE: AMERICAN HOMES aoe eee ey ee apartment is well arranged and furnished delightfully This shows the bedroom of the city apartment described in the accompanying article. AND GARDENS February, 1912 walls are covered with a dull gold Japanese tea-chest paper, which makes a very beautiful wall covering and really has to be seen to be ap- preciated. This paper is made by printing by hand from wooden blocks, which method gives a slight unevenness to the pattern and adds greatly to its charm. One might think that a golden paper would have a bizarre effect, but such is not the case, as the color underneath the gold neutralizes it, so that when it is on the wall the paper has a beauti- ful golden-brown tone. The bedroom window, opening on the stairway, was fitted with a lattice- work of narrow flat boards, painted to match the wood- work, which allows the light to enter and has taken away the hole-in-the-wall effect which this large opening would have if left in its original state. The window is hung with straight folds of blue velour, as in the living-room. The bed is most attractive with a covering of dull blue and gold material, decorated near the edge with a band of gold galloon. The small flat pillows, covered with the same material, complete the arrangement. A covering of this sort brings the bedroom in closer color relationship with the rest of the apartment than if the ordinary white spread was used. ‘There are no pictures in the bedroom, as the wall- paper is decorative enough in itself. ‘This treatment is in fair accord with the evidences of good taste shown through- out the arrangement of objects and the accomplishment of effects in this bedroom, where reticence has been sought. cas It is designed in exquisite taste, as one will readily see February, 1912 “ A row Bee-Keeping of well-ordered beehives generally suggests to everyone real country living, and bee-keeping is again becoming popular AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 63 je LS 3 as a Pastime By E. I. Farrington Photographs by W. H. Ballou and Dadman Co. S an outdoor hobby for after business hours let me recommend bee-keeping. Golf and tennis and horses are all very well, but none of them have the advantages of a modest little apiary under the apple trees in the back yard, where one may spend ten minutes or an hour or two, according to his mood and opportunities. There is a fascination about bee-keeping which seizes upon one as soon as he begins to read its literature, no mat- ter whether it be Maeterlinck’s “Life of the Bee” or a bee supply catalogue. The expense is negligible and the re- wards substantial, both in recreation and sweets. There is even a social side to bee-keeping, for those who follow it almost invariably fraternize freely and happily, while the gift of an occasional pound section of fine honey secures the friendly interest of one’s neighbors. Three colonies of bees are as many as the beginner ought to buy, and in most instances he will do just as well to commence with one. A colony of bees comprises about 60,000 workers (the females), 500 drones (the males), and a queen—perhaps eight quarts altogether. The bees should be Italian bees, for those have sweeter tem- pers than the common black bees, and it is for the interest of the amateur to buy them in a double-wall chaff hive, as a rule, for such a hive may be left outdoors all winter without detriment to the bees, whereas hives with single walls must be taken into the cellar or protected from the cold in one of several ways, involv- ing more or less trouble. Buying the bees in the hive which they are to occupy permanently, and with a queen already installed, the beginner is ready for business without further pre- liminaries. A hive of bees may be shipped safely by express, and there are reliable dealers in all the larger cities. It is The upper illustration shows beehive with entrance contracted for winter, and the lower, with cover raised to show box filled with absorbent material sometimes cheaper to buy the bees of a bee-keeper living close at hand, but it is a mistake to start with any but Italian bees, or with inferior hives. All modern hives are built on the same general principle, being simple hollow boxes in which are placed eight or ten light frames of wood, each filled with a sheet of wax, which is drawn out into comb by the bees and filled with honey or brood. Each frame may be handled separately, and as the bees always cluster on the comb, they may be moved about at will. All bee-keepers agree, I think, that the best time to have bees shipped is the early Spring, just before the fruit trees begin to bloom. At that season the colonies are lightest in weight, as the bees have not begun to store honey, and for some reason the insects are never so docile as at fruit- blossoming time. When the amateur orders his bees he will be asked whether he wants a tested or an un- tested queen. Now, an untested queen costs seventy-five cents and a tested one from one to ten dollars, so that the first inclination may be to specify an untested queen. That would be a mistake, how- ever, and here is the reason. A virgin queen mates but once, and that in the air, often a long ways from the hive, so that no one can tell what drone over- takes her in the mad chase which marks her bridal flight. He may be from some other apiary or a wild bee from the woods. ‘That being the case, it is im- possible to know whether the progeny of the queen will be of pure blood until the young bees have begun to appear in the hive. Then the color determines the matter, and if the young bees are golden hued, as they should be, the mother is ready to be sold as a tested Italian queen. The man who buys an untested queen takes chances with this pastime. the AGES 64 Everything depends upon having a good queen, for she is the mother of the entire colony. She is fed on predigested food and otherwise petted and coddled by the other bees. Her duties are strictly maternal though, and she is by no means the imperial martinet once supposed. She is ex- ceedingly industrious. Often she lays her own weight in eggs in a single day—worker eggs in worker cells, and drone eggs in drone cells, which are a little larger. She continues to lay prolifically for two or three years and this remark- able degree of fecundity is very necessary, for the popula- tion of the hives could be kept up in no other way, as the worker bees live only six or seven weeks in Summer. They literally work them- selves to death at this time. A good queen is one which lays so many eggs that the number of bees is constantly increasing instead of dimin- ishing, in spite of the heavy death rate, for in that way the colony grows stronger and there are more bees to bring in honey from the fields. A good colony fairly boils over with bees when the cover of the box is lifted. One of the most fascinat- ing features about bee-keep- ing, to me, is in keeping track of the queen and her activi- ties. Most amateurs play with their hives too much for the good of the bees, but it is exceedingly interesting to lift the frames one by one, crowded to overflowing with yellow bodies, and search for Her Majesty. She is easily identified because of her long and tapering body, quite unlike the bodies of either workers or drones. The frames are not heavy, even when teeming with bees, and may be lifted to the level of the eye by placing one hand at each end. The day after the new colony arrives the beginner should look over the frames in this way to make sure that the queen is moving about among her retinue. It is not often that the queen suffers injury on such a journey, but it is well to be on the safe side, as much dependsuponher. After that it really is not necessary to search for her very often, for the presence of eggs in the comb cells is sufficient proof that she is at work. The hive should be so placed that the entrance will be toward the south or southeast, and it should be sheltered by trees or shrubbery. I have found an orchard an ideal place for bees, unless it is cultivated. It has been my cus- tom to fence in an orchard and give it over to bees and poultry. The fowls eat the dead bees, but I never saw them trouble live ones. It is different with ducks; they kill the bees and the bees kill them. I like to have my hives in front of a stone wall or some other protection from the north wind. Experience has taught me that they should be so placed, however, that they can be opened from the side or rear; it is poor policy to stand in front of the entrance when working. Having now a colony of Italian bees in a double-wall chaff hive, let us see what else the beginner: has included in his order, assuming that he has had good advice, and what the whole outfit has cost him. Here is a list, a little more complete than I gave with my first order: One colony of bees in a iten-frame One pair of bee-gloves_____._____-__- $0.50 chaff hive____ SO) OPS IMIS Wore soos ae eee eeocuemeee 25 One tested Italian queen 3.00 One Porter bee-escape, with board__ £35) Two extra hives with frame One bee-prushpess ee ee ee al) MOMDECSe asset eee eee ee ee 9.20 f Six supers with sections filled with One feeder____.----.------.---------- 10 comb foundations. 2) Sa @ , OS CWESI-GAS coaesecnocessencsesss -10 One Standard bee-smoker _________. 85 wert OneiGlobelbee=vetl see ae nee eee 1.00 Total’ ..-sease-n2s sseascceesceeeee $28.00 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS This illustration shows the beeman finding the Queen Bee February, 1912 Now, as to the articles listed here but not already de- scribed. _The supers are square boxes without top or bot- tom, which:are put on the hive body—one, two or three of them, as may be required—to hold the surplus honey. They are filled with little squares of wood, such as are seen in the shops holding comb honey. These squares are called sections, and rest in a little support which holds them in position in the super. The bees come up from the frames in the hive body below and fill the sections with honey, when the flowers are yielding nectar abundantly. Fach section is supposed to hold a pound of honey. Each section should contain comb foundation, which is a thin sheet of wax, with which the bees start the combs. Some_ bee-keepers use only small strips of foun- dation, as a matter of econ- omy, but I much prefer full sheets. It requires about ten pounds of honey to make one pound of wax, so that all the help given the bees in this way is well worth while. A super, filled with these sections arranged in rows, is put on the hive just before the bees are due to bring in honey in abundance, which is when the flowers begin to bloom. When the bees have filled all the frames in the hive body and brood, they surge up into the supers, draw out the foundation into comb and fill the comb with honey. This is the only honey to which the bee-keeper is entitled, as that below cannot be disturbed without robbing the bees. They need as least twenty-five pounds to last them through the winter. He must be a lethargic bee-keeper who does not get ex- cited when a fine honey flow is on. Then the bees work night and day—in the fields by daylight and in the hive after dark. The air about the hive-entrance is fairly alive with them, but they are good-natured and happy, paying no atten- tion to anything but the business in hand. A super may be filled in a day or two. Then it is raised and another put beneath it. That, too, may be filled, and a third, or even a fourth and a fifth, placed in position and crowded with the honey harvest—a total of several hundred pounds. ‘That is the sort of thing that raises the amateur to the seventh heaven of happiness and leads him to neglect all his other business while the honey flow is on. This must not be ex- pected as a regular event, however. As a rule, the beginner should be satisfied with a yield of thirty or forty pounds a colony, that being a fair average. In the Fall, after the honey has been removed, one super is filled with leaves, chaff or pine needles and placed on the hive under the cover, as an absorbent and a protection against cold. The bee-gloves and veil listed are indispensable for the amateur, and should be put on every time the hive is opened. In this way all danger of stings is obviated. The gloves are long and have elastic tape which binds the sleeve closely to the arm. I have found that it is also wise to use elastic around the bottom of my trousers legs, for the bees some- times fall into the grass. I have a vivid recollection of a bee which climbed to my thigh, where it smote me when I unthinkingly clapped my hand on the spot where I felt it crawling. It may be said, parenthetically, that ammonia is the sovereign panacea for bee stings. The main thing, though, is to instantly remove the barb which the bee leaves February, 1912 in the flesh. This may be done by brushing the sleeve or hand over the spot. Many professional bee-keepers seldom use veil or gloves, but none of them scorn the bee-smoker, by means of which it is possible to ward off many attacks when the bees are in ill humor. Sweet-tempered as Italian bees are, they are easily angered if interfered with at night or on a cold and cloudy day, as well as by nervous and hurried motions. If a hive is opened at mid-day, with honey coming in freely, the bees will give no trouble, but the use of a smoker makes it possible to control the insects under all conditions. It is a little device in which old rags, rotted wood or any material which makes a dense smoke may be burned. A small bellows blows the smoke through a noz- zle, so that it may be directed to any given spot. When a hive is to be opened a little smoke is driven into the entrance and a little under a corner of the cover. This is usually enough to subdue the bees, for they become demoralized in the presence of smoke. Most beginners use too much smoke in their nervousness. Removing the surplus honey was a rather exciting operation until the Por- ter bee-escape, combined with a honey- board, came into general use. Now it is a very simple matter. The bee-escape is a little device which is placed over a hole in the center of a light board, and which allows a bee to pass through in one direction only. The board is slipped between the super and the hive body and a few puffs of smoke forced into the super. When the hive is opened, several hours later, the super is found practically free of bees and the honey may be removed at leisure, which proves the worth of the device. The hive tool is a handy little instru- ment for prying open the hive when it sticks, and for various other purposes. A screw-driver is a poor substitute here. The feeder is for use in giving the bees aid when they have not stored suf- ficient honey to last them through the Winter. Occasionally it is possible to save a weak swarm by this means. Gran- ulated sugar is dissolved in water and placed in the feeder, which is put into the hive. It must always be used inside the hive in order to prevent robbing on the part of bees from other hives, which often occurs when sweets are exposed, and which is highly demoralizing. A moral sense seems to be something which bees lack. A friend of mine has several hives in an attic. On one occasion he left the super on one hive uncovered for a short time when he was called away. When he returned the attic was filled with a buzzing horde of robber bees. The bee-brush is convenient when it is necessary to remove the bees from a frame of comb for any purpose. It will be used more frequently as the beginner gets experience and adds to the number of his colonies. One of the first things about which the amateur begins to worry is swarming, but even that bugaboo ceases to trouble him when he learns how to clip the tiny wings of the queen with a pair of curved manicure scissors. This operation should take place early in the season, and is not at all dif- ficult. A bright, warm day should be chosen, so that the Women are very successful bee-keepers - 7 Smoking the bees betore opening a_ hive. These are single-wall hives AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 65 worker bees will be in the fields, making it easier to find the queen. Then Her Majesty may be picked up gently and the ends of the wings snipped off. The swarming fever may be held in check by putting the supers on early and by using a large hive; but if a swarm does issue, the clipped queen will drop to the ground in front of the hive, not being able to fly. The swarm will keep on until it finds that the queen is missing, when it will come circling back. In the meantime the bee-keeper will have picked up the queen and put her into the cage mentioned in the above list. If he wants to increase the numbder of his colonies, he will remove the old hive and substitute a new one. Then, when the swarm returns and commences to go in, he will place the queen among the bees and she will run in, too. When the bees have been hived, the new colony may be given another location and the old hive returned to its orignal stand. The bee-keeper will then have two colonies instead of one, for only a por- tion of the bees swarm, and a new queen will be reared in the old hive without the assistance of the bee-keeper. A queen is raised from an ordinary worker egg, her peculiar development being due to the manner in which she is fed and cared for by the other bees. A cell con- taining a prospective queen is easily dis- tinguished, as it is made much larger thanthe others. It is possible to build up a good-sized apiary in a few years from a single colony by permitting free swarming. ‘That is why I said at the begin- ning that three hives at the most were all the beginner should start work with. Of course, less honey is secured when the bees are allowed to swarm freely, as the strength of the colony is depleted. If a new colony is not desired, the queen is simply allowed to run into the old hive when the bees return from their flight. Then two or three frames of comb are removed from the middle of the hive and replaced with frames having only foundation sheets of wax. The bees usually are willing to begin on them, quickly drawing out the wax into comb. When the bees are run for honey only, the amount produced averages about thirty pounds to a colony. Sometimes it 1s much less; again, it may be a hundred pounds, or even more, if the season is a good one and the colony strong. Comb honey sells at the stores for from twenty to thirty cents a pound. Whether the honey be sold or its value credited to the household commissary, it represents practically all profit. A trifling amount may be required for starters and honey sections, but the up- keep is very small. Most amateurs will want to increase the number of their colonies through swarming, and, of course, a new hive with its equipment must be supplied with each additional colony. After the amateur has had a few years’ experience, however, he prob- ably will begin to use single-wall hives, as they are easier to handle when there are a considerable number to be shifted about. These hives vary in price, but are less than the double-wall hives; but whatever is the cost of bee-keeping, no other hobby pays a dividend on the money invested. 66 9 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS aa 1g12 CONCERNING DRAPERIES By Harry Martin Yeomans | N common with a great many other things ij|| relative to interior decoration, draperies have passed through so many vicissitudes since first coming into use that one is apt to forget that theirs was in the beginning a utilitarian purpose. Like the chimney-seat, the high-b backed settle and the winged chair, which kept off the cold and conserved the heat from the open fire, so, too, during the old days the rather heavy arras hangings were drawn entirely across the windows and the high- post beds to afford the necessary protection from the cold and from draughts which penetrated the badly heated and poorly ventilated houses of those times. They were useful, and not merely decorative. The heavy over-drap- eries, ornamented with an abundance of fringe, cord and tassels, looped up in festoons and falling in cascades, were an invention of the upholsterer of a later period, who swathed the structural woodwork of doors, windows and mantels in dust-catching and insanitary draperies, regardless of any real purpose which they might serve. A few years ago it was considered necessary to have three sets of curtains at each window, the combined efforts of which were quite successful in excluding the light and sun- shine. But fortunately they are a thing of the past, and the purely ornamental draperies are passing out, due to an awakened interest in the why and wherefore of things decorative and a realization that draperies should justify their existence by adding their quota of utility as well as beauty to the house. Win- dow treatments should be both sane and simple, and the hangings should be so arranged as to give a pleas- ing and uniform appearance to the exterior of the house, to exclude the glare of too much light, and to be drawn in the evening when the lamps are lighted and privacy is desired within the room. Pane curtains of a light material with over-curtains of a heavier fabric are all that should be required for the win- dows of the small house. Diaphanous sash or pane curtains of écru net, point d’esprit, scrim or China silk, run on small brass rods, are in good taste and appropriate for every room in the house. It is a good idea to have them of the same ron vt AL MANN DNs \ WITHIN THE HOUSE SUGGESTIONS ON INTERIOR DECORATING AND NOTES OF INTEREST TO ALL WHO DESIRE TO MAKE THE HOUSE MORE BEAUTIFUL AND MORE HOMELIKE The Editor of this Department will be glad to answer all queries from subscribers pertaining to Home Decoration. should be enclosed when a direct personal reply is desired Wintioo treatment eg Be Boe sane ae ener in ne matter of draperies Stamps material throughout, which will give unity to your decora- tive scheme. If further curtains are required, they should be in the form of over-curtains of a more substantial textile, this depending on the texture and furnishings of the room. These curtains should be either sill length or come all the way to the floor, and hang in straight folds from brass rods, and arranged so that they can be easily drawn. Elaborately draped valances are a thing of the past, but one laid in box or side plaits is simple and effective when made of a light material, such as cretonne or chintz. If the curtains should be of a heavy fabric, like velour, a plain valance should be used, decorated with a band of gold galloon near the edge. A valance will have the effect of reducing the apparent height of a window, and should not be used over low windows. If one does not wish to have the rod and rings show, a heading at the top of the curtains will cover them effectively. : Long curtains coming to the floor should be lined, as this will give them more body; but when they are only sill length this is not necessary, especially with such fabrics as rajah silk, pongee or other rough materials of the same texture. A tiny hem at the bottom of such curtains, filled with shot, will make them hang better. As far as it is practical to do so, curtains should be hung in the windows, or in such a way as not to cover up all of the standing woodwork, which adds to the constructive quality of a room. Portiéres should be used in doorways only when there is some rea- son for their being there, and openings that are supplied with doors should not be cur- tained, unless the design of the door is so poor that it must be completely hidden. TRYING OUT A COLOR SCHEME. HEN decorating a house, or even a single room, we can save ourselves from exasperation and dis- appointment with the final results if we will only give a little forethought to our task and take the precaution of trying out our color scheme. Wall-papers and fabrics for hangings and wall covering frequently have the bad habit of not coming up to one’s ex- pectations when placed in a room, and still they seemed to be just the right thing when seen in the shop. The effect of wall-papers that are to be used in various rooms which get their light from different directions cannot be accurately judged in the light of a shop. Some colors AMERICAN February, 1912 windows are have the happy faculty of changing under artificial lights, and this is an- other reason why the effect of wall coverings should be experimented with in the actual rooms in which they are to be used. Most wall-paper shops will not give samples, but a whole roll can be purchased and returned if it should prove unsatisfactory. If plaster walls are to be tinted and the woodwork stained, it is extremely important that one should take the precaution of gaging the ultimate results after the drying process has taken place. If it is a new house which is being decorated, some of the plaster can be spread on boards for experimental purposes with the wall tints, and the wood dyes and stains can be rubbed into bits of molding. This may appear to be a great deal of trouble, but the results will justify all the time and thought that has been expended. THE ADAPTABLE WINDSOR CHAIR. CHAIR that looks well in almost any environment is indeed worthy of note, especially when it is inexpen- sive, and such is the case with our old friend, the sturdy Windsor chair. This type of chair can be used to advantage in rooms furnished in Colonial, mahogany, Mission, old English, or in conjunction with any furniture finished in a dull dark stain and showing the grain of the wood. The writer had the extreme adaptability of this chair forcibly brought to his attention recently in the living-room of a new house. Strict economy had to be practiced in the furnishing of this room, so it was decided to use some Windsor chairs in addition to the old mahogany ones which the owner already possessed, as they were economical and helped along the Colonial spirit of the room, and could also be used as porch furniture during the Summer. In another small house in the country some of these chairs had been treated to a coat of flat dark green paint, and made most accept- able chairs for the dining-room, with its yellow tinted walls, sage-green woodwork and yellow China silk sill- length curtains at the windows. The shops carry these chairs in the white wood, and they will furnish them in various stains and in ma- hogany to carry out any desired color scheme and they cost exactly $4.50. LEFT-OVER WALL-PAPERS IN REACH OF ALMOST ANY PURSE NE resourceful woman, who is her own decorator and has just finished the refurnishing of some bedrooms in a little house in the country, has told me of the good use which she made of the flower-bedecked papers which were left over. Large square hat-boxes, which adorned the Nasal vhs The several types of draperies for doors and designed upon emphasize the value and dignity of simplicity A Windsor chair looks well in almost any environment AND GARDENS lines that upper shelf in a closet, were covered with the paper, and thus brought into harmony with the rest of the room, and gave the closet a neat and tidy appearance if the door should be left open. The drawers of the chiffoniers and bureaus were lined with the wall-paper, which was held in place by thumb-tacks, so that it could be easily changed if it should become soiled or necessary to be removed for any cause. EE Ea wea ot conic tf fo oct ft ecco I) (OS ec ab foci tO occa er cman) SED REAL TAPESTRIES (Continued from page 48) Gears Sania BS GD a a eS these are the tapestries that Aubusson weavers understand best how to produce. Not that I would decry the art of the Aubusson weavers. From time immemorial this little city of Aubusson, in France, two hundred and seven miles by rail south of Paris, has been noted as a center of tapestry weaving. ‘Tradition says that the industry was established here in 732 A.D., by stragglers from the great Saracen army, defeated near Tours by Charles Martel, grandfather of Charlemagne. As late as 1585 the weavers were called tappiciers sarrazinois (Saracen tapestry-makers). The Au- busson product is by no means confined to furniture cover- ings. At the Paris Exposition of 1900 two Aubusson manufacturers received the grand prize, displaying among the reproductions two of Le Brun’s Seventeenth Century ‘‘Royal Residences,” of which the jury said, ‘They are so like the originals as to be mistaken for them.” The so- called Aubusson rugs are real tap- estry in heavy weave, and in designs suitable for the floor. Of Eighteenth Century tapestries in general, it may be said that they are vastly inferior to the Baroque ones of the Seventeenth Century, just as these are inferior to the Renaissance ones of the Sixteenth Century, and the Renaissance ones to the Gothic tapestries of the Fif- teenth Century and earlier. Among Renaissance tapestries especially desirable for reproduction are the Grotesque ones that have ornament pure and simple—orna- ment often incorrectly called ara- besque and consisting of arbors and foliage and flowers, and occasional human and animal forms—and that get their name ‘“‘Grotesque”’ from the Ro- man excavations (crypts or grottos) that at the beginning of the Sixteenth Century disclosed the Golden House of Nero. Photographs and color sketches are easily accessible, from which the reproductions can be woven with finished effect. 68 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS FEBRUARY GARDENING, INDOORS AND OUT ma)LIIS is good St. Valentine’s month, dedicated ld|| to the Bleeding-Heart, the Dicentra of our old-fashioned gardens. ‘The snows. still cling to the ground. Even the courageous Crocus will not be so foolhardy as to be peeping its little head above the generous blanket of earth which good Mother Nature has lent it for weeks to come. Nevertheless, it is time to be stirring in matters relating to the garden you have in mind for next Summer. You will be wishing to make up your plant lists by next month, and placing your orders for seeds then, so it will be well for you now to be attending to the laying out of your garden on paper as you intend it to be arranged when the actual working of the soil commences, with the advent of Springtime. If you get your seeds now you will have a chance to entertain yourself, and instruc- pa on Cael A MONTHLY KALENDAR OF TIMELY GARDEN OPERA- TIONS AND USEFUL HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS ABOUT THE HOME GARDEN AND GROUNDS All queries will gladly be answered by the Editor. reply is desired by subscribers stamps should be enclosed therewith. February, 1912 If a personal tively, too, by testing their germination qualities, indoors, in a flat of earth. The middle of February is not too early for starting various early vegetables, indoors or in the greenhouse, later to be transferred to the coldframe out- doors. A top dressing of fine manure will not prove amiss if applied now to the lawn, for the Winter care of the lawn is a very important matter to take into consideration, when fine sod is desired. You may take cuttings now oe your Chrysanthemums for next Fall’s flowering, and small green- house plants can now be purchased and cultivated through- out Spring and Summer, until they reach their maturity next season. Indoors there will be plenty of work to be under- taken in connection with house plants, for their increased growth during the Winter will probably require that they be repotted. This will be especially true of palms, ferns and other foliage plants. If you have Rhubarb in your gar- den from year to year, you can force the roots at this time to an early growth by placing barrels or boxes over them and covering with stable manure. ‘This will bring the stocks forth well in advance of their ordinary season if the roots are merely left to themselves. In February, too, one should not forget to examine any plum or cherry trees that may adorn the garden. It is possible they will be afflicted with what is known as plum-knot, a disease which causes the affected limbs and branches to swell. All knots should be cut off and burned. FLOWER SEEDS TO SOW IN FEBRUARY HE month of February will be a good one in which the amateur gardener can experiment with planting seeds in flats—that is to say, in shallow boxes, indoors—of the Rex Begonia, of other Begonias, and of the Heliotropes. HE first of these, the Begonia, produces a fine dust- like seed, which must be sown on the surface of the earth in the flats. In ten days these seeds should germinate, and the tiny plants, springing up thickly, merely appear like a green mossy growth on the soil. As soon as the diminu- tive Begonias will stand pricking out, they should be set an inch apart in another flat and left until they attain a height of a little over an inch, when it will be safe to transfer them to two-inch pots containing a rich loamy earth. Next these two-inch pots containing the young Begonias should be plunged—that is to say, placed in pans of wet sand, sur- rounding them to the rims, and kept in a cool window with a northern exposure, though out of a draught. These grow- ing plants will require moisture from the air, so if they are placed in a room heated by stove or otherwise a pan of water must be kept on the heater and never allowed to be- come dry. February-planted Begonias will be ready to bed out in the early Summer. One must not overlook the fact that there are two kinds of Begonias—the tuberous ones that are used for Summer flowering, and the fibrous ones for Winter. The tuberous pe owe their beieie to February, 1912 SI TE There is a definite pleasure in raising such Begonias as these oneself Clarkei, B. Davisi, B. Pearcei, B. rosaeflora and B. Veitchii. There are also the semi-tuberous Begonias (hybrids between tuberous-rooted and fibrous-rooted species), such as the varieties known as Winter Cheer (carmine) and Julius (rose). The beautiful pink Gloire de Lorraine is the love- liest Winter Begonia, having attractive foliage and pro- ducing hundreds of flowers. Moreover, it can stand a temperature as low as 58 degrees in Winter, and is one of the best Begonias grown for use in hanging baskets. This variety needs plenty of water. Of the Rex Begonias (those raised for their fo- liage, having, as they do, in- conspicuous flowers), one may recommend the follow- ing varieties: Grandis (bronze), President Carnot (silvery white), Surprise (deep bronze and silvery rose), The Mystery (red and green with silvery edge), and the Van-der Hyde (mot- tled green and white). Of the flowering Begonias, the following are very attrac- tive: Alba picta (narrow, green leaves spotted with white, and white flowers in clusters), Argentea Guttata (bronze leaf marked with silver, and white flowers), B. McBethii (finely-cut foliage and pure white flowers), B. Metallica (bronze foliage and white flowers), Margurite (foliage resembles B. Metallica, but flowers are light rose color), Zebrina (white-veined dark-green foliage and light pink flowers), and B. grandi- flora erecta cristata (Bearded Begonia). Then there are the Wax Begonias (B.semperfloreus ), which bloom continuously. ANI RICAN HOMES AND GARDENS ae PEELE HEOBES OTD I SSeS Sees baw Senese pe 4 rie The Begonia will ever remain one of the loveliest plants for both indoor and for outdoor culture, blossoming, as it does at all seasons ELTA Eis ei, vi CEE PEP EOE ETE EEE EE a @ os e COREL REE RR ES {UTA NE See seh a ere thy FEE NS RN OYE LIE AO ND A EE PEERED AEI I from seed, either to adorn the window garden or the outdoor beds HEN Heliotrope seed is planted in February it will produce plants large enough by early Summer for bedding outdoors. Heliotrope seed requires a soil that is just moist, and never wet or completely dry. After sprin- kling the seed over the surface of the flat, sprinkle over it a light layer of fine white sand. In twenty days the seed should germinate. Although there are many excellent va- rieties of the Heliotrope, there is no variety more satisfac- tory than the old-fashioned lilac - colored Peruvianum, which is exceedingly fragrant and floriferous. CELERY FROM SEED NE of the readers of this department requests information regarding Celery raising from the seed, and as this will prove of interest to many, the following hints for this culture are here given; February will be the proper month in which the amateur vegetable gardener may es- say Celery growing from seed. White Plume or Golden Self-Blanching va- rieties are especially recom- mended, and the seeds of these may now be sown in- doors in flats if a fine loamy soil is procurable for filling them. ‘he seed must be sown generously by sprinkling over the soil, upon which one should sift a thin layer composed of half sand and half pulverized soil. This should be firmed well with a flat piece of wood (i.e., the soil gently but firmly patted down). ‘The flats newly seeded require a moderately warm place and frequent watering, though the soil in this connection must never be soaked or drenched. 70 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS SOMETHING ABOUT THE LUNCHEON By Elizabeth Atwood Photographs by Jessie Tarbox Beals and T. C. Turner HERE are very few women, given the in- spiration of opportunity and money to pay the bills, who would not be equal to giving a perfectly appointed luncheon. If they do not possess individual resources, there are those to whom they may turn who make a living out of planning such things for others. From those who plan the color scheme for the day, with its myriad of details carefully looked after, and those who prepare the various delectable dishes called for in the plan, a complete and artistic whole can surely be developed. But what about the daily luncheon, six days of the week? What must the resources be of the mother who watches over and cares for her growing children, whether they are two years old or in the football field? I think that here is a very important part of the housekeeper’s responsibilities, not that any part is unimportant, but so many women feel that anything will answer for that meal, unless company is there. How about treating one’s family with the same con- siderationone’s guests are treated with? The family will not care for darkened win- dows and _ prettily shaded candles, may- be, nor will they care for calf-s head-a la vVinarernette’’.or “hashed sturkey a Ja royale; (with its mushroom liquor and paté de foies gras, but they do care for the little attentions from Mother quite as much ash het | guests. “I know this to be so from various sources. We are given over to the idea of a “‘light breakfast,’ we of the 4 average ‘middle-class,’ as well as those of the “‘upper- class.” It is also generally the habit to serve our fresh meat in whatever form, for dinner. Dinner, at least in and around the cities, is usually an evening meal. ‘This means that luncheon becomes the meal where the “‘left-overs”’ are disposed of, and it is up to the cook—whether she is Mother, or Margaret, or maid—to see that these ‘‘left-overs” are treated with proper and respectful attention. Right here HELPS POmnits OS al TABLE AND HOUSEHOLD SUGGESTIONS OF INTER- EST TO EVERY HOUSEKEEPER AND HOUSEWIFE WEEN ALE Bit os ti é TieeEee of a anaes ee cut-glass breakfast set. market the February, 1912 Ee nee a let me tell you that it is far easier to cook your fresh foods than it is to make “‘scraps” pretty to look at and palatable as well. In these days of exorbitant prices, all scraps should be looked after. Nothing should be despised, and absolutely nothing should be thrown away. When living in an apart- ment in the city of New York, it used to hurt me to see the good foods which went down each morning in the garbage pails. Surely such waste must bring its punishment sooner or later. Bread enough to keep a family went down every week. Part of this waste is due to ignorance, but a greater part is due to simon-pure laziness. It does take time to work over scraps into dainty dishes; it does take thought and inclination, too. But, my! doesn’t it pay? Just try it and find out for yourself. My football hero loves to bring his friends home to lunch, and they never refuse his invitation. The mother of one of these friends called me up by telephone the other day to ask me what I had given her boy to eat. “I can’t get him to eat luncheon at home,” she said, ‘“‘and I thought I would like to know what you give the boys.” It happened that this time I was not prepared for one guest, at least as to quan- tity, and it means quantity when you feed boys. I had some bits of steak and a few potatoes, not enough for more than three, and there were six! I had prepared this for hash, but I had some pieces of toast left from break- fast, which I dipped in salted water, placed these in the center of a large plat- ter, and put the hash in mounds on _ the toast. I had a few peas left from the night before, which I had warmed up to serve the three plan- ned for; I put these as a frame around hash on toast. I knew these would not be enough for these hungry boys, so I scrambled four eggs, adding half a cup of milk for bulk. I cut some fingers of toast, put these around the edge of the platter, with a small spoonful of egg on each. In this way a poor little lot of scraps were converted into a pretty dish, for the color scheme of it made it attractive to the eye. And, also, things that would have been useless had it not been for a little thought and trouble, were made a the recent novelties in the | One of February, 1912 SES A 8. ano SNE RR SE See UNIS ee ES Ce Three plates ai Russian ware. AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 71 Sore of the designs are in Bice: or brown on a white ground, wile Gthers are Waaned in color. _ MELA DEEDES ALE ASA LAS ASSAD TIE fe mmammmcttien. 0 ae Biker are attractive and inexpensive “Why, I never “but I give substantial meal for these football players. think much about luncheon,” this mother said; them a good dinner.” There you are! Luncheon not given much thought, when boys and girls lead such strenuous lives! These football players need to be given nourishing food at noon, when either practice or game will take so much out of them before dinner- time comes. It need not be chops or steak. Our farmers and our Government employ scientific experts to help them; they study well the needs of their cattle to find a properly balanced ra- tion to feed them. Can mothers do less for their families? I should say, ought they to do less? Are not these growing children in as great need of thoughtful care of their food as the animals on a farm? For instance: In cold weather, when the food value of meat is lacking, I always have cocoa to help out, or I will have a soup. I always save every scrap of toast, and, to make the soup more inviting, I cut these ‘scraps into dice. Not having left-over toast, I make toast for these croutons, knowing them to be more wholesome than fried croutons. This is no trick; it simply calls for more time in preparing than it would take to put crackers on a plate. [ make a mayonnaise which is not rich (you can make it so if you wish to), which will keep indefinitely, and when the supply i 1s getting low I prepare more, so that I am never without it. It is nourishing and wholesome, and is good to use in many ways. It is economical, too, for I make corn- starch take the place of so many eggs. Put three cups of milk in a double boiler, and when hot, stir in three tea- spoonfuls of cornstarch which has been dissolved in cold milk. While this is still cooking, take two dessertspoons each of mustard and sugar and one dessertspoon of salt. Mix well and then stir in two whole eggs. Sometimes, when I wish to make a white cake, I use the yolks of five eggs in this way: Put butter the size of an egg into the boiling milk, and have one cup of vinegar measured ready for use. Now is the critical point. Add the eggs, and do not stop stirring after the eggs are added to the milk. When this mixture is well stirred together, put in the cup of vinegar and stir even more briskly for two or three min- Pieces Ebi Batis ware ee set. The colored decoration, on a cream glazed ground, reproduces the designs of the famous Bayeux tapestry utes. All this time the water in the under part of the boiler should boil very hard. Take off and put in pan of cold water. Keep on stirring until the boiling heat is out of the mixture, or it will try to curdle. A little onion juice may be added, if there is no prejudice against onions. With this mayon- naise in stock I am always ready for the unexpected guest. | generally have can- ned chicken, salmon and peas in_ stock. Also for part of the week I have cold cooked rice on hand. I use any kind of cold meat that I may have for these simple home salads. Take a little cold roast pork, or even pork chops, cut up into dice, add a cup of rice and some celery cut fine, and you have, with the lettuce leaves on which you put it, a wholesome dish, even though it bears the name of salad. | have even taken cold lamb, or mutton, being careful to trim off every bit of fat, and used it in this way, adding peas when I have them. ‘This is contrary to my early training, but I have found that scraps of meat used in this way are really good, much better than warming over in their origi- nal form. Another dish which meets the approval of all cheese lovers is this: Take American cheese and chop it fine, adding from time to time a little of this mayonnaise, until the mixture is fine and smooth. ‘This is used as one uses cream cheese. When I have to go to the city, or for any reason can- not be at home for luncheon, I prepare a filling for sand- wiches simply and easily. I chop my cold meat which I have on hand, or boil eggs twenty minutes. When they are mealy, chop very fine; add mayonnaise till a smooth paste is formed. ‘Take a pot of deviled ham, and it is greatly im- proved by the addition of some of this dressing. I keep nut meats of some kind on hand, and always have lettuce. ‘This is by no means as extravagant as it sounds, for five cents’ worth of nut meats in a salad will go farther than any kind of meat which may be bought for five cents. Apples and nuts, even though you do not have the celery to make it properly a “Waldorf salad,” are delicious. This convenience of having things in the house, instead of over in the store, is solely a matter of habit. In fact, every dealer will make a discount if cans of goods are bought by the half dozen, and one can always have lettuce if they will 72 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS February, I9gi2 — a ifi Ith ee Five interesting styles of table bells. “These are all models of antique bells or adapted trom old designs, but may be tound in the shops of our large cities remember and buy for to-morrow with to-day’s goods. Then there is hash, which may be made to contain various kinds of nourishment. A southern girl greatly enjoys what she calls my dry hash. Hash in the south is what we call minced meat, with a good deal of gravy to it. I learned how to make the hash which she likes from an excellent cook in Vermont. ‘There is always some stale bread chopped in with the meat, and well seasoned with some scraped onion, salt, pepper, and a few drops of Worcestershire sauce, be- fore the potatoes are added. When the spider is put on, instead of lard or butter being used, milk, according to the amount of hash, is allowed to heat before putting in the hash. If the hash seems too dry, add more milk or water, and cook at least half an hour over a slow fire, stirring occasionally. This same hash molded into balls, dipped in egg and then in breadcrumbs, and again in egg and then in crumbs, makes fine croquettes fried in deep fat. I seldom do this, for I regard the plain hash as a more wholesome dish for family use. By the way, is it not strange that we are apt to prepare more indigestible food for a formal lunch- eon than we serve to our families? I like the idea of serv- ing every day to my own something so good and in such at- tractive shape that the stranger will be able to enjoy it, too, for, after all, we live more for our own family than for the formal guest, and I do not care for formal guests! I want even the presupposed formal guest to enter into the family and to lunch with them. What is good enough for the family surely is good enough for the guest if the family is cared for according to the proper standard, as it should be. ATTRACTIVE BAKING-DISHES T once a joy and a boon are these pretty kitchen dishes, for baking particularly. They do look so cheery and promising when = ; os brought on the ae table with their contents steaming hot. Originally we had only the casseroles in vari- ous sizes and shapes, with and without covers or handles. Now we have spit elie 1s; cups — even a salad bowl comes inet hiswep Gert ty, chocolate-colored ware with _ its snow-white lining. In the casseroles Attractive baking dishes add greatly to the pleasure of cooking and open baking- dishes we are tempted to try experiments with the various things requiring long cooking ; with combi-. nations, which cooked in a common iron kettle would be called ‘‘stew.’’ Served ‘‘en casserole,” in the dear little dish in which it has been cooked, the despised stew takes on new flavor, because the eye has been gratified first. These attractive dishes are not beyond the purse of the housewife whose expenditure is limited, although they cost somewhat more than granite ware or tin. But they are such a comfort one should begin accumulating them, for nothing is more practical and alluring in the list of kitchen pees than these eine sets, Now + Oa made. THE HOUSE IN THE SUBURBS (Continued from page 74) ES CC a af mci ft ec cco fod ecco eh) (ORD feces carnooota tiles on roof or floors of verandas. The Valentine house has a broad hall, although it does not divide the house, as is the case in some of the other houses we have shown. Its arrangement makes possible two windows opening upon the veranda and a very successful placing of the main stairway in analcove. This long, beautifully proportioned hall opens at either end by broad openings into living-room and dining- room, and the living-room opens by casement windows into a broad veranda flagged with brick and screened. A simi- lar veranda at the opposite end of the house provides sym- metry and serves as an out-of-door living-room. The home of Harry H. Gifford, Esq., at Summit, New Jersey, designed by Charles Allen Gifford, architect, New York, differs in many ways from any of the houses we have shown and described. It is of brick and very nearly square, and though some- what similar to S © the houses built mince by the English ‘, : settlers in Massa- chusetts, it is more closely related to the work of the English colonists in Virginia or Maryland. The suburbs of New York, with their variety of domestic architec- ture, deserve care- ful study by all interested im home-building. fo) + gg0FB¥n,, February, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS xi The Making and Management of Hotbeds and Coldframes By F. F. ROCKWELL OO many persons still labor under the misapprehension that one must employ the services of a professional gardener in order to get into the real niceties of gar- dening. As one of these “niceties” that have been neglected too often by the amateur gardener one might class the making and management of hotbeds and coldframes, especially the making and management of the latter. And yet without frames not only is the garden season unnecessarily shortened sev- eral months—months, not weeks, mind you —but the summer garden itself is inevitably handicapped. The hotbed, and even more so the coldframe, is an indispensable ad- junct to every efficient garden. And let me add, just as a passing but serious consid- eration, that with the price-tags one sees these days stuck in the green-grocer’s boxes and barrels, the efficient garden is not a thing to be overlooked, even if catnip may grow with the weeds in the border. It’s getting to be fully as much a necessity as a luxury. It pays a real cash return on the investment. One may manage his supplementary gar- den successfully without the assistance of a professional. In contrasting those per- sons who own small gardens and yet have their gardening done for them with those who garden for themselves one will find that the latter are those who get the most out of it. He who gets the benefit of his garden—either outdoors or under glass— only when he sits down to the table, is miss- ing all the best part of it. Even in the making of the frames you can, if you are a bit handy with tools, dis- pense with the services of a carpenter ; there is no complicated work to be done. If you have no spare time, probably the best way is to buy both “sash” and “frame-beds’”’ ready-made. The latter are shipped “knocked down” and come all ready for you to assemble and set up. Several firms are now making something of a specialty of supplying these. The prices, considering the quality of material and workmanship, are very reasonable. There certainly is no ex- cuse for any one whose “time” is so valu- able that he can’t afford enough of it to build his own frame, not to buy at least a three-sash frame “ready-made.” For the person, however, who has a little spare time and likes to use it in cash-saving ways, the building of his—or even of her— own frames offers a very agreeable task, not too difficult for the beginner. So far as the materials go, hotbeds and coldframes are alike. The difference be- tween the two is that the coldframe de- pends for its warmth upon receiving and holding the sun’s rays, the hotbed is sup- plied with artificial heat. This is furnished in practically all cases by fermenting horse manure. Steam and hot water pipes have been used, but without much success—the heat they supply is too variable. It will be seen, of course, that in the case of the hotbed, extra room must be allowed for the heating material. DETAILS OF CONSTRUCTION The standard “sash” used as a covering for both coldframes and beds is three by six feet. They can be bought, glazed and painted, at from $2.50 to $3.50 each. If you are really pining for work, you can buy the frames and glaze them yourself, but on a few sashes you can’t save enough to pay for your time. There is now made also a sash with double glass, with an air space between. They have the disadvantage of being very heavy; but this is more than compensated for by the fact that this air cushion takes the place of covering with mats and shutters, so that they are very much warmer than the single glass. The latter are used, however, and probably will continue to be, for the greater part of gar- dening operations in the spring and early fall. The size of the frame to be constructed will depend, of course, upon the number of sash to be used. Three is a handy number for the home garden. Figured on that basis, the inside of the frame would be nine feet by six. It is best, however, to have your sash on hand before constructing your frame, in order that you may get all meas- urements exact. It is usual, for instance, to place between each two sashes a 2 by 4 support laid flat and on a level with the edge of the frame, upon which is nailed a l1-inch by 2-inch strip, edge up. This serves as a support and guide in handling the sash. In estimating the length of the frame, those 1-inch strips must be allowed for. ‘There would, of course, be two in a three-sash frame. The depth of the frame will depend on whether it is to be used as a hotbed or merely as a coldframe. In the former case it should be from two to three feet deep—preferably the latter. Half of this should be below the ground level. The back side of the frame should be about six inches higher than the front, to give the sash a pitch required to carry off rain and better to catch the sunlight. Where a simple cold- frame is required, the frame may be 18 inches in front and 24 inches back. The best materials to use, if you want something lasting and substantial, is 2 x 12- inch plank of chestnut, or cypress. A cheaper frame may be made by using 1-inch boards, with 2 x 4-inch studding for posts, and % x 1-inch battens for covering cracks. Concrete is also used in making frames, and gives the ideal results. The initial cost is more, but the frame is practically ever- lasting and is water and animal proof. Such a frame must be constructed with forms and a good rich mixture, in the regular way. If you contemplate building a concrete frame, get the assistance of someone familiar with the working of it. PREPARING THE MATERIALS The preparation of the soil for a cold- frame is very simple. The ground inside of it, or over which it is to be placed, is dug up and well enriched with rotted man- ure. Where the frame is permanent, the protection of a heavy coating of manure is often given in the fall, and the sash left on, so that work may be begun earlier in the spring. For the hotbed the matter is not so simple. Where the hotbed is already built, manure is put in to a depth of 18 to 24 inches (the latter depth seldom required), and well trod down. This should be cov- ered with about 6 inches of good garden soil, thoroughly fined. When a thermom- eter indicates that the heat in the frame has receded to 70°, planting may be done. Where, however, one has not a frame ready, and the ground is frozen solid, the only thing to do is to build the hotbed on the manure, and in this case the manure should be put in a heat three or four feet deep, level, and extending at least a foot beyond the frame in every direction—for instance, for a 6 x 9 frame, the pile should ne) oe all siege In either case, the manure should be that of grain-fed horses fresh from the stables. This material should be procured several We wish to draw your attention to a few of our Novelties and Specialties aameeor 1912-— And would ask you to include them in your order for Early Seeds. Cauliflower — Rickards Bros. Ball of Snow; the earliest and best in cultivation. Per packet, 50 cents. Lettuce—Rickards Bros. New Head; early and makes fine large heads. Per packet, 10 cents; 0z., 35 cents. Tomato—Rickards Bros. Extra Early; very early and fruit of excellent quality. Per packet, 10 cents; oz., 35 cents. Our new Catalog for 1912 is now ready and if you have not as yet received a copy send us a postal and we will mail you one free. Hridgeman’s Seed GAarebouse ESTABLISHED 1824 RICKARDS BROS., Props. High Grade Seeds, Bulbs, Plants, Etc. 37 EAST 19TH STREET Near Broadway NEW YORK Telephone, 4235 Gramercy SHEEP MANURE Dried and pulverized. No waste and no weeds Best fertilizer for lawns—gardens— trees—shrubs—vegetables and fruit. 00 Large barrel, freight prepaid East of 0 Missouri River—Cash with order. Write for interesting booklet and quantity prices. THE PULVERIZED MANURE CO. 21 Union Stock Yards Chicago, Ill. Have a Beautiful Lawn and Attractive Home Surroundings Flowering trees require but little space in the yard or on thelawn and are always the admiration of passers-by. Among the best are the Aralias, Ash, Catalpa, Japan Cherry, Cornus, Crabs, Horse Chestnut, Judas, Koel- reutaria, Magnolias, Thorns, Tulip Trees, etc. These, in connection with groups of Shrubbery, Roses, Grasses and Hardy Herbaceous Plants, make a beautiful lawn and attractive, homelike surroundings. They can be had at a nomi- nalcost, within the reach of everyone. We carry everything for the Gar- den, Lawn, Park and Orchard. 58 years of fair dealing has put us to the front. 1,200 acres, 47 greenhouses. Two Big Books Sent FREE—Write now for General Catalog No.2, 168 pages, or for Fruit and Ornamental Tree Catalog No.1, 112 pages. Both free. TRY US. We guarantee satisfaction. (40) The Storrs & Harrison Company Box 790 Painesville, Ohio xii AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS February, 1912 UPERB collections of Trees, Shrubs, Ever- greens, Roses and Hardy Plants adapted to small gardens, private estates, public parks and ceme- teries. Selected from the Most Complete Nursery Stock in America. 72 years of leadership, based on absolute integrity. A world-wide patronage. Every specimen is true to species, is well rooted and sturdily developed, and is packed and shipped with utmost care. Bothlargeand smallordersreceive close attention, and ourreputation assures your satisfaction. Goods safely delivered in all parts of the world. ELLWANGER & BARRY Mount Hope Nurseries Box 23, Rochester, N. Y. AN INVALUABLE FREE BOOK. Write for a copy of our 72nd Annual Catalogue. It is a standard guide in all matters per- taining to lawn and garden dec- oration. IT IS FREE. Just mail us a postal, and wewillsend you a copy at once. a STOKES’ SEEDS 2 The time to find out about seeds is before you plant—not after. Get as many seed catalogs as you like—but be sure to write for mine. I'll take a chance on being of some help to you. Write today and mention Amer. Homes and Gardens WALTER P. STOKES, Seedsman Department 44 Philadelphia, Pa. Two Things You Need FIRST: The only Sanitary method of caring for garbage, deep in the ground in metal receiver holding heavy galvanized bucket with bail. Garbage cannot freeze. Avoid the battered can and scattered refuse resulting from removal of frozen contents. Health demands it. Noses | Underground Garbage Receiver eS | Underioa Refuse Receiver SECOND: This clean, Ymacn wae - convenient way of disposing of ashes from furnace or hot water heater, cellar and yard Tefuse. Fireproof, flush with floor. Abolish the old ash-barrel. Nine Years in practical use. IT PAYS TO LOOK US UP. Sold direct. Send for Circulars on each, Cc. H. STEPHENSON, Mfz. 21 Farrar Street, Lynn, Mass. Easy to sweep into days in advance, mixed with about a third of its bulk of leaves or old straw bedding, and trodden down in a compact heap. After three or four days, turn it over and restack, putting the “outside inside.” Let it “heat” for several days more, and then put it into the frames. If it is still very hot, 90-100 degrees, do not put on the dirt till the tem- perature goes down a little. USES OF FRAMES The most important use of frames in con- nection with the home vegetable garden is in getting an early start. Weeks before you can sow seed outdoors, the temperature under the glass roof of the “cold” frame will enable you to begin operations there— early in March, if you use covering for cold nights, or, better, the double glass sash. The hotbed may be, of course, started any time, though February is the usual period. Wy Y fff Diagram of permanent hotbed sunk in the ground They are used together to the greatest ad- vantage, as in this way the seedlings may be started in heat and transferred to the coldframes after “pricking off” or trans- planting, at which time the temperature will be of course much milder than when they were planted. Many gardeners sow the seed directly in the soil in the frame, but a better method, especially where only small quantities are wanted, is to use “‘flats’’—wooden trays two or three inches deep and 13 inches by 19 inches or so in size. Cracker-boxes are the handiest things to make them from. Simply saw into sections and put on bottoms. The soil used should be light and fine, and the seed covered very lightly. It should be up in from four to ten days, and ready to “prick off”—as indicated by the forma- tion of the second true leaves in about four weeks for cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, etc., and a little longer for tomatoes and slower- growing varieties. The plants, when transplanted, may be put directly into the soil, but I believe bet- ter results are to be obtained by transplant- ing into flats, fifty to one hundred plants to the flat. Put a layer of about one inch of old manure in the bottoms of the boxes and cover with two inches of soil. By this method the plants may be shifted about as desired—a matter of some importance—and the roots, being confined within a limited space, are in much better shape for trans- planting. Before actually setting out in the garden, these plants must be “hardened off”; that is, gradually exposed to the right temperature without protection. Cabbage, cauliflower, beets, lettuce, will stand a light freezing, especially if they are not allowed to thaw out quickly in the sunshine. In case they are nipped, douse with ice-cold water and cover with an old blanket or bags. Tomatoes, egg-plant and peppers should not be started until March, as they require much more heat. They should be trans- planted as directed, and then again as soon as they begin to crowd. For the second transplanting, use pots 314 inches or 4 inches, if you can, as with them the best plants can be grown and the roots are not disturbed in transferring to the field. Melons, squashes, cucumbers and corn, which also revel in warmth, may be started in April, if there is good heat. Cut firm sod into chunks four or five inches square, Filter Your Entire Water Supply Improved | Paddock Double Water Filter and you will | Use Pure Water Only to the better health of your family. You safeguard your health and that of your family by insisting upon —pure food, healthful surroundings —pure air. Just As Important to you is the purity of your water. Don’t overlook it. Your entire water supply is twice filtered and delivered from |The Paddock Double Filter as pure as the water fresh from the rock-lipped spring. It cannot be otherwise —it’s filtered twice through emery, the hardest substance known excepting the diamond. Write to-day for catalog. Atlantic Filter Co. | 309 White Building, Buffalo, N. Y. PLANTS | The deep velvety green foliage of many plants is the attrac- tive feature for home decoration. We have a large assortment of house plants described in our catalogue which we send free. Competent Gardeners and assistants Any lady or gentle- man requiring their services can have them by applying to us. No fees. Please give particulars regarding place. Julius Roehrs Co. xizees Rutherford, N. J. OLD ENGLISH GARDEN SEATS RUSTIC WORK Catalog of many designs on request North Shore Ferneries Company, _ Beverly, Massachusetts February, 1912 and about two thick. Place these close to- gether, grass down, and plant a “hill” on the surface of each, then covering with light rich soil. After all danger of frost has passed, set out in well-enriched hills. Besides starting plants to set outdoors, let- tuce, radishes, Swiss chard and other vege- tables can be had almost all the year round. Instead of letting the frame lie idle in the fall, about August 1 sow some “Grand Rapids” or “Hothouse” lettuce. Another small sowing should be made about Sep- tember 1. Transplant these later to the coldirame, using good rich soil, and cover at night only as freezing weather comes on. The plants should be put 6 inches to 8 inches apart each way—the “head” varieties needing more room. A third lot may be put into the hotbed. And they may be sown again in a hotbed in January, for setting out in the coldframes later. Rad- ishes will grow rapidly in a temperature of only 40° to 45° at night, and can be sown between rows of lettuce, as they mature much sooner. THE CARE OF PLANTS IN FRAMES The most important rule for success with plants in frames is to give air whenever the outside temperature allows. When con- ditions permit, “strip” the sash off entirely. If it is too cold and stormy for that, raise one end, the amount of ventilation to be given depending upon the temperature. Ma- turing also must be attended to carefully. During late fall and early spring very little water will be needed—practically none. But as the days grow warm, great care must be taken not to let things get dried out, and in this connection a warning is given about leaving the sash on in later spring. A cold, Diagram oi a temporary hotbed above ground cloudy morning may clear off perfectly bright, and if the sash are on tight the tem- perature is likely to run up to 90° or 100°. The effect of this, if continued for two or three hours, will be serious or even disas- trous. A strict watch should be kept for insect enemies, but thorough ventilating and watering will keep them in check. Many other ways of getting good results and a great deal of pleasure will suggest them- selves to the happy owner of a few sash. They are by no means limited to the sug- gestions offered above, but these may help to put him on the right track. After all, it is the experimenting and discoveries which one may make himself that furnish the keenest delight in gardening. FROST FAIRS ON THE THAMES ONDON winters are more remarkable for dismal drizzling rain and impene- trable fog than for snow and ice; but about half a dozen times in the last three hundred years truly arctic conditions have prevailed in that metropolis, and the River Thames has been frozen over so firmly that men and horses could go upon it. Each of these periods has been the occasion of a “frost fair’; booths have been erected on the ice; printing presses set up, various sports and games indulged in; and the whole popula- tion has joined in celebrating the rare event. The first great frost fair of which there is historic record was held in AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS You Who Are Interested In Greenhouses Let Us Send You This Reason Booklet EFORE talking about the Reason Booklet itself, let us first ask you a question or two. When you buy anything of importance involy- ing the expenditure of several hundreds or thousands of dollars, do you rely entirely on your own individual information, and go night out and buy it? Of course you don’t. In making your final decision, are you not strongly influenced by the opinion of some one who has already bought—and is satisfied ? Doesn’t the fact that this or that person, com- pany or institution of prominence has put their stamp of approval on it, by putting their money into it, carry a good deal of weight with you? This being so, then naturally enough you will buy a greenhouse much the same way. Suppose, for instance, you want to know thoroughly about the U-Bar Greenhouses, and have been wondenng if there are any houses in your vicinity you could see; wouldn't a booklet giving you the names of all U-Bar owners and the character and extent of the greenhouse they own, be of interest and assistance to you? Let us suppose still further, that you want to confirm your decision to buy a U-Bar house by seeing who some of the others are who arrived at the same decision and built; wouldn’t a booklet grouping such names in a readily get- at-able way be just the thing you want ? That's why we made just such a booklet. It’s called “ Reasons.” The Reasons themselves are told in 93 words, right at the start—the rest is given over to a unique and interesting arrangement of the locations and owners of U-Bar houses built in the last | 0 years. Send for this Booklet. With it we will mail you our catalog and a section of the U-Bar itself— so you can see exactly what the U-Bar is. U-BAR GREENHOUSES PIERSON U-BAR COMPANY One Madison Avenue, New York Canadian Office, 10 Phillips Place, Montreal HE truth of this famous “slogan” i Burpee’s Seeds Grow! ’ s attested by thousands of the most progressive planters throughout the world,—who rely year after year upon Burpee’s Seeds as The Best Seeds That Can Be Grown! If you are willing to pay a fair price for Quality-Seeds, we shall be pleased to mail, without cost, a copy of Burpee’s Annual for 1912. Long knownas “The Leading American Seed Catalog” this Bright New Book of 178 pages tells the plain truth andisa safe guide to success in the garden. Do you want it? W. ATLEE BURPEE If so, write to-day! Address & CO., Philadelphia. xill XIV SWEET QUARTET Plant Them This Year Orr in London last July, in the great Flower Show, held at the Crystal Palace, Mrs. Fraser won, with this Sweet Pea Quartet, the one thousand pound sterling prize for tbe best vase of blooms. 10,000 exhibitors competing. This shows the tremendous popularity there is in England for these exquisite, fragrance laden flowers. s a result, sweet peas will be grown over here more than ever this year. This means you will surely want some of the seeds of this Prize Quartet to plant along with your others. It will be intensely interesting in growing them, to find in their blooms the excelling points that brought them into such prominence, here is going to be a lot of good-natured, neighborly competition in growing them—a competition in the pleasure of which you will want to join. ; So order your seeds early and plant them early, for much of their success, as you know, depends on a good deep root growth before the hot spring suns come. Here are the varieties in the Quartet— Paradise Carmine—clear, lovely, carmine, waved. Constance Oliver—delicate pink, suffused with cream, waved. Arthur Unwin—rose shaded with cream, waved. Tom Bolton—dark maroon, waved. 1 packet of the above four prize winners, postpaid, 35c 3 collections, or 12 packets in all, postpaid, .___. $ With your order we will send along our 1912 GARDEN GUIDE which contains a complete description of the contest. It isa beautifully illustrated book of 152 pages, and is a decided departure from the usual so-called “‘Seed Catalog.” The “‘tell you how”’ cultural directions are told in a mat- ter-of-fact, interesting way by successful gardening lovers. hether you buy the Quartet or not, we will be glad to send you this Garden Guide. Get it now—and plan your garden now—pick out your seeds now—and so get things started now for an earlier gar- den this year. There were over .BODDINGTONS SEEDS | oe ; eg — Arthur T. Boddington S 326 West 14th St. New York Livingston’s Tomatoes are valued by all friends of this fruit as the choicest procurable. For sixty years we have bred tomatoes for yield and quality, and our new “‘slobe’’ shaped sorts are as near perfection as anything evolved. Of ideal shape, with solid meat of finest flavor, they stand unsurpassed. | Trial Packet of Livingston’s “Globe,” illustrated below(enough seeds for 250plants),10c. postpaid Useful 130-page Catalog and Tomato Booklet F ree Nearly 300 illustrations from photographs and honest descriptions make the catalog one of the most reliable seed books published. | “Tomato Facts” explains why we are the leaders in the tomato line. Both books are free. May we send copies to you? The Livingston Seed Co. 546 High Street Columbus AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS January, 1608; but the most famous of all was that of 1683-4, which lasted from the beginning of December to the 5th of Feb- ruary. Evelyn gives the following descrip- tion of this fair in his “Diary”: “The frost continuing more and more severe, the Thames before London was still planted with boothes in formal streetes, all sorts of trades and shops furnish’d and full of com- modities, even to a printing presse, where the people and ladyes tooke a fancy to have their names printed, and the day and yeare set down when printed on the Thames: this humour tooke so universally, that ’twas esti- mated the printer gain’d £5 a day, for print- ing a line onely, at sixpence a name, be- sides what he got by ballads, etc. Coaches plied from Westminster to the Temple, and from several other staires, to and fro, as in the streetes, sleds sliding on skeetes, a bull- baiting, horse and coach races, puppet-plays, and interludes, cookes, tipling, so that it seeme’d to be a bacchanalian triumph, or carnival on the water.” King Charles II. and his family visited the fair, and had their names printed on a quarto sheet of Dutch paper, which is still extant. During the frost fair of January, 1716, it is recorded that an uncommonly high spring tide, which overflowed cellars on the banks of the river, raised the ice fully fourteen feet, without interrupting the people in their pursuits. Similar fairs were held in 1740, 1788-9, and 1814. The last was one of the gayest and most animated of these events, though it lasted only four days. TOY FURNITURE REPRODUCING COLONIAL PIECES By HELEN W. PREVOST T Hingham, Mass., delightful toys are made which are miniature models of old Colonial pieces of furniture, actually reproduced, and with the greatest care as to details. As New England is a home of such pieces the models are not difficult to find and are in some cases reproductions of more or less famous ones, in every case authentic examples. The style and the pro- portions are carefully preserved and one can see what the charm might be in finding them thus im little, but not less perfect types. As toys they can give a very direct and genuine delight to children and serve beside as an excellent lesson in beautiful propor- tion as applied to household art, a lesson the better learned because it comes in that best of ways “Where there is pleasure taken.” They form a lesson in history, also, both for the child, who shall uncon- sciously almost absorb it with a little timely word, and for the grown person who has had interest and taste awakened in Colonial or in simple, good household fashions in furniture. They may afford to these a help in genuine elementary study, since the his- tory and dates of the models, in many cases, as said, can be known. The articles appear in great variety ; there are many and varied patterns of chairs, both very simple ones and those more elaborate; tables as ingeniously devised to fold as any that could be intended for a modern apartment and much more pictur- esque. The wooden cradle is presented, with its characteristic hood, and the writ- ing table, the dressing-table, or “low- boy,” the kitchen dresser and chests of drawers, are all here and with them such common articles of use as buckets, churns, and foot-stools. Chairs with tall backs of the spindle variety appear and as carefully made, with each tiny spindle as carefully finished and adjusted, as if for a larger Is There Any Excuse for Unattractive Houses on Account of Expense? In answer to this, Geo. M. Kauffman, Architect, announces Ist, 2nd and 3d series, ‘Distinctive Homes and Gardens.” e masses are just awakening to the fact that there is mere building and then there is art in building; that under favorable conditions and with proper knowledge one should cost no more than the other. e are in the dawn of a new era, in which the value of domestic Architec- ture will be based not so much upon the cost of production as upon true merit. Can you imagine anything more absurd than estimating the value of a picture by the price of the paint? The expression of a house, its look—forbidding or homelike and inviting, cosy or cheer- less—is due to the design. Good Architecture has qualities which appeal with special force to the cultured, and as we improve in art and refinement the demand for meritorious homes naturally follows. “Distinctive Homes and Gardens’ are devoted to the home—its planning, building, remodeling, beautifying, etc. They contain many illustrations, floor plans and descriptions of the best moderate and low cost houses built to-day, thus offering an excellent opportunity of studying some of the best designs of the various and popular types o domestic Architecture. These books also contain plans of gardens; and best of all, we devote many pages to suggestions and general in- formation which will greatly aid you in crystallizing your ideas—in deciding what you really do want an need. xis timely advice alone might save or make you hundreds of dollars, to say nothing of having as a result a true home instead of perhaps a life-long disap- pointment. Your home means much to you! It expresses your life—your in- dividuality —your taste, and the degree of your culture and refine- ment. he soul must be fed in the home as well as the body, there- fore there must be poetry as well as mathematics, and while your home should be made to fit your every need, it should also be whole- some in its art fitting to its environmen: and possessing the charm that will increase with age. WHY NOT SPEND. YOUR MONEY WISELY? WE CAN HELP YOU Ist and 2nd series each have 72 (10x13) pages and 35 designs. ouses of Ist series vary from $1,000 to $6,000, 2nd series from $6,000 to $15,000. Price of each, $1.00 postpaid. Third series (a combination of Ist and 2nd series) will be sent postpaid upon re- ceipt of $1.50. We also furnish plans and specifications as per our special offer. THE KAUFFMAN CoO. ROSE BUILDING CLEVELAND, O. S, BERRIE {4 Plants by the dozen or by the million. 120 acres planted in 103 varieties, Ali (4 the standards and the most promising of the new ones, Largest grower inf, ‘America, Every plant true to name. f, (y Also Raspberry, Blackberry, Gooseberry Y74and Currant Plants, Grape Vines, Cali- Yq fornia Privet and other Shrubbery.} y4 Cultural directions with each ship- iN (aq Toent. Beautiful Catalogue FREE. Send ‘a postal today. My personal guarantee fi i back of every sale. j W. F. ALLEN 10 Market Street, Salisbury, Ventilate your rooms, yet have your windows securely fastened with The Ives Window Ventilating Lock assuring you of fresh air and pro- tection against intrusion. Safe and strong, inexpensive and easily applied. Ask your dealer for them 88-page Catalogue Hardware Specialties, Free. THE H. B. IVES CO. NEW HAVEN, CONN. Suk: Sore MANUFACTURERS ons You ke a Living and Save Money From Five Acres of Berries On five acres you can produce a gross income of - $2,000 a year Growing Berries. $500 to start and your time will give you a good living and $1,000 net. The returns begin at the end of the first year. There’s No Secret About It—Just Intelligent Work If you don’t have land, buy or rent some, and plant berries; you can pay for it in two or three years. BERRIES THAT NET $1,000 AN ACRE The Berrydale Berry Book describes all the best old berries and the New Himalaya—the berry that bears ten tons of fruit on an acre of thirty months old plants. Send for the book; it’s free if you ask now. 3 * BERRYDALE EXPERIMENT GARDENS A. Hitting, Owner American Ave., Holland, Michigan _ February, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS use. Everything is made as perfect as possible with the express intention of giv- ing the “feeling’’ which is to be found in the original. These pieces can be obtained in the white wood and were, at first, sent out so, but the preference seems to be for a complete representation and they are now for the most part made of mahogany and finished in the original style, or they are stained to represent the wood in which the original piece was made, giving, so far as is humanly possible, an exact reproduc- tion in little of the historic and interesting pieces of Colonial days. PLANTS INDOORS By EMILY C. DAY T IS sometimes said that the city dweller is more fond of plants and flowers than he who walks amongst them daily over the fields. There is no doubt that the person in the country talks less about it, as a rule, though this may not be altogether conclu- sive. However this is, flowers are an almost indispensable part of our life and have much to do with keeping us civilized and balanced, and the need which is sym- bolized by the flower is a very vital one. During the winter months, however, the town and city dweller must depend, for flowers, upon forethought and care, and given this, anyone may have plants which can reward any time and thought bestowed upon them. In arranging windows there are some im- portant general things to consider. One is, that though plants are charming compan- ions they must not be allowed to take up all the window space and unless the room offers two windows only a few plants should be accommodated. These should be, fur- thermore, arranged in such a way that they do not occupy too much of the window space. They may be arranged on either side, two or three deep if the window-seat is broad. Another good device is to put a shelf across the middle of the window, a little from it so that the sashes can move up and down easily, and plants and trailing vines from this shelf, will have every op- portunity for light, and ornament pleasingly the window without interfering with the convenience of the family. The second consideration may be for the plants themselves. The condition of the light and the amount of sunlight they may reasonably be expected to receive must, of necessity, influence the kinds of plants chosen. If a window is without sun, ferns and other plants which are not dependent upon it will furnish sufficient variety to form a good window arrangement. What plants these are can be discovered by con- sulting any authority or the numerous journals which make information upon points like this their special care. If full of sunshine there are other sets of plants which may be considered. The choice of plants will be further influenced by the room itself, by its general style, and by the uses to which it is put. In some cases the glow of a few gay Geraniums can add a most acceptable note; in others some softer hued flower is in better keeping. The ornamental value of one’s window of plants can be very much a matter of arrangement and the pots in which they are placed will do much to help or mar the effect. The plants may be put merely into com- mon terra-cotta pots and for general pur- poses scarcely anything better can be de- vised. Jardiniéres of porcelain, of pottery, of metal, of wood, are all possible, and used with discretion one or more can add a touch of distinction to the group. Here there is Both Plant and OU gain nothing by waiting till spring—you lose Evergreens of all kinds can be planted to special advantage all winter long. Fine, root- pruned, sturdy specimens of the sort you want, in sizes from three feet up to thirty. They can be shipped by wagon or rail with perfect safety when bundled and much if you do wait. And we have the evergreens you want. packed Hicks’ way. Then there’s the planning-~send for our catalogs this Done this way, your results will positively be better, because you have the choice of our large stock now— you can arrange to plant them early — we can ship early. You escape the worries of the spring rush and your trees and shrubs will do better, a good deal better, by having time to get established before the too warm days come. Don’t you want a fine maple, or pin oak, or some shrubs to immediately beautify your grounds like Hicks’ trees in the illustration? very day and map out just what planting of trees, shrubs and flowers you should do this spring. come and see us and make your arrangements. Then write or Hicks’ large trees cut out the years of waiting for small ones to grow up. Isaac Hicks @ Son Westbury, Long Island PLANT THE QUALITY GRAPE Catawba - Concord The Grape for Everybody Everywhere A cross between the Catawba and the Concord—so scientifically made that it unites all their merits with none of their defects. Equal in quality to the finest hot- house grapes and as easily grown as the ‘oncord. For ten years it has proved its superiority. Has received awards wher- ever shown. Write at once for large descriptive cata- log of Raspberries, Blackberries, Grapes, Strawberries, Currants, Gooseberries, Gar- den Roots, Hardy Perennial Plants, Shrubs, Vines, Roses, etc. It tells how to plant and grow them—/7¢e for every- body. J.T. LOVETT, Box 128, Little Silver, N.J. ee as BUN GAL OW Send $1.00 for my new and complete book—Bungalows showing floor plans, interior and exterior perspective from photographs with prices for the completed building. I Guarantee to Construct at Prices Named If book is not satisfactory and is not what you want, | will refund the money. O. S. LANG, Bungalow Specialist, 690 Seventh St., Buffalo, N. Y. Plan Your Out-door Pictures NOW! February is the planning time in every good gardener’s calendar. Of first consideration to home owners and garden lovers is the planning of the walks, the massing of shrubs, and the dis- position of trees. Use Wagner Landscape Service in work- ing out these details. It puts at your dis- posal the skill of expert landscape gardeners. Wagner's Landscape stock and hardy flowers are unsurpassed in vigor, beauty and variety. Write Wagner now about Trees, and Flowers for your place. “Plants and Plens for Beautiful Sur= roundings,”’ a beautifully illustrated and helpful book, is yours for the asking. Send Shrubs, _ fer it today. © Box 655 WAGNER PARK NURSERIES Florists —— Nurserymen Landscape Gardeners Sidney, Ohio xvi The Recs Steel HESS; 926 Tacoma Building, Chicago Medicine Cabinet Makers of Steel Furnaces.—Free Booklet ‘Bie off gour Hat toThe Myers!” GEST PUMP OW EARTH. F. E. MYERS & BRO., Ashland, O. Ashland Pump and Hay Tool Works AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS February, 1912 HESS seh LOCKER ‘< PHILADELPHIA” ga) TheOnly Modern,Sanitary LAWN MOWERS A STEEL Medicine Cabinet Are to-day the Standard, as they were in 1869 or locker Soicceeoenereaa in snow-white, panes everlasting enamel, inside and oul. Beautiful beveled mirror door. Nicke) =| plate brass trimmings. Steel or glass | shelves. Costs Less Than Wood Never warps. shrinks, nor swells. Dust and vermin proof, easily cleaned. | Should Be In Every Bath Room Four styles—four sizes. To recess in wall or to hang outside. Send for illus- trated circular. ALL 7P UM DPS xinps CYLINDERS, ETC. Hay Unloading Tools Barn Door Hangers “e 4 = 66 HG QD oD WN ALL STEEL MOWER Strictly High Grade in every respect. All knives of Vanadium } ae Mowers, without a rival in their class. Also styles M. XX and Golf. Elorse Mowers—we lead, as we do in Hand Mowers. Buy the ‘‘Philadelphia’’ and you will use no other. The Philadelphia Lawn Mower Company Over 42 years Makers of High Grade Goods Only 31st and Chestnut Streets PHILADELPHIA, PA., U. S. A. Write for Circulars and Prices z am a EEE BeSUeBauaagatr EEGs ; oie one” i, i lied gale teers poorer to tig scale Clinton Wire Lath is Preis for use in exterior as well as interior plaster work. A wire mesh made up of drawn steel wire of high quality, galvanized after weaving, and provided with our famous V-stiffeners affords the ideal material for supporting stucco. Its unusual strength and rigidity prevents buldging or sagging. Smooth even surfaces are readily obtained while its stiffness and perfect key for the plaster eliminates all danger of cracking. In use for more than fifty years Clinton Wire Lath has proved its durability. It is everlasting and absolutely will not rust away. aK NaEEER ai |) Ml Write for descriptive matter EASES Crucible Steel. Workmanship the finest. Makers of the only @ ! every opportunity for the display of taste in considering form, color, size and appropri- ateness to the plant and place in the group. Hints for this use may be had from look- ing over the garden pottery intended for outside uses but intended for plant use. The flower pots, if wisely chosen, can do much to set off the beauty of the plants, to emphasize a portion of the window, and to influence the effect of it in relation to the room. Very attractive garden or window pots can be found by means of a little search and there are often attractive ones among the newer hand-made pottery. COMPARATIVE SHRINKAGE OF MEAT IN COOKING RECENT consular report calls atten- tion to the tests at the London Elec- trical Exposition which demonstrated that the shrinkage of meat when cooked in a coal range is somewhat greater than that of the same meat cooked in a gas range, and considerably more than when cooked in an electric range. A leg of mutton weighing 8 pounds and 8 ounces showed a shrinkage of 2 pounds and 11 ounces when cooked in the coal range, whereas a leg of mutton weighing 9 pounds showed a loss of 1 pound and 4 ounces when cooked in an electric oven. The shrinkage for the gas oven was 2 pounds and 4 ounces on an 8-pound leg of mutton. DS a: a a E tet] : HistortcAL ATLAS, by William Shepherd. New York: Henry Holt & Co., 1911. 8vo. 216 maps, 94 pages of text. Price, $2.50. This is one of the most valuable atlases that has come to the reviewer’s table in a very long time. In the first place, the data for the maps have been compiled in a most scholarly way by an expert, also with the advice and assistance of a valuable list of geographers and historians. In the second place, the maps, which, by the way, were printed in Germany, are magnificent ex- amples of the cartographer’s art. The com- bination of colors, which are apt to be so very crude in atlases of American origin, are toned down and admirably contrasted. It is very difficult to call attention to any salient feature of this book, as it 1s of unti- form excellence. Among the very interest- ing maps, however, are those showing the various Routes of the Crusaders; the Ec- clesiastical Maps of Europe; the very inter- esting map showing the routes of the Medieval Commerce; the Seats of the Medizval universities; the Medieval Com- merce of Asia; Plan of a Medizval manor; the Age of Discovery; the Principal Seats of War in Europe in all Centuries; the Growth of Russia; Napoleon’s Campaigns ; the Unification of Germany; the Balkan Peninsula; the Commonwealth of Austra- lia; the Partition of Africa; the Distribu- tion of the Principal European Languages ; the Colonies, Dependencies, and Trade Routes ; Localities in Western Europe Con- nected with American History; Localities in England Connected with American His- tory; the Indians in the United States; the New England Colonies; Campaigns in the American Revolution; Territorial Expan- sion of the United States; Organization of Territories; Slavery and Emancipation in the United States; Westward Development of the United States, and lastly, the Panama Canal. It would almost be ungracious to offer any criticism of this splendid work, February, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS ustin thehomeisa omestic crime— (Professor Elie Metchnikoff) Paris You should, therefore, equip your Home with a Stationary or Portable Saito Vacuum Cleaner WE are prepared to furnish Santo - Cleanersto meet practically every condition, and at prices consistent with the Quality and Efficiency of our goods. All Santo Vacuum Cleaners are the best that can be made. Sta- tionary Plants operated by Electricity, Gas or Gasoline Engines. Portable Cleaners operated by Electricity or Hand Power. Write us for Booklets and Particulars Keller Manufacturing Co. Philadelphia, Pa. Dept. A. H. | The Santo-Durplex Stationary Plant HE most modern, and best illuminating and cooking service for isolated homes and institutions, is furnished by the CLIMAX GAS MACHINE. Apparatus furnished on TRIAL under a guarantee to be satisfactory andin adyance of all other methods. Cooks, heats water for bath and culinary purposes, heats individual rooms between seasons—drives pump- ing or power engine in most efficient and economical manner—also makes brilliant illumination. IF MACHINE DOES NOT MEET YOUR EXPECTA- TIONS, FIRE IT BACK. Send for Catalogue and Proposition. Better than City Gas or Eles- tricity and at Less Cost. C. M. KEMP MFG. CO. 405 to 413 E. Oliver Street, Baltimore, Md. Low Price Liberal Terms but it is suggested that the 208th map, showing the seat of the Civil War, might have been made a two-page plan to greater advantage, as a map of this kind is very much needed. / THE GARDEN OF RESURRECTION. By E. Temple Thurston. New York: Mitchell Kennerley, 9il> Cloth, 16mo, ~ Price: $1.30 net. Those who have read “The City of Beau- tiful Nonsense” will find in “The Garden of Resurrection” the same exquisite grace in the telling of the tale that characterizes all Mr. Thurston’s delightfully-written novels. This is a romance of real life—the life of to-day making appeal through its tenderness to all who believe in the grace of love. The reading of it leaves behind the perfume of that grace in the mind and heart for many a day, and while such writ- ers produce such books, English literature will continue to be graced with the sort of books that are, in their very spirit, as up- lifting as they are entertaining. It is pos- sible that the fineness of Mr. Temple Thurston’s manner of telling his story will not appeal to the more coarse-grained readers of fiction, but the world needs such writers and needs to find readers open to the appreciation of such works. MorHer Carey’s CHICKENS. By Kate Douglas Wiggin. Boston and New York: Houghton-Mifflin Company, 1911. Cloth, 12mo. Illustrated. Price $1.25 net. Few writers have been so thoroughly successful in maintaining the standard set by their earlier stories as has Kate Douglas Wiggin. “Mother Carey’s Chickens is an ideal story of an ideal family, with the dominant note—a mother’s love for her brood. Mother Carey and her four children are taken through sorrow and privation to ultimate happiness and success. Mrs. Wig- gin has developed and molded her charac- ters into strong and loving personalities, widely different in type, but knitted together by the ideal family bond—love and self- sacrifice. THe Book oF GARDEN FURNITURE, by Charles Thonger. New York. John Lane Company. Cloth crown, 8vo. Illus- trated. 100 pages. Price, $1.00 net. Mr. Thonger’s volume in the series of Handbooks of Practical Gardening, is a guide to the selection, construction and ar- rangement of the various buildings, trellises, pergolas, arches, seats, sun-dials, fountains, and other structures which necessity or taste may suggest as additions to our garden ornaments. It is copiously illustrated and should prove of service to everyone plan- ning home grounds. Tue House Fry. Disease Carrier. An Account of Its Dangerous Activities and of the Means of Destroying It. By L. O. Howard, Ph.D. New York: Frederick A. Stokes Company, 1911. 8vo. 312 pages. Illustrated. Price, $1.60 net. Here is a timely work on a subject inti- mately touching the public health and wel- fare. The recent increased agitation against house flies and the danger they represent is proved to be a sane warning against a very real menace. The author gives a life his- tory of the fly, and, assisted by well-exe- cuted plates that show its organism and habits, cites exact experiments in proof of its activities as a disease carrier. The ar- ray of evidence is conclusive, and most in- terestingly presented. The reader is then enlightened as to the remedies and preven- Protect Your Holiday Books Provide a suitable place to keep the books given you, where they will be instantly accessible and always free from dust and dirt. Start with one or more Globe Wernicke units and add other units during succeed- ing years as your books accumulate. Each section will hold an average of 25 books. SlobeWernicke Bookcases without exposed metal ends. You can obtain GlobeWernicke Book- cases in certain designs without the metal interlocking device that shows their sectional construction. The new styles have the appear- ance of the solid bookcase, while retaining all the advantages of the unit system, thus providing for the future addition of extra units which are always obtainable in styles and finishes to match original purchases. Sold by 1500 authorized agencies. Where not represented, goods will be shipped on approval, freight prepaid. The “Blue Book of Fiction’ Free It contains a comprehensive list of good, wholesome novels published in English, selected from the world’s greatest writers of fiction, by Hamilton W. Mabie. A copy of this helpful, instructive book, together with the Globe-Wernicke Bookcase Cata- log containing many _ beautiful suggestions for Individua! and Home Libraries will be mailed free on request. Address Dept. a.H. dhe Globe “Wernicke Co., Cincinnati Branch Stores: New York, 380-382 Broadway Philadelphia, 1012-1014 Chestnut Street Boston, 91-93 Federal Street Chicago, 231-235 So. Wabash Avenue Washington, 1218-1220 F St., N. W. =p a “8 = Letoeinl fs A COZY FIREPLACE FOR YOUR HOME Send for This FREE BOOKLET Telling How to Get and Install Any Design The fireplace is the heart of the home. No house is really a home without its cheery blaze on winter even- ings. If you are building or thinking of remodeling, you owe it to yourself to send for our beautiful booklet, ‘‘Home and the Fire- place.’’ It tells all about Colonial Fireplaces—the only real ad- vance in fireplace construction in the last century—all about the Colonial Plan, which makes obtaining a fireplace as simple as or- dering a picture. It contains beautiful illustrations of Colonial designs, and tells how you can have a special design made free of cost. Colonial Fireplaces are adapted to any fuel. They radiate a full warmth all over theroom. No ineonvenience—no dirt—abso-= lutely all smoke goes up the chimney. The only up-to-date fire- place. Recommended by leading architects. You need this book —write today—just send us your name and address—but we sug- gest you writeat once. Just drop us a line right now, (16a) COLONIAL FIREPLACE CO., 1661 W. 12th St., CHICAGO XVII Fresh Running Water for Your Home Gives you city comfort and conven- ience. Running water in the bath, in Wherever the kitchen, in the barn. and whenever you want it. An efficient and never-failing sup- ply can always be had if you install a DOUGLAS PNEUTANK SYSTEM It takes up very little room and can be located in the most convenient place. There are no belts to slip or break. Absolutely reliable and dependable—as many satisfied users can testify. So simple a child can start and stop it. Will run ali day long on a gallon of gasoline. Eighty years of exclusive pump-making experience are behind ouglas pumps. Catalog and full details sent on request. Write to-day. W. & B. Douglas 180 William St., Middletown, Conn. Established 1832 Manufacturers of humps for all purposes—spray pumps, deep-well pumps, etc, G SEAM ROOF IRONS CLINCH right through the standing seam of metal roofs. No rails are needed unless desired. We makea similar one for slate roofs. Send for Circular Berger Bros. Co. PHILADELPHIA PATENTED F LAWN , (YCLONE FENCE TOR | ~ Designed for Beauty Wii. Simplicity and Strength generally go together. In Cyclone Lawn Fence they are combined with beauty, making this the most practical, f economical and most widely used |awn fence on the market. § It is chosen by the most particular because of its design, and Ei by the most careful buyers because it outlasts any other and § is the cheapest fence made in the long run. It is made of large, heavily-galvanized wire, rust proof, self- § adjusting to uneven ground and easily put upon wood or iron posts. We have grown and prospered until our factory is now the largest and best equipped of its kind in the country. Our progressive spirit always leads in designs and methods of con- struction. We stand behind every foot of fence we sell and guarantec it to satisfy you. Get a Cyclone Fence to protect and beautify your premises. It stands for prosperity and progress. Our free books show all our designs and describe them fully. Write today. We also manufacture afull line of Tubular Steel Farm Gates. Write for special Farm Gate Catalog. CYCLONE FENCE COMPANY, Dept. 44 WAUKEGAN, ILL. AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS tive measures. These include the preven- tion of breeding by treatment of all places in which breeding is possible; keeping flies out of the house, and killing them as they enter. Some ten millions of dollars are ex- pended each year in the United States alone in an attempt to screen dwellings against the entrance of flies and mosquitoes. An- other not inconsiderable item of expense is incurred in trapping and killing the pests after an entrance has been effected. With a little harmonious action on the part of in- dividuals, Boards of Health, and communi- ties, the breeding places might be rendered harmless and these expenses avoided. Until this comes about, however, housewives may read in the latter part of the volume of almost every device ever thought of for disposing of the mature fly. As Chief of the United States Bureau of Entomology, Mr. Howard’s utterances should carry au- thority and inspire confidence. THE Book or Town AnD WINDOW GAR- DENING, by Mrs. F. A. Bardswell. New York. John Lane “Company. 7) Cloth crown, 8vo. Illustrated. Price, $1.00 net. This book is planned for those lovers of flowers who are compelled to live in town, and should be a helpful guide also to those who are ignorant of the art of growing flowers. The advice given in its pages for growing plants under the adverse condi- tions prevailing in town, cannot fail to make a strong appeal to the town and window gardener. Tue Boox or THE Honey Beg, by Charles Harrison. New York. John Lane Com- pany. Cloth crown, 8vo. Illustrated. 132 pages; Price; $1.00 net. From the time of Virgil to our own day bee-keeping has been the branch of hus- bandry which has peculiarly appealed to the temperament of the meditative man. There- fore everyone who has a place in the coun- try should be interested in the subject treated authoritatively by Mr. Harrison in the various chapters of the four sections of his well-illustrated book. It must be re- membered that this is the work of an Eng- lish authority and therefore written pri- marily for English readers. However, a handbook of this sort will be just as wel- come to the American reader. PHOTOGRAPHING FLOWERS AND TREES, by J. Horace McFarland. New York. Ten- nant (Ward) . LOLs | Paper, lomo: Illustrated. 93 pages. There is hardly a more interesting and fascinating branch of photography than that discussed in the pages of this little book. The author gives invaluable hints to the amateur in the matter of success in depicting scenes by lens and camera, and forms and suggestions of color values of assistance in the most satisfactory manner. In fact, no one interested in decorative photography should be without a copy of the book. To Moruer, by Marjorie Benton Cooke. Chicago: Forbes & Co., 1911. Price, 50 cents. It is seldom that one can whole-heartedly indorse present-day poetry such as this. The mother-theme, too, must be well handled not to be made ridiculous by dis- tortion of values on the one hand, or by a cheap verbosity unsuited to meter on the other. This being so, we take the greater pleasure in acknowledging the sweet dignity and the repressed yet strong appeal of the for Fine Houses Reynolds’ Asphalt Shingles combine long service with good looks. They far outlast other roofings and give a lasting touch of distinction to a building. Leading architects recommend and specify Reynolds Flexible Asphalt Slate Shingles Unaffected by severest weather, Never warp, split, bulge, nor rot. Will stand for years without painting or repairs. Granite surface and fire-resist- ing. First cost about that of Al cedar shingles, but vastly better inthe long run. If vou are building or repairing you can find no better roofing than ~ Reynolds’ Asphalt Shingles. They have had 10-year test. Free shingle book for the asking. We also manufacture igh grade granite surfaced roofing in rolls. : H. M. Reynolds Asphalt Shingle Co. Original Manufacturer 174 Oakland Ave. Grand Rapids, Mich. Estnblished 1868 February, 1912 THREAD are made seam- less, of pure wool and or ‘camel's hair, AD) THRUM inanywidthupto RUGS 16 FEET and in any length, color or combin- ation of colors. 65 regular shades —any other shading madeto match. Send for color card and name of nearest dealer. “You choose Thread & Thrum Work Shop Auburn, N. Y the colors, we'll make the rug.”” ® The # benefits of outdoor life but none of its discomforts, are realized in The Burlington Venetian Blind In your windows it makes your room delight- fully cool. Enclose your porch with the Burlington Venetian Blind and you have added a healthful out-of-door room to your home. F The Burlington Venetian Blind can be raised or lowered at will, and can be adjusted to any angle to suit the height of the sun. The Burlington Venetian Blind is made to order only. Our illustrated catalog, telling about the various styles, _ will be mailed to you on request. Burlington Venetian Blind Co. 339 Lake St. February, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS xIX author’s lines. For all mothers, and for all children of mothers, this little gift book must strike a true and uplifting chord. Spices—Their Histories. By Robert O. Fielding. Seattle, Washington: The Prade Register, Inc., 1910. 16mo. 61 pages. Illustrated. Price, 50 cents. “Spices” is a reprint in booklet form of several articles originally published in the Trade Register. Its information is particu- larly directed toward retail grocers, and is alphabetically arranged under the various spice-names, each section consisting of a description of the variety, its manner of growth, and its chief uses, with an occa- sional caution as to the substitutes of the market. THE AMERICAN SHoTGUN. By Charles Askins. New York: Outing Publishing Company, 1910. 8vo.; 321 pp. Price, $2 net. From the shot-peppered cover design to the aphorisms which close the last chapter, this book will delight the devotee of the gun. His hands will itch to encircle the stock and barrel of some of the high-grade, richly-chased arms shown in the half-tones. The writer puts forward his subject matter in that hearty, zestful way so typical-of the open-air man. He discusses the various makes, both foreign and American, in a fair, judicial manner and, aside from their points of construction, manages to impart much useful lore in regard to fitting the gun to the man; the care of the gun; the science of wing-shooting, and the psychol- ogy of the sport, with hints on the peculiar- ities of the different game birds, and a final word on field etiquette. Foops AND THEIR ADULTERATION. By Harvey W. Whiley, Ph.D. Philadelphia: P. Blakiston’s Son & Co. 8vo.; 641 pp.; 11 colored plates; 87 illustrations. Price, $4 net. As one of the most-talked-of men in the country, Dr. Wiley needs no introduction. Written primarily for the benefit of the public, “Foods and Their Adulteration” will be appreciated by scientists, physicians and foodstuff manufacturers and dealers, as a dispensary of information with which they are deeply concerned. Dr. Wiley has laid stress upon the fact that suitable feeding and proper nutrition will do wonders in warding off disease after it has once been acquired. The general headings under which the subject is handled are: “The Origin, Manufacture and Composition of Food Products; Infants’ and _ Invalids’ Foods; the Detection of Common Adultera- tions; and Food Standards.” The present issue is a revised second edition, enlarged by a hundred pages. The article on infants’ and invalids’ foods constitutes the most im- portant addition, and describes their prepa- ration and care. The vital necessity of the natural supply of milk for infants is in- sisted upon, and there follows a considera- tion of the substitution of fresh cow’s milk, modified to resemble closely the natural sustenance of the infant. Fads and ex- tremes have been avoided. The suggestions are kept well within the bounds of common sense and the information is based upon ascertained facts. The Food and Drugs Act has done much to benefit the people and protect their health and their rights, but the extension and continuance of such bene- fits depends upon educating the people up to the point of knowing their own rights and needs, and insisting upon having them properly supplied. Such works as this of Dr. Wiley’s are necessary to the inculcation of a saving knowledge in this generation. HE dealer who sells you DIAMOND TIRESis thinking of your profit as well as his own-he is “tire-wise” —and believes in trading up— rather than trading down. @. He can buy cheaper tires than DIAMOND TIRES, and make a larger one-time profit, but he cannot sell you better tires. @ The dealer who sells you DIAMOND TIRES can be depended upon when he sells you other things—he believes in service—in integrity. He’s reliable. In addition to dependable dealers everywhere, there are FIFTY-FOUR Diamond Service Stations. Diamond Service means more than merely sell- ing tires—-it means taking care of Diamond Tire buyers. The Diamond Rubber © AKRON, OHIO | g could build tle ches per. ; But ‘we oe, i. would build thembetter But ‘we can't MADE BY LEAVENS Simple in @LEAVENS FURNITURE appeals to all per- For the homes sons of limited or unlimited means, who appreciate good taste displayed in their surroundings. of the design, @, When buying of us you have practically an un- discriminating, limited stock to select from. In an ordinary store artistic in stock of furniture, the taste and judgment of the ata “buyer” is exercised first, and you see only such pieces as were selected by him. With us, you have moderate cost. not only the whole output of a factory to select from, but in addition you have the choice of a ‘Aes large variety of finishes. @ The idea of allowing the purchaser to Bets a special finish to conform to the individual taste, is original with us and has resulted in many satisfied customers. We also furnish unfinished. @ Send for complete set No.12 of over 200 illustrations, including color chart of Leavens Standard finishes. WILLIAM LEAVENS & CO. Manufacturers 32 CANAL STREET, BOSTON, MASS. construction and AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS February, 1912 a LD, for your periodicals, you should see our Catalog, containing a list of 3000 magazines and club offers, at prices that will surprise you. It is the handsomest and most complete Magazine Guide ever published, filled with all the latest and best club offers at rates, lower than you think possible. YOU cannot afford to be without it. In ordering your magazines, be sure you use a HANSON catalog. Accept no substitute. The name HANSON stands for promptness and reliability in the magazine field. It is so accepted by all leading publishers. THIS CATALOG FOR 1912 is FREE for the asking. It will SAVE YOU MONEY is Send us your name and address today. We'll do the rest. Hanson Magazine Agency 167 HANSON BLOCK, LEXINGTON, KY. Fill in This Coupon and Mail to Us ‘ | J. M. HANSON, Lexington, Ky. Please send me FREE of expense to me, this Catalog for 1912. Kc 2000000 EDITION J.M.HANSON'S Mogazine Agency STATIONARY VACUUM CLEANERS Broomell’s Electric—The VICTOR The time is rapidly coming when it will be considered just as necessary to install a Stationary Vacuum Cleaner in residence, church, office, schoolhouse, or other building as it is to have a Heating System. The cost of a Vacuum Cleaner is small in comparison to the Heating Plant. It is only necessary to heat six months, while the house can be kept clean and free from moths, disease germs, dust and dirt the entire year with a Vacuum Cleaner at an expense of only a few cents per day. Broomell’s VICTOR is a strong, durable machine, is equipped with the best possible electric motor (1 H. P. for a single sweeper outfit). The Victor Pump is positive in its action and pulls a strong, steady vacuum. The pump has only three moving parts, and will last a lifetime. In addition to the Stationary Electric machine shown in the illustration, we manufacture a special type Stationary Vacuum Cleaner to be used with Gasoline Engine, or other available power. Send for booklet giving full particulars. VICTOR CLEANER COMPANY York, Pa. Ree ORB 0801800 G9 G11 Ber eer Oe OH OH2 O11 Gor Ber Or B19 Gor G12 G92 Gos Boe Bor Ger Serer Berg oe Ore Goro WoO ss Ger oe Ger Ger Serer Ger er or Oer Ger GvOe2 Or Oe 0110s O Or OOOO Orr: DAHLIAS that will grow and bloom From the most exclusive collection in America Shaking Dust Screen on, A new Dahlia must have decided merit — some quality above others in its class—to be honored with space in our catalog. The varieties listed have been thoroughly tested by comparison, and only the best find place in our lists. To get acquainted with you, we will send by express (charges to be paid by purchaser) 10 large undivided field clumps for $1.00, with directions for dividing and planting. These clumps are equal to two or three of the small divided roots that are usually sent by mail. Catalog free. BASSETT & WELLER Hammonton, N. J. [22 Gre Beer Goo Gee G re Wve G20 O10 Gov Beo Geo G00 G00 G 0 Bee Bee Bee Ge Gro G 00GB se Ges Bee Gor oreo Gs0G 0G 1G 0G e0G GoGo Gee Ger Grohe Ore Wer@ er Orr Ger Ger Ger Ger Gere Ge Gu: rer Sor Goo ro Ger Ger Geo Gor Bor Gar @eeGooBor Gor See Ger SeoBor eo Ger Geo® Sarason ecore Leen Oxesov en buecenenbcedaneness 2 ee @eo@er@' MINIATURE TREES AND GARDENS AS ORNAMENTS By FLORENCE A. DAWSON MALL trees may provide a means of securing a very distinctive and pleas- ing ornament in the house. ‘Lhe small Fir and other trees, set formally in garden pots and placed in doorways, will immediately come to mind in this connection; but while these, especially if chosen very carefully as to size and the appropriateness of the pot in which they are placed are attractive it is not always possible to give them room; yet this does not entirely exhaust the sugges- tion. Very small trees, however, can be used within the house. It is quite possible to get such miniature trees oneself from the wood or meadow when one makes a trip to the country, and then to select some un- usual pot for them, as a setting; or the Jap- anese dwarf trees, if one is fortunate enough to be able to secure one, can be made a delightful point of ornament in a living- or reception-room. To anyone at all familiar with the meaning attached to the use of the tree from all time, and especially the symbolism appropriate to it as used in the East, its value as an ornament will be greatly enhanced by the significance which it carries, An ornament which is closely akin to this of the tree, is the miniature “Japanese garden.” This need not be Japanese at all, the hint merely being taken from these people and from their sometimes treatment of their dwarf trees. To make such an ornament, take a shallow dish of pottery— any desired sort or shape or color—and put some pebbles in the bottom, covering these with about two inches or less, according to the size of the dish and of the “garden’”’ one proposes to have. In this is planted, closely as you please, any sort of tiny tree (a few inches high), which can be captured in the fields or woods as it is just starting to grow and is well above the earth; any kind of fern or other plant which seems suf- ficiently harmonious with those already chosen. Plant these in pretty closely and cover over with some pretty moss. all the space that intervenes. Such a “garden” as described may be a few inches or a foot across and small ones which respond nicely can be used as center- pieces for the table. Of course, the propor- tion of the plants used will be considered in planting them, and a pebble representing a “rock” can be permitted. How far the picturesque may be carried and how far the interest should be kept upon the growth itself of this tiny vegetation, is a matter to be decided by the taste and preference of the maker of it. It will astonish anyone who makes one of them for the first time, to find that the little things do really grow and apparently thrive. Of course, they must be frequently and carefully watered. THE INDEFATIGABLE MOTOR TRUCK N a paper read before the Electric Vehicle Association of America, Mr. Hayden Eames called attention to the fact that horse-drawn vehicles must remain idle for a certain portion of the day in order to rest the horses. A recent investigation showed that the teams of the different express com- panies in New York city were idle forty per cent. of the total working hours, much of this idleness being due to the fact that the horses needed rest, and that the periods of loading the wagons had to be suited to these rest hours. The motor vehicle, on the other hand, requires no rest, and hence re- quires no adjustment of the loading hours. “Se Ma BOBBINK & ATKINS World’s Choicest Nursery and Greenhouse Products EARLY SPRING PLANTING Tee proper way to buy is to see the material growing. We invite every- body interested in improving their grounds to visit our Nursery, when we shall gladly give our time, attention and any information aesired. Our Nursery consists of 3U0 acres of highly cultivated land and 500,000 square feet of greenhouses and storehouses, in which we are growing Nursery and Greenhouse Products, for every place and. purpose, the best that experi- ence, good cultivation and otir excellent facilities can produce, placing us in a position ts fill orders of any size. Evergreens, Conifers and { Pines. More than 75 acres of our Nursery are planted with hand- some specimens. Our plants are worth traveling any distance to see. Boxwood and Bay Trees: We have thousands of trees in many shapes and sizes. Palms, Decorative Plants for Conservatories, interior and exterior decorations. Hardy Trailing and Climb- ing Vines. We have them for: every place and purpose. Ask for special list. English Pot-Grown Grape Vines. For greenhouse cultiva- tion. f Bulbs and Roots. Spring, Summer and Autumn flowering. Lawn Grass Seed. Our Rutherford Park Lawn Mixture has given satisfaction everywhere. Roses. We have several hun- dred thousand Rose Plants. Order now from our Illustrated General Catalogue for Spring delivery. Rhododendrons. Many thou- sands of acclimated plants in Hardy. English and American varieties are growing in our Nursery. rdy Old-Fashioned Plants. We have thousands of Tare, new and old-fashioned kinds. Special prices on quantities. Deciduous Trees and Shrubs. Many acres of our Nursery are planted with several hundred thousand trees and shrubs. It is worth while to visit us and. inspect them. Trained, Dwarf and Ordi- nary Fruit Trees and Small Fruits. We grow these for all kinds of fruit gardens and orchards. Plant Tubs, Window Boxes and Garden Furniture. We manufacture all shapes and sizes. Our New Giant Flowering Marsh Mallow. Everybody should be in- terested in this Hardy New-Fashioned Flower. It will grow everywhere and when in bloom-is the Queen of Flowers in the garden. Blooms from the early part of July until-the latter part of September. We Plan and Plant Grounds and Gardens Everywhere Our products give pernament satisfaction because they possess the highest qualities created by our excellent standard of cultivation. Our Illustrated General Catalogue, No. 75, gives prices and describes the above and all our other Products. Visitors, take Erie Railroad to Carlton Hill, second stop on Main Line; 3 minutes walk to Nursery. BOBBINK & ATKINS Nurserymen, Florists and Planters RUTHERFORD, N. J. The Fadeless Beaug mot The Hardy Pereg The Fadeless Beauty of the Hardy Perennials eg Lends to the garden in which they grow a charm thatis as perpet- ual as the beauties of the flowers that composeit. Theinspiration * for the best gardening of recent years has come from gardens planted longago. They have grown into richer, fuller and mellower beauty instead of fading with time, and on the same spot have outlived three generations of owners. Permanent Garden and Landscape Effects Are more and more the aim of our most successful outdoor archi- tects. Weare learning to take the finer, more enduring old gar- dens for our models, welc back the all-the-year procession of yes Tday” s hardy flo . find new use for them, en- tire’ in the bo of real landscape art. And the tree gar- dener welcomes the r of the hardy perennials, giving him per- manent effec ts with less expensive materials. a Hardy Garden Flowers,” A New Biltmore Book This spring's contribution to garden literature by Biltmore Nur- sery is a tribute to the merits of the permanent plants, which we have named ““Hardy Garden Flowers.”” In formand style it main- taims the high standard set by our earlier catalogs. The illustra- tions, allfrom special photographs, suggest many pleasing and va- ried forms of hardy garden planting, from the sjmple dooryard effect to the elaborate formal attainment. The cover, in full rich colors gives a dint of the exquisite bea of the Anemone Japonica, Vv ions are full and complete, adapted sf are f. “Hardy Garden Flowers’ w ailed free, on application, to any one who contemplates the awits ofa garden. BILTMORE NURSERY, Box 1224, Biltmore, N. C. THIS IS THE FLOWER GARDEN FROM WHICH WYOMISSING NURSERIES HAD THEIR START IT love this picture because it links together my dearest possessions .—family, friends and flowers. In my book I oall it ‘‘A quiet after- noon--the world within sheltered from the world without.’’? Wyo- missing Nurseries have grown from the flower garden which this picture shows as it was last summer. I CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO WRITE FOR FARR’S BOOK OF HARDY GARDEN PLANTS— if you have a hardy garden or plan to make one. I have prepared a complete new book describing the gems of Wyomissing Nurseries, and my friends pronounce it one of the handsomest they have ever seen. The whole book breathes the spirit of Wyomissing Nurseries and my very earnest wish is to be of help to you in establishing a garden that will be the pleasure to you that mine is to me. It tells of Irises, Peonies, Delphiniums, Phloxes, Oriental Poppies, Aquilegias, and a ‘host of other grand Hardy Plants, in a way that will make you love and want them, too. Don’t merely say ‘‘Please send me your book,’’ but tell me about your garden, what you have done, and what you hope to do. If I can help you with your garden, I want to do it. BERTRAND H.FARR, Wyomissing Nurseries, 643-E Penn St., Reading, Pa. DOR Peace—The Grandest of All Gladioli— You Want It in Your Garden This Year It is a white, absolutely unapproached; a magnificent flower, wonderful in its purity, size and vigor, It will be a delight to you every hour of every day it is in bloom. Without it your garden will be incomplete. It is the best variety Mr. Groff, the greatest hybridizer of Gladioli in the world, has introduced. I specialize in Groff's Hybrid seedlings more than any other grower. There is a Reason Why Cowee’s Gladioli Bulbs are Best It is because I grow nothing but Gladioli, having over 15,000 varieties. I live with them, study them, love them. Every bulb I send out is large, sound, healthy. No matter what your soil, these bulbs will bloom for you. Let me send you A Little Book Free: ‘The Uses of the Modern Gladiolus’ It will tell you just how to grow this royal flower and show you many uses for it, outdoors and in. It de- scribes this wonderful new variety, Peace, and others of the best named varieties in the world. Many are re- produced in their exquisite natural tints by the wonderful new French color process. Write for a copy to-day. ARTHUR COWEE, Meadowvale Farms Box 94, BERLIN, N. Y. WI BEE | | lll = COTTE TTEUTOOONONUO O0COOTOTOOT AO NNARATONANTC W FULLY EQUIPPED, $3,500 The Town Car Luxurious for All Seasons N WINTER’S SNOW, and ice-clad avenues, or summer's smooth oiled boulevards, Silent Waverley Electric Limousine-Five gives the same sure, dependable performance, the same ideal luxury of town travel. Frost, snow and mud do not detain it. Extremes of weather do not put it out of commission. To freedom from noise, richness of upholstery and furnishing which distinguish the Silent Waverley Electrics, the Limousine-Five adds roominess which fulfills the last desire. Silent Waverley Electric Limousine-Five “Full View Ahead” Design and Construction Patents Applied For Affords full room for five adults, in its deeply upholstered seats—and no one is forced to sit with back against the front window. The driver thus has full and unobstructed view of the thoroughfare at all times. Full elliptic springs front and rear give riding qualities of unequalled ease. The car operates with equal success on solid or pneumatic tires. It is the family car that needs no chauffeur. The No-Arc Controller is so simple that a child may run it. Send for the beautiful Waverley Art Book on Town and Suburban Cars. It shows ten models. Prices $3,500 down to $1,225. Also the Waverley Catalog of Commercial Vehicles. Exide, Waverley, National, Ironclad or Edison Battery. Sectional View from Top The Waverley Company Showing Seats for Five Adults Factory and Home Office: 190 South East Street, Indianapolis, Indiana NEW YORK PHILADELPHIA BOSTON CHICAGO BRANCH 2010 Broadway 2043 Market Street 25 Irvington Place 2005 Michigan Boulevard Annual Horticultural Number LAOS IRE MUNN & CO., Inc., Publishers NEW YORK, N, Y, HUPP~ YEATS T is a curious fact that coach building was one of the last of the arts to be modernized. The coach body of the middle ages was hung high because the coach was designed to pass and did pass constantly through seas of mud, through bogs, swamps and shallow streams. Not- withstanding the wonderful transformation wrought by modern street paving, coach makers clung blindly to this design until the advent of the Hupp-Yeats. The result was a top-heavy, awkward and dangerous construction, entirely out of place under modern conditions. NO rani The Hupp- Yeats introduced the safe, sane, low-hung construction which an authority has stamped as the first advance in coach construction in over a century. This design provides a car with which skidding and swerving is an impossibility under ordinary conditions; a car that is as easy to enter or leave as to step from one room to another; and a car which possesses a grace and beauty that the high-hung electric never had. The desirability of this design is shown by the wide attempts now being made to copy it. The appoint- ELECTRIC COACH ments of the coach are in keeping with the exquisite beauty of the design. There are six models, designed to suit every town-car need. Regular equipment includes Hycap Exides Battery and Goodyear long distance No-Run- Cut-Tires; Motz Cushion Tires at additional cost. Imperial Limousine - - - $5000 Royal Limousine - - - - $4500 De Luxe Coupe - - - - $4000 Patrician Coupe - - - - Regina Coupe - - - - - $2500 Regent Coupe- - - - - $1750 Write for descriptive catalog or call at any of our branches. R.C.H. CORPORATION #71 Detroit, Michigan BRANCHES: Boston, 563 Boylston St.; Buffalo, 1225 Main St.; Cleveland, 2122 Euclid Ave.; Chicago, 2021 Michigan Ave. Denver, 1520 Broadway; Detroit, Woodward and Warren Aves.; Kansas City, 3501 Main St.; Los Angeles, 1242 So. Flower St.; Minneapolis, 1206 Hennepin Ave.; New York, 1989 Broadway; Philadelphia, 330 No. Broad St.; Atlanta, 548 Peachtree St. sa" $3000 fF March, 1912 POULTRY HOUSE CONVENIENCE By E. I. FARRINGTON ko poultry in a poorly designed house and with few conveniences for making the work easy is likely to prove such a discouraging task that the hens will not secure the attention which is necessary in order to have them give a good account of themselves. A good house must be high enough so that the attendant will not be obliged to stoop when working in it, with a door wide enough so that the litter can be removed without difficulty, with windows or cloth-covered frames that work easily and with fixtures that may be detached with but little effort. Of course, it is not necessary that the house should be high enough in all parts to permit a man to stand upright. The shed- roof type is the most common and if it is seven feet high in front, that will be suff- cient, and it may drop to four and a half feet at the rear. If the house is to have no floor and is built on ground at all inclined to be wet, it will be necessary to fill it in with nearly a foot of earth in order to make the surface inside the house considerably higher than the outside level. Then several inches of litter probably will be thrown in. All these things should be considered when a house is being constructed, or what may seem ample provision for headroom will prove insufficient. And it is extremely an- noying to be in a house not high enough to stand erect in where it is necessary to work. It is not well, though, to go to the other ex- treme and build a house which is higher than needed, for it will be cold, besides in- volving a waste of money. The perches, dropping board, nest boxes and feed hoppers should be so arranged that they may be easily removed. In no other way can a house be kept sanitary. The dropping board may rest on supports at each end and the perches should drop into slots in a short strip of joist. Some poultry-keepers allow the dropping boards to rest on small wooden horses, which may also be taken out. This is a good plan and may be improved upon by attaching a sup- port to the dropping board to carry the perches. Then the lice have no direct route to the hens. Some genius has invented a metal perch bracket which has a little cup to contain kerosene through which the vermin would have to pass in order to reach the fowls. When perches are detach- able, however, they may be quickly re- moved and given a kerosene bath, which will free them from any lice they may har- bor. The mites have a way of collecting under the perches in summer—red blotches of them, the color being imparted by the blood they have sucked from the long-suf- fering hens the previous night. It is of no use for the hens to dust, as these mites in- fest them only at night. There are other kinds of lice which are kept in check by the dust bath, however. It is a good plan to take down the muslin- covered curtain frames in the Spring—just about the time, we will say, that Spring housecleaning is going on in the owner’s abode. They are easily removed without AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS (° If interested in wood columns, send for catalog A 40. Our catalog A 27 shows _ illustrations of pergolas, dials furniture. sun- and garden It will be sent on request. - om Exclusive Manufacturers KOLL’S PATENT LOCK JOINT COLUMNS Elston and Webster Avenues Chicago, Illinois hoe | The Attractiveness of “Pompeiian Bronze.” You cannot find a more pleasing screening material than enduring “ Pompetian Bronze.” of your home. You cannot find one more in keeping with the beauties and refinements It fits harmoniously into any scheme of decoration or archi- BEE EEO A Ee eee eee tecture —never becomes weatherbeaten or unsightly and needs no painting or ~ renewing. Neither salt mists nor sulphurous fumes can harm it. ‘‘POM- PEIAN BRONZE ” cannot rust — it will resist all the elements save fire. This distinctive screen cloth is not dipped or coated, its permanency and beauty are due to the material from which it is made — bronze. Rescreen this spring with ““POMPEIIAN BRONZE” and end the bother If you are building — have your architect specify it — and expense — for good. nothing else gives the same satisfaction or service. Your dealer should have ‘‘ POMPEITAN BRONZE” in stock and you can readily recognize it by the removable red string in the selvage, but if he does not have it write direct to us. Write us today for interesting ‘‘ POMPEIIAN BRONZE ”’ booklet. CLINTON WIRE CLOTH COMPANY Original Power Loom Manufacturers of Wire Cloth 69 Sterling Street, CLINTON, MASS. Established 1856 tt --| landscape : A tion of Suitable for Ing architectural Eastern Office 1123 Broadway, New York City A properly designed and well planned pergola is the finish- touch to the and perfec- elaborate grounds—it is the onething needful to confirm the artistic character of a mod- est home. HARTMANN.-SANDERS COMPANY ae PERGOLAS, PORCHES AND INTERIOR USE il AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS March, 1912 Poultry, Pet and Live Stock Directory If you will send us your name and address we will mail you two valuable Poultry books without cost to you or obligation on your part. Or for $3 00 we will start you in the poultry business. We will sell you ‘‘The Poultry Review’’ (12 copies), ‘‘The Philo System Book,’’ the new book, ‘“‘Making Poultry Pay’’ and ‘‘A Little Poultry and a Living,’’ all for $3.00 (15 copies) and to show you how you can make money by the wonder- ful Philo System we will include and ship you without extra charge : Six thoroughbred baby chickens, 1 brooder to raise them in, one package ‘‘Philo Perfect Baby Chick Food,’’ two galvanized feed and water throughs. We are making safe shipment during winter weather. We can do this because we have the largest and best equipped poultry plant and build- ings in the world. Our new hatchery has a capacity of 1,800 Cycle Hatchers and we are hatch- ing big, strong chickens every week of the year. This offer limited to 50,000 orders—and will be good for at least 30 days. Mail order to-day and let us help you to start the best business in the land. The reason that we are makingyou this wonderful offer is the desire to show you how much money you can make by taking up the wonderful Philo System cou pled with the assistance which the Poultry Review will give you during the year. Please bear in mind the two distinct offers. They are: 1. Two valuable poultry books free if you will send us your name and address on a postal card. 2. Six thorougbred chicks, one brooder with feed troughs, and complete instructions for build- ing patented coops with every order for $3 00 worth of the latest and best poultry reading, fifteen volumes in all. Write to-day. Philo National Poultry Institute 2334 Lake Street, Elmira, N. Y. Two Poultry Books Free TESTIMONIALS New Bedford, Mass., Dec. 13, 1911. Mr. E. R. Philo, Elmira, N. Y. Dear Sir:—I am very glad to inform you that my White Orping- ton chicks are all alive and smart. They are just six weeks old and weigh 144 pounds. I have them in an Economy Coop and they are growing and developing finely. M. Goulart. Scranton, Kansas. Nov, 1, 1911. Mr. E, R. Philv, Elmira, N. Y. Dear Sir:—Yours of October 26 on hand and beg to say that I have raised all of the White Orpingtons so far. Their average weight is 234 pounds each and not quite three months old yet. Being a be- ginner it was quite interesting to watch their development. Walter Burkhardt. Marathon, Fla., Dec. 5, 1911. E. R, Philo, Elmira, N. Y. Dear Sir:—The little one day old chicks I bought of you are thriv- ing, and all who see them remark about their thrifty, healthy appearance. I do not expect to lose one of them from weakness or sickness. 1 refused $20 for them last week. E. J. Devore. Paeonian Springs, Va., Nov. 23, 1911. E. R. Philo, Elmira, N. Y. Dear Sir:—Your letter of the 20th received, and in reply can give an excellent report. I have had splendid success, have five out of six. Out of the six you sent there were four pullets and two cockerels. My White Orpingtons are a credit to you as well as myself, and they have been raised almost entirely by the Philo System. If at any time I need any poultry supplies you will hear from me. Mrs. J. G. Jacobs. Augusta, Ga., Nov. 3, 1911. E. R. Phio, Elmira, N. Y. Dear Sir:—The six baby ehickens I bought from you arrived all O. K. They were, however, delayed about twelve hours in reaching me, but they were bright and active. I received them at night and the next morning they were hungry as wolves, and I made them the custard you suggested. J am greatly pleased with them and expect to make good later on. They are the most active chicks I ever saw. Dr. W. S. Wilkinson. The Schilling Press ONE OF THE SIGHTS IN OUR PARK f We carry the largest stock in America of ornamental birds andanimals. Nearly 60 acres of land entirely devoted to our business. Beautiful Swans, Fancy Pheasants, Peafowl, Cranes, Storks, Flamingoes, Ostriches, Orna- mental Ducks and Geese, etc., for private parks and fanciers. Also Hungarian Partridges, Pheasants, Quail, Wild Ducks and Geese, Deer, Rabbits, etc., for stocking preserves. Good | healthy stock at right prices. Write us what you want. WENZ & MACKENSEN Proprietors of Pennsylvania Pheasantry and Game Park Dept. “A. H.” Bucks County, Yardly, Pa. KILLED BY RAT SCIENCE By the wonderful bacteriological preparation, discovered and prepared by r. Danysz, of Pasteur Institute, Paris. Used with striking success for years in the United States, England, France and Russia. DANYSZ VIRUS contains the germs of a disease peculiar to rats and mice only and is abso- lutely harmless to birds, human beings and other animals. The rodents always die in the open, because of feverish condition. The disease is also contagious to them. © Easily prepared and applied. How much to use.—A small house, one tube. Ordinary dwelling, three tubes (if rats are numerous, not less than 6 tubes). One or two dozen for large stable with hay | ft and yard or 5000 sq. ft. floor space in build- ings. Price: One tube, 75-; 3 tubes, $1.75; 6 tubes, $$.25; one doz, $6 INDEPENDENT CHEMICAL CO., 72 Front St., New York A Shetland Fory —is an unceasing source Delight the * the child strong and of robust health. Inexpensive to buy and keep. Highest types here. Complete outfits. Entire satisfaction. Write for illustrated catalog. BELLE MEADE FARM Dept. 7 Markham, Va. ’ There is but one maker of Locks and Hardware. Yale & Towne Mfg. Co. 9 Murray Street New York use T@ “ECONOMY” GAS ; oe For Cooking, Water Heating and Laundry Work also for Lighting *‘It makes the house a home’’ Send stamp today for ‘“Economy Way” Economy Gas MachineCo. ROCHESTER, N. Y. “Economy Gas is automatic, Sanitary and Nat. Poisonous DON’T COOK THE COOK —eeeESES—ESESESESESEE——EeEeeee Made to order —to exactly match Job PRINTE RS Fine No. 105. Cost $2,500 the color scheme of any room Book Art We Want the Man whe enews good pechitcc ture Ce Sse ch te ce Ot We oar Oo sen or Our new fete) 2 and Press “Homes of Character,” vate illustrates iw choice designs tos feet oan Poy cele of bungalows, cottages an ouses. new, practica —soit ibdued, or brig i i d ipti d t t ‘esti- and striking. Original, individual, Catalog Work Eee A NOLUU Teaeoe had Beau ieceicnee artistic, dignified. Pure wool or, camel’s hair, expertly woven at short notice. Write for color card. Order through your furnisher. Thread & Thrum Worksho> Auburn, New York Work A Specialty 137-139 E, 25th St., New York Printers of AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS (Ree i} in building homes, and develop these plans to suit the in- dividual requirements of clients all over the world. “Homes of Character” sent postpaid for $1. Des. Cir. 2c. stamp. 4 JOHN HENRY NEWSON, (Inc.) Architect 1245 Williamson Building Cleveland, Ohio March, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS iil the use of a screw driver if the hinges are the kind which come in two parts and are held together by a pin. It is necessary merely to pull out the pin. A nest box may be fastened to the wall by having two holes bored in the back to fit two long screws. Then it may be lifted off at any time and thoroughly cleaned. Nests do not have to be dark, but it is well not to have a platform in front for a hen to stand on. There is likely to be quarreling then between a hen which has taken pos- session of the nest and another one which covets it. An orange crate makes an ex- cellent double nest except for the very large breeds. There are feeding and watering devices almost without number. The fact is, though, that most of the practical poultry- men, to whom time is literally money, use a pail on a shelf for watering their birds. There is nothing simpler. One filling will last all day; being above the floor, no lit- ter is scratched into the pail and the exer- cise which comes from jumping up and down is good for the fowls. It is needless to say that a low shelf is used, so that they will not be injured when jumping to the floor. Dry feeding has greatly simplified poul- try-keeping, and with this method has come the hopper. There are many styles for sale, most of them being so arranged that they may be hung on the walls. Some will hold enough dry ground grain for a week or more. There are small ones for grit, oyster shells and charcoal. It is an easy matter to make a hopper at home, using a cracker or soap box. An inspection of a commercial hopper will show anybody how to do it. Grit and shell hoppers may be made from cigar boxes in a few minutes. They are better than open boxes because cleaner and less wasteful. Some of the hop- pers sold at the stores have a distinct ad- vantage in that they are made of metal and have a hood or cover which may be dropped over them at night, thus keeping out rats and mice. A cleverly designed little chick hopper is made rat-proof merely by turning it on its side. In many cases the loss of grain eaten by rodents is considerable. It may be avoided by using one of the hoppers just described for dry mash and a patented but fairly in- expensive feeder and exerciser for whole or cracked grain. This device is a good one for the man with a few hens but in- volves too large an investment for the owner of a large flock. Below a reser- voir of metal containing the grain is a lever, at the bottom of which is a wire tube, through which corn or other grain shows. The fowls peck at this grain, the lever is moved and down comes a shower of grain. The birds will work at this device much of the day and clean up all the grain which is dropped. When it is used, only a little lit- ter is required. One prominent poultry-keeper feeds soft mash once a day and puts it in a trough which extends the entire length of the front of the long house which he uses. When the house was built a very wide sill was in- stalled in front, and the part of this sill which came inside the house was made into a feeding trough. Many fowls may be fed at the same time and they cannot get into the trough. Many poultry houses are built with doors which are far too narrow. In order really to be as convenient as possible, the door ought to be sufficiently wide so that a wheel- barrow may be pushed through it. This is especially true of a house which is larger than eight by ten feet, for it will greatly Su Se WILSON’S OUTSIDE VENETIANS BLIND AND AWNING COMBINED For town and country houses. Very durable and artistic. Easily operated from inside. mit air; exclude sun rays. SPECIAL OUTSIDE VENETIANS for porches and piazzas, exclude the sun; admit the breeze. Virtually make an outdoor room. Orders should be placed NOW for Spring and Summer delivery, | Write for Venetian Catalogue No. 5. Also inside Vene- tians. Rolling Parti- tions, Rolling Steel Shutters, Burglar and Fireproof Steel Cur- tains, Wood Block loors. z JAS. G. WILSON MFG. CO. Wilson's Porch and Piazza Blinds 5 W. 29th St., New York in color. Woodwork sample bottles of Johnson’s Wood Dye and a sample of Johnson’s Pre- pared Wax. This text book of 50 pages is very attractive—80 illustrations—44 of them r Davis, McGrath © Shepard, Architects, N.Y. Stain Your Bungalows Don’t paint them. Stain them all over, roofs, siding and trimmings, with Cabot’s Shingle Stains The “‘painty”’ effect does not harmonize with bungalow con- ditions, but our stains produce the soft, transparent colors that exactly suit. hey cost only half as much as paint, and can be put on athalf the expense. If your bungalow is in the woods, away from skilled labor, you or your man can apply them perfectly. They are made of Creosote, which thoroughly preserves the wood. Cabot’s Stains are sold all over the country. Send for samples on wood and name of nearest agent. SAMUEL CABOT, Inc., Manufacturing Chemists 131 Milk Street Boston, Mass. A Book of Valuable Ideas for Beautifying the Home E will send you free of charge our book “The Proper Treatment for Floors, and Furniture,’’ two The results of our expensive experi- ments are given therein. There is absolutely no similarity between Johnson’s Wood Dye and the ordinary ‘‘stain.”’ Water “‘stains”’ raise the grain of the wood. Oil ‘‘stains”’ For artistic coloring of all woods in the following Shades: do not sink below the surface of the wood or % 126 Lisht Oak bring out the beauty of the grain. No. 123 Dark Oak = No. 125 Mission Oak Varnish No. 14) Early English ‘stains’? are not stains at all, they are merely ¥% 110 00 No. 128 Light Mahogany surface coatings which produce a cheap, shiny, %* 122 B27 Metorany No. 130 Weathered Oak painty finish. Johnson’s Wood Dye is a dye, ¥2 }3)B0#n Weathered 008 It penetrates the wood; No. 132 Green H’eathered Oak does not raise the No. 121 Moss Green No. 122 Forest Green grain; retains the high lights and brings out ¥% 272 Flemish Oat the beauty of the wood. No. 178 Brown Flemish Oak No. 120 Fumed Oak Johnson’s Prepared Wax will not scratch or mar. It should be applied with a cloth; dries instantly <> —rubbing with a dry cloth gives a velvety protecting finish of great beauty. It can be used successfully over all finishes. OS We want you to try Johnson’s Wood Dye and Prepared Wax WL Be” at our expense, Fill out attached coupon being careful to specify We will mail you the booklet — —Good air, pure water, surf bathing, still-water bathing, fishing, shooting, boating, cool refreshing ocean breezes and Seashore Lots at Ocean Beach, Fire Island. Price $150, per lot and up- ward. Furnished cottages and bunga- lows to rent. Illustrated descriptive booklet free. Write us today. Ocean Beach Improvement Co., John A. Wilbur, President, 334 Fifth Ave., New York, N. Y. Stucco Cement Bungalow, 4 Rooms, $600 )MONTCLAIR, N. J. v. home hotel for the family, the business man and any one desiring a residence within an hour from New - York and enjoy the delights of country eleva- tion, rest and environments. clair Hotel offers. This is what the Mont- It is operated on the American plan, has grillroom with facilities for private parties, banquets, dances under the direction of T. Edmund Krumbholz of the Kirkwood, Camden, -\ S.C. and the Sagamore, on Lake George. Mr. R. C. Millard, Resident Manager, will reply to all inquiries and call upon request. COLLECTING ANTIQUES By EDWARD M. THURSTON fener collectors often labor under the impression that the day for obtain- ing treasures has passed—that everything worth having was long ago “collected” and that nothing but trash remains to be dis- covered. This, however, is a mistaken im- pression. We sometimes hear of a fortu- nate individual who has acquired some beautiful and valuable possession for an in- significant fraction of its real value, and while such an opportunity is, of course, now very rare, not so commonly to be met with as in earlier days, real treasures are con- stantly being found where least expected. Some one has said that almost every household article, not worn out by use, comes into the market once approximately in every fifty years, either by private or by public disposition. Instances are on record of a man’s placing an order at Christie’s, the famous London art auction-rooms, for a certain picture or piece of porcelain when it should be brought for sale to that great clearing house of the world’s artistic treas- ures. In America in this day of removals and domestic changes, of the sudden rise and decline of fortunes and of sweeping changes in tastes and hobbies, the tenure of one’s possessions is perhaps, compara- tively brief, so that the most interesting and valuable art objects such as we call “antiques” are constantly to be had. Some years ago a man was exploring a little shop in a western city where most of the things on sale were the work of Indians. Among the old pottery, bead work, feather head- dresses and antiquated bows and arrows, he discovered an old painting upon wood, com- pletely hidden beneath the dust and grime of the place. He succeeded in obtaining this panel for a few dollars. Upon carrying it home a very careful cleaning showed it to be a most beautiful and wonderful picture of an ecclesiastical subject, painted by an early Spanish master. One could easily account for its reaching the Indian missions of the early California days and its chancing to be discarded, as time passed, eventually coming into the possession of some one who could not know its value. A very worn and dim old Russian icon was once picked up in a small shop, this time in New York. The necessary clean- ing proved it to be of silver gilt, with the flesh parts painted in the stiff and Byzantine manner still obtaining in Russia, though this proved to be an early example and of great value. A particularly beautiful old fender was once rescued by the writer from the dust and cobwebs of an old shop in Conti Street, New Orleans, a fender which had so fallen from its high estate that it had been covered with green paint and it required a prodigious scouring and cleaning with acids to restore its original beauty of line and polish. From an auction of old household effects there came a most inter- esting old tea set of white and gold. Many plates, cups and saucers were missing, but the chief pieces were uninjured and there were enough of these to complete a service for seven or eight, and the writer has since had the pleasure of browsing around an- tique shops with the extraordinarily suc- cessful result of coming across three addi- tional cups and saucers of the same pattern. A New York collector has been many years collecting unusual bottles. His as- sortment now consists of several hundred pieces of every imaginable material and he says that many of his most valued treasures have come from the antique shops of Bos- ton, New York and Philadelphia—places March, 1912 WiC AN AOMES “AND GARDENS vil where one would suppose everything of value had long ago been picked up. A department store is almost the last place in which one would expect to find antique treasures sold at small prices, but several such establishments in various American cities now have “antique depart- ments” where really beautiful things may be found. The buyers for these depart- ments search the old cities of Europe and knowing commercial values they buy these things just as they would buy linens or linoleum at extremely low prices. Their system demands only a moderate margin of profit, so it is really a fact that one may purchase his treasures of furniture, metal and glass, and even paintings in these de- partments for much less than he might pay for them in old shops of Italy, France, or Spain. Of course, much of the interest of collecting is lost where one does not make his own “finds,” for that 1s the collector's chief pleasure in the pursuit. IDEAS WHICH ADD BEAUTY AND COMFORT TO THE HOME By CHARLES K. FARRINGTON T is best to have your architect draw your stairs upon your plans. Then you and your builder can see clearly what is planned for. This will prevent what is most annoying—a stairs so planned that it is practically impossible to carry any large piece of furniture up its steps. Every de- tail should be carefully noted beforehand in getting up a set of plans and specifica- tions, and if they are shown graphically, so much the better. Watch also that the third story hall, and rooms can be constructed as drawn I have known many instances where it was impossible to construct them as shown in the plans. I especially remember one in- stance where the builder followed out the plans to the letter, and then it was discov- ered that the hall would not allow a person of ordinary height to pass through it with- out stooping. Do not forget to plan for a piazza rail. The houses planned without it have a very unfinished look. It also secures more pri- vacy for the people sitting upon the p‘azza. It will astonish the average person to note the vast difference the addition of some sim- ple sort of a rail will make in the appear- ance of any home. Bay windows on the first floor if they project out from the foundation should be supported in some way. Brick piers are he- ing used to-day with good results. If the bay window supports a portion of the sec- ond story, it is very essential to have a firm foundation for it. I came across a first floor bay window the other day in which was placed a heavy heating radiator. The weight of this and the lack of a proper foundation caused much difficulty and ex- pense in making proper repairs after it had sunk. Use a “hood” over your kitchen range, if it is not set partly in the chimney. A ventilator under the hood will allow much warm air to pass out and so make the kitchen a great deal more comfortable in the Summer time. Such an arrangement is well worth the extra cost. : Some houses nowadays have only a gas range for the cooking for both Summer and Winter. If yours is so be sure and provide a connection with your furnace for heating the kitchen in the Winter time. A gas range throws out so little heat into the room that it is necessary to have some addi- tional warmth on cold Winter days. Also at night when the range is not used you : O single detail of architecture is more important than the hardware. It attracts the eye strongly because in color and material it furnishes the element of contrast. This makes harmony very essential or the whole effect of the building is spoiled. Sargent designs include types peculiarly appropriate to every period and school of architecture. They are true to the source of derivation, always artistic and beautiful in themselves and never extreme or grotesque. Select Sargent Hardware and you have a choice of designs that gives wide latitude to personal preference without overstepping the bounds of harmony. The Sargent Book of Designs illustrating many types suitable for residences, is valuable to anyone who will build or remodel. A complimentary copy will be mailed you on request. Our Colonial Book will also be included if you mention an interest in that period. SARGENT & COMPANY -156 Leonard St., New York GARBAGE RECEIVER has been in practical use. The only sanitary method of caring for garbage, deep in the ground in metal receiver holding heavy galvanized bucket with bail. == No Freezing No Odors Opens With the Foot--Your Health Demands It cl—Send for Circular C. H. STEPHENSON, Manufacturer 21 Farrar Street Lynn, Mass. Van Dorn Iron Works Co. PRISON, HOUSE & STABLE WORK OIST HANGERS AWN FURNITURE FENCING, ETC. CLEVELAND, OHIO Mprsce tay aw l National Photo- Engraving Company @ Designers and Engravers for all Artistic, Scientific and Illustrative Purposes :-: :-: Engravers of "American Homes and Gardens" 14-16-18 Reade St., New York fie flue ees eras OM NE ty wo R viii AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS March, 1912 SEND FOR OUR CATALOG,“HOME HEATING” OT-\WATER HEATED * N | T DREWSS SY. TEM : by AN 2 EACH S Se ae af i is : 5 A E S = AVERAGE/PRICE 9198 J THE ANDREWS “IDEA” BRINGS EFFICIENCY and ECONOMY Geo. C, Andrews, mechanical engineer, after spending many years at all branches of the heating business, resolved first that he would perfect a Hot Water Heating Plant of greater heating power, better and less expensive than any on the market; second, that he would sell it ready to erect—pipes all reamed and cut to fit, etc., with full instructions, so that any man handy with tools could put it in himself and save the plumber'’s profit, if he sochose. It is also installed by dealers. The success of Mr. Andrews’ ‘‘idea’’ is attested by the immense growth of his business in thirteen years and by the army of satisfied customers in every state in the union. . ° ° ceeae Andrews We do it right in 44 States Regurgitating Engineers 9 e Safety Valve vevveteet 360 Days Free Iria a ability in the This Safety heating line— Valve is an An- : . experts who do Guaranteed by Bond drews patent. It is so effective | Pint Ay nothing but study the con- We Pay the Freight that it has brought out several unsatis- ditions governing each job factory imitations. In very cold weather i and design che plant (boiler, piping, it increases the capacity of piping, makes your radiators one-half Geo. 6. radiators and all) to give the utmost hotter, and enables you to heat up your house evenly as quickly Pea oeff . 25 Years’ Experience in the Cold as with steam, without steam plant disadvantages. Stops boiling ie § No t in Contracting, Manufacturing and De- over.’’ Simple, automatic, safe. |=) signing heating plants for all classes of buildings * “| | from modern cottages to the largest public and Ke Eonee ia eat Boilers Pre 7 ; private buildings enables them to design you a gee aera aT Hey Ss eee styles orcal 7 4 : a pa ci ie -ocomotive. | r nade entirely of stee ‘Ox a plant with highest efficiency. plate like big power boilers. Their design SHOndgenioh more i a | fire travel than other boilers and the intimate contact of fire i a | eEetee Andrews and water enables them to heat quickly on a small amount 4% ie Hired Man” Thermostat of fuel. The fire-pot is deep; combustion chamber is ample ] ~ . reacten for burning of gases; all parts and flues ore easily accessi- This famous heat controller takes complete charge ble for cleaning, the grate is latest pattern, most efficient and f of the dampers on your furnace or boiler. It wi durable. Read all about their fuel saving features in our big é keep the temperature of your room at any ees free book on heating. you wish to set it at. Guaranteed for life. Sold reg- . f ularly at $20, but as a special 30 days’ feature, we Get Our FREE Estimate bey te , offer it free to any one answering this ad and buy- Send us architect’s plans or a rough sketch of each of the * ©) ing an Andrews Heating Plant. Clock attachment floors of the house you plan to heat, showing sizes, height of ceilings, Rite $5.00 extra. See coupon. Set clock windows, doors, etc., and we will furnish you an estimate of the complete h = attachinent for change in temperature cost of an Andrews plant designed by our Engineers to fit your exact at any time and it will open or close conditions, and delivered freight prepaid at your nearest railroad station. iE dampers a 2 rou desire. We always make special estimates for each job. Old houses are easily arp aeny © equipped with our plants without defacing walls. } - 4\ —_ = SS — = 74(——— — ——_—_—_—_— = = § a See ERR... _ : Write Today For Our j toed Plumbing, Water Supply, Sew- E| : é on : ;\ age Disposal and Gas Lighting Please send names of Two people who might buy ee eee eee eee Good For $20 Thermostat Free If you buy an Andrews Heating P!ant or Boiler direct or thru dealer in answer to this adv. | Andrews Heating Co., : ; ‘ iy 2 ATING | 1238 Heating Bldg., Minneapolis, Minn. P | Please find enclosed rough sketch and sizes of floors, etc., in OMPAN Y= my house, and I would like your Free Estimate and Big Book. a [See My Name....sccccccccvesscce eee ee cece erreecees oe 1238 Heating Bldg., MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. IAddressizisierscisiojore sisinvavatersiove\sisielevelers aisiatajavelsis(sloleisieis;otere —— a CONSULTING ENGINEERS CTURERS CONTRACTORS 3 Let Me Help Build You A ‘Fairyland’ Garden Wyomissing Nurseries are a veritable fairy- land to me—an enchanted spot wherein | con- stent fan new joy and where life, to me and to my dz2ar ones, takes on new brightness and glory every day as new flower-wonders unfold. A well-known author writes of my work: ‘* Bertrand H. Farr is a man of the Henry David Thoreau type; only where Thoreau was content to admire and describe, Mr. Farr must evolve and make the beautiful even more beautiful. Mr. Farr, like Thoreau, does live in a fairyland,” “Farr’s Hardy Plants” —A Book to Delight Your Heart and convert you toa more passionate love for the growing things. It will help you make ““fairylan of your own garden. | shall be glad to send you a copy. BERTRAND H. FARR, Wyomissing Nurseries 643 E. Penn Street Reading, Pa. Ke "THE most modern, and best illuminating and cooking service for isolated homes and institutions, is furnished by the CLIMAX GAS MACHINE. Apparatus furnished on TRIAL under a guarantee to be satisfactory andin advance of all other methods. Cooks, heats water for bath and culinary purposes, heats individual rooms between seasons—drives pump- ing or power engine in most efficient and economical manner —also_ makes brilliant illumination. IF MACHINE DOES NOT MEET YOUR EXPECTA- TIONS, FIRE IT BACK. Send for Catalogue and Proposition. Low Price Better than City Gas or Eleo- Liberal Terms tricity and at Less Cost. C. M. KEMP MFG. CO. 405 to 413 E. Oliver Street, Baltimore, Md. must heat the kitchen, for if you do not the water in the boiler and pipes will freeze. A better plan in the writer’s opinion is to have a coal range and gas range, or a combina- tion gas and coal range. The last men- tioned range of course economizes space and should therefore prove popular. If you have stained glass planned for, be sure and have specified the cost per square foot. It comes at all prices, but you should know what quality you are to have. Some very neat designs can be had at a low price. Bathtubs can now be purchased that have the waste and the hot and cold water fau- cets set in the side of them (of course the side nearest the wall) and such an arrange- ment is very satisfactory. If you desire to change the temperature of the water after you are in the tub you are saved the neces- sity of reaching forward to the end of it, which is often difficult to do. This device is one of the many small details which are being worked out in planning for comfort in the bathroom these days, and which add so much to the pleasure of the owner. The writer often wonders how many people plan their home with reference to the prevailing breeze in the Summer time. I saw a house the other day in which this matter had received careful attention. Of course the location, how the house faces, etc., bear upon this matter, but it is often possible to plan for a number of the rooms, especially the bedrooms which are most used, to face the quarter from which most of the Summer breezes come. Try also to have the living-room and the dining-room to face such a direction. Do not place your bathroom over a vesti- bule or a piazza, as | sometimes find it. It will be difficult to heat such a room, and there will be great danger of the water in the pipes freezing in the Winter time. Always plan to have your heating radia- tors set in the coldest part of each room. If so placed the heat will be more agree- able to the occupants of the house. Careful planning beforehand will enable you to do this, and the necessary time to do so will be well spent. Hot air registers can now be obtained to set in the wall instead of the floor. Such a location seems far better in most instances, as the registers do not then interfere with rugs laid on the floor, and also do not fill up so with dust when sweeping is being done. Radiators painted black are now much used, and do not discolor and tarnish as do the ones painted with “gold” and “silver” paint. They are attractive, and the color harmonizes with most of the interior deco- rations now used. They are also said to radiate more heat if painted black. They are also much less conspicuous. ROADSIDE FRUIT TREES TTENTION is called in a recent con- sular report to the thrifty plan follow- ed in the province of Hanover, Ger- many, of planting the roadsides with fruit trees, the product of which is sold at auction for the benefit of the local government, the revenue thus obtained going a long wav to- ward the upkeep of the roads. Hanover has some 7,000 miles of country highways thus bordered. This year some of the roads yield- ed a revenue, from this source, at the rate of $595 a mile. The fruit is protected by law, and during the season of ripening the roads are patroled by sharp-eyed watchmen, on bicycles, so that little if any of the fruit is | diverted from its proper destination. March, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS ix HINTS ON USING COPPER ON OUT- SIDE BUILDING WORK By A. C. VARIAN OPPER is being very largely used these days instead of tin and galvanized iron for outside building work. Cornices, gutters, valleys, leaders, etc., are made of it, and it should prove very satisfactory for such purposes, as it resists to a remark- able degree the harmful attacks of time and weather. But experience has shown that it cannot always be used in the same manner as tin and galvanized iron, on account of its being so much more susceptible of ex- pansion and contraction than they are. The usual method in using it has been to place it in position in exactly the same way as if tin or galvanized iron were being em- ployed. But certain defects soon develop if such a course is followed. This article will not enter into technicalities, as that would be beyond its scope, but it will state in simple language some ideas which if used will enable the work to be accomplished in so efficient a manner that it will last for a long time. For the convenience of the reader the writer has divided the article into sections, each with an appropriate title. COPPER IS A FAR SOFTER MATERIAL THAN EITHER TIN OR GALVANIZED IRON. Copper is a far softer material than tin or galvanized iron. This means that it must be carefully protected while it is being put up, and also after the work is finished. A blow that would not injure tin or galvan- ized iron, will often seriously damage cop- per. lf outside copper gutters are used, it is best to have the outer edge made with an iron rod. This will afford some protec- tion in case the gutter is struck by a ladder. or otherwise subjected to an unusual strain. It will also stiffen the gutter and render it more durable. The expense is not large to add the rod when the gutter is being constructed. DO NOT USE COPPER WHICH IS TOO THIN. As copper is so much more expensive than either tin or galvanized iron, it is often made in a very thin form, the idea being that as it will not rust, it will last a long time, even though it has not much thickness. But this theory has frequently been carried to the extreme in practice, and some valleys, gutters, etc., have been con- structed of copper which will not last. Specify the thickness (or weight) of any copper that you may wish used on your buildings, and do not for a small saving use too thin a material. It may prove costly in the end. HOW TO AVOID THE DELETERIOUS EFFECTS OF EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION. As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, copper is very susceptible of expan- sion and contraction. All outside work is necessarily subjected to extremes of heat and cold. Picture for yourself a metal roof in the bright sunlight, on a hot Summer’s day when the mercury stands at ninety or ninety-five degrees in the shade. Think how much heat it will absorb, especially if it is made of copper. Then also consider how much expansion there will be during the day, but remember in addition, that when the roof cools during the night there must be much contraction. All copper roofs are subjected to much strain from stich causes. Let us now consider how a copper roof may be laid so as to make it as durable as possible. COPPER ROOFING. I have already said that copper cannot be used to advantage for some purposes in the same way that tin or galvanized iron could be. This especially applies to copper roofs. When they are constructed in the OOTs Too Should a in a WHETHER your floors are old or new, of soft wood or hard, painted or unpainted, stained or unstained, or covered with linoleum or oil- cloth, you can easily keep them in a beautiful, bright, sanitary condition with Z STANDARD VARNISH WORKS PLASTICA J rane EY FLOOR FINISH Look for the Trade-mark on a Yellow Label. All others are imitations The One Perfect Floor Varnish ELASTICA is especially intended for use on wood floors, oilcloth and linoleum. By following the directions on each can of ELASTICA, you can easily secure a beautiful, sanitary, faultless surface which defies the hardest sort of wear—a floor which is heel proof, caster proof and “boy proof.” SEND FOR BOOK 94 “How to Finish Floors””—Home Edition. Profusely illustrated, rich in suggestions for making and keeping floors beautiful. Also, ask _ for a set of exquisitely colored postcards showing handsome in- terior, which will be sent with our compliments. Address STANDARD VARNISH 29 Broadway, New York, 2620 Armour Avenue, Chicago. Ill., 301 Mission St., San Francisco, Cal., or International Varnish Co., Ltd., Toronto, Canada »Camden, S.C. OR the winter months, December to May offer a climate unsurpassed in the middle South among the pines, the long leaf kind of South Carolina, dry sandy soil and health-giving at- mosphere, one can play golf, tennis and ride or drive every day. The hotel, a first-class American plan more like a home of re- finement and in a true southern town, colonial homes and gardens, that and more is what we offer. T. EDMUND KRUMBHOLZ Of the Sagamore on Lake George and the ontclair, New Jersey = hE L ae: AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS La OL eee EI Bldccell favene A ower Se oti AL = iM ace THESE MACHINES ARE USED ON MANY OFTHE LEADING GOLF COURSES 22 PUBLIC PARKS THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES. THEY IMPROVE 270 BEAUTIFY THE LAWN AS NO OTHER MACHINE CAN azo AT MUCH LESS COST. Jend for Catalogue satan vrs hearse TT NTT f ll ue ‘i al im i OT aT TOT mmm CT LANE BROS. CO., Prospect Street, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Vewburoh, VY ea eae, ee Are the easiest running, most nearly noiseless, strongest, as well as the most durable hanger on the market to-day. For twenty-five years univer- sally recognized in the Building Trade as the very best Hanger made. Get our catalog of other goods. March, 1912 same manner as a tin or galvanized iron roof, they “‘buckle.” This is caused on ac- count of no provision having been made for expansion and contraction. To con- struct a durable copper roof, small strips should be soldered to the sheets, and the strips alone nailed to the roof. The sheets are bent on the edges so as to fit into the sheets next to them. Of course, the strips allow considerable expansion and contrac- tion to take place without injury to the roof. This method has been tested over and over again and has not failed, while copper roofs tightly fastened down, with no such provision for changes in the tem- perature of the metal, buckled outwardly in hot weather. Then when contraction took place, the metal was subjected to a great strain, and in time a crack formed, and the water could leak through. It is a very expensive matter to repair such roofs. COPPER VALLEYS. Instead of soldering sheets together to form valleys, the sheets should simply lap over one another at the joints. This method will prevent the harmful effects of expansion and contraction. ) FuNTS Fine Furnirure 4 Ge, So Perfect and So Peerless in, CARPETS, RUGS, UPHOLSTERY FABRICS, INTERIOR DECORATIONS Prices marked in plain figures will always be found EXCEED- INGLY LOW when compared with the best value obtainable elsewhere Geo. C. Funt Co. 4a-47West 23° St. 24-28 West 24"St. FRESH AIR AND PROTECTION! Ventilate your rooms, yet have your windows securely fastened with The Ives Window Ventilating Lock assuring you of fresh air and pro- tection against intrusion. Safe and strong, inexpensive and easily applied. Ask your dealer for them 88-page Catalogue Hardware Specialties, Free. THE H. B. IVES CO. SOLE Manuracturers ... NEW HAVEN, CONN. In “The Dawn of History,” by J. L. Myres, we have the first brief and simple survey of the history of very early times. The author, an eminent British scholar, who has carried out many important anthropo- logical and archeological researches, here gives in simple form the most essential re- sults of his travel and learning as to the earliest human communities of Europe. “Medieval Europe,” by H. W. C. Davis, is a volume devoted to a fascinating subject. Herein the author traces the anarchy that accompanied the fall of the Roman Empire, the ephemeral life of the barbarian king- doms, the rise of the Empire and the new monarchies between A.D, 800 and 1000, and the later “Expansion of Europe.’ The characteristics of feudalism and the medie- val State, the vicissitudes of the Papal Church, the Crusades, and the growth of the free towns are discussed with great abil- ity and fairness. Mr. Davis succeeds in showing the greatness of the error which misrepresented the centuries separating the ancient and modern worlds as “a long night of ignorance and force.” One takes pleasure in endorsing all these volumes of the series and can look forward with anticipation to those that are to come. THE ByZANTINE Empire. By Edward A. Foord. New York: The Macmillan Company. Cloth; 16mo.; Illustrated; 432 pp. Price, $2.00 net. This volume is a thoroughly successful attempt to supply the need of a short, popu- lar history of the Later Roman Empire. There has been no work of this sort on this subject up to this time, available in the Eng- lish language, the nearest approach being Professor Oman’s sketch in Putnam’s “Story of the Nations” series and the monu- mental work of Gibbon, Bury, and Finlay, “The Byzantine Empire,’ by the last author being now obtainable in an expen- sive and well-printed volume in Dent’s “Everyman’s Library.” Mr. Foord’s book concerns itself mainly with the Byzantine Empire’s work as preserver of civilization and rearguard of Europe, concerning itself but little with ecclesiastical controversy, this being, in the author’s opinion, entirely sec- ondary in the matter in hand. On this point the reviewer differs with Mr. Foord, never- theless Mr. Foord’s volume is a valuable handbook of the subject, adequately illus- trated with maps and half-tones and tables, and an index of names. Although the student will find the book of service for its clarity and brevity, the general reader, too, will be glad to pick it up for the pleasure to be had in reading this fascinating record of one of the most interesting epochs of history. THE Book oF THE CoTTaGE GARDEN, by Charles Thonger. New York: John Lane Company. Cloth crown, 8vo. Illustrated, 91 pages. Price, $1.00 net. Nowadays, a cottage in the country may mean anything, from a six-roomed bunga- low with a diminutive garden to a commo- dious residence surrounded by extensive grounds. But whatever its size, the garden of the country cottage offers unique oppor- tunities for the growing of flowers in good and natural ways. A cottage garden filled with hardy flowers is infinitely more satis- fying than a group of gorgeous exotics stiffly staged indoors. Therefore, the gar- den lover will find Mr. Thonger’s book a source of inspiration. Although originally written for English readers, its various chapters and fine illustrations contain a great deal of matter every American gar- den-beginner should know. March, 1912 HE dangers from dust are too well known for us to mention, but the necessity of keeping your home and its furnishings free from dust should not be overlooked. Our Santo Vacuum Cleaners are made in various sizes and styles, both Portable and Stationary Plants. Efficiency and quality are the foundation principles of: their con- struction. A Demonstration Will Prove This Assertion You can purchase a Santo Twin Suction Sweeper (Electric)—a Santo Hand Power Cleaner--a Santo Port- able Electric Vacuum Cleaner—a Santo Duplex Stationary Vacuum Cleaning Plant. Prices ranging from $35.00 to $300.00. = All Santo Vacuum Cleaners are manufac- tured under our own patents and licensed under basic ones. Keller Manufacturing Co. Department A. H. Philadelphia Pennsylvania Represented in nearly every large city The Burlington Venetian Blind will make your rooms shady and your porch cool and comfortable. It can be raised or lowered at will, and can be adjusted to any angle to suit the height of the sun. Enclose your porch and see what a change it will make in your whole home. It will giye you a cozy, secluded room, The air will circulate freely and you will get all the advantages of open air; at the same time you will not be subjected to an inquisitive public gaze. The Burlington Venetian Blind will give youa place to read, sew or entertain—a place for the children to play, too. Write for our illustrated booklet; it © will tell you about the various styles Burlington Venetian Blind Co. ,339 Lake St.,Burlington, vt. ie March, 1912 BOT AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Xili ROSE GROWING FOR AMERICAN GARDENS AND OTHER ATTRACTIVE FEATURES FOR THE APRIL NUMBER HE opening article for the April number of AMERICAN YIOMES AND GARDENS will be from the pen of Mr. F. F. Rockwell, one of the leading authorities in America on the subject of gardening and horticulture. Mr. Rockwell pre- sents a thoroughly practical and instructive survey of Rose growing for everyone’s garden. Whether one has had ex- perience in growing Roses in the home garden or looks for- ward to taking up Rose culture for the first time, this article will prove a valuable aid to him, its material being clearly set forth. The article is exquisitely illustrated from photo- graphs and by diagrams. No Rose lover can afford to miss this number. AMERICAN HoMEs AND GARDENS for April will contain two delightfully written articles on houses, one dat- ing from Colonial times, filled with its original Colonial furnishings, and the other a modern house patterned after a famous Virginia manor and fitted with rare furnishings collected by its owner. One of America’s foremost author- ities on the house will contribute an article of intense interest to every dweller in the country, and other special features connected with architecture, interior decoration, the garden and the housekeeping, all finely illustrated, will make the April number of AMERICAN HoMEs AND GARDENS a treas- ure-trove of useful and delightful information within its field. THE ARCHITECTURAL LEAGUE EXHIBITION HE Twenty-seventh Annual Exhibition of the Architec- tural League of New York presented to the considera- tion of its visitors the fact that year after year the League exhibitions show a growing tendency to display less of what is broadly termed architectural matter, and to give greater attention to architecture’s accessory arts. ‘There is also a marked tendency to include in these exhibitions works in sculpture, which one feels would be more properly included in the National Academy exhibitions, for instance. Of course, every article of aesthetic or of utilitarian interest produced has a direct or indirect bearing upon architectural problems, yet one cannot but feel that the League exhibitions would be more valuable in the long run if they clung more closely to the problem of building design and of landscape architecture. In the present exhibition there seemed almost a paucity of small house designs, while the section of decorative arts was overflowing with material that might more properly be shown elsewhere, several of these exhibits being really works for the painting exhibitions rather than for architectural ones, despite the ultimate places planned for their position by their artists. In the matter of stained glass designs, it must be confessed that the work shown in this year’s exhibi- tion hardly reached the plane of interest which it should have attained, considering the very excellent and, indeed, surpassing work done by American artists in glass. Much of the designs for glass shown at the league exhibition fol- lowed traditions strictly, although occasionally there was shown a design that departed from the time-worn medieval- | ism, as, for instance, one noted in the designs by Frederick Wilson, ‘“The Angel and Child” (865), ‘‘The Argonauts” (872). In the sculpture display, one remarked with sur- prise the absence of works by many of our foremost decora- tive sculptors, Victor D. Brenner among them. Janet Scud- der’s “Fighting Boys” fountain was, perhaps, the finest bit of completed work in sculpture shown. Also noteworthy was the model “Children Playing” fountain by Anna V. Hyatt, and the reliefs by John Flanagan for the City Hall, Chicago. It should be remembered that the Architectural League exhibitions in various cities are not mere student affairs, and while the initiate are interested in the processes of work- ing out a problem, it is, nevertheless, probably a fact that too much work of a mere sketchy nature is admitted in the department of decorative design. Some of the sketches for the mural decorations, while promising much, might suggest attempts at accomplishments that the artists themselves will never achieve, and one feels that the public should see more completed work—that is, actually complete, for in- stance, the paintings by Charles Hoffbauer, ‘Triumph of the Condottiere, Florence, 1450” (414), and William A. Mackay’s ‘Flying Dutchman” (518), and his “Legend of the Sargasso Sea” (520). Although the present League exhi- bition was attractive and interesting, it is hoped that future ones will be brought to a higher standard. Surely we have in America ample material and enthusiasm for a still better showing, and our architects should bend their efforts toward it. U. S. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATIONS HE work accomplished by the various State experiment stations of the United States Department of Agriculture stand ready to render valuable service to everyone through- out the land, but it is not generally understood by the public at large that these experiment stations interest themselves in horticultural matters quite as much as in the broader field of agriculture in relation to farm lands and soil develop- ment upon an extended scale. The amateur gardener is quite as welcome to help from these sources as is the farmer. The directors of the United States Agricultural Experiment Stations and their associates are always glad to furnish any information possible on the subject of plant culture of any description, as influenced by the conditions of climate, soil, etc., within their respective States. The editor of AMERI- CAN HoMEs AND GARDENS calls attention to this fact in the belief that there are many of its readers who would be glad to avail themselves of the opportunity of consulting the members of the staff of their State experiment station if they knew that information of great value to them could be ob- tained upon application. For instance, the various experi- ment stations are best qualified to give information as to the proper varieties of plants for gardens (both flowers and vegetables) within their states, to answer queries pertaining to local soil conditions, and to suggest remedies for plants affected by the various pests that attack vegetable growth. The value of the service rendered by the State experiment stations is practically inestimable, and the great number of American home-builders is quickly coming to discover this. xiv AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS An Unfailing Water Supply Running water — for inside or outside service—is the greatest convenience you can have. It means thorough sanitation—modern comfort—and the conveniences of a city residence. March, 1912 PNEUTANK SYSTEM is the most efficient and dependable water supply out- fit that you can install. It gives you fresh water at all times, pumped throughout your house or grounds. Douglas Systems combine the knowledge and ex- perience of 80 years of successful pump-making. Douglas products have been the standard of excellence since 1832. Nothing is skimped in any Douglas System. The steel tank is absolutely air-tight, tested in the factory. ‘The motor (gas, gasoline or electric) is of the latest standard make. The pump is thoroughly efficient and absolutely dependable. We will replace any part found defective within 5 years of installation. You can be the judge as to whether the part was defective or whether worn out. Send today for Catalog and full information, You'll get the benefit of ( expert advice from thoroughly experienced engineers who have success- iH BAY STATE 6s "U.S, pAT: I’m the Bay State Coating Man I want you to know Bay State Brick and Cement Coating is being specified by the leading architects and contractors not only as a coating on cement, stucco, and brick surfaces to protect them against moisture, but on high grade interior work on both wood and plaster. When you need a coating for cement and want some- thing that will stand up and give protection and durability, also a pleasing finish, use the Bay State Brick and Cement Coating, which is the result. of research and experimental work for more than a decade. Wherever it is used on stucco, concrete, wood, or plaster, it stands up better than any other. fully met many water supply problems. They can solve yours. Write on today. W. & B. DOUGLAS | pi 180 William Street Middletown, Connecticut |) . - | aE at Manufacturers of spiay pumps and all accessories. Also deep-well pumps, forest-fire fighting outfits, etc. If interested, ask for special Bulletin. You knew how necessary it is to protect concrete surfaces against dampness. My coating is damp proof and gives a pleasing appearance without destroying the texture of concrete and in addition is a fire retarder. Write for particulars about Bay State Brick and Cement Coating. Address for booklet No. 3. Wadsworth, Howland & Co., Inc. Paint and Varnish Makers and Lead Corroders 82-84 Washington Street Boston, Mass. BOBBINK & ATKINS World’s Choicest Nursery and Greenhouse Products y SPRING PLANTING We invite everybody interested in improving their lawns and gardens to visit our Nursery to see our Products growing. This is the most satisfactory way to purchase. We shall gladly give our time, attention and any information desired. Our Nursery consists of 300 acres of highly cultivated land and 500,000 square feet of greenhouses and storehouses, in which we are growing Nursery and Greenhouse Products for every place and purpose, the best that experience, good cultivation and our excellent facilities can produce, placing us in a position to fill orders of any size. Rose Plants. We grow several Evergreens, Conifers and hundred thousand that will Pines. More than 75 acres of our bloom this year. Order now Nursery are planted with hand- from our _ Illustrated General some specimens. Our plants Catalogue for Spring Delivery. are worth traveling any dis- Rhododendrons. Many thou- tance to see. sands of acclimated plants in Boxwood and Bay Trees. We Hardy English and American : varieties are growing in our grow thousands of trees in many The Unknown Quantity In planting a Garden, whether large or small, the initial cost of the seeds themselves is by far the smallest item of expense. Good soil, with water and sun, will produce crops, if the unknown quantity, that is, the quality of the seeds, is also good. The thousands of dollars that are expended each year by Peter Henderson & Co. in their exhaustive tests and trials are spent to reduce this unknown quantity to such a minimum Nursery. Hardy Old-Fashioned Plants. We grow thousands of rare, new and old-fashioned kinds. Special prices on quantities. Deciduous Trees and Flower- ing Shrubs. Many acres of our Nursery are planted with sev- eral hundred thousand = Orna- mental Shade Trees and Flower- ing Shrubs. It is worth while to visit us and inspect them. Trained, Dwarf and Ordinary Fruit Trees and Small Fruits. We grow these for all kinds of Fruit Gardens and Orchards. Hedge Plants. We grow hun- dreds of thousands of California Privet, Berberis and other Hedge Plants adapted for all parts of the country. shapes and sizes. Palms, Decorative Plants for Conservatories, interior and ex- terior decorations, Hardy Trailing and Climbing Vines. We grow them for every place and purpose. Ask for spe- cial list. English Pot-Grown Grape Vines. For greenhouse cultiva- tion. Bulbs and Roots. Spring, Sum- mer, and Autumn flowering. Lawn Grass Seed. Our Ruth- erford Park Lawn Mixture has given satisfaction everywhere. Plant Tubs, Window Boxes and Garden Furniture. We manufac- ture all shapes and, sizes. Our New Giant Flowering Marshmallow. Everybody should be interested in this Hardy New Old-Fashioned Flower. It will grow everywhere, and when in bloom is the Queen of Flowers in the gar- den. Blooms from the early part of July until the latter part of September. Our Illustrated General Catalogue No. 75 Gescribes our Products; is comprehensive, interesting, instructive and helpful to intending purchasers. Will be mailed free upon request. WE PLAN AND PLANT GROUNDS AND GARDENS EVERYWHERE. Our Products give permanent satisfaction because they possess the highest qualities created by our excellent standard of cultivation. Visitors, take Erie Railroad to Carlton Hill, second stop on Main Line; 3 minutes’ walk to Nursery. BOBBINK & ATKINS RUTHERFORD, N. J. Nurserymen, Florists and Planters that it is removed almost entirely. In buying Henderson’s seeds you are buying seeds that have been tested and tried and have been found up to the Hender- son Standard, a Standard which is not exceeded by any seed house in the world. In planting your Garden it pays to start right and you can be sure that there is no unknown quantity in your Garden if you use Henderson’s Seeds. Henderson’s are Tested Seeds. Our Garden Guide and Record This handbook, which will be sent without extra charge to all sending for our catalogue under our Special Offer, is one of the most valuable of our many publications. It has concise and complete cultural tables, planting instructions, cooking receipts, personally selected by Mrs. Rorer, for ‘all vegetables, in fact a comprehensive garden handbook. Peter Henderson & Co. 35-37 Cortlandt Street New York 42 4 : 2 Pe GONtEINTS FOR MARCH, 191-2 A. IDETIGIEAENTIE GuMRDISIN. iia ea cis Se tenet eo ee Pee Frontispiece AUD RAGNUNGSE GARDE Named caeeltecie she wh oc 2h Ge et une eds oe ae By Gardner Teall 75 Paha eR CHIMECISMIESIDEN CE: caine Sao na) eels eb ne eee ale By Robert H. Van Court 81 SEAINED AND ILEADED GEASS FOR THE TIOUSE.... -.. 2.425 Pee ee ee By Ida J. Burgess 83 AULESHERNGOUBUIRBAN GLOUSE. 4 ence 45 ag eee ew ee ee ee By Robert Leonard Ames 86 rape En Ons GARDE N=IVUAIGING IN AMERICA o0f 5 bine eae ee eee de hee ee eR oa ws 90-91 PLANNING AND PLANTING THE HOME VEGETABLE GARDEN..........- By F. F. Rockwell 92 PO TWVER le ON WEE VUAINE, COAST. «50.5. fe ee ee nee oe By Russell F. Porter — 97 DGIORONOSKERSW ALONG OLD LINES. 02.2550. Sesene eg etn e's By Hewitt Trent Cooper 99 OW eROMIVESICEMGOODMEAWINS...20 2 os. 265 se yon be ees Ha eee es By Albert Lewis 100 WITHIN THE HOoUusE: The Value of “Effect” in Interior Decorations.......... By Harry Martin Yeomans 102 AROUND THE GARDEN: March plans for Next Summer’s Garden and Hints for This Month’s Work......... 104 DIEVES EO DE LIOUSEWIFE——Kitchen Mconomy..... 0... 02.56.55. By Elizabeth Atwood 106 Poultry-House Convenience Hints on House Flooring The Editor’s Note Book Collecting Antiques How to Raise Tomatoes in the Home Garden New Books CHARLES ALLEN MUNN FREDERICK CONVERSE BEACH President MUNN & CO. ; Inc. Secretary and Treasurer Publishers 361 Broadway, New York Published Monthly. Subscription Rates: United States, $3.00 a year; Canada, $3.50 a year. Foreign Countries, $4.00 a year. Single Copies 25 cents. Combined Subscription Rate for “American Homes and Gardens” and the “Scientific American,” $5.00 a year. Dima Opt SD Copa 1912 by Munn &Co., Inc. Registered in United States Patent Office. Entered as second-class matter June 15, 1905, at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1879. The Editor will be pleased to consider all contributions, but ‘““American Homes and Gardens" will not hold itself responsible for manuscripts and photographs submitted in truth . Tarbox Beals Photograph by Jessie ral oO oO ta) oS do a? iS] oS = > oe oO > ica) oO n =] ° << o ao} — wn E fe) iat © 3s => = -_ Ss — so -<< p= S oO ia © | = rs} co ao — o — — (o} n (5) Cc, P=) Poy cS =) — oO ie} Ss ae = 2) ty o fe) £ oO = oO = o S °o > = o > o i= oO so Ld os oa 3 Sa 3° — = fo} wn o ple! —_ oe oe = be AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS March, POl2 Everyman s Garden By Gardner Teall Photographs by Jessie Tarbox Beals and Nathan R. Graves q)| HERE is a lovely garden nestling in a quiet || valley of the Connecticut countryside that I shall call Everyman’s garden, because here one finds, season after season, a world of delight in the delectable array of blooming things dear to the heart of everyone who holds close to him the memory of Hollyhocks, Larkspurs, Columbines, Marigolds, Cockscombs, Poppies, Asters, Fox- gloves, Canterbury Bells, Love-in-a-Mist, Mignonette, Sweet William, Petunias, the Zinnia, and all-the other beau- tiful flowers we have called old-fashioned because we love them best. Here one finds no orderly array of stiffly de- signed flower beds, looking for all the world like a patch quilt for keeping Nature covered up. Instead, great banks of Phlox, clumps of Peonies, trellises of Sweep Peas, and banks of Nasturtium hold almost riotous sway over the do- main that stretches from doorstep to the gate, which seems always swinging open to welcome you to the wonderland it gives access to. When you see the gorgeous blaze of wonderful color before you, as though all the gems at Alad- din’s command had been strewn by careless but generous hand just there, you will rub your eyes to make sure you are not dreaming; that this little paradise is real, after all. Whatever notions you may have entertained about stiff borders, symmetrical edges and formal garden lay-outs will vanish utterly under the spell this garden casts around one, There is probably no man the whole world over who would not long for a garden like this and find it a thing of beauty and a joy forever Lars fe The Lupin was mentioned by a Colonial chronicler as being found in a Boston garden in the year 1760 and you will find that it can teach you more in an hour than many another has taught you in a season. A few years ago—fifty if you will—we were all imagin- ing that we had no history; to-day we realize we have made a great deal. We cannot whirl through the countryside and catch a glimpse of some old house, landmark of our Colonial era, that our hearts do not bound up within us with the pride we hold in all we have done since then. It is not be- cause this old pewter mug, or that old sampler, or these quaint candlesticks evoke our admiration merely in them- selves for their intrinsic worth that we bargain for them, col- lect them, and carry them off with us, to adorn our houses, with almost as much pride as the conquerors of old brought back their spoils to adorn the victory; it is because history ‘The spicy-scented Valerian is the stately flower which our great-grand- mothers used to call Allheal AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS March, 1912 and these things have gone hand in hand, a thing we love to be reminded of, the quality which lends to the “‘antique”’ its chief charm. That, too, is why we must have reproduc- tions of the old things, if the old things themselves are to be denied to us. So it is with gardens. The Englishman may walk among his box-bordered geometricies, his yew- covered paths; the Italian among his balustraded terraces, sentineled by Cypresses; the Hollander among his Tulip- beds, the Spaniard within his arbors of Jasmine, the French- man around his rows of Lilies, and the German about his shrubbery, his Moss-Roses and Forget-Me-Nots; but to the heart of every American that garden of flowers is the loveliest which carries with its perfume the reminiscent sug- gestion of those gardens of our cradle days, when Salem roasted witches but overlooked the enchantments of her dooryard, red with Four-o’Clocks, white with Candytufts, blue with Bachelor’s Buttons, and when the good folk of Boston village, each over his neighbor’s fence, discussed the newest Larkspur seed, the fantastic forms of the Gourd. We love to be reminded, too, of the garden at Mt. Vernon, of the bouquets that used to come fresh with the morning dew upon them to Mistress Dolly Madison, of the gardens where the brave boys in blue and the brave boys in gray played in their happy youth, taking little heed of the pro- phecy of the relentless Dicentra—Bleeding Heart, indeed! And so, when I come into a garden such as this one, where on a Summer’s day the hum of bees throws me into drowsy meditation and the winds waft sweet music of the nodding stems to listening ears, I say it 1s the best garden of all—your garden, my garden—Everyman’s garden. ‘Tf they to whom God gives fair gardens knew The happy solace which sweet flowers bestow ; Where pain depresses, and where friends are few, To cheer the heart in weariness and woe.’’ These words of a poet, whose name has long since been for- gotten, come to one as he strolls through the banks of Delphinium, the lovely Larkspur of old-fashioned gardens, and the white Madonna Lily, L. candidum March, 1912 flowering verdure, but only because we feel sorry for that poet of long ago. He may have known lovely gardens, but had he known this one never would the burthen of his song carried with it suggestion of any plaint, but he would have felt that spirit of all gardens whispering as the genius loci to him, as in the exquisite words of Francis Thompson’s “An Anthem of Earth”: “Here I untrammel. Here I pluck loose the body’s cerementing, And break the tomb of life; here I shake off The bur o’ the world, man’s congregation shun, And to the antique order of the dead I take the tongueless vows; my call is set Here in thy bosom; my little trouble is ended In a little peace.”’ How inseparable, indeed, are gardens and poetry, poetry and gardens, though many there be (they, perhaps, who are merely born with the botanist’s eye, the agriculturist’s crop proclivities, or the spadesman’s muscle) who pretend to find in the garden only the suggestion of a deal of troweling, a scattering of seeds, a turn at weeding, a thorn or two, and the trouble of beginning it all over again, meeting the oc- cupation or the necessity withal, as the case may be, season after season and year after year, but as a matter of busi- ness, as part of the business of life, a duty performed well but blindly, unilluminated by the inner light that sheds its radiance upon the joys of gardening. Indeed, I know a man who has a yard full of plants spacefilling his Summer- times. If you should ask him why he plants them, he could not tell you, though I suspect he is coming under the spell of habit and that a few more years will find him under- standing that he has a garden, not merely a Rose here, a Lilac there and a row of Geraniums, causing him a deal of grumbling and trouble, because he looks upon them solely as agents in outvieing his neighbor’s floral display; I say he cannot forever escape the heart-song his sorry garden is trying to sing to him—sorry garden, for a garden cannot The tall-growing Foxglove, Digitalis purpurea, is one of the favorite old-fashioned garden flowers AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 77 There The exquisite Morning Glory is a solace in Everyman’s garden. is not a lovelier blossoming vine to be found anywhere make itself—he cannot escape it if he has a soul, and I think he has. When I go down his street and look over his fence at the growing things beyond, for all the world a gar- den of prim precision and joylessness, I say to myself, ‘““That is Noman’s garden,” and I pass on with a sigh. I tried to talk to him once about gardens—about mine. It was in the early Spring, and I hoped to learn how he had managed to make his Larkspurs taller than mine, though his were not so blue. Alas! It was by recipe! Enough chemicals to have established a pharmacy, and a grim determination that his garden should look down upon mine. That was all I got out of him; he had never heard of Omar Khayyam, of Francis Thompson, and would have lost faith in Francis Bacon had he known the great philosopher had ‘“‘wasted”’ The picturesque Black Cohosh, Cimicifuga racemosa, comes to us from the edges of our ponds 78 AMERICAN HOMES Love-in-a-Mist his time in discoursing “Of Gardens.” For my own part, I can dismiss the matter of Noman’s garden from my mind as though he were a purveyor of dried herbs, being, never- theless, charitable enough to wish him well. In place of his company, I love to sit out under the trees of Everyman’s garden. Now and then a whiffet of clover- fragrance, of perfume from the clover fields beyond, cuts keenly to our retreat, and the master of the garden shakes his head laughingly and gives warning that his flower- children will be jealous. So they are; the next fluttering of leaves is turned by zephyrs scented with the subtle incense of the Columbine, the Honeysuckle or the strange, sweet breath of the Dahlia. Then I tell the master of this garden all the hopes and fears I hold for my own. For two sea- sons now, I tell him, I have been striving to rear my treasured plants and bring them to maturity, that they may frame the garden of my dreams. He leads me to an old back porch screened with Honeysuckle, Clematis, and stringed Morning - Glories. “Flere,” he tells me, “I keep the diary of my garden.” I look over his shoulder and find that for many years he has jotted down with loving care all sorts of things every- one should know about his garden. Some of the things I find written in these bulky notebooks are much the same as the things the master of Noman’s garden begrudg- ingly dispensed when I pressed him for information. How differently it is with the master of Everyman’s gar- den. Eagerly I begin to compare notes, first turning to his trim little entries under SITES AND SOILS FOR THE GARDEN ‘They must be weed-free.” We both agree as to that. Gaillardia No American garden really seems complete without its clump of graceful-leaved Columbine AND GARDENS March, 1912 Blue Larkspur Weeds cannot be cut under and allowed to hide their heads, ostrich-like. We must not let the foolish things take silly advantage of us that way. We must root them out in earnest, and burn them. Moreover, if the garden plot we have determined upon is neighbor to a weedy field, we shall be called upon to exercise some vigilance over-fence. It is a poor neighbor who will not lend hand to organized effort in a community to root out obnoxious weeds. We all know that nothing is so injurious to a flower garden as too much water, or too little. A garden spot upon a slope with a southern exposure is ideal for site, permitting, as it does, access to sunshine—all flowers need that—and proper drain- age often denied to the flat garden. We are reminded, too, of the havoc north and west winds wreak upon Roses and other tender plants and we must plan a hedge, shrub- bery or some other means of shielding our gardens in the directions of these winds. The owner of Everyman’s garden tells me he chose its site away from the road- front, for he not only wished his flowers to be free from the dust clouds stirred up by the vehicles constantly pass- ing, but also because, wishing to have the joy of spending several hours each day tend- ing his plants, he sought a spot that would give him greater privacy than the road-front. We both discovered, as every one who has a garden comes to discover, that dirt is not soil—at least, not soil in the sense of the proper source of nourishment for plants. With earth made up of sand and clay and de- cayed vegetable, called hu- mus, plant life must be sup- plied from these in propor- tion to the requirements of species. We usually refer to March, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 79 White Poppy a very sandy or a very clayey soil as a poor soil, and one abundantly supplied with humus as good soil. A poor sandy soil contains from 80 to 100 per cent. of sand and as sand supplies little nutriment to plants unmixed with vegetable or animal matter, it stands to reason one would hardly ex- pect to make a lovely garden out of a mere sandbank, or out of a stretch of closely-packed clay, for though clay may contain plant food, the roots of plants cannot get to it unless the clayey soil is mixed with other soil. To a mixed sandy and clayey soil we give the name loam. Such loam contains from 40 to 60 per cent. of sand; if from 60 to 80 per cent. of sand, we call it sandy loam, and if less than 40 per cent. This loam is the basis of all of sand we call it clayey loam. good garden soil. Drainage lightens the soil and permits aeration, which is so neces- sary to it; and, freed from stagnant moisture, the earth becomes warmer and drier and more fertile, as the bac- teria which nitrify it and con- vert manure into plant food can live in soil that is prop- erly drained and tilled in in- finitely greater quantities than in soil that stands neg- lected. We must remember, too, that no amount of com- mercial fertilizer will help our gardens if the body soil is not put into a proper condi- tion to receive and take care of it; one might as well try to strain tea through a basin of jade. Lhe owner of Every- maw ssgarden has written in his notébook this quotation from Soraner’s “Physiology of Plants’: ‘The ideal con- dition of a soil is one which resembles a sponge and in which it will retain the great- est amount of nutritive sub- stances and water without losing its capacity for ab- sorbing air.” There you have it in a nutshell. The Dianthus The Hollyhock stands sentinel in Everyman’s garden-—one of loyal members The Bellflower problem does not seem so terrifying after all. We have only to dig a bit in the garden area. If we find the soil there too ‘“‘heavy,”’ we shall know what to do; too light, we shall likewise know how to alter its condition; but in either event we shall not forget that it will require frequent fertil- izing to keep it “up to pitch.” DRAINAGE I know of no better method of testing the soil of the garden plot than that of digging several holes to a depth of three feet and covering them to prevent rain from enter- ing. Then, after several wet days, the covering may be removed, and if water is found to have risen within the holes it may safely be assumed that the ground is not properly drained. For large areas of garden soil runs of tile drain- age pipe will be needed if the water collects beneath the top soil, but for small garden areas the soil may be re- moved to a depth of some thirty inches to receive an underbed of five inches of gravel. Of course, in such an operation the top soil must be restored to its orig- inal position. FERTILIZING It is not always easy for the garden beginner to know just how much fertilizer the soil requires. Perhaps he will discover that ‘‘over-fed”’ Nasturtiums wither and die, but one cannot seem to “‘over feed” the jolly little inhabi- tants of the flower bed. Probably the average flower garden will find stable or barnyard manure (that which has been heaped for at least six months, until it is well rotted) will prove sufficient. Stable manure, two barrow- fuls, say, to a square rod being ample, or somewhat less if barnyard manure (better for dry soils) is used. its most 80 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS March, 1912 PLANTING TABLE FOR ANNUALS, BIENNIALS AND PERENNIALS, FOR EVERYMAN’S GARDEN FLOWER SORT PLANT BLOOM evra ae ee COLORS Aquileia’ (Columbine) eerie merece lstets lore ee 122 May June-July TZ © \esteuensneetaletenere Various ACGHAT TS 2s sac Bt revatio. os anelieta tie rotolepetenece cst svevcroheropateye Pe May July LOie* "Whavteuere ree terete Various IAM ONUS tacos acre hastens jevoleelenmeunede evaksvaraieneverts AP May+ May-June (WE liotgoatin. coo so.4 Yellow Ne Heb Me nado one noGOOO no rad SOOO OO OOO A May June-October 6 VA Blue- White EAN CIN ONC 7. Misia cheielenersuonen custo asic oecaicn se Weuewene koltoe P May August-October 1 NN POlpickoso- aera. ooo White-Rose INSU GAbA oo ob oo bomokOoo oO DAG OD OOO OD aC OOO A May July-September 14 yy Various BEANO HS IsWiO aanoganepoboodmoo0conG A May July 8 %y Blue-White-Pink Balsam (ladys SHpper) tens sce siere oe ene A May June-September 14 VA Various Bleedineg=Heart (CD icentra)) Sisereteecc-cste erste 12) May May-August 26) || \aseauetenst Werehenete Crimson OPI hEY oS ek ea odomewa cmon aecd HoanenoodG A May June-October i % Orange Californiare op Dye reienicncn ci etches nenenenstete A May August 10 % Orange Campanulam (Bellflower)! (7% cicincceserstericln 1 EN May June-July 10 VA Blue-White-Pink Gari Gy stl taierece aero hess ce cetamectpottemenene Rees cometewer nics A May June-September 8 iy White CaASCOGBB Canis rcrcerecsdomenstonne ts Poste neeom tenets A May August 36 34 Green Chrysamehemuwimie foccac-csuciolensnewa teastaccusleenerane PA May August-October 18 % Various (SIEWAIOEW o35:6 dion 8 oto Oe PEGS Ome 6 COs cian OOo A May June-September 10 yY, White-Purple-Rose COCESCOMUD Berit Merten ect tincncts tere atiote concn enesch ee A May June-October 10 Yy Red-Purple-Yellow- White Choral isto osedeoonas ooo uedoe oO Bab Bondo Ve May July-August Wy Walon oon so 4 Coral CWORCODSISme tesnceetissctelsheorirencnertnencrencueeneienercirae A May June-August 12 %& Yellow-Brown Cornflower ....,. se avacavees Cuete sc trike a Shan chara rentireRe A May+ June 10 a Blue-White-Rose COSTINOS Myer. cdeseh st ener onsuersncde pfelawejeen aeenopentevis tens: ovevees A May August-September 24 Y% Red- White-Pink Ce ea Yaa eee rots psfe dey etnies cheb caren cdahewsnae renee serene P May July-September BG (Alsat ss creas Various AT) NAS are tae see crete Ge wa rectove (eceiicnebeie tar ewsbny orale oetaketete: cee iy 127 May May DK ee WR ESR SARA NNS Ceesicc W hite-Pink-Rose MN VENIMNS ELIMNTOSC Pee crerecveteie «cies ac 6 suciete 124 May July-August TO «> =H |\eicteecteeuaeaeeee Yellow HOR RCCHIMICS=IN Obra rate toierces si ciscsestehetiaessceha ce teiiagee PB May April-July 6 y, Blue LOU = OL. ClO C Ks ayopcsn hese eeeslansnetdsie a sue cre uebe asin fouvn PA May July-August 12 yy Red-White- Yellow OX OVC erect ehaectoataete oie e ta oraieiene oveteneeeenecs PB May June 12 Wy White-Pink Gaia diameter esis ects cece eine ointe P May July-October 12 Ve Yellow-Red GlobewAm alrantitssu scree aueus cnmeters a tescatents A May July 12 yy Pink OMS EARS pers thes nctencesnc sertine rmomra nano Serna A May July-October 12 i White-Red CRON S eerie oe vlna Bae raters) ssuse tate en Manone A May July-October 14 iy Various EVNHOP SlSipmerscek sen eteie teneke tscaiienens ove teva s) srens stave enenees 13) May July 2 yy Yellow EVD AIMt HAS) Pra clcrete sence eater alen secuenecatat wena 1g May August-September [Ri TRAE caer at nae Yellow EVOL VAN O CKgewaiehieniertes o huetsle cacueiaua cane tovagsieus B May August 16 % drills Red-Pink-Purple- White- Yellow Heeland “Poppy eek. eo stiiece we os ere cre ace wore aoe PA May June-September 6 Ve White to Orange AUS rere bers ensure es vce teat craverana acae Son tates Bee A May May-July 19> hia leeLtisceheaae ohare White-Blue- Yellow GAT SOULS ee eo a hteatichic- anniek wits eseetieuaite oe Shans Mame PA May June-July 8 Wy Blue-White-Pink WAV CET Ase ie er seenehevaoe, secreirs kot @oiera lave ue duivishe corono> teens A May July 8 YY Rose MOD .elilial Fes secs erasers soo saves ke talon aie qmenagenere A May June-September 4 i Blue-Red Move=Lies=-Blecdins osc. eise we cies csers esate ace cate A May June-July 10 y% Scarlet HOVE pA a IVETSES eve csencusis se) poets sa hele) @ aot Galas A May June-September 8 A Blue- White TAU DING I eos seteta be csiina So ake ates coveted xraivh tes soece evens atater PA May June yore lalReitecacr seats econ Blue- White- Pink Wie Own eet tecie casts Oate ook pilin gcdidod Oe Saw Mie ieee - May July-September TO:0 Vs MRiaee eee esas White-Rose NDA OV OM ees cue ete oe ener or edn etme evans dons tuentia ss A May August-October 6 “ Lemon to Orange INDUS MOMECES <<. itd heiays ice e! a Guole mens eine Abe God ae A May July-October rip} Wy Whitish Green IMO TICS IO © Giswte ay cua teas acacus heenda ne ee Pd May July-August B28 Uilee eae 4 eek eee! White-Blue Moontlower 5+ oh. esse nee sees A May August-September 5 Vy White Witormabhel=e (Eo mia en cr Ge ete tee eae eae A May July-August 12 uy Various INAS HUNT CMT epee: casteeh cvetsusucidecalsts eaeurne cles sun ones A May July-October 10 W% Various INV COPTAN aes Si stesrend c sucstweecnpahs Aceasvenondecervenan shee A May July-August 8 YY Red-White VIS iy ters cessceaer sues veteneeacecee es aclewaua arane’ eva seashore ate PA May May-October 12 % Various E> COW gag oateiccw sonelione alin ta: acgeuitin ch shawend's, a-ieitehradeoxbotere a 12? May May-June ASE Raltitarescccceensier tate Red-White- Pink PROC aise ieee, cc ttn amtesecaseceetest enema etlouseye elsnytehe A May July-September 8 Scatter White-Pink-Blue-Wine PTT O XaR cc stterescteisssteen eaenivwier santa leney Geena Wen PA May July-October 8 % Various ITN pede ssh ewer cn cuiahie appeal to us as thoroughly in the past as it now does. o gardens, but just loving them when we came across sa garden. Wehave come to be “‘discovering”’ garden- ne called his ‘‘new plaything’ —forty acres of woodland ad cut with my hatchet an Indian path thro’ the thicket, sut it was Emerson who laughingly declared, ‘‘A brave es and hotels from these pernicious enchantments.’’ He omparable in planning a garden, ploughing it and caring a delight which has molded the fair gardens we see here. aod i a Rs AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS their isnaypeern atecedetts: no reason at tall fern not welts many of denn are already as Seale In speaking of the New World’s early Pilgrim settlers Hawthorne, in ‘“Our Old Home,” had this to say apropos of the beginning of gardening in America: ‘* There is not a softer trait to be found in these stern men than that they should have been sensible of their flower roots clinging among the fibres of their rugged hearts, and have felt the necessity of bringing them over sea and making them hereditary in the new land.’’ That was the day of the old-fashioned garden, the old-fashioned gar- den whose day extended to Hawthorne's own time. We are inclined to consider the introduction of the formal garden into the American landscape as somewhat ‘‘new-fangled’’ because we have been in the habit of liking our flower beds and borders a jumble of lovely growing things, and the nice orderly restraint with its very paucity of bloom in what we call the Italian gardens; and the quaint but stiffly balance-clipped evergreens we have adopted from English gardens have, perhaps, not come to appeal to us as thoroughly in the past as it now does. A few years ago we were paying little or no attention to gardens, but just loving them when we came across a fine one; now all that is different. Every one of us wants a garden. We have come to be ‘‘discovering”’ ing much as Emerson discovered it, when he wrote of what he called his ‘‘new plaything’ —forty acres of woodland bordering Walden Pond. ‘‘I go thither every afternoon and cut with my hatchet an Indian path thro’ the thicket, all along the bold shore and open the finest pictures.” But it was Emerson who laughingly declared, ‘“‘A brave scholar should shun it like gambling, and take refuge in cities and hotels from these pernicious enchantment: € never did; nosensible man ever will! There isadelightincomparable in planning a garden, ploughing it and caring for it. A delight that has takena firm hold on Americans, a delight which has molded the fair gardens we see here. 92 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS March, 1912 Planning and Planting the Home Vegetable Garden By F. F. Rockwell Photographs by Nathan R. Graves HERE can be no doubt that the home vege- table garden in America is yearly growing more popular. The two most important rea- sons for this desirable development are obvious. In the first place, vegetables fresh from one’s own garden are incomparably better in quality than those which may be had of the green- grocer; and, in the second place, there is the fun of the thing; the fun of planting and managing, even if one cannot do the actual work, though I hazard the guess that if you once get interested in the game you will not stop short of slipping on some comfortable old clothes and getting right down in the good old dirt. At bottom we all have the in- stinct for it, and it is a good, normal, healthy, pleasure- giving instinct, too. Wholly aside from these considera- tions, and worth giving a thought to in these days of the “high cost of living,” is the fact that the home gar- den is a money-saver. For several seasons the prices of fresh vegetables have been high, and are likely to be so for several more to come. The home garden makes a very direct appeal to the family bookkeeper. SELECTING THE GARDEN SITE By no means the least of garden pleasures is the feel- ing that you have proved yourself an efhcient gardener by going your neighbor one better and getting corn or tomatoes, for instance, ear- lier than he does. In almost all garden operations, the question of earliness is a very important one. LEarliness depends upon both .“‘expos- ure’ and soil. The garden site should, where possible, slope gently to the south or A Celery garden that is almost as attractive as a field of flowers southeast. It should also have protection on the north or northwest. This is a point the importance of which is too little recognized. A hedge, wall or building so sheltering a small garden plot will frequently make a difference of several days in the growing of crops. If no such sheltered spot is available, it is often feasible to put up a cheap board fence as a shield. This offers, incidentally, an ideal spot for coldframes or hotbeds, as indicated in the plan on page 97. The character of the soil also determines the earliness of both operations and crops. ‘The ideal soil is what is known as a light sandy loam—the sort that does not stay “soggy” long after a rain, that will readily crumble apart again after be- ing compressed in the hand. Upon my own place there is a long strip of land ideally “exposed”? — sheltered by a hill and a long stone wall, which makes a regular pocket for the first Spring sunshine; but it is never ready to work until a week or ten days after my garden is started, be- cause it is a “muck” loam. One must balance the argu- ments for and against any particular spot for the gar- den site, and pick out the best available. Do not worry if you can’t get something “just right.” Every season’s work and observation of the re- sults obtained by others under adverse conditions convinces one more and more that it is the man (or the woman), not the soil, that determines the degree of success to be achieved. Fur- ther, do not feel that the garden must be stuck some- where “out of sight.” The garden may be made an at- as is demonstrated more fully further on in this article. PREPARING THE SOIL Another feature which the tractive feature of the place, © ~ March, 1912 amateur is likely to give too little or no consideration is the correct preparation of the soil. It is as necessary, if one would have a really successful garden, to have this part of the work done right as it is to lay adequate foundations for a substantial house. Just to give this point the emphasis which it deserves, I want to mention a few of the reasons why this careful preparation of the soil is essential before describing how to do it. In the first place, nothing is more im- portant to plant growth than a sufficient supply of soil moisture. Without this, no amount of plant food—manures, fer- tilizers, etc.—will bring success; no amount of care and cultivation will pro- duce good growth. Ina sense, water 1s to plants both drink and food, for their food must be taken from the soil in solu- tion. The soil serves, in a way, as a tank for the storage of this moisture, and the amount that can be stored de- pends on (1) the depth of the cultivated soil, the thoroughness with which it is broken up, or (2) the “mechanical condition” and the amount of vegetable, spongy matter, (3) “humus” which it contains. In the second place, most of the “plant food” contained in the soil is in a raw state, called ‘unavailable.’ ‘The chemical changes which these foods—forms or compounds of nitrogen, phosphoric succession. Here one sees the gardener tending his rows of well-ordered vegetables. Plant early and late varieties of peas for There are few table vegetables of greater value AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 93 acid, and potash—must undergo before being available are hastened by the pul- verizing and disintegration of the soil. Therefore it is readily seen that a thor- ough mechanical breaking up of the ground serves the double purpose of making a bigger tank for the storage of moisture and a better supplied store- house of available plant food. As to the actual preparation of the garden plot, the home gardener is usual- ly at a disadvantage. As a general thing he can neither do the work him- self, personally supervise it, nor get ex- pert help to do it. All that can be said here is that the soil should be turned over as deeply as possible—that is, as deeply as its former cultivation will allow. Poor, ‘‘raw’’ subsoil should not be turned up on top of the richer sur- face soil to any extent. A few streaks and patches here and there, that will be thoroughly mixed in by harrowing, will not be any disadvantage and will help to “deepen” the surface soil. The turn- ing of the soil should be done, if possible, with a plow. No spading or digging is likely to do it as thoroughly, and it is many times as laborious. If the patch is so small or so situated that it must be dug by hand, see to it that it is turned as deeply as possible and that every inch is turned. It is getting more and more difficult to find a man who will Every garden ought to be as well planned as the one here pictured 94 do a good honest job at spading. The harrowing is no less important than the plowing. It must be not only thorough, but deep. An Acme or one of the disc harrows is the best to use for the first two or three times over the piece; this should be followed by a smoothing harrow, or one of the above set for ‘‘smoothing.”’ As the plow turns the furrow it will leave many lumps unbroken and many empty air spaces deep in the soil. Deep harrowing breaks up these lumps and fills in the holes below the surface. Getting the surface smooth by harrowing shallow, and raking, accom- plishes the double purpose of preparing a seed-bed and a soil mulch, about both of which more is said below. MANURES AND FERTILIZERS Where it is to be had, the gardener’s chief reliance should be placed on good old well-rotted stable manure. No satis- factory substitute has yet been found for it. When one orders manure, it should be obtained at a reliable place, and one should demand only that which is well rotted up, stable and barnyard mixed. The benefit of manure as fertilizer is due not alone to the plant food it contains, but also to the “humus”’ it furnishes the soil, thus keeping it open and porous and in condition to absorb and retain moisture. It should be spread broadcast on top of the soil, two or three inches thick, and plowed under. In buying “‘fertilizer,” the purchaser should keep in mind that it is the number of pounds of actual plant food—nitro- gen, available phosphoric acid, and actual potash—that de- termines the value of his purchase, and not the number of pounds of fertilizer. It will be cheaper to get a high-priced brand, such as is labelled “Market Garden” or “high-grade potato with ro per cent. potash,” than a cheap “low-grade”’ sort. The analysis should be as near ‘4-8-10” (that 1s, 4 per cent. nitrogen, 8 per cent. available phosphoric acid, IO per cent. actual potash) as you can find it. Better still, a es and far cheaper, if you can purchase the following ma- terials, get— Nitrateiof Sod asec acces ceeiccciesie 100 Ibs. Muriate or sulphate of potash.... 200 “‘ Acid phosphate..-_._-..-......... 300 “ High-grade tankage.............. 400“ and mix your own fertilizer. These amounts will give you enough for one half to one acre of ground, accord- ing as they are used with or without manure. Fertil- izers should be spread on broadcast after plowing, and harrowed in. ‘There is no danger of your getting your garden soil too rich. The non-professional al- most invariably errs in the opposite direction. A well- enriched, well-prepared soil is the indispensable founda- tion of the successful garden. PLANNING THE GARDEN Our garden makers have in the past given altogether too little attention to plan- ning their work definitely ahead. It has, in fact, been the opinion of some that in so doing they would sacri- fice part of the pleasure and joy of garden making. I believe this to be a great mistake. Not only is the eficiency of the garden in- specimens of the common garden Leek Sturdy AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS March, 1912 © A head of crisp-leaved salad Lettuce creased by careful fore-planning, but there is a certain zest and pleasure in taking your measured plot of soil and trying to make it in yield and appearance come up to your ideal. This work, as well as mastering the details of cultivation, etc., constitute the technique of gardening. The musician’s constant practice and study do not mean that he takes less joy in music; your pleasure in gardening will not be lessened by the fact that you make yourself master of the mechanical and scientific details of the art. The ideal to which you would work up, however, may be one of many. Do you want a garden that will give you the most complete and bountiful supply of vegetables possible, or do you prefer to get the commoner sort from the green- grocer and spend your limited garden time in growing to perfection a few choice things, such as Asparagus, Strawber- ries, Lima Beans, Muskmelons or Seakale? Do you want a little “patch,” to dig around it just for the fun of the work and to see things grow, or do you count to get what you can for the table, and at the same time keep the garden an ornamental feature of the place? ‘These are the general questions which must be decided before you can go ahead with your plans. The suggestions for planting on page 97 give possible solutions of some of these problems. They are meant merely as suggestions, however, and may be altered or changed to suit one’s personal taste or require- ments. There are, however, a number of general principles, based on good common sense, which one does well to keep in mind when planning the garden, especially the garden designed to furnish the greatest variety and quantity of vegetables possible from a limited area. As such a garden is likely to be the one most in demand, we will consider it first. In the first place, we must take into consideration the fact that a number of the crops grown will occupy the ground only part of the season; in other words, they will mature and be cleared up in time for the ground to be used for something else. Radishes, Lettuce, early Beets, early Cabbage, are examples of this class. These and the late vegetables used to follow them, such as Celery, late Cab- bage, late Beets, are called succession crops. The garden should be so planned with these second plantings mixed. Then there are certain crops which, if planted at the same time, will mature at different seasons. Often they can be planted on the same plot, usually in alternate or skipped rows, and the early crop is out of the way by the time the second one needs all the space. This is called ““Companion Cropping.” Lettuce between early Cabbage, Radishes be- tween Carrots, Celery between Onions, are examples of this system. Then, too, some of the taller-growing things, such as Corn and Peas, should not be placed immediately south of low-growing things, especially such as require all the sun- March, 1912 This shows the formation of a good Lettuce head shine available at all times, like early Beans for example. There is also the matter of convenience in cultivating to be considered. Crops that require practically the same treat- ment, as, for instance, sowed Beets, Carrots, Parsnips and Onions, should be kept together, especially where they are to occupy the ground the season through. All these things must be borne in mind in planning one’s garden for the greatest efficiency. The simplest, most time-saving way is to make an actual plan of the garden, drawn to scale, like that suggested on page 97. You will find it much more agreeable to make your garden mistakes on paper, where they can be erased, than in the soil, where the damage done is for the whole season. If your garden is to be one of the other types men- tioned, for instance, just for a few favorite vegetables, the planning need not be so carefully done. In this case the thing to take most pains with will be to get the proportions right. It is no easy task to arrange your planting so that the supply will be constant, instead of in ‘bunches’ —enough for three families one week, and not any the next. Jf the garden space is limited, I believe much more satisfaction is to be had in growing the few things which the family par- ticularly likes, than in trying to crowd in the whole list. The possibilities of making the garden more or less of an ornamental feature are much greater than we usually realize. In many instances it may seem desirable to sacrifice part of the garden, as measured by mere bulk of crop, to aesthetic considerations. A garden planned with the idea of being in harmony with the landscape features of a place, rather than solely as avegetable factory, is suggested on page 97. Where the walks are bordered with turf and a few fruit trees may be brought within its bounds, very pleasing re- sults can be attained. SELECTING SEEDS AND VARIETIES There is nothing more exasperating to the gardener than having a crop fail because of poor seed. Having gone to all the labor of properly preparing and fertilizing his soil and planting; having waited and watched anxiously, and then to have but here and there along the row a stray, strug- gling seedling push its way through the soil, is indeed dis- appointing. Buy always the best seed you can get. Inferior seed is costly if it is to be had as a gift. The safest way to buy seeds is to order them by mail from the most reliable firm you know of. And order them early. By waiting you may not be able to get just the varieties you want, or you may get old or light seed. Another thing which will require a good deal of care is the selection of varieties. A good rule to go by is to get several catalogues and order those varieties which are recommended by several seedsmen. Fight shy of the “‘novel- ties” that are lauded to the skies—and priced in the same AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 95 region. The good old standard varieties will, in the ma- jority of cases, give you the best satisfaction, catalogue pink pages and colored plates to the contrary notwithstanding. In the table on page 96 are suggested sorts which, in most instances, have been tried and given good results for years. Each season I try out many “introductions” — I learned long ago to get them by the packet only—and in nine cases out of ten they are an improvement over sorts that have been grown for years. Do not lay every failure you have to the seedsman. In the majority of cases the fault will prove to be, upon in- vestigation, with your work and not with the seeds. Find out all you can about the particular requirements of each thing you attempt to grow. It might seem to you, for in- stance, quite reasonable to plant all your early Peas just as soon as you could get the ground ready. ‘The “smooth” sorts would come up finely, while the wrinkled ones, such as ‘““Gradus,”’ would probably rot in the cold, wet soil. The inexperienced gardener would blame this to “poor seed.” Disgusted with one failure, he would probably re-order the same variety from another seedsman, plant ten days later, when things had warmed up a bit, get a good “stand,” and be convinced that the last seedsmen were the only people to deal with. BUYING PLANTS A number of the early things in the garden—Lettuce, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Beets, etc.—will be “‘set out’’ instead of grown from seed. The majority of small gardeners have no greenhouse or other facilities of their own with which to “start”? the few dozen plants required. The best way for them is to go in person to some local florist, or market- gardener and buy what they need. Remember, that the quality of plants for “setting out” is not to be measured wholly by their size. Select those which are short, “stocky” and well “hardened off” — that is, which have been out of doors, day and night, for several days. A _ tough, purplish look does not indi- cate that they have been in- jured—the opposite, rather. SOWING AND PLANTING Just as it is vitally im- portant to plant seeds at the right time, so it is to plant them at the right depth, and in the right way. The usual distances for depth, etc., are given in the Plant- ing Table herewith. The columns showing distance apart and distance between rows also show the space usually allowed, although it may be varied one way or the other, as space or va- rieties make it necessary. “UD yaw. Stony) el ial “hills” indicate the method of planting. The first has reference to the sowing of seeds continuously and rather close together, as with Carrots, Onions and other “root” crops. The second, to sowing seeds or setting plants at regular in- tervals, such as Okra, Pep- pers or Cabbage. ‘“‘Hills”’ does not indicate, as many Wax Beans are one of the best garden crops 96 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS March, 1912 EGETABLES Amtfor Distance to Plant Depth to Vegetables When to Plant |soft.rw. MMHERunw a /RowsiaApart Plant Class REMARKS Asparagus (Plant)} April 50 hts 3 ft. 4 in. Plant in rows heavily manured, spreading the roots out Asparacus (Seed)__! April-May _ 12 Fa mae, ° evenly. o not cut for use until second spring. Keep paragus ( ) J J to 4in 16 In Lin. bed clean; cut off tops in the fall. ‘Yransplant thira fi 2 . : ‘ spring. ; Bean, Dwarf May 5-Aug. 15 . |2 to 4in. | 14 to 2in. elias \ The first sowing should be but an inch and later sowings two or three inches deep. Does not require richest : ; ; soil. Never work or pick when foliage is wet. Bean, Lima May 20-Ju. 10} tpt. 3 in. 3 in, i B |See below. Bean, Pole May 15-Ju. 10] 4 pt. 3 in. 3 in. 2 in. Hills should be especially prepared with old, well-rotted manure, Building laths nailed across 2x-inch posts, ; ; ( feet high, make a better support than poles. Beet (Early ) April-June . |38to4in. | 15 in. in. Make first sowing extra thick, as soon as ground can be worked. Plants started under glass can be set out, 6 inches apart. Beet (Late) April-August | loz. |3 to 4 in. 15 in. in. As above, Broccoli April-July 35 18 in. Diite tin. j} {Similar to Cauliflower, but hardier. Borecole (Kale) __- April-July 25 18 in. 24 ft. tin. See Kale. Brussels Sprouts--- April-July 35 18 in. 2 it. 4 an. : Improved by frost. One of the best winter vegetables. Cabbage (Early )_- April 18 in. 2 ft. + in. Give richest and deepest soil. Keep free from green cab- bage worm. Cultivate often. Can be set out as early as ground can be worked. Cabbage (Late)___| May-June 24 it. 24 ft. As above. Carrot April-July 2 to 3 in. 15 in. Lin. 1.B |Soil should be deep and not too rich. Apt to come up : : aye n too thick and need thinning. Cauliflower April-June 18 in. Dialites 4 in. A-C-k} Not quite as hardy as cabbage. Must have water at head- ing period. Tie up leaves over head as soon as it forms. Celery (Plants)____| July 1-Aug. 1 | 100 6 in. 3 to4ft. |4to4+in. | A-E |See below. Celery (Seed ) April loz. | 1 to 2 in leis A Start early crop under glass (Feb.-Mar.) and main crop outside under glass in seedbed (April). Transplant be- fore setting in permanent position. Must have moist- % ; ure and be “blanched” with either boards or soil. May 10-July 1} 4pt. 5 3 to 4 ft. : B-E |Frequent shallow cultivation is the secret of success in Erowine corn. Allow but four to five stalks to each nill. May 10-July 1} $02. ite 4 ft. in. A-B |For extra early plants, start seed in inverted sods in - é ° frames. Make rich hills. Kee ff the Striped Beetle! s 90) « 5) 5 i : 19 0) Ig June 1-June20) 25 2) it. Give neat soil. Must be watched and watered in dry a ae F , : weather. Keep off the striped Potato Beetle. April-August | }oz. . 1 it. yin. Best for fall use. Prepare ground as for lettuce, but must be blanched by tying up or shading. yale ole oril- 25 OL ee Kale (Borecole)___) April-July a) . 27 ft. £ in. Sort of bouquet cabbage, used as “greens.” Improved by frost, and should be grown for winter. x ea 2 a Yeas n 9 Sin. . 7 3 Kohl-rabi April-June 40Z. ]6to12im.} 18 in >in. As easily grown as turnips. Use when small (not more x : i]- < ie . than two inches in diameter). Lettuce April-August | } oz. 1 ft. 1 to 1 ft. yin. Make successive plantings every ten days, using loose- head types in mid-summer. Quality depends on quick April toz. |2 to 4 in. 15 in. $n. r results, transplant and keep hilled up to h Melon, Musk May 15-Ju. toz. | 4 to 6ft. | 4 to 6 ft 1 in, Light warm soil. Same care as cucumber. | Melon, Water May 15-Ju. 15] $0z. | 6 to 8 ft. | 6 to 8 ft. 1 in. Make rich hills. To insure ripening, pinch back the vines : tt He a A dieer 154 4 5 at about six feet. : Onion Apri toz. | 2 to4in. In. + to lin. For big specimens, start indoors and transplant. Plant outside crop as soon as the ground is ready. Soil must rv e a ; be perfectly prepared. May 15-Ju. 15} } 02. 2 its 3 ft. 4to lin. Plant only after soil is thoroughly warmed up. Seed in drills. $ April-May + oz. | + to 6 in. 1 ft. sin, Soak seeds before planting and put a few radish seeds iL 1 April with them to mark rows, as parsley germinates slowly. April 10-Ju.15 oz. | 3 tod In. 18 in, ¢ to Lin. Sow early in deepest soil available. Thin out while small. pt. | 2 to 4in. 4 ft. 2 to 3 in. Plant early! Sow in double rows, and give brush or sup- ports between. First sowing one inch and later two or ; 3 ; H i four inches deep. Peas (Smooth) ____ April 1-Aug. ily} al pt. | 2 to 4 in. 2 ft. 2 to 3 in. As above. Pepper (Plants) ---} June 1 to 20 25 | 2 it. 2 ft. ; Same treatment as egg-plant. Pepper (Seed) -__-] June 1 foz.|}3to6in. | 151n. ¢ in. As above. Potato April 15-Ju. 20); peck} 13 in. 25 ft. |4 to 6 in. For best results, use light but rich soil, finely prepared, and cut pieces to one or two eyes. Cultivate fre- : : " ; ; quently, and keep Potato Bugs away. Pumpkin May 1-Ju. 20 » | 6 to 8 ft. | 6 to 8 ft. JL to 14 Mm. Use the “sugar” or ‘pie’ variety. Same care as squash. Radish April 1-Sep. 1] 4 0z. | 2 to 3 in. 1 ft. 41n. Plant every week for best quality. Add land-plaster to . : i the soil. Water if dry. Rhubarb (Plants) _| April 2 to 3ft. | 3 to 4 ft. Set out root-clumps. Give them dressing of bone meal it 5 , and soda in the spring. Salsify April-May # 02z. | 3 to 6 in. 18 in. 1 in. One of the best vegetables grown. Treat same as pc ve: = S : or F 2 parsnip. Spinach April1-Sep. 15] 4 oz. | 3 to 5 in. 18 in. lin. Swiss chard, while not strictly a spinach, should be trieé With many it is entirely replacing the latter. Both is 4 ; should be grown as rapidly as possible. Squash, Summer-__] May 15-July 1 ; 4 in. 4 it. 1 to 2 in. Hills should be well enriched. Use coal ashes with the manure. Protect growing plants from Striped Beetle i : 7 and other insects. Squash, Winter ___} May15-June 20 . |6 to 8 in. 1 to 2 in. Naaboure: Tomato (Plants) _.| May15-July20} : 3 ft. 3 ft. 4in, Set out when danger of frost is over. Enrich soil with bone flour. Lath supports (see beans, pole) are an ; . improvement over poles. Keep tied up and remove all Tomato (Seed) -_-_-]| June . 13 to4in, 15 in, + in. “suckers.” Turnip April-Sep. z. |4to6in. 15 in, 4 4in, C Quality is better on sandy soil. Plant frequently and I use when small. Dates given are for latitude of New York. Each 100 miles north or south will make a difference of from 5 to 7 days in the season. The distances given here indicate the distance apart the plants should stand after thinning. The seed should be sown much nearer together. (A) These plants may be started early (in. the greenhouse or hotbed, in early spring, or outdoors in the seedbed later), and afterwards transplanted to their permanent location. (B) These crops usually occupy the ground for the entire season. (C) These are quick maturing crops which, for a constant supply, should be planted at several different times in “succession”’—a week or two weeks apart. (D) These are crops which often may be cleared off in time to permit planting another quickly maturing crop, usually of some early variety. (lH) These crops are supplementary to those in Class D, and may be used to obtain a second crop out of the ground from which early crops have been cleared. The abbreviation Ju. here used indicates the month of June. March, 1912 beginners think, that the seeds should be planted on miniature mounds, but that the seeds or plants are put in at regular dis- tances— usually the same in each direc- tion—with the pur- pose of cultivating both ways, as with corn (sometimes), or Asparagus Lee ee ee Carrots, Early 4 45 melons, or squashes. Beets ,_ Ear! One thing above all Beets, Late 4 must be kept in mind jUEnipS= mare Pau 2: in planting seeds, “ee de weather -— firm the Peas, Late 2 6 OS OIE AT ie 3 Water Melons hummer Bush 6H 4 I2 Hills Squash Vine 4H 4 I h | 8 Winter eauast seeds in the soil. Seeds, particularly small seeds, planted loosely in dry soil are the cause of more poor _ germination than any other single garden error. After sowing, and before covering, press the seeds down into the soil firmly, with the back of a narrow hoe or rake or the flat of the shoe. If it is important to get the soil firm in AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 110 feet. Diagram of a home vegetable garden 110x110 feet square 97 sowing seeds, it is doubly so in setting out plants. Having got the ground ready and the rows marked out, take the plants out of boxes or pots with as little disturb- ance as possible, make a hole with fingers, trowel or dib- ber, and set the ball of roots down into it. Cover in with fresh soil and press down evenly and firmly as possible. Then, when you finish the row, come back over it and set the plants still more firmly by plac- ing the soles of the shoes one on either side of the plant and letting the weight of the body bear down upon them. The ma- jority of plants so “‘firmed,”’ even in the very driest of weather, may be thoroughly relied upon to live, and this operation in planting must not be overlooked. Seed - Bed | Cabbage, Early Cabbage Late Wer Far! Pe awe Ate m= ruesels - sprouts Lettuce l 3 > Mus Melons 6 Potatoes, Early 4 10 Potatoes, Late | A Chalet on the Maine Coast By Russell F. Porter CHANCE summer wanderer to Land’s End, late in the season of 1909, was very much taken with a certain spot on the ocean shore where the ledges formed a natural bathtub. By this is meant a depression in the rocks, just below high tide, where the salt water is warmed by the sun, and bathing in the cold waters of the Maine coast is rendered comfortable. Twice a day, high tides clear and replenish the reservoir. “Build me a cottage here,” said the summer pilgrim, standing on the raised beach directly back of the bathtub. “Cut no more trees than necessary; construct the building so as to accommodate three or four persons, but make it cozy; reduce household drudgery to a minimum; give me a sleeping-porch and a fireplace, and use whatever style you will. But it must come under six hundred dollars and you must first find me drinking water.” With these requirements on the part of his client, the artist-builder set to work. He was fortunate with the well, over which he had held grave doubts. After all, a sure source of good water is a first essential. Fall was then well over, but he knew the value of getting the foundations down before Winter set in, for he must lay the sills before the frost was out of the ground the following Spring. But the cottage would not take shape, neither in his mind nor on paper, and time went by. In January he went sketching in Italy. On his flying re- turn across the Continent he passed through Switzerland in the daytime, by the St. Gotthard route. ‘‘There,” he ex- claimed, as the train emerged from the long tunnel and pulled up at a small hamlet where the firs and spruces walled in the houses in dense masses of deep green. ‘‘There,” he exclaimed again, the blue shadows on the snowdrifts making him homesick for New England, “I will build for my Sum- mer home a Swiss chalet such as these. ‘The setting will be highly appropriate. Why not a Swiss chalet, modified to fit the Maine coast ?” As the train wound down through the valley, the artist- builder was busy with his sketchbook, catching fugitive de- tails needed from the brown huts hugging the mountain sides. And so the chalet was born. Bedrock was just under the grass roots, and it allowed him a concrete floor to the porch, also a hearth to the fireplace that completely filled the ingle- nook, at a low cost. Gravel ranging from coarse sand to pebbles the size of hens’ eggs was there for the asking, and a few barrels of cement did the rest. The colossal scale of the gable being the characteristic feature of Swiss houses caused the builder some concern, as this construction is entirely honest and the beams are all hewn by the axe. He solved it by buying an old nearby barn, tearing it down and using the heavy frame for the living- room posts, the floor beams overhead and the roof purlins. A shipyard furnished six huge ship’s knees, which amply bracketed out and supported the porch and the roof over- head. The brown, almost black, color of Swiss beams was obtained by staining them with tar and linseed oil. Cypress shingles laid well to the weather covered the walls down to the line of the window stools, and from there down the walls, after first applying a heavy builder’s paper, were covered with spruce slabs, the bark on, their sides edged, and running up and down. This up-and-down treatment per- 98 Here one sees pictured an interesting chalet type of Summer cottage, del mitted the slabs coming clear to the ground and covering the unsightly spaces below the sills, so often seen under cot- tages supported by piers or posts. More for effect under the gable than for utility, the roof rafters were covered with three-inch strapping, to which the shingles were nailed. Inside, the plan is simplicity itself. It comprises a small low-beamed living- and din- ing-room and inglenook com- bined, a bedroom and a kitchen. The living-room is one step below these other rooms, and has a shelf at the height of a platerail appear- ing and disappearing be- tween the heavy posts and wall openings. The windows here are small-pane case- ments and swing outward. A tiny flight of stairs leaves the inglenook for the chamber overhead. Opposite it is a built-in couch with _ book- shelves handy, and between, the firebreast boasts a large metal hood, across which is beaten in, with a nail-set, the legend, Sic Habitat Felicitas. The face of the fireplace has the butts of clinker brick show- AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Hood over Pores 4, INGLE NOOK Brick hearth CONCRETE FoRcH 6-0" x 17-0" First-floor plan of a chalet on the Maine coast ightfully situated on the edge of the picturesque shore of the Maine coast March, 1912 ef. leaden surfaces of these bricks contrast pleasantly with their red neighbors. The ample hearth is of brick, laid in herring-bone pattern, worthy of the nook. Above, the large chamber gives through a glass door to the sleeping-porch, tucked up under the gable. Here the weary city worker sleeps the clock around and absorbs the heavy balsam odors against another year of toil among the cliff dwellers. Here he looks over the tumble of ledges with its natural bath- tub, looks out across the At- lantic Ocean, with nothing be- tween him and Spain but the heaving deep. The outlook is hardly that of a Swiss chalet, hardly suggestive, perhaps, of anything approaching Al- pine scenery by reason of the sea taking the place of moun- tains, but the cottage itself seems remarkably at home in its surroundings. And from the water this abode, with its - Mullein-green roof, its brown and gray walls, and a figure lazily stretched out on the high-backed settle of the porch, appear to be saying, ing hit-and-miss across the different courses. The glazed “It is well worth six hundred dollars.” And it truly is! March, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 99 Door-Knockers Along Old Lines By Hewitt Trent Cooper Photographs by T. C. Turmer Gothic door-knocker sa)| HERE is always delightful suggestion in the {| coming upon a door having a knocker. De- spite our ingenious era, with its endless system of electric bells, there is nothing that quite takes the place of the old-fashioned door-knocker in the matter of external evi- dences of the hospitality to be expected from within. Surely the one-time pull-bell, herald- ing the visitor’s approach like a terrifying clash of cymbals divided into echoing suc- cessions of noisy sound, and as often coming out by the roots, to the said visitor’s discom- fiture, could not obliterate from the memory the cheery sound of the tap at the door of the knocker that sought, in a sense, to imitate man’s signal and save his knuckles. That the old-fashioned door-knocker had a decorative value as well as its utilitarian one further en- deared it to custom. Indeed, despite the changes of our own day, we have been not only reluctant to give up the beloved door- knocker, but we have made up our minds to restore it to its old place of honor. Some of us do this for aesthetic reasons, while others permit it to maintain its utilitarian offices. Indeed, it is possible to adapt the door-knocker of the days gone by to our present needs by contriv- ing to fit it with hidden electric connection, so that we knock and ring at one Falstaff door-knocker Windsor Stag door-knocker Bae Le Colonial door-knocker and the same time. The writer has seen several door- knockers of this sort, so fitted that raising the knocker pro- duced connection with the electrical current, which caused the bell to ring in its place inside the house. For the small house, the knocker itself usually suffices to inform the occupants that the visitor is without, and in modern cottage architecture we find its use returning to such an extent that our leading manufacturers of architectural hardware are making a spe- cialty of attractive door-knockers, especially of reproductions of famous old door-knockers or adaptations of old patterns. Arts and crafts workers, too, are turning their atten- tion to the subject of designing door-knockers along artistic modern lines, and the German artists, particularly those of Munich and of Darmstadt, have produced some very fine work along original lines. It is very interest- ing to be the possessor of a door-knocker that is unique, that has been especially de- signed for one’s own house, carrying with it the distinction of its own individuality, but since everyone cannot indulge even in the limited luxury of an object to order of this sort, it is fortu- nate that one may now purchase fine reproductions in bronze, brass and wrought iron of historic knockers, faithfully copied, many of them from originals now treasured in the various museums of Europe and America. 100 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS March, 1912 How to Make Good Lawns By Albert Lewis HE lawn is a canvas on which the landscape picture is created, and it not only forms the largest part of most ground views, but is an element of beauty in itself, and surely the verdant sward is the most beautiful element in the composition. The lawn to most peo- ple is thought of as being merely the closely-cut area about the house, but all lawns are not necessarily clipped, and among the most beautiful lawns of the pasture are those that have been allowed to grow naturally and to display their beautiful shades of rich bronze and green. The greatest mistakes in lawn-making are caused by em- ploying the wrong cultural methods, and varieties of seed, in the problem in hand. Let us assume that we have a new home, and have completed the grading operations, and the top soil has been placed over the filled material to a depth of at least six inches, and that a gradual, sloping grade has been established for proper drainage. If the ground is low and damp, or has a subsoil of clay, it would be best, at the start, to lay drain pipes from two to three feet below its surface, running toward the lowest point, there to empty into a main-drain, gutter or disposal plant. should be at least thirty feet apart, especially in a heavy clay-soil, and lateral drains would be advisable in a very low section. “The best drain- pipe is the burnt-clay tile sort, laid end to end, with a fall of one inch in six feet, taking care that the bot- tom of the trench is a constant grade. so that the pipes will not be clogged. Over these pipes the fill should be of stone or gravel, to convey the water to the intersections where they enter the pipe, and to prevent the looser material from clogging the drain; then the top soil should be placed, thus completing the grade. A study of the soil is first necessary as to its richness and texture; whether sour These drains or sweet; and its stony condition. Soil that is rich is very often acid, which can be corrected by applying air-slaked lime in sufhcient quantity to correct the acidity. This can be determined by a litmus paper test, familiar to everyone. With sandy soil, the question of fertility is of prime im- portance. The cheapest means of securing it is by Fall plowing or early Summer plowing for the year to come, sow- ing down the area with a leguminous cover crop, whose roots will collect and store nitrogen from the air. In the follow- ing Spring this crop is plowed under for use as fertilizer. Where the lawn must be made without this previous prepa- ration, the entire area should be covered with at least fifteen tons of well-rotted manure, preferably cow manure, which does not contain weed seed, and then plowed in. Whére this is not possible, chemical fertilizer should be used in the following quantities: five hundred pounds of a standard phosphate with two hundred pounds of nitrate of soda per acre, and thoroughly plowed in. This applies to stony ground, from which the stones in the first three inches of depth have been removed by raking, and also to hillside conditions, where the soil is usually poor. After this fertil- izing, and when the soil is perfectly mellow and a smooth surface is secured by constant work with an iron rake, we are ready to sow, which operation must be done on a day when the wind will not _blow the seed. In the matter of va- riety, seed should be selected for the soil and shade conditions. In an open lawn, under ordinary condi- tions, a good mixture is five bushels per acre of Poa Pratensis mixed with Agrostis Acamna. For somewhat shaded areas, a mixture should be used of Poa Ne- moralis and Festuca Helero Phylla. For use under trees, where it is dif- ficult to secure a lawn of any kind, the ground should be covered with Myrtle or Hedera Ivy. After the March, 1912 seeding has been applied, going over the surface twice from op- posite directions, the area should be again raked and treated with a heavy roller till perfectly level. After two weeks, or when the lawn starts to grow, all weeds should be removed by hand pro- cess for the first part of the Sum- mer, although a lawn properly made will contain very few weeds. When the grass is three to four inches high it should be cut with a scythe till strong enough to bear the mower. Should any bare spots appear, they must be made mellow and again seeded down. The ex- pense of constructing a lawn in this way, under ordinary conditions, would be about $60.00 per acre, the seed and manure costing $40.00 and the labor about $20.00. In the treatment of old lawns that have become poor through a lack of fertility, they should be either entirely plowed up, after covering the entire area with twenty tons of manure per acre, and constructed as is prescribed for a new lawn, or temporarily maintained by a top dressing with about two inches of rich top soil, mixed with chemical fertil- izer, and seeded down and rolled, although this process is nearly as expensive as overhauling and making an entirely new lawn, which would last for many years. The annual treatment of a lawn requires the use of a heavy roller in the Spring, after the early rains, and again about June, and in September. During the Summer dry spell, where a lawn is built on shallow top soil or with in- sufficient drainage, and where plants are shallow rooted, the area must be watered artificially. Other than the usual cutting with the lawn-mower, there is no other care, unless the entire area be covered with manure in December, and after the Spring rains have washed the nutriment into the soil, the spreading be removed.. Now that we have discussed the method of making the lawn, let us see what things we must not do in the operation. When this lawn is fully “‘grown’’ it will be one of the attractive AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS features of the house, We should not attempt to make a lawn on soil that is not naturally rich till it has been thoroughly fer- tilized. A precaution in the matter of manure is that green manure contains weed seed, and a satisfac- tory lawn cannot be made with it. The physical condition of the soil should be very mellow and friable. This is secured only by plowing twice, in opposite directions, and if a clayey soil, a subsoil plow should be then used to give the lawn depth and to supply better drainage. On sandy soils, the matter of drainage generally cares for itself, although a gradual slope from the house should always be provided for; but ona heavier clayey soil a soggy condition exists at certain sea- sons of the year, and this excess water must be immediately removed through the employment of ample artificial sub- drains. Ground that is drained furnishes a greater area for root growth, and lawns that are subdrained are less apt to dry out during seasons of drought or to freeze during severe Winters, and such lawns always present a healthier, greener appearance, because of their extra feeding ground and abundant supply of plant food. These lawns are more permanent and satisfactory. A word about the variety of seed. The seedsman in your locality has made a test of the varieties best suited to your local climate and soil conditions, and has a mixture of seed better adapted than one that you might prepare your- self. The very best quality should always be bought, and usually at an advanced price. Such seed are free from weeds, and it is cheaper to avoid weeds by purchasing the best quality of seed. Where there is considerable shade, and in such localities that will be constantly damp, it is unwise to attempt to de- velop a lawn. If you are not fond of Myrtle or Honey- suckle, raise such herbaceous plants as Iris, Lily of the Val- ley and other Lilies, Yucca, etc. Where the grade is steep, (Continued on page 108) “" nm a | | 4 aoe ce eo OSI DRISD SSE for which it forms a yery appropriate setting abr ee" | AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDEN WITHIN THE HOUSE SUGGESTIONS ON INTERIOR DECORATING AND NOTES OF INTEREST TO ALL WHO DESIRE TO MAKE THE HOUSE MORE BEAUTIFUL AND MORE HOMELIKE The Editor of this Department will be glad to answer all queries from subscribers pertaining to Home Decoration. Stamps should be enclosed when a direct personal reply is desired March, 1912 THE VALUE OF “EFFECT” IN INTERIOR DECORATIONS By Harry Martin Yeomans NE need not despair of getting satisfactory results, when decorating the rooms of an old house, or even those of a new one, where existing conditions have to be coped with, and for economic reasons it is expedient to make the best of poorly designed woodwork, ceilings that are either too high or too low, windows that are badly placed, and-so-forth. This has special reference to rented houses or apartments, where, although the archi- tectural defects cannot actually be changed, one can create an “effect” or optical illusion, so to speak, which will do much towards blotting them out and make objectional fea- tures less apparent. By emphasizing the good points of an interior and keeping the bad features in the background, even the most unpromising material can be molded into a homelike and artistic room. We must first create a suitable setting for our furniture and pictures, however, and this can only be accomplished by first getting a harmonious back- ground, in which each component part keeps its proper place and against which our furniture will appear to the best advantage. PLENTIFUL use of paint and wall-paper, when prop- erly applied, is an excellent antidote for remedying the defects of a poor interior. The badly designed wood trim of a room will not be so conspicuous if it is treated to a few coats of paint, slightly darker in tone than the color that is going to be used on the walls. The paint should have a dull, flat surface when dry, as it will give a much better effect than a hard enameled or glossy finish. By having the side walls and woodwork almost the same tone of color, the outline of the woodwork will be softened to a very considerable degree and the two will blend harmoniously to- gether. In this manner uncompromising woodwork can be “painted out’’ and its de- fects will pass almost unnoticed. If the wood trim is good enough to stand white paint, let it be a deep ivory-white, which is so much more attractive than the pure white or blue- white which is so often used. The plain or almost plain wall-papers, those printed in two tones of the same color and having a small repeat, which have the effect of plain papers at a little distance, will make small rooms appear larger, while wall coverings having large designs of contrast- ing colors, and dark tapestry papers, will have the opposite effect, and should be avoided in small rooms when the appearance In a hall of this size, flooded with light, the dark - figured papers in eeaee aioe oe ot E aT out was deemed best to do over only a few of of greater space is desired. The two-toned of place striped papers, or wall-papers having small designs arranged in an up-and-down pattern, will have a tendency to make a room appear higher than it really is if the paper is run right up to the ceiling and finished with a narrow molding. To obtain the opposite effect and reduce the apparent height of a room, one must create interesting lines running around the room parallel with the lines of the floor and ceiling. This can be accomplished by using either a high or low wainscoting or a dado, or, in a living-room or library, low bookcases or built-in book shelves would help along this effect. ‘Tinting the side wall the same color as the ceiling to a depth of twenty-seven inches or more and running the wall-paper up to this tinted frieze is an easy method of decreasing the ap- parent height of a room. In a bedroom, the floral crown effects in wall-papers will accomplish the same result. Color also plays an important part in redeeming an un- sightly interior. North rooms that do not get the direct rays of “Old Sol” can be made sunny and bright by choos- ing wall coverings of yellow, neutral orange, terra-cotta, old gold, and the rose tints. All of the pumpkin-yellows and warm browns in which yellow predominates will brighten up a cold room. A room that is sunny for the greater part of the day can take a wall-paper of gray neutral blue or green. These are the cool receding colors and the blue and green should only be used in well-lighted interiors, as these two colors absorb the light. The problem of window openings that are too high can have this difficulty overcome by having window-seats and using a valance and sill-length over-curtains. At low win- dows one can gain height by having the over-curtains hung in long straight folds coming all the way to the floor. Solid color floor coverings, or those having a simple border de- sign, will make the floor area appear greater than when the eye is attracted by designs placed here and there on a plain background. One can immediately reduce the apparent size of a room by placing a small table or other piece of furniture in the center of it, which makes it apparent at once that in small houses and apartments, where the effect of greater space is desired, the furniture should be kept away from the center of the room as far as it is practical to do so. What had originally been a long, high- ceilinged, formal parlor, in one of the Man- sard-roof houses with which we are all fa- miliar, was transformed into a homelike and comfortable living-room by the ingenuity of the amateur decorator in a family that had but recently rented the house. A very limited sum was allowed for redecorating, and it the rooms at first, instead of attempting to March, 1912 stretch the small appropriation over the entire house. So it was decided to spend the largest amount on the living- room and let brains make up for the lack of dollars. As this room was on the southwestern side of the house, a green color scheme was used. ‘The ceiling was covered with a sage-green cartridge paper, which was carried down on the side-wall to a depth of thirty-six inches, and the bal- ance of the wall space was covered with the same kind of paper, only of a slightly darker tone of green. The plain molding, placed at the bottom of the frieze, and all of the very ornamental woodwork, was painted a flat dark green. The white marble mantel was also painted the same color. Two high narrow windows, with a pier mirror between them, were at one end of the room. To reduce the ap- parent height of these windows, an effect was created of throwing them together and making one wide window. A seat was built into each, the long pier mirror removed, and in its stead plain bookshelves four and a half feet high were built between the windows. The space above was oc- cupied by a plaster bas-relief in deep ivory tones. To combine the whole and make the illusion complete, a box- plaited valance was carried across both windows, as well as the intervening space, and extended a foot beyond the woodwork. This valance covered the brass rod from which hung two curtains, one only being used at each window. These curtains did not really cover the windows, but were hung over the wood trim and the wall for the space of a foot, so as to give added width to the windows. A section of the pier mirror, just the length of the mantel, was framed in a narrow flat molding, painted to match the woodwork, and placed over the mantelpiece. The small rugs were laid the narrow way of the room, and the mahogany furniture eee 0 ST SRNR Fae RE « — eke AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Panelling will often apparently reduce the height of rooms where the effect of lower ceilings is desired 103 was arranged in two groups at either end. The color of the walls and woodwork, the arrangement of the draperies, rugs and furniture, the placing of the mirror over the mantel, all helped to reduce the apparent height of this room and also to give it an appearance of greater width, by creating lines running contrary to the long lines of the floor and ceiling. COLOR SCHEME FOR A DINING-ROOM READER requests a suggestion for a dining-room color scheme. The room faces north, is large, and is lighted by two windows. The woodwork is varnished pine and matches in color the golden oak furniture. There is a chair rail that must not be removed. The carpet is dark blue and terra cotta. The carpet ties one to blue or terra cotta for the color scheme, but as a large mass of terra cotta is not pleasing with varnished pine, it would be best to have a blue or blue and green scheme. Fortunately there are many beautiful wall-papers in these two colorings. The wall below the chair rail should have a plain surface burlap, book-cloth or silk- fibre, stronger in general tone than the figured paper above. A well-designed paper that will not weary the eye in the blue and soft green may be chosen. A second choice may be con- sidered for the upper walls among the tapestries; many of these have a good deal of wood color that makes them har- monious with golden oak; they also come with touches of terra cotta in the fruit. A tapestry paper is often the most successful choice if articles in the room have seen wear. The medley of neutral shades blends with an old carpet, when a most beautiful paper, chosen only for its color and design, would make the old things look dreary. In our case, the tap- estry paper must lean to bluish foliage rather than to green. 104 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Ayound the Garden A MONTHLY KALENDAR OF TIMELY GARDEN OPERA- TIONS AND USEFUL HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS ABOUT THE HOME GARDEN AND GROUNDS All queries will gladly be answered by the Editor. If a personal reply is desired by subscribers stamps should be enclosed therewith. March, 1912 MARCH PLANS FOR NEXT SUMMER’S GARDEN AND HINTS FOR THIS MONTH'S WORK. HE mere mention of the month of March conjures up for one the vision of Springtime. Alas, that we have to confess that the poets who sing so pleasantly of the awakening sea- son carry us by their enthusiasm beyond the realm of facts as we encounter them in our climate. We who are patiently awaiting the coming of Spring and the bursting forth of all the earth into buds of the Plum, the Peach, the Quince, the Cherry, and the Apple blossom; we who long to discover the first Snowdrop or the first Crocus, and who look forward to the first gorgeous Tulip or purple Hyacinth, that shall herald the coming of the glorious garden time in earnest; we who wrap ourselves in such expectations are apt to be downcast by the stern realities of sleet and rain and slush, and the favors of Goddess Flora deferred. We are apt then to be angry with ; hy AN ‘ en 0 S77 aps & a BAP ORM a 7 ON ate cone hes eee J hee be, , 4 zy 6, a% Ui aia a4 i) Spring will soon be with us in earnest, the lovely, delicate Snowdrop its earliest harbinger — - the poets, to wish to reorganize the kalendar, or to find a subterfuge for our disappointments in the old adage that gives March’s entrance the similitude of that of the Lion or of the Lamb, as the case may be. However, we shall find stirring us into a happier frame of mind that indefinable something that tells us with unerring certainty when Spring is here, despite any of the astronomical observations of the industrially wise to the contrary in point of time. O let us not expect to hasten Nature’s bounty, and do not let us become impatient. Instead, let us remember what a lot of things we really have on hand this month to think about in preparing for the season soon to approach. You will wish, for instance, to avoid the Spring rush. There will be a lot of cleaning up that can be done during the thaws that are sure to come this month. If your last year’s gar- den failed by reason of your not being able to obtain a sufficient supply of fertilizing material—perhaps you neg- lected this—you can arrange now for the supply of stable or barnyard manure your garden will require. If you do not do this in time, Summer may find your garden out- rivalled by your more provident neighbor. F course, your hardy Roses must be pruned before the latter part of the month—one cannot dream of June gardens, neglect this pruning, and expect the Roses to be all one has dreamed they should be. Grapevines and fruit- trees will need pruning, too, though, of course, the experi- enced gardener will know that neither bush fruit (berries) nor sirubs that flower early should be pruned at this time. It migit prove fatal to their growth. HE reader of Mr. F. F. Rockwell’s very excellent article on hotbeds and coldframes in the February num- ber of AMERICAN HoMEs AND GARDENS will probably be prepared by now to try the experiment of introducing a hot- bed or coldframe in his garden, if he has never had one before. Of course, the sash already glazed for hotbeds or coldframes may be purchased from manufacturers of green- houses or ordered through one’s seedsman. It is well to remember that by having a hotbed or coldframe, or both, one may steal a march on the season either in the matter of flowers or of vegetables. S to the seed to sow in hotbeds this month, one may sow Lettuce, Peas, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Onions, Radishes and Celery, to mention but a few of the vegetables, and as far north as Baltimore those vegetables requiring much soil heat, such as Melons, Cucumbers and Tomatoes, may be started now, early in the month. HE Asparagus bed and the Rhubarb rows should be put in shape as soon as the weather permits. Nitrate of soda and common salt should be sprinkled upon the top soil at this time, for these plants need this sort of food be- fore Spring comes on. NOTHER thing that will keep the amateur gardener . from being idle this month:is the matter of spraying March, 1912 trees and shrubs in time, as a protection against the pests that attack them. The garden-maker will do well to study up the matter now and to begin ordering and mixing the insecticides and fungicides he may find his garden in need of. OR the garden of any extent, one recommends the pur- chase of aroller. It will be fowl useful in many ways. In the first place, it is both a necessity and a convenience in the matter of making paths and in lawn making, aside from its value as an accessory in keeping up a tennis court. Apropos of the matter of lawn making, it will be well for the garden-beginner to watch the lawn for an indication that frost has left the ground, and then to remove any leaves, mulch or litter that has been allowed to rest on the lawn throughout the Winter; otherwise the grass roots will take a premature start, subsequently suttering by this. PROPAGATING THE CHRISTMAS ROSE NE of the readers of AMERICAN HOMES AND GAR- O DENS has written the Editor an interesting letter about the article, ““The Christmas Rose,” which appeared in the December number of this magazine. The writer tells us that he has found a good stiff soil, into which leaf-mold well decayed has been worked, to be best suited to this plant (Helleborus niger). The end of March, he finds, unless the season is a very late one, that it is safe to dig up the roots, trimming off all the very long ends. He then plants Viva Caer . . FAs Ay) these slicings in the soil under protec- i Hd Ae tion, and has found that they will send ve Mee Ti se Ah forth new roots below and leaf buds ; PA Ian HN : AN WR above. ve Hi ce WARDIAN CASES fh wR HE Wardian case should be better known to indoor gardeners, as there are many interesting sorts of plants that one may grow therein which could not otherwise be raised successfully except in a heated greenhouse. Wardian cases are enclosed boxes of glass, and may be procured from any seedsman or through any florist. All sorts of minia- ture rockeries may be constructed there- in, bearing in mind the fact that the soil placed in the case must be perfectly drained and composed of leaf-mold, sand and loam, with bits of charcoal to keep it sweet. Small plants are the proper sort for the Wardian case, and such ferns as the Maidenhair (Adiatum capillus Veneris, As- plenium trichomanes, Pteris serrulata) and the Selaginellas The Yucca is one of the best foliage plants for indoors or outside. AMERICAN HOMES Ad i As 3 iM si Wy. A bird ae ay an a Genian landscape architect for a Bavarian garden. The arrangement of the Weeping Willow called for by the design is especially pleasing AND GARDENS 10$§ WA little a like this would is a joy in every garden (S. grandis, S. Kraussiana, S. umbrosa and some others) are excellent adjuncts to its plant life. HEIGHT OF PLANTS FOR THE HERBA- CEOUS BORDER HE following is a brief list of her- baceous plants for the border, se- lected with reference to height. The list does not pretend to be inclusive in any sense, but will suggest some of the most satisfactory varieties for the pur- pose of border planting. Plants reach- ing a height of two feet— Achillea, Antirrhinums, Aquilegia, Aster Alpinus, Campanula muralis, Delphinium nudi- caule, Lobelia cardinalis, Papaver nudi- caule, Plumbago Larpentae, Primula Japonica, Ranunculus aconiti-folius, Saxifraga granulata, Trillium grandi- florum and Veronica. Plants reaching a height of between two and four feet— Achillea millifolium roseum, Aconitum, Anemone Japonica, Aster ericoides, Campanula persicifolia alba _ plena, Chrysanthemum, Geum rivale, Iris Germanica, Lilium Can- didum, Lychnis, Paeony, Phlox, Pyrethrum, Rudbeckia and Yucca augustifolia. Plants reaching a height of over four feet—A ster Novi-angliae, Delphinium, Helianthus, Lilium auratum, Polygonum, Rudbeckia maxima and Solidago. TERMS USED IN DESCRIBING FERNS READER writes to ask for information concerning A the technical phrases used in connection with various writings upon the subject of Fern culture, and as this may be a matter of interest to others as well, the following ex- planations are here set forth: The non-flowering plants are called Cryptograms, and Ferns fall within this nomencla- ture. Those Ferns having creeping stems have the name of rhizomes applied to these stems. By frond we designate the Fern’s leaf, and by stripes its stalks. The Fern’s seeds are called spores, and the tissue (case) covering these spores is called the indusium. The term sori is applied to the clusters of sporangia. THE SUNFLOWER HERE are no lovelier plants in our gardens than the Helianthus, the old-fashioned Sunflower. The plant derives its botanical name from the words helios, sun, and anthos, a flower, and it was applied to it from the belief that the flowers follow the sun round. Garden beginners are ‘urged to make a more careful study of the Sunflower, which, unfortunately, has been too often shown much neglect. y gli EON AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS : HELES Orth HOUSEWIFE TABLE AND HOUSEHOLD SUGGESTIONS OF INTER- EST TO EVERY HOUSEKEEPER AND HOUSEWIFE March, 1912 KITCHEN ECONOMY By Elizabeth Atwood Photographs by Mary H. Northend and Charlotte Kendall Mooney than with our money.”’ So said Queen Chris- tina of Sweden, more than two hundred and fifty years ago. It is a far reach from a queen of a country to a queen of a kitchen, and yet this maxim should mean as much in the kitchen of to-day as it would have meant to that queen of long ago. Kitchen economy does not mean the care of scraps alone. It means a wise use of time as well as a wise use of ma- terials. How often we see one who can “turn off”? more work in an hour than another can in half a day. It is not because the hands work so much faster, but because the one understands how to dove-tail the multitude of various motions, and also to make “ther head save her heels” (as my grandmother used to say), while the other does not. To begin with, we must put a proper valuation upon the kitchen and its relation to the whole house. It is a fancy of mine that the kitchen is to the whole house what the spinal column is to the whole body. To follow this fancy, what would the body be without a good spine?) How many of us know spineless people? Also (too well), how many of us know spineless homes? Now, the average woman who has trouble with her back sets to work to correct that trouble, and science is brought to the rescue. She follows well-laid rules for developing her strength, and nothing is left undone which can help produce a perfect result. Generally, if she is honest in her desire for strength, an excellent result is gained. It is not so with the backbone of the house. The de- spised kitchen, which is a good part of every woman’s kingdom, is left to suffer, many, many times, in the hands of ignorance, whether that of the mistress or of the maid. How many women make a study of the time it takes to do certain tasks, and, putting these tasks together, proceed to consider how much a maid should be asked to do? If satisfied with such investigation for themselves, how many women proceed to teach a maid how she may do as they have done? This is a large part of kitchen economy, and until our housekeepers become just such investigators and teachers, spineless homes will continue to exist. We have to eat three times a day, most of us, and some- one must prepare the food for our meals and clean the utensils and dishes used three times a day. This is im- perative. Why should not the woman of moderate means in a small household recognize the fact, and, instead of leav- ing such a monumental care entirely to a possibly incom- petent maid, thus forever remaining more or less incom- petent herself, employ her brains in organizing and systema- tizing her own kitchen so that it will become a real back- bone to the house? I have never been able to understand why so many women who can afford but one servant—not always that—though mistresses of the house, yet remain anything but housewives in anything approaching the true sense of the word. The day for scouring, kitchen work, cooking and wash- ing dishes, is long past. Girls, wondering what to do with their lives after leaving school, seldom consider going into mother’s kitchen to solve this problem. And yet, what greater work could they be doing than training themselves to become the backbone of another home? One must know by positive experience in the mother’s home before she can lead and direct another—her own—home successfully; and mother should always be willing to teach and train this beginner for her life’s work, always keeping before her this fact,—that to be a true and qualified homemaker is the greatest profession open to a woman. But—is mother qualified? If not, it is high time she realized that she must The manner in which bread for the morning meal is placed upon the home table is of importance to housewives who wish to have attractive tables March, 1912 set to work to change the old order of things in her life that may have led to her being careless of the importance of such matters. There are many small families living on small incomes who are only able to employ help occasionally. These housekeepers must, of necessity, spend much of their time in the kitchen. Meals must be cooked and dishes must be washed regardless of any other work, and, because of this fact, economy of both time and labor must be secured in planning the construction and equipment of the kitchen. The large 16x16 kitchen that used to be the right thing, modern use has proved to be an un- wise arrangement. What- ever the size of the kitchen may be, however, one can control the arranging of furniture and tools so that no extra steps need be taken. Each housekeeper must study out this prob- lem for herself, accord- ing to her surroundings, but certain rules apply to all. Painted walls and shelves, and a smooth floor, either covered with linoleum or painted, for instance. Linoleum, var- nished once or twice a year, makes the best floor of all. The next essential is plenty of light upon your work. I hate sinks in a back corner. A_ sink should have a window all its own. Then ventilation should be worked for. There should always be some good method of ventila- tion in every kitchen. Windows opposite a door, according to construction, is the very best way. There should be a good light over the stove, if possible. If there is no gas jet available, put a AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS TWO ATTRACTIVE WAYS OF SERVING EGGS By Charlotte Kendall Mooney Poached Eggs with Celery Sauce.—Poach the desired number of eggs in the usual manner and arrange them on a hot platter. stalks of celery in one pint of milk until tender. the milk with one and one half tablespoons each of butter and flour rubbed together, then add the celery cut in small pieces. pour around the eggs, garnishing the dish with celery tops. 107 a tendency to employ open shelves, with a rack behind, which arrangement enables one to see the pans and plates needed. Eternal vigilance will keep these free from dust, and wiping off before using does not take the time it does to get down on your knees to a shut-in cupboard and hunt out your needed article. Small screws can be put in under- neath such shelves, and measuring cups, spoons and many other things suspended from them. How many times has one dusted a drawer with flour while hunting hurriedly for a special spoon, even getting cut in the hurry, because knives will get mixed in where they do not belong! Stock up with good kitchen utensils, and keep them clean! If you have a jar of sal-soda near the sink, and put some into the porcelain or granite dishes when they get stained and you put them to soak, the stain or food which has become stuck to the dish will come off readily with- out scraping and scouring, which spoils the surface. A bit of soda put into a frying pan, when putting to soak after use, will save much time when the wash- ing time comes. Steel frying pans are much preferred nowadays, but I think because they heat up so quickly, but the old-fashioned iron spider I can’t do without. It holds the heat without burning, and does not need watching every minute. Graniteware ket- tles have taken the place of the heavy iron kettles, and we older ones all can tell of the joy it is to be rid of the old iron tea- kettles. We are being helped at every turn; it is for us to make the best use of such helps, and every- Cook six Remove them; thicken Reheat and bracket lamp, with re- flector, where the light can be thrown on the stove. Many steps may be saved right there. A kitchen table which ee Eggs a la Bechamel.—Shell and quarter ten hard-boiled eggs. Have ready one pint of Bechamel sauce made in the following proportions: To each tablespoonful of flour and butter allow one and one half cups of milk, seasoning to taste of salt and pepper, and a small bouquet consisting of two or three sprigs of parsley, a stalk of celery, a bay leaf, a bit of thyme, and one or two cloves. Cook together for fifteen minutes and where to bear in mind the economy of steps which means such economy of time, and that in turn affects the whole house. A Frenchman once said can be drawn up near the stove will save steps, and neither stove or table should be placed far from the sink. If the table is covered with white oilcloth, have some squares of wood, in which can be placed screw-eyes for hanging them at the side of the table, and always being at hand, they can quickly be placed under a hot pan or kettle. The most desirable thing in the cupboard line is the cup- board around the wall. With sliding doors of glass, a cup- board of this sort is the perfection of convenience and easy to care for. In many small houses and bungalows there is strain. To this sauce add the eggs, heat thoroughly, and serve with a garnish of fried croutons and parsley. that the greatest menace to American prosperity was not the influx of im- migrants, but her garbage pails. As long as they were filled with what would keep a French family going for a day, nothing but hard times could be the result. While this may be a statement some- what exaggerated, still there is much truth in it. Far too much is thrown away by those who should know better than to waste. ‘Take, for instance, the matter of bread. There are endless ways of using up the scraps—and yet I have seen bread sufficient for several families thrown out as waste on the lift in a New York flat. Bread toasted 108 and cut in dice, bread toasted and made into milk toast, is just so much better for being stale. The smallest scraps are worth saving, shapeless as they may be, for these should be dried and converted into bread crumbs, a jar of which ought to be on every kitchen shelf. Bread crumbs are much better to use than cracker crumbs for everything. Scraps of toast are very good converted into bread crumbs. If your stove or range has a back shelf, you will save time and always be prepared, if you keep boxes of crackers there, for they are always warm and crisp, ready for use. If you have no shelf to your range, put up a temporary bracket shelf just for this purpose. It will make ample returns. The refrigerator calls for the attention of every house- wife, and some hints may help here. Get a yard of cheese cloth and cut in two. When the ice comes lay one half of the cheese cloth, folded double, in the bottom of the ice- compartment. ‘The next time, remove this piece and place in the other, rinsing the one which has been in use. If you are careful to cover the drain with the cloth, the cloth will hold much, if not all, which would become slime and is so horrid to clean. You will be surprised at the accumulation of dirt and the ease with which it is disposed of. Time is saved if one is careful to wipe off the outside of any dishes holding food before placing in the ice-chest. Never have anything warm put in the ice-chest, for the steam from such dishes creates odors not good. At least once a week a thorough washing is necessary— walls, ceiling, and doors, as well as the shelves. Keep a skewer, such as the butcher sends, for pushing the cloth into all grooves. Make a suds of ivory soap and plenty of borax; set this away to cool before using. Never use the strong- smelling kind in washing what must be closed at once. Get on your knees to your refrigerator once a day, lest some- thing grows too old for use again, and place a bit of char- coal on each shelf. This will absorb odors, and keep the refrigerator smelling sweet; but no food of penetrating odor should ever be placed inside closed doors. To my mind the greatest economy of all is the fireless cooker. If you have never used one, don’t wait any longer. In the summer they are simply wonderful, and in the winter, although one may be using a coal range, they are helpful. There are many good ones on the market now, but I had great fun making mine myself, and I would not be without it. When cooking with gas, one saves both time and money by its use, which makes possible the meats calling for long cooking, and the awful turnip and cabbage odor is not in evidence when cooked in the fireless cooker. Housewives can put on, or rather in, their dinners after breakfast, go out for the day, and find their dinners ready when they return at night. Just study your kitchen; you will find it interesting and entertaining, if you take the right spirit into it, The whole house will respond to the extra attention given to the kitchen. I think a man, mere man, appreciates such study in woman more than any study of art or music; and we are all striving to please some one man, to make his home what it should be, a place of comfort and rest. Milton said: ‘Nothing lovelier can be found in woman than to study household good.” COLD WEATHER HINTS ANY years ago a carpenter who was at work on our house asked me for a tin dish to put his nails in, and then for the privilege of putting them into my oven. It was bitter cold outside, and he said that by heating the nails he kept his hands from getting numb while working. On these days, when the wind blows and the weather is so bitter cold, any help that the one doing the washing may get should be found for her. Here is one great help: Half an hour or more before hanging out the clothes (the coldest AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS March, 1912 job any woman ever had) place the clothes-pins in the oven, taking care that they do not scorch. When all is ready, put them into a clothes-pin apron pocket, and you will be sur- prised to find how warm your hands will keep from repeat- edly putting them in the warm pocket to get the pins. Also, always have the bluing water (the last stage of the washing) as hot as you have water for. The clothes are then warm to handle, no matter how cold the weather. THE CARE OF FURS T IS coming time now to think of placing our furs beyond the reach of moth and buffalo bug. It has been my custom to comb and brush carefully all furs every little while all Winter, and then hang them in the sun. This should be done with extra care when getting ready to shut them up. Although I have a spacious cedar chest, furs and hats with feathers are taken care of separately. Inthe rush of all the things the housekeeper finds necessary to attend to in the Spring, the matter of caring for furs must not be overlooked. Paper bags have other uses than cooking, for in paper bags do I store my furs. No matter how well cleaned, moths will find their most destructive way if there is a crack through which they can get in at furs. After cleaning my furs most thoroughly, while the sun heat is still in them, I take my paper bags out into the yard and put my furs in them. I fold the end of the bag over twice and stitch across the fold with the sewing machine, having sprinkled in a little camphor. Now I defy the moths to find an entrance, and I have never failed. The large fur coats and fur-lined coats are a problem. We cannot all send our coats to cold storage, either from lack of convenience or money, and bags of such prodigious size are not made. But wide wrapping paper can be found, and we can make our own bags. Take about two yards of paper and two yards of unbleached muslin to reinforce it. Fold together with the muslin for lining; fold the edges over and stitch together. On one side stitch loops for hanging by. After sunning, combing and brushing the garment, fold care- fully with bits of camphor and lay inside this big bag. With great care, fold and stitch the opening. If bugs cannot get in they cannot do damage, and I have found paper bags to be sure. Do not try to use newspapers, as they dry out and grow brittle. MiGe= sa lea a eee HOW TO MAKE GOOD LAWNS (Continued from page 101) EEE ECC wcrc a fo cof (fos coo oon fe occo tof) (OC fade ef asco elf} fadeccofaann el fi nao oooobe| A) (ON EADY as on terraces or embankments, it is easier to secure a lawn by sodding. The best of sod should be bought from a nurseryman, who has sod growing for this purpose, and it should be applied in strips one foot wide and three inches thick. After firming it, cover the area with a light coating of rich loam and broom it in between the crevices, then thoroughly roll it. The edge of a lawn adjoining a walk or hedge should be bordered by such sod strips. In securing fertility, should you have a season for preparation before you make the lawn, sow such cover crops as Crimson Clover, Hairy Vetch, Cow Peas, Soy Beans, or any good legumin- ous crop. This is the cheapest way of fertilizing and it pre- vents the possibility of many weed seed. In sowing the seed, great care should be exercised so as to evenly distribute the amount needed. A calm day should be selected, and sow in opposite directions and crosswise, and immediately rake with an iron-toothed implement, and roll. The best season for making a lawn is immediately after the Spring rains, and before the heat of Summer tends to dry out the ground. If it is sown during the rainy season the seed might wash and cause an uneven lawn. For Fall sowing, September is undoubtedly the best month to secure a fairly heavy turf before it is covered with the protecting blanket of snow. March, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Farewell By R. E. Olds, Designer Car My Reo the Fifth—the car I now bring out—is regarded by me as pretty close to finality. Embodied here are the final results of my 25 years of experience. I do not believe that a car materially better will ever be built. In any event, this car marks my limit. So I’ve called it My Farewell Car. My 24th Model This is the twenty-fourth model which I have created in the past 25 years. They haverun from one to six - cylinders—from-6 to 60 horse- power. : From the primitive cars of -the early —days -to the -most luxurious modern machines. I have run the whole gamut of automobile experience. I have learned the right and the wrong from tens of thousands of users. In this Farewell Car, I adopt the size which has come to be standard—the 30 to 35 horse- power, four-cylinder car. Where It Excels The chiefest point where thfs car excels is in excess of care and caution. The best I have learned in 25 years is the folly of taking chances. In every steel part the alloy that I use is the best that has been discovered. And all my steel is analyzed to know that it meets my formula. I test my gears with a crush- ing machine—not a hammer. I know to exactness what each gear will stand. R. M. Owen & Co. “err3, 2 30-35 Horsepower Wheel Base— 112 inches Wheels— 34 inches Demountable Rims Speed— 45 Miles per Hour Made with 2, 4 and 5 Pas- senger Bodies I put the magneto to a radical test. The carburetor is doubly heated, for low-grade gasoline. I use nickel steel axles with Timken roller bearings. So in every part. The best that any man knows for every part has been adopted here. The margin of safety is always extreme. I regard it impossible, at any price, to build a car any better. Center Control, Finish, etc. Reo the Fifth has a center, cane-handle control. It is our invention, our exclusive feature. Gear; shifting is done by a very slight motion, in one of four directions. There are no levers, either side or center. Both of the brakes . operate by the foot pedals. So the driver climbs out on either side as easily as you climb from the tonneau. The body finish consists of 17 coats. The upholstering is deep, and of -hair-filled genuine leather. The lamps are enameled.as per the latest vogue. Even the engine is nickel trimmed. I have learned by experience that people like stunning ap- pearance. The wheel base is long—the tonneau is roomy—the wheels are large —the car is over-tired. Every part of the car—of the chassis and the body—is better than you will think necessary. No price could buy anything better. Price, $1,055 This car-—my finest creation —has been priced for the present at $1,055. This final and radical paring of cost is considered by most men as my greatest achieve- ° ment. It has required years of pre- paration. It has compelled the invention of much automatic machinery. It necessitates mak- ing every part in our factory, so no profits go to parts makers. It requires enormous produc- tion, small overhead expense, small selling expense, small profit. It means a standardized car for years to come, with no changes in tools and machinery. In addition to that, by mak- ing only one chassis we are cutting off nearly $200 per car. Reo Motor Car Co., Canadian Factory, St. Catharines, Ontario Thus Reo the Fifth gives far more for the money than any other car inexistence. It gives twice as much as some. But this price is not fixed. We shall keep it this low just as long as we can. If materials advance even slightly the price must also advance. No price can be fixed for six months ahead leaving big margin, and we haven’t done that. The cost has been pared to the limit. without Catalog Ready Our new catalog shows the various styles of body. It tells all the materials, gives all specifications. With these facts before you, you can easily com- pare any other car with this Reo the Fifth. If you want a new car you should dothat. Judge the facts for yourself. Don’t pay more than our price for less value. After 25 years spent in this business. here is the best car I can build. And the price is $1,055. Don’t you think you should know that car ? Write now for this catalog. When we send it we will tell you where to see the-~ car. Address— Lansing, Mich. Reo the Fifth $1,055 One Front Door Open to Show Center Control Top and windshield not included in price. We equip this car with mohair top, side curtains and slip-cover, windshield, gas tank and speedometer—all for $100 extra. Self-starter, if wanted, $25.00 extra. EE et —KRK xvi AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS March, 1912 ST ERRIE ‘¥ Plants by the dozen or by the million. 120 acres planted in 103 varieties, Al) the standards and the most promising of (\) Largest grower in Every plant true to name, Also Raspberry, Blackberry, Gooseberry the new ones, ‘America, and Currant Plants, Grape Vines, Cali- \ fornia Privet and other Shrubbery. yy Cultural directions with each ship- @ ment. Beautiful Catalogue FREE. Send 4 postal today. My personal guarautee back of every sale, W. F. ALLEN Ng) 10 Market Street, Salisbury, Md. Send $1.00 for my new and complete book—Bungalows showing floor plans, interior and exterior perspective from photographs with prices for the completed building. I Guarantee to Construct at Prices Named If book is not satisfactory and is not what you want, | will refund the money. 0. S LANG, Bungalow Specialist, 690 Seventh St., Buffalo, N.Y. PLANT THE QUALITY GRAPE Catawba - Concord The Grape for Everybody Everywhere A cross between the Catawba and the Concord—so scientifically made that it unites all their merits with none of their defects. Equal in quality to the finest hot- house grapes and as easily grown as the Concord. For ten years it has proved its superiority. Has received awards wher- ever shown. Write at once for large descriptive cata- log of Raspberries, Blackberries, Grapes, Strawberries,Currants, Gooseberries, Gar- den Roots, Hardy Perennial Plants, Shrubs, Vines, Roses, etc. It tells how to plant and grow them—/vee for every- body. J.T. LOVETT, Box 128, Little Silver, N.J. LUTHER BURBANK’S NEW GLADIOLUS Offered for the first time, with other NEW AND RARE BULSS These new gladioli are a revelation, and are without doubt the largest, most brilliant and most varied ones growing on this earth, and of anew and distinct type, and are especially rich in scarlet, salmon and crimson shades. IIlus- trated folder free, also list of other catalogs, etc. W. A. LEE, Agent, Dept. A., Covina, Cal. Sow Your Grass Seed with. _ The Velvetlawn S eeder_ UTS the seed in the ground—not on top. one blown away or eaten by birds. Makes a beautiful, uniform lawn certain in the shortest time. Saves enough seed to pay for itself. Run easily by one person. o matter how small your lawn you can afford to have this seeder. Let us send you letters from users, prices, illustrations, etc. Weanalyzesoil and advise our customers free as to the best seed and fertilizer. Write today. VELVETLAWN SEEDER CO. 20 Columbia St. Springfield, Ohio Filter Your Entire Water Supply Your own health and that of your family depends also on pure water. Install a Paddock Water Filter and you will have pure water for drinking and every household use. Write for catalogue. Atlantic Filter Company 309 White Building, Buffalo, N. Y. THE GARDEN OF THE SUMMER ABSENTEE By IDA D. BENNETT N the all-the-year-around the Summers, like the Winters, are passed under the same roof and the same environment surrounds one week in and week out, the summer garden becomes an important factor in the life of the home, and in a beautiful, old- fashioned garden, redolent with the per- fume of rose and lily and bosked with shrubbery and banked with flowers, one may well decry the love of change or the deference to fashion or custom that yearly sends one adrift to find in seashore or mountain resort an uncomfortable sub- stitute for one’s own fireside. It is this universal exodus—that begins about the middle of June and continues until the frosts of September—that mili- tates against the creation of a garden, for it hardly seems worth while to plant flow- ers which must be neglected for months at a time and be found dead or grown up to weeds upon one’s return to them in early tall—a mute and pathetic protest against such fickle affection. Naturally, one’s thoughts of a garden center round those exuberant flowers of the warmer months—the rose and carna- tion, the heliotrope, verbena and all the brave array of Summer bedders—which will have passed their maximum beauty and succumbed to the first frosts of Sep- tember ere one returns to enjoy their beauty. And did these flowers of mid- Summer form the garden’s story it would. indeed, be of little profit to plan and create a garden that would bloom for others or lie neglected and alone. Fortunately, the Summer is not all of the garden’s story, nor by any means the best. The Spring garden has a charm quite distinct from its Summer successor, and the Fall garden possesses a wealth of bloom and color by no means to be thought lightly of. Moreover, the flowers of the Spring and of the Fall are just those which, once planted, require the mini- mum of care and may be left for long months at a time to the fostering charge of nature with little, if any, detriment. Such care as they do require must be given them at the very time when it is most convenient and pleasant to work in the garden, so that one gains at one and the same time the promise and the re- wards of labor. The Spring garden will be largely a thing of shrubs and bulbs, but what a variety of color, form and fragrance is possible. While the tints of the flowers of the Spring are in a measure cooler and paler than those of mid-Summer, not even the most gorgeous of the flowers of June can rival the splendor of the tulips which make gay the parterres in May. As a general thing we grow far too few bulbs in our gardens—too few in variety and too few in number; instead of planting tulips and hyacinths by the dozen, with an occasional clump of narcissus and a few crocus scattered about the lawns, we should plant them by the hundreds or thousands, in long continuous rows or in solid beds, giving the space between them to the growing of some of the less robust annuals. In the hardy garden, with its formal beds, the planting of hyacinths, tulips, crocus and the like may be made along the edges of the bed, where they will not be missed when their day is passed, and so will not, necessarily, have to be lifted home, where Vases inthe Garden of Mrs. F. H. Hiscock, Syracuse, N.Y. A striking example of the charm and beauty added to the garden by the proper use of Garden Ornaments. ur m are of Pompeian Stone, an artificial product that is everlasting. Send to-day for new illustrated catalogue M of vases, benches, sundials, statuary, fountains, etc. THE ERKINS STUDIOS The largest manufacturers of Ornamental Stone 230 Lexington Avenue, New York. Factory, Astoria, L. I. New York Selling Agents—Ricceri Florentine Terra Cotta K WITH EASE, SAVE THE KNEES Siar iim ingen | ace .- = ONAL - 1 \4 MORE AND BETTER WORK IN LESS TIME y It SOLD IN EVERY LARGE R fl RK. SEED HOUSE INTHE ([/7 { \\UNITED STATES AND J SEND US HIS NAME AND \ . WE WILL SEND YOU DESCRIP-// < TIVE CIRCULAR AND SEE THA’ DEPT. STORES. HAND) $1.25 ~~ MEHLER GARDEN TOOL CO. AMBLER, PA..U.S.A. ‘YOU ARE SUPPLIED, A Beautiful Illustrated Book- let, ‘“‘ WHERE SUN DIALS ARE MADE,” sent upon re- quest. Estimates furnished. Any Latitude E. B. MEYROWITZ, 108 East 23d St., New York Branches: New York, Minneapolis, St. Paul, London, Paris Ornamental Foliage Plants We make a specialty of choice collection for Green- house, as well as everything in the line of decorative trees and plants. Visit our Nurseries or send for descriptive catalogue of Nursery Stock and Greenhouse plants. Experienced and competent Gardeners Any lady or gentleman requiring their services can No fees. Please give particulars Alocasia Argyrea heave them by applying to us. regarding place. JULIUS ROEHRS CO., Exotic Nurseries, Rutherford, N. J. For a Most Beautiful Lawn Sow KALAKA. It is specially selected, specially tested grass seed, and pulverized manure—the ideal combination to grow quick, hardy, lasting turf. For seeding new lawnsor putting new life into the old lawn nothing equals Packed in 5 pound boxes at $1.00 per box, express paid east or $1.25 west of Omaha. Write and ask for prices on special mixtures for special locations and purposes. Order today and have the best seed money can buy. Get ourfreelawn book. THE KALAKA CO., 25 Union Stock Yards, Chicago OLD ENGLISH GARDEN SEATS RUSTIC WORK thi Catalog of many designs on request North Shore Ferneries Company, Beverly, Massachusetts i March, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS to make room for other occupants of the beds. But these are not all the early Spring bulbs which may be depended upon for early flowers, though of the most de- pendable. Winter aconite is a bright and cheerful herald of the Spring, sending up a whorl of green leaves enclosing a sin- gle buttercup-like flower, about the time of the blooming of the crocus. A few days later the scillas appear, holding their deep blue bells at half mast, rarely look- ing the sun in the face; but so charming are they and so finely do they group with the white of the crocus that they should be combined with them whenever pos- sible. Many of the early Spring bulbs are of use simply as bedders, but the majority are available for cut flowers and are not surpassed by anything the Summer has to offer. Tulips, narcissi, daffodils, coral lilies and candidums have as great deco- rative value indoors as out, and when grown among shrubbery and hardy per- ennials may be more freely used than when grown in solid beds, where any considerable number may not be re- moved without leaving an undesirable vacancy. Then we have the splendid array of Spring blooming shrubs which are both ornamental in the garden and useful as cut flowers. One of the first of the hardy shrubs to bloom is the deutzia gra- cillima, with its feathery-white flowers; this is especially beautiful when planted in close proximity to the pink lychnis, with which it combines exquisitely. The lilacs, syringeas, weigelias, the chionan- thus (which in some sections blooms in late May or early June), the snowballs, and English and German iris, bleeding hearts, and the creeping phlox subulata, which in May carpets the ground with a sheet of bloom, are all lovely and desir- able denizens of the Spring and early Summer garden, that, once planted, will grow in size and beauty from year to year. Somewhat later in bloom than the fore- going is the Peony, which blossoms about the middle of June and continues in bloom for a long time. With the coming of Fall, the gold and crimson of the maple glows again in the golden rod and the hardy chrysanthe- mums; the late asters are imperial in robes of purple and of red. In sheltered nooks the anterrhinums hold aloft spikes of richest velvet-white and crimson and of wine, pinks and spikes of flame,and yel- low fire are defying the frost of Autumn long after September has gone and Octo- ber is waning toward November’s chill. The salvias, in sheltered nooks, still are brilliant with color, each branch and twig bursting into fresh bloom, as though the Summer had but just begun, for this flower is a persistent and continuous bloomer and only ceases to bloom when cut by severe frost. The candy-tuft will continue to give an abundance of flowers long after severe frosts have cut most plants to the ground, and in favorable seasons will be found in bloom in November. Physostegias which have had the seed pods removed will give a crop of late Fall flowers, as will also the aconites, delphiniums and lobelias; but it is to the anemones and the hardy chry- santhemums that one must look for the greatest splendor of the Fall garden. The anemones come into bloom in Sep- tember, and if slightly protected on frosty nights may be had in bloom until well into November, as they continue to pro- and thousands of others equally attract- ‘| ive owe more than half their charm to | MORGAN GUARANTEED PERFECT DOORS All the splendid quality—all the style—all the through-and-through trustworthiness — that two generations of perfect-door-making could possibly suggest, are built in every Morgan Door No home is as good as it might be unless it has Morgan Doors. That is why reputable architects everywhere are so emphatic in their endorsement. Made in various woods and finishes to match every style of architecture. Are you thinking of building or remodeling ? hen the coupon in upper right-hand corner is for you. Fill it out and mail it today. We will tell you how to get the utmost satisfaction and save money at the same time. Our information is comprehensive, reliable, au- thentic. Handsome illustrations of correct interiors and exteriors included. Not a cent to pay Do not fail to write today MORGAN CO, Dept.B2, OSHKOSH, WIS. Disivibuled by Morgan Sash & Door Co., Chicago, Ill. Morgan Millwork Com Baltimore, Md. CLINCH right through the standing seam of metal roofs. No rails are needed unless desired. We makea similar one for slate roofs. Send for Circular Berger Bros. Co. PATENTED PHILADELPHIA Sample and Circular The Dees Combination Gas Machine provides the Home witha Satisfactory Gas Supply. Gas to Light with. Gas to Cook with. Gas to Heat Water for the bath, laundry and other uses common to city coal gas, at no greater cost. in the market over forty years. More than 15,000 in daily use. Our catalog will in- terest you. Write to to-day for copy, and names of users in your vicinity. Detroit Heating & Lighting Co. 480 Wight Street, Detroit. Mich. A House Lined with Mineral Wool as shown in these sections, is Warm in Winter, Cool in Summer, and is thoroughly DEAFENED. The lining is vermin proof; neither rats, mice, nor insects can make their way through or live init. MINERAL WOOL checks the spread of fire and keeps out dampness. CORRESPONDENCE SOLICITED U. S. Mineral Wool Co. 140 Cedar St.. NEW YORK CITY XViil AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS March, 1912 ‘Simmons flose Reel ND <= Garden Hose The Reel owes its great demand to the fact that it combines the features of a lawn sprinkler with the spe- cal qualities of a spiral hose reel. It is prac- tically indestructible —thoroughly drains after use by its spiral wind. es Garden Hose has been in use for years and is practically everlasting-~it is carefully woven and has an inner tube of pure rubber — an important feature which exists in but few other brands. Price of Hose Reel complete—fitted with one hun- dred feet of our 34-inch Garden Hose, and nozzle—$15.00, or with 50 feet hose $10.00. Don’t wait—write now JOHN SIMMONS COMPANY 100 Center Street New York Bulbs ordered now will reach you soon enough for plant- ing, but there is no time for delay. Gladioli should go in just as soon as ground and season are fit. Have your bulbs ready by ordering now. TRY MY “WORLD’S FAIR” COLLECTION OF GROFF’S NEW AND RARE GLADIOLI It is made up of expensive named varieties regardless of cost. Flowers are of exceptional size and beauty, in endless variety of colors and markings. No such collection can be obtained for the money elsewhere. “World’s Fair’ Collection, postpaid, 25 bulbs $5.25, or 60 bulbs $10.25. Express. collect $20.00% per 100. No order accepted for less than 25 bulbs. ARTHUR COWEE, Meadowvale Farms Box 95, Berlin, N. Y. ORLD-famous Ornamental and Fruit Trees, Shrubs, Roses, Evergreens and Hardy Plants. Perfect specimens in splendid condition, true to species, first choice from the Most Complete Nursery Stock in America. Endless standard varieties and tested novelties, suitable for all purposes. Guaranteed by a 72-year reputation for honest, accurate dealing. Write for our 72nd Annual ’Guide Book Indispensable in planning lawn, garden and park decoration. A copy will be mailed you free on request. ELLWANGER & BARRY Mount Hope Nurseries, Box 28, Rochester, N.Y. duce buds until cut down by severe frost. They are an entirely hardy class of plants and rival in beauty anything which the Summer garden has to offer. The best- known form of the anemone is the semi- double variety—Whirlwind. This is a very beautiful flower, about two inches in diameter, with a yellow center closely resembling that of the Cherokee rose. The blossoms are born on long, slender stems, and are exceedingly useful and effective as cut flowers. The colors range from pure white of the Whirlwind and Lord Ardilaun — the finest double white, through such delicate silvery-rose shades as Queen Charlotte and Elegantissiman, to the deeper rose shades of Rose D’Au- tumne and the deep, rich coloring of Prince Henry. They are very easily grown, but require some protection in Winter. They increase rapidly, and a few plants left un- disturbed soon form prolific colonies which produce an abundance of flowers. They root from rhizomes, from each joint of which new plants spring, so that they are always appearing unexpectedly at short distances from the parent plant. Still more enduring and frost defying, the tritomas rival in splendor all other flowers of the Autumn garden. Their spikes of flame are little affected by even the killing frosts of late October, and are one of the most striking features of the garden at this time. They do well in sun or in shade, coming into bloom a few days later in partial shade, but blooming none the less surely. They are not en- tirely hardy and must be wintered in the cellar; but as this operation may be left until into November and they are one of the earliest plants which may be planted out in the Spring, their season of rest in the cellar is comparatively brief. Few bed- ding plants increase as rapidly as do the tritomas, and a dozen roots from the florist will make as many strong clumps the second year. They are especially effec- tive planted along the outer edge of beds or hedges of ornamental grasses and bam- boos, or along artificial ponds or running streams, having in this position the same decorative value as the cardinal flowers with which our streams and sedgy bord- ers are brightened in August. The tri- tomas much excel in brilliancy the cardi- nal flower, however, having the tone of melted iron at a red heat, just before it passes to white, and on bright days seem fairly to radiate heat. Sharing the autumnal honors with the tritomas, the hardy chrysanthemums are much in evidence. These flowers have the advantage of being entirely hardy, and may be left in the ground from year to year, growing into fine clumps in a season or two, as they die down to the ground in late Fall and spring up anew each Spring, each root sending up many new shoots, as do the more tender greenhouse chrysanthemums. So little are they affected by frost and cold that I have often seen them peeping forth from a heavy covering of snow and emerging unscathed from an enveloping casing of ice under the thawing influence of the sun. They do especially well if planted in a sunny position, as on the south side of a building which holds the sun’s heat late in the day and protects from cold winds at night. In such a posi- tion they may often be had in bloom for Thanksgiving day, and, with the late pan- sies, furnish a rich color scheme for the decoration of the rooms. The colors range through all the shades of yellow, of crimson and of bronze, both 4 Crucible Steel. Workmanship the finest. s¢eeZ Mowers, without a rival in their class. Also styles E. C. + T.M. XX and Golf. Horse } Mowers. Buy the ‘‘Philadelphia’’ and you will use no other. | 31st and Chestnut Streets (e) [> mee Ono? Sheep’s Head Brand PULVERIZED Sheep Manure \U) 4u Nature’s Own Plant Food. Ideal for all crops; especially adapted for lawns, golf courses and estates. Growers of nursery stock, small fruits, hedges and. gardeners generally will find Sheep's Head Brand the best fertilizer. Contains large percentage of Humus and all fertilizing substances necessary to promote Plant life. Tests place it far ahead of chemical or other fertilizers. Readily applied to the soil. _ Let us quote you prices. Send for our book, “Fertile Facts” Tells how to fertilize the soil so that productive crops may be raised. Special matter for lawn and market gardeners, Florists, Nurserymen and Farmers. Sent FREE if you mention this Almanac. NATURAL GUANO COMPANY Dept.10 , 301 Montgomery Avenue, Aurora, III. GENUINE ‘‘PHILADELPHIA” LAWN MOWERS Are to-day the Standard, as they were in 1869 ! wD “infeom, Strictly High Grade in every respect. All knives es: Venedur Makers of the only au Mowers—we lead, as we do in Hand The Philadelphia Lawn Mower Company Over 42 years Makers of High Grade Goods Only PHILADELPHIA, PA., U.S. A. Sweet P eas Six Superb Spencers we will mail one regular packet each For 25 Cts. of Florence Nightingale, the largest and best lavender; Constance Oliver, rich rose pink on cream; Marie Corelli, beautiful, brilliant crimson; Prim- rose Spencer, the best primrose- Senator Spencer, claret flaked and heliotrope; and W. T. Hutchins, apricot over- laid with blush-pin These six super pencers are shown, painted from nature on pages 109 and 110 of Burpee’s Annual for 1912. Purchased separately they would cost 65 cents, but all six packets, with leaflet on | culture, will be mailed for only 25 cents, five collections for $1.00. BURPEE’S ANNUAL FOR 1912 This “Silent Salesman’”’ of the World's Largest Mail- Order Seed Trade is a Bright Book of 178 Pages. It tells the plain truth about the Best Seeds that can be grown, —as proved at our famous Fordhook Farms—the lereedt. most complete Trial Grounds in America. It is Mailed Free upon Application. Shall we send YOU a copy? W. Atlee Burpee & Co. Philadelphia March, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS xix strong, effective shades and the more deli- cate tints occuring. Many of these group effectively with the hardy asters, espec- ially if the taller growing varieties of these are used, the planting being made in the rear of the chrysanthemums. The hardy asters have small single flowers, which are produced in large sprays which quite cover the plants, giving them an espe- cially light and feathery appearance, which contrasts charmingly with the stronger tones and more robust forms of the chrysanthemums. The chrysanthemum family includes not only the pompon variety, but also such single forms as the Moonpenny daisies and the Shasta daisies. Many of these latter are very effective, especially such varieties as the Improved Shasta daisy and Maximum Robison, both of which may be readily raised from seed. DOG FANCYING IN AMERICA By T. C. TURNER HE canine world is not exempt from the peculiarities which are common to the world in general. It has to-day, and always has had, its fads and fancies. New breeds come into vogue year by year, some times to stay and flourish, and at other times merely to pacify the constant desire for something fresh, and then when they have served their purpose, gradually to become a thing of the past. And so to- day, you can say of the dog, as we do of most things, that such and such a breed is fashionable. Time was, and not so many years ago, when the Airedale, Pomeranian, Chow Chow, Griffon Bruxellois, West Highland Terrier, and the Pekingese had not graced the benches of even our best shows. To-day, with the exception of the Griffon Bruxellois, the other breeds may be classed among our most popular fancies. Partic- ularly is this the case with regard to the Pomeranian and the Pekingese, which seem now to be, if one may say so, at high water mark, if one can judge from their present popularity in England, and one may say with safety that England does set the fashion in all matters concerning the dog. An English dog journal, for instance, contains usually sixty-four pages, varying slightly according to the heavy or light show season. Of the sixty-four pages of the issue before the writer, eighteen pages, or fifty-four columns, are taken up by what is known as classified advertising, which means short advertisements without any display. To give an idea of the small space occupied for each of these advertise- ments, there are in the fifty-four columns no less than one thousand, four hundred and fifty-eight advertisements. In addition to this, many pages are given over to the large display advertisements, and the re- mainder to reading matter. As the old saying has it, “straws indicate which way the wind blows.” So we may readily fol- low the fashions by seeing how much publicity the producer is giving to the article he has for sale. It is for this reason interesting to find that Pomeranians head the list with one hundred and seventy-four advertisements. They are followed by that old-reliable breed which has always held its own, the English Bull Dog, with one hun- dred and forty-five. Next in order we find another long-time popular breed, the Fox Terrier, one hundred and eight. And then follows one of our latest arrivals, Pekingese, with ninety-three. Scottish Ter- riers of both varieties, eighty-eight. Aire- dales, eighty. Collies and Spaniels with sixty-one each. And our little old-fashioned The Long-Life years after. the brush touched it. inside or outside. gestions will prove of value to you. The floor-finishing problem is quickly solved. “61” Floor Varnish is mar-proof, heel-proof, water- proof. It withstands heavy wear and never cracks. Ask for our A Poultry House for 12 laying Hens Complete with Nests, Fountain, Feed opper, Yard, etc. to-date accommodations and _ wi give the best zesults. Price, $20.00. © most up- i OU can secure nothing more beautiful in _your home than the purity and richness of an intense white enamel finish. See that Vitralite, “The Long-Life White Enamel,” your home. Then the color will be white and the finish permanent Vitralite does not yellow nor crack. dries hard with a smooth, porcelain-like gloss, without a sign of where Can be rubbed to a dull finish if desired. Tell your architect or decorator you want Vitralite used for all white effects, It’s water-proof. Send for Free Vitralite Booklet and Sample Panel finished with Vitralite. Judge it for yourself. “Decorative Interior Finishing” is another book you need when you build or decorate. Be sure to send for it. Varnishes, write us at 119 Tonawanda Street, Buffalo, N. Y.; in Canada, 63 HODGSON PORTABLE HOUSES COTTAGES BETTER and handsomer than your carpenter will build and at much less cost and bother. Easily erected, yet as durable and rigid as a permanent building. We make PORTABLE buildings fork every purpose—Cottages, Sun Parlors, Garages, Poultry Houses, Children’s Play Houses, Gardener's Tool Houses, Schoolhouses, Churches, Stores, etc. Write us what you are interested in—if a Cottage, how many rooms. If a Garage, the over-all length of your car and how many cars. House, how many fowl you wish to accommodate. We can then send you printed matter or catalog illustrating goods that will answer your requirements. Write us to-day for catalog H. E. F. HODGSON CO., 116 Washington St., Boston, Mass. is used in Gces on easily and Can be tinted to any shade. Its color- cheme sug- Free Sample Panel finished with “61” and test 1¢ with your hammer or your heel—you’ll be convinced. “The Finished Floor” will help in floor finishing and care. Ask for it. If your dealer can not supply “P&L” Courtwright Sts Bridge burg, Ontario. PRATT & LAMBERT VARNISHES AMERICAN FACTORIES Foreicn Factories Rew on Burrs Ceace ESTABLISHED 63 Years Toxsow, “Paris BrioGesurc CANA RG GARAGES - POULTRY HOUSES Sections fit together exactly. If a Poultry XX AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS March, 1912 It’s High Time You Got Your Heads Together And Selected Your Boddington Quality Seeds LAN and plant (on paper) your garden now. It doubles gardening joys and makes surer garden- ing results. Send promptly for Boddington’s Garden Guide and browse through it and make your plans and order your seeds. You will find this Guide so much more thana mere seed catalog that you will put it in a safe place for ready reference all through the season. In other words, it’s a real garden guide. Order your seeds early so you can plant them early. Here are three special offers—some one of which you will surely want. $5,000 Prize Sweet Pea Quartet— Paradise Carmine—clear, lovely carmine, waved Constance Oliver—delicate pink, suffused with cream, waved, Arthur Unwin—rose, shaded with cream, waved. Tom Bolton—dark maroon, waved. | packet of the above four prize winners, postpaid, for 5 cenls, Six Variety Lot— Pansy—Boddington’s Challenge_value 25c. per package Aster—Noventy Single Southcote Beauty _-____......_..-..---value 25c. per package Larkspur—Boddington’s Scarlet ehance eee 2s oe value 25c. per package Zinnia — Boddington’s Dwar Double;2es 6s 822 2 value 10c. per package Mignonette — Large, sweet scented ......_______________value 5c. per package Nigella—Miss Jekyll____________- value 10c. per package Value $1.00 Special price for lot—postpaid—50c. A quarter of a pound of gigantic Orchid Flowering mixed Sweet Peas for 25c. This quarter of a pound of Sweet Peas (mailed free), contains the finest mixture of the Spencer varieties ever sent out by a seed house. he range of color is from pure white to darkest crimson, and all intermediate shades. Our sales last year were nearly 3,000 packages. We will send you the three lots. postpaid, for $1.00. i ie a Grow Boddington’s Quality Giant Pansies this year. hey are sturdy free bloomers in a riot of unusual color combinations. Boddington’s Seeds ARTHUR T. BODDINGTON, 326 W. 14th St., N. Y. SHEEP MANURE Dried and pulverized. No waste and no weeds Best fertilizer for lawns—gardens— trees—shrubs—vegetables and fruit. 00 Large barrel, freight prepaid East of 0 Missouri River—Cash with order. Write for interesting booklet and quantity prices. THE PULVERIZED MANURE CO. 21 Union Stock Yards Chicago, Ill. SILENT WAVERLEY LIMOUSINE-FIVE Ample room for five adults—full view ahead for the driver. Most con- venient and luxurious of town and suburban cars at half the gas car's upkeep cost. Beautiful art catalog shows all models. THE WAVERLEY COMPANY Factery and Home Office: 212 South East Street Indianapolis, Ind. FRANCIS HOWARD 5 W. 28th St.. N, Y. C. Benches. Pedestals, Fonts, Vases, Busts. GARDEN EXPERTS Send 15c. for Booklet SRST ED Mantels Entrances friend, the Yorkshire Terrier, with fifty-six. The remainder are made up of thirty-five other well-known breeds. Again, an English newspaper recently contained the following paragraph: “The entry for Fulham show is the magnificent one of nineteen hundred and _ thirty-four, of which Pekingese are three hundred and sixty-three; Pomeranians, two hundred and thirty-three, and Fox Terriers, one hundred and eighty.” Fulham is one of London’s suburbs, and can in no way be considered one of England’s leading shows, nor is it a specialty show, although one of the many good exhibitions of the year. Therefore the fact is suggested that al- though we are showing a rapid increase in dog fanciers, we would have to take many long strides before we can compete in en- thusiasm with our cousins across the water, at least in the number of our opportunities to bring our pets to the public notice. The writer finds on glancing over the show fix- tures in various parts of England during a single month, that of December, for exam- ple, that there are no less than forty-eight shows in England. There are there few owners of good dogs that do not have the chance to compare the value of their own animals with those of others in open com- petition, and, after all, there is no schooling for the dog fancier to compare with open competition. He learns more from attending good shows, and watching and_ studying methods and good judges, than from a shelf of books. One can look back with pride on the growth of the interest in dogs in this country during the past ten years, and I always feel that when the “dog fever” really takes its hold here, which it surely will do, we shall, in the matter of dogs, as we have in most things, then come to hold our own with all comers, and one hopes to see the day when we shall find American kennel literature as indicative of our prog- ress in this pursuit as the English dog journals are of English interest in kennel matters. EFFECT OF CHEWING UPON CHILDREN’S TEETH NVESTIGATIONS on the children in the town of Kotzling in Bavaria showed that of those who eat hard bread the per- centage with bad teeth was 6.9; of those who eat both hard and soft bread, 8.2; of those eating only soft bread, 10.5. In the town of Ihringen (Baden) the percentages before and after the introduction of soft bread were as follows: In 1894, when only hard bread was eaten, 12.4 per cent; in 1897, just after soft bread had been intro- duced, 12.9 per cent; and in 1901, where most of the bread consumed was soft, 20.9 per cent. TRIPOLI PROVERBS HE Arabs are noted for their trite _proverbs, and those living in Tripoli and its vicinity have many to which Europeans are introduced, the following being charac- teristic ones: “You cannot,” says one of the proverbs, “escape your fate, even on a horse.” “Whoever,” says another, “has maize will soon find one who will lend him flour.” “Tf a dog has to be beaten,” says a third, with a familiar though perhaps more ele- gant ring, “there will be no lack of sticks.” A fourth proverb points out that ‘““Who- ever is seeking pearls must go to the depths of the ocean.” Yet another shrewdly remarks that “Even a soothsayer cannot foretell his own fate.” Warp nor Split Here, Mr. Builder, is a shingle that “fills the bill.” 8 x 1234 in.—wind-tight—rain-proof—frost-defy- ing—fire-resisting-—never needs paint and looks as good as best quarry slate. Twenty years after laying Reynolds Flexible Asphalt Slate Shingles you'll find them still serviceable, because they never warp, split nor rot. e can show many recommendations from prominent architects who specify these shingles for fine houses. f you want the last and best word in guaranteed roofing —something that gives real satisfaction at moderate cost— investigate Reynolds’ Asphalt Shingles—they’ve had a _10- years’ test. Beware of imitations. Booklet free. Also high grade granite surfaced roofing in rolls. H. M. Reynolds Asphalt Shingle Co. Original Manufacturer 174 Oakland Avenue Grand Rapids, Mich. Established 1868 HESS sa-LOCKER s==4// TheOnly Modern, Sanitary STEEL Medicine Cabinet or locker finished in snow-white, baked everlasting enamel, inside and ou'. Beautiful beveled mirror door. Nickel] plate brass trimmings. Steel or glass shelves. Costs Less Than Wood Never warps. shrinks, nor swells. Dust and vermin proof, easily cleaned. Should Be In Every Bath Room Four styles—four sizes. To recess in wall or to hang outside. Send for illus- a trated circular. The Recessed Steel HESS, 926 Tacoma Building, Chicago Medicine Cabinet Makers of Steel Furnaces.—Free Booklet. Kelsey’s Hardy American Plants and Carolina Mountain Flowers The Queen of Hardy Orchids Cypripedium reginae (spectabile) The most exquisite and lasting material for Landscape, wild or Formal Gardens. We have the largest collection of rare Native Plants in existence. hododendrons, Azaleas, Leucothoes, Ferns, Bulbs and other specialties for Woods Planting, Borders, Shady Spots, Rockeries and Water Gardens. These dainty things are easily grown, if you do it right. A beautjful catalog (free) gives expert information, HIGHLANDS NURSERY, HARLAN P. KELSEY 3,800 ft. elevation in Ssiam Carolina Mountains » SALEM NURSERIES Mass. March, 1912 HOW TO RAISE TOMATOES IN THE HOME GARDEN By CHARLES K. FARRINGTON NE of the most productive, and also one of the easiest crops for the amateur gardener to raise is the tomato. For the small country or city garden, few, if any other vegetables will be so profitable to grow. Strange to say many people do not obtain the best results when raising tomatoes. This is astonishing when one considers that to do so requires little or no expert knowledge. The writer has found that what is not known is how to prevent decay; also how to prevent the fruit ripening too fast; and again, the best sized tomato to raise. He has experi- mented for the past twelve years, and now always secures a good crop no matter what the season may be. By this I do not mean to say I do not obtain more tomatoes some years than others, but I always have a suf- ficient number for our household from two dozen plants. For the average family from twenty-four to thirty plants will be found sufficient if the following methods of rais- ing them are followed. I will describe first how the seeds are sown, and then take up each detail in order. THE PLANTS Always raise your own plants. An ex- ception to this rule there may be, if you live near a seedsman who sells plants raised from his own seeds. But the average plants sold throughout the country do not produce the fruit one can obtain if he buys his own seeds from a reliable dealer, and raises his own plants. Plant the seeds in good earth in a shallow box, and place the box in a sunny window in a warm room. The kitchen is a good room until the plants are about one inch high. Then keep in a room where the temperature averages sixty degrees, and on pleasant days give as much air as possible. If you can keep them out of doors under glass, so much the better. It is important to see that they do not grow too fast. If kept in a warm room they will do so. It is not the size of the plant, but the age of it that determines when it will bear fruit. This was explained to me by an old and very successful market gardener who said, ‘““Never mind the size of the plant if you wish early fruit. Be sure that it is old. Plant (in the vicinity of New York), the middle of February.” I have followed this advice for the past eight years with the best success, and al- ways obtain early fruit. Do not buy seeds advertised to produce the exceptionally large varieties. Such tomatoes are apt to be misshapen and the skin is also likely to be wrinkled. A tomato of the medium size will prove the most profitable to raise. SETTING OUT THE PLANTS IN THE GARDEN Never allow the tomato plant to run along the ground. Remember that it will climb if trained up a support, and so it is really a vine. In certain parts of California where the climate permits it to live for several years, it often attains large pro- portions, astonishing the easterner, who al- ways thinks of it as a small plant which runs along the ground. Some people make a small support from a barrel hoop and three stakes-to hold the hoop, but such a device (or others similar to it), cannot compare with the pole method. Procure straight lima bean poles of about eight or ten feet in length and set them in the ground in rows, the rows to be four feet apart and the poles three feet apart in the rows. Plant one tomato at the base of each pole, as close to it as possible. As the top of it grows upwards cut off every side shoot and allow only the single sis @ . ~ g Ks 5 Ks oS se) * S S38 “The BestRoses for America”’ Our 1912 ROSE BOOK, lists the world’s newest and choicest Let us send you a copy—FREE. Within its beautifully colored covers are accurate de- scriptions and photographs of almost limit- less varieties for every environment and climate. Also the valuable data on plant- ing, fertilizing, cultivating, etc., formerly issued in our “How to Grow Roses,” a complete Rose Lover’s Calendar, and our Free Delivery Offer. Behind this Rose Book, and behind Conard &JonesRoses are the foremost rose propagators in America, fifty years of priceless experience, and a positive guarantee of bloom. By all means, write for this large, beautiful book offering you ‘‘Money’s worth or money back.’’ Drop us a postal TO-DAY. THE CONARD &JONES CO. Sst fess Box 52 . West Grove, Pa. AMERICA\ - Rose Specialists+-50 years’ experience IP OTP HED HE A Strange Catastrophe HIS tree had stood in City Hall Park, New York, for nearly a hun- It showed no signs of decay. One day while the park was crowded with persons hurrying to their homes all unconscious of danger, with no apparent cause and without warning it fell and injured a score of persons—three seriously. Just as sudden and unexpected are most of the accidents which occur daily. No mind can foresee them. No amount of caution can prevent them. dred years. Amid such unseen dangers the only sensible thing is to carry a policy of Such a policy provides for the cost of injury by loss of time and in case of death takes care of the family. You have escaped the accidents of yesterday. To-morrow is yetto come. To-day is the time to act. We paid last year 15,719 personal accident claims with benefits amount- accident insurance. ing to $1,713,046. MORAL: The Travelers Insurance Company ie ee Occupation __ AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS PERE PERE EES Co Insure in the TRAVELERS Name_ Business Address _ his vs A COZY FIREPLACE. FOR YOUR HOME Send for This FREE BOOKLET Telling How to Get and Install Any Design The fireplace is the heart of the home. No house is really a hone without its cheery blaze on winter even- ings. If you are building or thinking of remodeling, you owe it to yourself to send for our beautiful booklet, *‘Home and the Fire- place.”” It tells all about Colonial Fireplaces—the only real ad- vance in fireplace construction in the last century—all about the Colonial Plan, which makes obtaining a fireplace as simple as or- dering a picture. It contains beautiful illustrations of Colonial designs, and tells how you can have a special design made free of cost. Colonial Fireplaces are adapted to any fuel. They radiatea full warmth all over theroom. No inconyenience—no dirt—abso- lutely all smoke goes up the chimney. The only up-to-date fire- place. Recommended by leading architects. You need this book —write today—just send us your name and address— but we sug- gest you write at once. Just drop us a line right now. (16a) COLONIAL FIREPLACE CO., 1661 W. 12th St., CHICAGO XXxil AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS March, 1912 } | ‘HE renting agent calls attention to the WoLFF PLUMBING FIXTURES as his best guarantee to the prospective tenant of the high grade of the plumbing system—indeed, the type of the whole buildings is many times inferred from the use of WOLFF material throughout, When renters become builders, the worries from “‘assembled’’ plumbing contrasted with the perfect service of the all-built-by-one-house WOLFF plumbing, makes it easy for the architect to use WOLFF specifications. ESTABLISHED 1855 L. Wolff Manufacturing Co. MANUFACTURERS OF Plumbing Goods Exclusively The Only Complete Line Made By Any One Firm General Offices: 601 to 627 West Lake Street, Chicago Showrooms: 111 North Dearborn Street, Chicago Omaha , St. Louis Trenton Minneapolis Denver CHAMBERLIN At Old Point @mfort, Vittinia LLSLUEERLR LA ADL EBEEELELENDPLM EEE L EL ELLE LD gp Unique Location and Surroundings Hotel Chamberlin is located right in the Centre or Military and Naval Activities, and in the Midst of Country replete with Historic Surroundings and Associations. From the luxurious Lounging-rooms of The Hotel, one commandsan extensive View of Hampton Roads, a brilliant and ever changing naval Panorama. Fortress Monroe, with the fascination of Military Life—Drills, Dress-parade, etc., is but a minute from The Chamberlin. The Chamberlin is the Social Centre for the Army and the Navy. Every Social Function is brightened by the Presence of Army and Navy Officers.—Plenty of Gaiety and Life—Dance Programs always filled.—A Spice and a Dash to social Life that takes it away from the Commonplace. Every attraction is yours to enjoy to the full at this big, luxurious, yet intimately homelike Resort. _ The Sea-pool. is the most magnificent indoor bathing Pool in America, radiant with Sunlight, and supplied with ever-changing, Pure, Fresh Sea-water. The Medical Bath Department is in charge of an expert in Hydropathy and is complete in ey every detail. on The Chamberlin is an ideal Place for Rest, for Recuperation and for Pleasure ts For further information and interesting illustrated booklets, af ply at any Tourist Bureau or Transportation Office or address me, per- sonally, GEO. F. ADAMS, Mer, ‘) Fortress Monroe, Va. New York Office, 1122 Broadvray SUEEEBEOLLEEEE LP 3 9 PLIPILDLLLLLL LLLP DELLE PELL PA gigs N when allowed to ripen on the vine. stem to run up the pole. About every ten inches tie the plant loosely to the pole. I find the best material to use for this is old muslin torn up into strips about half an inch wide. Tie the strip tightly to the pole, and then make a loop with the ends around the plant. This will support it without cutting or bruising. My plants always grow up far above my head, and I have to stand on a box to tie the uppermost parts. HOW TO CONTROL THE RIPENING OF FRUIT The whole secret of success in con- trolling the ripening of the fruit, consists in trimming the plant itself. I have already mentioned that every side shoot must be cut off. When the green tomatoes begin to turn white, cut off all leaves which shade them. Of course those at the bottom of the plant will turn white first. Simply cut off the leaves as fast as tomatoes are needed. If they ripen too fast, stop trim- ming. This method allows sunlight to fall directly upon the fruit, and insures thor- oughly ripened tomatoes. Many of those you buy are not so ripened, but have been picked from vines on the ground. There is the greatest difference in the taste of such fruit from those ripened on a vine fastened to a pole. It is interesting to see tomato vines trained up in this manner about the first week in September. At the bottom of the pole only the stem of the plant is left; all the leaves and tomatoes having been removed. About half way up the pole clusters of tomatoes are red or turning so. Above them are green ones, and at the extreme top, small ones are just beginning to form. By the method just ex- plained the whole matter of output is in the grower’s hands, and no waste need occur. I gather ripe tomatoes, when the vines are not touched by frost, until the third week in October. With the vines on low sup- ports or on the ground this is practically impossible. The writer finds it always ad- visable to plant a row of early corn on each side of the tomato space. The corn may be gathered and the stalks removed before many of the tomatoes ripen, and an abundance of sunlight and air is thus secured. This plan is especially desirable for small gardens where space 1s at a premium. DCES THIS METHOD REDUCE THE OUTPUT? Some readers may ask if this method does not reduce the number of tomatoes that the plants would ordinarily yield. The writer’s experience has been to the con- trary. He not only obtains a much larger crop, but the tomatoes are much finer in quality. Of course none are lost by rot, which is often the case where the fruit touches the earth, when the vines run on the ground. When I first tried the method, I was somewhat skeptical as to the results I would obtain, and therefore only planted half of my plants on the poles. The balance IJ left as usual on the ground. But one season convinced me that the pole method was far superior. The labor neces- sary to trim the plants and train them up the poles is very small when one considers the excellent results which follow. If it is so desired the entire vine and the tomatoes upon it may be taken from each pole just before a killing frost, and they may be stored in a cool dark place in the house. The fruit upon them will gradually ripen, giving ripe tomatoes until January. This is in many respects a simpler method than wrapping each tomato in paper and has given good results; the fruit seeming to retain its flavor bette: THE March, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS / NEW BOOKS § / Z &§ THE DREADNAUGHT Boys ON BATTLE PRAC- TIcE. By Captain Wilbur Lawton. New York: Hurst & Co., 1911. 12mo.; 305 pp.; illustrated. Price, 50 cents. Life aboard a modern battleship, even in “the piping times of peace,” has in it sugges- tion enough of excitement to fire the patriot- ism and set the blood simmering. When traitors enlist, and a foreign government attempts to learn through them the secret of a new explosive, it is evident that our two boy heroes, Ned and Herc, have their work cut out in the circumventing of their country’s foes. The features of the modern American war vessel are sketched with a convincing pen, and the routine of sea life, the working of the big guns, and the in- cidents of target practice form the back- ground for a series of thrilling adventures culminating in a “‘flare-back” that imperils many lives during the trial of the Varian gun and its marvelous new explosive. A GUIDE TO GREAT CITIES: WESTERN Ev- ROPE. By Esther Singleton. New York: The Baker & Taylor Company, 1911. 12mo.; 295 pp.; 16 illustrations. Price, $1.25 net. Behind the crumbling stones of Old World cities lurks a soul which the hurried and worried tourist seldom more than glimpses. Yet only in the light of the past can we properly interpret the present. It is toward such an adequate and satisfying interpretation that Miss Singleton gently leads the willing traveler. Sixteen of the most famous cities of France, Spain and Portugal are presented in pictures and in historical and descriptive narration, and al- though the style is of necessity condensed, the selection of material shows good judg- ment, a sense of proportion and, in the man- ner of its conveyance to the reader, some- what more of charm than the dry tabula- tions of the average guidebook. Birp FLIGHT As THE Basis oF AVIATION. By Otto Lilienthal. New York: Long- mans, Green & Co., 1911. 142 pp.; 94 illustrations and 8 lithographed plates. To review Otto Lilienthal’s classic book, which for twenty years has served as the basis of experiment on the part of many inventors, is quite unnecessary. That work has already taken its place as a literary monument to its author. Only too long has it been inaccessible to English readers, for which reason this translation from the second edition is to be welcomed. Although time and the experience of aviators have perhaps disproved some of the great Otto Lilienthal’s contentions, in the main the work still stands as a safe, sane, and clear exposition of the principles that underlie dynamic flight. Mr. Lilienthal’s brother Gustav supplies an eloquently-worded pre- face in which he points out the debt of the modern aviator to the early gliding experi- ments made at Rhinow. A RomMaAN Pircrimace. By R. Ellis Rob- erts. New York: Frederick A. Stokes Company. Cloth; 16mo.; illustrated; 274 pp. Mr. Roberts’ volume is a thoroughly en- tertaining and sympathetic discourse upon his subject, attractively illustrated in color by William Pascoe, who, however, seems more intent upon depicting the Pope’s Rome than the illustrator’s, a virtue perhaps in the present instance, where the excellent illus- trations are in half-tone. Plan Your Garden Selection Now HETHER your garden is going to be a pride, a pleasure, a healthful recreation, or the reverse, will depend largely upon your selec- tion of seeds, plants and bulbs. Beginning a garden—-flower or vegetable--even for the most inex- perienced, is rendered a delight if guided by DREER’S GARDEN BOOK AN COMPREHENSIVE work of 288 pages, with splendid photo reproductions on each page, beautifully illustrated with 4 color pages and 6 duotone plates. Declared by gardening experts to be the most complete catalogue of its kind published. Our collection of dependable novelties—flowers that will make your garden gay from spring until frost--vegetables that will linger in your memory long after they are eaten. Easy Instructions for Growing Almost Every Flower and Vegetable KVERYTHING that can interest the flower enthusiast—the farmer, the trucker. the home gardener—is treated in this Dreer’s Garden Book. Describes more than 1,200 varieties of flower seeds, including many new ones offered exclusively by us after thorough test at our trial grounds. Offers more than 2,000 kinds of plants. about 600 varieties of vegetables. New Hardy Plants—the best and latest Larkspur, Iris, Phloxes, Peonies—New Hardy Shrubs and Hardy Climbers. A complete offering of the World’s Best Roses— strong, two-year-old plants that will give a full crop of flowers this season. Among the American and European novelties this year, are the Splendid Cardinal Climber, Asters, Sweet Peas and Zinnias. Dreer’s Garden Book for 1912 is not a mere catalogue, but is a work of valu- able garden information for everybody. Tells in simple, concise English, all You cannot afford to be without it. Mailed free. Write for it to-day. DREER’S ORCHID—FLOWERED SWEET PEAS | | The finest of all with immense wavy flowers in sprays of three and four blossoms each. Just as easy to grow as the common sort. | Our mixture contains a full range of colors. 10 cents per packet—15 cents per ounce—40_ | cents per 4% pound. Garden Book free with each order. HENRY A. DREER 714 Chestnut Street Philadeiphia, Pa. XXIV AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS March, 1912 Home Waterworks. A Manual of Water Supply in Country Homes. By Carleton J. Lynde, Professor of Physics in Mac- Donald College, Quebec. New York: Sturgis & Walton Company, Cloth; 5 by 7% inches; pp. 270; 106 text figures. ih OTD Tae | PL Vin ni iN IG MON » LU | HE built-in bath is an integral part of the room and tiling —the joint is water-tight. It utilizes an awkward corner or recess. Space is economized. There are no out-of-the-way places behind or beneath. ‘The fixture 1s embedded in cement, insuring durabili- ty and cleanliness. Mott’s built-in baths of Imperial Solid Porcelain | are glazed inside and out —a beautiful and perma- nent finish. \ ws pues : LTT > eee Y : Z inating. safe delivery. WILLIAM LEAVENS & CO., Mfrs., 32 Canal Street, Boston, Mass. Is distinguished from the “ordinary” by three predominating features: First—lts solid construction, withstanding the most strenuous usage, Second—The simple artistic lines of the designs, conforming with ideas of the most discrim- Third—Custom finishes to suit’ the individual taste and harmonize with the surroundings. No home furmished with ‘Leavens made” furniture can be criticised for ‘lack of good taste or refinement. Moderate prices prevail on our entire stock. Careful shipments made, insuring Send for full set of over 200 illustrations LUMEING “MODERN PLUMBING’’—For complete information regarding | bathroom or kitchen equipment, write for ‘‘ Modern Plumbing,’’ an 80-page booklet illustrating 24 model bath- room interiors ranging in cost from $73 to $3,000. Sent on request with 4c. for postage. Tue J. L. Morr Iron Works 1828 EIGHTY-FOUR YEARS SUPREMACY 1912 FirrH Ave. AND 17TH SrReET, NEw York BRANCHES: Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, Min- neapolis, Washington, St. Louis, New Orleans, Denver, San Francisco, San Antonio, Atlanta, Seattle, Portland (Ore. ) Indi- anapolis, Pittsburgh, Columbus, O,, Kansas City, Salt Lake City. CANADA: 138 Bleury Street. Montreal. ere Se - YY fy _ BATH. BUILT IN CORNER ae Price, 75 cents net. If we have any criticism to make of this book, it is the fact that it contains too much irrelevant matter. Plumbing and sewage disposal, cesspools, and discussions of sani- tary problems, however brief, hardly find a place in such a book. Not all of the statements made on the subject of sanita- tion can be commended. Whatever the au- thor may believe, the septic tank is not gen- erally to be recommended. Despite these faults, the author has performed a really useful service in giving the general reader, without too much technical verbiage, a good idea of the various kinds of water supply systems which are available for country use. He has also given descriptions of the methods in which most of the apparatus described operates, which, although not strictly necessary, 1s nevertheless good, be- cause only too few householders know any- thing of the physical principles that are in- volved in the construction and operation of water supply systems. Roap Ricuts or Motorists. By Twyman ©. Abbott. New York: Outing Publish- ing. Co., 1910; Cloth, l2mes oeiice $1.50 net. This is the book for the man who wants to know his rights and obligations on the highway. The Rules of the Road contain in full the law and the custom touching cirection of travel, speed, responsibility for accidents, the meaning of negligence and all the manifold things that the motorist must know. Then follow the Motor Vehicle Statutes of all the states in alphabetical order. The volume closes with a General Index. Contains in compact form informa- tion that can be secured in no other single volume. [TALIAN CASTLES AND CounTRY SEaTs. By Tryphosa Bates Batcheller. New York: Longmans, Green & Company, 1911. Large 8vo; illustrated; 512 pp. Price, $5.00 net. Mrs. Batcheller’s “Glimpses of Italian Court Life” is well known to the public, and the present volume will therefore find a circle of appreciators of this writer looking forward to this new volume from her pen. Travelers in foreign lands are inclined in writing of their travels and sojourns to show the more picturesque side of the life, which is the life of the lower classes, but Mrs. Batcheller presents the other side of Italian life, her stories sparkling with bright bits of biographies of men and women in the Italy of to-day, thus presenting a vivid and intimate picture of contemporary Ital- ian life. Not only is the volume interesting in text, but it is beautiful in typography and in its binding. Tue IpeaL ItTar1AN Tour. By Henry James Forman, Boston: Houghton-Mif- flin Company, 1911. Small, 16mo.; illus- trated. Price, $1.50 net. The object of this volume is to serve as a companion book to the traveler in Italy, as well as to supply an interesting and readable account of an Italian tour to the general reader. It aims to suggest an ideal tour in the most absorbing country in the world, leading the reader through the myriads of sights to those no traveler should miss, and telling him simply, picturesquely, and ef- fectively, the things all travelers desire to know. March, 1912 Rome. A Practical Guide to Rome and Its Environs. By Eustace Reynolds-Ball, B.A., F.R.S. London: Adams & Charles Black. New York: Macmillan’ & Co., 16mo. Price, $1.10 net. There is perhaps no city in Europe which exercises so potent a charm on all classes of visitors as does Rome. It may be partly due to its historic traditions, memories and associations, in which no city in the world is so rich; or we may attribute this glamor to its wealth of art treasures, its noble churches, its streets of Renaissance palaces, and its supreme archeological and historical interest. Books about Rome are legion, and the author who is desirous of adding an- other to this literature should be very cer- tain that he is able to produce a valuable handbook. Mr. Reynolds-Ball has suc- ceeded in making a guide which is light in weight, small in size, and which is most comprehensive. The text is excellently writ- ten, and the authorities consulted most im- posing. The climate and medical hints, if attended to, will greatly minimize the dan- gers of illness in Rome, stories of which are very much exaggerated. The illustrations, many of which are in color, are extremely beautiful. There is an excellent folding map of Rome on a good scale. ESSENTIALS OF Poetry. By William A. Neilson. Boston and New York: Hough- ton - Mifflin Company, 1912. Cloth; 16mo. ; 282 pp. Price, $1.25. In his preface to this volume the author states that his point of view as presented herein was reached in the course of dis- cussions with a class of students in English literature at Harvard University. The scope of the book is somewhat indicated by the titles of its various chapters: “The Balance of Qualities,” “Imagination and Poetry,” “Imagination and Romanticism,” “Reason and Classicism,’ “The Sense of Fact and Realism,” “Intensity in Poetry,’ “Senti- mentalism in Poetry,” “Humor in Poetry.” The author has made no attempt at a final definition of poetry. The formula he presents is only one of many ways that might be suggested of approaching the prob- lems, practical and theoretical, which offer themselves for solution to the serious stud- ent of the subject. Professor Neilson’s book is quite as much a volume for the lay reader as for the ad- vanced student, and is heartily recommended to everyone to whom the subject appeals in the least. A LittLe Pirerimace IN Itaty. By Olave M. Potter. Boston and New York: Houghton-Mifflin Company, 1911. Cloth; 8vo.; illustrated; 360 pp. Price, $4.00 net. This is a book of simple delight, a chron- icle of little pleasures. The author takes one away from the great cities to the Italian hills and hill-towns—tiittle cities of great memories standing knee-deep in flowers— Arezzo, Cortona, Perugia, Sienna, Urbino, and the rest of them. It is a delightful rec- ord in pleasant memory of a little pilgrim- age that brought the writer to many shrines, and haunts of peace and beauty. Of un- spoiled Umbria Miss Potter truly remarks, “If you are travel-stained with life, if the sweat of a workaday world still clings about you, if you have lost your saints and al- most forgotten your gods, you will cure the sickness of your soulin Umbria.”’ The illus- trations are by Yoshio Markino, a Japanese artist of marked merit, working in the west- ern way but awake to the more subtle im- pressions that often escape artists who are bent on making a pretty picture only. AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS XXV me red i on Pj nen BES, re Se b/ % oy A Plant for Immediate Effect Not for Future Generations Start with the largest stock that can be secured! It takes many years to grow such Trees and Shrubs as we offer. We do the long waiting—thus enabling you to secure Trees and Shrubs that give an immediate effect. Spring Price List gives complete information. ANDORRA NURSERIES °& osiistipma’ Pa. WM. WARNER HARPER, Proprietor The Home of Wholesome Food A Snow-White Solid Porcelain Compartment Ghe“Monroe It does away with cracks, joints, crevices, corners and The Lifetime Refrigerator other natural hiding places for dirt, odors, decaying food and dangerous microbes found in other refrigerators. SEND FOR OUR VALUABLE FREE BOOK ON HOME REFRIGERATION. It tells you how to keep your food sweet and wholesome—how to cut down ice bills—what to seek and what to avoid in buying any Every housewife and home owner should have one. refrigerator. It also describes the wonderful advantages of the “MONROE.” The one refrigerator with each food compartment made of a solid piece of unbreakable snow-white porcelain ware—every corner rounded like above cut. The one refrigerator accepted in the best homes and leading hospitals because it can be made germlessly clean by simply wiping out with a damp cloth. The one refrigerator that will pay for itself in a saving on ice bills, food waste and repairs. The “MONROE?” is sold at factory prices on 30 days’ trial. We poy the freicht and guarantee “full satisfaction or money back.” LIBERAL CREDIT TERMS IF DESIRED. MONROE REFRIGERATOR COMPANY, Station 29, Lockland, O. FRUITAND ORNAMENTAL IRISH ROSES TREES EVERGREENS And Hardy Perennials. Extra izes for Immediate Effect Liberal Discounts on Large Orders. Catalogue Free. S. G. Harris ROSEDALE NURSERIE Sold Direct 69 HAMILTON PLACE TARRYTOWN, N. Y. WONOYONVONOVONOV OI OIOIOEOOEEO, Y ; D ~-. When It’s a Case of Keeping % - : > the Food Right y) = a] 1») \, then you must have a McCray. % Sneed Built to give active cold air circulation xB inside, acting on Nature’s rule that heat S| ascends and cold descends. This withthe ©} VX heat excluding construction of the McCray walls, gives a low temperature and a dry, cold circulating atmosphere 1) that keeps foods at their best. eS > McCray Refrigerators are made in all stock sizes to serve the needs of the smallest or the largest family. No refrigerator in the world is made more carefully or closer to the ideal of perfect ventilation and refrigeration by circula- tion of cold, dry air. Most sanitary, easiest cleaned linings, opal glass, enamel, porcelain, or oderless white wood—no zinc—generous capacity—thorough workmanship. en - The McCray Refrigerator will protect the family’s health and give unequaled service. Any of the stock sizes can be arranged to be iced from the outside, thus avoiding the inconvenience and muss of the ice man. You get every special feature in a McCray stock size. g “How to use a Refrigerator” and Write for Free Book any of the following catalogs: OKOKK | No. &8—Regular sizes for Residences No. A.H. Built-to-order for Residences No. 68—For Groceries , No. 59—For Meat Markets No. 49—For Hotels, Clubs, Institutions No. 72—For Flower Shops McCray Refrigerator Co., 227 528s Sch COOK ORO OR OKOMOKOKOROKOKOROROKOKOROK — 4 AOROROROEOROKO ‘f ee Ze XXxVi AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS March, 1912 DISTINCTIVE HOMES AND GARDENS An IntRopucTory PsycHoLocy. By Mel- . . ° T . In Building Your Home Why Not Spend Your Money Wisely? bourne Stuart Read, Ph.D. New York: Our New Book of Ideal Home Plans and General Suggestions Ginn & Co., 1911. 12mo. ; 309 pp. ; illus- By GEO. M. KAUFFMAN, Architect trated. wail solve eas problems and make your home building and planning fascinating as “An Introductory Psychology” is written | well as prohtable. 1 5 : z Distinctive Homes and Gardens is devoted to the home—its planning, building, ma popular rather than a technical termin- remodeling, beautifying, etc. It was published to fill an ever increasing want for a yolume ology so that any reader of ordinary in- containing practical information and suggestions for the home-lover, together with pictures, o7? : , Blan and descnphons of the various charming types of domestic architecture of low and telligence may understand its teachings moderate cost, the country over. 5 s y If yon want your home to mefleet your itsete and aces even will eae book of great value. It elle ee By word pod without first mastering a new vocabulary. lliustrahons how to make your house and surroundings distinctive and livable—whether it be a cotta: r nsion. It makes ar t t 4 j that there is no excuse for unattractive homes on account of expense—that the necessities of the “lamang Gan ibe nnn le ihe’ sears vat eeniring After explanations of the general nature of beauty and that if you proceed in an intelligent manner you will have a home to fit your every need, wholesome in its art, fitting its environ- consciousness and of the nervous system, ment and possesing a charm that, will increase with age. : ; I h deal ith tt . " i rou Fonte bat you phonid Feowne a eh that will ce yeu to grasp quickly Pe oy the usual cewennals and sqerets of the author deals with the various processes eautiful home making but it teaches also the various rules, elements and general principles upon which all good architecture is based. e j j 1 author in preparing this book has drawn not only from his long personal experience, but has also consulted many other noted authorities, whem of adaptation, sense stimulation, the modes he quotes frequently, thus giving you the benefit of the experience and knowledge of those who by reason of their training—of their intimate governing affection and feeling attention knowledge of all that has been done in the past, has fitted then to wisely counsel you—enabling you to achieve effects otherwise impossible. : : : eel . _The aerenuly selected Contents saucludes allie various and popula ie a domesbe eremiechites ee many pacesi cl sug- and interest, memory, imagination, emotion gestions and information cover important branches of the fascinating problems uilding, tl i ite to th t- 4 { ing and peauniying the Bremiccs: lide dul scace bet ea the tie home and the commonplace house—mere building ve, atin building, the and the ae 1 ee those who desire some matter of plans, the puzzling problems of extras, costs, the other usual pitfalls, etc., and how to avoid tl r t iscu: 3 5 i his work is published in three series—Ist and 2nd series each have 72 (10 nile) pagestand Boilers Heucestoe Ist series Pi a DON, c ge of the human mind and vary from $1,000 to $6,000. 2nd series from $6,000 to $15,000. Price of each $1.00, postpaid. Third series (a combination of Ist and its mechanism, this text-book will serve to 2nd series) will be sent postpaid upon receipt of $1.50. initiat h A 1! fi : f We also furnish plans and specifications as per our special offer. mi 1a e t em into the rst mysteries ota THE KAUFFMAN CO. 620 Rose Building, Cleveland, Ohio | | {4cinating and comparatively new science. It will aid them toward a more intelligent direction of mental effort, and it imparts a | | D knowledge that should be universal. if PLAYGROUND TECHNIQUE AND PLAYCRAFT. a A mee pelle whose weight can be adjusted to the conditions of your lawn, garden, tennis Voll By Arthur Leland and Lorna ae court or driveway. ; - ees Tt 4 ne i ° ( A light Machine for the soft, wet spring lawn; Higbee Leland. New York: Baker & pleNN \ In ne + A heavy Machine for the hard, dry summer lawn; Taylor Company, 1910. 8vo.; 284 pp.; Neen (A heavier Machine for the driveway or tennis court _ illustrated. Price, $2.50 net. Es i’) 4 Why buy one of the old style iron or cement fixed-weight rollers that is generally too heavy or too light i , z fl to do your laa most good, paying for two or three hundred pounds of useless metal—and freight The schoolroom inculcates obedience un- , on it as well—when less money will buy the better, more efhcient. : . ‘5 der pain unis : “ANYWEIGHT” WATER BALLAST LAWN ROLLER Saal turin serare ute a ee, FS A difference pee pounds may mcen Success Gs re to your ae a half ton machine will spoil it i instills discipline, fortitude, and honor for 1 ing, i 00-Ib. roller is absolutely useless later in the season. you desire a fine, soft, Se eetit Bdsengiesny: instead of a coarse, dead looking patch of grass, use an ‘‘Anyweight Water the benefit of the one and the many. It | Ballast Roller—built in 3 sizes, all of 24-inch diameter and of 24, 27 and 32-inch width, Drums _ boiler teaches more forcibly than does the school- | riveted or acetylene welded Weight 115, 124 or 132 lbs. empty—from that “‘anyweight’’ up to half a ton 1 : 5 when ballasted. Filled in 30 seconde mnnes in a jiffy. Runs eaeyy ass ae Lietme room, the lesson of our independence, and D 2 i i , postpaid, our valuable and interesting ee : . ) This Book Sent Free: een ea ee oe en a tae Ske with, Folder the necessity of sharing pleasure in order = about the ‘‘Anyweight.””. Write us to-day. Save money—save your lawn. to enjoy it. Its activities clear the brain, WILDER STRONG IMPLEMENT CO., Box 9, Monroe, Mich. upbuild the vital powers and the physique, and establish the outdoor habit. At the same time the brain is assimilating rules, grasping intricate situations, and learning to take quick advantage of these situations. “Playground Technique and Playcraft” is a very thorough study of the philosophy of BROOMELL’S VACUUM CLEANER The VICTOR Electric Stationary It is a mistake to think about a Vacuum Cleaner as something to be used only at housecleaning time. They should be used for all of the weekly play in its practical applications, and of the and daily sweeping. ne een lay-out and equipment of the ideal play- All dirt is deposited in the bottom of the pedestal, from which it is easily ground. It emphasizes the adaptability of removed, as shown in the cut. Broomell’s VICTOR is a strong, durable machine, is equipped with the the child, through play, to the world of best possible electric motor (1 H. P. for a single sweeper outfit). The nature and material things. It is rich in Victor Pump is positive in its action and pulls a strong, steady vacuum. The suggestion to all child enthusiasts. A second Pump has only three moving parts, and will last a lifetime. volume still further develops the idea of In addition to the Stationary Electric machine shown in the illustration, ; Re ; ; ch hove we manufacture a special type Stationary Vacuum Cleaner to be used with manual training, throug 1 whic the ch dren Gasoline Engine, or other available power. are taught to make their own playthings, Send for booklet giving full particulars. and includes also playground administra- VICTOR CLEANER COMPANY York, Pa. tion, supervision and operation. WALTER Pater. By Ferris Greenslet. Boston: Houghton-Miffin Company. Price, 75 cents net: This is a new and revised edition of Mr. Greenslet’s well-known book on Walter Pater which appeared before in a biography of this Englishman of letters. Mr. Greens- let’s treatment of his theme is equally sane and sympathetic. In a compass of 150 pages of large type the author has given a more satisfying portrait and estimate of Pater than have many other critics in a dozen times the amount of text. PROTECT Your floors and floor coverings from injury. Also beautify your furniture by using Glass Onward Sliding Furniture and Piano Shoes in place of casters. Made in 110 styles and sizes, If your dealer will not supply you Write uru—Onward Mfg. Co., Menasha, Wisconsin, U.S, A. Canadian Factory, Berlin, Ont. HARTSHORN SHADE ROLLERS Bear the script name of ‘ Stewart Hartshorn on label. Get “Improved.” no tacks required. Wood Roilers Tin Rollers You can get earlier— bigger— mone ebrotta le King ArtHuUR AND His Kwnicuts. An Abridgment of Le Morte d’Arthur, edited by Henry Burrowes Lathrop. II- lustrated by Reginald Birch. New York The Baker & Taylor Company. 8vo. Price, $1.50 net. Emphasis is laid upon the fact that this And with far less labor and expense than with an ordi- nary single glass sash Your celery and cauliflower will be bigger--earlier | With Sunlight Double Glass Sash, youdon’t ¢an begin gathering while they are still a is not a series of excerpts from the origi- fa\|_, have to cover and uncover the frames with luxury onthe market. So order now! nal, but a careful abridgment in which the sid jopeavy mats and boards. The small %% inch Send us your name and address and we shall 2, a ». ‘@» air space between the layers of glass af- Mail you our free catalogand net price list. We utmost has been done to retain in one aN . : shall make immediate fords perfect protection against frost, and shipment on receipt of yyour plants get allthe light and warmth — order. Onreceipt of 4c hey need. we will mail you in ad- Now is the time to get ready to start your dition, Prof. Massey’s cauliflowers, celery, cabbages, melons, etc. Pee ode ae enone , With Sunlight Double Glass Sash, your on the subject. Write % plants will be earlier—hardier—-and you for these books today. he Sunlight Double Glass Sash Co., 943 E. Broadway, Louisville, Ky. volume of moderate size’all the vivid color- ing and incident of Malory’s narrative. The story of the Morte d’Arthur is told, sub- stantially as Malory told it, in a connected series of vital episodes that can not fail to appeal strongly to young people. March, 1912 MATERIALS FOR PAPER MONEY HE Engineer's Souvineer calls attention to the materials used in the manufac- ture of the paper money for the United States Treasury. “The materials,’ says this publication, “that go to make our paper money are gathered together from all parts Gbeene world. Pare on the paper tber as linen rag from the Orient. The silk comes from China or Italy. The blue ink is made from German or Canadian cobalt. The black ink is made from Niagara Falls acety- lene gas smoke, and most of the green ink, mixed in white zinc sulphite, is made in Germany. The red color in the seal is obtained from a pigment imported from Central America. PHYSICIANS IN GERMANY HE census of 1910 in Germany showed a total of 32,449 physicians in the empire. This is an increase of 480 over the preceding year, and represents one practitioner to two thousand inhabitants. The number of medical students showed a much larger increase, the numbers for 1909 and 1910 being, respectively, 9,239 and 11,- 125. Although in general the cities have a larger proportion of physicians than the towns, Berlin does not lead in this respect. The number of physicians per ten thousand of the population varies through a rather wide range, being as high as 22 in Wies- baden and as low as 4 in Gelsenkirchen. Some of the more important cities have the number of physicians per ten thousand in- habitants set opposite their names below: ZGrliin “he te eane ean sooo a encaare 12 1 WSSU Cl tu Re etd core eo Ieee 16 SIGEEAITE Ie hae a ee ope rae 10 WeSd ener Me rtals cian Sivascseie 9 LETH ZiGE ee Ok 6 POR SU BENS Meee OES ee 8 ESR aI hier ee en ators tale oh erasel sens Zistetoenas 5 (CIGTTITE 2 Bleach etcto telee oe eREE 5 The number of women who are practic- ing medicine has been increasing rapidly. In 1908 there were only 55; in 1909 there were 69, and the number reported for 1910 is 102. Of these Berlin has the largest number, 32; and Munich, Frankfort and Dresden report six each. The number of women studying at the medical colleges in- creased from 371 in 1909 to 512 in 1910. PRIVET HEDGES By WERNER BOECKLIN T is probably safe to say that California Privet is more generally used as a hedge plant in the United States than any other. This does not mean that it is always the best, but since it is a fast grower it has “taken” with the American public, which looks for immediate results even in nursery stock. Although one pays for hedge plants by the hundred the final cost may be easily reckoned by the linear foot. There is trench- ing, hauling top soil and manure, planting and refilling which enter into the cost. Pos- sibly one is so situated that it is not neces- sary to bring soil from elsewhere. In this case a heavy item in the cost will be elimi- nated. Having staked out the lines of trench, set the assistant to cutting the sods. See that these are put in separate piles ready for use elsewhere about the place or as manure in the bottom of the trench. This trench, for a single row planting, should be from twelve to sixteen inches wide and eighteen inches deep. For a double row planting the width should be increased to twenty-four inches. Have the soil thrown to such a dis- tance from the trench that there is a clean, level space left between the edge of the trench and the toe of the soil pile. This AMERICAN OVE S AND GARDENS The Open Doors \ etl wn WD B “a the Bell Highway The Bell system opens more than six million telephone doors, so that each subscriber can talk with any other subscriber. It provides a highway of universal communication to open and connect all these doors. ——_ It also furnishes the vehicle for use on this Sh yess highway, to carry speech from door to door oe throughout the land. The Bell highway is used daily by more than twenty million people—all telephone neighbors— by means of universal service. AMERICAN TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH COMPANY AND ASSOCIATED COMPANIES One Policy One System Universal Service Mahogany Inlaid Tip Table $5.00 Established 1878 O. Charles Meyer Cabinetmaker and Upholsterer i= iam Repairs of Every Description Antique Furniture Restored 39-49 WEST 8th STREET NEW YORK CITY “in ORNAMENTAL IRON FENC Cheaper and more durable than wood. Over 100 patterns for Lawns, Churches, Cemeteries, Public Grounds, ete. Ornamental Wire and Iron Fence, Farm and Poultry Fence. Writ» for our large catalog before buying. We Can Save You Money. LHE WARD FENCE CO., Box 991, Decatur, Ind, 30 inches high Hand-made You can put up yourown CYCLONE FENC E-—noexpert workmen or special machin- ery are required. It will go up smooth, straight and tight, whether you use wood or iron posts, and no matter how uneven the ground. And once it is up your fence troubles and f expenses are ended for the rest of vour life, for CYCLONE FENCE— f i’ (clone Jawn Fence ff ° especially when putup on our iron posts with wrought bases is ABSOLUTELY (e a PEP PERMANENT AND REPAIR-PROOF. enna i ot MW CYCLONE FENCE can never sag or slacken. AAD } It is made of heavier‘and stiffer materials than used in any other fence and i i nis My LITT a hI . i aS a aes a Ie AU in many handsome, artistic, exclusive patterns. Cyclone Fence if GUARANTEED TO SATISFY YGU and this guarantee is backed up by che stn | biggest fence and gate factory in the world. HN | We also make the famous CYCLONE TUBULAR STEEL FARM GATES. They are to be depended on for satisfactory service. Let us show you howto get the best and savemoney. Expert advice FREE. CYCLONE FENCE COo., -: Write for Free Books. Dept. 44 Waukegan, Ill. XXVIII AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS March, 1912 Some Sound Tree Advice a sapling to grow into a fine shapely tree like the one above. The owner of the house below believes in saplings and put his money into numerous small trees. The one above doesn’t. He bought one fine sturdy, well developed tree from Hicks’ nursery and at once that “just built” look was gone from the place and the residence was “tied to the grounds,” as the landscape architects say. It’s for you to decide which method of planting you will adopt; but in either case we have superior trees for you. Trees from 6 inches to 25 feet. And choice shrubs up to 6 feet high. Our I: takes twenty to twenty-five years for advice would be to buy both large and small trees and shrubs. Then you will get certain immediate results and also have the pleasure of seeing the smaller things develop from year to year. Whatever you do decide to do—send for our catalogs now and order your trees early—so we can ship them early, so they can be planted early, and so avoid the inevitable spring rush. Isaac Hicks & Son Westbury, Long Island with space in our catalog. only the best find place in our lists. BASSETT & WELLER 20 Doe @er Oe @ oe ee Oee Ser Gor Gor er Gor Gr Gr Qe Gr Or Pr SOO GrOrg Eee er ee Tet Dee tet De eet Se Set De See ee Set ee Dee Sete Dee ee eee ee Pee ALL P UMPS kinps CYLINDERS, ETC. Hay Unloading Tools Barn Door Hangers ‘Tale off gour Hat to The es BEST PUMP OW EARTH. ~~ Write for Circulars and Prices F. E. MYERS & BRO., Ashland, O. Ashland Pump and Hay Tool Works Catalpa, Orchard. ' DAHLIAS that will grow ated blsniid From the most exclusive collection in America A new Dahlia must have decided merit—some quality above others in its class—to be honored The varieties listed have been thoroughly tested by comparison, and To get acquainted with you, we will send by express (charges to be paid by purchaser) 10 large undivided field clumps for $1.00, with directions for dividing and planting. These clumps are equal to two or three of the small divided roots that are usually sent by mail. f Flowering Trees Require Little Space in the yard or on the lawn and are always the admira- tion of passers-by. Japan Cherry, Cornus, Crabs, Horse Chestnut, Judas, Koelreutaria, Magnolias Thorns, Tulip Trees, etc. These in connection w ith groups of Shrubbery, Roses, Grasses and Hardy Herbaceous Plants make a beautiful lawn and attractive, homelike surroundings. be had at a nominal cost within the reach of everyone. We carry everything for the Garden, Lawn, Park and 58 years of fair dealing has putus to the front. 1,200 acres, 47 greenhouses. Write now for General Catalog No, 2, and Ornamental Tree Catalog No. 1, 112 pages. guarantee satisfaction. The Storrs & Harrison Company Catalog free. Hammonton, N. J. Serene cecomee recone cacorenbueceoeresenees The highest attain- Handel Lamp S ment in artistic and practical illumination, Sold by leading jewelers and lighting- Ps dealers, Write for our Booklet, ‘Suggestions for Good Lighting.” The Handel Company 393 East Main Street Meriden, Conn. New York Showrooms: 64 Murray Street Among the best are the Aralias, Ash, They can Two Big Books Sent FREE 168 pages; or for Fruit Both free. We Box 791, Painesville, Ohio clear space on one side or the other allows the planter to do better and quicker work, particularly as to the proper depth of setting the plants. The distance from the lower branches to the bottom of the roots in heavy plants is twelve inches and if the plants are set with the roots resting on the bottom of a six- teen-inch trench the branches will be coy- ered with four inches of soil when the trench is refilled. It is a mistake to set the plants so high that the bases of all the branches are ‘above ground. Plant them so that the point of juncture between the root stem and the branches is from four to six inches below the surface of the ground. This insures a thick hedge at the bottom where denseness is most needed. One often sees a hedge planted on the top of a terrace and so close to the line of slope that it appears on the point of toppling over. If you think it necessary to plant a hedge on the top of an embankment, dig the trench four or five feet back from the edge so as to give to the hedge an appearance of se- curity. Not only will it look better planted so, but the plants will thrive better, as all fertilizer which may be supplied from time to time will reach the roots and not be lost by washing down the embankment. Whether in double or single row, plant from six to nine inches apart for a dense hedge. Two men, planter and assistant, should set 500 plants in a day, the planter holding the plants and pressing the soil into place about the roots. If planting is done in the Spring, cut the tops to within four to six inches of the ground, immediately after planting. If work is done in the Fall, defer the trimming to the following Spring. Trim three or four times in a season, each trimming being carried a little higher than the preceding one. After Fall planting, cover the ground about the hedge with stable bed- ding or with rich manure. The plants will get on without this mulch, but in the Spring when it is spaded in, the growth will be the better for the added nourishment. Most people, I find, are not impressed by the theory upon which is based the pyra- midal method of hedge trimming. They want square hedges, flat on top and with vertical sides. In some nurseries you may find demonstration hedges showing the ad- vantages of the pyramidal form. On the other hand, I have seen, as doubtless has the reader, perfect hedges trimmed on square lines, thus rather discrediting the theory, so far at least as privets are concerned. Although the privet stands the hardest sort of treatment one must not expect much of it when planted in line with street trees. The reason is obvious, too much shade and too many tree roots to steal away the nour- ishment which might otherwise go to the roots of the hedge plants. Do not therefore waste money on a hedge in such a position, for it will always look scraggy in spots. What size of plants is it best to purchase? This depends in part upon the amount one is willing to spend and also upon the quick- ness of results looked for. The cost of cutting is nominal and the time before you have a hedge is correspondingly long. You may buy two to three-foot plants and pay $3.50 a hundred for them, or three to four- foot extra heavy at $5.50 a hundred. The additional cost, however, for the larger plants will not add appreciably to the cost of the hedge, for where one will use one hundred smaller plants there will be needed but sixty-six of the larger size and the re- sults obtainable with the plants on account of heavy roots and bushy tops are so supe- rior that one would not hesitate about a choice could the two hedges be compared side by side. EXCELSIOR RUST PROOF FENCES FLOWER BED GUARDS, TREE GUARDS AND TRELLIS A FENCE may be a thing of beauty as well as an “ounce of prevention.” Noth- ing gives a place such a well-kept, trim appearance as a good fence. Wire fencing is now universally used, but in most cases it rusts out in a few years. EXCELSIOR Rust Proof Fence is made absolutely impervious to the weather and does not even require painting. Any plot of ground worth fencing at all is worth fenc- ing well, and the best fencing for home, garden or field is Wright's Excelsior Rust Proof brand. WE make the wire from which Excelsior Fencing is formed ; we make the wire into fencing; we dip the completed fencing into melted metal and give it so heavy a coating that rust cannot reach it. It becomes a solid fabric with every joint soldered together. Either iron post, wood post or wood frame may be used in erecting. LET us mail an illustrated book to you showing the Excelsior Rust Proof Wire in use. It also shows Rust Proof Flower Guards, Tree Guards and Trellises. Place orders with your hardware dealer. WRIGHT WIRE COMPANY, WORCESTER, MASS. 33 West Michigan Street, Chicago, Ill. 256 Broadway, New York City 125 Summer Street, Boston, Mass. 420 First Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. 410°'Commerce Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 5 First Street, San Francisco, Cal. These Books Free to Owners of Homes You want the best plants, trees and shrubs—the best kinds and the best specimens. The climate and soil of western North Carolina are such that on the various elevations may be grown almost every hardy plant or tree. At Biltmore Nursery those advantages are so utilized by skill and care as to pro- duce a strain of plants of extraordinary vigor. To aid planters in making selections, Biltmore Nursery has published four books — any one of which will be sent free to home-owners desiring to improve their grounds or gardens. “Hardy Garden Flowers” The illustrations suggest many pleasing and varied forms of hardy garden planting—from the simple dooryard effect to the elaborate formal attainment. Thé descriptions are full and complete, yet free from technical terms. “Flowering Trees and Shrubs” Many of the best of the trees and shrubs producing showy blossoms are shown, from photographs, as grown in typical gardens, lawns and yards. The pictures and the text give numerous useful ideas for planting.to advantage BILTMORE NURSERY : home grounds, large and small. BILTMORE. N-C- “The Iris Catalog” Unique in that it is, so far as we know, the only book of its kind devoted entirely to Irises. the natural colors of the flowers. descriptions. 16 large pages, handsomely illustrated; seven pictures in Accurate classifications and _ variety Biltmore Nursery Catalog A guide to the cultivated plants of North America. Over two years in the making, and cost more than $1 a copy to complete. ‘Contains 196 large pages and describes more than 300 perennials, 500 flowering shrubs, 325 distinct evergreens, 300 deciduous trees and 200 odd vines and plants. illustrated. Freely Ask Us For The Book You Need If you have a garden of perennials, or want one, request “Hardy Garden Flowers” or “The Iris Catalog.” tell us to send “Flowering Trees and Shrubs.” Should you prefer the more showy things, In case you have a larger place and can plant extensively of many varieties, we shall be glad to send the “Biltmore Nursery Catalog.” you can use to best advantage. Edition of each limited—write to-day for the one BILTMORE NURSERY, Box 1234, Biltmore, N. C. One of the Library Interiors Shown in Catalog published by the Globe-Wernicke Co. ECAUSE of their distinctive design and the delightful manner with which they fit into and harmonize with the decorative scheme of any room— discriminating folks prefer GlobeWernicke Bookcases GlobeSWernicke Bookcases, while made in sections, can be obtained in certain styles without the metal interlock- ing device that shows their sectional construction. ‘They have the appearance of solid bookcases while retain- ing the advantages of the unit-system. GlobeSWérnicke Bookcases are sold at uniform prices by fifteen hundred avn ec agencies, usually the leading furniture store in each city; otherwise shipped on approval, freight prepaid. Guide to Good Fiction Mailed Free on Request. ‘The Blue Book. of Fiction,’ containing com- prehensive lists of good, wholesome novels, published in English, selected from the world’s greatest writers of fiction by Hamilton W. Mabie, together with a copy of the GtobeWéernicke Bookcase catalog, will be mailed free on request. Simply address Dept., A.H. The Globe2Wernicke Co., Cincinnati Branch Storess New York, 380-382 Broadway Chicago, 231-235 So. Wabash Ave. Philadelphia, 1012-1014 Chestnut St. Boston, 9]-93 Federal St. Washington, 12] 8-1220 F St., N. W. Cincinnati, ]28-134 Fourth Aoe., E. ie Se ae a - ike a _> 09 ARS Ds tos Lhe Garden of Roses APRIL, 1912 MUNN & CO., Inc., Publishers PRICE 25 CENTS Vol. IX. No. 4 NEW YORK, N. Y. $3.00 A YEA My By R. E. Olds, Designer Seana oh aaaas atx ahd idk tine mh ee a Ideal of a Car Reo the Fifth—My Farewell Car—in every detail marks the And I’ve built cars for 25 years. best I know. can build a car better he’s a better man than I. To the Men Who Have Faith in Me Automobile makers say it is simply impossible to give the best in a car for $1,055. I agree with them. This price, I believe, can not be continued. Our con- tracts with dealers provide for advance. But I promise you this: Reo the Fifth, while I direct the making, will em- body. the best of which I am capable, regardless of price or profit, Men Look to Me Tens of thousands of men, in the past quarter century, have used cars of my design- ing. The have. come to.have faith in me. They believe that I know. Reo the Fifth is my finest car, the cap-sheaf of my career. And myriads of men will remember me by it, whatever new cars the Reo plant may bring out. You who look to me can rest assured that this car marks my limit. R. M. Owen & Co. “a3 = Reo Motor Car Co., 30-35 Horsepower Wheel Base— 112 inches Wheels— 34 inches Demountable ims Speed— 45 Miles per our Made with 2, 4 and 5 Pas- senger Bodies The Final Touch I have spent 18 months in designing this Farewell Car. I searched the whole motor car world for ideas for it. In it | embodied the best I had learned from the 23 models which I built before it. I never before gave such care toacar. Nor has any other man, I think. Never have I stood for such big margins of safety— never insisted on such care- ful inspection. Never before have I gone so far to get the final touch. Look for Yourself The lines of the car show its up-to-dateness. The body is finished with 17 coats. The lamps are enameled. Even under the hood you’ll find the engine nickel trimmed. Note the deep upholster- ing, made of genuine leather, filled with genuine hair. Note the car’s roominess. Note the big wheels. The car is over-tired. Note the absence of petty economies. The Parts Which Tell But the parts which tell in the long run are the _hid- den parts of a car. Men’s final judgment will depend on them. I use Nickel Steel in the axles and driving shaft, and I make them much larger than necessary. I use Vanadium steel for connec- tions. Each lot of steel, to make sure of it, is analyzed before I use it. The gears are tested in a crushing machine of 50 tons’ capacity. The magneto is_ tested under conditions which very few can stand. The carburetor is doubly heated, to avoid the troubles due to low-grade gasoline. Roller bearings are used— Timken and Hyatt—where ball bearings once sufficed. There are only three ball bearings in this whole car, and two are in the fan. So in every part. All the precautions taught me by experience are employed in this Reo the Fifth. Canadian Factory, St. Catharines, Ontario Coo F W/4 Brake and GPR Clutch One Front Door Open to Show Center Control If any man New Center Control No Side Levers Then here; for the first time isa cane-handle control. All the gear shifting is done by slightly moving this lever in each of four directions. Both brakes are operated by foot pedals and one pedal also operates’ the clutch. So there are no side levers —thcre is nothing in the way of the front doors. This arrangement permits the left side drive, heretofore possible in electric cars only. The driver sits as he should sit, close to the cars he passes and on the up side of the road. ; These are conveniences found to-day in Reo the Fifth alone. : Ask for the Book Our Book points out all the perfections, and pictures the various bodies. Every ' motor car lover shou'd have it, for this is one of the in- teresting cars, Write us to mail it—write us now, and we will also tell you where the car can be seen. Address Lansing, Mich. Reo the Fifth $1,055 Top and windshield not included in price. We equip this car with mohair top, side curtains and slip-cover, windshield, gas tank and speedometer—all for $100 extra. Self-starter, if wanted, $20.00 extra. (48) a a Py NAO. net aS ie 2 RPS. nage ra = Ve Fa SRR ent cab a arse © airs Pow "—_- ps - See aS April, 1912 MAKING A BEGINNING IN POULTRY- KEEPING By E. I. FARRINGTON PRIL is the best month in the year to begin poultry-keeping. It is the great poultry month. If a poultry-keeping ven- ture gets a good impetus then, it seems to move on well through the year. The eggs are even more fertile than in March. The chicks hatched then are likely to be strong, robust and easy to raise. And chicks hatched in April will make good early win- ter layers. There are three ways in which a man may begin with poultry in April. He may buy laying pullets and set the eggs or he may purchase several settings of eggs and hatch them with an incubator or hens or he may place an order for as many day-old chicks as he may want to raise. He may even combine these plans. To buy many pullets would entail a considerable invest- ment, for they will cost from one to two dollars each. And yet, by buying a few mature birds he will have eggs all sum- mer—perhaps until the newly hatched chicks begin laying in the Fall. Whether he buys eggs to set or hens to lay the setting eggs, he will have to provide means of incubating them. Sitting hens are easy to find at this season and it may be possible to pick up several nondescript biddies at seventy-five cents apiece. It is a good plan to set several hens at the same time and to give all the chicks to one. If the beginner wants to experiment with an incubator, he can buy a good seventy egg machine for seven or eight dollars and the experience gained with it will be worth while. It is better to experiment now when eggs are cheap than earlier in the season when they are worth five cents apiece. The simplest plan is to buy day-old chicks, selecting the breed which seems to possess the most desirable characteristics and taking into account the fact that such breeds as the Minorcas, Leghorns and Hou- dans lay white eggs and do not dress as well as the Plymouth Rocks, Wyandottes and Rhode Island Reds, which lay brown eggs. It will be remembered, likewise, that the members of this trio are persistent sit- ters, while those first named seldom become broody. The business of selling day-old chicks has assumed mammoth proportions. Thou- sands of chicks just out of the shell are shipped for hundreds of miles every Spring. Having absorbed the yolks of the eggs from which they were hatched just previous to breaking through the shells, they need no food for forty-eight hours, which is the main reason that they can be shipped better when just hatched than later. Special boxes for holding the chicks when on the road have been invented and the express companies give special atten- tion to shipments of this kind, which re- quire quick delivery. Many poultry-keepers have given up hatching chicks altogether. City people go- ing to the country or the seashore for the summer and desiring a supply of fresh poul- try find it an excellent plan to buy a few AMERICAN Invariably select "POMPENAN BRONZE" for all their screening because of its permanency and handsome appear- ance. No other screening material so successfully resists the salt ~ mists of the seashore and time only serves to enhance its beauty and to mellow its pleasing color to a point where the meshes become practically invisible. A home screened with this exceptional screen cloth testifies to the good judgment and the good taste of the owner. "POMPEIIAN BRONZE" cannot rust or deteriorate, never requires painting, patching or renewing, and a home once screened with it is screened for all time — barring fire or accident. Do not re-screen with anything but "POMPEIIAN BRONZE" — don’t think of using anything else if you are building. Ask the architect to specify it and settle the screen question for good. Genuine "POMPEIIAN BRONZE" can be instantly identified by the removable red string in the selvage, and if your dealer does not carry it, write the makers direct. Write for our “POMPEIIAN BRONZE ”’ booklet to-day. CLINTON WIRE CLOTH COMPANY DJriginal Power Loom Manufacturers of Wire Cloth Established 1856 69 Sterling Street - CLINTON, MASS. uf matt Xx 4 a i Britt tts ablaaee If interested in } wood columns, send for catalog A 40. Our catalog A 27 shows _ illustrations of pergolas, sun- dials furniture. and garden It will be sent on request. HARTMANN-SANDE Exclusive Manufacturers KOLL’S PATENT LOCK JOINT COLUMNS Elston and Webster Avenues Chicago, Illinois SA properly designed and well planned sy | pergola is the finish- CaS © Ing | landscape i tion of RS COMPANY PERGOLAS, PORCHES AND INTERIOR USE the and touch to architectural perfec- elaborate | grounds—it is the onething needful to confirm the artistic ; character of a mod- est home. Eastern Office 1123 Broadway, New York City il AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS April, 1912 CORNELL Cottages, Garages, Churches School Houses, and Portable Buildings of every kind are all built in sectional units. Cornell Portable Buildings are better and less in price than home- made. hey are water and weather proof. Painted inside and out, colors your selection. Illustrated Art Catalog, 4c stamps, tells more. WYCKOFF LUMBER & MFG. CO. 410 Lehigh Street, Ithaca, N. Y. Every requisite of the ideal country home awaits you at Port Washington Estates— The Schilling Press r tural and social advanta e, ever comfort and convenience. Test the truth of this bold st Seat Come and see. : y ena te Job PRINTE RS Fine Come and see these 160 half-acre plots, so cleverly landscaped that each offers a naturally beautiful building site, Book Art with unusual possibilities for artistic treatment, with heavy woods, shaded roadways and magnificent views ovcr AD) Manhasset Bay. and nk Press Come and see how delightful ALL the surroundings would be for you, amid Long Island’s finest estates and pleas- Catalog v Work antest people, where stringent restrictions on building and usage guarantee you congenial surroundings forever. Work A Specialty Come and see how excellent trains cover the 18 miles from the Pennsylvania Station in 33rd Street and leave you within ten minutes’ walk of the Estates. See the amusement possibilities, the three splendid yacht clubs, the clean, shelving beach and deep water anchorage to which each plot has full perpetual rights, the tennis couris, the ideal roads for motoring and riding. 137-139 E, 25th St., New York Printers of AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Come and see! No advertisement can tell the whole truth about this ideal site for YOUR country home. Write to-day and let us arrange for your visit, or submit full information in printed form. PORT W ASHINGTON ESTATES, 30-D Church Street, New York City For Cooking, Water Heating and Laundry Work also for Lighting “(It makes the house a home’’ Send stamp today for ‘Economy Way”? Economy Gas MachineCo. Poultry, Pet and Hive Stock Directory Ocean Beach, Fire Island Stucco Cement Bungalow, 4 Rooms, $600 Think It Over We sell the things that improve the health and increase the wealth of human happiness. What are they2>—Good air, pure water, surf bathing, still-water bathing, fishing, shooting, boating, cool refreshing ocean breezes and Seashore Lots at Ocean Beach, Fire Island. Price, $150 per fot and upward. Furnished cottages and bungalows to rent. Illustrated descriptive booklet free. Write us to-day. Ocean Beach Improvement Co., John A. Wilbur, President, 334 Fifth Ave., New York, N. Y. Surf Bathing at Ocean Beach ONE OF THE SIGHTS IN OUR PARK We carry the largest stock in America of ornamental birds andanimals. Nearly 60 acres of land entirely devoted to our business. Beautiful Swans, Fancy Pheasants, Peafowl, Cranes, Storks, Flamirgoes, Ostriches, Orna- mental Ducks and Geese, etc., for private parks and fanciers. Also Hungarian Partridges, Pheasants, Quail, Wild Ducks and Geese, Deer, Rabbits, etc., for stocking preserves. Good } healthy stock at right prices. Write us what you want. WENZ & MACKENSEN Proprietors of Pennsylvania Pheasantry and Game Park Dept. “‘A. H.” Bucks County, Yardly, Pa. Plicell 6 aro ‘oxo WTCHEN ©§ DEN DINING RM. LIVING RA xD ox PORCH We Want the Man who knows good archi- tecture to send for our new book ‘‘Homes of Character,’ which con- tains plans, descriptions and cost_estimates of 40 artistic Bungalows, Cot- tages and Houses. “‘Homes of Character” is beautifully bound and il- lustrated and contains new ideas and information that will help you solve your building problems. Postpaid, $1.00 Desriptive Circular 2c. JOHN HENRY NEWSON, Inc. Architect 1245 Williamson Building Cleveland, Ohio VEST FIRST FLOOR “SHETLAND AND WELSH PONIES” A. K. QUICK, MEDFORD, MASS. RAT KILLED B Y SCIENCE DANYSZ VIRUS isa Bacteriological Preparation AND NOT A POISON—Harmless to Animals other than mouse= like rodents. Rodents die in the open, For a small house, 1 tube, 75¢; ordinary dwelling. 3 tubes, $1.75; larger place—for each 5,000 sq. ft. floor space, use 1 dozen, $6.00. Send now. Independent Chemical Company 72 Front Street, New York iooue A SHETLAND PONY “ Highest type—complete out- fits—here. Inexpensive. Satisfaction guaranteed. Write for illustrated catalog. BELLE MEADE FARM Box 7 Markham, Va. Xl A Child’s Delight ROCHESTER, N. Y. “Economy ”? Gas is automatic, Sanitary and NoPoisonous Iron Works Co. PRISON, HOUSE & STABLE WORK OIST HANGERS AWN FURNITURE FENCING, ETC. CLEVELAND, OHIO BAe end NP HE most modern, and best illuminating and cooking service for isolated homes and institutions, is furnished by the CLIMAX GAS MACHINE. Apparatus furnished on TRIAL under a guarantee to be satisfactory andin advance of all other methods. Cooks, heats water for bath and culinary purposes, heats individual rooms between seasons—drives pump- ing or power engine in most efficient and economical manner —also_ makes brilliant illumination. IF MACHINE DOES NOT MEET YOUR EXPECTA- TIONS, FIRE IT BACK. Send for Catalogue and Proposition. Low Price Better than City Gas or Eleo- Liberal Terms tricity and at Less Cost. C. M. KEMP MFG. CO. _—— 405 to 413 E. Oliver Street, Baltimore, Md. _ April, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS iil dozen day-old chicks and raise them for | their meat. Fanciers who want to get birds of a particular strain secure them in this way. And the amateur who starts his little | poultry plant late in the season finds this plan a particularly satisfactory one. If he desires to buy a few pullets to give him immediate returns, the expense will not be great. him from fifteen cents each up to very much more, depending upon where he buys | them and whether he seeks ordinary utility | stock or extra choice specimens. When the chicks arrive they must be ~brooded and two or three motherly hens may be secured. Very likely, though, the amateur will want to use a brooder. At this season out-door brooders: are very easily managed, and when they are used the chicks may be given a grass run. Fireless brood- ers may be used successfully, too, if the chicks are given a little extra care at first until they learn to seek cover when cold. Many people are very successful with these brooders, some of which cost only two dollars or even less, and they may be used in the room of the dwelling house or on the porch or even in a shed. It is desirable to have plenty of fresh air for the chicks and this may be secured by making a light frame to fit in one of the windows and covering it with muslin, which will allow a current of air to pass through but will keep out the wind. LOVE IN A GARDEN By MAUD BISHOP BURNS She was a Canterbury Bell And he was a London Pride— The gay Cockscomb of that flowery dell And he Aster to be his bride. But the lady wished to Marigold; There was None-so-pretty as she. And she took no Stock, so I’ve been told, In a lover so poor as he. Said he, “Be mine, sweet Columbine. Give your Tulips to me And ease this Bleeding Heart of mine.” She said, “It cannot be.” I want to live in a Golden Glow, Not in a Meadow Sweet, I must have Phlox, where’er I go, Of admirers at my feet. Sweet William then, before he Rose, Did Balsam at her feet. But when she said, “Now Johnny-jump-up,” His misery was complete. Said he, “I go, cruel Columbine Forget-me-not, sweet lady, And a Bachelor’s Button you will find Tl wear forever—maybe. Just then Jon Quil came passing by— A Dande-lion he. Said he, “Forgive me, if I spy, But what is this I see?” My sister, Prim Rose waits at home, The Pink of propriety. You said at Four-o’clock you’d come And she your bride would be. With that Sweet William got him hence, But Columbine did stand Until Jon Quil reached o’er the fence And took her by the hand. He said, “Be mine, my sweet Bride-Rose. I'll ask Poppy to-day, And he can dry some Widow’s Tears When you have gone away.” The lady dressed her Maiden’s Hair With a lovely Bridal Wreath; Her Lady’s Slippers she did wear, And they walked across the heath. Until they came to the edge of the wood, To the spot where Jack-in-the-Pulpit stood, And at Four-o’clock, I’ve heard it said, Jon Quil and Columbine were wed, The newly-hatched chicks will cost |}, Built-To-Order Refrigerators have many advantages. They may be made an integral part of the house, arranged to be iced from the rear porch so that the iceman need not enter the house—and equipped with ice water cooler, special racks for cooling wine, beer, mineral water, etc., and other conveniences. me at = McCray Refrigerators are built-to-order for reside:ices, clubs, hotels, hospitals, etc. Simply send us a rough fleur plan, and our Drafting Depart- ment will prepare architectural drawings, specifying refric- erator suitable for your articular requirements, and submit blue prints, specifications and estimates without charge. McCray Refrigerators ar2 used in the U.S. Pure Food Labor- atories, U. S. Senate ‘estaurants, and in thousands of the leading clubs, hotels, public institutions and private residences throughout the world. They represent the highest attainment in sanitary refrigeration, and are endorsed by physicians and sanitation experts everywhere. The McCray is a step inadvance of every other refrigerator. Write for Free Book “How to use a refrigerator’? and any of the following catalogs: = No. 88—Regular sizes for Residences No. 49—For Hotels, Clubs, Institutions No. 59—For Meat Markets No. 68—For Groceries No. 72—For Flower Shops No. A.H. Built-to-order for Residences McCray Refrigerator Co. 387 Lake Street Kendallville, Ind. FRE A Book of Valuable Ideas for Beautifying the Home E will send you free of charge our book “The Proper Treatment for Floors, Woodwork and Furniture,’ two sample bottles of Johnson’s Wood Dye and a sample of Johnson’s Pre- pared Wax. This text book of 50 pages is very attractive—80 illustrations—44 of them in color. The results of our expensive experi- ments are given therein. There is absolutely no similarity between Johnson’s Wood Dye and the ordinary ‘‘stain.’’ Water ‘‘stains”’ RAS mC CEEC hAlneOtmthes woods Oily “Ccstains) | foo autteelon se do not sink below the surface of the wood or ¥% 126 Lish Oat bring out the beauty of the grain. Varnish %2 125 Mission Oo ‘“stains’’ are not stains at all, they are merely ¥* 11032024 For artistic coloring of all No. 14) Early English : cs = No. 128 Light Mahogany surface coatings which produce a cheap, shiny, 2% 123 B74 Mehocany painty finish. Johnson’s Wood Dye is a Gly, — Retain Woes Doc It penetrates the wood; does not raise the %e 12) Mes Green grain; retains the high lights and brings out %%272Flemish oak the beauty of the wood. Seon Johnson’s Prepared Wax will not scratch or mar. It should be applied with a cloth; dries instantly } —rubbing with a dry cloth gives a velvety protecting finish of great ceauty. It can be used successfully over all finishes. We want you to try Johnson’s Wood Dye and Prepared Wax at our expense, Fill out attached coupon being careful to specify the shades of dye wanted. We will mail you the booklet and samples promptly, Do not pass this page until you have mailed the coupon. Ss ws [ed "e Rae S. C. JOHNSON & SON sx: eek Ss ws r ° 'e ne S.s > ff Racine, Wis. o os oe o a Ber oF pow s9 : “‘The Wood Finishing Authorities’’ S iv AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS April, 1912 SIMPLIFIED CAMP COOKING By E. I. FARRINGTON AMPING out sometimes proves less enjoyable than expected because of difficulty in getting palatable food. Poorly cooked rations may be overlooked for a few days in the excitement and fun of being in the woods, but the desire for well-prepared meals soon returns. Cook- ing in camp entails many difficulties at the best, but may be made comparatively easy by taking along some of the prepared foods now sold. Erbswurst is a standard ration with ex- perienced campers and is sold by sporting goods stores. It is a powder occupying but little space, from which an appetizing and very nourishing pea soup may be made in a few minutes by mixing it with boiling water. Many people like erbswurst so well a, ee that they use it in their homes regularly, as Poultry Department it costs but little. It has long been in- YA M A B LA C K M I N 0 R C A S coe the “regular anny =a Condensed milk will be taken as a matter The Aristocrats of the Poultry World of course. It is better than evaporated Trehould b 1 q fi i milk in camp, because it is sweetened, so tt snou e a pleasure and profit to raise such that less sugar need be included in the lug- birds and such eggs on your own farm. gage. Also, it requires less space. Coffee They lay the largest hen’s eggs known and many | | made over a camp fire may be satisfactory of them. Big bodied birds with long plump breasts to the pO ee ee tlevened wit) a 2 : : mance and sentiment. Some camp cooks are ee an extra quantity of white meat for the | able to make good coffee, but the safest ; ’ aoe: plan is to carry powdered coffee, which is Four years ago we began breeding for superior quality and ready to drink as soon as boiling water has spared neither time or expense. To-day we have for show | been poured over it. Cold coffee is made guality and fine points the ten finest breeding pens in the U. S. by mixing the powder with cold water. The Eggs from these $10 a setting. powder is put in the cup, and each camper From our thousand females we also selected five pens—not may have it strong or weak, as he likes. A quite equal to our first prize winners at New York—but so closely ( small can which may be slipped into the related that we have a right to expect fine specimens of them— pocket is enough for a long trip, and may these are $5 a setting. be bought at the department stores. Sugar Bea related to the above $3 a setting. $15 in loaf form has the advantage that it is not a hundred. asil illed if a bag bursts. Yama Black Minorca: Winnings at Madison Square Garden ; eee veqetables such as_ potatoes, In 1910—First Pen. . spinach, carrots, cabbages and onions may In 1911—First Pen. First Cock. Second Hen. First Pullet. / be bought, dried or shredded, and gelatine Fifth and Sixth Cockerels—and the competition there capsules containing salt and pepper are put is the keenest, as you know. up, although these condiments are easily Last Fall we bought all the fine Barred Plymouth Rock breed- carried in small tin boxes such as cocoa ing stock of the “Pine Top’’ Poultry Farm. We retained 75%, D comes in. Eggs come in powdered form added the choicest individuals we could purchase and have some | and are kept for campers by sporting goods very superior matings. Eggs $5 and $3 a setting. stores. Raisins in packages should be in- Send : Sng Tory Cas BORUE- cluded and are excellent to carry in the YAMA FARM S pocket when on a tramping trip a long way NEWTON COSH, Manager Poultry-Department from Cat: A few raisins will stay OnSS Yara nobachic Nader eon NU hunger for a long time. Chocolate answers ; ve meet the same purpose very well, but has a ten- Satisfaction guaranteed or money refunded dency to create thirst, which cannot always be gratified easily. There are various devices for making camp cooking easy, among them an alum- inum baker, a frying pan with a handle which can be removed when the pan is packed, and dishes which nest into one an- other, but they are all more or less expen- sive. One of the greatest conveniences is a fireless cooker, and that may be made easily enough by means of a wooden box, a kettle with a close fitting cover, a small supply of hay and a little square pillow. A tight cover should be made for the box and the latter filled with the hay, in which a nest is made for the kettle. The food is started over the fire, the cover of the kettle put on tightly to retain the steam and the kettle placed in the nest of hay, the pillow being placed over it and the lid of the box closed. If the cooker is tight, the food will go on cooking for hours. Breakfast por- ridge may be put into it at night and be hot in the morning, allowing the cook to spend an extra half hour in bed. The dinner may be started in the morning, and the camp- ers go away for several hours, leaving it to cook. There is no danger of the food burning or boiling dry. : The stables at Yawma-no-uchi One of the entrance gates at Yama-no-uchi rE felt April, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS v Thermos bottles are cheap now and are exceedingly valuable in camp, making it possible to have cold water to drink at any time. Aluminium table dishes are excel- lent, although rather expensive, because they are very light to carry. Some camp- ers like to take along a supply of wooden or paper plates and throw them away afte1 they have used them. Canvas collapsible water pails and basins fill a real need and take up but little room when packed. The camper expects to “rough it,” but will find it worth while to plan various ways of making the work in camp easy and of en- suring an abundance of palatable food. THE UNCOVERING OF HER- if = Cet. This elegant CULANEUM ee De ( g Nee f ae f correct Graftsman design is HE excavations at Herculaneum were ial De a true photographic reproduction discontinued in 1780 owing to the Joc scale ofa page in our de Juxe book for home- spreading of the town of Retina, which is ; Ss : builders, “The Door Beautiful.”’ Just think! built over the ancient site, and the work : : 48 pages brimful of splendid suggestions for making home could go no further on this account. The . ise: besideeie wealth of pegeeeey ek oreo area now excavated is small, and is limited : ede Bel Nad Ta ie Se a : ferent. There’s a copy for you—it's free—the coupon in upper to a space traversed by an ancient street ‘ ; right-hand corner will bring it. Maz] 7t today. bordered with the remains of houses. But GUARANTEED even from this limited space were taken the é ; MORGA. PEPFECT objects which are now in the Naples Mu- | |ggdbedectet St seum, especially the bronzes which are so | Stn sae HARDWOOD DOORS much admired and which give evidence of | | : : : . . e are specified by experienced builders and reliable the superiority that Herculaneum has over Read What A Meereesee Says architects everywhere, because chereli norother dees ined that awe ss oe : ou organ oors oach them for splendid style and masterly con- Pompeii in artistic riches. Unfortunately Detroit, Mich., Oct. 17, 1911. stractionseoneejust as good.“ Perfect match for every style there are several obstacles which prevent y poe ike of architecture. Scores of letters like the one at the left < . : : Morgan Sash & Door Co. Chicago, Ill. attest their supremacy. Don’t think of building or remodel- uncovering the site of the ancient city to G : ke eee hea ee cele Dee Bea ital SSonGURE > 7 : i entlemen: I have copies of your book, coupon today, the book will respond tomorrow. bring to light its buried treasures. A town] | EDesrBseutinill= endlour howcs is completed, a7a ee ce wen Mantes en teanend ne of 30,000 inhabitants lies over the site, to ; We have the most beautiful doors—none other than Finan SEE oe Ghigice _ begin with. Another obstacle lies in the fact “Morgan.’” We recommend them to every one, Morgan Millwork Co., Baltimore, Md. that owing to national pride, Italy does not they creed fine, Thanbey EVA M- LEVENS. ok *biinaediuce tie Leck"; a = SS P ee yj F P. S. Our contractor got doors through Grace Harbor before you #2 wish the honor of uncovering Herculaneum imbedCon buy. to go to any other nation. Still another point which causes much discussion among scientists, is the composition of the volcanic ee iT. A.BRookseCo. cieve™0- e » FLOORSSIDEWALK LIGHTS. This last problem needs to be solved in the first place before coming to the two others. Prof. G. di Lorenzo of the Naples Univer- sity has been occupied with the question, and his opinion has much weight,as he is a lead- ee ing geological authority. The ground under which the ancient ctiy is buried and carrying the town of Retina forms a small valley bordered by ranges of hills on several sides and on the west by the sea. The hills or rocks are of recent formation, being com- posed of lava coming down from Vesuvius in 1631 with such great speed that it reached the sea in not more than an hour. The present appearance of the valley is thus dif- ferent from what it had been in ancient times. Strabo and other ancient authors state that Herculaneum was situated on a promontory lying between two rivers and was at sixty feet above the level of the sea. At present, the city lies no less than sixty feet below the present level of the new town. Prof. di Lorenzo considers that the only possible way will be to run under- ground tunnels starting from the already- opened area. But a scientific theory has been opposed to this enterprise up to the present, this being the hypothesis of two kinds of lava. What was done at Pompeii could not be carried out at Herculaneum not only on account of the new town, but also from the different structure of the lava in the two cases. While Pompeii was cov- ered by a cinder layer the other city was buried under a layer of mud, and this be- Hicks Trees Hicks own nursery grown trees. No better can be grown by anybody anywhere. They may cost a bit more than the usual kind and they are worth it. You get fine, shapely, root-pruned trees, full of vigor. Whether it’s a six or thirty-six foot tree the quality and Saplings like these cost but little—and look came so hard that it is now very difficult to just what they cost. How te serio siser is bse Were trees A all aces bul many of our customers bey ES { { ble to b ] t own above arger one because the years of waiting for them to grow upiscut out. Sen Eat Os blast. However, several objections ar lal aint ie wes for our 1912 catalog and order your trees and shrubsfor April. Early orders i i ffect. Then your small a ‘ ~ é and get an immediate effec sits anes get the early shipments—that’s only reasonable. The catalog is full of illustra- trees can be planted to advantage and mean tions, and planting helps for trees, shrubs and hardy flowers—it's a book we | something. worth sending for. Isaac Hicks & Son Westbury, Long Island can be made to this old theory. As the city lay on a promontory, it is natural that the mud torrents flowed rather in the two river beds at its sides. Besides, an abundant rain would be necessary to make such mud tor- The Most Inexperienced Amateur can have the satisfac- tion of growing beautiful flowers or fine vegetables, by following the clear, concise directions, written by experts, and gathered for their bene- fit in the Dreer Garden Book It contains all the information needed by anyone, for the successful growing of everything in the garden. You may have a glorious riot of colorful bloom in your garden, or a delicious medley of luscious vegetables in your truck patch—and you may have this whether you are an ex- perienced gardener or a hopeful beginner. Whatever your favorite flower—no matter which vegetables you love the best—some- where in the 288 pages of this new, com- prehensive guide for Nature Lovers Easy Instructions for Secur- ing the Best Results “'!!b KNOCKER is the most prominent feature of a door, focusing the attention of everyone who approaches. Sargent Door Knockers include designs appropriate for every type of door on which a knocker can be suitably used. They are carefully made of finest metals and form a handsome adornment. Sargent Hardware combines beauty-and artistic quality with the utmost in practical service. Its use throughout a building is a guarantee of quality that adds to the selling value and an insurance against repair cost. Sargent Degigns include several examples of each period and school of architecture to harmonize with any style of building. Write for the illustrated Sargent Book of Designs—mailed free—and ask your architect to confer with you in the selection of harmonious hardware. Our Colonial Book, illustrating patterns of this period, will be sent on request. SARGENT & COMPANY, 156 Leonard Street, New York f\ ft : CALOWAY } GARDEN TERRA @ITA HE GALLOWAY Gollec- tion has been greatly in- creased for the season of 1912 Send for New pauee show- ing new designs executed 27 strong durab e Terra-Cotta GALLOWAY TERRA GOlTA CO 3222 WALNUT ST. PHILADELPHIA. @clonefencefiom(oast "(ast CYCLONE ORNAMENTAL LAWN FENCES AND FARM GATES They are the badge of prosperity. Found around the homes of the farmers who are successful, who really do things—from the man on a ten acre truck farm to the rancher with ten thousand acres. There are in use many times more Cyclone Fences and Gates than other make _, and no other brand gives such universal satis- — faction. Merit is the reason. We are Fence and Gate Specialists, devoting thebiggest, best |B equipped fence factory in the country to this work alone. We build strength and durability into our fences and gates. _CYCLONE FENCES are easily put up, on wooden or iron posts, and are self-adjusting to uneven ground. The fabric is 7 made of big, strong, heavily galvanized wires. CYCLONE FARM GATES are light, strong, indestructible. Frames are high-carbontubular steel, with brazed seams. Read our Fence and Gate books. The books are free—write fer them today. CYCLONE FENCE Co., © Dept. 44 Waukegan, Ill. x AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS April, 1912 @—4 (bldwell fawn Mower(b=2, ‘LARGEST THESE MACHINES ARE USED ON MANY OFTHE LEADING GOLF COURSES zo PUBLIC PARKS THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES. THEY IMPROVE 20 BEAUTIFY THE » LAWN AS NO OTHER MACHINE CAN azo AT MUCH LESS COST. Jend for Catalogue Ss Lane Double Hangers “ND Lane “D” Hanger Lane “B” Hanger When you do build, build right. Do not cut away the timbers or depend on flimsy spiking. 20,000 Hangers in 100 stock sizes adapted to all conditions are in stock ready for immediate shipment. Send for a handsome model done in aluminum—consult your architect—then permit us to estimate on your requirements. LANE BROS. CO., 434-466 Prospect Street, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. tions of growth during both years. Apple trees usually bear abundantly every other year, perfecting fewer buds during the sea- son of heavy fruiting, and many fruit buds during the season of scanty yield. It is ad- visable to do the severest pruning after a heavy yield, either in early Winter or early Spring, when the sap is not flowing or the wood is frozen. Give to the soil a heavy application of such material as will aid in the growth of the tree during the off year. Well-rotted manure and decaying nitro- genous plants such as clover, furnish the necessary elements. FERTILIZING Quick-acting fertilizers which affect the growth of blossom and fruit directly should be applied in the Spring of the fruiting year. Manure should be spread under the trees over all the shaded portion of the ground before the ground is ploughed in the early Spring. Nitrogenous plant food from clover is made available to the trees by its growth and subsequent decay. Dur- ing the season that the apple trees are in heaviest bearing the clover should be broad- casted beneath the trees, usually about the middle of July or the first of August. From one-half to a pound of seed per tree should be used. On small areas it may be raked in with a steel garden rake, or a har- row may be used. The-kinds of clover usu- ally sown for this purpose are the ordinary red clover (Trifolium Pratense )—fifteen pounds to the acre—and scarlet clover (Tvi- folium Incarnatum)—twenty pounds to the acre. The former is perennial; the second comes to maturity in May or June following its planting and dies, but the fertilizing function is the same with each variety, as they store nitrogen in the nodules of their roots. These clovers may be ploughed un- der in the Spring or chopped into the ground with a cutaway harrow later in the sea- son, leaving a quantity of rich plant food in the ground. In the Spring of the year of abundant yield the following fertilizing elements should be applied beneath the trees, using twenty pounds to a tree: Two parts of ni- trogen, nine parts of acid phosphate and twelve parts of potash. The soil is then cultivated until fruition. PRUNING Pruning is a vital consideration. In the case of young trees it consists of thinning out conflicting branches in such a way that a reasonable amount of sunlight has access to the branches. This must be done every year. The trunks of the trees must not re- ceive any injury, as the trunk is the connec- tion between the root system and the as- similative or leaf system of the tree. With the apple, as with other exogenous trees, the vital part of the trunk is the outer part beneath the bark. Between the hardened older wood and this bark the cambium layer of cellular tissue is, during the growing sea- son, forming new bark and new wood and conveying sap from the roots to the leaves. The wood already formed in the heart of the tree makes no new formation and con- veys no sap, but this heart-wood is impor- tant in that it sustains the weight of boughs and branches. Many old apple trees with rotten heart-wood support healthy branches, even bearing fruit, because nurtured by the sap-wood. A tree in this condition has not long to live, however, as the mouldering portions corrupt the healthy wood. The de- cay of the heart-wood is generally due to the admission of water through channels made by insects, or by cracks in the boughs near the trunk—a common occurrence with trees having heavy horizontal limbs. April, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS wom itis t Sues MMB gain a iy ih fs i ees = ~F THE D\ HE DWELLING “HOUSE =o Ole jacent =a and one notes how much more interesting the chalet-like house is for having its nearby garage and outside servant quarters designed along the same general lines, or the half-timber house for having its stable and : gardener’s cottage carried out in half-timber style likewise. The early builders in America had an eye for this sort of thing and planned their out- buildings to harmonize with their houses. One does not quickly forget the charm of the English village where its cottages present outbuildings usually in accord with their design, which pro- duces an aspect at once harmonious and attrac- tive. Of course, the material employed in build- ing the dwelling will often determine the group- ing of the outbuildings. A Dutch Colonial frame house, for instance, can properly be connected by covered passageways with the various out- buildings about it. One has only to recall Mount Vernon to bring to mind the successful arrange- ment there of the colonnades uniting the service wings. With stucco houses all the buildings of the yremises may properly be brought into relationship by actually con- 1ecting them, whereas with the half-timber or even with the brick 1ouse, the scheme of separated buildings is more pleasing to the eye. SE EDEL LID DE SELB. EEDA TE ELIE ILD ELECT TOD IIT 126 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS peijocoodpooon fy RELATION OF OUTBUILDIN Sats © fe c00ctBoccok [| HE DWELLING HOUSE feovoesgocco el fa ocooioooo ka his house will probably find that t dwelling is by no means the only building problem confront- ing him. The modern house, whether it be a small-one or one of pretentious proportions, will, in all probability, require other buildings comple- mentary to it to complete the home architectural group. There will be the stable, or the garage— both perhaps—various sheds, the outside store- house, poultry houses and the outbuildings in general that are requisite to the convenience of a permanent domicile. The wise home-builder and the thorough architect has come to appre- ciate the fact that harmonizing the outbuildings with the dwelling house is one of the most im- portant matters for serious consideration in plan- ning the premises for ultimate effectiveness. One style of architecture throughout any group of buildings lends to them a strength of architec- HE home-builder who has settled aye the plan for jacent outbuildings, and one notes how much more interesting the chalet-like house is for having its nearby garage and outside servant | | | quarters designed along the same general lines, or the half-timber house for having its stable and gardener'’s cottage carried out in half-timber style likewise. The early builders in America had an eye for this sort of thing and planned their out- buildings to harmonize with their houses. One does not quickly forget the charm of the English village where its cottages present outbuildings usually in accord with their design, which pro- duces an aspect at once harmonious and attrac- tive. Of course, the material employed in build- ing the dwelling will often determine the group- ing of the outbuildings. A Dutch Colonial frame house, for instance, can properly be connected by covered passageways with the various out- buildings about it. One has only to recall Mount Vernon to bring to mind the successful arrange- ment there of the colonnades uniting the service wings. With stucco houses all the buildings of the tural purpose, as it were, that adds greatly to the distinctiveness and premises may properly be brought into relationship by actually con- attractiveness of any home surroundings.. The reader will see dis- necting them, whereas with the half-timber or even with the brick played upon these pages various types of dwellings and their ad- house, the scheme of separated buildings is more pleasing to the eye. Z NNN i mn MN) 128 ; =r : i - ete oe ARARAS = af AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Igi2 A House With a History By Mary H. Northend Photographs by the Author WHERE is something especially attractive about the quaint old-time house, here de- scribed, situated far back from the gaze of passersby, in the midst of beautiful grounds, which has preserved intact, through all the years, its original characteristics. It stands of past simplicity in its environment of an expression modern hurry and progressiveness, but the contrast is in- clined to be much in its favor. comfort is the chief keynote in its construction with due regard given to suitable artistic properties, and as a result it is most distinctive with an air of elegance not always seen, perhaps, in homes of more recent construction—an example of care- ful thought and able, earnest labor. Houses of this type are compara- tively rare to-day and it is more or less in the nature of an unusual oc- currence that one is found still re- taining all its old-time interest. Such houses are all too often torn down to make way for modern dwellings of up-to-date construc- tion, or else are remodeled to suit the present day taste, and while in the latter event they usually serve their purpose well, and still show many of the characteristics of their early period, they never quite seem the same. Numbered among the really few genuinely old dwellings is one at Groveland, Massachusetts, known Solidity and unbounded The quaint old gateway entrance as the Savory House, which in no way has lost its original lines, and which dates back to pre-Revolutionary days. It is one of the typical, old-time homes combining in construc- tion some rather unusual features, and presents both an exterior and an interior practically unchanged from the date of construction, early in the Fighteenth Century. It came into the possession of the Parker family in 1777, hav- ing been purchased by one Moses Parker, the great-grand- father of the present owner, who obtained it for the con- sideration of one thousand pounds sterling, and it has since sheltered five generations of the same family, indirect descent. Inthe days of the first Mr. Parker’s occupancy, it was the favorite haunt of many of the most prominent men of the times, Mr. Parker being the chosen leader of all town affairs, as well as one of the prominent men of the day. The house differs somewhat in construction from the old-time, square-frame Colonial dwelling, in- asmuch as it has a wing-like pro- jection at one end, and two front doors. This latter feature seems especially unusual, though not with- out significance, for each door has its special use. The one in the main part of the house (a very handsome entrance, finely propor- tioned, the heavy door adorned with a quaint brass knocker, highly polished) was used as the com- pany entrance only. This opened April, IgI2 The sitting-room still retains its aspect of hospitality upon a hall, from which one entered the carefully-guarded parlor, opened only on the rarest of occasions, namely, in the event of marriage, death or ministerial call, while the other entrance in the wing portion was the family entrance, which afforded access to the more commonly used family apartments. Outlining the main part of the house is a high Colonial fence, the gateposts topped with massive hand-made urns, and at the rear is a courtyard with a small building at one end. This building is particularly interesting, with its domed windows and handsomely carved arched entrances. It is of the same date of construction as the dwelling, the only change from its original condition being the absence of one chimney, which was removed to make extra room for some needed requirement. Beyond the shed and ex- tending to the street boundary, is the orchard, abounding in apple, pear and plum trees, and beside it is the old-time garden, which still retains its wealth of Sweet Alyssum, Mignonette and other old-fashioned flowers, so popular in our grandmother’s day, laid out in primitive beds and bor- ders, among which it is a delight to wander. Within, the house is a very treasure trove of antiques. Rich old furniture abounds and finds a suitable setting in the large, low stud- ded, square rooms, with their handsomely carv- ed woodwork, and within the deep built-in cup- boards and closets quantities of wonderful old china are stored, the whole doubly cherished as wed- ding gifts of brides of long ago. The main hall- way, with its wealth of panel- ed woodwork and beautiful hand- carved balus- trade, still shows the quaint guests’ candles standing on a small table RAARAMUULA? sien ay if = Sime : A corner of the stairhall, with its fine old chairs AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 129 fed i; Kia ri | ie Pe ee The i aodWark Rea the ee is most interesting in the stairway, which were used to light the way of visitors to the house in early times. The chairs which are shown in the wall are carefully cherished, being part of the wed- ding furniture of great-great-grandmother Parker and were brought from England by one of the first of the family to live in America. ‘These chairs, as will be seen from illus- trations accompanying this article, are especially fine. Opening out of the hallway of the Parker house is the old-time parlor, this room being now in general use. Here the furnishings consist of beautiful old-time pieces, which, if they could but speak, would no doubt unfold many an interesting tale of past history. At one side of the room is a wide, deep fireplace, flanked on either side by paneled walls. This is one of the dominating features of this home- like room and the cheery glow of the great oak logs, as they burn on the ancient andirons, no doubt creates in the minds of the household, as they sit before it, many a wraith of old-time faces. From one side of the well-lighted living-room, with its quaint many-paned windows set in broad sills, filled in the Winter time with old-fashioned posies, leads an apartment now used as a den. Here one side-wall is entirely lined with built-in cupboards, the doors of which are of glass, showing to ad- vantage the ex- quisite sets of rare old Lowes- toft and Staftord- shire ware, as well as beautiful glassware, all of which were wed- ding presents to the first Mrs. Par- ker, more than one hundred and thirty years ago. No - finer ex amples than these of china of this sort are to be found in all New England. W on- derful old prints hang on the walls of the den, treat- ing of subjects of long ago, and old books, most of 130 them of the most ancient type, fill the bookcases which line two sides of the room. The furniture is all of the great-grandmother’s time, and to- gether with the other equipment lends an air of rich simplicity, which is most restful to the guest who is fortunate enough to partake of the hospitality of the comfortable home. The dining-room of the Parker house should be given more than pass- ing attention, as it is in many respects the most interesting of all the rooms. Its equipment includes a magnificent old-fashioned sideboard, with beauti- fully carved legs, this being laden with some of the choicest pieces of china and cut glass, Windsor chairs and an old pulpit chair, used by an early ancestor who was the pastor of the Groveland Church, while within the deep enclosed cupboards innum- erable pieces of wonderful old china are stored, including a complete din- ner set of Canton-ware of early make. This set of china differs greatly from many others of this make, and it is said to be the only one of its sort to be found in America, the blue being of a much darker, richer shade and the pattern different from those usu- ally seen. It was brought over in the hold of one of the old Newbury- port merchant ships, having been made especially to order as a wedding gift for the bride. Enough pewter ware for a full din- ner service can also be seen here anda quantity of ancestral silver. Among EE ae Bits of early pewter-ware are tucked here and there upon the shelves of the various china AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS In this old corner cupboard are stored priceless examples of early Colonial china that have re- mained in the Parker family for many decades | cupboards one finds in this April, 1912 the pieces in the pewter collection are many fine and unusual examples. Fortunately this family is one which has always appreciated these posses- sions and its various members did not, as did many elsewhere, destroy objects of the sort or hold them as of little worth, as was too oftenthe case. Some of the choicest pieces date back to the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries, when the popularity of this metal was at its height. Much of the pewter bears the excise stamp, a cross and crown, showing its early origin. Some of the rarest pieces show three distinct stamps. The intrinsic value of this metal may be little, but for the sake of its rich historic value it is one of the choicest possessions in the family. The deep cupboards and closets of the Parker home are built in conform- ity with the general broadness of con- struction, and the lowness of stud em- phasizes the spaciousness of dimen- sion. Large comfortable apartments are the rule of this dwelling and the- dining-room follows this general order. Broad windows looking, out . into the garden render it bright and cheerful, this pleasant outlook adding to its attractiveness. In one of the chambers above, the furniture of the original owner is still used. This includes an old sleigh bed, a dresser, and several queer little tables and fine old chairs. One of the tables is of the Hepplewhite type, and it still holds two of the candle- BAS eas a AG et Se NS Sean NN EB ee very interesting old house April, 1912 The dining-room, with its original furnishings sticks, together with a tray holding brass candle snutters, which was used to light the guest to bed in the days of long ago. A sampler hangs on one of the walls, which was worked, when a child, by Moses Parker’s wife, who stitched into it many a quaint conceit. All the chambers of this house show original Colonial fittings, the rooms being kept as nearly as possible as they wefe in former times. In the roomy attic under the old-fashioned roof many choice relics of a bygone age are most carefully preserved. Chests containing beautiful old gowns and rare curios from abroad are carefully hoarded. Here in an old hair-covered trunk, profusely studded with brass-headed tacks, and care- fully hidden from view the “Lady Catherine” was found. A most wonderful lady, indeed, dressed in the fashion of Colonial times, in a fine white mull, tinted with age to a beautiful ivory. She was carefully holding in her hand a note of introduction, stating that her name was “Lady Catherine.” She was more than a century old and had no doubt been cherished so carefully by tiny hands of long ago that it seemed al- most sacriligious to with- draw her from her long years of obscurity. Also stored here are several other well-worn mementoes of small Parkers of the long ago. In this quaint old Savory house there still exists a chamber which, in the earlier days of its history, was com- pletely shut off from the main portion of the dwelling, and the only access then to be had to it (as old records and let- ters in the possession of the Parker family explain) was from the outside. This was probably by means of a se- cret door, traces of which have come to be destroyed in later years. The reason for so mysterious an apart- AMERICAN HOMES eae Catherine, a doll of Colonial Gas AND GARDENS Ee BI LNT TTR ER LT TA on Bi ie aie time Secieeal bedrooms ment was the fact that here were held in great secrecy nu- merous Masonic meetings, the proceedings of which were kept from the more curious of the neighborhood by reason of the privacy of the chamber and the thickness of the walls enclosing it. Even in those old days one’s neighbors’ affairs were matters to occupy the time of the idle, and so the little group forming the Masonic element of Groveland’s early society chose their meeting place in the protected spot af- forded by the arrangement of the Savory house, which, by reason of its private ownership, placed it beyond the bounds of unwelcome intruders. There is always the charm of mystery about an old house of this sort that endears it to one, even to the stranger across its threshold, beyond the knowledge of its authentic histor- ical associations. So you con- jure up visions of life in Colonial days as you turn to look at it in passing, and his- tory seems to have for you on such occasions the sense of reality. The sturdy old house com- plete is both simple and dig- nified in its outlines, and typifies strongly the best principles of early construc- tion. The sturdiness of its build is best evidenced in its excellent preservation, the underpinning and walls still standing as staunch as on the day it was built. The exact date of its erec- tion is not definitely known, though it antedated the Revolutionary War by a number of years, for at the time of the first Mr. Par- ker’s purchase it was con- sidered old by residents of the town. It stands to-day a distinct landmark in an in- teresting community, and the present owner may well feel proud of her possession, the sensible touch of Time not yet marring the outlines or the air of its age. A oaeiny) fi | + : AMERICAN HOMES The houscrec te finds an interesting exponent of their ap- plication to the modern suburban home in the house here illustrated, the residence of Mr. Max Held, at Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York, de- signed by Arthur D. Russell, archi- tect, New York, who also planned the interior decorations throughout. In recent years we have come to have a more intimate acquaintance with the decorative period which pro- duced the furniture of Adams, Sheraton, Chippendale and Hepple- white, but we have seen less, per- haps, of the decorative periods ‘pre- ceding the styles just mentioned, at least so far as interior work is con- cerned. The main motif of the Held house is that of English design, and both the exterior and the interior have been successfully evolved along these... Nes eicrner aE Brooklyn, ee A House on English Gothic WHE charm of the various English styles of domestic architecture and interior decora- tion that are coming to appeal very strongly to the present generation of home builders, By Harvey L. Reddington Photographs by T. C. Turner pa baa Th e main entrance to the Held house AND GARDENS ec from the terrace side April, 1912 Lines lines without producing anything that detracts from the homelike quality that every dwelling should possess, and without the introduction of those bizarre notes that often tend to throw a sense of modern order into confusion through a misapplication of period to place. The first consideration of the architect in the present instance was that of harmonizing the interior of the house to its exterior, in the mat- ter of general lines. Then followed the careful planning of color schemes for the various rooms, and finally detail was determined upon. ‘The floor coverings for each room of the Held house were especially designed for the rooms they were to find place in, the carpets being woven in deep, rich Austrian hand-tufted fab- ric. Each piece of furniture in the Held house was likewise especially designed to fit the room in which it was intended to be placed. ‘The woodwork of the entire first floor of the house is of oak, rich and brown in finish, and although gen- erously utilized, the effect is one Bai ie April, 1912 One of the upper-story sitting-rooms that in no particular sense is likely to suggest monotony. This house is entered on its avenue side through a spacious vestibule, the domed ceiling and side-walls of which are paneled, the brown wainscoting being patterned with carv- ing in “‘linen-fold”’ design. One of the bedrooms are appropriately filled with stained glass, excellent in de- sign and rich in color effect. One steps from the vestibule directly into the living-room upon the left, two large doors from this opening upon the library, from which ascends a well-designed stair. A glance Diag BI Cs BG ASIST ETE tats tite The well-lighted living-room AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS The windows of this vestibule . oer The bedroom used as an upper sitting-room at the first-floor plan will give the reader an idea of the very original utilization of floor space in this house, pre- serving as it does a great unbroken terrace front and pro- ducing for the interior a delightful sense of spaciousness, which would not have been possible had the area been The paneled dining-room broken up by a central entrance hall. ‘The fenestration of the house is another point to which attention should be called. It is regular without monotony, and floods the house, both lower and upper stories, with sunlight. The large living-room is carried out in Jacobean style, and has 134 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS April, 1912 a high wainscoting of oak in warmer tones on browns Elizabethan, and while no formal adhesion to period is surmounted by a decorative frieze. The dining-room is in the style of English Gothic, having — rived by judicious selection in the furnishings. The various for its woodwork oak of a somewhat lighter tone. Here hangings in this room are planned to accord with the gen- the high paneled walls are completed with _ tapestry hangings and a painted frieze. The motif of the rug of rich green is based upon the Gothic style of the room and completes its harmony, to which the chair-coverings likewise lend _ themselves. The large fireplace in this room has its hearthside faced with tiles of green faience, and the andirons as well as other hardware in this room are) or Gothic design. “A: conservatory opens off from the dining-room to the left of the fireplace, and in the warmer seasons this room is used as a breakfast-room. The library is one of the most interesting rooms in the house. Its walls are paneled with soft brown silk above the wainscoting of oak. The maintained here, the sense of harmony and comfort is de- eral brown color scheme and —— take their note from the wall fabrics. The valances and curtains have gold fabric pat- tern appliqué and are very rich in effect. In this library we find hung a few well- chosen pictures, but this is the only room on the first floor so adorned. The second story contains five bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways. One of these rooms serves as a sitting- room and one as a den. Mies These are both most striking in their being furnished in the Egyptian style. The rug has a center of Alexandrian red surrounded by a border, the principal motif of which is the Lotus flower. The other colors introduced in this striking floor- covering Plan of the first and second stories are bright yellows, greens, rug is woven in colors that are soft and rich—a plain center blues and grays. The walls are covered with leather of a of brown and a border worked out in self-tones. A glance warm gray tone, and the woodwork is in silver finish. All at the first-floor plan will show that this room is well lighted, the furniture is finished in vert antique, and given the sug- both by the windows opening upon the terrace and by the gestion of old metal in its finish, thus bringing it in keeping square bay of the stairway. The furniture of the library is with what the decorator might designate as the Egyptian style. FETED LIED I a a A terrace overhung with vines runs along nearly the whole of one side of the house April, 1912 RS peer sar MEE LI The saddle horse should be considered an indispensable adjunct to every complete American suburban home, and riding a national pastime AMERICAN HOMES A LL LN NS EE ND GARDENS 135 % The Saddle Horse for the Country Home By Herbert J. Krum, Editor The Saddle and Show Horse Chronicle Photographs by T. C. Turner and Others a|S AN adjunct to the complete suburban home, nothing is more indispensable than the sad- dle horse. It forms an integral part of every establishment that has even the remotest flavor of the suburbs connected with it. Saddle horses are no longer used, as they were in early days, for a means of transportation, as they have been superseded by the more modern inventions of the motor car and the electric trolley. But, nevertheless, the place that the saddle horse has in the economy of modern affairs is one both unique and necessary, and from which there is not the slightest danger of his ever being usurped. The question of breeding horses, either as a business or as a pastime, has long been one which has engaged the favor and attention of some of the keenest minds our country has produced, and as regards some kinds of horses, especially those available for racing purposes, there has long at- tached a halo of romance and a spirit of mysticism born of the uncertainty of the results that has seemed to lend a never- ending fascination to the subject. The racing of horses, of the kind used either under saddle or in harness, has always been a most precarious sport. It is un- questionably true that eighty per cent. of the horses in the United States are bred at an absolute loss to the original breeder. The number of those horsemen who have achieved affluence as a result of their horse-breeding activities is scant in com- parison with those who have met disap- pointment and financial loss, if not utter ruin. Nothing in all this, however, is to say that the breeding of horses as a business proposition is not one which can be carried on with a measurable cer- tainty of financial profit and reward. It has seldom hap- pened that people who have engaged in the business of breeding horses have done so from any other reason than of innate liking of the horse himself; and it has still more rarely been the case that where a person has engaged in this work he has applied thereto any of the business prin- ciples which alone could make for success in this or any other line of human activity. It would appear axiomatic that there is no reason in the world why a person should not be able to deal in horses as a merchandise upon the same basis of profit and loss as would attach to any other commodity. The principles of selection and the operation of the laws of cause and effect are things that are lost sight of by the average person who en- gages in the horse business. Such persons have an ideal of their own which they wish to perpetuate regardless of any such con- siderations as market demand or the suitability of the animals if successfully produced for the purposes for which they might be exchanged for coin of the realm. Most unfortunately, it is true that horse breeding experiments are largely uncer- tain. Undoubtedly there is in the horse world a law which governs and controls the production of horses after their own kind. The great trouble with breeders has been that they have been unable to learn what the law is or in what manner ~ 268 its operations may be controlled and made Every American child apould be taught manifest. to ride, and to ride well It is true that no other form of live- 136 stock presents so many engaging aspects as does the pro- duction of fine horses. There is very little trouble and only a minimum of expense attached thereto, and any person who is in the possession of a suburban home can successfully breed and raise horses, and do so with both personal pleas- ure and financial profit, provided he has the instinctive horsemanship without which no success in these lines is pos- sible under any circumstances. Saddle horses present a peculiarly attractive form of the horse problem. The future of the animal is permanently secured. Nothing can take its place. There is nothing else that anyone can use for saddle horse purposes with equal satisfaction or benefit. The saddle horse does not come into competition with the motor car nor with any other means of locomotion. He is of his own kind and remains alone in the field of his own domain. There is no other form of human activity aie com- bines in equal measure the ee of convenience, beneficial exercise and health- ful exhilaration. To the per- son to whom the horse idea is not an. utter stranger, horseback riding is pure amusement. In comparison with other forms of exercise it has advantages of its own. In the first place, it takes one into the open air, of neces- sity, and therefore has the advantage of any kind of in- door or gymnastic exercises or forms of recreation. As compared with golf or any of the outdoor sports that are open to the city man, or the person of _ sedentary habits, it is convenient. One’s saddle horse may be brought to one’s door before a ride and left there after it is finished. The advantages of horseback riding are so manifold and so various as to well nigh be impossible of enumeration. It is not ex- tremely violent and may be graduated to suit the need of themrider. lt 1s\-a. pleasure and a benefit in which every member of the family can participate with equal advantage and either singly or together. The head of the household mounted on a high strung, proudly stepping horse; his wife upon another comparable to the efficiency of her equestrianism; and so on down through the various mem- bers of the family until, perhaps, the little tot upon her pony scarce larger than a Newfoundland dog, may frequently be seen in various parts of the country morning, noon or evening. While the exercise is not violent, it is of that particular kind and character that starts the blood with an exhilarated circulation; that stirs the torpid liver, and with its constant gentle shaking puts the flesh into a condition of healthy hardness; makes the filling of the lungs with the pure ozone of the outdoor air compulsory in a slightly accentuated manner, and brings the glow of health to the cheek of man, matron and maid. It is full of the charm of diversity. One rides east to-day, and west to-morrow The hunt across a wild country, for instance, will give one a glorious pastime, responding to the most daring of ven- turesome spirits. And with it all, the horseback journey, even alone is full of the companionship of a congenial AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS | SSSR ee TCR Baas ee noe ESSE OD Riding is a most exhilarating pastime for the American woman April, 1912 comrade. Saddle horses are undoubtedly the highest de- velopment of equine intelligence, and are as varied in their moods and humors as are their riders. They are compan- ionable to an almost unbelievable degree, and are full of understanding and responsive affection. Occasionally they are full of animosity, and some horses dislike some men with as real and genuine evidence of dislike as exists between uncongenial members of the human family. As nothing can supplant the saddle horse, or take the place of the various uses for which he is available, it will, perhaps, be fitting to enumerate some of the requisites of this class in their best estate. A rather curious condition exists in the United States regarding the subject of saddle horses. What is meant by the term “‘saddle horse’ is de- termined almost entirely by the matter of geographical loca- tion. Kentucky has long been known as the home of the best ones of all kinds, and the source from which they come. ‘There are numerous other states, however, in which just as good, though, per- haps, not so many, fine speci- mens are produced. But in Kentucky, and, _ generally speaking, throughout the West, a saddle horse is an animal that under the saddle performs a variety of differ- ent gaits that are technically recognized and very thor- oughly distinguished. In the East, however; and, gener- ally speaking, in metropoli- tan cities, but most especially in New York, what is known as a saddle horse is an en- tirely different sort of a creature than is the animal so called in Kentucky. The reason for this variance is found in the fact that mat- ters in our larger cities that are under the dictum of the arbiters of fashion follow and approximate those things which obtain in Great Britain. An Englishman, of course, has a certain kind of riding horse which is as far removed as possible from the entity known as such just south of the Ohio River. The reason for this is found in the various uses for which horses are used for tne same purpose in these localities; but certain leaders of metropoll- _tan society follow as closely as possible the customs and man- ners of our English cousins and, therefore, though they may - buy their horses at home, they get the sort that most nearly approach those used by riders across the water. There a horse walks and trots and canters. He is shorn of his mane and denuded of his tail. He is a rather plain horse of only a medium style of carriage, of solid conformation and up to carrying good weight. He must be tough and enduring, as he is used solely for rough and hard usage.. In Kentucky. on the other hand, the saddle horse is distinguished first of all by great beauty of form and graceful appearance. both in outline and carriage. The early derivation of the breed found him a mixture of thoroughbred and pacing bloods, and this caused a tendency toward an ambling gait which was found very easy and congenial to the rider hav- ing to go long distances over such roads as were passable in those days. These tendencies toward easy gaits have been perpetuated and accentuated in the descendants of the early April, 1912 ancestors of the breeds, and a type of horse, and the pres- ence either latent or developed of these gaits, has been fixed by breeding, development and training. So that in a typical Kentucky saddle horse there is in addition to the walk, trot and canter, which are common to all breeds of horses, other gaits known technically as the rack, or single foot, running, walk, fox trot and stepping pace. To the un- trained rider, or one unfamiliar with them, they present at first some difficulties, but are found to be, upon acquaintance, almost ideal for purposes of the equestrian. In Kentucky the glory of a saddle horse is in an extremely spirited and brilliant appearance, a graceful waving mane, and a great, gorgeous tail floating in the breeze and carried high. Kentucky dealers, however, have yielded to the demands of the Eastern trade and have curtailed the tendency of many of their best horses toward the multi-gaits. They have also introduced plucking, docking and restricting the movements to three gaits favored by social custom in metro- politan centers. Practically all of the champions at Eastern horse shows, with but a few exceptions of thoroughbred blood, have been Kentucky bred and gaited horses, taught to forget their other gaits and shown as walk, trot and canter specimens. Saddle horses of both kinds, as they are known in this country, have always been far fewer than the demand, con- sequently they have always had a very considerable value and at no time in the past has the average value of the best specimens of riding horse been higher than it is just now. Dealers in the East and in all large cities are constantly visiting Kentucky and other states where these horses are numerously bred, in search of specimens suitable for their clientage athome. They are generally obliged to pay pretty high prices for their purchases at first hand and this is par- bg ee Se a TS es a I oe oer a ere “ a 5 Saddle horses are undoubtedly the highest development of equine AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS &. =, intelligence, and are as varied in their moods as are, perhaps, their 137 ticularly true if the horses they select have been developed to anything like the finer state. A very considerable num- ber of Kentucky dealers and those from other parts of the country make a regular custom of sending shipments of their best animals to the markets two or three times a year in the large cities in the East and elsewhere and dis- posing of them there at public or private sale. But the suc- cessful breeding and developing of saddle horses is of neces- sity by no means restricted to Kentucky or any other place, though naturally there are certain advantages in the favored Bluegrass district, but just as good horses can be bred and developed in Virginia, New York, Massachusetts, or almost anywhere else as is true of even the most favored districts in Kentucky or Missouri. The person who has anything like an adequate suburban home anywhere, and who has the natural instinct of horsemanship, without which suc- cess would be impossible wherever he may be, has all the requisites of breeding saddle horses successfully either for his pleasure or his business profit. The ideal saddle horse is an animal between 15-1 and 15-3 hands, though horses either smaller or larger are used for these purposes according to the person who intends to employ them. It is particularly true of saddle horses that “there is no good horse of a bad color,” though bays, browns and chestnuts are those most highly favored, and the question of white markings on feet and face is one de- termined by individual preference. A good saddle horse must have a good back—short, with strong coupling—and must have massive shoulders and, particularly for side- saddle purposes, high, sloping withers; good legs and feet are indispensable, and a medium amount of action both of knees and hocks is a prime requisite. Too high action (Continued on page 144) EAN ENT SN TEE ATE PEE ct, riders GRAY IN INTERIOR DECORATION By Harry Martin Yeomans Photographs by T. C. Turner mq] N the eternal striving after something differ- ent, a general revival is taking place in deco- rative art, as is evidenced by the coming into use again of lacquered furniture in the Chi- nese taste and the black chintzes which accompanied it. The old maple furniture of the 1840 period, which was not considered worthy of being gathered in by the collector of old mahogany, is now being sought after eagerly, and the great interest taken in painted furniture has brought forward the humble, rush- bottom, painted chair of our grandmother’s day. The gray paneled rooms of the Louis XVI period are reflected in the gray wall-papers which have gradually made their appearance in the shops. These gray papers are good in themselves, and are not merely evoked by a passing fancy. If judiciously selected and properly combined with other colors, they can be used in almost any room in a house, and I cannot imagine anything more charming in effect and rest- ful than a small country house having all of the rooms done in different tones of gray, relieved, of course, by accessory colors. One is apt to think of gray as a very cold color and to associate it with formal drawing -rooms, boudoirs and bedrooms. This erro- neous impression will be dis- pelled, however, if one will bear in mind that a real gray is not obtained by mix- ing black and white, but by combining yellow and vio- let, the resultant color being a warm, vibrant, living color, which is in reality a neutralized violet. The more yellow used in the combination will give a warmer and more luminous gray, and vice versa. When using this color it is well to remember that gray is the most neutral color we have, and therefore makes an ex- cellent background and will combine harmoniously with almost any color. It is especially attractive when used in connection with yel- low, apple-green, rose-pink The candle-lamp shaded AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS SUGGESTIONS ON INTERIOR DECORATING AND NOTES OF INTEREST TO ALL WHO DESIRE TO MAKE THE HOUSE MORE BEAUTIFUL AND MORE HOMELIKE The Editor of this Department will be glad to answer all queries from subscribers pertaining to ; should be enclosed when a direct personal reply is desired April, 1912 ome Decoration. Stamps or mulberry. In rooms where gaily-colored cretonnes and chintzes are used in draperies and upholstery, restful gray walls will counteract the effect of these highly decorative fabrics. Gray is especially suited to a country house and gives an air of spaciousness and repose. There are so many varieties of gray papers now that a monotonous effect will not result from decorating a whole house in this color. There are the plain gray cartridge papers, narrow and wide stripe effects in self-toned papers, the chambray and oatmeal papers, the basket weaves and the always delightful gray tapestry effects which are being reproduced after old Colonial wall-papers. Ivory-white makes an ideal finish for the woodwork ina gray room, and one can hardly imagine any other combination so delightfully fresh and clean in appearance. Rooms situated on the northeastern side of the house should have the warm yellow grays, the cool grays being reserved for the rooms having a southern exposure. Additional color can be intro- duced by having over-curtains of golden-yellow or rose-pink, and repeating this same color in cushions and lampshades, and flowered cretonnes and chintzes will lend color to a gray scheme which needs to be livened up. In bedrooms, a narrow cut-out frieze of pink or yellow roses will give a touch of color. On account of its neutrality, gray is an excellent color for a hall connecting the different rooms of a house decorated in various colors. In a sitting-room in a country house a gray oatmeal paper was run up to the ceiling and finished with a mold- ing. All of the wood trim was painted ivory-white and a two-toned moss-green rug covered the hardwood floor. The chairs and settee were simple wicker shapes, enameled a soft gray, with seat-pads and cushions. of sage-green; the same color being seen in the China silk sill-length curtains at the windows. The tea-table, desk and desk chair were built on perfectly straight lines and stained a gray- green. The only pictures used were some Japanese prints framed in narrow moldings. ‘Two tall glass lamps had yellow silk shades, which added an agreeable note of color. The candle-lamp unshaded April, 1912 The result was a homelike, cheerful, livable room, embody- ing all of the restful qualities which one expects to find in a room intended for Summer use. The gray tapestry papers after Colonial originals are an ideal wall-covering for halls and dining-rooms, and, as they were originally designed to be used as a background for mahogany furniture, they are most appropriate in the Colonial type of house and make a beautiful setting for furniture of Chippendale, Sheraton and Hepplewhite design. To controvert the theory that gray 1s only suitable for boudoirs and bedrooms, the owner of a recently completed bungalow thought he would try a dif- ferent color scheme than the brown-stained trim which one instinctively associates with a bungalow. A gray and yellow scheme was decided upon, and all of the woodwork was stained a silver-gray, which brought out the grain and texture of the wood. The rough plaster walls were tinted a slightly lighter tone of this color and had a soft velvety appearance. Most of the furniture was of a simple type, stained gray and having tapering legs, which resembled those used by Hepplewhite on his furniture. Two of the comfortable Chinese hour glass chairs were added, as they seem to be at home in any company. The curtains were of gray cotton crépe, sill length, with a narrow band of silver galloon three inches from the bottom. Gray rag rugs were laid on the floor, as their texture combined well with the gray-stained wood. A large chimney breast of gray fieldstones at one end of the room helped along the color scheme. Brown corduroy was used to upholster the window-seat, and two vases with a matt glaze had been made into lamps and fitted with yellow opalescent glass shades, which added materi- ally to the attractiveness of this room. Here was an interior having all of the strong structural characteristics of the bungalow type of house, but which had lost none of its dignity and strength on account of being decorated with a gray color scheme. A CANDLE-LAMP HERE is a good substitute for the candle to light the dining-room table in the lamp shown in the illustration. It has the virtue of not burning out during a long dinner, which is not always the case when the imitation candles are used. The candle part is of porcelain, and holds sufficient kerosene oil to burn for twelve hours. The top is a minia- ture lamp, which simply has to be lifted off to be refilled, so that the top does not have to be unscrewed. It is simplicity itself, and, as the illustration shows, when the shade has An ingeniously devised and attractively designed built-in couch arrangement AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS £39 been placed over the little lamp it has the appearance of a candle, but is far more convenient. They cost fifty-nine cents. AN INTERESTING COUCH ARRANGEMENT T is often desirable to have a couch in a living-room, espe- cially in small houses or apartments, where it could be used for sleeping purposes in case of emergency, but the detached appearance of an ordinary couch when placed in a corner or in the middle of a long wall-space is not very pleasing. A couch can, however, be treated in such a way as to make it an agreeable piece of furniture and make one forget that it is a couch, as shown in the accompanying illustrations. Two box-like affairs, measuring 30 inches high by 32 inches deep by 20 inches wide, were built by a carpenter and placed at each end of a box couch. They were fitted with doors and shelves and made convenient storage places. Across the back they were connected by a flat board, extending down only as far. as the top of the couch, which formed a back against which the sofa pillows were arranged. ‘This back is not really necessary, as the pillows can be placed against the wall and will effectually hide the place where the couch and wall meet. These pillows were not made of odds and ends, arranged in hit-and-miss fashion, but were designed for this special couch and exactly fitted the space. There are five of them in all, arranged in a formal manner—three across the back and one at each end, the middle one at the back being a little longer than the others. They are of crimson velour decorated with bands of gold galloon across the ends, and blend harmoniously with the red tones of the Oriental rug which covers the couch. ‘This unique couch arrangement is placed against a verdure tapestry, the blue-green tones of which make a most beautiful background. In place of the tapestry, three brown prints framed in flat moldings could be hung over the couch, a large one exactly in the center and two smaller ones on either side, which arrangement would compose well with the couch underneath. The tops of the boxes make convenient places for books, and a lamp would be a desirable adjunct. Another feature about this couch arrangement is the fact that it was built in such a manner that it could be moved from place to place, as occasion re- quired, without having to rip it out of its place as one would have to do were it a bit of the usual sort of “built-in” furni- ture. Undoubtedly a number of different adaptations of this arrangement will suggest themselves to the ingenuity of the home decorator, such as having the box sides serve as book shelves, or as cabinets fitted with drawers. Te SSE APRIL DAYS IN THE GARDEN Photographs by T. C. Turner, Nathan R. Graves and others pom || LIEN we turn our kalendars to April’s page we find busy gardening days listed before us. Probably we will already have made our plans, have ordered our seeds, and have been getting tools furbished up, labels made, and a garden diary all ready to start. One can- not be too urgent about this last. The garden beginner who makes careful notes from day to day, throughout the whole season of planting and the maturing of flowers and vege- tables, will find himself at the end of Autumn possessed with a record of incalculable value. With such a volume at hand, one’s second year’s gardening will be much simplified. aside from the pleasure and satisfaction that is to be found che = “2e bes Dfrrrion., ¢ Be id ® ~ *@ Sf a et. otf * 4 eu There is not a lovelier flower for planting against walls than the common blue Lupine (Lupinus perennis) of the countryside AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Around the Garden A MONTHLY KALENDAR OF TIMELY GARDEN OPERA- TIONS AND USEFUL HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS ABOUT THE HOME GARDEN AND GROUNDS All queries will gladly be answered by the Editor. If a personal reply is desired by subscribers stamps should be enclosed therewith. in keeping a careful day-to-day diary of gardening operations. Y the first week in April the garden beginner should put a manurial dressing on the plot that is to become the vegetable garden. Asparagus and Rhubarb beds must also have manurial coverings, or have nitrate of soda applied to them as a fertilizer. : HEN the earth is fit for digging—that, of course, is when all danger of frost is past—the garden can be ploughed or spaded. Beans, Corn, Vines and Tomatoes must not go into the ground so early, but seeds of hardy vegetables may be sown. An early garden is always worth the effort, though judgment must be exercised in fitting its planting to the exigencies of the season in the various lo- calities of America. Roses should be sprayed with whale oil soap towards the end of the month, and then one may thin out the various perennial flower plants by dividing the roots. PRIL, ever famous for its sudden changes of tempera- ture, leads us to be on the alert, which means that we must never have an unexpected frost find us unprepared to protect our newly planted things, or hotbeds and cold- frames from it. Those perennials which will bloom this season if given an early enough start may now be planted by sowing their seed in coldframes without delay. As this will advance their maturity a whole season, the garden be- ginner will find it well worth his while to consider the matter of building hotbeds and coldframes as permanent adjuncts to his garden. ANNUALS FOR CUT FLOWERS T is probably true that all flowers, whether they be an- nuals or perennials, are lovely as cut flowers for adorn- ing the house inside. However, in response to the request of one of our readers, we give the following list of varieties which every garden, no matter how small, should include: Ten-weeks Stock, Sweet Peas, Nasturtiums, Coreopsis, China Aster, Sweet Alyssum, Mignonette, Gaillardia, Pansy, Phlox, Poppy, Zinnia, Dianthus and Marigold. Of course, it must be borne in mind that many other lovely flowers are available for cutting purposes, but no garden will quite seem complete which does not contain all the flowers listed. CONCERNING THE LUPINE VERY garden beginner will do well to consider the advantages of employing the Lupine when planning the home garden. Whether the landscape is confined to a vista of limited premises or not, clumps of our native Lupine will add to the effectiveness of any planting scheme. The Lupine has an interesting history, deriving its name from the Latin word for a wolf—lupus—because it was believed that the Lupine destroyed the fertility of the soil in which it was found growing. The Lupine produces in its varieties blue, white and yellow flowers, but the blue-flowered va- riety is the loveliest. While the Lupine succeeds poorly in a soil that contains an abundance of lime, it will grow al- April, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 141 most anywhere else, bloom- ing abundantly in its season. The florist’s Lupines form a group of hybrids by them- selves and are well worth ex- perimenting with. THE GARDENER’S LIBRARY HILE it is true that experience is, after all, the most reliable source for constructive information, it is equally true that the ex- periences of others carefully recorded and authoritatively presented must not be dis- regarded by the garden- maker who would hope to achieve the best results in the shortest possible time. rooms; No. 218, The School Garden; No. 220, Toma- toes; No. 257, Soil Fertility. In addition to the bulletins enumerated above, the gar- den-maker should add to his library a standard work on soils, one on fertilizers, a comprehensive manual of gardening, and other vol- umes to which he can turn for assistance when he finds himself in a quandary, or for obtaining a more comprehen- sive knowledge of some phase of gardening in which he happens to become espe- cially interested, such as Celery culture or Rose grow- Intelligence is the only short The value of hardy climbing Roses for planting around the house is here ing. As books on garden- cut to anything, and so the more we learn about gardening in gen- eral and in particular, the better equipped we are to find the most direct means of accomplishing the results that stand ahead of us as an incentive to interest ourselves in gardening at all. This serves to introduce the suggestion that every garden lover, whether he be of a bookish turn of mind or not, ought to have at least a small collection of books on gardens, garden-making and horti- culture in general. Aside from the con- crete knowledge such volumes by men of experience in such subjects contain— knowledge one may verify by one’s own experiences—works of the sort contain suggestive material that will inspire the garden-maker to blaze trails for himself through the thickets of horticultural perplexities. In the March number of AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS the editor pointed out the value to every garden-worker and home-maker of the various State Experiment Stations of the U. S. Depart- ment of Agriculture, and in connection with the present subject attention may like- wise be directed to the great usefulness of the various bul- letins of the Department— bulletins on horticultural and agricultural subjects—to be obtained gratis upon applica- tion to the Department at Washington. Among the bulletins issued the following will prove of especial interest to the home garden-maker: No. 185, Beautifying the Home Grounds; No. 248, The Lawn; No. gg, Insect Enemies of Shade Trees; No. 127, Important Insecti- cides; No. 154, the Home Fruit Garden; No. 156, The Home Vineyard; No. 181, Pruning; No. 195, Annual Flowering Plants; No. 204, The Cultivation of Mush- well illustrated The sloping triangular corner here shown was walled and brought to a level with the lawn back of it, a pergola being added, furnishing a delightful outlook. ing subjects are apt to have constant handling and somewhat hard usage (as one will often wish to carry them out into the garden itself for the purpose of “study upon the spot’’), it will be well to have all one’s garden books of a practical sort rebound in stout bindings that will protect the vol- umes against the wear and tear to which they will necessarily be always subjected. PRUNING FRUIT TREES READER of AMERICAN HoMEs AND GARDENS writes to ask the best time for pruning fruit trees. For the Peach, late Spring is the best prun- ing time. The pruning should then be undertaken just before the beginning of the new season’s growth. February and March are not, generally speaking, too early for Apple and Pear tree pruning, while Grapevines should be pruned in the late Fall or early Winter months. Generally speaking, orchard fruit trees should be pruned late in Winter or early in Spring. In this connec- tion, it will be well for the garden beginner to make a study of the sorts of buds of different fruit trees in order that he may learn to distin- guish between the varieties of fruit trees by this means, when the first appearance of the budding occurs. YELLOW ROSES Hardy Yellow Roses will interest every garden- maker. The following varie- ties are especially recom- mended for any garden: Persian Yellow (the old- fashioned Yellow Rose); Yellow Banksia (hardy climbing) ; Yellow Rambler (Aglaia); Blumenschmidt (Cochet type); Goldfinch (hardy climbing); Maman Cochet; Clara Jacquier; Harrison’s Yellow; and Etoile de Lyon (hardy ever- blooming Tea). BESS SM See TOOLS FOR HOUSEKEEPING By Elizabeth Atwood Recipes and photographs by Mary H. Northend | 1 IS strange how many very good house- keepers are careless about the “‘tools’’ of their routine work, both in regard to the completeness of equipment and in the care of them. If, for comparison, you take a a peep into a carpenter’s chest of tools you will find everything there bright and shining. Do you sup- pose the carpenter would go to work with a rusty saw, the teeth needing setting and sharpening? Do you think he would try to use a plane that was not sharp? In short, be- fore he begins a job he takes care that the contents of his tool-chest are in good order. Is his work any more im- portant than the daily work carried on in any kitchen? I am sure it is not; but the carpenter realizes that in order to do a good job with profit to himself he must have his tools in such shape that he can go about his work with them quickly and surely. It is the old story—almost any thing will do, as long as it holds together, is allowed to serve in the average kitchen, or in connection with the care of the house. This, however, is far from being true econ- omy. Just because a maid is paid to do the work, it is often assumed by the inex- perienced or _ thoughtless housewife that she can take extra time to rub the lint off from each tumbler that ac- cumulates by reason of the old worn cloth given her to do service as a towel. It may be true that the maid is expected to do what is placed before her to do, but she should have things in such shape that her work may be facilitated, not retarded. If this were realized more fully by all housewives, there would be less criticism of the time it takes Molly to do her work. I do not advocate a myriad of fancy tools in a kitchen. All too often superfluous devices are mere hindrances to the worker. The simple furnishings—the really needful—should be of the best, and should be kept in perfect order. And maids are not the only ones who are careless in matters of this sort. A can of sal-soda should be on every sink shelf, for as a cleanser of tins and all utensils it is hardly to be surpassed. ORANGE BOATs: AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS CES) ees ay HELPS TO THE HOUSEWIFE TABLE AND HOUSEHOLD SUGGESTIONS OF INTER- EST TO EVERY HOUSEKEEPER AND HOUSEWIFE Peel sweet oranges and halve. Ice each section with white frosting, and when set adorn each half with a citron sail. The result is attractive little boats April, 1912 After boiling in this solution of soda, the sticky masses that have been burned in the bottom of dishes becomes disinte- grated. ‘Then the stain may easily be removed by using Dutch cleanser or any gritty cleaner. In this way all cook- ing dishes, with their pretty white linings, may be kept looking like new. Did it ever occur to you how much was left sticking to the linings of cooking utensils before the advent of white-lined kitchen ware, which shows every spot immediately ? Brushes are a boon in a kitchen, yet you would be sur- prised to find them missing where you would surely expect to find them. ‘The long-handled brush for cleaning milk- bottles and narrow-necked pitchers; a brush for washing vegetables; a brush for washing iron skillets and tins, with a handle to it; a brush for brushing out fringes of doilies, etc.—these may be found in the five-and-ten-cent stores. So cost is not the reason for their absence. It is just plain lack of thought and care; and yet their use facilitates the work in a surprising way. Then the dish-towels and the dishcloths. What a mess and mass of raggedness in this connection is to be found in many kitchens? Rags which have outlived all chance of usefulness as dish-wipers are relegated to do duty as dish- cloths, all strings and lint though they are. I have seen them, so I know whereof I speak. These same pieces of cloth taken and folded to- gether, and a few rows of machine stitching put through them, would be changed from useless, troublesome rags to good dishcloths. The same thing may be done in making good floor- cloths. Many thin pieces of cloth, very absorbent, are of no use whatever for the hard wear a floorcloth gets, if left open in the original shape. But take and fold in the straggling ends and _ stitch back and forth several times, and presto! the unusable is converted into the best kind of a floor cloth. Just a little thought, just a little care, and a maid’s work is made just a little pleasanter. , The practice of using up the old tablecloths in the shape of dish-towels is a so-called economy practiced by many housekeepers, that to my mind is no economy at all, but a waste, while at the same time it adds work to the one who presides in the kitchen. The good housekeeper carefully hems her dish-towels before they go to the kitchen; others April, 1912 tear their old table-cloths into sizes small enough for use, leaving ravelings to start with and ravelings to accumulate. And how the lint comes off! Over and over must the glass- ware be wiped to get rid of this lint. Think of how much must be left on the white ware which does not show it. I call all this mistaken econ- omy. It calls for many use- less extra motions in the course of the lifetime of the table-cloth towel which might have been saved. This is surely an age when all kinds of economy of labor should be practiced, and the wise housekeeper will save her maid or herself. Moreover, in cases of illness old linen is priceless. I have been called upon for old linen by my neighbors more times than I could supply the need, and I never wasted any in my kitchen. In the times of the Civil War the value of old linen and cotton cloth was recognized. I don't believe the housekeepers of those days wasted their old linen in the kitchen. If you do not think you will need it, save it for someone who may. ‘There may come a time when it will be more of a gift than money. This is one way to help humanity somewhere, at sometime when you least expect it. As an example, let us cite the instance of two cases of illness in the neighbornood. One, a surgical case of many months’ standing, had used up all the available old linen in the house where the patient was. I asked housekeepers for old linen for bandages, and not one could help me out. “Tam very sorry, but you see we use our old table-cloths for dish-wipers and our napkins for dishcloths,” was the answer every time. Perhaps sometime these people will wish they had saved their old linen when sickness finds them unpre- pared. And, really, how much money have they saved? And how much more work have they put in the kitchen? Dish-toweling is woven for the purpose of wiping dishes. The fibre is hard-twisted, so that the lint does not readily come off. Table linen is not made that way. It is soft, and, when old, it is necessary to put a little starch in the water to hold the lint of the surface down smooth when it is ironed. All of this flies when kept in use in the kitchen. The same economy (?) is practiced in the use of old sheets. How much body is there left in sheeting which has become thin enough to slit upon the slightest provo- cation, and is thrown aside as too poor to use on the beds? Yet these are considered good enough to use on iron- ing-boards. I have seen ironing-boards, many times, with square and three-cornered tears right where you would naturally start to iron. Why? Because right there is where all the force of the wear was the greatest. A piece of starched goods stuck, and rip went the cloth into shreds! ORANGE IN SECTIONS: GRAPEFRUIT TUB: on same. AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Score the orange in eighths from the nearly to the blossom end, and carefully loosen the peel. the sections from one another, without removing them from the peel at the blossom end. Serve in this way, or roll inward the points of the peel to form a border around the base of the fruit. Cut the top from smooth, evenly-shaped grape- fruit, and carefully cut to simulate the handles of tubs and the hoops Remove the core, fill cavity with powdered sugar, and serve. 143 Now, two yards of unbleached “domestic,” at eight cents a yard, gives the length for an ironing-board. Torn into two strips it will furnish the coverings, which in point of time will out-wear several old sheets, to say nothing of the com- fort of an ironing-board which is to be trusted to resist starched articles. It is really an art to make a perfect sur- face onanironing-board. In the first place, the ironing- board should not be less than five feet in length, tapering well at one end. It should have three heavy cleats screwed on the back to pre- vent warping, as the steaming on the upper part is very considerable. It is well to buy a strip of ingrain carpet- ing the length of the board, if you have none that is old, for it must not be too thin. [wo thicknesses of that should be very firmly tacked into place on the edge, not turned over, and trimmed off neatly. This is really per- manent, lasting many years, for the wool fibre never packs down so solidly as old cotton bedspreads, a favorite covering used by housekeepers. On top of the carpet six or even more layers of old sheets should be fastened, and these covered by the new cotton, all stretched very taut. Here is a perfect ironing surface which will delight the heart of the laundress, whoever she may be. An old rug for her to stand upon, folded several times, will make her comfort complete, for ironing is as hard upon the teet as on the hands. Speaking of hands, how many times havel had to fold old cotton cloths over and over again to use as an iron-holder! For the old things would come unfolded while in use. Every kitchen should be supplied with perfect iron-holders, as well as thinner ones for use in lifting hot dishes. The pieces of carpet cut from the tapering end of the ironing-board serve as the best foundation. The wool proves an admirable non- conductor of the heat, which the old folded cotton is not. Cut this in round or oval shape, leaving no corners to get scorched while in use. Cover with bedticking, using two or three layers of carpet, according to thickness, neatly overhanding the edges. Three of these are the least one should try to get along with, for changing from one to another rests the hands immensely. Perhaps this makes a good deal of trouble to go to just for ironing—but it does pay. The smiles of a laundress when she finds good tools for her work are only part of your pay. The moral effect of this thought on your part for her comfort is returned to you by additional perfection of work, for it undoubtedly serves as a stimulus. As for one who must do it herself, there surely can be no question. Much time can be saved when one will bother to hem her dustcloths. I never found that feather-stitching made stem Then loosen 144 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS them any more serviceable, although making them a very pretty as well as useful Christmas gift. oo often we see the old rags, lint-giving things, in use as dustcloths. And, too, these same cloths seldom get the washing they need in order to do good work. The same can be said of the cloths used for cleaning silver. Washing is good for them, too. I know of no more aggravating thing than a dustpan with edge dented and curved, until there is no place more than an inch in length striking the floor. Perfectly good in every way save in having a straight edge, it is kept on and on. Trying it is to maid and mistress, yet, through lack of thought, it continues to try the patience. Egg-beaters with a hitch in the cogs, or a slip more likely, necessitating, perhaps, twenty turns of the wheel where it should only take one; chopping-knives which never see a grindstone; strainers which have lost the “lip” to hang on the edge of bowl or basin, or have lost the handle, making it almost sure that the fingers will get burned—all these are to be found. What man would stand it? Work is not only simplified, but it is made much pleas- anter by having one’s tools kept in order. It does take time, I grant you, but nowhere does the same expenditure of time bring greater results. All these things are worth the housekeeper’s attention, for they make possible a con- servation of energy that is a true domestic economy. Gt fee cco ef occ BY SE OC omc ecco el ot men ommnta fn cect] RE [ONC THE GARDEN OF ROSES (Continued from page 117) NEpEaiaaapar axial Oe oie ae ee Oe One wood. Stake up longest canes: Lord Penzance’s Hybrid Sweet Briers, exceedingly beautiful, several sorts in highly contrasting shades; Refulgence, semi-double flowers over three inches across, dazzling scarlet, borne in large clusters, very fragrant, a fine distinct sort; Juliet, this and Soleil - d@Or (below) are Roses of a distinct new type; Hybrid Austrian Brier, very hardy, fragrant and free flowering, and having some flowers during Autumn (Juliet is very beautiful and distinct in having reverse of petals old gold, while the inside a rosy red, a striking combination) ; Soleil d’Or, fine double flowers, color from orange-yellow to reddish-gold, very pleasing. The “Baby Ramblers’’—This is the popular name which has been given to a new and very desirable type of Rose, most of which are Polyantha Hybrids. They are dwarf in habit, eighteen to twenty-four inches high, true perpetual bloomers, some of them blooming all year round, and very floriferous, the plants with their large trusses frequently looking like huge bouquets. ‘They are very valuable for edging and bedding purposes, and especially for pot plants, for which use they are as yet too little known: Baby Ram- bler Madam Norbert Lavasseur, small crimson flower, re- sembling those of the Crimson Rambler; Mrs. Cut-bush, cerise-pink, like Lady Gay Rambler; duchen Muller, bril- liant rose-pink; Katherina Zeimet, pure white; Mrs. Taft, fine brilliant red; Phyllis, beautiful pink; Little Dot, delicate pink, shading white; George Pernet, bright pink; Perle des Rouges, deep red; Snowball, very free flowering, white; Jessie, bright cherry-red, white center; The Orleans, bril- liant red, large white center; Leonie Lamesch 1s a very dis- tinct new Polyantha, one of the most remarkable and attrac- tive of Roses on account of its peculiar combination of colors, flowers are large and borne in trusses, ground-color Rose, shading deeper towards edges of petals, which are blotched blood-red, while the base of petals shows varying shades of yellow. Inexhaustible indeed are the pleasures and surprises of the Rose garden, and happy he, or she, who can, even though starting out with but a dozen plants, add from year to year the wonderful new creations of the painstaking hybridizers. April, 1912 THE SADDLE. HORSE F OR THE COUNTRY HOME (Continued from page 137) EBT GE foo ft cnc [Oot cxxnffocote fi cmctpeoote] RES) EDP gives the rider a rough voyage, while the stiff-legged ae cutting movement characteristic of the thoroughbred leads one to fear the danger of a fall as a result of stumbling. Dragging the hocks or carrying the hind legs out behind makes a collected unity of action impossible, and gives the rider an unpleasant sense of being roughly shaken. The neck should be what horsemen call right side up, in order that the horse may be able to take a collected form, by which is meant that his neck should be arched and his muzzle drawn in towards the chest so that it will be possible for him to have a responsive mouth constantly amenable to the control of his rider. The horse who goes with his head high and his nose stretched out is the one that will be beyond control and likely to incur disaster should he take a notion to bolt. Among the faults and defects that should be most care- fully avoided in a saddle horse are mutton withers, straight shoulders, impure gait, which means winging, dishing or paddling; weakness of eye or wind, drooping ears or long slab-side waists. A good saddle horse is wide between the eyes and has his ears close set and sharply pricked. The question of long or short tails is, of course, one of individual preference, with all sentiments of humanitarianism on the side of the tail in its natural state. The placid tempered, quiet going, sturdily built and muscularly developed horse is one that will give ideal service under the “‘pig skin.” The period during which saddle horses continue to be useful varies with the individual horse and owner, but well cared for they last for years. The undefeated champion saddle horse of this country, ‘Poetry of Motion,” is now fifteen years of age and as fit for service as at any time in his career and, in fact, is to all intents and purposes a better and more useful horse to-day than he was when four years of age. Practically every saddle horse is equally as useful in har- ness as under the saddle, and the fact that they are the most intelligent of any breed of horse is well demonstrated by the fact that although they are taught to go different gaits at a signal and to maintain that gait until given the proper in- dication for a change, they are also taught that in harness they are to go at one gait only, aside from the walk, and that they rarely depart from it. There is a curiously mis- taken, but very prevalent idea that the use of a saddle horse under harness in a sense depreciates his value for riding purposes. So far from this being true, it is a fact that practically all saddle horses are made perfect for harness use before a saddle is ever placed upon them; and there- fore the owner of a well bred saddle horse has one exactly adapted for the dual purposes of saddle and harness use; and, incidentally, it is proper to mention that, barring only extreme speed, there are no horses that can be used with greater satisfaction in harness or are better average road- sters than are the well-bred saddle animals. Because of the fact that they conform to type, and that a breeder can reproduce the particular sort of animal he cares for with measurable certainty, makes the breeding of saddle horses more probably certain of success and attendent by fewer precarious risks than is true of any other breed. By reason of the fact that it costs infinitely less to produce and bring to his finest estate a saddle horse than any other, this animal has an infinite advantage over all other breeds. The owner of a suburban home anywhere is the logical producer of the average type of saddle horse, and there are few things which can engage his fancy with greater certainty of profit and pleasure, or be attended by less of business risk. . p oe April, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS xv = Long-Life HEN you build or when you decorate remember the splendor of colonial white wainscot- ing, pillars and stairways. How they set off the deep rich color of mahogany doors and furniture! Adopt this scheme in some or all of your rooms and ask your architect or painter to use Vitralite. “Then the splendor will not fade, for Vitralite’s pure whiteness is permanent. Vitralite does nct turn yellow nor crack. It gives a smooth porcelain-like surface unbroken by brush mark; either a rich gloss or soft rubbed finish on any surface, wood, metal or plaster; inside or outside. It’s water-proof. Send for Free Vitralite Booklet and Sample Panel See for yourself what beautiful white effects Vitralite makes possible. ‘‘ Decorative Interior Finishing ’’ will help you in selecting color schemes for the whole house. You need this free book before you decorate. Send for it. **61”? Floor Varnish will be the finish for your proof. You may dent the wood but the varnish floors after you Send for Free Sample Panel won’t crack. ‘‘The Finished Floor’’ is a free finished with ‘*61”’ and test it with hammerand booklet which tells how to finish and care for floors. heel. You'll find it mar-proof, heel-proof, water- You need it as well as our other books. Send for it. If your dealer cannot supply ‘‘P & L’’ Varnishes, write us at 119 Tonawanda Street, Buffalo, N. Y.; in Canada, 63 Courtwright Street, Bridgeburg, Ontario st XVI AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS April, 1912 Before Summer Comes Have Your Trees Put in Shape Make them a source of pleasure for your sum- mer and a valuable asset to your property. There are few trees past saving. Many a magnificent tree, the pride of its owner, has been saved from certain death by the skill of our men. The tulip tree shown here (in the Tiffany estate on Long Island) was filled with cement from top to bottom and given a new lease of life. Let us care for your trees as they should be cared for. We have the skill, the men, and the experience to give you perfect service. Our work is guaranteed and we inspect it every six months without expense to you. We will examine your trees, tell you what they need and what it will cost to fix them up. This will cost you nothing. Why not send to-day for one of our representatives and go over things with him? Send for Our Free Book “Making Good” in Trees Explains the care your trees need, how we work, and what we have done for others and can do for you. Appleton & Sewall Co., Inc. Foresters and Surveyors 162 Fifth Avenue New York | ring yoursel . tinuous income of Twenty- ive Dollars a week | in. case of Disability? To do this is to AZETNA-IZE Your Income. DISABILITY INSURANCE costing Sixty Dollars a year, (payable semi-annually or quarterly if you prefer) will provide an income of ' $25 per week while you are disabled by EITHER ACCIDENT | OR ILLNESS. ' And tn addition : $5,000 to your family if your ACCIDENT results fatally. $5,000 to You if it causes loss of both hands; or both feet, or one hand and one foot; or one hand and one eye; or one foot and one eye. $2,500 to YOu if it causes loss of one hand, or one foot; or one eye.. These amounts (except for ilness) are ALL DOUBLED if your accident happens in a public passenger conveyance or elevator, or in a burning building. if your occupation puts you in the ‘Preferred ’’ class, and you are under 50 years of age and in good health, send us the coupon and we will aol you more about how to JETNA-IZE YOUR. INCOME cot See GN OSD en: Se TS ee ee me se ee /ETNA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY ACCIDENT AND LIABILITY DEPT. . 3 HARTFORD, CONN. TELL ME HOW TO Poa MANZE MY INCOME | : Age ee ae ee eae _ WName_ Occupation___.______-____ _ Business Address. SPRING HOUSECLEANING By ELIZABETH DANDRIDGE HE last days of Winter should find one with well defined ideas of what will be necessary in the way of cleansing, re- newing and re-arranging in the annual housecleaning, which has especial import- ance when done in the Spring. Fall house- cleaning seldom assumes the scope and im- portance of the Spring overhauling, as one usually prefers that fresh paint and paper and accompanying renewals should come at a time when the soot and dust nuisance in- cident to Winter fires is abated. In these days of factories and _ shops, when efficient help in the kitchen is almost unknown and one is fortunate if they can get a woman to come in occasionally and help with the weekly sweeping and dusting, it is inevitable that the brunt of the house- cleaning must fall on the housewife. True. one can hire men to come in and do the heavy work of moving furniture, cleaning and laying carpets and washing windows, but this by no means covers the whole busi- ness of Spring housecleaning, and when this is done it is necessary to have everything in shape so that as much as possible may be done in the time one feels able to employ the men, for their services are by no means cheap—five dollars a day being as low as one can expect the services of two capable men, and often their charges much exceed that figure. The best plan then, whether the work is done in this way or by home talent, is to have everything as far advanced as possible before the actual work of taking down beds and cleaning carpets begins. Closets must be thoroughly cleaned and put in order be- fore anything else is undertaken, bureau drawers sorted and arranged, curtains and portiéres taken down and all small objects of art or ornaments cleaned and_ placed where there will be no danger of careless handling, soiling or breaking them, so that the work of settling the rooms may go for- ward rapidly once the carpets are laid. Where the work must be all or mainly done by the members of the family I have found that it simplifies matters greatly to undertake but one room at a time and to keep the remainder of the house in as good order as possible so as to remove as far as possible the feeling of discomfort that a disordered house always brings. Always aim to clean the rooms farthest from the kitchen first, beginning with the upstairs and leaving each room settled be- fore tearing up another. Always avoid cleaning a room that will have to have fur- niture from another room piled into it or much run over first, for it is little satisfac- tion if, when the last rooms are finished, the first ones already show signs of dust and usage. A good order is, first the bedrooms and upper halls and staircase, then the par- lors, sitting-room, lower halls, downstairs bedrooms (if any), dining-room and cellar, and lastly the kitchen. Always attend to the cleaning of the fur- nace while yet it is in use, for as soon as cold the soot and ashes gather dampness and cling to the flues and it is difficult to dislodge; take a mild day, when it is pos- sible to let the fire die down, and thoroughly clean flues and smoke-pipe, replacing the pipe and leaving the furnace ready to re- spond -to any call for its services in the changeable weather of early Spring and Summer. * In nearly all houses there will be one or more rooms which will need re-papering, and this will be done in the Spring rather than in the Fall. It goes without saying that wherever paper is to be renewed, all the old paper on the wall should be removed, April, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS os XVil Sow Your Grass Seed with _ The Velvetlawn Seeder_ UTS the seed in the ground—not on top. None blown away or eaten by birds. Makes a beautiful, uniform lawn certain in the shortest time. Saves enough seed to pay for itself. Run easily by one person. No matter how small your lawn you can afford to have this seeder. Let us send you letters from users, prices, illustrations, etc. Weanalyzesoil and advise our customers free as to the best seed and fertilizer. Write today. VELVETLAWN SEEDER CO. 20 Columbia St. Springfield, Ohio OLD ENGLISH GARDEN SEATS RUSTIC WORK Catalog of many designs on request North Shore Ferneries Company, Beverly, Massachusetts __ Puts 4 tools in your hand at one ‘time—Cultivator, Weeder, Rake and Hoe. Cultivates on 3 sides of = atone stroke. Send for Iifustrated tie, Price List of this and OTHER — 28 HanbDy GARDEN TOOLS. Set ty ati Sood Seed, Hardware aod 2 ‘ Departnent Stores ¢ MEHLER GARG TOOL C AMBLER, PA., U.S.A. Exclusive fabrics of soft, selected camel’shairwoven Jin undyed natu- *fval color. Also =” pure wool, dyed in any color or com- bination of colors. Any length. Any 4 width—seamless up to 16 feet. The finishing touch of individuality. / Made on short notice. Write for color card. Order through your furnisher. THREAD & THRUM WORKSHOP, Auburn, N. Y. Made-fo-order rugs for porch, bungalow or - Summer "You choose the colors, we'll makethe ng m SHEEP MANURE Dried and pulverized. No waste and no weeds Best fertilizer for lawns—gardens— trees—shrubs—vegetables and fruit. BARREL Equal Large barrel, freight id WAGON LOADS $4. 00 ea arrel oi Riera STABLE with ae Write for in- eresting booklet and quantity prices. THE PULVERIZED MANURE CO. 21 Union Stock Yards Chicago, Ill. MANURE Landscape Gardening Everyone interested in suburban and country life should know about the home study courses in Horticulture, Floriculture, Landscape Gardening, etc., which we offer under Prof. Craig and others of the Department of Horticulture of Cornell University, 250-page Catalogue Free Prof. Craig Write to-day THE HOME CORRESPONDENCE SCHOOL Dept. A. H. Springfield, Mass. Hangings and Russian Brasses Purchased. INTERIOR DECORATIONS Color Schemes suggested. Take advantage of q Correspondence Solicited. HARRY MARTIN YEOMANS the New York Shops. Furniture, Wall-Papers, Advising Decorator 63 W. 87th St., New York but this adds materially to the cost of the work, as the paperhangers charge the same for removing paper as for hanging, often more than the actual cost of the paper; it therefore becomes an object with many to do this part of the work themselves. The ceiling paper is always the most diff- cult to remove, owing to the irksome climb- ing of step ladders and the proneness to ad- here closely to the plaster that ceiling paper often shows. I have found, however, an ideal way to deal with this part of the work, especially in rooms on the ground floor. When the furniture and carpets are re- moved, the hose is brought into the room. with the fine spray attached, or if one has no water system, a force pump will answer every purpose, and the ceiling quickly and honoree wet down, taking especial pains to wet the border and the angle of the wall where it meets the ceiling paper. If the wetting is thoroughly done the ceiling paper will come off almost entire and in less time than it takes to tell you about it. I have frequently seen large ceiling papers come down in two pieces, bringing a good share of the border and side wall-paper along. If it is desired to remove ceiling papers from an upper room it will be necessary for two or more to handle the job, so that the water may be wiped up quickly before it has time to soak through to the ceiling below, but once one has tried this labor-saving method they will never go back to the tedious and painful method of scraping paper off by hand with a knife. The side walls, unfor- tunately, cannot be handled so well in this way, as there is no force of gravity, in- creased by the weight of the water, to bring them down, but where there are two or three to handle the work it may be much hastened by wetting one wall at a time and peeling it before it has time to dry, for paper only sticks the tighter once it begins to dry. In renewing paper it is well to bear in mind that the drop ceiling is by far the more satisfactory and artistic finish ; borders are seldom satisfactory, and one soon tires of the prettiest of them, and they always give a common effect to a room, but a hand- some side wall, preferably of the ingrain or two-toned papers, with a white, cream or light colored ceiling, is always satisfactory, and by replacing the ceiling when soiled a sidewall can be made to do service two or three years longer than would otherwise be the case, the new ceiling making the side- wall itself appear new. In the use of rugs on hardwood floors, or their substitutes in filling (painted border or matting) greatly simplifies the cleaning of floors, as rugs may be sent to the cleaner, who will call for them in the morning and deliver them, all sweet and clean, in time to lay on the floors at the end of the day’s cleaning, if desired. Mattings are so easily cleaned at home that no woman need hesi- tate to undertake them, as it is only neces- sary to lay them on the grass and sweep each side thoroughly and relay on the floor. Any grease spots may be easily removed with gasoline, but do not do that on the lawn, or it will make dead spots on the grass. When the mattings are relaid, if found faded and somewhat shabby, it will be found that they can be greatly improved by going over them, a breadth at a time, with hot diamond dyes of the color of the matting. Of course, the mattings will be made up like carpets. If the house is fitted with storm windows it will simplify matters if the inside win- dows are washed—those which may be tak- en out—before the storm windows are taken down, as this can be done regardless of the weather, often a decided advantage. Sundial in the Garden of Mrs. Leupold Stern, West End, N.J OUR garden is not complete without asundial, the time-piece of the ages. Our sundials are designed to harmonize with every type of garden treatment. They are both decorative and artistic. Constructed of marble, stone and Pompeian stone with dials of hand-chased brass. they are practically everlasting. Send today for catalogue A, illustrating our models of sundials, benches, vases, fountains, statuary, etc. The ERKINS STUDIOS, ™sgasaenigsee 230 Lexington Ave., New York. Factory, Astoria,-L. I. New York Selling Agents—Ricceri Fl_reatine Terra Cotta | SC GHAWPERRICNS ‘J Plants by the dozen or by the million. @ 120 acres planted in 102 varieties, Al. AD the standards and the most promising of AN the new ones, Largest grower iu NY \ : America, Every plant true to name, Also Raspberry, Blackberry, Gooseberry and Currant Plants, Grape Vines, Cali- fornia Privet and other Shrubbery.[p\\y 4 (Cultural directions with each ship-/\ i Q ment, Beautiful Catalogue FREE. Senu J portal today. My personal guaranteepn\| 4 ack of poi Bes Ay) F. ALLEN 4 10% Market Street, Salisbury, Md. A COZY NICHE IN YOUR BUNGALOW Send $1 00 for my new and complete book—Bungalows showing oor plans, interior an etnies perspective from photographs with prices for the completed buildi I Guarantee to Caren at Prices Named If book is not satisfactory and is not what you want, I will refund the money. O.S LANG, Bungalow Specialist, 690 Seventh St., Buffalo, N.Y. For a Most Beautiful Lawn Bow KALAKA. It is specially selected, specially tested grass and pulverized manure—the ideal combination to grow aaa hardy, lasting turf. For seeding new lawns or putting new life into the old lawn nothing equals Packed in 5 pound boxes at 81.00 per box, express paid east, or 81.25 west of Omaha. Write and ask for prices on special mixtures for special locations and purposes. Order today and have the best seed money can buy. Get ourfreelawn book. THE KALAKA CO., 25 Union Stock Yards, Chicago Filter Y our Entire Water Supply Avoid Typhoid and other diseases always present in impure water by installing a Paddock Water Filter You will then use pure water for drinking and all household purposes. Write to-day for catalog. Atlantic Filter Company 309 White Building Buffalo, N. Y. XVill AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS April, 1912 “come, feeling that my t be a burden to you, I _ would gladly do so, because the house is ~ too heavy burden for me. It. is im- possible te meet the notes on the home _and provide a comfortable living for the children. nee __As I see the little sum of money, that George left, growing smaller each day, the uncertainty of the future has as- sumed a=: serious. aspect. The shock of George’s. sudden death was enough with- out this unexpected worry of things which are all new to me. Devotedly,. ‘3 Charlotte. Travelers Insurance Co Hartford, Conn! Gentlemen: _ Cc Please accept my thanks for _ kind remittances which you have sent m . each. month,. following the sudden deat ' of my husband. It-is hardly necessary for’ me to tell: you how much this:monthly in ' come has saved me from worry and possible privation. ; ' f 3 Be My: husband’s untimely death. left me the ¢are of. two children and I shudder as I think what might have. become of us’ without. his forethought and your prompt- ness. ‘Very truly yours, (Mrs. J. B._F) Sarah B. F—— WHICH OF THESE LETTERS WOULD YOUR WIFE WRITE? Ss the. father, -upon ‘your forethought ; and - labor. rest. the welfare, decent living and happiness of your -wife and children: -In- case_. of your death, our Guaranteed Low Cost Monthly Income Policy means a monthly income for your family—not a princely fortune, but enough to “make both ends meet.” Our interesting booklet tells all about it; write for. one ‘today. HARTFORD, CONN. The Travelers Insurance Company Please send me particulars regarding Guaranteed Low Cost Monthly Income Policy. Date of Birth Business Address State ® The y benefits of outdoor life but none of its discomforts, are realized in The Burlington Venetian Blind In your windows it makes your room delight- fully cool. Enclose your porch with the Burlington Venetian Blind and you have added a healthful out-of-door room to your home. P The Burlington Venetian Blind can be raised or lowered at will, and can be adjusted to any angle to suit the height of the sun. The Burlington Venetian Blind is made to order only. Our illustrated catalog, telling about the various styles, will be mailed to you on request. Burlington Venetian Blind Co. 339 Lake St. Burlington, Vt. A bome hotel for the family, the business man and any one desiring a residence within an hour from New - York and enjoy the delights of country eleva- tion, rest and environments. ‘This is what the Mont- clair Hotel offers. It is operated on the American plan, has grillroom with facilities for private parties, banquets, dances under the direction of T. Edmund For Clean Grounds and Buildings SQVY, THE STEPHENSON ren “ZAIN Mass Underground Refuse Disposal Zz Underground Garbage Receiver. Opens with the foot. Dogs, ‘ cats, flies have no chance to get at the gar- bage. clean back yard. The Under-floor Refuse Re- ceiver for sweepings and oily waste in the garage, ashes and waste in the cellar, yard or street. Underground Earth Closet with or without portable steel house. For farms, camps, etc. Steel house very convenient for use as a bath house. Send for circular about each. Sold direct. 9 years in use. C. H. STEPHENSON, Manufacturer 21 Farrar Street Lynn, Mass. Simmons Hose Reels Save time and money. Besides, its spiral wind protects life of hose indefinitely. Also neat and compact, with eff- cient lawn - sprinkler combined. Each, - $4.00 net Garden Hose that stands the test of time. None but pure rubber and best fabric used in its construc- tion. Buy direct and save un- necessary Krumbholz of the Kirkwood, Camden, Pia Ot % profits. } S.C. and the Sagamore, on Lake George. Price, including Nozzle and Coup- Mr. R. C. Millard, Resident Manager, will lings, complete, 10 cents per foot net. reply to all inquiries and call upon request. JOHN SIMMONS CO. 104-110 Centre Street New York City April, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS xix And speaking of windows, brings up the Ji ea ZN subject of curtains—probably one of the OLE Zi most dreaded tasks of housecleaning. For years I followed the time-honored method of washing, starching and pinning the sheets on the floor, each scallop religiously pulled out and pinned in place, a back-breaking and tedious operation, as no room in the house, available, was large enough to allow of more than two pairs on the floor at the same time; since then, however, I have learned a better and easier way, which is to take a bright, sunny day with not too much wind, and wash the curtains in the usual way, using a good washing machine, if one has one; rinsing, bluing (if clear white is desired), using a coffee color if écru cur- tains are preferred, and hanging at once on the line. No starching will be required if the curtains were starched the previous year and but little, if not; a stiffly starched cur- tain is inartistic, and so patently done over that it should be tabooed from all good ve Rustic Hickory Furniture for Parks and Lawns i i i i i bles, Swings, Couches, Tabourets, > ; It’s strictly in keeping with nature, and adds to the beauty of Chairs, Rockers, Settees, _Ta 5, ¢ housekeeping Wf the surroundings. Nothing quite so inviting as plenty of large, Lawn Seats, Pergolas, Sideboards, Rustic Benches, Hanging , 4 = i roomy chairs or wide, comfortable settees made of Rustic Hickory. Baskets, Lawn Vases, Costumers, Window Boxes, Dining Chairs, Two or more pairs of curtains may be : The framework of Selected Hickory Saplings—bent into grace- Fences, Summer Houses, and a great yetiely of other pieces. + d angles—seats and backs of hand-woven flexible Rustic Hickory Furniture is so reasonable in price, anyone can undertaken SERGE Hang them on the i SE Seana trike natural wood. Over one hundred styles of afford it. If your dealer cannot supply you write us. Catalogue free. line across the middle, so that the top and RUSTIC HICKORY FURNITURE CO.,_ 103 STATE STREET. LA PORTE, INDIANA _ bottom will hang evenly together, and have | (= Ss es = aR : the line low enough so that the top may be readily reached, but do not let the curtains touch the ground. Use a perfectly clean. but not too harsh, whisk broom, and, com- mencing at one end of the line, brush the curtain straight down from the line to the ground, taking each one in turn until that side of the line is gone over, then repeating the brushing on the opposite side and con- tinuing from curtain to curtain and side to side until the curtains are nearly or quite dry. When thoroughly dry on the line they may be taken down and hung at once on the poles, when they will look like new But it is to be hoped that no heavy house- cleaning has been undertaken without a due regard to the fact that housecleaning is hungry work, and that the services of the boys and men of the family will be far more cheerfully rendered if their appetites are catered to to a reasonable extent, and a sim- ple lunch in the middle of the forenoon— though it be but an appetizing sandwich and cup of tea, often bridges over a point where some untoward incident or dragging task has brought patience and nerves to the breaking point. There will be little leisure to cook and fuss in the kitchen while the actual work of cleaning is under way, but it is quite possible to provide a supply of hearty and appetizing food that may be placed in a cool cellar or refrigerator and make much actual cooking unnecessary. A good consommé put up in pint cans ready for immediate use is easily prepared and the meat from the bones will make a sub- stantial hash, which may be rendered more dainty and appetizing by piling on it some crisp lettuce leaves and dressing it with a good mayonnaise, of which there should be a generous supply in the refrigerator. Pork and beans always suit the masculine appe- tite, and most feminine ones, too, and hard boiled eggs are capable of many variations not the least satisfactory of which is chopped, mixed with mayonnaise and used as a sandwich filling. Instead of sitting down tired and disheveled to an untidy table with anything one could pick up handy to eat, try having something rather extra 1g) GUARANTEED tamdlamdl” Hees fe Ql FIXTURES & S; “‘ULTIVATING the desire for cleanliness among children used to be difficult. Since the advent of ‘Standard’ Sanitary Bathroom fixtures, habits of cleanliness have not needed cultivating. Their attraction creates the desire to bathe. The practical utility, the beauty and the enduring quality of “Standard” fixtures makes them an everlast- ing joy to every generation in the home. Genuine “Standard” fixtures forthe Homeand demand ‘Standard’ quality at less expense. for School, Ofhce Buildings, Public Institu- Aq) “Standard” fixtures, with care, will! last a tions, etc., are identified by the Green and Stel ely wish Me Shen oe Se ait bears the guarantee label. In order to avoid Senne eaic Werner: ani fae cae! the substitution of inferior fixtures, specify ture, have a slightly thinner enameling, and ‘otandard” goods in writing (not verbally) thus meet the requirements of those who and make sure that you get them. lifetime. And no fixture is genuine wzless 7f which may be prepared beforehand and Standard Sanitary Wf. Co. Dept. 23 PITTSBURGH, PA. make no extra call on one’s time and New York ...... BN sete Needle eee ley lent Svenuc So. 9 Londen. --253 Holborn Vieduct EC. j Chi _.2. 415 Ashland Block New Orleans, Baronne & St. Joseph Sts. ouston, Tex., Preston and Smith Sts. strength, but put on the table neatly and in SSRs Xan NESIESEEE NIE areal Gates. 215 Coristine Bldg. San Francisco. .Metropolis Bank Blds. shape to tempt ones appetite and give real Toronto, Can. 59 Richmond St.,E. Boston......+++++ John Hancock Bldg. Washington, D. C.,.--Southern Bldg. pleasure, and see how much more cheerfully Pittsburgh..... .. 106 Sixth Street Louisville........ 319-23 W. Main Street Toledo, Ohio..... 311-321 Erie Street S is.... 100 N. Fourth Street Cl land...... 648 Huron Road, S.E. Fort Worth, Tex...Frontand Jones Sts. ea teh i EenieeCan Werters 20-28 Jackson St.,W. one returns to the work before them! But let the food be really nourishing and some- thing that is easily digested ; no use to make one’s digestive system work overtime be- cause the body must. xX AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS % BAY STATE ¢- of Y. 5, pat: My Coating is the Best Protection for Concrete @ I want you to know Bay State Brick and Cement Coating is be- ing specified by the leading archi- tects and contractors not only as a coating on cement, stucco, and brick surfaces to protect them against moisture, but on high grade interior work on both wood and plaster. @ When you need a coating for cement and want something that will stand up and give you protec- tion and durability, also a pleas- ing finish, use the Bay State Brick and Cement Coating, which is the result of research and experimental work for more than a decade. Wherever it is used on stucco, con- crete, wood, or plaster, it stands up better than any other. @ You know how necessary it is to protect concrete surfaces against dampness. My coating is damp proof and gives a pleasing ap- pearance without destroying the texture of concrete and in addition is a fire retarder. @ Write for particulars about Bay State Brick and Cement Coating. Address for booklet No. 3. Wadsworth, Howland & Co., Inc. Paint and Varnish Makers and Lead Corroders 82-84 Washington Street Boston, Mass. You can secure at small cost a movable power plant that will convert your country home into a modern city dwelling Electric light at less than city cost. water pressure system of your own with lots of water tor lawn, garden and fire protection. and additional power for churn, pumporcreamseparator. Tellus your problem and get full information. Ellis Engine Co, 97 Mullett St., Detroit, Mich. If You Have A Hose You Need a ‘‘Detachable’’ Hose Reel @ Your hose will last three times as long—always free from kinks and twists. Hose is attached perma- nently to reel whichslips on faucet, locks and is ready for use. Reel revolves on the faucet to wind or un- wind the hose. Get it on trial— it’s guaranteed. Send for a copy of ‘‘Useful Things for the Lawn.” It fully describes the “‘Detachable”’ Hose Reel and the “Easy Empty- ing’ Grass Catcher for Lawn Mowers and a number of other mighty valuable lawn articles, THE SPECIALTY MFG. CO. 1045 Raymond Ave., St. Paul, Minn. SANITATION OF SWIMMING POOLS HE work of protecting and purifying public water supplies has suggested the investigation of the condition of a re- lated -subject—the water of swimming pools, which forms the subject of a paper recently read before the American Society of Municipal Improvement by Mr. Mel- vin C. Whipple and Mr. John W. M. Bun- ‘ker, the abstract of which, here following, appeared in the Municipal Journal. Within a few years the possibility has been realized of such pools becoming a means for the transmission of disease. It is believed that nose and throat affections may be, and often are, transmitted by the water of the swimming pool. The danger of the transmission of intestinal diseases is less only because such diseases are more rigorously controlled and isolated. At least one record is at hand of an epidemic of typhoid fever which was spread by a swim- ming pool. Conclusive data are at hand to show that, in spite of the utmost care in enforcing sanitary and hygienic regulations upon users of a pool, each person adds his quota of bacterial contamination to the water. As the organic matter which enters the water is kept at a relatively high temperature, it offers a good culture medium. It has been found that a temperature of 75 deg. Fahr. greatly favors bacterial growth under these conditions over that of 70 deg. Consecutive chemical analyses made at various colleges in the United States have shown that the organic contamination in- creases progressively from day to day while a pool is in use. Bacteriological analyses show a progressive increase up to the point where the Malthusian Law asserts itself to bring about a balance. Experiments have shown that disinfec- tion will take care of the bacterial contami- nation of swimming pools. Ordinary bleaching powder, or calcium hypochlorite, now so widely used in water supplies, has been selected by all as the most efficient substance for this purpose. Results achieved point to the efficiency of chloride of lime as a disinfectant, when applied in quantities that will furnish from 0.4 to 1.0 part per million of available chlor- ine at intervals of one to three days. This conclusion has been made more cer- tain in the light of confirmatory evidence from various institutions, where accurate and careful observations have been made of conditions governing the use of pools. THE OLDEST LIGHTHOUSE EXTANT T La Corufia in Northern Spain may be seen a fire tower which is, with the exception, of the ruins of the Roman lighthouse at Dover, the oldest of all ex- isting structures of this kind. The exact date of the erection of this tower is un- known. According to an ancient tradition it is accredited to Hercules, whence its name Torre de Hercules. Others say that Phoe- nicians who had established several colonies in Spain, had erected this light-tower for their northland cruises. It is more probable that the Roman Emperor Trojan (98 to 117 A. D.) erected this structure. Its inscrip- tion also mentions the name of Servius Supus of Lusitania as the architect. The tower is built of ashlars and is 9 meters by 40 meters. It has six separate stories, which can only be reached by a circular staircase around the exterior of the tower. The lighthouse was restored in 1684, but at the end of the Eighteenth Century was again in ruins. In 1797 it was rebuilt by the Spanish government, and still sends | . forth its beams. a” NTA NZ: MESES Nl ST 7 Libraries For Summer Homes Both children and adults appreciate good books in the summer home, espec- jally on rainy days. ‘Therefore fit your summer home with a select library of good books arranged in SlobeWernicke Bookcases that match interior trims and add attractiveness to the furnishings of the room, while serving as a proper pro- tection for the books. Built in units or sections, by expert workmen from the finest grade of materials, they are low in cost andhigh in quality. Com- parison proves their intrinsic superiority. Sold at uniform prices by 1500 authorized agencies—usually the leading fur- niture store in your own city. The Blue Book of Fiction contains lists of books worth reading during vacation hours and enables you to become familiar‘with the chief works of the leading authors of many countries. Mailed free on request. Also ask for the latest GlobeSWernicke catalog showing many interiors that will have suggestive value in furnishing the summer home. Address Department A.H. She Globe=Wernicke Co., Cincinnati - Branch Stores: New York — - - - - 380-382 Broadway Philadelphia - - - 1012-1014 Chestnut St. Washington - - - 1218-1220 F St., N. We Chicago - - - 231-235 So. Wabash Ave. Boston . 0 - - - - 91-93 Federal St. Cincinnati : . . © 128-130 Fourth Ave., E. The Companionship of Farr’s Hardy Plants There’s a delightful ‘companionship ’’ about a group of well-chosen hardy plants that you cannot realize unless you own them. Years ago, my hardy garden was only a part of my side-lawn. Now it has expanded into acres and acres of the choicest varieties, and this spring I am watching more eagerly than ever for the first sign that another glorious flower- pageant is about to be ushered in. a few plants, and, if properly chosen, these will afford you endless pleas- ure and satisfaction. I should be more than pleased to be allowed to help you plan a garden. i ‘‘Farr’s Hardy Plants’’—Free Tells of Irises, Delphiniums, and a host of other grand hardy plants. Scores of my friends pronounce_it tbe hest of its kind ever published. Tell n.e about your garden. é Bertrand H. Farr Wyomissing Nurseries 643 E. Penn Street, Reading, Pa. Dickson's Famous Trish Roses— grown especially for me—ready to ship now. VSD SDV DSDDVEDLDVIN DVL SDVDVPVSC IDV VEV EDD DNWV DVS BWV LV SDVSLSD WV MISS Dy IRIN INN IN L$ NMA) WN CF OS EZ Do you know the joy of watching this miracle in. your own garden? Surely you have room for at least iz April, 1912 Tue French Revotution. By Hilaire Belloc, M. A. New York: Henry Holt and Company. Cloth, 16mo. 256 pages. Price, 75 cents net. Mopern GeocrapHy. By Marion I. New- bigin. New York: Henry Holt and Com- pany. Cloth, 16mo. 256 pages. Price, 75 cents net. War AND Peace. By G. H. Perris. New York: Henry Holt and Company. loth, 16mo. 256 pages. Price, 75 cents net. IrtisH Nationatity. By Alice Stopford Green. New York: Henry Holt and Company. Cloth 16mo. 256 pages. Price, 75 cents net. THE Civit War. By Frederick L. Paxon. Henry Holt and Company. Cloth, 16mo. 256 pages. Price, 50 cents net. PotarR ExpiLoraTion. By W. S. Bruce. New York: Henry Holt and Company. Cloth, 16mo. 256 pages. Price, 75 cents net. THE OPENING UP OF AFrica. By Sir H. H. Johnston. New York: Henry Holt and Company. Cloth, 16mo. 256 pages. Price, 75 cents net. Each one of these volumes from the “Home University Library” series repre- sents a three hours’ traffic with the talking- power of a good brain operating with the ease and interesting freedom of a specialist dealing with his own subject. The French Revolution, by Hilaire Belloc, presents to the busy man a volume it would be difficult or impossible to surpass within the limits of its purpose, which is to con- vey to the reader an intelligent idea of the greatest political event of modern times by a clearly worded and thoroughly interesting narrative. _Modern Geography, by Marion I. New- bigin, is one of the most readable handbooks on the subject that has appeared in the past ten years. The author, who is editor of the Scottish Geographical Magazine, knows her topic thoroughly and succeeds, moreover, in presenting it in a pleasing manner for the perusal of others. The book treats of Surface Relief and Erosion; Climate and Weather ; Distribution of Plant, Animal and Human Life ; Localization of Industries and Towns and various other phases of geo- graphical study. War and Peace, by G. H. Perris, is a comprehensive short history of the subject handled by the writer with admirable skill in his bringing so many facts and views into so small a compass, still maintaining a scholarly, clear style. Irish_ Nationality, by Alice Stopford (Mrs. J. R.) Green, is a brilliant account of the genius and wisdom of the Irish peo- ple. It is an entrancing work and every one with a drop of Irish blood in his veins or a vein of Irish sympathy in his heart is advised to read it. The Civil War, by Frederic L. Paxon, Professor of American History in the Uni- versity of Wisconsin, gives considerable space to the domestic politics with which Lincoln had to contend, and to the foreign dangers which were avoided by Seward and Adams. There are brilliant paragraphs de- with Waverley Electrics. Elegance Leading Attribute of Every Waverley Electric No car on the boulevards can compare in style, luxury of finish, easy nding and silence, AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Foreign markets have been searched for rich upholstering fabrics, while a famous decorative artist, a member of the Waverley staff, has evolved especial elegance of finish and fitting. The Triumph of Waverley Achievement is the magnificent Silent Waverley Limousine-Five Full View Ahead—Design and Construction Patented With ample seat space for five grown people, and an unobstructed view for the driver, here is the ideal all- the-year round town and suburban car. Every member of the family can drive it—no chauffeur expense. More mileage than you can use ina day. Always in commission—no laying up for repairs. The Waverley Company, Philadelphia St. Louis 2043 Market Street New York 2010 Broadway A Poultry House for 12 laying Hens Complete with Nests, Fountain, Feed Hopper, Yard, etc. The most up- rae accommodations and __ will give the best zesults. Price, $20.00. HODGSON half that of the ordinary gas car. The Waverley Art Book illustrates and describes the Limousine-Five, Four Passenger Brougham and all town car models. Prices, $3,500 down to $1,225. Wegladly send it on request, also the Waverley Catalog of Commercial Vehicles. Exide, Waverley, National, Ironclad or Edison Battery. Factory and Home Office 221 South East Street, Indianapolis, Ind. Chicago Branch 2005 Michigan Boulevard Upkeep about 4432 Olive Street ; | lineating the personalities of the chief fig- ures which make Professor Paxon’s book e Oriental Stone Lanterns || | «::i#!y istersting Z Polar Exploration, by Dr. W. S. Bruce, leader of the “Scotia” espedition, fills a For American Gardens long needed want. It is a volume small rare = : 0 : in size, but of enormous interest, contain- APANESE Gardens in America’”’ 1S ing an outline of the essential facts and the name of a Vantine Book that is problems of Polar exploration, not pretend- : cree te : ie! ing to be in any way a complete history of well illustrated and daintily printed the subject, but rather a practical introduc- ‘Plans and treatment and why this form tion covering all the general reader will wish of Garden should be given the preference.’” ||| | t© know without specializing. If you have a nine-foot square of ground, or if you own a large country estate, what Florence Dixon says in the four in- troductory pages will appeal to you in a very personal way— PALESTINE DepicTED AND DESCRIBED. By G. E. Franklin, F.R.G.S. New York: E. P. Dutton & Co., 1911. Cloth, 8vo. “‘The Laying Out of Japanese Gardens ”’ Illustrated. 219 pp. Price, $3 net. Central Park is primarily a naturalistic Park, but the best The Holy Land described by a traveler section is treated in Japanese style— who has visited that locality more than a Like the Italian garden, the Japanese has certain archi- score of times and who knows it from north tectural features—quaint wooden bridges, stepping stones, stone to south and from east to west as well as lanterns, stone or bronze deer, dogs and cranes, each having special signifiance. the ordinary man knows his own street is Stone lanterns, be it noted, are tokens of thankfulness or thank offerings for the recovery something which will appeal to every reader. from sickness of members of the family— The custom of presenting native offerings of lanterns in bronze or stone, large or small, Mr. G. E. Franklin, F.R.G.S., the celebrated plain or decorated, dates from early days, and no Buddhist temple is complete without its Oriental traveler, has just written such a moss grown lantern adorning the courts or grounds. book, and illustrated it with some hundreds The Book—“Japanese Gardens in America” is a treatise—a novel and a Wee all of photographs taken by himself of scenes in one —the very epitome of art from a nature study—and is published by Vantine for and views associated with all the most sacred those interested in Laridscape Gardens. Write for a free copy and write to-day, for the edition is limited. and important events recorded in the Old Vantine’s Standard Stone Lanterns, Stone Dogs, Frogs and other figures—Bronze Lanterns, Storks, and New Testaments. Kongs, Buddhas and various ornaments are illustrated, fully described and sensibly priced in this Book. The volume entitled “Palestine Depicted 5 Hong Kong Wicker & Cantonese and Described,” is a remarkably handsome ° and entertaining one, packed full of inform- Rattan Furniture ation, many items of which have never be- HE most welcome and cheerful of all fixings for Summer Cottage, Country club, Steamer or fore been published, and embracing not only T Yacht. descriptions of the scenery and historical Simple and sturdy designs, noted for the absence of whirligig discomfort and fancy braiding— but cool, attractive and inexpensive. The call of Wicker Furniture, Cretonne and Chintz Summer Rugs and Summer Curtains is loud and insistent. Vantine’s Book “Comfortable Summer Furniture” will help you solve those Problems in a way that will be complimentary to your judgment, and with great economy and pleasure. Write for it now. Vantine’s Hong Kong Hour Glass Chair—Illustrated here, at $5 Other sizes, same style, $6 and $7. Eight other styles also wit the true Oriental atmosphere. Porch Chairs at $4.50 to $10. Reclining Chairs at ote and $13.50. Tea and Lawn tables in matched designs at $6.5 data of the land, but also teeming with an- ecdote, incident, folk-lore, legend and the customs of the land interpretative of Bible language, phrases, parables and narratives. The aim of the author in writing this work has been to produce a useful book; one that shall be useful to the student who wishes to know something of the inner life, social amenities and economic conditions. of the country; a book interesting to the gen- eral reader who wishes to know something Hong of what the land is like; and most certain- BY MAIL—For the convenience of our out-of-town patrons, we maintain a perfectly equipped mail order department, through which you can shop with us by mail with the same assurance of satisfaction as if you personally purchased in our store, 5 Hous ly useful to the tourist, in that—while oe ee es eae avoiding the dry style of a guide book— Table Porcelain, ,. g $5.00 information that will be of assistance will be found on every page. Palestine is one of the most interesting of the lands of the earth, but it is a land that must be seen more than once or twice in order to get a correct impression of its salient features. The tourist who visits the country in the Autumn sees a totally different country to those who visit it during the Spring months and many persons who have made a second visit to Palestine have been surprised to find of how much the impressions formed during the former visit required revising. Mr. Franklin has made some twenty-two visits—some of them protracted ones—to the country, and been privileged to enjoy the close friendship of many of the resi- dents, including sheiks and consuls, besides explorers and archeologists he has met from time to time, and in response to many | appeals he now lays the. results of his ex- perience open to the public. Draperies and Wall Fabrics, Dress Silks, intone BROADWAY at 18th ST., NEW YORK Perfumes Stores also at Boston and Philadelphia The Oriental Store. STRIKING example of modern return to the A classic in outdoor decoration is shown in this Garden Gazing Globe. A crystal ball mounted within easy reach of vision on a pedestal of chaste and artistic design. The Garden Gastng Globe. is a stately and beautiful garden ornament. It reflects all the shifting charms of the landscape. Here is one of the many letters from delighted owners: Book oF THE Tarpon. By A. W. Dimmock, New York: Outing Publishing Co., 1911. .Cloth, 16mo..:-256 pages. © Price; $2.00 net. = This is one of the most interesting vol- umes published on any American sport. No other sport, according to the author, is car- a ried on amid natural surroundings more beautiful and healthful. No other outdoor sport offers greater legitimate excitement, and Mr. Dimmock’s enthusiasm for his sub- ject makes the book thoroyeay SFO the reader’s attention. at “I am more than pleased with it, and the landscape views developed in it are not only interesting to ourselves but are enjoyed by all of our friends.”’ May we send descriptive Stewart Carey Glass Company booklet and circular with Indianapolis prices to-day? April, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS XXIII WUT AUIAT TANNIN TH ACSA Te TVA WU i v thing under a roof of Reynolds Asphalt Shingles is dry (no joke), because Reynolds Asphalt Shingles neither split, warp nor rot. They stand frost and snow, wind and rain, year in and year out, long after high-priced cedar shingles are leaky as a sieve. Reynolds Flexible Asphalt Slate Shingles cost about the same as Al cedar shingles but— reckoned on a basis of sevvice—are actually cheap. We willingly stand back of these shingles for 10 years because we know that they last mich longer. Reynolds Asphalt Shingles are 8 x 1234 inches and lay 4 inches to the weather. Never need painting, resist fire, and look as well as quarry slate—have had a ten- year test. Write for free booklet. Be- ware of imitations. Also high grade granite surfaced roofing in rolls. H. M. Reynolds Asphalt Shingle Co. Original Manufacturer 174 Oakland Ave., Grand Rapids, Mich. Established 1868 ALL Pumps «xinos CYLINDERS, ETC. Hay Unloading Tools Barn Door Hangers Write for Circulars and Prices F.E. MYERS & BRO., Ashland, O. Ashland Pump and Hay Tool Works HUPP-YEATS ELECTRIC COACH See it at local branch in all large cities HUPP CORPORATION, 137 Lancaster St, DETROIT, MICH. Sheep’s Beaded PULVERIZED Sheep Manure Nature’s Own Plant Food. especially adapted for lawns, golf courses and estates. Growers of nursery stock, small fruits, hedges and gardeners generally will find Sheep’s Head Brand the best fertilizer. Contains large percentage of Humus and all fertilizing substances Ideal for all crops ; necessary to promote Plant life. Tests place it far ahead of chemical or other fertilizers. Readily applied to the soil. Let us quote you prices. Send for our book, “Fertile Facts” Tells how to fertilize the soil so that productive crops may be raised. Special matter for lawn and market gardeners, Florists, Nersesymen and Fasmess, Sent FREE this ac. NATURAL GUANO COMPANY Dept.10 , 301 Montgomery Avenue, Aurora, Ill. if you mention Tue CampripGeE MepiavAL History. Ed- ited by H. M. Gwatkin, M.A., and J. P. Whitney, B.D. Vol. I—“The Christian Roman Empire.” By Professor H. M. Gwatkin, Professor J. S. Reed, Dr. Nor- man H. Baynes, Rev. T. M. Lindsay, C. H. Turner, M.A., Dr. Martin Bang, Dr. M. Manitius, Dr. Ludwig Schmidt, Dr. M. Christian Pfister, Dr. T. Peisker, Dr. i) jis Havertield hs G Me Beck, MUA, Ernest Barker, M.A., Professor Maurice Dumoulin, E. W. Brooks, M.A., Alice Gardner, Dom. E. C. Butler, Professor Paul Vinogradoff, Rev. H. F. Stewart, and Professor W. R. Lethaby. New York: The Macmillan Company, 1911. Cloth 8vo. Maps; 754 pp. Price, $5.00 net. The Syndics of the Cambridge Univer- sity Press, on the completion of “The Cambridge Modern History,” undertook to publish a comprehensive history of mediz- val times, drawn up on similar lines. The work covers the period from Constantine to the close of the Middle Ages, and is to appear in eight volumes, of which this is the first. The principles which have guided the conception of this work are those laid down by the late Lord Acton for “The Cam- bridge Modern History,” though experience has suggested some improvements of detail in the mode of carrying these principles out. The need of some such work is evident, for there is nothing resembling it in the English language. Gibbon deals mainly with the Empire, and with the Teuton, the Slav, the Magyar, the Turk, and even the Saracen, chiefly in their connection with the Empire. Even the great French work of Lavisse and Rambaud deals with the Middles Ages on a much smaller scale than is here contemplated. The present work is to cover the entire field of European me- dizval history, and in every chapter will sum up recent research upon the subject. This first volume deals with the period of the Fall of the Roman Empire in the West, and no more scholarly work than this has appeared in English. THE Papacy AND MopERN TIMES. By Rey. William Barry, D.D. New York: Henry Holt & Company, 1912. Cloth 16mo.; 256 pp. Price, 50 cents net. The writer of this book is well known as an author of the “Papal Monarchy” and the present volume is a story of the rise and fall of Temporal Power of the Papacy, well written and philosophical in presenting a résumé of the questions arising from mod- ern knowledge and the separation of church and state. PINS AND PrncusHIons. By E. D. Long- man and S. Loch. New York: Long- mans, Green & Co., 1911. Cloth, 8vo. Illustrated by 43 plates. 188 pages. Price, $3 net. This is une of the most entertaining vol- umes to one interested in the byways of collecting, well written and copiously illus- trated. The first chapter presents a history of the pin from ancient times to the pres- ent day, and the layman is surprised to find so much worth while, knowing that he might have missed but for a perusal of this historical résumé. From the time of Cleo- patra to the present pins and pincushions have rendered important service to human- ity, and the authors have succeeded in making those of us who take up the subject for the first time feel that we have, in the past, been neglectful of our duty in slight- ing these little “hold-togethers” and their lore. 4 99 ‘Come Into the Shade Heres real escape from the discom- forts of Summer. In shade as cool and breezy as that to be found under the spreading branches of a great tree —your porch will be ever ready for any use. Vudor Porch Shades transform your porch into a living-room, more delizht- ful and more inviting than any other in the house. You will use it oftener—you can receive guests, read, write, play cards—even sleep there. No one can look in, though you can easily see out. The sun's hot rays are kept out, though air gets in easily. You will want to equip your porch this Summer with some porch shades—and unless you are careful you may be sold something other than the genuine Vudor Shades Remember this in buying: the Vudor name plate is on every shade and guarantees wear of seasons instead of weeks. Vudor shades are unaffected y weather, time or usage, and harmonize with any surroundings. Write for Book illustrated in colors and well written. If you are in- terested in making your porch comfortable and cozy all Summer, you will be interested in this book. Use the coupon, Hough Shade Corporation 240 Mill St., Janesville, Wis. (Also sole manufacturers of Vudor Reinforced Ham- Se mocks, which cost no “er F oo more than ordinary RS A hammocks, but (e) sf e | , aS © last twice oo eo oe ye wa e a _ ae? oe x aes rod R) x cot ons x" @ <4? oot os oS hes SS ao aS ge? ai grr dS : 2 Ro ae pe ot 3s PROTEC Your floors and floor coverings from injury. Also beautify your furniture by using Glass Onward Sliding Furniture and Piano Shoes in place of casters. Made in 110 styles and sizes, If your dealer wil} not supply you Write uu—Onward Mfg. Co., Menasha, Wisconsin, U.S, A. Canadian Factory, Berlin, Ont. = CABINET = The Only Modern,Sanitary STEEL Medicine Cabinet or locker finished in snow-white, baked everlasting enamel, inside and out. Beautiful beveled mirror door. plate brass trimmings. shelves. Costs Less Than Wood Never warps. shrinks, nor swells. Dust and vermin proof, easily cleaned. Should Be In Every Bath Room Four styles—four sizes. To recess in wall or to hang outside. Send forillus- m@ trated circular. The Recessed Stee] HESS, 926 Tacoma Building, Chicago Medicine Cabinet Makers of Steel Furnaces.—Free Booklet. Nickel Steel or glass XXIV HiH| | qn ig % AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS iy UMA i I The comfort center of the home HE. only feature of comfort available in the modern home not T available fifty years ago is that shown in the little circle. This same degree of comfort is within the reach of the modest purse. Remember that the L. Wolff Manufacturing Company has been for seven years more than this same half century the leader in the manu- facture of plumbing goods and is now the only manufacturer of the complete line. Send for our booklet—FREE. ESTABLISHED 1855 L. Wolff Manufacturing Co. ANUFACTURERS OF Plumbing Goods Exclusively The Only Complete Line Made By Any One Firm General Offices: 601 to 627 West Lake Street, Chicago Showrooms: 111 North Dearborn Street, Chicago TRENTON, N. J. DENVER, COLO. Branch Offices: Omaha, Neb. St. Louis, Mo. Cleveland, Ohio Minneapolis, Minn. San Francisco, Cal. Washington, D.C. Buffalo, N. Y. allas, Texas AAA MMMM Kansas City, Mo. Cincinnati, Ohio Camden, S. C. OR the winter months, December to May offer a climate unsurpassed in the middle South among the pines, the long leaf kind of South Carolina, dry sandy soil and health-giving at- mosphere, one can play golf, tennis and ride or drive every day. The hotel, a first-class American plan more like a home of re- finement and in a true southern town, colonial homes and gardens, that and more is what we offer. T. EDMUND KRUMBHOLZ Of the Sagamore on Lake George and the ontclair, New Jersey April, 1912 GENUINE ‘¢PHILADELPHIA” LAWN MOWERS Are to-day the Standard, as they were in 1869 EG ”» ALL STEEL oe G Strictly High Grade in every respect. All knives of Vanadium Crucible Steel. Workmanship the finest. Makers of the only oe ; sieee Mowers, without a rival in their class. Also styles E. . M. XX and Golf. Horse Mowers—we lead, as we do in Hand Mowers. Buy the ‘‘Philadelphia’’ and you will use no other. The Philadelphia Lawn Mower Company Over 42 years Makers of High Grade Goods Only 31st and Chestnut Streets PHILADELPHIA, PA., U. S. A. LET’S MAKE A F LOWER GARDEN By Hanna RION If you like to dig in the Spring and younnd it areal pleasure to put on your old clothes, get out a spade, and turn over damp clods of the reawak- ening soil, you will find this the greatest source of inspiration and at the same time the most val- uable book you ever read in its wealth of practical suggestion. Fully illustrated with photographs and with decorations by Frank Ver Beck. Price, $1.35 net; postage, 14 cents. The House and Garden “Making” Books Here is a brand new idea in practical books for the house-owner on every feature in the mak- ing of a house and gar- den. The books are written by experts in each subject, they are beauti- fully printed and illus- trated, and are of a con- venient size. The low cost of the books is re- markable in view of their value. Price, 50 cents net; postage, 5 cents. MAKING A ROSE GAR- DEN MAKING A LAWN MAKING A TENNIS COURT MAKING A GARDEN TO BLOOM THIS YEAR MAKINC THE GROUNDS ATTRACTIVE WITH SHRUBBERY MAKING PATHS AND DRIVEWAYS MAKING A POULTRY HOUSE MAKING A ROCK GAR- DEN ARCHITECTURAL STYLES FOR COUNTRY HOUSES A symposium by prominent architects, each of whom demonstrates the advantages of one of the prevailing distinctive types of present day houses. An indispensable book for the prospective builder who has not yet decided on a style for his house. Fully illustrated. Price, $2.00 net; postage, 20c. THE HALF-TIMBER HOUSE A mine of information regarding the half-tim- ber style; how and where it originated and its chief characteristics in construction and detail. It will prevent the making of mistakes in planning and building such a house. Written for the lay- man. Illustrated. Price, $2.00 net; postage, 20c, CONCRETE AND STUCCO HOUSES The whole fascinating subject of building the fireproof or fire-resisting house is here set forth in a manner that is entertaining as well as informative. If you intend to build do not fail to consider the type of house of either concrete or stucco. IIlus- trated. Price, $2.00 net; postage, 20c. INEXPENSIVE HOMES OF INDIVIDUALITY Second and enlarged edition. This volume is published in response to the con- stant demand for pictures and floor plans of the best homes being built to-day. It is full of the greatest amount of suggestion for the prospective builder. ‘Chere is an introduction by Frank Miles Day and a discussion of costs by Aymar Embury, II. Price, 75c. net; postage, 8c. Order from your bookseller, Send for Catalog. McBRIDE, NAST & CO. Publishers ; NEW YORK UNION SQUARE sc April, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS XXV THE PROPER CARE OF SHADE TREES IN CITIES AND TOWNS By ISAAC MOTES HE man with even an elementary knowledge of forestry is often filled with indignaticn while walking the streets of cities and towns, when he sees beau- tiful shade trees being tortured to death by slow degrees. ven city foresters, who ought to know better, seldom give their trees ideal conditions for growth, though this must surely be because, with so many to look after, such an extent of city streets, parkways and parks to care for, they haven’t the time which they need to deyote to the trees. This is all the more to be regretted, because with plenty of water for sprinkling trees will grow better than in the forest, for it is lack of moisture more than lack of a rich soil, which causes a tree to languish. It is sad to see a tree starved for lack of moisture, or murdered by being crowded too closely between the edge of the sidewalk and the curbstone. Not only should the trunk of the tree not be crowded, but there should be a strip wide enough to make sure of the tree’s getting enough water where it stands in locations which make it impossible to sprinkle. And this strip should be level, and be kept always loose and loamy. It is certainly a reflection upon the city forester, or the owner of a fine residence block in city or town, that trees are more graceful and healthy in natural groves than in yards and parks and along city streets. It is safe to say that at least one-fifth of the trees you see along the streets of a city are defective in some particular. They have rotten, deformed trunks, or they have scars where they have been wired to stakes, or else trees which require but little mois- ture have received too much, and this has caused a fungus growth upon their trunks, or a watery, spongy rot to attack the heart of the tree, and when this is the case with any tree it is doomed, though it may suc- ceed in living on for perhaps a dozen years. The tree planter should know the nature especially of every tree he sets out near the sidewalk. He should look ahead and be able to tell how much room the tree will need twenty, thirty, forty or fifty years hence. He should know how long the tree may be reasonably expected to live, and how large its trunk will be at that time, for some trees live for centuries, and grow until the year of their death, while others live only thirty, forty or fifty years, and stop growing years before they die. If a long-lived tree, one which grows large and tall, there should be plenty of room for the trunk to increase in size, and for moisture to soak into the ground around it. If the space between the outer edge of the side- walk and the curbstone is narrow a segment of the sidewalk should be left out, its width depending upon the character of the tree and the probable size to which it will grow There should be no grass around young trees, but rather a circle of bare, level earth, to enable trees to drink in all the moisture they can, in order to form a good root growth, but later, after the trees get larger, this bare place may be allowed to grow up in grass, especially if the tree stands upon level ground. If on a hilside, and the tree is a moisture demanding one, like the cottonwood, boxelder, black walnut or catalpa, the turf around it should be kept somewhat loosened by sticking a slender, sharp pointed pick into the earth and prying it up slightly, but not enough to kill the grass, thus enabling more moisture to soak into the ground. Sound Living Tree has a money as well as a_ sentimental value, therefore it is too precious to neglect. The Davey Tree Experts Do a class of work accomplished by no other set of men—they succeed where others fail. If you are the owner of an estate, a country or city house with trees, we want you to write for our book, which is interesting and valuable to you —it tells the fascinating story of John Davey, Father of Tree Surgery—what he accomplished— the institute he founded, and how the Davey Tree Experts are saving trees and money for property owners. Don’t let any man touch a tree on your place unless he shows you credentials proving him quali- fied to perform the work. All graduates from the “Davey Institute of Tree Surgery” carry such testimony, and are em- ployed by the Davey Tree Expert Company— WE NEVER LET GOOD MEN GO. An early writing for our book is advised, be- cause “Procrastination is the Thief of Trees” Be sure to mention the number of trees you own, and their species. Address, THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY, Inc. 230 Filbert St. Kent, O. Branch Offices: New York, N. Y., Chicago, Ill., Toronto, Can. Canadian Address: 630 Conf. Life Building Toronto, Ontario Representatives Available Every- where DAVEY TREE EXPERT WORK G ONTHE JOHN DAVEY CAPITOL GROUNDS Father of Tree Surgery WASHINGTON DC COPYRIGHT 1912 Sample and f A House Lined with ~ O Mineral Wool Free as shown in these sections, is Warm in Winter, Cool in Summer, and is thoroughly DEAFENED. The lining is vermin proof; neither rats, mice, nor insects can make their way through or live init. MINERAL WOOL checks the spread of fire and keeps out dampness. CORRESPONDENCE SOLICITED ia 7 U. S. Mineral Wool Co. 4 cross.section THRovaH FLoor. 140 Cedar St.. NEW YORK CITY VERTICAL SECTION, XXVI1 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS April, 1912 HOW TO TELL 66 99 REG US PAT OFF RAIN COATS <2 This circular . registered trade mark his stamped on the inside and a Silk Gen Label is sewed at the collar or elsewhere. “None Genuine Without Them’ is applied to many kinds of cloth suitable for men's, women’s and children’s outer garments in light, medium and heavy weights for all seasons of the year, and are for wear in rain or shine. “Rain will neither wet nor spot them.” They contain no rabber. have no disagreeable odor; will not over- heat or cause perspiration. For sale by leading dealers in Men’s, Women’s and Children’s Clothing. Giavendle Co.,Ltd BRADFORD, ENGLAND Go. USA, HOBOKEN, NEW JERSEY BPricatley + GO, BRADFORD, ENGLAND A postal to the New York office of B. Priestley & Co., 100 Fifth Avenue, will bring interesting booklet. WANTED —Young man of good birth desires engage- ment as companion to gentleman in country, or as traveling companion. European reared, experienced traveler. Missions to foreign countries undertaken. Address, J. Condenhove, care of V. Osris, 500 Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. FURNITURE DRAPERIES FLOOR COVERINGS ARTHUR D. RUSSELL INTERIOR DECORATIONS Schemes for harmonious furnishings, with the essential keynote of Owner’s individuality necessary to their appreciation. TELEPHONE, GREELEY 2707 1 WEST 34TH STREET NEW YORK FRANCIS HOWARD 5 W. 28th St.. N, Y.C. Benches. Pedestals, Fonts, Vases, Busts. GARDEN EXPERTS Send 15c. for Booklet : : See Sweet’s Catalogue for 1912, Pages 1598 and 1599. SL Mantels In large parks also, where no sprinkling is done it is important that this circle of loose, bare earth should be left around all trees which are moisture demanding, and which stand on hillsides, so the ground may absorb all the moisture possible after every rain during the late Spring and the long, hot Summers, and immediately after every rain which beats the ground down hard this circle should be dug up again, putting it in shape to catch more moisture during the next rain, also forming a dust mulch to assist in retaining the moisture longer, should no more rain fall for a long time. This digging and all other cultivation should stop, however, in thé late Summer, since cultivation induces growth and growth should stop in August, in order to give the new wood formed that season time to toughen and harden before cold weather. If the cultivation is continued too late the buds will be kept in a swollen condition, and will be in danger of early freezing, espe- cially in northern latitudes. The tree planter should also know some- thing about the character of a tree’s root system, whether its roots go down deep in the earth or not. If the roots are shallow the tree should be planted rather deep in loose, loamy soil, in order to make sure that the roots extending out towards the street may pass under the curbstone, which may have been let into the ground from twelve to sixteen inches, for if they strike it they will be turned back, and may come to the top of the ground, or form a snarled bunch of roots against the curbstone, just below the surface of the ground, greatly retarding the growth of the tree. The city tree planter or forester should be careful also to prune his trees properly. This means that the limbs should not be cut off too close to the body of the tree, nor yet should they be left too long. The length of the nub left should depend upon the size of the limb. A good rule is to let the length equal one-quarter the diameter of the limb cut off. The cut should preferably be somewhat slanting, and the cut place should be painted with white paint contain- ing a good deal of oil or else use a grafting or coaltar wax. Some of these preparations should be used every time a cut is made upon a tree, whether in pruning off lower limbs or hew- ing off the bark slightly where it is neces- sary to drive a staple into a tree, as in case of fastening a woven wire fence to a tree in the yard, or where you cut off a limb higher up in a tree to prevent the shade from being too dense, or to prevent the rubbing together of two limbs. It should be remembered that pruning out limbs in the crown of the trees is as necessary as cutting off low limbs, where the trees stand in grassy yards or lawns, and espe- cially if they stand somewhat thick, for the thin tops allow the sunshine to fall upon the grass and give it luxuriance. It is more necessary that trees have thin tops when standing in grassy yards, parks and lawns than when standing anywhere else. The tree planter should know just what trees are moisture demanding and which are drouth enduring, and give them just the amount of moisture they need. The drouth enduring trees will do reasonably well anywhere. It is easily possible, however, to give such trees too much moisture. To trees which do best in dry sections, an excess of mois- ture is a detriment. Among the drouth enduring trees suit- able for ornamental planting in yards, parks and lawns, are the red cedar, most of the pines, mesquit, Russian mulberry, white elm, hackberry, silver maple and most f BUILDING ' THE HOUSE BEAUTIFUL EGARDLESS of the cost of building a home, it may be something beautiful. matter of dollars, but of taste. Of course, the more dollars the more opportunity for taste; but a $1000 cottage may be just as unique, as a $25,000 man- sion. Discrimination must be used in both cases. By putting intothe The House that’s You, Py Putting interme touches that are characteristic of you, the house is 1 made your house in a personal sense. It’s different from all other houses, and ifit truly expresses you, itis truly beautiful. Beauty isn’t a | g Such a house detached Its Surroundings. from its surroundings is not a home at all. It is the complete whole that makes your home a cozy corner for all who know you—the house and its gardenthat makes ‘‘home.”’ ‘ There must bea way The Way to Build It, *h< face thereon way —to build the ideal home. Somebody, some- where, stands a-tiptoe, ready to doit. In fact, for twenty years we have been doing this thing, gain- ing a wide and wider experience; and so, scattered U over the country you will find houses that nestle into the landscape ; homes, you will feel grew there by some natural process. Into our books of home- i Our Book of Homes. { designs is crystalized q our twenty years of experience, illustrated by hy scores of homes we have built, with descriptions IK covering every phase of the subject, including deco- rations, furnishings, andthe garden environment. “Distinctive Homes and Gardens” also tell how to avoid the usual pitfalls of excess cost. i== No. 1—35 designs, $1000 to $6000, $1.00 No. 2—35 designs, $6000 to $15000, $1.00 No.3—Combining No.1 and 2, $1.50 Stock plans priced in each book. Ask for sur special offer on original plans. -The Kauffman Company- i\ 620 ROSE BUILDING CLEVELAND, OHIO ed orien SSS Sa04.02S ae 7S a eS SS) Sesesese Established 1878 O. Charles Meyer Cabinetmaker and Upholsterer Repairs of Every Description Antique Furniture Restored 39-49 W. 8th ST., NEW YORK We are Selling Out all Furniture, Silver, Brass, Etc., at our 49 West 8th St. Branch Mahogany Inlaid Tip Table $5.00 International Rose Exposition | eae J.L. Mock Has been awarded two Gold Medals, one Silver Medaland other honors. Chosen by the International Jury of Award, of which our ation Mr. Robert Pyle, was the sole American member. A magnificent variety. Brilliant carmine, shading to imperial pink. The large, symmetrical, highly per- fumed blooms are produced in great profusion and are carried on stiff, erect stems. The bush growth is vigorous and free. By all means, add this rose to your collection. THREE SIZES—1-yr. 35c; 2-yr. 75c; 3-yr. $1. $5.00 orders delivered free. - In any event, write for our new catalogue of ‘The Best Roses for America) ” including valuable data for rose lovers. FREE THE CONARD & JONES CO. Box 52, West Grove, Pa. Rose Specialists +50 years’ experience. April, 1912 of the other maples, chestnut oak, Mexican walnut, Persian walnut, bur-oak, white and Lombardy poplar, Russian olive, Chinese arborvitae, chestnut, white and Norway spruce, European larch, white and Douglas fir and honey locust. Among the moisture demanding trees are the black walnut, persimmon, both native and Japanese, white oak, pin oak, white hickory, pecan, cottonwood, hardy catalpa, sycamore, willows and elms, red maple and other maples (most of the maples seem to do well on either dry or moist soils), the boxelder and the linden. These should have plenty of room, and if standing on narrow strips between the curbstone and the sidewalk there should be a circular gap left in one edge of the sidewalk to catch as much water as possible. SOME OF THE MANY USES TO WHICH PAPER MAY BE PUT HILE there is nothing like linen for paper-making, many other things will serve as substitutes. For instance, patents have been issued in various countries, says Tit Bits, for the manufacture of paper from barley, oats, rice, Indian corn, peas, beans, alfalfa, ramie, pine- needles, sugar-cane refuse, jute, moss, sea- weed; tobacco, lichens, the leaves and bark of trees, beets, potatoes, and other equally strange things. In most cases the price of manufacture is excessive when we consider the quality of the product. The great bulk of our paper—not the best, but that most commonly used—is made, as most people know, oi the wood of certain. coniferous trees, chiefly spruce and larch. Paper can be made from nearly any- thing, and nearly anything can be made irom paper. With compressed paper are made wheels, rails, cannon, horseshoes, polishers for gems, bicycles, and asphalted tubes for gas or electric wires. ~ With wood pulp and zinc sulphate there has been an attempt, in Berlin, to make ar- tificial bricks for paving. After subjecting them to a pressure of 2,000 tons per cubic centimetre, they are baked for forty-eight hours. In similar fashion are made roofing tiles and water pipes. Telegraph poles made of rolled sheets of paper are hollow, lighter than wood, and resist weather well. In Japan they make, of paper, clothing, window frames, lanterns, umbrellas, hand- kerchiefs, artificial leather, etc. In the United States, and even in Germany, are made paper coffins. In Germany they make paper barrels, vases, and milk bottles. Straw hats may now be bought into which enters not an atom of straw. They are made of narrow paper strips, dyed yellow. Arti- ficial sponges are made of cellulose, or paper pulp. One man has taken out a patent for paper thread to be used in sewing shoes, and a brand of artificial silk is made on a basis of paper pulp. The use of paper in industry may be in- definitely extended. It is employed to make imitation porcelain, for bullets, shoes, bil- liard-table cloth, sails for boats, boards for building, impermeable bags for cement and powdered substances, boats and vessels for water. There has been made a paper stove, which is said to have stood the fire well. Cellulose may be used to prepare a water- proof coating that may be applied like paint. Whole houses have been built of paper; in Norway there is a church, holding 1,000 persons, built entirely of it, even to the belfry. AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS XXxvii Automatic Ice Saver Shelves Made to fit ar YOUR REFRIGERATOR The Ice Man Won’t Like It, But You Will @ Without the Automatic Ice Saver your refrigerator eats up ice. The air in the Food Com- partments is much warmer than that in the ice compartments, and this warm air being al- lowed to circulate freely about the ice, causes the ice to melt rapidly, without rendering the service itshould Just asthe heat from your furnace has in part been escaping up the chimney, so the ice in your refrigerator has been disappearing down the waste pipe long before anything Ilke its full measure of coldness has been properly utilized, Your ice will work twice if you use Automatic Ice Saver Shelves. As the ice melts the water runs through tubes formed as shelves. These tubes are rust proof and are so constructed that they remain full of ice-cold water—which passes o y gravity overflow. Refrigeration is perfected by the lowered temperature, your food rests on cold shelves—and is in close contact with circulating cold water. The food compartment is absolutely dry. ““Sweating”’ of the drain pipe is abolished —and dryness means increased sanitation. @ Housekeeper or maid can readily remove shelves and keep them clean and wholesome by flushing. The inlet pipe is equipped with a funnel which has a trap to prevent the in- gress of sediment and dirt. Nothing to get out of order. Preserves your food. Protects your health. Lessens your work. Reduces your ice bill. Average Price, $5.00 to $7.50, according to size Write for further details of this ice-saving and health-preserving invention The shelves rest upon the same cleats on which ordinary shelves rest, so that anyone can install them in an Agents can secure exclusive control of rich teri tlory by writing quickly. HARDWARE UTILITIES COMPANY instant, as no adjustment is necessary. 68-70 HUDSON STREET, Dept. G. HOBOKEN, N. J- IRISH ROSES” TREES EVERGREENS FRUITAND O Extra Sizes for Immediate Effect And Hardy Perennials. Liberal Discounts on Large Orders. Catalogue Free. S. G. Harris ROSEDALE NURSERIES “tanevrawn WAV IFTY years ago the Pony Express becanie the most efficient messenger service ever known. Pony riders carried messages from Missouri to California, nearly two thou- sand miles across mountains and des- erts, through blizzards and sand storms, constantly in danger of attack by hostile Indians. Fresh horses were supplied at short intervals, and the messages, relayed from rider to rider, were delivered in the record-breaking time of seven and one-half days. Railroad and telegraph took the place The Pony Express _A Pioneer of the Bell System of the Pony Express, carrying messages across this western territory. Today the telephone lines of the Bell System have done more, for they have bound together ranch and mine and camp and village. This network of telephone lines, following the trails of the Indians, con- nects with the telegraph to carry mes- sages throughout the world. By means of Universal Bell Service the most remote settler is no longer isolated, but has become a constantly informed citizen of the American Com- monwealth. AMERICAN TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH COMPANY AND ASSOCIATED COMPANIES One Policy One System Universal Service XXVIII AMERICAN Evergreens as grown for specimens at Andorra Nurscries PLANT FOR IMMEDIATE EFFECT Not for Future Generations Start with the largest stock that can be secured! It takes over twenty years to grow such Trees and Shrubs as we offer. We do the long waiting—thus enabling you to secure Trees and Shrubs that give an immediate effect. Spring Price List gives complete information. ANDORRA NURSERIES ® spent N PHILADELPHIA, PA. WM. WARNER HARPER, Proprietor FRESH AIR AND PROTECTION! Ventilate your rooms, yet have your windows securely fastened with The Ives Window STANDING SEAM ° Sele suite ey is ° im Q Is ot Ih ace l'@'|®, LS mit 2 Gime Ventilating Lock CLINCH right through the ose VED WAN Su0es standing seam of metal came aa assuring you of fresh air and pro- roofs. No rails are needed Ae Sy tection against intrusion. Safe unless desired. We makea similar one for slate roofs. Send for Circular Berger Bros. Co. PHILADELPHIA and strong, inexpensive and easily applied. Ask your dealer for them 88-page Catalogue Hardware Specialties, Free. THE H. B. IVES CO. NEW HAVEN, CONN. PATENTED SoLE MANUFACTURER® one Broomell’s “VICTOR” Victor Cl ictor €aners Electric Stationary The cost of installing a Stationary Vacuum Cleaner in an old or new house is very small in comparison with the cost, of other things about the house. While it is a difficult matter to make a first class Vacuum Cleaner (the Victor is an absolutely first class machine, not equaled by any in the world), it is an easy matter to install the machine after it is made. Asa rule only one riser is required in a house. This can be con- cealed if the house is new, or a handsome nickel-plated pipe used if the house is already built. The Victor can be set up in a fewhourstime. It works perfectly noiseless. It is a real ““Wacuum Cleaner,” not an ‘air machine.” Send for booklet giving full information. VICTOR CLEANER COMPANY, York, Pa. “Tt looks good to me.” VAY | ANA TNA A ANT INA Arm EiPD, ee A lawn roller whose weight can be adjusted to the conditions of your lawn, garden, tennis court or driveway. \ A heavy Machine for the hard, dry summer lawn; e All In One A heavier Machine for the driveway or tennis court Why buy one of the old style iron or cement fixed-weight rollers that is generally too heavy or too light to do your lawn the most good, paying for two or three hundred pounds of useless metal—and freight on it as well—when less money will buy the better, more efficient. “ANYWEIGHT” WATER BALLAST LAWN ROLLER A difference of 50 pounds may mean success or ruin to your lawn— a half ton machine will spoil it in early spring, while a 200-lb. roller is absolutely useless later in the season. If you desire a fine, soft, springy turf of deep green, instead of a coarse, dead looking patch of grass, usean ‘‘Anyweight ater Ballast Roller—built in 3 sizes, all of 24-inch diameter and of 24, 27 and_ 32-inch width, Drums boiler riveted or acetylene welded. Weight 115, 124 or 132 lbs. empty—from that “‘anyweight”’ up to half a ton when ballasted. Filled in 30 seconds—emptied in a jiffy. Runs easy—lasts a lifetime. ’ A light Machine for the soft, wet spring lawn; HOMES AND GARDENS 1 - W ; tpaid, luabl: d interesting This Book Sent Free: cyl a vow, posteaig, on van Sher with folder about the ‘‘Anyweight.”’ Write us to-day. Save money—save your lawn. WILDER STRONG IMPLEMENT CO., Box 9, Monroe, Mich. thre am im April, 1912 A ONE-STREET VILLAGE CCORDING to a writer in The Fruit Magazine there are many small villages in the world that have only one street, but Lerwick, in Shetland, besides having only a single street, possesses only one tree, and it is not a very tall one, either. There are no land birds there, not even a sparrow, but the seagulls are plentiful. The inhabi- tants of Shetland are very proud of their tree and very kind to the gulls, of whom the children make pets. Children who are brought for the first time to see the wonders of one-streeted Lerwick are always shown as a great curiosity “the only tree in Shet- land.” The seagulls are the sparrows of Lerwick, and as such they have a greater share in the town’s life than the sparrows of Lon- don. In the morning you will note that a seagull sits on every chimney top. Sea- gulls swoop and hover over every roof in town. The air is full of their strange, high, plaintive, haunting cries. Every house has its own familiar seagulls and every area its own band of them. But they never mix. The children in each house have a pet name for their own particular gulls, and, hav- ing called them by those names, they feed them every day. Each seagull knows what is meant for him. No bird attached to one house ever seeks to eat the food scattered from the house next door. He does not dare to do so. So, all day long, the seagulls hover and call over the roofs of Lerwick. The people of the town, if they come across a little pile of rice laid upon the roadway, step over it with care. They know that it has been placed there for some seagull. And at night the seagulls leave their appointed chimney pots and fly gracefully away to their resting places on the rocks of the Isle of Noss. MINING IN THE STONE AGE T is known, says a writer in Harper's Weekly, that many of the mines now worked were worked by the Romans, and that the Roman miners did nothing but continue the work begun by the Gauls, who were habituated to the use of metals. The first mining was done in the stone age. The mines of cobaltiferous copper, in Spain, date from a prehistoric time. These mines are distinguished by a singular ar- rangement of the ways of access. Instead of horizontal galleries along the sides of the mine, there are vertical chimneys, like wells, metres deep, ending in metal strata. The arrangement of these primitive shafts may have been planned to make it easy for the overseers of the mines to watch the slaves as they worked, and also to prevent the en- trance of wild beasts. That the mines were worked in prehistoric times was demon- strated by the discovery of fifteen skeletons of men, who, presumably, were killed by a cave-in. Some of them lay under rocks. In their hands were heavy tools, hatchets made of stone, and picks carved from the bones of animals, The skeletons were of great height and of powerful structure; the thumbs of the enormous hands were twice the length of the thumb of the modern workman. But though so tall, the men were of excessively narrow build, as was shown by the width of the places in which they worked. The veins of clay were removed by the hand, as is shown by innumerable fin- ger marks. TRADE | XCELSIORBRUSRROOF So _ Se _M Cer Le d FENCE- FLOWER BED:GUARD=FRELLIS-TREE PROTECTORS ELC S MA ‘| Ay : gi 4 : RTT BRET EE ee s- ee ; ae | Ui i Hy a ae Si i) ; Y j ! x Sots ie PDF. eee ieeeaiaeinritiil Arne 68h ara ; TULANE Pe pe HE ordinary “galvanized” wire fences are made from wire which has received a very light coating of zinc. During the process of weaving and bending, : the zinc is broken loose in patches, and the wire laid bare, so that rust sets 1n at once. EXCELSIOR “RUST-PROOF” Fences are first completely formed, and then dipped slowly into pure melted zinc. There isn’t a’spot which is not covered, and the entire fabric is welded into one piece. _ EXCELSIOR “RUST-PROOF” Fences last for many years in any climate without a drop of paint. They are tasteful in design, and afford perfect protection to grounds or garden. Order from your hardware dealer. Ask us for an illustrated catalog. WRIGHT WIRE COMPANY, Worcester, Mass. 33 West Michigan Street, Chicago 410 Commerce Street, Philadelphia 256 Broadway, New York City 125 Summer Street. Boston 420 First Avenue, Pittsburgh 5 First Street, San Francisco eT TTTTUTVVTTATTTTTUTTTTUUULTLLUTHTULUUEROLLLLLTUUUCLUTLCCLLLLLALLLLLLALCCULREEEL ELLER FuNts FINE FURNITURE AN INVESTMENT THAT PAYS In appearance, quality and workmanship, in beauty of finish and “fitness” of design, FLINT’S FINE FUR- NITURE bears unmistakable evidence of seventy years devoted to the production of FURNITURE THAT “WEARS’— Furniture that gives a lifetime of service; that “lasts” from an artistic pomt of view; that AS AN INVEST- MENT “PAYS.” Our exhibition of Spring and Summer Styles makes plain to all that furniture “built Flint Quality” is distinctly an artistic production, however simple in character or low in price. Tanglefoot A harmless sticky sub- stance applied directly to tree trunks. Remains effective, rain or shine, three months and longer, fully exposed to weather. One pound makes about 9 lineal feet of band. No apparatus required, easily applied with wooden paddle. Especially recommended against gypsy, brown-tail and tussock moth caterpillars, bag worms, canker worms and climbing cut worms, but equally effective against any climbing pest. Tree Tanglefoot needs nomixing. Itisalwaysready for use. Do not wait until you see the insects. Band your trees early and get best results. Price: 1-lb. cans, 30c.; 3-lb. cans, 85c; 10-Ib. cans, $2.65; 20-Ib cans, $4.80. For sale by all reliable seed houses. The O. & W. Thum Company, Grand Rapids, Mich. Manufacturers of Tanglefoot Fly Paper and Tree Tanglefoot. Send Sor Booklet. (Booklet illustrating Spring and Summer Styles mailed on request.) GEo.C. Fuint Co. 43-47 West 23% ST MI TTHTTTTUUUVUTNOTOOUOVNUTUUTUPTOUUTTEUUUTCUUCTCUUUURTEUUUTRUCUUATOVUUELCURCUULCCIOALULNALELULLELERLLLUELLLL 24-28 West 24" St. 4 STULL UNL NALUUUUALUULUUU = MTT CTT et _— eyes and pick, one tire out of a thousand I You could shut* your a Dp rT Pe MOND TIRES and you wa get a perfect tire. Any tire that bears the name “‘ Diamond”’ in raised letters on its. side is a.safe tire to buy. The name “Diamond” is your assurance that the tire that bears it is worthy to uphold the Diamond prestige for greatest mileage and most satisfactory service. While Diamond Tires are made to fit every size and style of rim, and with several styles of treads, there is only one quality — the highest—the same in every Diamond Tire. You don’t ‘have to be on your guard when you buy Diamond Tires. The most extended experience in judging tires would not give you any advantage over the man who simply makes sure that the name Diamond is on every tire . | he buys. Ed a In addition to dependable dealers every- oa ie where, there are FIFTY-FOUR Diamond on id Service Stations. Diamond Service means cod Mie more than merely selling tires — it means oe ae taking care of Diamond Tire users. The Diamond Rabber @mpany AKRON We Could build them Cheaper, Bu? we Wont We Would build them Better, But ‘we Cant — NA Af) —Good air, pure water, surf bathing, still-water bathing, fishing, shooting, boating, cool refreshing ocean breezes and Seashore Lots at Ocean Beach, Fire Island. Price, $150 per fot and upward. Furnished cottages and bungalows to rent. Illustrated descriptive booklet free. Write us to-day. Ocean Beach Improvement Co., John A. Wilbur, President, 334 Fifth Ave., New York, N. Y. Surf Bathing at Ocean Beach - South Gable, showing Sun Room and Outdoor Room, with Rockery and Private Road in the foreground. Houliry, Pet and Live Stork Directory “‘SHETLAND AND WELSH PONIES” A. K. QUICK, MEDFORD, MASS. KILLED BY RAT SCIENCE By the woasetnl bacteriological preparation, discovered and prepared by Dr. Danysz, of Pasteur Institute, Paris. Used with striking success for years in the United States, England, France and Russia, DANYSZ VIRUS contains the germs of a disease peculiar to rats and mice only and is abso- lutely harmless to birds, human beings and other animals. The rodents always die in the open, because of feverish condition. The disease is also contagious to them. Easily prepared and applied. How much to use.—A small house, one tube. Ordinary dwelling, three tubes (if rats are numerous, not less than 6 tubes). One or two dozen for large stable with hay loft and yard or 5000 sq. ft. floor space in build- ings. Price; One tube, 75c; 3 tubes, $1.75; 6 tubes, $3.25; one doz, $6 INDEPENDENT CHEMICAL CO., 72 Front St., New York Best and Cheapest BIRD HOUSES Close imitations of the Natural homes of cavity and box-nesting birds. 75c. to $4.50. _Send for booklet “Our Songsters and How to Attract Them.” Its Free. MAPLEWOOD BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY, HOWES HILL Stamford, Connecticut The — Press Job PRINTERS Fine Book Art and Press Catalog | Work Work ~~ A Specialty 137-139 E.: 25th St., New York Printers of AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS May, 1912 worms. Indeed, range-grown chicks will do very well if fed only a simple grain ration, but many breeders keep a hopper of bran where they can have free access to it. The mixed mash is better for brooder chicks and those closely confined. After the birds are five weeks old, they need not be fed oftener than three times a day, and the commercial chick feed may be gradually given up, if motives of economy prevail, fine corn and wheat being relied upon, in addition to the mash. As the chicks grow older, oats and barley may be added and larger-sized grain used. It will be understood, of course, that this is the kind of feeding to be practiced when the birds are being grown in a normal way to produce layers the following Winter. A different plan is followed when broilers are being grown, for then they must be forced and fattened quickly. The feeding of growing chicks may be made a very simple matter. The coddling often given them is not necessary. The main purpose should be to give them enough wholesome, palatable food to keep them growing steadily. There is no secret about the matter and one system often gives quite as satisfactory results as an- other. The old plan of giving wet mashes should, however, be avoided. There is no objection to giving a light mash once a day if it is made dry enough so that it will crumble in the hand when squeezed, es- pecially if it can be mixed with milk. A soggy mash must never be given, in spite of what grandmother may say. Milk is excellent for chicks. Skim milk can hardly be used to better advantage and sour milk tends to produce rapid growth. Less meat is required 1f milk is fed. Water in abundance is a necessity from the start, but it should be given in a foun- tain so arranged that the chicks cannot get into it and so wet their feathers. The sand will answer for grit at the beginning, but after that a box or hopper of fine grit should be always accessible and it is a good plan to have charcoal where the little birds can help themselves at any time. Fed in this way the work is not arduous. If the weather is very cold, it is well to warm the grain and the water, and when a brooder is used, the feeding place should be close to the sheiter, so that the chicks will not be tempted to linger away from the heat until they get chilled—one of the things to be most carefully avoided. Perhaps the very best plan is to buy a house large enough to shelter from fifteen to thirty adult birds and place the brooder in that, no matter whether it be of the fire- less or the heated type. Then, when the chicks have matured and the cockerels have been disposed of, the pullets which are to constitute the next season’s layers may be kept through the winter in the same house. That plan is an economical one, for heated brooders of the indoor kind are not as ex- pensive as the outdoor type and no addi- tional coops or houses for the chicks need to be secured. Some of the best indoor brooders are really only covers, are port- able and can be set up in a short time any- where, and when the chicks are large enough may be removed, leaving the house for the birds to grow up in. Of course, if a number of laying hens have been pur- chased at the same time by the beginner, it will be necessary to have two houses. A very good portable house which will ac- commodate from fifteen to twenty mature hens may be bought for fifteen dollars and some three dollars more will be needed to cover it with roofing paper. These port- able houses have a number of distinctive May, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS features and are particularly to be recom- mended to the man who rents his home and who, if he moved, would be obliged to leave a permanent poultry house behind him. If, however, it is deemed best to con- struct a permanent house, the cost should not exceed one dollar for each hen which is to occupy it. That is putting the mat- ter on a practical basis. As much more may be expended for appearances sake as may be desired, but a comfortable, con- venient house if without frills, can be built for a dollar a hen. Thus equipped, and with a stock of well-bred birds, the ama- teur beginning his work in April may safe- ly cherish high hopes of success. TREATMENT OF EMPTY CON- TAINERS BOTTLE CLEANING Wash the milk bottles before returning them to your dealer. This is required by law. The proper way to wash a milk bottle is to first rinse it thoroughly with cold water. When all the milky film has been removed from the inside, then wash care- fuly with very hot water. All vessels used for holding milk or cream should be cleansed in the same manner. USE OF BOTTLES Do not use milk bottles for any other purpose than the holding of milk or cream. Such other use is prohibited by law. BOTTLES AND NIPPLES Rinse nursery bottles and nipples in cold water and wash in boiling water immedi- ately after each feeding. Turn the nipples inside out and thoroughly cleanse. Rinse the bottles and nipples again in boiling water before using. RETURN EMPTIES Return empty bottles to the dealer daily after cleaning. ANCIENT MANUSCRIPTS CCORDING to a paper read recently before the Royal Society of Arts, the earliest existing manuscripts, which formed the foundation of European manuscripts, are of Egyptian origin, and some of them are beautifully illuminated or ornamented with pictures. Until the second century B. C., papyrus remained the chief substance upon which the writings were made, but at that time a scarcity of supply occurred, and Eumenes II., King of Pergamum, in- troduced vellum, prepared from calfskin as a substitute. Vellum quickly superseded the brittle fiber of the Nile reed and be- came, as it still remains, the ideal material for writing and illuminating. In 330 A. D., the Emperor Constantine went to Byzan- tium, and the great early epoch of Christian art began shortly afterward. The Byzan- tine School was pictorial, the Celtic is orna- mental. For about 400 years Irish scribes and illuminators produced magnificent man- uscripts, a few of which still exist. English work from the eighth to the twelfth cen- tury shows Byzantine and Celtic feeling, combined with other influences. Anglo- Saxon work is noteworthy for the curious outlining and the peculiar attitudes of the figures. In the tenth century there was a great output of beautiful work; in the twelfth century the work generally tended to become smaller and more delicate. In the fourteenth century, the highest point of excellence in English illumination was reached. The fifteenth century saw the decline and practically the end of the art of English illumination, and later work of this kind done there was chiefly the work of foreign artists, mainly Dutch. Don’t Let The Iceman In ~ with his muss and dirt. Have your refrigerator made for outside icing. All McCray refrigerators can be so arranged, and it is a most wonderful convenience. | McCray Refrigerators | stand alone in their patented features and perfect heat insulated construction. Only the most perfect and sanitary linings are used—Opal glass, , enamel, porcelain and odorless white wood—no zinc. The McCray patented system of cold, dry air circulation through the interior keeps every- thing in fine condition and prevents the absorption of flavors and odors. The best way in the world to protect the family’s health is to get a McCray. Then you are sure of the : condition of your food. Chosen by the United States Govern- ment for its Pure Food Laboratories. Used everywhere with great satisfaction. Made in all sizes to suit any requirement, and any McCray can be arrranged for icing from the outside. Write for Free Book: No. 59—For Meat Markets No. 88—Regular sizes for Residences ‘““How to Usea Refrigerator’’ and any of the following catalogs: No. A. H. Built-to-order for Residences No. 49—For Hotels, Clubs, Institutions No. 68—For Groceries No. 72—For Flower Shops McCray Refrigerator Co., 387 Lake Street, Kendallville, Ind. Branches in all Principal Cities A Book of Valuable Ideas for Beautifying the Home We will send you FREE our book “The Proper Treat- ment for Floors, Woodwork and Furniture” and two samples of Johnson’s Wood Dye and Prepared Wax (This text book of thirty-two pages is very attractive— it contains eighty illustrations, forty-four of which are in color) You will find this book particularly useful if you are comtemplating building—if you are interested in beautiful interiors—if you want to secure the most artistic and serviceable finish at least expense. This book is full of valuable information for everyone who is interested in their home. Mail coupon for it to-day. With the book we will send you samples of two shades of Johnson’s Wood Dye—any shade you select—and a sample of Johnson’s Prepared Wax—all FREE. Johnson’s Wood Dye should not be confused with the ordinary water stains which raise the cheap, painty effect. grain of the wood—or oil stains that do not sink beneath the surface of Johnson’s Wood Dye is a dye in every sense of the word—it pene- the wood or bring out the beauty of its grain—or varnish stains, which trates deeply into the wood bringing out its natural beauty without rais- really are not stains at all but merely surface coatings which produce a ing the grain. It is made in fifteen beautifiul shades, as follows : No. 126 Light Oak No. 128 Light Mahogany No. 121 Moss Green No. 123 Dark Oak No. 129 Dark Mahogany No. 122 Forest Green No. 125 Mission Oak No. 130 Weathered Oak No. 172 Flemish Oak No. 140 Early English No. 131 Brown Weathered No. 178 Brown Flemish No. 110 Bog Oak No. 132 Green Weathered No. 120 Fumed Oak HALF GALLONS $1.60 Johnson’s Prepared Wax a complete finish and polish for all wood-floors, woodwork and furniture—including pianos. Just the thing fut Mission furniture. Johnson’s Prepared Wax should be applied with a cloth and rubbed to a polish with a dry cloth. It imparts a velvety protecting finish of great beauty. It can be used successfully over all finishes, Johnson’s Artistic Wood Finishes are for sale by all leading drug and paint dealers. If your dealer hasn't them in eo stock he can easily procure them through his jobber. ea Fill out the attached coupon for “oo booklet and free samples. o <5" Use This Please “” FREEC . oupon S. C. Johnson & Son wo” pc" ¥ 4 © offer of Free Book- . 2 es ! Racine, Wis ler Edition(A.H.5)and 2 > e- } c re two sample bottles of J-hn- The od son’s Wood Dye. Send me Wood = ghadespNos. erecseticinicisis cane e Finishing e «= and one sample can of Johnson’s @ Authori- a Prepared Wax. e “ € ties es Name tsacce se osoestones peice é AJ = ae AG TOSS aectotats cls ayeiatenc tater ate cateieictarticia's Scere ? Ir oR Oe ee 3 Ke z ee eee eee cece erence cece ee tec eee eeee te eeeeeeeees é Re -OnOnONE=SRECOUPCROETS s AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS May, 1912 = a wu G Fed i Ai Din Y introducing a tiled partition, as shown in the illustra- tion, a built-in bath can be installed in conjunction with the needle and shower bath. This arrangement gives a full recessed’ bath, tiled in at the base, back and both ends. The needle and shower bath is distinctive. Instead of the usual curtain, it is provided with a plate-glass door, adding greatly to its attractiveness and convenience. The large receptor, of Imperial (Solid) Porcelain, gives the bather the ample room required fora vigorous shower bath. The tiled walls and glass door are water tight. MODERN PLUMBING.—write for ‘‘Modern Plumbing,”’ an 80-page booklet which gives information about every form of modern bathroom equipment. It shows 24 model bathroom interiors, ranging from $73 to $3,000. Sent on request with 4 cents for postage. BRANCHES—Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, Minneapolis, Washington, St. Louis, | HE J. Li. Vf OTT IRON W ORKS New Orleans, Denver, San Francisco, San Antonio, Atlanta, Seattle, Portland (Ore. ), 1828 EIGHTY-FOUR YEARS SUPREMACY 1912 Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, O.. Kan- sas City, Salt Lake City. FirtH AVENUE and SEVENTEENTH ST., NEW YORK —CANADA—Mott Company, Limited, 138 Bleury Street, Montreal, National Photo- Engraving Company @ Designers and Engravers for all Artistic, Scientific and Illustrative Purposes :-: :: BRISTOL’S Recording Thermometers Continuously and automatically record indoor and ° outdoor temperatures. Useful and ornamental for country homes. Furnished, if desired, with sensitive bulb in weather protecting lattice box and flexible connecting tube so that Recording Instrument may be installed indoors to continously record outdoor temperatures. Write for descriptive printed matter. THE BRISTOL CO., Waterbury, Conn. Engravers of "American Homes and Gardens" 14-16-18 Reade St., New York yee ENP Hi ONE: ADVICE TO COUNTRY HOME- MAKER HAT can one best do to get food, and in general terms his living, very speedily after going to the country to live? Or put the question this way: How can I reduce my expenses by going into the country, and very rapidly increase my income from the land itself? The prop- osition is sound that a country place should pay its own way, but it cannot do it with- out two things; first of these is tact and in- dustry on the part of the owner, and the second point is patience and wisdom in planting. If I were just moving into the country I would first of all plant strawberries, rasp- berries and blackberries. These three will give fruit almost at once. Strawberries planted in August will crop the next May; raspberries planted one year in April or May will bear the next year in July; black- berries planted at the same time will bear the next year in August. So far as table food is concerned, we have no choice be- tween these berries; but if the object is sale, then here is a choice. The red rasp- berry will be most available, simply be- cause it will have the market most certainly. Strawberries rarely prove profitable unless grown in large quantities. They can be shipped from other sections into your mar- ket, while the raspberry cannot be so shipped. Of the larger fruits, plums and cherries. if you will set when three years old, trees will begin to bear the next year and increase their crops steadily for four or five years thereafter. Now let me give you a secret, for it is a secret with even good horticul- turists, that if you will set your pear trees limbed out low you will begin to get a crop two years from planting. The same is to some extent true of apples, and these low- headed and round-headed trees are ex- tremely available, not only for early crops, but because they do not take up as much space around your house or on the lawn. They can be used as ornamental trees jus” as well as for orchard trees. Now come down into the swale below the barn, and we will see what we can do in the vegetable garden for very prompt re- sults. You must not spend much of your time on experiments—just yet. There will be too much weeding to be done in beds of carrots, beets, onions, etc., and you had bet- ter confine your attention mainly to corn, beans, potatoes and peas, beds of things that have to be wet by hand. Then plant the beans and peas in succession from April down to June, but put all potatoes into the soil as soon as it is mellow in the Spring. The vegetables I have named will bear abundantly and give you at least half of your food for the first year. Now get a few boards and build a hen- house and henyard, and buy about six hens. That will be all you can feed from your table waste; and that is enough to give you all the eggs you can use, and a few over. If you go into the hen business extensively’ wait until your crops begin to multiply, so that you can furnish their food without buying. I am talking, however, to those city folk who have just got started, or are about to start, on places of two or three acres up to five. You can get too many hens on your hands very easily, and they will cost you more than they are worth. It is better to hire a horse for the first few days that you will need him the first year, until you have your alfalfa fields to feed him and your stables and barn built. But a cow you must have. The milk and the butter cover at least one-fourth of good country living. Her first qualification must — May, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Vv be gentleness, and whether she is Holstein or Jersey or Ayrshire is a comparatively secondary matter. Only this, in picking out the cow buy her for milk, and not for blood. I mean that you do not so much need a high-bred animal as a good milker. You will at least have the milk and the cream if you do not make butter—and perhaps that is the better plan at present. Country people never use cream enough. Good, fresh, thick cream with a bit of salt is better than any butter ever churned. About a pig I am not so sure, for what will fatten the hog will come from what you could otherwise feed the hens. My choice is the hens. I believe that a rabbit warren is a good investment for a small country home. The warren need not be more than eight or ten feet square, and the occupants will live on waste cabbage, clover and any waste garden truck—although much cf this might go to the cow. The hens will prefer dandelions and sor- rel; the rabbits will accept clover, and the cow will take the slops. Rabbits breed very rapidly and fatten easily. I rather wonder that more people with small country places do not count on this rabbit supply for meat. A very small homestead could rely entirely upon the henhouse and a rabbit-warren. I am showing a way for reducing bills to the minimum, while you do not reduce your comforts at all. With a small field of sweet corn one can get a lot of food and pleasure. Our In- dian corn is not brought to its best by any means in American families. Indian meal is readily obtained from half an acre of field corn; you can do it just as well with what is left of your sweet corn after eating the boiling ears. There are excellent sorts that give you two or three ears to the stalk, and will supply your table through July, August and September. This will re- quire three or four successive plantings. from the last of April to the first of July. Late in September cut the corn, and save the best ears for some old-fashioned samp. This is made by drying the ears around the stove and grinding coarsely. Sift out the fine meal, and cook the coarse remain- der all day. Indian meal cakes and Indian meal bread are sturdy substitutes for wheat, but if you have three or four acres give one half an acre to wheat, and not be obliged to buy flour. Now we have the problem of sweeten- ing, and no American family will be satis- fied without plenty of sugar. You ought to have a few maple trees, and when you have, tap them carefully in the Spring, and learn how to make maple-sugar. Ten to twenty trees will be enough, if they stand out in the open, to give about fifty pounds of sugar annually. This can be stored in stone crocks, and be in use all Summer. If in addition you have, as you should have at once, four or five hives of bees, and the second year about ten or twelve hives, you will get all the honey that you can use, directly or in- directly, including a lot of sweetening for pies, and considerable vinegar from the waste. Then you will have at least fifty pounds the first year for sale, and from a dozen hives you will sell at least five hun- dred pounds a year, without stinting the home supply. With meal, honey, eggs, cream, Indian- bread and berries you have a home-made dinner and a home-made supper, except, possibly, the wheaten bread—which, possi- bly, one may learn to leave out. With a broiled chicken once a week, and rabbit or bacon twice a week, you will have only your fish to obtain for a luxurious supply ‘ Cy ‘ on, ay o ee “fn fy, 6 gS. ‘Lvery House in this Modern Wh, & ohn, By Grand Rapids, Michigan, Street aa, 40 Us Built with Morgan Millwork L000 gg Bp i 4 yy OUR good furniture shows to best advantage against a background of distinctive Morgan Woodwork. Homes equipped | with Morgan Woodwork are already more than half | furnished, asa glance at the illustration will show. And the best of it all is, a Morgan-furnished home is a | permanently furnished home. The finished skill of master craftsmen and the most advanced mechanical | science are practically applied to the building of MORGAN GUARANTEED PERFECT HARDWOOD DOORS Ourdeluxe book, *‘Door Beautiful, "tells allabout them in detail, and contains many beautiful interior and ex- terior views, besides a wealth of necessary expert in- ‘| formation of inestimable value to prospective builders and remodelers. Do not be misled by claims of ‘‘just as good’’— there is no other door nearly as good. Get a free copy of ‘‘Door Beautiful’” and learn the reason why. Fill in the coupon in upper right-hand corner, mail it today and receive the book by return mail. MORGAN CO., Dept. B2, Oshkosh, Wis. Distributed by Morgan Sash & Door Co., Chicago organ Millwork Co., Baltimore, Maryland ARCHITECTS; Descriptive details of Morgan Doors may be found in Sweet’s Index, Pages 910 and 911. AND ON THE i a = MORGAN DEALERS DO NOT SUBSTITUTE || Two Magnificent Books on Home Building] *¥g2,¥77""" 4] Modern Dwellings—9x12 in. 200 Illus. BOTH Beautifully ($3,500 to $50,000) with Plans $1.50 BOOKS G $1.00 t American Homes—150 Illustrations S . ($2,500 to $10,000) with Plans. 2.00 bese. Books east These books contain a profusion of the latest ideas in hil pera rer Georgian, Colonial, English, Bungalow, &c. eazheqse: is worth the For those who are Planning to Build price of many books. GEO. F. BARBER & CO., Architects, Knoxville, Tenn. | Circular FREE ,BROOKSECO. cisvEANCO. Let Giice Shift The Scenes The Gazing Globe affords a life-like panoramic picture of all the varied tints of earth and tree and sky—a weirdly beautiful ornament, interesting and effec- tive in garden plot or sweep or sward. ‘Tbe Garden Gazing Globe is a crystal ball mounted—within easy reach of vision—on a terra-cotta pedestal of Pompeian design. It adds a touch of classic grandeur and medieval mystery to the simplest scheme of decoration. Your family and friends are sure of ever-ready entertainment; they will never tire of the fascinating views in the Gazing Globe. Diameter of Globe, 15 inches. Height of Pedestal, 36 inches Write for new booklet with story of the Crystal Ball, prices, etc. STEWART-CAREY GLASS CO. Indianapolis, Indiana | vi AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS (ILITIOR Rust Pages FENCE-FLOWERB ARK .- | Pan iE Sir. i an A GFSEEDOOLBEIEUBOFIDENIL! Ny oes fences are now out of the question. Hedges require years to grow. Ordinary wire fences quickly rust to pieces. The only satisfactory and durable boundary marker is Wright’s Excelsior “RUST-PROOF” Fence This fabric is treated to a hot bath of melted zinc, which completely encases it in a weather- resisting armor. Without a drop of paint it will stand year after year unaffected by rain or snow. EXCELSIOR Trellis, Tree Guards and Edgings are alike ‘‘Rust-Proof,” and the only devices of the kind that it really pays to use. Your hardware dealer will order for you. WRIGHT WIRE COMPANY, Worcester, Mass. 410 Commerce Street, Philadelphia 125 Summer Street, Boston 5 First Street, San Francisco Ask us to send an illustrated catalog. 33 West Michigan Street, Chicago 256 Broadway, New York City 420 First Avenue, Pittsburgh You can have “Cream Quality” Bulbs Imported for Your Garden At one time most of the exvtva choice Dutch Bulbs —Hyacinths, Tulips, Narcissi—were sold in England. After the English trade was supplied a few were sent over here. For a number of years | have imported ‘Cream Quality” Bulbs direct from famous Holland growers— men who have made bulb growing a life work—but as this extra choice stock is limited in quantity only orders that are received before June 25th can be filled. Hunt’s “Cream Quality” Bulbs These books free toowners of homes You want the best plants, trees and shrubs—the best kind and the best specimens. e climate and soil of western North Carolina are such that on the various elevations may be grown almost every hardy “iy a plantortree. At Biltmore Nursery those advantages OWERING TREES AND are so utilized by skill and care as to produce a : : strain of plants of extraordinary vigor. To aid planters SHRUBS in making selections, Biltmore Nursery has published : four books—one of which will be sent free to any home-owner who expects to purchase trees or plants. are carefully selected and are the cream of the crop; they are large, sound and solid; and will produce extra good flowers. | test all the varieties I carry, and have positive knowledge of their high quality. My Book “The Cream of Holland” tells what vari- eties of these extra “‘Cream Quality”’ bulbs | can im- port. Send for a copy at once and make your selection, for my order must be ready by June 25th. I have another booklet ‘‘Daffodils de luxe” that describes the very latest varieties of ‘these magnificent flowers; ask for a copy. CHESTER JAY HUNT Box 122 Montclair, New Jersey e “Hardy Garden Flowers” The illustrations suggest many pleasing and varied forms of hardy garden planting—from the simple dooryard effect to the elaborate attainment. The descriptions are full and complete, yet free from technical terms. “Flowering Trees and Shrubs” Many of the best of the trees and shrubs produc- ing showy blossoms are shown, from photographs, as grown in typical gardens, lawns and yards. e pictures and the text give numerous useful ideas for plantinghome grounds, large and small, toadvantage. “The Iris Catalog” Unique in that it is, so far as we know, the only book of its kind devoted entirely to Irises. 16 large pages. handsomely illustrated throughout; seven pictures in the natural colors of the flowers. Accurate classifications and variety descriptions, “Pp: ” Biltmore Nursery Catalog A guide to the cultivated plants of North America. Over two years in the making, and cost more than $l acopy to complete. Contains 196 large pages and describes more than 300 perennials, 500 flower- ing shrubs, and distinct evergreens, deciduous trees, and 200 odd vines and plants. Freely illustrated. Ask for the Book You Need If you have a garden of perennials, or want one, request “Hardy Garden Flowers’ or “The Iris Catalog.” Should you prefer the more showy things, tell usto send ‘Flowering Trees and Shrubs.” In case you have a larger place and can plant ex- tensively of many varieties, we shall be glad to send the ‘Biltmore Nursery Catalog.’’ Edition of each limited—write to-day for the one you can use to best advantage. BILTMORE NURSERY Box 1254 Biltmore, N. C. May, 1912 OTHING can lend more charm to the gar- den than an at tractive SUN DIAL We can show you an assortment of many beautiful designs from which to select or submit de- signs car- rying out original ideas. Write for our illustrated booklet “SUN DIALS for the GARDEN” INCORPORATED 108 East 23rd Street, New York Branches: Brooklyn, St. Paul, Minneapolis, London, Paris Ma = ss SS Wonderful New Light Nothing else like it — made by the Standard Vacuum Gas Machine. Uses 97 per cent ordinary air ; Cheap- est, safest, most hygienic for lighting, heating and cooking; All conven- iences of city gas in country homes; 7 Cost less than 40 cents per 1000 cubic feet.—Latest Invention — Non-poisonous, non-asphyxiating, inexplosive and inodorous. Machine always ready—Much cheaper than acetylene and every element of danger removed—Gas to light with, Gas to cook with, Gas to heat water for bath, Gas for laundry purposes —no ashes, no dirt, no coal or wood to handle — Fuel gas for manufac ses, and lighting of towns aspecialty. Details and folder free— High class big proposition for live agents. THE STANDARD GILLETT LIGHT CO., 21 W. Michigan St., Chicago, U.S. A. —————— A BEAUTIFUL HOME you are one who would build this year, were you sure of the results—this ad is intended for you. Any home may be beautiful—that is, correct in its lines—its proportions—its comfort and conven- ience, because taste is the only thing that deter- mines what a home shall be. One doesn’t buy a Painting forthe amount of paint on it but for the art, and so with a home. DISTINCTIVE HOMES AND GARDENS We have put some of ourbest thoughts into our books of homes—just the cream of our experience, illustrated with scores of homes we’ve built, des- cribing every phase of the subject and telling how to avoid the usual pitfalls in building. No. 1—45 designs, $1000 to $6000 No. 2—35 designs, $6000 to $15000 $1.00 No.3—Combining No.1and2 $1.50 Stock plans priced in each book. Ask for our special offer on original plans. ~The Kauffman Company- 620 ROSE BUILDING CLEVELAND, OHIO Oa 5S SS SSS 2S 2S2S25SSSSe5 $1.00 Bese SseSeSeSeSe Sessa ses= Sasso Bano nn i SoSetsSeSeSe5Seoeo oS" -1—)—1 ——} of meat. It is not improbable that you can also catch your own fish. Indian-puddings and _ berry shortcakes and apple pies or pumpkin pies make home- made desserts good enough for anybody. Samp or grits, which are not very unlike boiled slowly all day, make most delicious food. It is worth the while to study the secret delights stored in vegetables, berries and corn. The field is full of investigation and invention. If you are in the peach belt you have an- other of the all-around good things. One can almost live on uncooked peaches and grapes, but they can also be transformed into numerous luxuries. Add to a plate of peaches and a plate of grapes a slice of home-made bread, with peanut-butter— eaten slowly and thoroughly chewed. But eat your peaches also slowly. In fact, anywhere in the country one per- son may live comfortably well in a well- ordered home for five or six cents a day. Then you may can and preserve a full sup- ply of fruits and vegetables for the Winter months. In the course of five or six years there will be several other things, like ap- ples, multiplying beyond the home supply. These will go to market and add to your purchasing money. There will also be a surplus of berries, if keeping on planting the shoots that come up from the stock. From a single acre of berries it will be easy to take in two or three hundred dollars each year, and there will be an increasing income from all the other directions I have indicated. However, do not be tempted to run your homesteads at first for market and second for home. This is a blunder made everywhere. There are tens of thousands of American country places which have the sale atmosphere dominant over the home atmosphere. Plant for home, think of home, and work for home. That is the only way to achieve true happiness in the home. BANANA CLOTH HERE is not a village in India that has not its clump of banana trees and not a village in which the fruit is not gathered and the fiber in the stalk wasted. It has been left to the Chinese to teach us how the tons of banana fiber thrown on the rub- bish heap every year can be converted into banana cloth and sold at a most remunera- tive price. The process of manufacture is very simple and quite within the reach of the natives of India, particularly those— and there are thousands of them—who have had some little textile training in cotton or jute mills. One-year-old plants are selected and the stalk is unrolled and steamed over cauldrons of boiling water till soft. It is a simple matter then to remove the green outer skin, by passing strips of the stalk through an instrument provided with a couple of blunt blades, which act as scrap- ers. The fiber thus obtained is placed in cloth, and pounded in order to drive out ex- cess moisture, and is next cleaned and twisted into yarn for weaving. Banana cloth is said to be eminently suitable for tropical wear and is very durable. At pres- ent the price would seem to be almost pro- hibitive, as a roll of banana cloth, five yards long and one yard wide sells for about $5.70. As the enterprise is a brand new one, high prices are to be expected; but they are sure to right themselves as the demand for this kind of cloth grows, and the suppiy en- deavors to keep pace with it. AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Unique designs, Beautiful Finish and Durable Construction make CREX GRASS FURNITURE - The Leader in The Wicker Line, Leading Dealers Everywhere New Booklet No. 237, upon request. PRAIRIE GRASS FURNITURE CO. Sole Manufacturers Glendale Long Island Sunshine in the home is essential to the family’s health and optimism. Yet thousands of homes are denied its benefits through fear of its destructive effects on draperies and coverings. At last you can have dra- pery fabrics which need no protection from the light—which are positively guaranteed to hold their colors against both sun and water. ORINOKA GUARANTEED __.S for draperies and coverings are dyed by an exclusive process which was discovered after years of experimenting and which is the only successful method for in- suring fast colors, even in the most delicate decorative shades. Do not confuse these fabrics with the many merely so-called ‘‘sunfast’’ materials which are offered. Every bolt of the genuine Orinoka goods bears a tag which authorizes the merchant to refund the money for any piece that changes color. Jnsist on seeing this tag. Orinoka Sunfast Fabrics afford all-satisfying choice of weaves, designs and colorings, in- cluding original and exclusive ideas which will strongly appeal to those who value individuality in housefurnishings. At the leading stores everywhere. Ask your dealer for our book, ‘‘Draping the Home.”’ THE ORINOKA MILLS Philadelphia Chicago San Francisco New York viii AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS May, 1912 INTERLINED PRINTING FOR THE BLIND HEN printing for the blind was first introduced a raised Roman letter was used ; but years ago it was found that a sys- tem of points could be more easily distin- guished than those letters, and now practi- cally all printing for the blind is done in the point system. It has the advantage that stereotype plates can be made without hay- ing to set up type. The plates are made on machines con- trolled by a keyboard. When the operator strikes certain combinations of these keys, the point characters representing the letters, are made directly on brass or zinc plates. One of these brass plates is placed on a cylinder press and against it on the opposite cylinder is a rubber blanket. As the moist paper is fed between this rubber and plate, the impression is made upon the paper, and when it dries it is hardened so that it does not rub down under the touch of the finger in reading. By this process, however, only one side of the paper can be utilized. For some time interlining or interpointing has been done by means of double plates by which both sides of the paper could be used, but this process was so very slow that it was ee His ERE, Hicks Shrubs and Trees NE year a bare foundation—the next, this charming effect. At the front steps are Hicks Boxwood and Dwarf Japanese Cypress. For carmine flowers in July are shrubs of Spirea Anthony Waterer. For summer green mass effects and autumn colorings are the Virginia Creeper and Japanese Barberry; the latter retaining coral berries undimmed till spring. A splendid bit of Rhododendrons make the richest possible found- ation planting. All the yeara mass of waxy green leaves, and in the spring always lovely with blooms. Hicks Rhododendrons ar all hardy acclimated planting. Send for our new 1912 catalog showing how numer- Underground Garbage Receiver p U ahieeeround Earth Closet ous planting and landscape problems, have effectively solved with Hicks choice shrubs and trees. Isaac Hicks & Son, Convenient for Home, Farm or Camp @ Keep the Garbage Can underground, away from flies, cats, dogs, sun, rain, frost. No muss — No smell. Sanitary — Con- venient. q Underground Earth Closet with portable steel house. Protect your water supply on the farm or camp. Earth closet invaluable for contractors or employers of labor. Steel house also makes a most excellent bath house. Sold direct Write for catalogues C. H. Stephenson 21 Farrar Street Lynn Mass. been quickly and plants. Send for special Rhododendron circular, Westbury, Long Island FRESH AIR AND PROTECTION! Ventilate your rooms, yet have your windows securely fastened with The Ives Window Ventilating Lock assuring you of fresh air and pro- tection against intrusion. Safe and strong, inexpensive and easily applied. Ask your dealer for them ee A i Ban 88-page Catalogue Hardware Specialties, Free, THE H. B. IVES CO. So.te Manufacturers ... NEW HAVEN, CONN, The Scientific American Boy By A. RUSSELL BOND. 320 pp., 340 Illus. $2 postpaid A STORY OF OUTDOOR BOY LIFE Suggests a large number of diversions which, aside from affording I | entertainment, will stimulate in boys the creative spint. Com- plete practical instructions are given for building the various arti- cles, such as Scows, Canoes. Windmills. Water Wheels. Etc Concrete Pottery and Garden Furniture By Ralph C. Davison HIS book describes in detail in a most practical manner the various methods of casting concrete for ornamental cement for the adornment of the home or garden. and useful purposes. It tells how to make all kinds of con- crete vases, ornamental flower pots, concrete pedestals, con- crete benches, concrete fences, etc. Full practical instruc- tions are given for constructing and finishing the different kinds of molds, making the wire forms or frames, selecting and mixing the ingredients, covering the wire frames, model- ing the cement mortar into form, and casting and finishing the various objects. Directions for inlaying, waterproofing and reinforcing cement are also included ‘The information on color work alone is worth many times the cost of the book. With the information given in this book, any handy man or novice can make many useful and ornamental objects of The author has taken for granted that the reader knows nothing whatever about the subject and has ex- plained each progressive step in the various operations throughout in detail. 16 mo. (5% x 7% inches) 196 Pages. 140 Illustrations. Price $1.50, postpaid MUNN & COMPANY, Inc., Publishers 361 Broadway New York largely impractical. The British and Foreign Blind Association in London has done inter- lining or interpointing by means of a platen press, but the Ziegler Publishing Company for the Blind of New York, publisher of the Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the Blind, has lately devised a plan by which the prin- ciple can be applied to the rotary press, and it is possible to do interlined printing at the rate of over 25,000 pages an hour. For this purpose double brass plates are made. A double sheet of brass is placed in the plate-making machine and the lines are made in the regular way on one side of this double plate, but the points are made to go through both plates. After the lines of points are made on one side, the double plate is reversed and the lines of points are made on the other side between the lines that have been previously made on the other side of the plate, so that on each side of each plate there is a row of points alternat- ing with a row of holes which make the points on the reverse side. Each point, therefore, on each plate has a corresponding hole into which it fits into the other plate. It will be readily seen that if a sheet of paper is put between these two plates and they are pressed together, an impression will be made on both sides of the paper. Now, to apply this to the rotary press, the Ziegler Publishing Company has had the cylinders of its press so registered that if one of these double plates is placed on one cylinder and the other on the opposite cylin- der, they will fit as the two cylinders revolve together, and each point on the one plate will strike directly into the corresponding hole on the other plate and wice versa. The moist paper is fed between these plates and the rubber is done away with. It is found that in this way a more perfect and uniform print can be secured than heretofore. By this process 50 to 75 per cent. more matter is obtained on each sheet of paper, which means almost a revolution in print- ing for the blind, for not only is the paper expensive, but matter for the blind spreads out so that under the old process books were of necessity very bulky. The first issue of the magazine to contain the new printing was that of October last. Sixteen pages were interlined, and the readers were not only greatly delighted with getting more reading matter in their magazine, but they found that it was just as easy to read as before. May, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS COINS THE MINT BUYS AND SELLS HE Mint does not buy old coins or paper money, except certain rare Co- lonial coins in fine condition, desired for the Mint’s cabinet. Mutilated or uncurrent United States gold and silver coin is pur- chased as bullion. The Mint has no pat- tern pieces for sale; and the Government pays no premium for the return of any of its coins or paper money. New coins cannot be struck in this coun- try in the absence of authorization by Congress. The Mint supplies United States coins only and not of any past date. The $50 goldpiece and the half-dollar and quarter-dollar pieces in. gold were struck by private parties on the Pacific Coast dur- ing the “49 period, and not by the Federal Government. The coinage of the following coins ceased in the years named: The half-cent, copper, in 1857; one-cent, nickel, 1864; half-dime and three-cent, silver, and two-cent, bronze, in 1873; twenty-cent, silver, 1878; trade dollars, 1883; one-dollar and three-dollar, gold, and three-cent, nickel, 1889. The Columbian half-dollar was coined in 1892, and the Isabella quarter in 1893. The Lafayette dollar was struck in 1899, the date on the coin (1900) being that of the unveiling of the memorial. Certain markings, indicating the place of coinage, are to be seen on our coins. Those struck at the Philadelphia Mint have no mint mark, but those struck at all other mints are distinguished by a small letter on the reverse, near the bottom. These letters are: “C” for Charlotte, N. C., dis- continued in 1861; “CC” for Carson City, Nev., discontinued in 1893; “D”~ for Dahlonega, Ga., discontinued in 1861; “O”’ for New Orleans, and “S” for San Francisco. The coins of the United States now au- thorized by law are: In gold, double eagle, eagle, half-eagle, quarter-eagle; in silver, half-dollar, quarter-dollar and dime; minor, five-cent, nickel, and one-cent, bronze. Proof sets of both gold and silver coins are to be had by purchase from the Mint. When business there is slack, medals may be struck from dies furnished by indi- viduals, public institutions and incorporated | societies, at a charge sufficient to cover the cost of the operation and the value of the | metal. FACTS ABOUT BREATHING HE amount of air breathed.in at one normal inhalation of an average male adult is 500 cubic centimeters, or 30.5 cubic inches; but when taking vigorous exercise, seven times as much. The total area of the lung surfaces is about 30 square meters or 323, square feet; that of the body, however, only 2 square meters or 21.53 square feet. An adult breathes ordinarily in a minute about 18 times; when doing ordinary phys- ical work, 25 times; when taking vigorous exercise, 60. In case of inflammation of the lungs the respiration takes place at the rate of about 40 breaths a minute. In the nasal passages the air is warmed more rapidly and thoroughly than when it passes into the lungs through the mouth. Air at a temperature of 6 deg. Cent.=42.8 deg. Fah. is raised to 32 deg. Cent.=89.6 deg. Fah. during the short time of an in- halation through the nose. The reason of the more thorough warming by nasal breath- ing is that the total surface of the nasal passages in the average adult is 100 square centimetres or 15.5 square inches; those of the mouth having an area of only 70 square centimetres or 10.85 square inches. PEE Sav ‘ Bg uN The Yale “Mortise’”’ Latch Lg The Yale “Rim” Latch No. 44 Yale Padlocks Did you ever hear anyone praise a Yale Padlock by say- ing it was as goodasanother? No Locks are Yale Locks unless made by Yale & Towne When you feel the need of addi- tional security remember that Yale Night-latches give security with convenience. They are made in two forms—the ‘‘Rim”’ and the ‘‘Mortise’’ and are a comfort on av Front Entrance Doors Outside Kitchen Doors Outside Basement Doors Closet Doors Yale Hardware New designs are constantly being added, samples of which can be seen in the sales- rooms of leading hardware dealers. Grade Landing Doors Store Room Doors and many other doors about the house, garage, etc. The mission of the “‘Rim’’ and “‘Mortise’’ is the same, but the ‘‘Mortise’’ makes the neater job. Yale Door Checks |} Simply shutthe door—shut it softly, but shut it tight. Four styles to meet all conditions. The Yale & Towne Mig. Co. Makers of YALE Products Local Offices CuicaGco: 74 East Randolph St. San Francisco: 706 Phelan Bldg. 52 eS] HE GALLOWAY Collec- yt : ALS tion has been greatly in- creased for the season 0/1912 Send for New Back show- ing new designs executed 772 strong ,durab e Terra-Cotta GALLOWAY TERRA GCOITA Go 3222 WALNUT ST. PHILADELPHIA. ~ General Offices: 9 Murray Street, New York Exhibit Rooms: 251 Fifth Avenue, New York Canadian Yale and Towne Limited, St. Catharines, Ont. RS ON Nts tp “Fh FREELETEELLEEREEEREO EEE this PUERRERFTEEFEEERERETT § HMIRIVETEERE All, arnt PERLE HAY Utaasscasess teat REVELELUREHUREERTEUUESHEDIEUAIH ARMA LAD bloat Cyclone Ornamental Fence will give the outside of your home the finished appearance that curtains give the inside. It takes away that look of something lacking. Cyclone Ornamental Fence is made of large wires, heavily galvanized. Heavy upright wires are firmly seated in the cables, form- ing an immovable joint. Easily put up on wooden or iron posts. Made in many attractive designs. WE GUARANTEE IT FULLY Cyclone Farm Gates are strong, durable and light on posts. Frames are of high-grade carbon steel and fabric of heavy, closely woven galvanized wire. Turns any stock. Write us about how many feet of fence and the number of gates you need. We will send catalog Free. Cyclone Fence Company, Dept. 44 Waukegan, III, i AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS May, 1912 THE ART OF WATERING RVs T IS doubtful if watering the garden as THE SSS (2S it is ordinarily done is a benefit—at any (OLDWELL MoTo LAWN MOWE i rate the benefit is not great enough to pay R R for the labor lost in the operation. There is no question of the value of watering plants when it is properly done. but the way water is commonly applied is so inefficient that it had better not be done at all. The object of watering is, of course, to supply in abundance the moisture which plants need in order to grow luxuriantly. The lawn sprinkler looks very pretty, but much water is lost through evaporation, and less falls on the ground than one sup- poses. The lawn should be watered if it must be watered at all, by flooding it with water from the hose at night. Let the water run freely but without great force from the OES the work of three men and three horse i open of the hose. Move the hose every hour from 6 p. m. to bed time, and leave it for the night where it will cover the great- expense of two men and three horses. Stays in WAN est area. If you cannot water the lawn order (proved by eleven years service). Expert this way you had better not water it at all. ; ; The need for water on a good lawn is very knowledge not required to operate. Climbs a 20 per little anyway. It is only lawns on shallow mowers on a gallon of gasoline per hour. Saves cent grade. Leaves no hoof prints. Weighs 2000 NWIAW | OF poor topsoil that need water, and such | N Hl lawns should be improved. Hy pounds. Keeps the lawn smooth. ies Hi Watering the garden is a difficult and im- i Wy when not in use. Over 600 in use by the United AY pore art oe should re ae by all Meds : Ae amateurs. atering should be done as ey y States Government, and leading Golf Clubs, also on Wy irrigating is) every, weelei of (cond eaes uy Public Parks and Private Estates. Write for | every two weeks, with thorough cultivation fi Catalog following each watering. Sprinkling with a hose does the plants little good, and may do harm as it beats and compacts the soil Coldwell Lawn Mower Company _\\\ co thar ede water i alearie a ene 3 is sunny the next day the ground bakes and Newburgh, New York ! if not cultivated at once the condition of : the garden is worse than before. The rule should be, in a long drought a weekly soaking followed by thorough cul- tivation to conserve the moisture. Newly planted trees and shrubs need watering every ten days or two weeks. A hill of earth four or five inches high should be made around each tree, and the water should be allowed to fill this and soak away in the ground two or three times. The next day the earth can be levelled around the tree again and if it is wet, dry earth | a eee ee J from nearby can be thrown over it as a THE LARGEST LAWN MOWER FACTORY IN THE WORLD. mulch. Newly planted trees and shrubs should have a cultivated area around them ea for the first year at least. Evergreens are sometimes helped by sprinkling the foliage just at nightfall. This should never be done when the sun is hot. Mulching is sometimes better than water- ing, because the mulch once put on stays for the season and it cannot do any harm. A If it is put on early in the year it keeps Timber Hangers the ground moist and cool, and keeps the é weeds from growing. It should be of manure, straw, leaves, grass clippings, pine needles or any waste material that will pre- vent evaporation. When shrubs are planted in mass the whole area should be mulched. Individual small trees should have a mulch 6 feet in diameter spread about them. CLEANING COPPERPLATE Should always be used around stair- way wells and wherever a beam abuts its support. A. handsome aluminum model showing the exact application of the ENGRAVINGS 3 a HE following recipe for cleaning cop- hanger to the beam will be sent post corp eee Ho ‘ ” al recent issue of Neweste Erfind und Erfahr: (H Te Se eastern, cf ae bad Wena Make a solution of forty grammes am- Bra monium carbonate in one ae hee ee and go over the engraving oth sides), L B th C 434-466 Prospect Street cube a sponge or soft brush; then rinse ane brothers 0., Poughkeepsie, N. Y. with clear water. Then wash with water to which has been added some vinegar and rinse out again; to finish, go over the whole May, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS xi with water in which has been dissolved a small quantity of bleaching powder. Dry in the open, preferably in the sun. The engraving will look like new, the treatment to which it has been subjected leaving be- hind no traces whatever. SQUASHES IN THE HOME GARDEN By E. 1. F. HE first week in June is none too late to start squashes in the home garden. Indeed, late planting has an advantage, as in that way trouble with the black bug is largely avoided. The use of much fer- tilizer is needed in order to grow good squashes and the best plan is to broadcast manure and plow it into the soil. Then only a forkful of manure or a handful of commercial fertilizer will be required for each hill, but it should be dug into the soil. A shovelful of coal ashes in the hill will help to keep borers away. The seeds should be planted about one inch deep and it is wise to plant six or seven, thinning the plants to three or four in a hill. It is just as well to bunch the seeds, as no harm is done and the plants are more easily cared for than when scattered. The young plants will probably appear within a week and must immediately be guarded against the various pests which seem to prefer squash vines to any other kind. The fondness which the different bugs and beetles have for squashes is so well known, indeed, that this vegetable is often planted with cucumbers and melons as a trap crop. There is no better way to fight the beetles than to dust the plants with a mixture made by using a teaspoon- ful of Paris green with two quarts of land plaster and two quarts of tobacco dust. Several applications must be made and it is especially necessary to use this poison just after a rain. Boxes for distributing the poison may be purchased, but it is a simple matter to make one from a baking powder or coffee can by punching holes in the bottom. The can should not be quite filled or the powder will not be shaken out easily, and the cover should be put-on tightly so that none will be wasted. This duster may also be used to advantage when vegetables are attacked by the green’ fly, and is recommended by a prominent market gardener. If the bug appears, it may be trapped by using shingles placed on the ground near the plants. The bugs will crawl under them and may be destroyed by crushing them or dropping them in kerosene. The shingles should be examined very early in the morning. The borer works in the stems and sometimes may be cut out, the stems then being buried in the earth, where they will take root. The cultivation of the squash is not ar- duous as the vines grow very rapidly and shade the ground to such an extent that weeds cannot thrive. A wheel hoe can be used to advantage at first.. If manure has not been broadcasted, it is a good plan to spread a little around each hill before the vines begin to run. Amateurs often make the mistake of planting squashes too close- ly. Nine feet is plenty close enough, and even then the plants will overlap in most cases, if they grow well. Squashes are fre- quently planted with early peas or beans, as they do not require the ground until those crops are off. If the squashes are to be kept for Winter se, care must be exercised in gathering them, for they are easily bruised. They should be piled and left in the field for a few days before they are taken to the house. Hubbard, Delicious and Marblehead are good kinds to grow. Elastica Floor Finish akes Floors Like satisfactory results, a Se linoleum or oilcloth. Saves Work Time and Money Witten Automatic Dump Cart saves labor FORESTALLED BY THE hesovuve PROTECTION OF _. ETNA, DISABILITY INSURANCE This will protect your Income and the Income of your family. In exchange for a moderate annual investment of $60 a year the A.TNA Life Insurance Co. will insure your Income against loss by accidental injury or death or by disease. $25 per week while you are disabled by EITHER ACCIDENT OR ILLNESS. And in addition $5,000 to your family if your ACCIDENT results fatally. $5,000 to You if it causes loss of both hands; or both feet, or one. hand and-one foot; or one hand and one eye; or one foot and one eye. $2,500 to YOu if it causes loss of one hand, or one foot; or one eye. These amounts (except for weekly indemnity) increase one-half in five years without extra cost and are ALL DOUBLED if your accident happens in a public passenger conveyance or elevator, or ina DUO PEUGI Larger or smaller amounts at proportionate cost. Absolute Security Liberal Contracts Prompt Settlements : SEND IN THE COUPON—TO-DAY Etna Life Insurance Co. (orawer i341) Hartford, Conn. Tell me how to AETNA-IZE my Income. ! am under 50 years of age and in good health. Name Business address Occupation WRITER in “St. Nicholas” has the following to say of the cleverness of animals: “Cats seem to know what dogs they can frighten and drive off, as well as those from which they would do well to steer clear. I have often seen a pet cat of ours drive a big dog away from her dish on the back porch, causing him to set up such a howl that one might sup- pose a catamount were after him; and again I have seen a fox terrier send the same cat flying up a tree as fast as she could climb it, without any questioning as to whether it were best to go or not. “Nearly everyone has noticed the re- markable knowing quality developed in all shepherd dogs. According to my own personal observation these dogs help to keep the herds in the road and drive them in the right direction; they know their master’s sheep and cattle; they can sepa- rate one herd from another; they can keep each in its own special pasture; they can prevent their master’s sheep from min- gling with his neighbor’s—especially when the flock comes to a break in the wall or fence or hedge, through which the sheep seem to have an almost irresistible tendency to pass—and on account of their great intelligence shepherd dogs are an almost indispensable aid to all those who have to manage sheep or cattle. “The cattle dogs of Cuba are but little less intelligent in their management of these animals as they are landed from the livestock vessels in some of the ports o! that country. Two dogs swim beside each steer, for each steer is thrown into the water to find its own way ashore, and these dogs guide it by the ears until the animal’s feet touch bottom, when they immediately let go and return to the ship to assist another steer in reaching land in the same manner. “Darwin describes a trick played on a monkey to show its intelligence. Lumps of sugar wrapped in paper were first given to him. Then for sugar a live wasp was substituted, but after meeting with an unpleasant experience from the wasp the monkey put the next package to his ear to learn if it might be safely opened. This action showed that the monkey had memory, and considerable wisdom and had discovered that a wasp buzzes when wrapped in paper. “The elephant looks stupid enough, but his intelligence is developed to a marked degree. Dr. Romanes tells sev- eral interesting stories showing the al- most human instinct of the animals. A man was one day feeding a tame ele- phant with potatoes which the elephant took from his hand. A small round po- tato fell on the ground just out of reach. “After several unsuccessful attempts to get it, the animal blew so strong ‘a blast of breath against it that it was dashed against a wall, from which it re- bounded so far that he easily reached it. “Dr. Romanes repeats the story of an elephant that was chained to a tree near a little oven in which his driver had just baked some rice cakes. When the driver went away, leaving his cakes to cool, the elephant unfastened the chain from his _leg, uncovered the oven, opened it, ate the cakes, and covered the oven with earth and stones as he had found it. He then returned to his place, and wound the chain about his leg as it was before, although he could not fasten it. The driver, on his return, found the elephant with, his back toward the oven, and look- ‘|'ing’ innocent, but the cakes had com- pletely disapf earéd.””. May, Igi2 aD THE MAY SMALL HOUSE NUMBER HE advent of the Annual Small House Number of AMERICAN HoMEs AND GARDENS last year is now fol- lowed by the second appearance of an issue especially de- voted to the small house. The present May number pre- sents various features of importance to everyone. The Small House is a subject that is close to the heart of every American homemaker. This is the month that finds one thinking about small houses particularly, and that is why AMERICAN HoMEs AND GARDENS annually makes its May issue a special number. The magazine’s many readers will find that twelve full pages of text matter have been added to the present number to take care of the extra small house matter prepared for them, and they will find herein many small house exteriors and interiors described and illustrated and accompanied by floor plans of various stories. The en- thusiastic letters that AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS continues to receive from its readers, subscribers and adver- tisers is a source of gratification and the Editor deeply ap- preciates the helpful interest which the magazine’s many friends continue to hold in the articles that appear from month to month in these pages. The Editor is always glad to hear from its constantly increasing circle of subscribers, for AMERICAN HoMES AND GARDENS knows what its readers will like because the editorial policy of the magazine keeps it closely in touch with them. ‘Therefore comment and suggestion is always welcome, bringing with it, as often it does, the encouragement and the helpfulness of sugges- tion. JUNE NUMBER OF AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS HE pages of the June number of AMERICAN HoMEs AND GARDENS will contain a number of articles filled with the spirit of vacation time. Mary H. Northend’s ar- ticles on ‘Boys’ Camps” will be well worth reading. Sum- mer camps for boys represent a feature of the culture of modern youth that is equally important, in proportion, to other phases of educational development. Another out- door article is that which will describe ““A Camp Experi- ment,” the story of the building of a camp, illustrated from beautiful photographs and floor plans. ‘‘Running a House- boat by Automobile Power”’ is the title of an entertaining article by Robert H. Moulton, and F. F. Rockwell, the well-known gardening authority, contributes an adequately illustrated article on summer work in the vegetable garden. This number of AMERICAN HoMEs AND GARDENS will de- scribe interesting houses, each one illustrated from ex- terior and interior photographs and by plans. There will be other features of great value to the homemaker, such as an article on “The Portable House,” ‘‘Planting Around Rocks,” “Moles and Lawns,” and the exquisitely illustrated “Garden Arches” feature. The matter of the interior of the house, large or small, its decoration, furnishing, paper- ing, painting, flooring, piacabie. lighting, heating, etc., comprises a field in which the articles that appear in AMERICAN HoMEsS AND GARDENS stand unsurpassed. Sum- mer and Winter there is no abatement in the interest shown in its articles by the readers of this magazine, because month AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 3 A.D yyy) DI) Fosrrerserrerr r= X1il ALUMNA AT Peetan EU EE tH TOMO Ge OT by month it prints the best gardening articles that will be of definite value to the home-builder and home-maker that can be procured. The ideal of the American home is not the pre- tentious estate that is merely a show-place requiring an army of servants for its upkeep. Instead, the home and the gar- den of the man of moderate means more nearly approaches the true conception of the American ideal. ‘Therefore AMERICAN Homes AND GARDENS is eagerly read by the housewife as well as by other members of the family by reason of the attention it gives to the many matters within her province. This June number will be one of the most attractive numbers that have appeared among the issues of the magazine. INTERNATIONALISM: A NEW TREND HE world seems to be upon the dawn of a future era of internationalism, of a time when, without sacrifice to the intensest national pride, or to true loyalty to one’s own country, the peoples of the world will come to inter- mingle in thought, language and effort to a degree that has not as yet been attained throughout the ages. It is not alone the interest shown by one nation in another’s arts, sciences, literature, politics or achievements that will bring about the greater universal brotherhood, nor will it be by political or revolutionary means. We shall, instead, arrive at closer relationship to our neighbor-nations (just as we, perhaps, arrive at a closer relationship to our neighbor-villager, our neighbor-townsman or our neighbor-citizen) by the develop- ment of a truer kindliness, a more real charity, a wider generosity, and a less selfish appreciation in all affairs be- tween ourselves and others, whether or not we be individ- uals or populations. In this connection it is interesting to note that a number of earnest men, (led by an American, Theodore Stanton, a son of the late Elizabeth Cady Stan- ton), have planned to issue an international newspaper, a newspaper which shall contain only news of world-wide im- portance, and other matter within the field of the propa- ganda for internationalism. Of course by internationalism one does not mean the upsetting of the world’s political di- visions, its various modes of government, or anything of the sort, but by the term one is to understand that there is meant the kinship of the whole world and the understanding of the relationship of the people of one nation, their arts, sciences and industries as well, to those of another. This project will be watched with interest inasmuch as it would seem to be one means of assisting as well the movement towards International peace. We of this country should seek to do away with the sort of provincialism that fools itself in believing itself to be the true national spirit. The whole world is ever a school to the whole world. An attitude towards informing ourselves more generally on subjects not bounded by our localism is one which we can well afford, in common with the people of every land, to develop within ourselves. It is likewise with the matter of homemaking. ‘There is much of value we can learn from other countries in the way of architecture, gardening, econo- mics, and so on, which, if adopted by us or adapted to our own needs would greatly advance our progress. xiV AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS May, 1912 Ge INCOMPARABLE WHITE SIX ELECTRICALLY STARTED AND LIGHTED—LEFT HAND DRIVE —== = wu TRO y, d Si. 7 Vee Ove im g SS : EZ, 2 4| \ ‘oni om homme MEANS es — wa \ a eee Km) \2) HE WHITE SIX is equipped with a starting system that cranks the motor easily and naturally. There are no valves to leak, no gears to engage, and no explosions taking place in the cylinders while the pistons are stationary. The White starting system is one hundred per cent efficient. Moreover, the lights are operated by the same system that starts the engine. Logical, isn’t it? The White Six makes it possible to reach the driving seat, start, and light the car without the necessity of stepping into the street. Powerful and economical, with graceful and luxurious body and perfect road balance, owners have pronounced it the ideal Six. CATALOG UPON REQUEST CLEVELAND MANUFACTURERS OF GASOLINE MOTOR CARS, TRUCKS AND TAXICABS a 2 pie ARD: nines GONTENTS FOR MAY, 1912 Joooaghoo0o EER Ve eVANNED WDOORWAY «5 onde kiosk dees e Mia va web van bb sea es Frontispiece LENE SWGATH 18 USD cay do cg een ae gente ean By Gardner Teall 147 al MOCURRE EOE RAMPS COMDAGE 18>. 606 calc seu de’e me wien By Mabel Tuke Priestman 153 PMOMESENU TILL, GARDEN .4.5 582.0 oo ene te Us By Harold Donaldson Eberlein 154 SIAEE OUSESIOLIOLONE AND STUCCO... . o.0scd seen cca By Costen Fitz Gibbon 158 GARDEN PURNITURE OF GooD DESIGN...) .....). 0622660: By Mary H. Northend 162 Ne ARCHIEDECISuEIOME IN DHE COUNTRY: «.. 00.) cee see ead By Berwyn Converse 164 w AE OOREAGE SOE SMU C CO es. 3)c5 506 «vg 465 8s aed ede ce ees By Robert Leonard Ames 166 (9) PMB AGREE MUNGEENOOKGH es 5 6 oc ufo oes ket nn RES bch es seen du ewe aGeseen 168-169 cy LUGROUE OR SUBURBAN SOMES,.\ 22 .ilo a. o'ocn Vg Ss oh eo eb be ws By Edward M. Carroll 170 SOMPEDONIPSMCMOSES WOR PILES. oo... eo. bo be oo sls bs By Norris N. Strathfield 174 S Emme a PBLORINGY Neale OUP tracey es oh ols sod eo edd ow Wary teak ws By Roger L. Vieth 176 rE WiEstPENGIOME OB A/MUSICIAN. .. <.c0c2 0.00.48. e 04 By Thomas R. Thorndyke 09/59) ae RSISINGID WOKS ON THE SOMALI, PLACE. 3 6c. coe se oe dre ee By E. I. Farrington 181 WirHIN THE House—Transforming the Winter Interior. ..By Harry Martin Yeomans 184 [ it | AROUND THE GARDEN—May-time in the Garden.............00 0000 cee ee cee eee 186 HeELps To THE HousewirE—Fixing up a Small House.. ...... By Elizabeth Atwood 188 Feeding the Growing Chicks Book Notes The Editor’s Notebook Old Woodwork in Modern Homes CHARLES ALLEN MUNN FREDERICK CONVERSE BEACH President NE UTNN & @€oO: ; Inc. Secretary and Treasurer Publishers 361 Broadway, New York Published Monthly. Subscription Rates: United States, $3.00 a year; Canada, $3.50 a year. Foreign Countries, $4.00 a year. Single Copies 25 cents. Combined Subscription Rate for “American Homes and Gardens” and the “Scientific American,” $5.00 a year. Copyright 1912 by Munn &Co., Inc. Registered in United States Patent Office. Entered as second-class matter June 15, 1905, at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1879. The Editor will be pleased to consider all contributions, but ‘‘American Homes and Gardens" will not hold itself responsible for manuscripts and photographs submitte ~ * Fae Phil ral bh. Aha . A 0 Z i _ Photograph by T. C. Turner The well-planned doorway is one of the most important architectural considerations of the small house as well as one of its most attractive features The Small House By Gardner Teall Photographs by T. C. Turner aq|| HERE is always about the small house some- thing that endears it to the spirit of the traditions of our ideals of American home life, something that makes us turn to the thought of it, when we are occupied with the problems of home-making, in preference to the house of extensive proportions or of greater pretence, even though the requirements of our circumstances and position in the affairs of life may make it necessary for us ultimately to be governed by what, after all, may not be with us precisely a matter of choice. The small house need not, of course, be a tiny house, nor yet one of cramped quarters. Our Colonial ancestors were master-builders in the matter of producing small houses carrying with them a Coe e The suburban home of Mrs. Mary F. H. Johnson, at Hackensack, New Jersey, an excellent example of the thoroughly attractive small house 148 sense of roominess, even of spaciousness. On the other hand those dark ages of do- mestic architecture prevail- ing in America from the year 1870 until a decade ago witnessed the building of many dwellings, enor- mous in external propor- tions but so poorly planned as to seem like a doll’s play- house when one had the mis- fortune to be forced to live within their walls. Happily the greater number of these dwellings were flimsily con- structed of wood and have long since retired to their proper estate—junk yard and kindling box, leaving us to redeem our architectural faults of yesterday with the splendid ac- complishments of our American architects of to-day along all lines, and especially in the planning and design of the small house. The notion, once prevalent, | that if one had a small lot he | should seek to cover it up with a large house, even if but two people were to occupy it, has long since given way to our realization that the house PantRy#STORE Room — {= VERANDA must be considered in the re- lationship to its site, and that if we must have a large house we must have a proper sized First floor plan, Gosman house AMERICAN HOMES Floor plans of the Johnson house The Hone of Mr. J. W. Gosman, at Caldwell Cedars, Caldwell, New Jersey, a small house of unusual merit, both in plan and in its design AND GARDENS May, 1912 site for it. Of course there will, perhaps, remain a vast number of persons the world over whose circum- stances will not permit them to attain their cher- ished desire, and yet the person who longs to pos- sess and who seeks to own a small house of his own is bound to reach his heart's desire if he remains faith- ful to his enthusiasm for his dream-to-come-true. We are wont to associate the thought of the small house with the starting out in life of the young husband and his bride, and it is a happy image for us to conjure up to the vision. Nevertheless, it is probable that the small house finds among its builders as many others. Wherefore it must lend itself to an endless number of requirements, must fit itself to many varied ne- cessities. The reader will find illus- trated here a number of small houses together with diagrams of their floor plans. | A careful study of these lat-[— ter will indicate the requi- sites of the various families occupying them, and to the prospective home-builder such a study will serve to : initiate him in the intricacies BEDROOM Second floor plan, Gosman house May, 1912 Rw $ és <5 > SN ee <2 <5 XX? % S$ Ss Oe. aE 5 xy eS 82 OA of choosing plans for the small house he _ himself would like to have. The first of the group of small houses illustrating this article is the home of Mrs. Mary F. H. Jonnson, at Hackensack, New Jersey, designed by Messrs. Mann and MacNeille, architects, New York, who were also the architects of the house of Mr. C. A. Ward, at Doug- laston Park, Long Island, New York, illustrated on this page. Both these houses are conspicuous for their ex- cellent proportions, which are based upon the square, though both houses are given living-rooms whose length is greater than their breadth, which is always a point to be sought in the planning of the rooms used by the family in common. points of similarity in the two houses, and yet they are, each AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS : of the veranda of the Ward house Floor plans and view There are other 149 Ded ROD. |) J6'X12 | SECOND FLOOR PLAN of them, individual in at- mosphere and in no sense does one duplicate the other. Externally the Johnson house and the Ward house are similar in treatment though strikingly different in effect. In the Johnson house \thie veranda 1s reached from both the hall- way and the living-room, while the veranda of the Ward house opens only from the living-room. A comparative study of these plans will be well worth while, for both have been evolved by architects who thoroughly understand the problem of the small house and its new requirements in the numerous differing parts. The delightful small gambrel-roof house at Caldwell Cedars, Caldwell, New Jersey, designed for Mr. J. W. Gosman by Mr. E. G. W. Dietrich, architect, New York, 150 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS May, 1912 4 ‘ f; sh , eR owe Garden side of the Winans house Entrance front of the Winans house illustrated on page 148, has muchtocommend it. Thecharm an upstairs sitting-room during the warm season. A small of simplicity, yet comfortable homelikeness its lines sug- house of this sort is especially adapted to a suburban site. gest give to it the appearance Both architect and owner have of the thoroughly hospitable chosen its placing well, and the habitation that stands for the judicious planting of ever- true conception of the Ameri- greens, trees and shrubs about can home. Originally the space the premises have added now occupied by the two front SLEEPING greatly to its attractiveness and bed-chambers was the bal- a to its home-like atmosphere. conied upper part of the living- The small stucco house il- room running up to the rafters. lustrated on this page is well Later a floor was added and a worth the attention of every- partition was run through its one planning to build a small center, the division produc- Floor plans of the Winans house house of this sort. This house, ing two fair-sized chambers. The balcony extending above the home of Mrs. E. B. Winans, at Tuckahoe, New York, the porch can be used as a sleeping-porch in Summer, or for designed by John H. Phillips, architect, New York, is ad- e ; Sy 4 j a % 7 ‘ ; Living Room * The home e Mrs. E. B. Winans, at Tuckahoe, New York, a very successful and attractive example of the small house of stucco May, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS I Un mirably planned and constructed, thoroughly attractive and interesting, as well as being distinctly original in design though in no sense bizarre. While the entrance to the living-room is from the hallway, another entrance from this room is offered by the French windows which open upon the porch, thus enabling the maintenance of privacy when desired (as a single main entrance directly upon the living- PANTRY KitcHen Dining Reon BED Room BED ROOM First and second floor plans of the Clark house room from outside would not make possible), or of throw- ing the house open informally when these French doors are opened on occasion throughout the Summer season, during which time the porch becomes a delightful outdoor room. One of the special features of the Winans house is the clever planning which has given access to the sleeping-porch from two bed-chambers, and another feature is the external pro- jection of the beams, giving to the porch corner of the house The beautifully-situated residence of Mr. as J. Clark, at Oakley Manor, Mount ne New York. stare is a small house of distinction the appearance of the elevation of the projecting patterned beams of a pergola. When the sun is high these beam- ends cast patterns in shadow across the face of the stucco, giving relief to its surface just at that time of day when such relief is welcome to the vision. The fourth small house here illustrated is that of Mr. Ralph J. Clark, at Oakley Manor, Mount Vernon, New York, designed by Herbert Lucas, architect, New York, who also designed the house of Mr. W. Morton Pickslay, in the same locality, shown on page 152. Mr. Clark’s house is delightfully situated and is one of the most beautiful houses of its size and character in the east. There is some- thing particularly appealing about its snug trimness, pleasing fenestration and the excellent device by which the architect Ti, ak as meee a The living-room of the Clark house showing stairway 152 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS May, 1912 Ware “Wino-Reoy First floor plan Second floor plan suggestion of permanency about a small house of this sort, and it is doubtful if one could select a more pictur- esque type for the uncrowded suburban district given over to modern homes. has succeeded in knitting it to its site—the trellis-screen that separates the lawn from the service yard. ‘The en- closed veranda practically adds a room to the lower floor, converting that portion The two houses illustrated of it into a sun-parlor i, ——z NTE erm ~ aa on this page were designed goodly proportions. The Floor plans and exterior of the stucco house owned by Mr. Pickslay, for Mr. F. W. Woodward isolation of the kitchen, Oakley Manor, Mount Vernon, New York and for Mr. J. O. Newell, of which is conveniently reached, however, is admirably Glen Ridge, New Jersey, by Mrs. Frances G. Tynan, archi- planned. ‘The house owned by Mr. Pickslay is not less at- tect, Glen Ridge, New Jersey. Both are excellent examples tractive, although the planting has not yet been so far of attractive small houses of the gambrel-roof type and advanced as to set it off as it will be with the approach of give one a helpful idea of the different effects obtained in another season. ‘This house 1s the varying detail of two of the stucco type and the houses upon the same gen- plaster walls of its exterior are eral lines. The arrangement relieved by well designed case- of the pantry, as shown in ment windows set with dia- the first floor plan, is one of mond panes, which, together the most striking features of with the lines of the roof, sug- the house, for while it is eas- gests the cottage architecture ily accessible from either din- ofsEmeland: The enclosed ing-room or kitchen, forming porch or sun-parlor runs quite a passage from one to the across one end of the house, other, it does not interfere giving a room almost the size with or break into the long of the living-room from which it is reached. As in the wall space of the former room. With the passing of time Clark house, the architect has here solved the problem of hedge, vines and shrubbery would add still more to their placing the kitchen most successfully. There is a delightful homelike cosiness and will obtain for them seclusion. Floor plans of the Woodward house Thy ” y ae. Pass ie idl § ay « ¥ oA ry ma 4 ‘< J ‘ Mp a ‘ Met Ber he o ¥ va . ie “9 4 apeie MS 3 igs hae 8 Gj “ zs v . ws ps bt Ps 4 , le 1/11) i z NOt Oe ae = Pee Home of Mr. J. O. Newell (to the left) and home of Mr. F. W. Woodward (to the right). Both of these houses are at Glen Ridge, New Jersey May, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 153 Even in the very smallest houses of the cottage type, American architects are now producing many plans and elevations of distinction in design A Little Frame Cottage y] HE frame cottage shown upon this page is plas- tered outside, and has a shingled roof. It is a remarkably success- ful achievement for nine hundred and fifty dollars, its cost. The brown stained woodwork and fret orna- ment are distinctly individual decorative notes. The owner was able to save ex- pense by doing a good deal of the de- tail work himself. The upper-porch By Mabel Tuke Priestman Photographs by the Author was built as an outdoor sleep- ing-room and is an interesting feature of the cottage. The following is a summary of the cost of erection: Lumber, including Windows and NCAA oo nice ere psec coe cman sid $370 00 Pattie and Stasis oo ccec.caeccceccer 6 50 00 BASU SEA VEL coe osc sion cet adcies vores netic 10 00 EAS AWALE soo shone co siege ele devo viroosee 30 00 MRIS SEIEAN CONS corn is ord oe eidawmoieie cee 200 00 GME WO Mea a ae in trina ies cae cia oe 45 00 PIOOES AUG SCLCENS) s52 200300 de ecee ae ailes 35 00 OMI rotor Poe ees od daw o cnet ioeecued 110 00 | 24 ETAT er ee eee oe ee ieee ee ae 100 00 MOtAl isa snas secs oe $950 00 There are sitting-rooms and kitchen and two bedrooms to this cottage. A clever and in- expensive form of steam heat- | The walls are not plastered on the in- side, but are stained a warm brown, the panels being filled with burlap on the upper walls. ‘There is a quaint simpli- city about this cottage that appeals to the economical builder; everything is in evidence; there is no attempt made here to hide the chimney which goes through the floor to the room above. . Perhaps the most striking feature of the plan of this little cottage is the man- ner in which the first floor has been divided. The partition runs lengthwise of the house in order to make possible a living- room across the whole front. One has only to imagine how another house, less artistically designed and less carefully carried out in the matter of its decorative detail, would appear even if constructed upon the same plan and built to the same proportions but lacking the artistic design that has been given this cottage by those who conceived its plan. Indeed, this tiny house spells the short ing has been installed therein. First floor plan of the little frame cottag and interior step from ugliness to beauty. 154 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS The little circular Greek temple of the purest Doric architecture is reached by a flight of five steps from the edge of the flowing stream A Chestnut Hill Garden ‘Compton, ” a Philadelphia Suburban Estate, Full of Inspiration for the Garden-Maker By Harold Donaldson Eberlein Photographs by T. C. Turner ARDENING is one of civilization’s chiefest graces. Whatever civilization is or is not, whatever we as individuals may choose to reckon its essentials—and how many, if they think about it at all, will agree thereon ?— few will deny that the making of gardens is an object worthy the care and devotion of the gentlest and most enlightened spirits. astute genius of practical wisdom, sagely says, ‘God Almighty first planted a gar- den. And, indeed, it is the purest of hu- man pleasures; it is the greatest refresh- ment to the spirits of man; without which buildings and palaces are but gross handi- works; and a man shall ever see, that when ages grow to civility and elegance, men come to build stately, sooner than to gar- den finely; as if gardening were the greater perfection.” Were Lord Bacon alive to-day the gar- den at Compton would doubtless elicit his sincere approval. Compton lies on a northern spur of Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania, overlooking the Whitemarsh Valley. About its wooded base winds the Wissahickon, just before it Lord Baco n, that Li ERODE ELIE SES OE GET REC The Japanese garden disappears among beetling, forest-crowned hills, rich in legendary and historic memories. In the near neighborhood of a city famed from the early days of Colonial history for its love of gardening and notable achievements in the realm of horticulture, Compton, though young in years, has proved a worthy follower in the honored traditions of garden making. cn four years ago Compton was not. The hillside, now thick with verdure and bloom, watered with fountains and_ scattered pools, was in its first estate a bare, treeless slope, where Summer’s sun beat with merci- less rays and Winter’s blasts swept in un- checked fury. Its transformation is a per- ennial witness to the constant loving care bestowed upon it, and years of well-directed enthusiasm, coupled with intelligent, con- structive foresight, have borne fruit in its present charming aspect. As you enter by the lodge, the whole ex- panse of the garden is spread out before you. Nearby, at the foot of the gentle slope, is a pond, beyond which you mount through pleasance, grove and growing border to the house at the top of the hill. To the left is the park, a newer portion of the grounds, May, 1912 covering a hillside facing the gar- den. Ina little dale between the two hills, the brook flowing from the pond babbles on its way to join the Wissahickon’s placid course through shaded banks in the broad meadow beyond. The driveway skirts the margin of the pond, and here you come upon one of Comp- ton’s choicest features—an object that has probably caught and held your eye from the moment you passed through the gate. A flight of five steps rises from the water’s edge to a small circular Greek tem- ple of purest Doric pattern, wrought in white marble, the roof upheld by six shapely pillars. Out- lined against the dark green of the surrounding foliage, this bit of classic architecture stands forth in striking relief and impresses its character on all around. A stately pair of snow-white swans afloat on the pool adds an agreeable touch of animated life to the scene. Elsa and Lohengrin—such are their names—answer when called and are always eager for gob- bets of bread when anyone comes near. In the center of the pond is an island covered with thick-grown shrubbery, so planted that either blossoms or foliage afford variety of color at all seasons. Along the edges grow shrubs and Iris with wealth of gorgeous bloom. Not far beyond the pond, almost hidden from view by trees and boscage, you dis- cover a log cabin, past whose door the brook chatters noisily. A cobblestone chimney of generous proportions justifies A more enchanting place at any time from May to October than this corner of the garden at Compton would be hard to imagine AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS The eeRGuee beguebt Hom okie 155 the expectation of cheer and comfort within. Nor are you dis- appointed on entering. A great wide-throated fireplace stretches nearly across one end of the cabin, and there a full array of ancient cranes, hangers, pots and kettles, with no end of curious eighteenth century kitchen equipment besides, invites the most prosaic to essay a meal. For little picnicking lunch- eons or for tea brewings on chilly afternoons in Autumn, this. tree- sheltered cabin is a truly ideal spot. The pleasantest way to ascend the hill to the house is through the arboretum. Leaving the pond and following a grass walk, you pres- ently find yourself in the midst of plantations of Viburnums, Bar- berrys and Yew. Here Ivy trails over chains and stakes set out to mark the path; there Wistaria, trained into tree form, waves its purple clusters in the breeze. Not far beyond the pathway broadens out into a circle, and there a marble fountain of exquisite workmanship casts its hundred tiny jets sparkling inthe sun. A few steps farther on a bower of hardy Orange trees encloses the alley. In Spring their great white- petaled blossoms star the leafage of glossy green; in Fall the golden fruit tempts eye and hand. On either side these trees have been planted, not in rows, but in the form of trefoils. Within the rounded trefoil ends stand tall, curiously wrought Chinese jars. ‘The effect of this richly colored pottery against its sombre background can scarcely be described. Joy fol- SS nt ee, ee ee ee ee ee RE i ce a ce ie ie 4 ei i Ee is Stee Ri ts There is a sense of intimate and restful s lows close on joy. One pace more brings us to the sundial on a terra-cotta pier of excellent design, guarded at the path-sides by prim, sentry-like box bushes. And now a flight of steps, flanked by massive balustrades wreathed in riotous tangled Bittersweet, leads up to a narrow terrace, above which a bubbling spring of water wells up and falls away into a rustic basin. The water for this spring is piped from a meadow more than a quarter of a mile distant and forced thither’ by airam. The stream that rushes from this hilltop source supplies the fountains and pools all down the hillside, running from _ level to level by underground pipes, disap- pearing by a waste channel from one place only to be used afresh in another lower down, until it finally falls into the pond at the bottom. ‘This plan of using water over and over again for a succes- sion of pools and fountains at dif- ferent levels in a garden is well worth a far wider practice than it has so far attained. The water arrangement, however, is only one of many instances in which Comp- ton can suggest features that can be adapted and successfully carried out on places either large or small. The Japanese garden, the. rock work, the Rose arbors, the Iris plantation, the formal garden, and a dozen things besides are replete with suggestions for gar- den makers. People are much like sheep; let one lead and the rest AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS eclusion about every nook and corner of this delectable garden commending its example The sundial, looking toward the terrace May, 1912 will follow. ‘This is just as true in garden planning as in any other respect. The study, therefore, of a garden like Compton, where the way has been plainly blazed, ought to be enough to stir up a proper spirit of emulation. To the right of the arboretum, as we go up the hill, is the Japanese garden, a spot of delightfully subtle allure- ment. ‘The Japanese trees and shrubs in their own proper setting exhale a potent fascination, and then to linger by the rock-faced pools and watch the goldfish dart to and fro in their disport, to cross tiny bridges and climb miniature mountains, to come unexpectedly upon old stone lanterns or perchance an image from some ancient temple in far- away Nippon—all these things cause a thrill of unalloyed pleasure quite unlike any other sensation to which we Occidentals are accus- tomed. Concerning the origin of these Lilliputian hills and valleys, there is a tale that admirably ex- emplifies the principle of making the best of whatever is at hand and the Japanese persistence in turning everything to account. In the course of grading and tree-plant- ing on various parts of the hill- side, many loads of earth had been dumped at this spot. A Japanese workman desired permission to use these ugly hillocks as he saw fit, and under his patient skill and magic touch was evolved this mini- kin landscape. Such an object les- son in converting unsightliness into May, 1912 AMERICAN beauty we Americans should take seriously to heart when we have so many wastes of criminal ugliness staring us in the face at every turn. Adverting once more to the ar- boretum, it is safe to say that in few if any other gardens in America is there a broader or more complete general collection of trees. Some arboreta have finer and larger col- lections of the things in which they have specialized, but scarcely any- where else is there as good or com- prehensive a general gathering. As to the planting of annuals and perennials, they are sensibly grouped in great masses. Nothing could -be more strikingly effective in the Fall than the wide borders, all of scarlet Sage, or more daz- zlingly brilliant than the huge beds of Phlox in a setting of mid-Sum- mer’s full rich green. A group of ten or twenty stalks of Phlox does not attract special admiration. They are beautiful and fair to look — upon, certainly, but there are scores Rock work and of other things close by that equally challenge your atten- tion. But plant your Phlox in a clump of five hundred or a thousand stalks—and it does not take so much space to hold that number—and then see the effect. The blaze of gorge- ous color will fairly make you hold your breath. Massing flowers of one sort together is but copying one of Dame Nature’s methods of managing her garden, and is sure to be successful, as all her methods are if we will only follow them intelligently. Take, for instance, a field of Buttercups or Goldenrod. How wonderful they are and how they give the scene life and interest! It is because of their massing in countless thousands. How effective would Buttercups or Goldenrod be if only a few scattered stalks grew here and there? Between the arboretum and the Japanese garden is a trellised arbor built out at one end on a singularly excellent pile of rockwork, in whose crevices grow plants suitable to SLOT ELLLLL TRE PO 9 HOMES AND GARDENS the little cascade 157 the spot and down whose front pours a diminutive cascade. At the sides grow clumps of blooming perennials. Over the arbor clamber Rose _ vines, Clematis and Jessamine. A more enchant- ing place to sit and chat or muse or read, at any time from May to October, it would be hard to im- agine. Hard by, the shade of a lofty Hickory invites us to sit a while on the bench built round its trunk and watch the arabesque of jets spout and play into the long pool fountain. From this same seat, when Autumn’s touch has blazoned the leafage of Barberrys and Dogwood with copper hue or glowing crimson, when the gilded leaves above our heads, diapered against heaven’s clearest blue at noonday, cast an amber-colored shade, when brush fires fill the air with golden haze, the sight over the garden slope beggars all human words. We gasp for sheer delight at being alive and wish for Janus heads and Argus eyes to drink in all at once and all the time the fullest draught of nature’s iridescent beauty. However hard to tear ourselves away from such a spot, other regions of the garden insistently claim our notice. Beyond the orchard, on a rising sweep that overlooks the lower portion of the grounds, the formal flower garden spreads its squares, fenced on two sides where the hill falls sharply away by a heavy stone balustrade on which peacocks perch and strut. At the corner where the balustrades meet, a circular stone-coped gazeebo affords a vantage point whence you may feast the eye, look which way you will. The paths that bound the garden and those that quarter it, intersecting at the center, are edged with close-clipped boxwood. Be- hind ramparts of lowlier plants tall Hollyhocks and Lupins wave, while Foxgloves, Phlox and crowding Larkspurs, with many another old-time favorite, all add their several shares (Continued on page 190) Se ba “Ve See The entrance gate and driveway to Compton, the beautiful, wonderful private garden at Chestnut Hill, near Philadelphia A well-planned and attractive stone and stucco house of this sort always dignifies the site by reason of its goodly proportions and excellent design AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS May, 1912 Small Houses of Stone and Stucco By Costen Fitz Gibbon Photographs by T. C. Turner door of his first humble dwelling in America a motto that provoked a smile from William Penn and elicited some pleasantry when the Lord Proprietor of the Province of Penn- sylvania paid a visit to the worthy German colonist and schoolmaster just come from overseas, for domiciliation in this new hemisphere. ‘This motto was: Parva domus, amica bonis, Sed este procul profani. The sentiment of combined contentment and _ hospitality contained therein may _ well point a moral for us in this day of sometimes extravagant big- ness and flamboyant display. Contentment, comfort, con- venience, tastefulness of ar- rangement, all these are per- fectly possible in a small house. A small house is not necessarily a jerry-built abomination ut- terly devoid of every quality a house ought to possess. On the contrary, a house may be both small and inexpensive and yet just as attractive and engag- LIBRARY First floor plan |aecEer on Roory ing as a large one. Everything depends on two factors— the thought bestowed by the architect and the personality of the master or mistress. We can all of us, without much effort, think of some small house that it is a delight to look upon and where we esteem it a privilege to call, and all because of the graciousness of the occupants in the first place and the charm of their setting in the second. In time past a certain odium attached to the small house and to some extent it still exists but it is rapidly disappear- ing as the small house becomes more and more pleasing through the application of in- telligent architectural effort. The accompanying illustra- tions show certain small houses of a group at Cynwyd, Pa., most of them designed by Messrs. Savery, Scheetz & Sav- ery, architects, Philadelphia, not one of which cost above $7,000 and several of them cost considerably less. Now a good many people who find it expedient or desirable to live in small houses are rather vi- tally interested in knowing all about small house plans and their price. Some live in small Second floor plan May, 1912 houses from choice, some from necessity. At any rate, whatever be the cause that dictates a residence therein, architectural style and ar- rangement, comfort and cost are considerations of prime consequence to them. ‘They wish to know how the house [ First floor plan The total cost of this particularly attractive stone and stucco house when completed was kept well within $6,700 AMERICAN HOMES AND Dining-room of the $5,500 home will look and they wish to know how much it is going to cost. They are anxious to have it as satisfactory as pos- sible from the architectural point of view, they wish to know the utmost that can be done and well done for the money they have to spend and they are solicitous to get the full value for the money they do spend. Because choice prompts them or circum- stances compel them to live nnn GARDENS 159 mischievous idea ought to be unsparingly uprooted. Too often the purchaser of a small lot, instead of going to a reputable architect, rushes off to some mere builder who puts up for him a house low-priced, perhaps, but in the end neither cheap, which is shown on page 160 CAIBENINC simply, there is no shadow of reason why they should allow themselves to be set down in the midst of ugliness. This position cannot be maintained with too much emphasis for, unfortunately enough, the dreary admission seems to have settled in the mind of the average intend- ing builder of a small house that a good house, irrespect- ive of size, must of necessity be an expensive house. This ‘CHAMBER B CHA/IBER A: Second floor milan AMERICAN 160 convenient nor seemly. Here is only one evidence that popular taste among small house builders is more cryingly in need of architectural education than in any other quarter. It is little short of criminal to encourage a thing thoroughly ugly and offensive to the sight when it can as easily be made comely. For a very small additional expense for an ar- chitect’s services most of the ordinary builder’s eyesores that so offend us could have been made at least unobjec- tionable. The array of houses of very moderate cost, set forth in the accompanying illustrations, ought in some measure to refute the notion that a house must needs be expensive because it is well planned. With the application of a measure of ingenuity and thought it is surprising how much can be accomplished. 126! Dinine doo. Line Hau i CHESTNUT. fazer issue —}—_—____—25"o' —______4— First floor plan HOMES AND GARDENS Fine one sees a inal hoa ae stone a dieron a paragon 6e neatness and attractiveness eoatiig: isn $5, 500 Living-hall of the house Sorts $5,500 May, 1912 So The little square house for $5,500 is a paragon of con- venience and compactness. There is not an inch of waste room in it. The front door opens directly into the living- hall whose chief feature of architectural adornment is a generous fireplace and a massive chimney jamb of uncut stone like that used in the outer walls. On the south and west, wide windows pour in a flood of light and on the north is a range of three diamond-paned casements, useful for air and light in Summer when the glare from the south window is cut off by the outside shutters. At one side of the fireplace a doorway opens into the dining-room, a cheerful place abundantly lighted by a long bow window, that takes in nearly the whole south side, and a smaller one on the east. It is always a good thing to have plenty of morning sunshine in the dining-room or the breakfast-room; 10-6 x}h 7 “eho Bisel Second floor plan May, 1912 some people habitually come downstairs with a matutinal spleen and it needs sunlight and a cheery smoking break- fast table to dispel the vapors. “The dining-room opens into a pantry and the pantry into the kitchen. On the second floor there are three good-sized bedrooms and a bath, while the attic contains two more bedrooms Considering the and also a good share of closet space. small size of the house the rooms are of unusually am- ple dimensions; the living-hall is twenty-two feet by four- teen and one half, the din- ing-room twelve and a half by thirteen and the kitchen fourteen and a half by ten. Better still, the rooms are all light and sunny; a glance at the good, whole-souled win- dows would assure one of that. Though the windows are so broad they do not dwarf the house, their wide- awake honesty ought to be a rebuke to anyone with a mind ready to stoop to archi- tectural shams. Recently a very second-rate architect proudly held up for admira- tion and approval the eleva- tions of a small house that he had tried to make look large by reducing the windows to ridiculous dimensions, “‘to fool them” as he remarked with a sly grimace. If he could be fetched to see the ingenuous expression of the windows in this little $5,500 house he might perhaps experience a change of heart. The rubble walls of this H \ \ aan ee et ee AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 161 house are of native stone. A penthouse runs round the building at the level of the second floor and above that the walls are rough cast, giving altogether a very pleasing as- pect to the exterior. Another $5,500 house provides on its first floor a hall opening by an archway into a living-room sixteen and a half feet by thirteen, back of this a dining-room of the same measurements, a pantry, a kitchen eleven feet by four- teen and a laundry. Up- stairs there are three large bedrooms with a goodly al- lowance of closet space and a bathroom, while the attic has two bedrooms and a loft, floored but not ceiled, one ‘ of those delightful places where one can stow all sorts of odds and ends to be rummaged among on rainy days with the drops patter- ing a monotonous tune on the shingles overhead. This house also has rubble walls for the first floor and rough cast for all above that. In both these houses of course everything has been kept down to the lowest pos- sible figure but nothing has been skimped. Embellishments of any kind have been omitted but all necessities have been carefully considered. Honestly and staunchly built, judi- ciously planned and designed with an eye to architectural propriety, these dwellings have proved signally satisfactory (Continued on page 190) Second floor plan PLAN: CHAMBER SECOND STORY - PLAN Floor plans of the Edwards house EERE GET oa ee The house of Mr. E. Edwards, at Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey. A small house of great See distinction and character Sle eet This frieze of pictorial tiles AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS as a ae Ta bearing a continuous landscape design is especially well devised for decoration rs een aks here i Some Domestic Uses for Tiles By Norris N. Strathfield Photographs by T. C. Turner ~q]| OME builders and architects are realizing as never before the decorative possibilities of tiles in numerous places where their use com- bines beauty of effect with the durability which was once considered their most desir- able quality. A generation ago tile making might have been considered one of the “‘lost arts’’ along with the making of “silver lustre’ and colored engrav- ings, and it is only within the past few years that we have progressed beyond the point of using only the white glazed tiles which are placed in bathrooms and kitchens chiefly be- cause they are sanitary and easily and quickly cleaned. The revival of this art, like the increased interest in brick as a building material, is due quite as much to our quickened appreciation of the beautiful as to the zeal and energy of the manufacturers in providing these wares for our use. It is almost impossible to define easily the difference be- tween brick and tiles, for they may be said to be but two slightly different forms of the same thing. Each, in its simplest aspect, is merely a cake of vitreous clay molded into shape, baked into permanent hardness by intense heat and then decorated or left unadorned, according to the use to which it is to be put. The making of bricks and tiles is so ancient that it is not possible to tell just when it was be- gun. ‘The excavations of the ruins of Nineveh and Babylon have brought to light pavements and walls of tiles which are marvels of beauty. Pliny tells us that Byses began the use of tiles 620 years before the dawn of the Christian era, and they were introduced into Italy just before the beginning of the Renaissance. ‘The art had its origin in the east and reached its highest development in Persia and India and in such parts of Europe as were most affected by eastern influ- ence. It achieved a brilliant success in Spain, where it was introduced by the Moors, and some of the most beautiful and interesting work in the world is the tiling in the Alham- bra and other buildings which are relics of the Moorish occupation. An examination of these ancient tiles shows us that they were used chiefly, although not exclusively, either out-of- doors or in places which were more or less exposed to the weather. ‘Their use with us has been largely as flooring or walling for terraces, conservatories, verandas, vestibules or loggias which are wholly or semi-exposed. As a flooring material the tiles are usually in the form of flags or quarries which are often regarded as bricks rather than tiles, for, as has been noted, it is difficult to draw the line between the two. These paving tiles are made in a great variety of shapes, although those in the form of squares or oblongs are the most popular, and the favorite colors are gray, brown, or the darker shades of red, blue, or green. ‘Their use would be more common were it not that their initial cost is greater than that of wood, but the same reasons urged for the use of brick instead of wood as a building material hold good in an equal degree in urging the use of tiles in place of wood for flooring. Apart from its greater beauty it is im- perishable and is not affected by the temperature or the con- stant wetting and drying to which it is often subjected and which eventually causes the decay of a flooring of wood and May, 1912 consequent expense for its renewal. The use of tiles suggests coolness and tneir interesting texture makes them valuable in many places where wooden floors, stained or painted, would not be suitable, and in piaces wholly out-of-doors they are particularly appropriate, for after all they are closely re- lated. to the earth, being made of clay, which, of course, is the earth itself. The advantages of tiling or flagging for flooring instead of wood more than compen- sates for the difference in the initial cost of these materials. The fireplace is everywhere the center of family life, and tiling is used wherever the fireplace is found; in fact, the use of tiles is so largely in connection with the fireplace that many people think of them chiefly as a decorative ad- junct to the mantel or chim- ney-piece. At any rate, their use in this way is of wide and increasing interest, for man- ufacturers are vying with one another in making their tiles for this purpose more and more beautiful and alluring. The usual custom has been to set tiles around the fire- place opening. They may be of plain surfaces or deco- rated in any number of ways, either with set, formal fig- ures or so arranged that a continuous scene is shown which may either extend across the top of the opening or down the two sides as well. The variety of design is be- wildering and a fireplace almost anywhere may be fitted with tiles decorated in accordance with the purpose of the room. A nursery fireplace may be set with squares showing the let- ters of the alphabet or children playing games of different kinds, or the tiles might illustrate the stories of Cinderella, Jack the Giant Killer or Little Red Riding Hood. For the library a very interesting treatment might show the signs of the zodiac worked out in two or more colors, and not long ago a particularly interesting assortment of tiles was intro- duced showing in the softest of greens, old reds, blues and buffs numerous old buildings in Boston such as the Old State House, Faneuil Hall and the Old North Church. The de- AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS than merely as a setting about the opening. ‘““Swans and Lily Pond”’ tile 175 signs were made strong and effective by combining black with the soft tones of the colors just named. For use in other parts of the house there are always reproductions of antique tiles which are of never-failing in- terest, for the art of every country during many cen- turies has been lavished upon their design. ‘The delft tiles of white and blue, which show the dykes and wind- mills of Holland, are beauti- ful in many rooms, and for other uses reproductions of old Spanish tiling in yellow and blue may be selected. But tiles may be used about the fireplace in other ways Hearths and fireplace linings are often made of heavy tiles sufficiently strong to endure constant use, and entire mantels and chimney-breasts may be built of tiles specially molded, and even the mantel shelf is sometimes one large tile made for this purpose. This seems, of course, to be a most expensive method of fire- place building, but it need not be, for the makers of these fittings supply the _ tiling ready made, decorated and packed so that merely the set- ting in place remains to be done, and this is within the ability of any workman of or- dinary skill. Not long ago the writer saw in the atalier of some young architects a most fascinating fireplace where the entire hearth and chim- ney-breast, extending to the ceiling, were of extremely beau- tiful tiling. Upon small squares of a slightly rougnened old blue surface were quaint Byzantine figures worked out in gray. Certain squares bore the initials of the owners and a border was used about the fireplace opening and up either side of the chimney-breast. Across the top there extended a frieze which agreed in character with that placed about the entire room. ‘The arrangement was so wonderfully beautiful that it might have been built of antique tiling, but all of the material had been selected from the open stock of a well-known dealer, acquired at a very moderate cost. cut where needed and set into place by an ordinary workman. e of tiles 176 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS May, 1912 ot: Se stn See = house showing the charming patio A California Home the distinction of its excellent design makes it a house worthy of note and one which will furnish many points of sug- gestion to other home builders. This house is owned by Mr. I. E. Levi, at Cupertino, and is situated in a valley that commands a view of Mt. Ham- ilton, some thirty-six miles away. ‘The interesting external features of the house may be seen from a glance at the accompanying illustrations, but when the planting is further advanced the premises will be even more delightful and inviting. It would not be strictly correct to describe this house as a bungalow inasmuch as it has two stories, one the plan of which is shown here and a second story, which con- tains two large open-air sleeping- Dining-room, with view of Mt. Hamilton, 36 miles distant MONG the many hospitable homes the tray- eler finds in California is one of especial attraction by reason of its excellent plan and thorough livableness, which added to aj By Roger L. Vieth rooms, a dressing-room and a lavatory. The woodwork of Mr. Levi’s house is especially beautiful. Some hint of this is to be gained from the illustrations of a corner of the dining- room and of the fireplace side of the living-room shown herewith. The views from the great windows commanding the surrounding countryside of the valley are very lovely and the owner of this beautiful home in California has left nothing undone to make the premises homelike and interesting. Not the least interesting thing about this house is the fact that the owner, who designed and built it himself, de- vised an earthquake-proof foundation which has demonstrated its practicabil- ity in already withstanding a severe shock. Six weeks from the time Mr. Levi started his house he was living in it! To effect this rapid construction, and to do it thoroughly and with safety, twenty carpenters, two masons, two hod-carriers, several plumbers, electricians and laborers were employed. The great living-room with its beamed effective ceiling May, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 177 . « Be a 4 i - LLVatb « The lines of the roof of this interesting California house, placed upon several levels, strongly emphasize its Japanese tendency The Western Home of a Musician By Thomas R. Thorndyke pesmmenarenane HE cosmopolitanism of an American city is Se ¥q|| generally expressed in the variety of its ar- <44\| chitecture, and the diversity is apt to be even greater, in the suburban districts, where space affords opportunity for wider expansion than is possible within the narrow dimensions of a city lot. This is true of cities upon the Pa- cific coast in even a greater degree than of those in the Eastern states, for these cities of the West are the ports through which comes intercourse with the Orient, and the influence of China and Japan constitutes a factor with which reckoning must be made. This influence is strongly felt in the architecture of California, for there are found many homes which are either frankly adaptations of Japa- nese motifs or combinations of several styles among which the Japanese seems to prevail. A home built by an artist and planned for the practice of some form of art is always interesting, and when such a home is to be built in Califor- nia where so great a variety of locations are available and where architecture of every possible kind is well represented, the result is sure to be of more than ordinary interest. The illustrations show the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Adams, near Los Angeles, California. Mrs. Adams is a musician and in building a home, which she herself has planned to a great extent, a room for the proper rendering of music was naturally one of the chief considerations. A house has therefore been built which fulfills this definite pur- pose and which is also a home, complete and satisfying, to those who dwell therein. A study of Japanese architecture and its application to what we know as the bungalow type has greatly influenced its planning and the designing of its exterior and interior fittings. Much of the country about Los Angeles is almost, if not absolutely, level and during the greater part of the year the days are bright and sunny and there is almost no cold weather. This, of course, makes possible a bungalow much different from one built for all the year occupancy in a part of the country where the climate might be very different and where the cold of Winter as well as the heat of Summer must be planned for. The Adams house is an excellent ex- ample of the California bungalow, which to the discerning varies greatly from the types found elsewhere. It is placed upon a suburban street where it is surrounded by other su- burban homes, but its marked individuality stamps it at once with an air which is all its own. The materials used and the manner in which they are combined suggests at once the Jap- anese and the clever way in which they secure variety of effect by a judicious use and careful and discriminating com- bination of the simplest materials. Here the combination is of brick and wood of several varieties. The use of so many kinds of material cannot be recommended for use in many instances, but here they have been very carefully used and the result is exceedingly interesting. The walls of the house, where they are of wood, are arranged in panels with horizontal bands where necessary to balance their planning. The portions built of brick are divided into panels by the use of strips of wood which agree with the strips used for the same purpose upon the walls which are of frame. The arrangement of the roofs carries the Japanese idea still further, for owing to the unusual planning of the house the 178 front shows several roofs at different lev- els but all possessing the same general hor- izontal lines. The rafters which support the roofs are allowed to project somewhat from under the eaves and their ends are rounded off, as are the ends of the tim- bers of the pergola, which is a very im- portant feature of the exterior of the -house. The colors used upon the exte- rior emphasize the Japanese character of the bungalow, for the brick is dark red laid with gray mor- @ ce ae tar; the walls of oT wood are of a green- ish-brown and the shingles of the roof have turned black with the effect of the weather. ‘This excellent combination of colors does much to bind the house with its great variety of material into a consistent architectural composition. Placed rather close to the sidewalk, the house possesses a broad terrace which extends across the entire front. The floor, which is upon two slightly different levels, is paved with brick and the greater part of the terrace is enclosed with the simplest balustrades, which comprise two strips of wood placed horizontally one above the other and joined to low piers of brick which are themselves framed with bands of wood which repeat the effect of the panels of brick framed with wood upon the house itself. The entrance is from the terrace directly into a large and lofty living-room which occupies almost the entire front of the house. ‘This room is the center of family life and is also Mrs. Adams’ music-room. ‘The room is almost two stories in height and is planned to provide the accoustic properties so dear to the heart of a musician. To make them as perfect as possible very few draperies have been used and the walls are very largely of simply finished rough-coated plaster divided into panels by the use of strips of wood. At one end of the living- or music-room is the piano and a built-in cabinet for sheet music. A group of casement windows overlooks the entrance terrace and just below them is a long built-in seat; t AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS he well-designed grill gives entrance into the pantry May, 1912 at one side of the room are placed the stairs which lead to the floor above. At the far end of the living-room, as one enters the house, two steps descend into a small library or study which is di- vided from the liv- ing-room by a heavy horizontal beam. This little room con- tains a fireplace with chimney-breast of tile and brick, at either side of which is a bookcase which has been built into the space so formed. Close at hand is a wide window-seat, which is really a woodbox which may be filled from outside the house with wood for the fire- place. Merely raising the seat of this built-in settee shows the fuel at hand. Before the fireplace is a large study table and drawn up around the fireside are chairs and a bench in the mission style which are here thoroughly in keeping with their surroundings. The table is covered with the same leather which is used for cushions upon bench and chairs and the furniture is stained to match the woodwork of the walls and ceilings. The placing of this small study upon a level somewhat below that of the living-room makes possible a balcony just the size of the study itself, and this gallery is reached by a narrow stairway which is built at one side of the fireplace. The balcony, of course, looks down into the living-room and is fitted with a built-in seat and two more seats which hang suspended from the ceiling. ‘The lighting fixtures of the living-room, the little study and the balcony are in the form of small hanging lanterns of copper. Opening by folding glass doors from the living-room is the dining-room, where the treatment of walls and the ar- rangement of furniture carry out in a somewhat different manner the idea of dividing space into panels—the same treatment which is used for the exterior of the house. Here strips of wood have been placed upon wall and ceiling where they meet. The walls themselves are divided into panels by strips of wood which are stained mahogany to match Si see May, 1912 the furniture, which is also of mahogany, and the dark tones of this wood form a pleasant contrast with old blue of the rugs and the paper which fills in the pan- els of the walls. The side- board is of particular inter- est, for it has been built in two sections and placed at either side of the door lead- ing into the pantry and the kitchen. Each section is fitted with the usual drawers and shelves and the door between is set with a mirror which is framed in with a wide band of mahogany. Nowhere in the house, possibly, does the Japanese spirit which dominates this little California home find such complete expression as in a small breakfast-room, which adjoins the dining- room and which also con- nects with the pantry and the kitchen. This room is placed at the southeast corner of the house and at two sides are placed windows which completely fill the spaces. These windows are covered by plain screens of split bamboo and through them the sunlight is poured into the room where the walls are of buff and the woodwork and a very interesting built-in cabinet are very simply stained. Table and chairs of colored “‘reedcraft”” ware and the win- dow screens of bamboo are stained the same copper color, so that with the buff walls a very beautiful and distinctive effect is created which is made even more decorative by the use of Japanese lanterns of metal which are hung just above the breakfast table. At one side of this room the windows screened with the bamboo shades open upon a broad per- gola where upon horizontal timbers are trained vines such as only California can produce, and where the purple blos- soms of the wistaria carry even a degree further the Japan- ese feeling which is here so strong. The kitchen and the pantry are placed where they may be directly reached from breakfast- and dining-room and are SEE, Sete, Sent Cn The lounging balcony of the living-room AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS The spacious high-ceilinged living-room 179 complete with all the fittings which are required for suc- cessful housekeeping. hese domestic departments are connected with the living- room through the small al- cove, in which are placed the stairs leading to the floor above, and the door by which they connect with this alcove is one of the most interesting features of the house. This door, together with the ver- tical panels at either side, is of a kind of lattice work, made of wood in a simple but very quaint design and stained to match the wood- work in the living-room, of which it is really a part. Stairways are almost al- ways interesting, and gener- ally they have more charac- ter than any other one part of the house. A very suc- cessful staircase has been built which is placed, as has been said, in a recess or al- cove which opens from the living-room. It is partially screened by a low partition of paneled wood, upon which is placed an earthenware jar covered with wicker. Be- hind this low parapet or screen the stairs ascend with sey- eral square landings upon one of which is placed a small group of casement windows; upon another landing a mirror is placed where it reflects anyone passing up or downstairs, this being a clever idea of Mrs. Adam’s and one which is the greatest possible convenience, for it gives one an opportunity for a final survey of her appear- ance before entering the music-room below. The house is so arranged that only a portion of it is two full stories in height. The part which contains the living- room, study and balcony is somewhat less than two stories and the bedrooms are placed above the dining-room, break- fast-room and kitchen, where ample space is obtained. The stairway leads, therefore, to a small hall upon which open three bedrooms and a bathroom. These rooms have win- dows facing in several directions and the grounds which they The living-room showing lounging balcony 180 overlook are being made into a garden designed and built in true Japanese fashion, with the dwarfed trees, small bridges over water, stone lanterns and all the other effects which make a garden in Japan or its coun- terpart in California a spot so quaint and delightful. Life in California is lived so largely in the open that one naturally thinks of a bungalow in southern Cali- fornia as having a patio or some kind of a living-room out-of-doors as a social cen- ter quite as important as the living-room with its _fire- place, study table and cush- ioned seats. The Adams bungalow is provided with a veranda which is enclosed by the house upon three sides and which fulfills every ex- pectation made of a patio in this land of sunshine and flowers. Here the floor is covered with rugs, of mat- ting or woven grass; hickory and bamboo chairs are grouped about and hanging baskets filled with growing ferns and blooming plants are suspended from above. Lighting at night is supplied from small metal lanterns of Japanese design, which are fastened to the walls and provided with electric current. The vegetation of California is so wonderful that with only a very little care and cultivation the most astonishing results may be secured with all kinds of flowering plants and vines. No doubt, therefore, that within a few years this little Los Angeles home will be a bower of floral beauty and its Japanese garden will glow with flowers which will make it more than ever a transplanted bit of the ‘Flowery King- dom.” The setting of a home of such pronounced individuality, however, must be planned with the utmost care. Placed as it is upon a suburban street and in the vicinity of other houses of varieties somewhat different, it would be well to separate it to some extent from its neighbors. This does _View of the Adams house before planting was commenced AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS A corner of the comfortable living-porch May, 1912 not mean that a high wall should be built about the place, but that tall growing shrubbery might be planted about the boundaries of the plot so that a screen might be created which would prevent the quaintness of the house being spoiled by direct com- petition with other buildings of a wholly different order. This is true in even a greater degree of the garden which, as has been said, is being made upon part of the plot. The tendency in plan- ning gardens upon suburban places is to ignore the bound- aries of individual gardens and to allow them to form, as far as possible, one large and beautiful garden planned in sections, as this treatment greatly enhances the beauty of them all. It will be read- ily seen, however, that a Jap- anese garden would suffer ir- reparably in being thus brought into such close con- tact with other garden spots so entirely different in char- acter. Its delicate beauty would be quite lost without bestowing any benefit upon the other garden spaces which might adjoin. For planning a division between such a garden and the neighbor’s there are various tall shrubs or low trees which may be in keeping with the Japanese garden as well as with the others. Ever- greens of various kinds are appropriate, for they belong to Japan no less than to America. The Japanese maple is so commonly used in gardens everywhere that we may claim it as well as the Japanese. Low maples and rather tall ever- greens therefore might be used to define the boundaries of the garden and to provide the setting necessary for the proper development of such a spot. If it be desired to connect such a garden with others which may adjoin, the connection might be through an arbor or pergola draped with vines, and placed between a garden planned in American fashion and one modeled after those of Japan the character of both gardens would befpreserved. > ~~ 1@} Poh fl ‘aaa | tt my “oie | ae 2 Baetee meow 2 The brick terrace on the living-room side of the house May, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Raising Ducks on the Small Place By E. I. Farrington Suamag)| ANY people with only a little land can keep Bes gedal| ducks to better advantage than hens. At the same time, the owners of large estates find ducks well worth raising both because they are attractive to look upon and because a"} they contribute a desirable delicacy to the It really does not matter whether the flock be large table. or small, or whether there be water for the birds to swim in or not. A dry goods box will do for a house, if there is nothing better, and the amount of attention required is much less than is demanded by a flock of hens. Ducks are remarkably free from disease and seldom troubled with vermin. Neither perch nor dropping-board is required in the house they occupy, for they roost on the - floor. To be sure, the floors must be kept dry, but that is easily accomplished by throwing in more bedding in the shape of straw or shavings when the need requires and cleaning out the house once a month. Low fences will confine ducks and the birds are driven about with the greatest ease if not frightened. They grow much faster than hens and begin to lay when younger. After laying becomes well estab- lished, the eggs run surprisingly fertile and the percentage of young birds hatched is considerably larger, as a rule, than when eggs from hens are used. At the same time, for it is only fair to set forth the draw- backs along with the advantages, four weeks are required for incuba- tion and the eggs must be set quickly, not being kept over a week. Likewise, duck eggs have thin yolk cells, which are easily ruptured, so that the eggs must be handled care- fully. Furthermore, the shells are tough, and considerable moisture is required during the hatching period, but this is easily supplied, when the am natural method of incubation is ~ ie being followed, by sprinkling the es eggs every day, after the second week. The eggs are not laid in nests, but on the floor of the house or on the ground, and usually in the early morning, so that it is customary to keep the laying birds confined until the day is several hours advanced, for if allowed to wander, they will not take the trouble to return to the house in order to lay their eggs, but deposit them wherever they happen to be. The eggs should be gathered before they have been ex- posed to the cold long enough to freeze and are best kept in a cool and dark place, and the quicker they are set, the better. Ducks are kept for two purposes, meat and eggs. Many readers will be surprised, no doubt, to learn that people keep ducks almost solely for the eggs they lay and that there is a market for these eggs. This is rather an inno- vation, to be sure, and has come about through the intro- duction of the Indian Runner duck as a commercial experi- ment. Already large numbers of these ducks are being REET SLA EN ie Indian Runner drake of the raised, largely by town people who have only a little land, suburbanites and farmers, who find their breeding a profit- able side line. Several women have taken up the growin of Indian Runners, Mrs. Andrew Brooks of Auburn, N. Y.., being one of the most prominent, with results, apparently, which are highly successful from a pecuniary point of view. No doubt the demand for hatching eggs and breeding ducks will be sufficient for some time to promise the disposal of considerable stock in this way. The beginner, however, should be sure to get Indian Runners of the English standard’s requirements, or he will find himself in bad company. The ducks imported from England lay white eggs and a great many of them. The American standard show type has had alien blood introduced in order to produce solid fawn color with no penciling in the plumage of the females and to get drakes with head and rump markings much the same as the body color. As a result, some of the characteristics of the pure Indian Runner have been lost, fewer eggs are laid and the eggs often have a greenish tinge. The market wants white eggs, so that it is well to be careful about the purchase of breeding stock. Breed- ers in this country are having a spirited debate over the question of changing the American standard. The Indian Runners lay day after day for weeks without a break. They have often been known to lay over 200 eggs a year, and fre- quently are referred to as the Leg- horns of the duck family. Purely as egg-laying machines, they may be rated higher than hens, and the eggs are larger and richer. ‘The eggs weigh about six to a pound and two of them are equal to three hen eggs in the kitchen. Probably 180 eggs a year would be considered a satisfactory output for an average bird. That would mean a total of thirty pounds, or seven and a half times the bird’s own weight. Put in that way, the figures sound surprisingly large. It is not fair to judge the eggs of Indian Runners by. those which other breeds lay. They have a delicacy of flavor and an obvious richness which speedily commend them to epicures. At first there is generally some pre- judice against duck eggs to be overcome, although many people prefer them to the eggs laid by hens. The whole- some white color does much to remove the prejudice in the case of Indian Runners and after a few have been eaten they are selected on their merits. Suburban and other people who like to produce their own eggs in order to be sure of their quality can well afford to investigate the Indian Runners to see whether they cannot be kept with less bother and expense than hens and with a greater degree of satis- faction as regards their eggs. When it comes to ducks for meat, the Indian Runner drops to the rear and the White Pekin comes to the front DPOB SAE 182 of the stage. This is the breed used almost exclusively on commercial duck plants, and for several reasons. The Pekin is a large bird, and grows with marvelous rapidity, often reaching a weight of six pounds in ten or twelve weeks. It is easily raised and fattened. Being pure white, the feathers add materially to the profits. Eight to ten birds will yield a pound of feathers, worth from forty to fifty cents as the market may run. ‘That is assuming that the birds are dry picked. If they are scalded, the feathers are not worth as much by five or six cents a pound. Pekin ducks have fine white flesh and can be raised in They are sold when be- brooders very early in the year. tween ten and twelve weeks old and there is a large and growing demand. Pekin ducks are easy to keep and easy to raise. A pen of four or five with one drake will be enough to insure as many ducklings as the average amateur can well handle. The Pekins lay fewer eggs than the Indian Runners, but from sixty to a hundred may be expected. Generally those laid at the beginning of the season are not very fertile, so that it hardly pays to set them. On large plants the birds are forced by heavy feeding so that they lay in December, but the amateur may be satisfied to get his first eggs in late January or early the following month. There is yet another excellent breed of ducks, the Rouen, which commends itself to the man or woman who wants to keep just a few and does not want to give them much attention. Rouen ducks grow as large as Pekins but do not mature as fast, and their brown, plumage makes them less valuable as market ducks. Neither do they lay as many eggs as the Indian Runners, but to run at large, foraging for much of their living, mixing with the other fowls and still proving satisfactory as to egg producing and table qualities, the Rouens are not easily excelled. Indian Runners and Pekins should not be allowed in the yard with other feathered stock. It is different with the Rouens, because they are peaceable and docile. ‘They will subsist largely on the waste of a farm, and are satisfied with a rough shed as protection from the weather. People who have been accustomed to caring for hens will be surprised, agreeably, no doubt, to find that ducks require very little coddling even while they give just as good an account of themselves. The very fact that there are no dropping-boards to clean off means considerable say- ing in labor, as well as doing away with a disagreeable task. No whitewashing of the house is necessary, for there are no insect pests to combat, and there is no doctoring of roup and gapes. One disadvantage lies in the quack of the ducks, which may become annoyingly monotonous if the birds are penned in close proximity to a house; a condition which may be readily avoided in time. Some breeders claim that the Indian Runners make less noise than other breeds. AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Rouen ducks are large, docile and particularly good for the small estate Low fences will confine ducks within bound May, 1912 There are several points wherein the care of ducks dif- fers materially from that demanded by hens. Hens, for instance, thrive on dry rations, while ducks must have a soft mash, for the reason that they have no real crop and the food goes more directly to the digestive organs than with hens. At the same time, a little whole grain may be given. Commercial breeders often feed the laying stock a luncheon of whole corn. Soft mash, though, is the regu- lar diet for old and young birds alike. Hens may be kept for a long time in one yard, but if kept for more than a year or two in a small enclosure, ducks make the ground soft and muddy—‘‘puddle”’ it, as the saying goes. This result can be avoided, though, by using the yards only a part of the year, spading or ploughing up the ground and sowing rye as soon as the ducks» have been re- moved. This practice serves a doubly useful purpose; it keeps the ground in good condition and it provides a crop of green food for the birds to eat—and _ green food they must have in order to do well. Ducks are nervous and easily disturbed, especially when housed in large flocks. For that reason it is well not to keep more than fifty young birds in the same pen or yard. Sometimes a sudden and unusual noise will cause them to stampede, climbing over each other in their blind fright, and bringing about disastrous results. ‘That being the case, it is well to have them in small flocks and to encourage small boys to stay away. It is not uncommon for ducks to become affrighted at night, when there are many together, so that they all set up a tremendous quacking and rush about in wild con- fusion. This sort of trouble may be prevented for the most part by keeping a lighted lantern in each pen. Although ducks do not need water to swim in, they require a great quantity to drink. What is more, this water must always be given in vessels sufficiently deep so that the ducks may bury their entire beaks in the water. The reason for this necessity lies in the fact that nostrils are easily clogged by the soft mash which they eat or by the mud into which they sometimes delve so that they would smother if they could not wash it out. When they are eating, they continually leave the feeding trough to waddle to the drinking fountain to drink and to wash their bills. It often seems difficult to convince people that ducks really do not require water in which to bathe. It is a demon- strable fact, however, and outraged though Nature may be, the birds get along just as well if they never have an opportunity to stick their webbed feet into water as long as they live. It is true that some breeders hold the opinion that the eggs are more fertile when the ducks have water for taking the kind of exercise which is most natural to them, but it is also true that some of the largest and most successful duck plants in the country contain neither pond May, 1912 nor running stream. Even when there is water in abundance at hand, the ducklings should not be al- lowed to paddle in it until they are feathered out. Indeed, even the watering dishes should be of a kind which will prevent the ducklings splashing into them and getting their backs wet. Sometimes ducklings drown in a hard rain storm, so that it is wise to get them under cover at such a time, just as in the case of chicks. It costs very little to equip a small duck plant which will answer for an amateur. Of course, it can be made as ornate as may be desired on the exterior, if it is where appearance counts, but a simple little house only high enough for a man to work ‘in, and constructed of single boards covered with roofing paper or with the cracks battened, is sufficient so far as strict utility goes. Indeed, that is more than is necessary, even when several breeding ducks are kept. Boxes six feet long, three feet wide and two feet high, made of rough boards, with a door occupying all of one end and containing holes for ventilation will answer every needful purpose and wiil accommodate five ducks. - There should be two inches of clean straw on the floor all the time and the boxes must be kept under shelter, as in an open shed, or have a sloping roof arranged which will shed water. The imperative re- quirements of a duck house are that it shall be free from draughts and dampness. Mere cold the ducks do not seem to mind, but dampness is disastrous. Two-inch mesh, No. 19 chicken wire makes the best fence. It is light and may be stapled to pointed stakes easily driven into the ground. Such a fence can be rolled up, stakes and all, when it is desired to plow up the yard, and may just as easily be transferred to another location. 7 # aj, re on ELE Pekin ducks are pure white and they grow to full size within a few AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS A well-arranged duck yard months fr 183 Ducks may be hatched in incubators if desired, and that is the practice, of course, on all large plants. If an in- cubator is being bought for this purpose, the purchaser should remember that it will not accommodate as many duck as hen eggs. A machine with a rated capacity of sev- enty hen eggs will take fifty- six duck eggs; a machine to accommodate 244 hen eggs will hold 200 duck eggs; a 390 hen-egg machine has room for 300 duck eggs. When using an incubator for ducks, it is well to remember that much moisture is required. Where a cement floor makes it possible the floor is often kept wet with a watering can. The machine is run at 102 for the first week or two and then at 103. The ducklings are best left for thirty-six hours before they are removed to the brooder, which should be ready for them at a temperature of ninety. The ducklings need heat for a much shorter time than chickens. Although much will depend upon the weather, the temperature ought to be ma- terially lowered as the birds become stronger so that it will be down to eighty when they are two weeks old, and as soon as they begin to forsake the hover, heat may be dis- continued. It is well for the birds to run outside as soon as weather conditions are favorable. They need good venti- lation. Probably more ducklings are killed from too much heat in the brooders than any other cause. ‘They are sus- ceptible to heat, anyway, which is not to be wondered at when the thickness and warmth of their feathers is consid- ered. In Summer it is well to have a shelter of rough boards or of canvas, if there is no natural shade in the yards. Sometimes young ducks get on their backs and find much difficulty in getting right side up again, unless they (Continued on page 191) Catena tas: = om ening They are Ronaidered: the best inte for the market i from subscribers pertaining to AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS WITHIN THE HOUSE SUGGESTIONS ON INTERIOR DECORATING AND NOTES OF INTEREST TO ALL WHO DESIRE TO MAKE THE HOUSE MORE BEAUTIFUL AND MORE HOMELIKE The Editor of this Department will be glad to answer all queries should be enclosed when a direct personal reply is desired May, 1912 ome Decoration. Stamps TRANSFORMING THE WINTER INTERIOR By Harry Martin Yeomans Photograph by T. C. Turner HE rooms of the all-the-year-round house do not have to be made dreary and funereal, the pictures shrouded in dust covers that make them appear like so many white spots on the walls, and te furniture encased in drab, somber slips, just because the Summer season is at hand, although with some people, this seems to be the mistaken idea of what the interior of a house should resemble during the outdoor season. ‘There are dreary days-in Summer when one cannot be out of doors, so the house should always be made as cheerful and livable as possible, for this, if for no other reason. It is often dif- ficult to choose color schemes and furnishings which will adapt themselves successfully to both Summer and Winter use, but that should not deter one from transforming the Winter house into a Summer retreat when the gratifying results that can be obtained with very little trouble and ex- pense are realized. EAVY draperies and rugs that make a room de- lightfully cosy in Winter will have the effect of making the atmosphere stuffy and oppressive during the warm months. It is better to remove the pictures than to cover them up. Heavy draperies should be changed for light and airy fabrics and slip covers of bright cheerful colors for the sofa and easy chairs, will change the whole at- mosphere of a room. In one little house in the country the putting on of the Summer garb was accomplished in a simple manner. ‘The owner appreciated the decorative value of the bright flowered English cretonnes and chintzes as Summer draperies, and used them in profusion in dining- room, library and living-room. ‘The dining-room had white sash-curtains at the window and long over-curtains of rose and green cretonne, which harmonized effectively with the Colonial spirit of this dining-room. The Chippendale chairs had slip-seats which facilitated their being covered with the cretonne and also its removal. HE living-room had crisp, fresh, sill-length curtains of lawn at the windows, over-curtains of cretonne show- ing yellow roses and a mass of green foliage. Neatly fitted furniture covers of this same material covered the sofa and easy chairs, and two yellow enameled chairs of willow upholstered in cretonne were added, and also a large gray and yellow rag rug. ‘These rugs make the cheapest kind of a Summer floor covering, as one measuring about eight by ten feet can be obtained for six dollars. ‘The color scheme of the library was rather dark in tone with dark brown stained woodwork, so the flowered cretonne could not be used here. A blue, green and écru Jacobean pattern was selected instead, and used for long curtains at the windows and made into slip covers for the Davenport and other leather upholstered furniture. Vases were kept full of flowers, not always from the garden, but Golden Rod, Wild Carrot, green foliage and the wild plants helped to make this all-the-year-round house a cool and inviting place in Summer. HE plan of this homemaker is commendable in every way, as the draperies and slip-covers were cleaned be- fore being put away in the Fall and her house could put on its Summer dress at almost a moment’s notice. And the furniture covers of cretonne not only protected the furniture but were decorative as well. T this season the Summer dress for the little house is under consideration, when, perhaps, as soiled or faded wall-pupers are going to be replaced and the woodwork treated to new paint, it is not inappropriate to men- tion a few general facts relative to the refurbishing of the little house. Interior decoration is something like the doctor’s profession, inasmuch as no two cases or problems are exactly alike. Each needs individual treatment, so it is dificult to formulate any hard and fast rules which will exactly meet the individual requirements of all. There are, however, several well established principles which it is well to bear in mind when planning any new interior work. VERY problem of interior decoration should commence with the four walls of the room, which are to be the background for not only the furniture, pictures and what- ever else one may elect to place in a room, but also for the individuals who congregate there. So it is always de- batable whether plain or figured wall surfaces are the better. For all general purposes, plain wall surfaces, or those that have the effect of being plain, are preferable to those having large repeats. They make a better background for pictures and furnishings, especially when a heterogeneous collection is used; they do not tire the eye, are restful, and should always be used in rooms to be occupied by persons of nervous temperaments. If it is feared that a monotonous effect will be the result, color and gaiety can be introduced in hangings, upholstery, cushions and lampshades, and the flowered cretonnes and chintzes immediately suggest them- selves for this purpose. HE oatmeal papers, Japanese grasscloth, cartridge papers and the woven effects all make excellent plain wall coverings, but one should not overlook the tinted plaster walls, or the walls that have been treated to several coats of flat, dull paint. These, besides being both beautiful and sanitary, come nearer to being real decoration than wall- papers. F decorative wall coverings are employed, the problem at once becomes more difficult. They preclude almost en- tirely the use of pictures and decorative objects, and it behooves one to have the furniture match as regards general outline, wood, texture and color, or the result will be a May, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 185 The Indian Tree pattern in tableware is one of the most attractive designs to be had. A 100-piece room the various parts of which will have the appearance of being at war with one another. With figured walls, plain hangings and upholstery matching the general color of the wall covering are fitting accompaniments. Large sharply defined designs should be avoided, as they have a tendency to make rooms appear both small and stuffy. When a light color scheme is being used, nothing will im- part to a Summer house the fresh, clean appearance that comes from a plentiful use of ivory-white paint. HE conclusions to be drawn from the foregoing are that with plain walls it is permissible to use figures or decorative fabrics, but in rooms with figured walls one should use plain textiles for hangings and upholstery, but when in doubt it is best to keep on the safe side and have plain walls. N almost any large city, one will frequently chance across a row of houses built exactly alike, and it is always in- teresting to note some little changes which have been made by one owner and which tend to make his house more attractive than the rest, although the main features have not been altered. In the center of a long row of com- monplace, brownstone dwellings, one house stood out prominently and presented a cheerful, attractive counte- nance to the passerby. At first glance one received the im- pression that this house differed materially from its neigh- bors, and it did in effect but not in reality. The window sashes, each containing one large, glaring sheet of glass, had been changed for sashes having six small rectangular panes to each sash. The window frames, sashes, mullions and front door had been painted white, and these simple changes had transformed this gray, somber facade into a neat, trim, attractive house front. The windows of a house will not look like great staring eyes when small panes are used. HANGING the window sashes was not one of those improvements which adds to the outward appearance at the expense of the interior effect. The decorative value of small window panes cannot be overestimated, and the breaking up of the window into small sections is prefer- able to having only one large pane of glass in each section. Some types of houses positively demand them and the Colonial, Elizabethan, half-timbered houses, Mission houses and cottages lose half their charm unless the small- paned windows are generously used. The oblong panes are very often employed but the diamond-shaped ones set in wooden mullions are most attractive and decorative, both from the interior and exterior of a house, and these look especially well in the casement windows. Small panes of leaded glass arranged in a simple geometrical design will lend distinction and interest as well to any window, even in set will cost $20.79 addition to the windows of the houses above mentioned. OR obvious reasons it is not always convenient to make radical changes, such as purchasing new sashes or hav- ing old ones fitted with new mullions, but there are some economical shortcuts which are worth noting. In a certain apartment the living-room was lighted by a large north window, facing on a court. Black passe partout tape was pasted over the large panes of opaque glass, so as to form diamond-shaped sections, and this simple expedient effective- ly broke up the barren appearance of this large window. In another room a lattice was made of narrow flat boards and fitted snugly into the sash over the large pane of glass, which gave the effect of a number of small panes in each sash. Any extra expense put into decorative windows is economical in the end, as they become decorative features of the room and need almost no draperies at all; a fabric hanging in straight folds, to be drawn in the evening, being all that is necessary, or a diaphanous material hung close to the window will soften the light and not hide the windows. It is an excellent idea to have small-paned windows when the view is not alluring, as one is then tempted to look at the windows and not through them. PORCELAIN TABLEWARE OW often has the eye of the sensitive person been ‘J offended and good digestion interfered with by having a dinner served on dishes which did not match and forming a medley of inharmonious color on the table. If the pre- caution was taken of buying open stock patterns, then broken or marred dishes could easily be replaced, and the table would not have to be set with odds and ends. All of the large shops now carry a great variety of open stock patterns to fit all purposes. The English porcelain, or cottage ware, is very charming and makes very beautiful breakfast sets, so that the same dishes do not have to be used for all three meals. The Indian Tree pattern is especially attractive and comes in three variations of the same design, one of which is shown in the illustration. The main part of the design shows a branch of a tree with pink apple blossoms, treated in the Chinese taste, on a cream ground, with a border of the apple blossoms. The colors are pink, green and brown, and a one hundred-piece dinner set costs $20.79. N this connection it must be remembered that the writer is here referring to the table set for the usual formal and semi-formal occasions of the regular family meals, for it is true that the “picnic” luncheon or supper of an impromptu nature may have its dishes set forth on an array of all sorts of plates, pottery and porcelain side by side, perhaps, never- theless a certain dignity should be sought for when the table is regularly set, which is only to be obtained by the harmon- ious relation of any part or unit of the service to the other. 186 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS May, 1912 Around the Garden A MONTHLY KALENDAR OF TIMELY GARDEN OPERA- TIONS AND USEFUL HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS ABOUT THE HOME GARDEN AND GROUNDS All queries will gladly be answered by the Editor. If a personal reply ‘s desired by subscribers stamps should be enclosed therewith. 0000%50000 (O) coac$s0000 MAY-TIME IN THE GARDEN him that he should not attempt to gain an early start by transplanting either flowers or vegetables of the tenderer AY is a month of exciting things for the gar- sorts until the danger from frosts is quite past. I suppose den-beginner. If, for the first time, he is our first thought, if we are poetically inclined, is for the || engaged in the delectable occupation of coax- flowers we associate with the thought of May-time. The -ing Mother Earth to be kind to his efforts clouds of April’s showers now appear to the vision as Mil- to make his back yard an Eden, or his front ton’s yard a paradise of lovely growing things, his enthusiasm must not permit him to overlook the fact ne that the old-time enemy of all garden-makers since gardens which, in Heber’s words, “Spring unlocks to paint the laugh- first were—Jack Frost—may still be lurking in the ambush 1ng soil.” oy others—the prosaic or the practical—the of the promise of an early season. Indeed, I know of no first thought will be of vegetables. If, then our gardens greater discouragement that besets the garden-beginner or are to Join the hands of poetry and prose before great the experienced gardener than that of encountering late Nature's altar it will behoove everyone who has a garden frosts unprepared for them. Indeed, the experienced gar- to give attention to “flower and food for garden’s good” dener will hardly ever permit himself to be caugnt in such as an old-time rhymster puts it. ‘Therefore, though we start a trap, but for the amateur entering upon his first season with the more beautiful we shall not neglect the subject one must urge especial diligence in this matter, and remind of the just as useful. F your Sweet-Peas have been planted early, you must ar- range to have on hand brush or trellis support for them, which should be set up just as soon as the new vines reach a height of from five to six inches. Wire will prove an excellent material for the supports and may be strung between posts driven into the ground for the purpose. The writer remembers having seen an arrangement of two posts driven into the ground four feet apart, between which wires were tautly strung (a piece of chicken wire would have been better). On top of each post was placed a circular box in which Sweet Peas of low-growth were also planted. The high-growing plants reached to the top of the wire in due time and this little corner of the garden presented a fence of exquisite, fragrant bloom throughout the Summer. If you have not a cold-frame, you may sow seeds of such flowers as will require planting in some sheltered spot, tak- ing care to cover the ground on any indication of frost. One should bear in mind that the latter part of May is the time for planting the Dahlia, the Gladiolus and the Tube- rose. Gladioli planted the last week in May should bloom in August. The last week in May will find it safe to trans- plant old perennials for border re-arrangements. One must not forget to spray Rose bushes the second week in May. Whale-oil soap is excellent for such purposes. Then the pruning of all the Spring-flowering shrubs must be at- tended to immediately after they are through blooming. A for the vegetable garden, May is the time for plant- ing Bush Beans in the open ground, Lima Beans in cold-frames, Beets for succession, setting out Cabbages, planting Cucumbers (the last week in the month), Let- tuce for succession, Melons (last week, or when settled weather is assured), Onions (they may be transplanted now also), Peas for succession, Squashes (settled weather), aaa as — Sweet Corn for succession, and for setting out Tomatoes A May-time flower, the Lily-of-the-Valley, Convallaria majalii when the ground is warm. There are a number of a3 PC LOUdS That shed May flowers.’’ May, 1912 things, too, that will require attention in the Strawberry bed. Newly set Strawberry plants should have their blos- soms removed, and the old plants should now be mulched with clean straw to conserve moisture and to protect the fruit from dust as well as from weedy growths. The main crop of Potatoes will be planted in May, and this will, indeed prove a busy month around the garden. A NASTURTIUM WALL O lovelier color scheme of orange, gold, gray, green and vivid blue was ever conceived by artist than that which has been worked out with a low wall of gray stones, embroidered with nasturtiums, set upon the very edge of Lake Amper- sand, in the Adirondack Mountains. The wall ex- tends for a distance of about half a mile or more in the shape of a crescent and mere splashes of gray show AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS A home-made pergola, rustic in effect, that could be made at small expense and would be suitable as a complement to the garden area of any small home in the country or in the suburbs 187 through the thick embroid- ery of flowers and foliage, which hang over the wall to trail in the vivid blue of the water and there to reflect a submerged repetition of wall and blossom in a gorgeous band of orange and of gold. One comes suddenly upon the end of this crescent where it touches a drive through the woods, and, with a quick intake of breath at the loveliness of it, every one pauses to look across the vivid line of curving color and its reflection in the lake. Upon the shore of Lake Placid, some eighteen miles away, another wall of the same sort has been set before the grounds of a bun- galow, and both teach the lesson of what may be ac- complished in any country spot where there is water, by gathering native stones into a low wall and planting nasturtiums, which care for themselves and offer unend- ing pleasure. 188 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS HELPS TO Tie a esl ESOS TABLE AND HOUSEHOLD SUGGESTIONS OF INTER- EST TO EVERY HOUSEKEEPER AND HOUSEWIFE May, 1912 SS FIXING UP A SMALL HOUSE By Elizabeth Atwood spirit, there is great pleasure and unlimited satisfaction in fixing up a small house and making it harmonious and beautiful, in spite of the fact that there is little money to spend. Any one with money can buy artistic ability and good taste, even if he does not possess those qualities; but the individual of limited means must study out what to do to make his small home beautiful, even if he has not much artistic skill to begin with. This study is a development in other ways than in the dressing of his house, if he will allow it to be. If he is just a business man, connected only with the sordid side of money-making and money-getting, he will, in his spare moments, be lifted out of the soul-wearing atmosphere, if, with his sweetheart or his young wife he takes up the study of making his little home a thing of beauty. ‘They will read together the magazines which are fairly brimming with suggestions for decoration. They may follow them, or through these suggestions evolve the scheme of home deco- ration best suited to their needs— and their pocketbook. When they have done this, I think they are far ahead of the man, who, with plenty of money, has bought his scheme outright. To me, good taste in home deco- ration represents good judgment combined with practical common sense. To seek this earn- estly is what I mean by hav- ing the right spirit. In some, this wonderful thing, good taste, is inherent, but, alas, in others it is not. It does not seem _ har- monious, for instance, to put a large sum of money into one or two articles of fur- niture, and then have them § grin at the rest of the house — which could not be fur- nished according to their standard, for lack of funds. The teachings of simplic- ity set forth by William Morris have done much for The old house presented many problems to the young couple who set about to transform it us all, but there are many still who have not been reached. He has banished the old ‘‘what-not,” so well-named, with its dust-collecting contents, the massive carved furniture, and all the horrors of forty years ago. Now we have the simple lines, the quiet tones, all tending toward a restful and har- monious style of house furnishing and decoration. This is a boon to the man and woman of moderate means, who do wish to have their children grow up with surround- ings calculated to develop in them a love of the beautiful in the world. Say what you will, children do reflect in after life the effect of their early home. The little home, very simple because of stern need, may and should develop the best ideals in the minds of growing children. What kind of an ideal can a room too good for actual use, kept only to impress a caller, develop in the boy or girl living in the dining-room—or with friends who may have them in their home at any time? Parents should think out all these things when making the atmosphere of their small home. I have in mind a home, made on this principle: ‘‘What is here is for us, and this is good, too, for our friends.” They live in every inch of the house. Having this idea in mind when they began, everything has developed along these lines, and now, although children have come, everything remains harmonious, for the home was prepared for their re- ception and future care. This young couple, when they started out, had no money to spend in decorating the home. They had bought a piano and a sewing ma- chine when they were first house- keeping in the old house which they had bought. ‘They had a few things which “‘mother” gave them, and had been compelled to buy a few necessary things like stoves, tables and chairs. They had no debts but neither did they have any money. But they had the aforesaid good taste, un- limited perseverance and good health. But what a proposition the old home was! They even had to tear down par- titions to make the rooms the right size. A bedroom was in this way added to what used to be the most sacred “‘best room,” and the May, 1912 two made a large _living- room with five windows, two to the south and three to the west. The old kitch- en was made into a dining- room, and a pantry and passageway was made into a kitchen. These, with one large bedroom constituted the house, save for one finished room in the attic. All of these improve- ments were slow of comple- tion, for the business of liv- ing took most of their time. Their greatest problem was the walls, and next the floors. During this period they got together enough money to buy for the walls some dull red burlap. The walls were too rough to take paper unless done over, and they could not afford to do this. Neither one of them knew how to “‘hang”’ paper, but both could tack on the burlap; so this was used for the dining- room and the large living-room. The bedroom walls were covered with pale blue building paper, which they bought very cheaply. They managed to get this on the wall themselves, for it was heavy and had no pattern, proving that “where there is a will there is a way.’ The young woman said, “What is the use of a college education if mere walls are to beat you?” The kitchen walls and open shelves were all painted a pale chocolate color lined off with red, for the young woman was a crank on light, and this color caught all the rays which came through the one window. Before the burlap went on the walls, the woodwork of the other rooms was painted a very light creamy yellow. It was not possible for them to have hardwood floors. They did not be- lieve in carpets, and could not have them anyway. They had a few good rugs, wed- ding presents, so they de- cided on painted floors. They chose a dull shade of sage-green, and the Oriental rugs look very well upon it, I assure you; and, as the lit- tle mistress said, ‘‘greenish- gray is very pleasant to live with.” A cot bed was made into a couch in one corner, and with pillows (filled with the excelsior from their moy- ing) for “‘backers,’”’ it was comfortable and good to look at. Another corner had two boxes, two feet wide and five feet long, cov- ered with cushions, and made to hold dresses which were not in daily use, mak- ing a charming corner seat. This up-to-date young woman also said, “If we had fewer and better made chairs, and more window seats, we and our children would be more comfortable. AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS The old kitchen was made into a dining-room The living-room was made from two bedrooms 189g So choose carefully what you put in your living-room. Try to put into it a fireplace, a few good books, some musical instruments, a fine picture, or photographs of fine ones, a big seat or couch, and some comfortable cush- ions, a steady table, and a good lamp; then, if the room is of fair size, it will look cheerful and like a living- room.” These young people had books, beautiful bric-a-brac and fine china and cut-glass, all given them when they were married. There was not one spot in this new-old house where these could be put except upon the floor. They had no money to spend on a bookcase and the pantry had been made into a kitchen. The young man was handy and very resourceful. He bought from time to time a few feet of eight-inch planed boards. He designed and made bracket ends for shelves, which were placed from a mantel post around the corner to the window frame; from window frame to window frame, and so on around the room. (The illustration of their fire- place shows the effect.) All this took time, and many long evenings of w ork, but in the end the result was delightful. These shelves were stained rather dark, so that they made a fitting home for the books. The statuary, brasses and other ornaments show well against the dark red wall. Soft, thin yellow hangings in the windows make this room one of the most attractive rooms I was ever in. Figure for yourself the actual cost. It would be im- possible to buy the personal charm of it, however. Then our young man turned his attention to the dining-room. Again he de- signed the shelf spacing and bracket ends. Here the ar- ticles of china found at last aplaceston stay. ldlere;.in evidence, they delight the eye when not in use. They serve to train one’s taste on these open shelves far bet- ter than they could shut away in a cupboard, and only seen when used. A sliding door opens a space between these shelves and the work- ing shelf of the kitchen, and through this the little mother can watch her chil- dren at play while she does her kitchen work, and also can pass the clean dishes, saving many steps. In the illustration of the dining-room please notice the little holders for the pew- ter platter and the plate. Then the cupboards under the shelves, which make good places for crackers, cake and many other articles always calling for a dry, cool place. 190 I hear someone saying, ‘“‘Well, we are not all handy, and we cannot always whittle out our own brackets.” No one knows really what he can do until he tries, and perhaps even this doubter might discover latent possibilities. Here is how another moneyless couple achieved success. Having been impressed by the beauty of the little home they used some of the same ideas, and the first couple felt that success was theirs. The young man who had been clever enough to whittle out his brackets and was glad to be able to help another struggling couple, made a pattern for the second young man, who was not so clever, and who had no time to whittle his way. He took this pattern to a saw-mill, and had the brackets sawed out for him; bought the shelf boards, and saved much time. However, the man who whit- tled loved the work, and got great pleasure out of it. The second young man had high ceilings in_ his house to bother him. Some vandal had bricked up the old fireplace, but the white framework of the old man- tle still was’ there.. The woodwork was white and the wall paper was almost white. Another task even more hopeless was this of mak- ing a cosy, homelike room out of such unpromising ma- terial. He painted the book shelves white; that was neces- sary. But the book covers gave color, and the shelves di- viding the great height and lonesome walls, saved the day. Here was the good taste of the first young couple passed on. The young wife of the second home more than did her part in the homemaking. Curtains of scrim were hem- stitched, and a drawn-work band put in each. ‘Then side curtains of dark green softened the great glare of white. A corner-seat with covering of flowered tapestry, a piano, a table, and a few good chairs, converted this unpromising room into a hospitable, restful, homelike place. The dining-room with one row of shelves for special dishes was changed by this dividing line into the living- room. Simple cheesecloth curtains, stenciled, completed the charm of this room with its plain mission furniture given them at their wedding. I know that the charm of these two homes has been of great value to others, even though they were unconscious of it, for these homes are both simple and true, and reflect the characters of their ae in a aauase of ways. | A CHESTNUT HILL GARDEN (Continued from page 157) SE cio afer el [0 fcc fel fo ccc ILO) eg fdemarooo ta fo oncnponco bel [O) fjooogooo fa fadonccffonmo tole) (ORO to the flaming burst of color. Geraniums trained on frames in the shape of pyramids mark the corners of one square, Cassia trees, whose blossoms are the yellowest of all yellow things, mark another, at yet other points are swelling bushes of Box or damask Roses, brought hither from a former home, blooming with unabated vigor and fragrance on stocks more than a century old. Scents as well as colors are considered in this garden, so we may be sure, if we look, of finding old-fashioned spice Pinks, Heliotrope, Mignonette and all the rest that bygone generations were wont to put in nosegays. Passing on a space we glance into the fernery, a wonder- ful grotto under glass where rare ferns grow by mossy pools AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS A novel way of serving fruit. May, 1912 with goldfish playing in their depths. Beyond the fernery one path leads to the tea-house, a perfect piece of Japanese handiwork brought from Tokio, perched amid great firs and hemlocks on the brow of a steep hill that frowns down upon the Wissahickon at its rock base; the other path brings us to the boathouse. To fully know Compton and appreciate its varied beauties you must see it from the stream. The hither bank, dark with towering evergreens, at one point rises abruptly from the water with jagged boulders and bare ledges; fat meadows line the farther side and mighty trees throw interlacing branches from shore to shore and cast a grateful shade. In early Spring the ground by the boathouse is carpeted with myriads of bluebottles so intense in color that we perforce avert our eyes. It makes one feel how provi- dential it is that grass is green and the sky blue. Per- haps, however, if the reverse were true we might look 'heavenward oftener. Not far off is the mouth of the brook that runs through the grounds. It is worth our while to retrace its course to see the Iris beds and the long LE Rose arbor and, beyond, See page 192 the Rhododendron thicket. But to try to chronicle the delights of Compton brings de- spair. At every turn some new surprise awaits the eye, whether it be a Calabrian oil jar of witching grace or a ven- erable Etruscan urn or the rare tree or shrub in glorious ar- ray of blossoms we have never seen before. Rarely beau- tiful as Compton is and filled with all manner of wonderful things, its charm is many fold increased by the atmosphere of sincere hospitality that master and mistress are ever careful to maintain. Truly, to use Lord Bacon’s words, it is assuredly a place of ‘“‘refreshment to the es of man.” EE) LO (a ft ee ft cfc [fot coco fn ccdpooo to Fo) (OM Cae! aS OlezE: SMALL HOUSES OF STONE AND STUCCO (Continued from page 161) for mos ote sce Orn Sia OE See Oe an ST OOS to their occupants. ‘They show conclusively how much can be accomplished for relatively little money in the way of house-building when intelligent effort is applied to the prob- lem in hand. The house, costing $7,000 illustrated on page 161 and designed by McIlvaine E. Roberts, architect, Philadelphia, shows a living-room twelve feet by eighteen with a most en- gaging inglenook built in an alcove apart from this space, a hallway, a dining-room fifteen feet by sixteen, lighted by a bow window that throws a considerable additional space into the room, a kitchen, a pantry and a laundry. ‘The second floor has three bedrooms, a bath and a dressing-room and on the third floor there are three bedrooms and a place pro- vided for a bathroom. In yet another house—and a particularly attractive one it is—for $6,700 we find on the first floor a living-room extending across the whole front, twenty-four and a half feet by fourteen and a half, a dining-room thirteen and a half by seventeen, a hall, a pantry, a kitchen and a laundry. The second floor has four good bedrooms and a bath and the third floor has a large front bedroom, a hall and a spacious loft, floored but not plastered. From what has been said it is plain to be seen that every- thing has been done to make these houses as complete and convenient as possible. Indeed, they have many features May, 1912 to facilitate housekeeping that some larger and more ex- pensive houses lack. In any of the houses described it would be perfectly possible for an ordinary sized family to live quite comfortably without being at all crowded and yet one or two people with a maid would not feel them too large or in any way lonesome. Any one of them would make an ideal establishment for a spinster, bachelor man or bachelor maid. There would be plenty of room for china, cats and canaries, and still one would not feel afflicted with waste space! However, whether the occupants of these houses be married folk with spouses and children or whether they be not and, like Queen Elizabeth, elect to live their lives in single rather than in double blessedness, one thing is certain: Such houses as those shown in the group here illustrated are so adaptable that people are bound to find them livable, they are so pleasingly devised from the architect’s point of view that they are sure to be interesting, they so admirably fill an urgent want that they must needs be appreciated by all who are conversant with present-day conditions of home making, and they are an adornment to any ial however remote from where these stand. RAISING DUCKS ON THE SMALL PLACE. gaged pee eee ea STOOIERS have a little ine Te must not ie: overlooked. It is not necessary to use incubators and brooders. ‘They are convenient, but either or both may be dispensed with. They are of more value when a lot of young Pekins are to be hatched out and quickly fattened than when breeding ducks or ducks to be raised for egg laying are desired. It may be said, parenthetically, that a number of women and many men are making a tidy bit of money each season by hatching out a few scores or hundreds of Pekin ducks and sending them to market in April and May. Only a little ground and a small investment are needed and the birds may be sent to market alive, if the untidy job of killing and dressing them is not relished. A half-dozen of the strongest and earliest of the ducklings may be selected for the next season’s breeders, and the old breeders sold. It is not well to keep breeders more than two years, as the older they are, the later in the season the ducks begin to lay. It will be seen that as soon as the ducklings are disposed of, in the Spring, there remain only a few breeders to be cared for until the next season. A little venture in ducks along this line is often quite worth while, especially when one lives in the country or has a good-sized suburban lot. But to return to the ducklings. When they are hatched by natural means, it is well to use large, motherly hens, which are able to cover nine or ten eggs with ease. The ducklings will not need to remain with the hen as long as chickens would, and as soon as they are ready to look out for them- selves may be placed in little houses in flocks of twenty-five or more. Boxes similar to the one described for laying ducks, except longer, may be used, but should have slatted doors to keep the young birds confined when the weather is stormy and yet give them plenty of ventilation. The question, ‘“What shall I feed?” usually comes up early. As it happens, there are no hard and fast rules for feeding. On the whole, simple rations are as satisfactory as the complicated ones sometimes formulated. Equal parts of rolled oats and bread crumbs with five per cent of coarse sand may be fed the first week. The addition of a few hard boiled eggs will help to make the mash nutritious. The sand is very necessary, and oatmeal or rolled oats are among the best of feeds for ducks of all ages. Milk or warm water may be used to make the mash. After the first week, one third wheat bran and one third cornmeal, with five per cent of beef scraps and ten per cent AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Ig green food in the shape of chopped rye, clover or green corn stalks should be given. The green food need not be mixed with the mash unless desired and the exact quantity does not matter. [he mash should be given four times a day for the first two weeks, and after that three times. Care must be taken that the weaker birds get enough; it is often neces- sary to go the rounds a second time and dole out a little more for them. Grit should be placed in boxes where the young birds can have free access to it. And all feeding and water receptacles must be kept clean. Ducks are not over-neat in their habits. When the ducklings are to be marketed the proportion of cornmeal should be gradually increased until it is much the larger at the end. Let me say, however, that for your own private table you will do just as well not to fatten the ducks too fast. The birds that run around more and are not forced with fattening food are really better to eat. As a matter of fact, the flesh of the Indian Runner or that of the Rouen is as good as Pekin duck meat; the latter wins in the market on the score of appearance. The conclusion of the whole subject lies in the statement that Indian Runner ducks may be grown with profit for the eggs which they produce, and will be relished on the owner’s private table, that Pekins, being pure white, large and quickly grown, are the favorite and most profitable table breed, and that the Rouens are all-round ducks which have many admirers and are largely bred. A little experiment in duck growing needs small means and may lead to big results. SOME CHILDREN’S PLATES By HELEN WARRINGTON [OA 0 1 0 LN ONO NOOO NOR H E ch 1 ] d 1 S og always pleased to feel that the articles on the table for his use are especially devised for him, and that they are things apart from the objects used by grown-ups, notwithstanding his propensity to imitate his elders and to appropriate to his imitating the things associated with their grown-up living. The group of plates illustrated upon this page and the one following were designed especially for little tots, being decorated with pic- torial subjects suggested by the most beloved classic of child- hood, Mother Goose. In each of these plates the reader will notice that the ornament is placed in the middle of the plate where it is seen to the best advantage, being set off by the plain border of the rim. One of these sets of children’s plates, intended for a very young child, presents the pictorial decoration in a little more realistic way, unmistakable as to the story each is intended to remind one of. The ornament upon the other set is more frankly decorative, but with a swing and freedom of line which children can fully appre- ciate. The meanings are all clear; and the affection towards Pussy or the apprehension of Miss Mufht (with her elab- HUAUAUIU DUDA ANON ONTO ONT. ONULO NENT, = See vasan tee NOSTOR OS OSA sir ie A set of children’s nursery saucer-plates 192 Six children’s plates, Mother Goose series orate finery) are easily recognized by even the youngest child who has heard the old-time rhymes or has learned to repeat them. HOW TO DISPOSE OF TABLE REFUSE By E.1.F. ITH one having a small home in the country, the dis- posal of table refuse and other garbage sometimes becomes a problem. If thrown on top of the ground it is sure to attract flies and it cannot be burned in the kitchen range without creating a disagreeable odor. ‘The best plan is to bury it in the garden, where it will contribute consider- able fertilizing material to the soil. The writer used a pointed stake to which a piece of board about fifteen inches square is hinged. An excavation is dug and the stake driven into the ground close beside it, so that when the hinged board is at right angles to the stake it will cover the hole, thus keeping out flies and preventing the escape of odors. When the hole has been nearly filled, earth is thrown upon the contents, another hole dug and the stake with its attached cover pulled up and moved to the new location. A cord from the front of the cover to the top of the stake is an added convenience, as the board may then be raised with- out stooping. If the earth has a tendency to cave at the top of the excavation, four short pieces of board may be made into a frame to fit over the hole, the cover resting upon this frame. If one cares to go to the trouble of mak- ing a compost heap a considerable distance from the house, the garbage may be thrown upon it and covered with a little earth, but it is not wasted when disposed of in the garden in the way I have described, and I know of no plan which is more easily carried out. WHEN, THEREGIS NOJIICE T is often difficult to get ice in the country and almost im- possible if occupying a camp in the woods. Several plans for keeping food under such conditions have been devised. It is quite possible to install an ice machine, and such ma- chines are found in many expensive country houses, making the owners independent of a natural ice supply. When an ice plant is out of the question, a good plan is to make a dumbwaiter which may be lowered into the cellar, if there be one, or into a well or even into a hole dug in the ground. A shaft may be made of concrete or boards, the former being preferable in case of a permanent arrangement. This shaft should come three or four feet above the floor and be fitted with a drum at the top, upon which to wind a rope or chain attached to the top of the dumbwaiter. A crank is needed to operate the drum and s0 raise or lower the waiter. It is possible to have a rope run over a pulley and a weight attached to act as a balance, although it is really not needed. There should be a screen door at the top of the shaft for AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS May, 1912 use in ventilation, and it is well to have a screened opening at the opposite side, too. In camp, a temporary device of this sort may be quickly rigged by using an old box for the dumbwaiter. In one camp the dumbwaiter descends into a cistern built under the house and made to collect the rain- water from the roof. There is always enough water in the cistern to keep the food in good condition. There are iceless refrigerators on the market which will give excellent satisfaction when ice cannot be obtained. One kind is built of metal and has five shelves. It is lowered into the cellar and is operated by a pulley and a crank. An- other kind is even more convenient and is especially well suited for use in the permanent country home. Although it drops into the cellar no crank is required, for it rises through the floor at the touch of a button. It may be used in the kitchen or the pantry or even in the dining-room, for nothing shows above the floor when the elevator has been lowered. Dumbwaiters of this kind are made in several patterns, some of them having a small receptacle for ice in case one is able to secure that commodity and wants a little for the compartment containing milk and butter. The rest of the cupboard is designed for use without ice. These ice- less refrigerators are so made that they can be installed in any house where there is a cellar, in an old house as well as a new one, and they save a great many steps when it is neces- sary to keep food in the cellar. They are not expensive, but the idea is so simple that a dumbwaiter which will serve the needs of most families may easily be constructed by any man who is handy with tools. CONVENIENT WINDOW DEVICE HEN old farmhouses are purchased for Summer homes or for permanent occupancy, the new owners are frequently annoyed to find that the windows are not fitted with weights. Asa rule, old-fashioned spring catches are used, and they are likely to be broken. ‘The purchaser often determines to install weights, only to find that the studding is so placed that this cannot be done without much work and consequent expense. The remedy lies in adopting spring balemces which will serve the purpose just as well as weights and which can be fitted to any window. Weight pockets are not required and neither sash nor frame needs to be altered. The weight of the sash is sustained by a coiled steel clock spring at- tached to the sash with an aluminum tape. ‘The spring is contained in a small metal case, which is screwed to the back of the frame and is out of sight. If the frame is not wide enough to admit a balance at the side, it is screwed to the top of the frame and works practically as well. These balances are quickly and easily attached, but there is one point which must not be overlooked. The sash must be carefully weighed and a balance ordered which has the proper degree of strength to sustain it. There is consider- able variation in the springs in order that any kind of win- dow may be equipped. ‘Two sets of springs, or four in all, are required for one window, but it often happens that the lower sash of a window is the one frequently raised, so that one set of balances will serve. In some old houses it is found that no provision was made for lowering the upper sashes of the windows, anyway. A NOVEL WAY OF SERVING FRUIT By MARY H. NORTHEND HERE are countless ways of serving fruit that add an interest to the “‘table attractive.” On page 190 is shown an illustration of a dish of figs and bananas ingeniously ar- ranged in an appetizing manner. First a number of figs of the best grade are selected, cut in half and hollowed out to form little nests, which should be filled with banana “eggs” made by scooping out pieces of the fruit with a spoon. May, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS In beauty of design and finish, Sargent Hardware cannot be surpassed. No detail is too small to have the careful attention of expert workmen. Designs are worked out with minute fidelity. All working parts are carefully fitted. The wide variety of Sargent designs includes patterns suitable for every building, whatever its uses and style of architecture. These designs are derived from authentic sources and are true to the school or period to which they belong. When you build or remodel, give your personal attention to selection of hardware. Specify the use of Sargent Hardware and Locks throughout —they will add to the beauty and selling value and are an insurance against dissatisfaction and repair bills. Write for the Sargent Book of Designs We shall be glad to mail you a complimentary copy. lilustrates and descnbes many designs suitable for residences. Our Colonial Book, illustrating Glass Knobs, &c., is sent also on request. SARGENT & COMPANY, 156 Leonard St., New York. XV xvi AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS May, 1912 ‘ e KNOWING HOW TO SERVE THE aa 3] | STRAWBERRIES TL | Pe SUSueScNaSGaE | TRAW BERRY shortcakes, plain RAR Beee 2 ee ea } strawberries and cream, and the va- a GAR cll WE OA BM rious frozen desserts in the form of straw- a acon ersantgnbeie? a berry sherberts and ice cream, too fre- elit tte sunt eu ier houseness knowledge of this delicious berry; because it 1s not SeHETON:. aj | considered suitable for pies and _ pud- am oq ew aq A | dings in which the fruit is usually cooked. In reality one who really knows how to serve the strawberry, has a_ seemingly endless list of desserts at hand; only a few of which need be given to suggest others equally pleasing. It is true that the boiled puddings and dumplings and the usual form of pies and pastry, in which the fruit is cooked, are not so appropriate for the strawberries as for the majority of small fruits and berries; x my | but the many desserts in which the ber- Clinton Wire Lath 18 ee | | ries may be used fresh, leave little to be = A.| desired. For the jams, jellies and pre- || serves, the same rules are followed for the strawberries as for the other berries and the cherries; and with the exception of the famous southern boiled pudding, ===“ 22 See eee Re r 7 re 3 se eas 3 =" 2g for use in exterior as well as interior plaster work. A wire mesh made up of drawn steel wire of high quality, galvanized after weaving, and provided with our famous V-stiffeners affords the ideal material for supporting stucco. Its unusual strength and rigidity prevents buldging or sagging. Smooth there are few puddings in which this even surfaces are readily obtained while its stiffness and perfect key for the | early summer berry may not be deli- plaster eliminates all danger of cracking. HX! | ciously served. In use for more than fifty years Clinton Wire Lath has proved its ie PLAIN STRAWBERRY PUDDING. durability. It is everlasting and absolutely will not rust away. Le One of the simplest of quick desserts Bf} | is prepared by making a cornstarch pud- ding, using the yolks of two eggs, and re- serving the whites. Bring a pint of milk to a boil, and stir into it two tablespoon- fuls of cornstarch mixed smooth and free from lumps in a little cold milk. Let it boil gently until thick and smooth, stir- ring in half a cup of sugar and flavoring with vanilla. Turn the cornstarch out into a bowl to harden, and when it is cold and firm, turn it into a glass dish for serv- ing; cover the pudding with fine ripe strawberries, covered with powdered sugar, and over the whole spread a mer- ingue made with the whites of the eggs whipped stiff with three tablespoonfuls of powdered sugar. STRAWBERRY CREAM AND JUNKET Warm a quart of milk on the back of the range, dissolve one rennet tablet and add to the warm milk, with a tablespoon- ful of powdered sugar, and a tablespoon- ful of lemon juice. Pour the junket, while thin, into sherbet glasses, filling them about half full and set in the ice box. When ready to serve, heap fine ripe strawberries on the junket, sweeten well, and cover the berries with whipped cream. STRAWBERRY PIES It is difficult to obtain good results by cooking strawberries in pie between up- per and lower crusts, as for other berries. Nevertheless, strawberry pies are excel- lent when properly made. The favorite is the meringue pie. Beat the whites of TOGNARELLI & VOIGT CO. two eggs to a stiff snow, beat in two cups é G of powdered sugar, one teaspoonful of 2302 Chestnut St. Philadelphia, Pa. lemon juice, and sufficient strawberry juice to color a delicate pink. Line a deep pie plate with puff paste, prick the paste well to keep it from blistering, and bake to a delicate brown. When cold, fill the pastry-lined pie plate with fresh strawberries well sweetened and cover with the meringue. To make a strawberry custard pie, pre- pare and bake the puff paste in the same manner and bake a creamy custard in a separate dish. Fill the pie plate with strawberries when the pastry is cold, and pour the crstard over the berries while still warm from the oven, and serve when cold and firm. Ora rich custard pie may be made in the usual manner, pouring the custard over the bottom crust before bak- ”, | Ry, i, @ } a H | ¢ | : | Ri frome 4 W rite for descriptive matter Scania Paus desea eg ad ae - ———4 EEE IS a i 3 eae an | 7 Gl ad ie EEE PPE za | ] | Saecome a EECCLeCC eee SREGOE Gees al ‘ial BENCHES mon When properly placed produce the desired ® artistic effect to the garden or lawn. ae ad We supply them hand carved and made a of marble, Indiana limestone or our regular catalogued goods, made of composition stone. Catalogue on request. The Scientific American Boy By A. RUSSELL BOND i2mo. :: Three Hundred and Twenty Pages :: Three Hundred and Forty Illustrations :: Price, $2.00, Postpaid A STORY OF OUTDOOR BOY LIFE, suggesting a large number of diversions which, aside from affording entertainment, will stimulate in boys the creative spirit. @ Complete practical instructions are given for building the various articles. The book contains a large number of mis- cellaneous devices, such as Scows, Canoes, Windmills, Water Wheels, Etc. : MUNN & COs Inc., SS CIEE URC GAINES! 361 Broadway, New York May, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS ing. When the pie is taken from the oven, and before the custard has “set,” sprinkle small ripe strawberries over the custard, cover with powdered sugar and serve when cold. STRAWBERRY SHORT CAKE The old-fashioned strawberry short cake was made of pastry—rich, flaky puff pastry—baked in square tins. To-day the favorite is the sweet cake, baked in layer cake tins. Both are delicious, and may be used alternately to provide variety during the short but fascinating “straw- berry-shortcake season.” | Whether the pastry or the sweet cake is used, pack the ripe juicy berries closely between the lay- ers and on top. Have “double cream” beaten stiff, coat the sweetened berries generously with the cream, and cover with powdered sugar. For a change, a white of egg meringue may be used for the sweet cake—reserving the whites of two eggs used in making the cake, and the whipped cream will be appropriate for the pastry cake, in which no eggs are used. STRAWBERRY SHRUB This is appetizing for immediate use, and may also be bottled to enjoy after the strawberry season is over. Pour three quarts of the best cider vinegar over nine quarts of very ripe strawberries. Let it stand twenty-four hours, then bring to a boil and strain. To every quart of juice add two pounds of granulated sugar. Boil together for five minutes. strain again, placing immediately into the jars or bottles in which it is to be sealed or corked while hot. Two tablespoonfuls of this “shrub” in a glass of ice water will form a delicious drink. STRAWBERRY BASKETS An attractive as well as unique dessert may be made with little trouble in the form of strawberry baskets—the baskets being formed of lady fingers and filled with berries and cream. Half a dozen small flaring bowls are always good to have on hand for making individual des- serts. They are especially requisite for “basket desserts.” Break lady fingers in half and fit snugly on the bottom of each bowl; then arrange closely around the sides of the bowl either half or whole lady fingers, according to the depth of basket required. On opposite sides of the bowl use a whole lady finger, or a double one if necessary to form the basket handle; with a single lady finger laid across from tip to tip to complete the handle. Pre- pare a rich, firm gelatine; following the directions on the package; and just before it is cool enough to harden, pour it into the baskets, binding all the lady fingers together, and keeping them shapely. When cool and firm, pile big juicy straw- berries on the gelatine, heaping the bas- kets full, and dot the top with whipped cream. When carefully slipped from the bowls—after standing in the icebox until cold and firm—and served on flat glass dishes, the strawberry baskets will be as attractive in appearance as they are de- licious to the taste. STRAWBERRY SANDWICHES AND “TRIFLES.” With a big freezer full of home-made strawberry ice cream, many dainty “trifles” may be quickly prepared for; porch teas, lawn luncheons and desserts.. Strawberry sandwiches are made by plac- ing a layer of the mashed berries and a layer of the ice cream between flat sweet, biscuits. A log cabin “trifle” is made by’ arranging lady fingers or thin strips of cake, log-cabin fashion, filling the center with the cream. “Nests” of sponge cake filled with cream give variety, es ‘““Come into the Shade’’ “THERE is no reason why the sun should trouble you even during the hottest part of the day. Let Vudor Porch Shades keep your porch shady and breezy all the time. Then you will always have plenty of light for reading, writing or sewing. You can receive your guests, have luncheon, play cards. With Vudors you can even use the porch as a sleeping room—a considerable advantage on hot nights. You will enjoy the summer more than ever if you equip your porch with Vudor Porch Shades. Though shutting out the rays of the sun, they always allow light and air; though concealing the porch from the gaze of out- siders, they do not shut off your view of the outside world. Why not equip your porch with Vudor Porch Shades this summer and make it a living room? In buying do not be content with any imitation. Look for the Vxdor name-plate on every shade—it is your guarantee of durability. Instead of slender, delicate slats, easily broken, the slats of dor Porch Shades are seven-eighths of an inch wideand of toughest wood. The bindingis of strong seine twine, woven in the “lock stitch.” It never breaks. HOUGH SHADE CORPORATION, Janesville, Wisconsin We are the sole manufacturers of Vudor Re-enforced Hammocks, which bed and with double Thev cost no more and wear twice as long as are woven with a heavy re enforcement in the Strength and cording. other hammocks that look l1ke them. ’ f° ALL wet Pumps xinds ‘ AY CYLINDERS, ETC. Hay Unloading Tools Barn Door Hangers Write for Circulars and Prices F.E. MYERS & BRO., Ashland, O. Ashland Pump and Hay Tool Works at eS One side is an unsightly drying yard—the other an at- tractive, well-keptlawn—no posts—no poles. As soon as the washing is out of the way the dryer can be easily and quickly removed. Other dryers are made in one HILI’S CLOTHES DRYER is in two light parts and a moment's work removes it from the yard with no tax upon thestrength. It is set up with equal ease and all danger of accident to your clothes pre- vented by the patent device which locks the reel in place. < Hill Dryer When Folded > Sold by leading dealers everywhere. If they cannot supply you we will. Send for illustrated Folder No. 9 and your dealer's name. | HILL DRYER CO., 309 Park Avenue Worcester, Mass. The colors of Vudor Porch Shades are stained into the wood, not painted, and the rainiest weather can notfadethem. Putup with screwdriver. Cost from $2.50 upwards, according to width; made in various colors to harmonize with the surroundings. Any ordinary porch can be equipped at a cost of from $3.50 to $10. Write for Handsome Book FREE Just published © —beautifully illustrated in colors; < “yy well worth readiag and will” s&s amply repay your trouble (e) a so sending for it. It shows % So oF how to make your porch a ws Noe ccol, comfor‘able og OY and cozy. Use ra SS coupon to-day. \ os SN & 8 SK 3 oy B7G° Pe »” 2 rom oe oe oS aor 2 er eF es & Oy we » 66 C 9? Bungalows and Other Things a mr ) A new book for home : | builders. The finest ' and most complete book on the market. Con- ’ tains photographs and floor plans of some of the most beautiful and practical bungalows of ~ reasonable cost ever designed. A Type of home entirely different and very desirable. Adapted to any climate. very house was built for a home and was designed by the Author of this book, who is a practical architect. “Chis means that information contained there- in is accurate. It shows all extras and prices of homes complete. Price $1.00. If not satisfied will return money. BURD F. MILLER CO., 19 Brandeis St., Omaha, Neb. Install a Paddock Water Filter You will then use for every household purpose pure water. Paddock Water Filters are placed at the inlet and Filter Your Entire Water Supply removing all desease bacteria, cleansing and purify- ing your water. Write for catalog. ATLANTIC FILTER COMPANY 309 White Building, Buffalo, N. Y. In New York City PADDOCK FILTER COMPANY 152 East 33rd Street XVIil AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS May, 1912 i HAL AAU AAA OA a beh Cc URAL GUANG Soe ILLS Sheep’s Head Brand PULVERIZED Sheep Manure Nature’s Own Plant Food. Ideal for all crops ; especially adapted for lawns, golf courses and estates. Growers of nursery stock, small fruits, hedges and gardeners generally will find Sheep's Head Brand the best fertilizer. Contains large percentage of Humus and all fertilizing substances necessary to promote Plant life. Tests place it far ahead of chemical or other fertilizers. Readily applied to the soil. Let us quote you prices. Send for our book, “ Fertile Facts” Tells how to fertilize the soil so that productive crops may be raised. Special matter for lawn and market gardeners, Florists, Nurserymen and Farmers. Sent FREE if you mention agazine. NATURAL GUANO COMPANY Dept. 10 , 301 Montgomery Avenue, Aurora, Ill. @ e Quitting HIS looks like a dangerous way to quit work, but the man who must travel the streets of a city in going to and from his work is in more actual danger than this man _ be- cause most accidents are caused by the carelessness of others. This man’s safety depends upon himself, the chain and the en- iiniiiiiniininiiiiiiiiiIIm (ccc ccc CMTC We Fountain in the Gardenof Mr. J.B.VanVorst, Hackensack, N.J. OU can enhance the charm and beauty of your garden by the f addition of an artistic fountain, reproduced from an Old World § masterpiece or modeled from an original design. We make them large or small to meet all requirements. Our § profusely illustrated catalogue shows them in wide variety, likewise enches, vases, boxes, sundials, mantels and hall furniture. Sen for it to- "day. The ERKINS STUDIO: of Ornamental Stones 230 Lexington Ave., New York; Factory, Astoria, L. I. New York Selling Agents—Ricceri Florentine Terra Cotta DOO i 0 Work gineer, but the safety of the man on the street depends upon a thousand and one circumstances over which he has no control. For every man the only sensible thing is an accident insurance policy protecting himself in case of injury and protecting his family in case of death. There are no other accident policies equal to those issued by the TRAVELERS. Insure in the TRAVELERS MORAL: The Travelers Insurance Company HARTFORD, CONN. Please send me particulars regarding ACCIDENT INSURANCE, Occupation Business Address The Largest Manufacturers ATT OLD WOODWORK HOMES By EDWARD M. THURSTON RCHITECTS and builders, a cen- tury or more ago, placed the greatest importance upon various minor details which are overlooked or ignored by most modern architects and the arch-enemy. the speculative builder, with whom thev are very often in league, Perhaps the very vastness of present-day building op- erations and the amazing rapidity with which apartment-houses are erected, or with which a tract of suburban land is “plotted” and covered with cottages fe> sale or rent, precludes the careful plan- ning and designing of such structural ac- cessories as mantels, door and window- frames, stair balusters and newels, and transoms over doors. The study of detail in connection with these smaller particulars of architecture is just the point wherein the builders of a former period excelled and the wood- work of almost any very old building shows the care and thought which were devoted to what many modern architects are willing should take care of itself. This is particularly true of the old resi- dences at Salem, Deerfield, Annapolis and elsewhere, for while much of this woodwork was produced by carpenters or shipbuilders, who, it would seem, had very little architectural training, their careful study of the designing of Wren, Gibbon and the Adam brothers produced results of surprising excellence. The older cities and towns of America yet contain much of their work, notwith- standing the continual pulling down and building up which is one of the charac- teristics of this restless and progressive age. Vast quantities of old work have been destroyed, however, before the con- stant march of improvement, and with the removal of old buildings often comes an opportunity for the discriminating architect or decorator, or for the home- builder, to secure for almost nothing woodwork which may be and frequently is built into new homes elsewhere. In every large city there are second-hand lumber yards into which is carted mate- rial from old buildings. The brick is cleaned or stripped of mortar and sold ‘for the filling in of new outer walls or for the building of thin interior parti- tions which must be of fireproof mate- rial. The flooring and heavier timbers are often used again, and much of the interior woodwork is in such condition that it is merely refinished and placed in new buildings. A visit to one of these old junk yards might be of interest to the man or woman who is building a new home or remodel- ing one already built, or to any one who has the “collector’s instinct,’ which is apt to lead him into the most unpromis- ing fields. One of these lumber yards is in a dreary part of lower New York, not far from the East River. Here has been brought much débris from old houses which have been dismantled, and strewn around may be found a bewildering as- sortment of old mantels of wood or mar- ble beautifully carved, whole entrance doorways with carefully designed col- umns and pilasters, fanlights or side panels of leaded glass, and even the iron rails and wrought-iron newels which were often placed at the entrances to New York houses a century ago. Here, too, may be found an endless variety of interior woodwork, door and window trim faultlessly carved, heavy paneled IN MODERN May, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS xix doors of old mahogany, the tall fluted columns with Ionic or Corinthian capi- tals which were often placed between drawing-rooms, and corner cupboards which must have come from very old houses of the Dutch period. With this assortment of woodwork is a wonderful variety of old gas fixtures, sidelights and chandeliers, hung with cutglass | prisms, wrought iron hinges, doorknobs of brass, glass or even of silver, all amid the chaos and confusion of a second-hand lumber yard. \Vhat stories these old objects might tell had they the power of speech! In many parts of lower New York are old houses which have not as yet been dismantled, but which are already doomed for speedy destruction to make way for structures of another nature. Not far from Madison Square there is a plain, old-fashioned brick residence whose dingy, unadorned exterior gives no hint of the beauty of the woodwork within, 5ut beyond the entrance door is some of the most carefully studied work ever placed in a New York house, and a man Q \ , THEN YOU plan pure white who knows and values its beauty is wait- g le Me a ing and watching for the day when the ermects, ask your architect or deco- Se eons evaica by che wiecks |) ME rator to use Vitralite, It will cover any ers and its mantels and doorways carted Bete away to the junk yard near the East| [Mey surface —wood, plaster or metal, inside or River. Another old home, in lower Sec- outside—with a smooth, porcelain-like finish, unbroken by brush mark ond Avenue, is also destined for removal, to give way to a manufacturing building. This particular house was for many years the home of a very prominent family and was built during the days of the last cen- tury when Second Avenue was a center af fashion. Interior finishings of par- or streaks. And it will be permanent, for Vitralite will not turn yellow, crack nor chip. It gives a hard, smooth, intense white finish in a rich gloss; or can be rubbed to a dull finish if desired. Vitralite is ideal for bathroom or kitchen because it’s water-proof. May be washed indefinitely. Send for Free Vitralite Booklet and Panel ticular interest are here, for most of the | | finished with Vitralite. Judge for yourself. Ask for our other free booklet, rooms are fitted with mantels, many “Decorative Interior Finishing,” and use it when planning decorations. > “cc S. ” oo a ae eeu Pavers, a In deciding on floor finishing, remember for Free Sample Panel finished with ‘‘61”’ paaee: SEG marble carved in that ‘‘61°’ Floor Varnish has the floor-wear —prove it with hammer or heel. “The the very simple, graceful manner of the quality no other floor finish possesses. It’s Finished Floor” booklet tells how to “American Empire” period. heel-proof, mar-proof, water-proof. Send finish and care for floors. Write for it. To the south, east and west of Wash- = If your dealer doesn’t carry “P & L” procuctss ington Square, in New York, are many write us at 119 Tonawanda Street, Buffalo, N.Y.; in old houses which were once the homes ; Canada, 63 Courtwright Street, Bridgeburg, Ontario. of fashion, which has long ago migrated fe into other quarters. These old houses are in all stages of dilapidation, and many of them have become “sweat shops” or aa the factories of dealers in feathers or ar- tificial flowers. In some of them, how- : ever, there are still old mantels and wood- PRATT E LAMBERT VARNISHES & LAMBERT VARNISHES AMERICAN FACTORIES FoREIGN Factories work which have managed to remain in We ceca SSUES OLUES e place during all the changes and vicissi- tudes which have come to the localities where they are placed, and these old treasures are sometimes discovered in most unexpected ways. Not long ago a woman who is a worker for one of the organized charities visited a certain fac- tory to investigate conditions of which complaint had been made. The work- rooms occupied an old city residence not far from Bleecker Street, and she entered the building through a wide doorway where old iron “floriated” newels were still in place and where a fanlight and side panels of leaded glass stili lighted a deep wainscoted vestibule within. The drawing-rooms had been made into ° a small ene. where scores of Italian SAVES eae and ee ki children were making artificial flowers —— AS oes ral ee and leaves, and framing in the pictures | [J i. paeeioae pa ace pa up tee oots leaiang were old mantels of delicately carved peat erred ap vine Carrara marble, window and door frames “EASY EMPTYING” of exquisitely graceful design and tall, pee eee Rese fluted white columns and pilasters which your lawn will be smooth and velvet divided the two long rooms. ————oooeoeoo—<= Made to order —to exactly match the color scheme of any room “You select the color—we’ll make the rug.” Any width—seamless up to 16 feet. Any length. Any color tone—soft and subdued, or bright and striking. Original, ‘individual, artistic, dignified. Pure wool or camel’s hair, expertly woven at short notice. Write for color card. Order through your furnisher. Thread & Thrum Workshop Auburn, New York Simmons Hose Reels Save time and money. Besides, its spiral wind protects life of hose indefinitely. Also neat and compact, with eff- cient lawn - sprinkler combined. Each, - $4.00 net Garden Hose that stands the test of time. None but pure rubber and best fabric used in its construc- tion. Buy direct and save un- necessary profits. your lawn will be smooth and velvety ( and no raking necessary. Put on and off in a second—duiable But many of these old fittings are res- Hele aN dee et Price, including Nozzle and Coup- cued from junk yards or from buildings Things for the Lawn. "Tt fully describes lin s,com lete 10 cents per foot net hich h 11 the ‘‘Detachable’’ Hose Reel, the ‘Easy gs, Pp D : which have fallen into decay, and rather Erapiving ial Grant Carchete tore lace JOHN SIMMONS CO recently one fine old entrance doorway ) pe MAGE eel Geile of other mighty ° ua articles i with all its appointments was removed THE SPECIALTY MFG. CO. 104-110 Centre Street New York City from an old house not far from Chatham 1046 Raymond Avenue St. Paul, Minnesota xx AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS —— Ve BAY STATE ct: 'Y. §, pAT: Your Concrete and Stucco Construction Needs My Coating My Bay State Brick and Cement Coating is backed by twelve years of practical experience in making a ce- ment coating. It has been tried under all sorts of con- ditions and met all require- ments. Years before anyone else had put a coating on the market Bay State Brick and Cement Coating was an established success. It had been used on large and small houses, factory walls and_ factory floors, on the vats and damp rooms of textile mills and breweries. It is the only coating that I know of that wont burn when subjected to heat. It has a flat finish, doesn’t destroy the texture of concrete and saves it from cracking from moisture. Just write me for our Booklet No. 3. Give our salesman a good hearing when he calls. He’s got the goods. Wadsworth, Howland & Co. Incorporated Paint and Varnish Makers and Lead Corroders 82-84 Washington Street, Boston, Mass. “Rds LOCKER y “ea The Only Modern, Sanitary . | STEEL Medicine Cabinet or locker finished in snow-white, baked everlasting enamel, inside and_ out. Beautiful beveled mirror door.. Nickel plate brass trimmings. Steel or glass shelves. Costs Less Than Wood Never warps, shrinks, nor swells. Dust aud vermin proof, easily cleaned. Should Be In Every Bathroom Four styles—four sizes. To recess in wall or to hang outside. Send for illus- trated circular. The rg Soe Spal HESS, 926 Tacoma Building, Chicago Medicine Cabinet Makers of Steel Furnaces.—Free Booklet SILENT WAVERLEY LIMOUSINE-FIVE Ample room for five adults—full view ahead for the driver. Most con- venient and luxurious of town and suburban cars at half the gas car's upkeep cost. Beautiful art catalog shows all models, THE WAVERLEY COMPANY Factory and Home Office: 212 South East Street Indianapolis, Ind. _ Square and built into a beautiful Geor- gian residence not far from upper Fifth Avenue, where its grace of line and fine workmanship are in_ thor- ough accord with its new surroundings. A great architect who planned and built many of the most costly residences in and around New York used great quan- tities of building material which he se- lected from the old lumber yards of Bos- ton, Philadelphia and New York, on ac- count of the great beauty and accurate proportions of its designs. Many of the sumptuous city residences which he so cleverly planned and decorated are adorned with pilasters and columns re- moved from dilapidated old houses and refinished, colored and gilded to fit into his highly decorative interiors. One particularly beautiful country house which he built is fitted with old wood- work in the form of mantels and _ solid mahogany doors, and an old entrance doorway of most beautiful design, with a fanlight of leaded glass, opens from a studio upon a broad walk of brick which leads among the old-fashioned flower beds of a formal garden. Another interesting use of old wood- work is in a room in the home of a New York physician. The mantel and win- dow frames are of very simple patterns and wainscoting has been made of old paneled shutters such as were used in very early days when New Amsterdam was still a copy, more or less faithful, of an older Amsterdam beyond the sea. This ancient woodwork is painted a very deep cream, walls are of buff and much old white and blue Delft is used in tiles about the fireplace, tobacco jars upon the mantel shelf and in numerous old plates, platters and other dishes which fill various corner cupboards. One of the most interesting structures at one of our great expositions was a State building which was a reproduction of an old home of some historic interest in a city of that State. As the original building had recently been dismantled, it was possible to use most of the fine woodwork in this copy, and the old Colonial mantels and trimmings of win- dows and doors had been refinished and placed in what was practically their old setting, where they had the advantage of being surrounded by furniture and household decorations of the same era, all arranged with infinite taste and care. It is said that after the close of the exposi- tion all of this old woodwork was pur- chased by an architect and placed once more in a new residence, where, let us hope, it may remain forever. The older cities and towns are full of this early American work, and as in even the most conservative places the old must give way to the new, opportunities for acquiring such treasures are often pre- sented to the home-builder who is ob- serving as well as discriminating. Much of this old work, of course, is not worth preserving, for then, as now, designing was of varying degrees of excellence, but many of the craftsmen of that day were skillful designers as well as clever work- men. GRASSHOPPERS AS FERTILIZER BUENOS AIRES company is about to install unique machinery in its fac- tory for producing fertilizing materials. The machinery is devised for the purpose of utilizing grasshoppers and their eggs, that destroy crops themselves, as fertilizing ma- terial. May, 1912 THEP Sewage HLEY YSIEM wy ma Without Sewers Disposal FOR COUNTRY HOMES Health and self-respect demand that dangerous, repul- sive cesspools, etc., must go. The Ashley System will provide scientific and safe sewage disposal at moderate cost. Write for illustrated Manual on Sewage Purifica- tion and Disposal for Country Homes. We also provide Sewage Disposal for Institutions, Schools, etc. Ashley House-Sewage Disposal Co. 115 Armida Ave., Morgan Park, IIl. For a Most Beautiful Lawn Sow KALAKA. It is specially selected, specially tested grass seed, and pulverized manure—the ideal combination to grow quick, hardy, lastin nF turf. For seeding new lawnsor putting new life into the old lawn nothing equals Packed in 5 pound boxes at 61.00 per box, express paid east, or 61,25 west of Omaha. Write and ask for prices ons ecial mixtures for special locations and purposes, Order today and have the best seed money can buy. Get ourfreelawn book. THE KALAKA CO., 25 Union Stock Yards, Chicago American Homes & Gardens & &® ®& and Scientific American sent to one address for one tor one year. REGULARLY $6 SHEEP MANURE Dried and pulverized. No waste and no weeds. Best fertilizer for lawns—gardens— trees—shrubs—vegetables and fruit. aio, parte freight prepaid ae of Missouri River—Cash order. Write for in- eresting Sein wis quantity prices. THE PULVERIZED MANURE CO. 21 Union Stock Yards Chicago, Ill. IZA Mara Ned WAGON LOADS STABLE. MANURE Landscape Gardening Everyone interested in suburban and country life should know about the home study courses in Horticulture, Floriculture, Landscape Gardening, etc., which we offer under Prof. Craig and others of the Department of Horticulture of Cornell University, 250-page Catalogue Free Prof. Craig Write to-day THE HOME CORRESPONDENCE SCHOOL Dept. A. H. Springfield, Mass. Give Your Boy a Start Train him for Life’s Battle. Make him healthy, strong, durable and Self-reliant. Give him something to absor his time and attentionathome. Makehima present ofa Medart Private Playground Outfit f It is for boys and girls. It keeps, them off the streets and away from evil associates. his outfit, ranging in price from $25.00 to $100.00, contains the best that our ex- perience has dictated. Do not pass judgment now, but send for our Catalog Y, which fully illustrates and ex- plains the MEDART SYSTEM. SEND TO-DAY. FRED MEDART MANUFACTURING CO. 3529 DeKalb Street, St. Louis, Mo. May, 1912 DURABILITY OF WOOD CUT IN SPRING AND SUMMER IMBER cut in Spring and in Summer is not so desirable as that cut in Win- ter, when the life processes of trees are less active. Scientific investigations sus- tain this statement. The durability de- pends not only upon the greater or less density, but also upon the presence of cer- tain chemical constituents in the wood. Thus a large proportion of resinous mat- ter increases the durability, while the presence of easily soluble carbohydrates diminishes it considerably. During the growing season the wood of trees con- tains sulphuric acid and potassium, both of which are solvents of carbohydrates, starch, resins and gums; they are known to soften also the ligneous tissue to a con- sirable degree. During the Summer months the wood of living trees contains eight times as much sulphuric acid and five times as much potassium as it does during the Winter months. The presence of these two chemical substances during the growing season constitutes the chief factor in dissolving the natural preserva: tives within the wood and in preparing the wood for the different kinds of wood-de- stroying fungi, such as Polyporus and Agaricus. The fungi can thus penetrate more quickly and easily into the interior of the wood when these wood gums are already partly dissolved and available for. their own immediate use. From this stand- point it seems that the best time to cut down the tree is in the Winter when sul- phuric acid and potassium are present to a much smaller degree, and the fungi will not be assisted in dissolving the natural pre- servatives in the wood. wood gum is always less and more easily soluble in sapwood than in heartwood, and for this reason the former is usually re- garded worthless for industrial purposes. CURIOSITIES IN NEEDLES EEDLES are articles of such common use and of such small dimensions that one hardly expects to find them present any features of artistic or personal in- terest. Yet there are one or two instances of this kind on record. Queen Victoria possessed a needle, the stem of which was covered with beautiful designs representing incidents in the life of her late majesty. So small and intricate was the pattern that it could be seen only by the aid of a magnify- ing glass. Moreover, the needle was hollow and within it was placed another still smaller needle. The German Emperor, William I., grand- father of the present occupant of the throne, also possessed a very remarkable needle. The story of the circumstances is as follows: In 1883 the Emperor visited a large needle factory in Kreuznach, and one of the workmen, whose task it was to bore the eye of the needles, requested the Em- peror to give him one of his white hairs. The Kaiser complied with the request in some astonishment, and was still more sur- prised when he saw the deft workman bore a hole through the hair, draw a fine thread through the eye, and hand the threaded needle back to the venerable monarch, who kept it as one of the most interesting sou- venirs of his long and varied life. AN INGENIOUS CLOCKMAKER COBBLER of Strassburg, Germany, has recently finished a clock made en- tirely of straws. Even the works are made of straw. It has taken him nearly fifteen years to complete this odd timing device. The amount of AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS GO SS OG NG RUE SSE ———y The furnishings shown in this beautiful summer scene are all of Rustic Hickory. While particularly attractive Rustic Hickory Furniture is also the most comfortable and durable. The frame work is of selected hickory saplings—no paint or varnish—simply made smooth to bring out the delicate shadings of the natural bark. The seats and backs are of hand woven strips of flexible inner hickory bark, thus insuring greatest strength and comfort. Rustic Hickory is the ideal Furniture for Summer Homes, Country Clubs, Bungalows, Cottages, Porches, Lawns, Studios and all places where comfort combined with simplicity is desired. Made in over one hundred styles of Chairs, Rockers, Setteet, Tables, Swings, Couches, Tabourets, Lawn Seats, Sideboards, Rustic Benches, Hanging Baskets, Lawn Vases, Window Boxet, Pergolas, Summer Houses, Fences, and a variety of other pieces. So reasonable in price most anyone can afford it. If your dealer cannot supply you write to us. Catalogue mailed free. RUSTIC HICKORY FURNITURE CO., 103STATE STREET, LA PORTE, INDIANA A Poultry House for 12 laying Hens Complete with Nests, Fountain, Feed Hopper, Yard, etc. _ € most up- to-date accommodations and _ wi give the best gesults, Price, $20.00. SP These Pictures Tell a Story Which Vitally Affects Your Trees c “THESE big trees, through neglect, were so é — rotted a man could stand in the hollow core, \ yet little evidence of the rot showed on the outside. They were cleaned out, cemented, and now are good for many years to come. Are you going to lose a magnificent elm or maple through lack of such care? Why not make your orchard trees, too, a source of profit rather than an eyesore > Have us look your trees over, whether it be a dozen or a hundred, and tell you what they need and the cost of putting them in shape. This service will not cost you a cent. Let us get to work now so your trees will be a source of enjoy- ment to you this summer. All our work is guaranteed and we inspect the work every six months without expense to you. Send for our Representative or for our Free Book—‘ Making Good” in Trees Explains the care your trees need, how we work, and what we have done for others and can do for you. APPLETON & SEWALL CO., Inc. Foresters and Surveyors 162 Fifth Avenue New York HODGSON PORTABLE HOUSES COTTAGES - GARAGES - POULTRY HOUSES BETTER and handsomer than your carpenter will build and at much less cost and bother. Sections fit together exactly. Easily erected, yet as durable and rigid as a permanent building. We make PORTABLE buildings for every purpose—Cottages, Sun Parlors, Garages, Poultry Houses, Children’s Play Houses, Gardener's Tool Houses, Schoolhouses, Churches, Stores, etc. Write us what you are interested in—if a Cottage, how many rooms. If a Garage, the over-all length of your car and how many cars. If a Poultry House, how many fowl you wish to accommodate. We can then send you printed matter or catalog illustrating goods that will answer your requirements. Write us to-day for catalog H. E. F. HODGSON CO., 116 Washington St., Boston, Mass. Xxii AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS The Tale of “Old Hickory” For ages the trees were man’s shelter and abode. He lived in them. ‘They were a part of his being. But in the van of civilization, the trees dis- appeared. Cabins, then houses, finally cities sprung up, where once the forest swayed. Civilization did its work. The poetry of the wilderness was gone. But—the desire of man to live in Nature did not go. The rough bark of trees, the blue skies, still hold their appeal. So he went back into the wilderness, and there fashioned for himself a seat from the rough barked trees therein. It served so well, that he brought this work of his hands, with other pieces of like craft- manship and beauty to match, back to the city. This is the tale of “Old Hickory.” It is our answer to this call of the wild. Old Hickory comes in a variety of shapes; but it maintains, at all times, its simple and primitive appeal. Made of bark, interlaced artistically, and reinforced with the strong limbs of The Hickory, it is strong and durable. No porch produces real satisfaction without it; any summer garden which does not boast its Old Hickory is a mockery. When you tire of the noise and confusion of the town fall into a chair of Old Hickory and revel in visions of the woods. Old Hickory is ‘the link which binds us to the poetry of yesterday. Our catalogue (which is free) illus- trates our line of “Old Hickory” complete, for your inspection. Won't you send for one today? ai : rd : drew Jack =i Sr a ats ir 32. Price $a4ee faeces / Sh cae arsg Table 199.Price $922 A few popular pieces of Old Hickory Furniture. i Andrew Jackson . ¢ Rocker 33. Price $4.25 The Old Hickory 4 Chair Co. Vie » 424 South Cherry St. [AM cy) ~ FRADE Trade Mark burned in ws." J Martinsville, Indiana STANDING SEA ool felt ROOF IRONS CLINCH right through the standing seam of metal roofs. No rails are needed unless desired. We makea similar one for slate roofs. Send for Circular Berger Bros. Co. PHILADELPHIA Iron Works Co. PRISON, HOUSE & STABLE WORK OIST HANGERS AWN FURNITURE FENCING, ETC. CLEVELAND, OHIO , e308 er) aw OrpHeus: A General History of Re- ligions. By Dr. Salomon. Reinach. New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons. Cloth, 8vo.; 4389 pp. Price, $3.00 net. This volume is a history of the im- portant religions of the world. The author, one of the most famous of modern French savants, sees in religions the infinite curi- ous products of man’s imagination and of man’s reason in its infancy; it is as such that they claim his attention. He believes that in religion as in other domains secular reason must exercise its rights. The author has tried not to wound any conscience, but he has said what he believes to be the truth with an emphasis proper to the truth from his point of view. As the work of a true scholar Dr. Reinach’s volume is free from any suggestion of sensationalism, and the translator, Florence Simmonds, has rendered it from the French with great care and clearness. The title of this book was suggested by the fact that as well as being the “first singer” of Hellas, Orpheus was also, to the ancients, the theologian ‘par excellence, founder of those mysteries which ensured the salvation of mankind, and no less essential to it as interpreter of the gods. THe Post Impressionists. By C. Lewis Hind. New York: George H. Doran Company. S8vo. Illustrated. 94 pages. Price, $2.50 net. In thirteen chapters Mr. Lewis Hind develops his idea of Post-Impressionism, the movement in art which has recently come into such prominence. Mr. Hind submits that expression, not beauty, is the aim of art; that he who expresses his emo- tion rhythmically, decoratively seeking the inner meaning of things, is artist; and that he who represents the mere external is. illustrator. The founders of Post-Impres- sionism, Cézanne, Van Gogh and Gauguin, dominate this book, which rambles viva- ciously over the movement, and describes | the effect of Post-Impressionism upon the author and upon England. To anyone in- terested on the relation of art to the devel- opment of contemporary culture, this well written and well illustrated volume will prove of deep interest. PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF POULTRY Cutture. By John H. Robinson. Bos- ton: Ginn & Co. $2.50. This is by far the most complete pre- sentation of poultry husbandry which we have seen. While its primary purpose is to serve as a textbook for agricultural col- lege students, it meets all the requirements of a general treatise. Mr. Robinson has for many years been the editor of a poultry journal, and his editorial instinct has stood him in good stead in the preparation of this volume, which is as worthy of com- mendation for the things excluded as for the facts included. The novice will find by experience that indiscriminate reading of poultry literature is a hindrance oftener than a help, for the fictions of poultry culture are mostly plausible, and generally more alluring than the facts, and the usual result of much reading in advance of a thorough grounding in principles is an ac- cumulation of obsolete and impracticable ideas. The book is well printed, and carries nearly 600 illustrations, some of which are very useful adjuncts to the text. Comfort and Privacy The Burlington Venetian Blind will shade your porch and enable you to make your porch a haven of rest and comfort on sizzling hot days. With the Burlington Venetian Blind you will get the advantages of open air, and at the same time you will be secluded from the gaze of passers-by. It is easy to adjust the Burlington Venetian Blind to any angle. The top can be opened for light and ventila- tion and the lower part closed to keep out the sun. Make your porch a cool place for entertaining or reading, anda pleasant place where the children can play—by using Burlington Venetian Blinds. Write for illustrated booklet —it de- picts and describes various styles BURLINGTON VENETIAN BLIND COMPANY 339 Lake Street, Burlington, Vt. PTI TITLE TEC EUEETEEETETTT TTT ob CACC COU EO EEO DECC COCO OOO eee Eee t | » Tron Railings, Wire Fences and Entrance ® Gates of all designs and for all purposes. ) Correspondence solicited: Catalogs furnished. Tennis Court Enclosures, Unclimbable Wire Mesh and Spiral Netting (Chain Link) Fences for Estate Boundaries and Industrial Propertiese—Lawn Fumi- ture—Stable Fittings. 253 Broadway F.E. CARPENTER CO., Now York City FURNITURE oA \_iGwKGKGTGSS—-_, PROTEC Your floors and floor coverings from injury. Also beautify your furniture by using Glass Onward Sliding Furniture and Piano Shoes in place of casters. Made in 110 styles and sizes, If your dealer wil) not supply you Write uu—Onward Mfg. Co., Menasha, Wisconsin, U.S, A. Canadian Factory, Berlin, Ont. BSAILIS Oc 39 For Cooking, Water Heating and Laundry Work also for Lighting “It makes the house a home”’ Send stamp today for ‘‘Economy Way”? Economy Gas MachineCo. ROCHESTER, N. Y. *““ Economy "? Gas {3 automatic, Sanitary and NotPoisonous OLD ENGLISH GARDEN SEATS RUSTIC WORK Catalog of many designs on request North Shore Ferneries Company, Beverly, Massachusetts ah May, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Xxifi Tue Mopern Rarrroap. By Edward Hun- The Home of Wholesome Food gerford. Chicago: A. C. McClurg & ee oe nice BL. A Snow-White Solid Porcelain Compartment It does away with cracks, joints, To bring to the lay mind some slight idea of the intricacy and involved detail of rail- ree e ec aee andi ciliec netucal road operation is the purpose of the present hiding places for dirt, odors, decay- volume. Many of the author’s articles have ing food and dangerous microbes so 5 appeared in well-known magazines. He has found in other refrigerators—the one A Lifetime Refrigerator really sanitary food compartment. performed an exceedingly difficult task in a ; ; 7 Send for Our Free Book on Home Refrigeration very creditable manner. There is not a sin- gle phase of the subject which is not ade- It tells you how to keep your food sweet and wholesome —how to cut down ice bill—what to seek and what to avoid in buying any refrigerator. It is packed y : ilding of a railroad h : g quately ao eg pure - Ee with money-saving hints, and every housewife and home owner should have is described in detai , with reterence to tun- one. It tells all about the ‘MONROE’’—describes its wonderful lining and the many nels, bridges, passenger stations, freight ter- - — other sfend features that have given this refrigerator its position as the world’s minals and yards, locomotives and cars; AG omles Food then come chapters devoted to the railroad The “MONROE?” is sold direct to you— and its president, the legal and financial de- partments, the general manager, the super- intendent, operation of the railroad, keeping back.” Liberal Credit Terms if not convenient to pay cash. the line open, the general passenger agent GORE GOES CS ONE REERICERAT OR ic kilos 7 = S ° Is t. it od compart- and his office, the luxury of modern rail- ment made of a eles of unbreakable snow- white Corelain ware with . 1 1 4 every corner rounded as shown in above cut, The ONE REFRIGERATOR road trav el, getting the city out into the Scceptedti in the best homes and leading hospitals. The ONE REFRIGERATOR country, freight traffic, the drama of the that can be sterilized and made germlessly clean by ues, wiping out with a : = ki ffi 1 i : damp cloth. The ONE REFRIGERATOR that will pay for itself many times freight-ma ing tratic, the Express Service, over in a saving on ice bills, food waste and repairs. —The ONE REFRIGERA- the railroad mail, the mechanical depart- OR sear o eave point incelect=i in its construction, and suitable to grace ments of railroad routine, the coming of electricity, and lastly, an exceedingly inter- |] MONROE REFRIGERATOR COMPANY esting appendix, dealing with efficiency | 15) Station 29, Lockland, Ohio through organization. It is a very well made book, being nicely printed on light- CO 9) GUARANTEED Fal weight paper, with detached illustrations. | itr a | PLUMBING ; Book oF History (SHu-KING) oF Con- | un) AyrCi- FIXTURES Fucius. Rendered and compiled by W. | == Gorm Old, M.R.A.S. New York: E. P. a —— eres Dutton & Co. Cloth; 12mo.; 67 pages. Price, 40 cents net. This little book was designed by its trans- lator and compiler to convey to the English- speaking reader a familiar view of the men who made Chinese history during the earlier age of the yellow empire. Upwards of twenty-five centuries before the dawn of light of Christianity and civilization in Britain and nearly twenty centuries before the founding of the city of Rome, China was possessed of a civil and criminal code, statute laws, nine departmental ministers of state under the emperor, extensive home industries, a large import and export trade, a systematized canal and river service, a standing army, an extensive agriculture, local governments and tributary taxation, and schools of literature, art, science, and music under the patronage and protection of hereditary dukes, earls, marquises and barons. pane ll | a solid piece | Z of | Porcelain Ware, |), || Like This. * | at factory prices—on 30 days’ trial. We pay the freight and guarantee “full satisfaction or money Sold Direct WoMEN AND WIspoM oF JAPAN. Introduc- tion by Shingoro Takaishi. New York: E. P. Dutton & Co. Cloth; 16mo.; 64 pages. Price, 40 cents net. It may be said that the entire moral Pap HE bath is no longer an event = ye «£ >» teaching of Japan rests on the corner-stone in the household. The appeal of a EB of the spirit of unselfishness. Kaibara Ek- “Standard” Fixtures has supplanted ‘‘sense , = . . . ee LS Sid SES ae of duty’’ by a “‘desire for cleanliness.’’ Children love bath- et aay vane ee, ReWSe ing amidst the surroundings which “Standard” Fixtures form. in Chinese ethics, wrote the “Onna Dai- Th A q (aap! che hh a5 waka” or (translated) “The Greater eir refining influence is as valuable to the home as their Learning for Women.” It is from this practical utility, their beauty and their defiance of age and use. text that the contents of “Women _ Genuine “Standard” fixtures forthe Home and demand “Standard” quality at less expense. and Wisdom of Japan” is translated. for School, Office Buildings, Public Institu- AJ] “Standard” fixtures, with care, will last a The well-known Bushido was the most tions, etc., are identified by the Green and jifetime. And no fixture is genuine wyless it salient feature in the Japanese moral- Grol! Weel, ‘ft Ue eae oF One Wreianl bears the guarantee label. In order to avoid ity, and one might translate it th of baths bearing the Red and Black Label, peas Sie fare re SS tee : putes. 2 ae Wee 2 which, while of the first quality of manufac- y SOU shale Si Se ee er LOSES Er cuy é areater Learning for Men. Here, then, ture, have a slightly thinner enameling, and » ‘otandard” goods in writing (not verbally) in “Women and Wisdom of Japan,” we thus meet the requirements of those who and make sure that you get them. have in the doctrine of “Onna Daigaku’ merely a different form of the Bushido Standard Sanitary Mig.Co. Dept. 23 PITTSBURGH, PA. spirit, but directed towards an ethical sys- New York ...... 35 Wee Street Nashvilles..o.c 315 Teal Nica So. London....53 eli Viaduct, E.C. Chicago ...... 415 Ashl New Orl , Baronne & St. Joseph Sts. ouston, Tex., Preston and Smith Sts. tem for the Japanese woman, The reader Philadelphia. .1128 Walnut Sica T eecanees soondad 215 Coristine Bldg. San Francisco. .Metropolis Bank Bldg. interested in Eastern culture will find the | ' Toronto, Can. 59 Richmond St.,E. Boston........+++ John Hancock Bue. Washing D. 2 a poutiem Bide; j ; : Pittsburgh....-... 106 Sixth Street Louisville........ 319-23 W. Main Street oledo, jesqac -321 Erie Street sixty-four pages of this book well worth | SUA ICA Tataes AN OONNMSSe RE Seeee Clavslawdi.eee4eitlaron Reads'S.E. Fer Worth, Tex, Fronvand Jones Ste. careful study for acquiring a fuller knowl- Cincinnati........ 663 Walnut St. Hamilton,Can.....20-28 Jackson St.,W. edge and understanding of Japanese man- ners and morals, past and present. ke. i au XXiv AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS ‘May, 1912 The Health of Your Family depends to a large degree, upon the condition of your bathroom. One of the most important fixtures in the bathroom is the Tub. Our Sherman Bathtub is the most approved Tub on the market. It is designed to be built into wall and floor, thereby eliminating all pockets and corners underneath the Tub where dust and dirt usually accumulate, thus facilitating the cleaning of the Bathroom. In appearance it 1s very pleasing, designed with plain yet graceful lines, harmonizing well with other fixtures of the room. The Wolff name on our fixtures is your Guarantee. Look for it. ESTABLISHED 1855 L. Wolff Manufacturing Company Plumbing Goods Exclusively The Only Complete Line Made by Any One Firm General Offices: 601-627 West Lake Street, Chicago DENVER Showrooms: 111 North Dearborn Street, Chicago TRENTON BRANCH OFFICES MINNEAPOLIS, MINN., 515 Andrus Building SAN FRANCISCO. CAL., Monadnock Building CLEVELAND, OHIO. Builders Exchange OMAHA, NEB., 1116-18 Douglas Street KANSAS CITY, MO., 1205 Scarritt Building WASHINGTON, D.L., 327-328 Bond Building ST. LOUIS, MO., 2210-2212 Pine Street CINCINNATI, OHIO. 506 Lyric Building DALLAS, TEXAS, 2109 Pacific Avenue BUFFALO, N. Y., 61 Manchester Place. Send for Booklet—Free Camden, S. C. OR the winter months, December to May offer a climate unsurpassed in the middle South among the pines, the long leaf kind of South Carolina, dry sandy soil and health-giving at- mosphere, one can play golf, tennis and ride or drive every day. The hotel, a first-class American plan more like a home of re- finement and in a true southern town, colonial homes and gardens, that and more is what we offer. T. EDMUND KRUMBHOLZ Of the Sagamore on Lake George and the Montclair, New Jersey Tue MepiavaL Mino, By Henry Osborn Taylor. New York: The Macmillan Company. Cloth. 8vo. 2 vols. Price, $5 net. It is safe to say that in The Medieval Mind its author, Henry Osborn Taylor, will open up to many new paths across the fer- tile fields of culture. No greater incentive for vital study of the past has appeared in the form of printed pages for several dec- ades than we find in Mr. Taylor’s volume. Especially in America have we been neg- lectful of cultural history, this being true of many of our large institutions of learn- ing, though the universities of Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, and Columbia University —perhaps one or two others—have special courses in the history of European culture now open to students. Mr. Taylor ad- vances pronounced views on the object of exact influences and channels of develop- ment, and it is possible that some critics will insist that his interpretation is too unswerving in its assumptions. Perhaps others will feel that Mr. Taylor might have given more space and attention to the ver- nacular aspects of medizval culture in his study of its Latin influences. Nevertheless, the writer’s erudition, scholarship and un- derstanding of developmental forces com- mand the respect and admiration of every- one, scholar, student and lay-reader alike; and he has succeeded in his difficult and self-appointed task of following through the Middle Ages the development of in- tellectual energy and the growth of emo- tion. Tue MATERIALS OF THE PAINTER’S CRAFT. By A. P. Laurie. ‘Philadelphiaj-ee Lippincott Co., 1911. Cloth crown 8vo.; Illustrated. 444 pp. $2.00 net. While many valuable and learned trea- tises dealing with the materials of the paint- er’s craft in past ages are to be found both in English and in foreign tongues, it has remained for Mr. Laurie to bring together in easily accessible form within a reason- able compass the information of this sort heretofore scattered through many volumes. The author of The Materials of the Paint- er’s Craft is an authority on the technique of painting and pigments both in ancient and in modern practice and this volume will find a hearty reception among students of the history of the craft of painting. TuHertrR Day In Court. By Percival Pol- lard. New York: The Neale Publish- ing Co. Cloth, 8vo; 486 pages. Price, $3.00 net. The recent loss to the literary world oc- casioned by the death of Mr. Percival Pol- lard a few months ago should be noted here in connection with Their Day in Court, one of his most entertaining books wherein the author surveys American literature, and European literatures incidentally, of the last ten years. “The case of pure liter- ature in America,” to quote, “is comparable to the case of My Lady Parvenu’s grand rout ; crowded and worthless. Quality is ut- terly sacrificed for quantity. The rout com- prises everybody, which to the discriminat- ing spells Nobody . . . Find for me, if you can, any tendency in our letters save the commercial! Show me any goal save the dollar! . . . It is impossible, we have been told, to indict a nation. The impos- sible, then, the indictment of all those re- sponsible for the fatal prosperity of letters among us, I will not attempt. Yet to ac- cuse, by chapter and verse, the two classes most directly responsible, this book is writ- ten. Those classes are: firstly, the Ladies ; secondly, the Critics.” May, 1912 AMERICAN: HOMES AND” GARDENS XXV Wuat ENnctanp Can TEAcH Us ABOUT GARDENING. By Wilhelm Miller, Ph.D. Garden City, New York: Doubleday, Page & Co., 1911. Cloth; quarto; illus- trated with 112 plates and eight plates in color; 18+359 pages. Price, $4.00 net. The book written by Wilhelm Miller bearing the title, “What England Can Teach Us About Gardening,’ is a comparative treatment of a subject which the author’s experience here and research abroad fits him fully for the task. In every way the contribution is a filippic to those seeking knowledge of English gardens and the methods of improving our own. The ob- jects of the book are too important, their presentation too ably sustained to warrant much notice of the author’s somewhat nim- ble use of slang and his severe strictures on those writers who gush in garden liter- ature. When this author does not care, he writes of “a plant that fails to do the job.” When writing in a fine strain, although he hints it is his reluctance, he repents and tells of “lace leaf and such deathless forms of beauty”; of “miniature isles of bloom that are perfect little poems”; of “the splen- dor of precious English Holly and Ivy that sinks into his soul.” Truly a range of ex- pressions that shows he can be both loose and pretty in style, while capable of the sober work he has done as an editor of the complete and massive volume of Bailey’s Cyclopedia of American Horticulture. The sections of the present large volume are here epitomized so as to represent the num- erous chapters of Part I as: ‘Noble and ignoble ideas in landscape, formal, wild, water, rock, wall, peat, rose and indoor gar- dening ; also hardy borders, collecting, mak- ing new varieties; and garden cities.” Part II as: “How we waste millions on materials we could never buy and on effects we can- not imitate; what the best English effects are and how we can reproduce the spirit of them with long-life material; and how we can contribute something toward that supreme goal. An American type of gar- dening.” In the twenty-six chapters and the appendix the treatment is admirable for its devotion to the subjects. He stays with the garden wall until it is covered with vines; with the pool until its water-lilies span fully nine inches across their leaves; and just as he finds that a certain moss has a “genius” for filling every crevice, has he the same faculty for filling every chink in the science of rock gardening, and the rest. A subtle touch of climate helps to make England the most exauisite garden in the world. The lack of this ingredient puts somewhat into shade the horticultural achievements of our land. In lieu of it we can materially improve by falling heir to the garden sense of a book which is full of the promise of a primrose future if we will stop imitating and use what is at hand for creating more and better gardens. To understand the right or the wrong way, to find the relations of form or schemes of color, in gardening, the reader is always referred to the numerous plates that illus- trate the text. So that if we cannot have all of the reticence and the delight of Eng- land in our gardens we can get much of it in these illustrations. The material for illustra- tions supplies nothing that can be called a makeshift of book embellishment, and the objects and scenes presented are a tribute to the sifting acumen of an expert’s selections in a work which is one of the best that have been written and pictured about England’s flowerbeds and evergreen foliage, her wild- flower, hedge and woodland glories, the lovely threading of her streams around, the incomparable nestling of her cottages, among such as these. OHN DAVEY J Father of Tree Surgery Trees by their attractive- ness and their utility add to the property and rental value of a house, there- fore they should receive attention —but only by experts. We have an interesting book upon the subject of Tree Surgery which should be read by every man and ‘woman who is interested in a home and its trees. If you are the owner of an estate, a country or city house ‘™ with trees, we will mail you this book ™ Free. It explains what the ‘4M Davey Tree Experts Jia Do It tells the fascinating story of John Davey, Father of Tree Surgery—the work he has accomplished—the institution he founded, and the wonderful results of his work. Don’t let any man touch a tree on your place unless he shows you credentials proving him qualified to perform the work. All graduates of the Davey Institute of Tree Surgery carry such testimony, and are em- ployed by the Davey Tree Expert Company— WE NEVER LET GOOD MEN GO. If you are an owner of trees, they are worth saving, and you should write for our book. When writing be sure to state the number of trees you own and their species. Address: The Davey Tree Expert Co., Inc. 230 Bark Street, KENT. OHIO Branch Offices: New York, Chicago, Toronto. Canadian Address: 630 Conf. Life Bldg., Toronto, Ont Representatives Available Everywhere COPYRIGHT !912 Sampleand §-_ ay A House Lined with Circular Free VERTICAL SECTION, Mineral Wool as shown in these sections, is Warm in Winter, Cool in Summer, and is thoroughly DEAFENED. The lining is vermin proof; neither rats, mice, nor insects can make their way through or live init. MINERAL WOOL checks the spread of fire and keeps out dampness. CORRESPONDENCE SOLICITED U. S. Mineral Wool Co. cRoss.sEctIon THROUGH FLoor. 140 Cedar St.. NEW YORK CITY XXVi AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS HOW TO TELL 66 99 REG Ud PAT OFF RAIN COATS —2a This circular registered trade mark is stamped on the inside and a Sik Sen Label is sewed at the collar or elsewhere. “None Genuine Without Them’ The Gurencite Proyf is applied to many kinds of cloth suitable for men’s, women’s and children’s outer garments in light, medium and heavy weights for all seasons of the year, and are for wear in rain or shine. “Rain will neither wet nor spot them.” They contain no rubber, have no disagreeable odor; will not over- heat or cause perspiration. For sale by leading dealers in Men’s, Women’s and Children’s Clothing: Glavenelle Go, Lid BRADFORD, ENGLAND HOBOKEN, NEW feoere BPricatley + 6, BRADFORD, ENGLAND A postal to the New York office of B. Priestley & Co., 100 Fifth Avenue, will bring interesting booklet. FURNITURE DRAPERIES FLOOR COVERINGS ARTHUR D. RUSSELL INTERIOR DECORATIONS Schemes for harmonious furnishings, with the essential keynote of Owner’s individuality necessary to their appreciation. TELEPHONE, GREELEY 2707 1 WEST 34TH STREET NEW YORK FRANCIS HOWARD 5 W. 28th St., N.Y.C. Benches, Pedestals, Fonts, Vases, Busts, Garden Experts. Send 15c. for Booklet [x See Sweet's Catalogue for 1912, Pages 1598 and 1599 Benches Entrances JAPANESE PaintING. By Henry P. Bowie. San Francisco: Paul Elder & Co. Cloth 8vo.; Illustrated. 117% pp. Price, $3.50 net. Mr. Henry P. Bowie’s work on Japanese Art is probably the only one of its kind from the pen of a foreigner whom, in addi- tion to the study of Japanese method, has also .mastered their practical application. Mr. Bowie lived for many years in Japan, studying under the most celebrated Jap- anese masters, and obtained artistic dis- tinction among Japanese painters, con- tributed to their galleries, and won the commendation of the Emperor, who ac- cepted some examples of his work. Evidently there could be no safer guide for those who covet familiarity with a form of art that is immeasurably ancient and that has lost none of its power to please. We have here a remarkable book, a book that not only illuminates the distinctively Japanese art, but that cannot fail to be of practical value to Western students of all grades, whether they wish to acquire Japanese methods or not. It is safe to say that the information given in its pages cannot be secured from any other work in any language. Mr. Bowie has the useful faculty of summarizing his material with- out depriving it of its technical and prac- tical value. A special word of praise should be given to the illustrations and explanatory plates. They do actually illustrate and explain. Many of them are by great Japanese artists and are of striking pictorial value. All of them are carefully selected and well reproduced. The student will find the ex- plantory plates of great practical value. They are divided into groups demonstrat- ing the various laws of Japanese technique as, for instance, the eight ways of painting in color, the eight laws of ledges, the twelve laws of dots for painting near or distant trees and shrubs, the laws for paint- ing waves and moving waters, etc. The text, also, has been prepared with the ut- most care. For example, Japanese art terms and other words deemed important have been retained and translated; all those of Chinese origin being printed in small capitals, while those of Japanese origin are in italics. In fact, the work is indispens- able to any serious student of Japanese art. THE RENAISSANCE IN ITALY, FRANCE AND Encianp. Vol. 3. History of Archi- tectural Development. _By F. M. Simp- son. New York: Longmans, Green & Co., 1912. . Cloth 8vo.; Illustrated. 309 pp» » Price, $6 net. The history of the Renaissance of archi- tecture in Italy, France and England is an interesting story, and although it has been told by many authorities many times, Pro- fessor Simpson has proved in the present volume the worth of its retelling in his clear, comprehensive and interesting way. The volume, apparently intended primarily for the use of actual practitioners of archi- tecture (though thoroughly interesting at the same time to the layman), contains an abundance of technical illustration of great worth. Here and there in Professor Simpson’s text one finds a point to quarrel with, as where he remarks that “The re- vival, in literature preceded what is known as the Renaissance in Architecture, but it is a mistake to say that it occasioned it.” But from very few uncritical and un- scholarly lapses of this sort Professor Simpson frees himself in the main, and the reader, professional architect or student will gain a truer conception of the develop- ment of modern architecture from having the good fortune to study its pages. LET’S MAKE A FLOWER GARDEN By Hanna Rion If you like to dig in the Spring and you find it a real pleasure to put on your old clothes, get outa spade, and turn over damp clods of the reawakening soil, you will find the greatest source of inspiration and at the same time the most valuable book you ever read in its wealth of practical suggestion. Fully illustrated with photo- graphs and with decorations by Frank Ver Beck. Price, $1.35 net; postage, 14 cents. The House & Garden “Making Books” Illustrated. Per copy 50 cents net; postage, Scents. Making A Rose Garden. By Henry H. Saylor.: A practical little volume that shows the beginner how to grow roses. Good advice on all the steps in rose culture. Making a Lawn. By Luke J. Doogue. Having a fine lawn is not merely a matter of throwing a few handfuls of seed on the ground. This little book tells just how to have the green, velvety lawn you have always wanted. Making a Garden to Bloom This Year. By Grace Tabor. Tells you what to plant and how, so that your garden will bloom this summer. The book for you who have procrastinated—but don’t put off getting the book. Making the Grounds Attractive With Shrub- bery. By Grace Tabor. There is a lot of money wasted on planting shrubs in the usual hit-or-miss fashion—here’s the book to save that, and get them in right. OTHERS IN PREPARATION MY THREE BIG FLIGHTS By André Beaumont per : An up-to-the-minute human document, being the experiences and sensa- tions of the intrepid French birdman André Beau- mont, in the greatest aerial races in history, all of which he won. He tells of his early training, the first stretching of his wings, and gives intimate and interesting details of the navigation of the air. This is the first book ever published in which the aviator himself conveys to the reader the sensation of fly- ing. Price, $2.50 net; postage, 20 cents. The First Book of Photography. By C. H. Claudy. The complete process of making good photographs, simply and specifically told for the novice. If you have never known the pleasure of camera work, you may find out how to do it right from this book by an authority who knows how to treat the subject non-technically andcomprehensibly. Illustrated. Price, 75 cents net; postage, 8 cents. Your bookseller can supply you. Send for complete catalogue. McBRIDE, NAST & CO. Publishers UNION SQUARE NEW YORK Travel House & Garden Established 1878 O. Charles Meyer Cabinetmaker and Upholsterer Repairs of Every Description Antique Furniture Restored 39-49 W. 8th ST., NEW YORK We are Selling Out all Furniture, Silver, Brass, Etc., at our 49 West 8th St. Branch Mahogany Inlaid Tip Table $5.00 30 inches long Hand-made When in Boston - HOTEL VICTORIA Cor. Dartmouth and Newbury Sts. @ One half block from Copley Square. Two minutes walk to Public Library, Trinity Church and Back Bay Stations. In center of the Back Bay district, and particularly accessible for automobilists. European Plan THOMAS O. PAIGE, Manager May, 1912 May, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS XXVil CONFUSION OF NAMES OF COM- MERCIAL WOODS O branch of forestry requires the in- vestigation of men of science more than the history and structural characters of the commercial. timber trees. It is la- mentable to see so many talented men de- vote their entire lives to the study of small groups of relatively unimportant plants of the desert or the ocean, while we are still ignorant even of the botanical names of a good many trees yielding timber of com- merce. A number of the trees of West Africa, which produce a large percentage of the choicest timber used in England and in the United States for furniture and high- grade cabinet work, are now known in the trade by no other name except mahogany, when in reality they do not belong to the mahogany family at all. Coccobola from Central America has been imported into this country for over a hundred years, but to- wii The Greatest China Factory In the World Not in England, or France, or Germany, but at Newell, West Virginia, U. S. A., is located the pottery of The Homer Laughlin China Co., the largest in the world. To make the 45,000,000 pieces of Homer Laughlin China annually produced, requires the work of 1,800 people; 15 acres of floor space is necessary; and for decorating, $60,000 worth of gold alone is used annually. These figures indicate the popularity of Homer Laughlin China. In addition to its beauty and refine- ment of design and decoration, Homer Laughlin’ China gives splendid service. It is ‘‘as good asit looks.’’ In buying || see that the trade-mark name “Homer Laughlin” appears on the under side of SUSUS TS SSS tS tS SS day no one seems to know what tree yields this wood. A number of examples of this kind could be cited in regard to important timbers which come from the tropics. This lack of knowledge is the chief reason why so many different woods which bear the slightest resemblance have been given the same common or trade name. For in- stance, there are now more than fifty differ- -ent woods sold under the comprehensive trade name mahogany ; there are more than twenty-five referred to under the name cedar; there are more than a dozen rose- woods; equally as many satin woods, iron woods, and box woods, not to mention a number of beef woods, ebony woods, sandal woods, teak woods, gum woods, walnuts, and a host of others, named according to the fancy of the shippers and importers. The duplication of names has become so complicated that dealers are now unable to know what kind of mahogany, cedar, wal- nut, or gum to supply when their customers order goods by these names. Timber constitutes a very important pro- duct of the foreign commerce of this country. To many the number of different kinds of woods imported will be a matter of great surprise, but numerous as they are now they are few compared with those which will be introduced into the American markets when the forest resources of Africa and South America become more generally available. Not a month passes but what some importer adds another mahogany, cedar, or rosewood to the long list of sub- stitutes. Public attention and the investiga- tion of scientific men are being gradually directed to this branch of work, and it is hoped that something can be accomplished which will prove helpful in protecting the purchasers from getting the spurious kinds when genuine woods are specified. HENS THAT TELEPHONED O catch an animal that had been kill- ing his hens, a Winsted, Connecticut, poultry raiser, who had a pen of hens tak- ing part in the international egg-laying contest at the State Agricultural College, had a telephone installed in his henhouse. The wire ran to his bedroom, where the receiver was fastened to a bedpost, close to his pillow. The receiver on the other end was also off the hook, thus permit- ting any sound in the hennery to travel to the owner’s sleeping-room. About daybreak the poultry raiser was awakened by the shrill cackling of his hens coming over the wire. Dressing himself hurriedly, he grabbed a gun and started for the henhouse, where he shot and killed the thief, a mink. each piece of sufficient size. Newell, West Virginia The Homer Laughlin China Co., The Chain of Communication ACH Bell Telephone is the center of the system. This system may be any size or any shape, with lines radiating from any subscriber’s telephone, like the spokes of a wheel, to the limits of the subscriber’s requirements, whether ten miles or a thousand. Somewhere on the edge of this subscriber’s radius is another who requires a radius of lines stretching still further away. On the edge of this second subscriber’s radius is still a third, whose requirements mean a further extension of the lines, and so on. This endless chain of systems may be illustrated bya series of overlapping circles. Each additional subscriber becomes a new center with an extended radius of com- munication, reaching other subscribers. However small the radius, the step-by-step extension from neighbor to neighbor must continue across the continent without a stopping place, until the requirements of every individual have been met. There can be no limit to the extension of telephone lines until the whole country is covered. There can be no limit to the system of which each Bell telephone is the center, up to the greatest distance that talk can be carried. Because these are the fundamental needs of a nation of telephone users, the Bell System must provide universal service. AMERICAN TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH COMPANY AND ASSOCIATED COMPANIES One Policy One System Universal Service XXVIII Evergreens as: grown for specimens at Andorra Nurseries PLANT FOR IMMEDIATE EFFECT Not for Future Generations Start with the largest stock that can be secured! grow such Trees and Shrubs as we offer. We do the long waiting—thus enabling you to secure Trees and Shrubs that give an immediate effect. Spring Price List gives complete information. ANDORRA NURSERIES °° pasiceipra PHILADELPHIA, PA. WM. WARNER HARPER, Proprietor It takes over twenty years to Built any Size Painted Ready-to Set Up $ Garages, Stores, Churches, Schoolhouses, Playhouses, Studios, etc. Built in sections, convenient for handling and are quickly and easily erected simply by bolting sections together. Skilled labor is not necessary to set them up, as all sections are numbered and everything fits. Built of first class material in the largest and best portable house factory in America. Buildings are substantial and as durable as if built on the ground by local contractors. Are handsomer and COST MUCH LESS. We build houses to meet every requirement, We pay freight. Art catalog by mail on receipt of 4c. stamps. Wyckoff Lumber & Mfg. Co., 410 Lehigh St., Ithaca, N.Y. VACUUM CLEANER The Broomell VICTOR Stationary Vacuum Cleaner is made in sizes to suit any building. We make a specialty of one sweeper machines for residence work (1 H. P. electric motor), and on account ot its extreme simplicity, accessibility, ease of management and low cost of operation, is an extra fine machine for this work. Architects and owners who want something good and reliable will find it in the VICTOR. We make special Vacuum Cleaners, either Stationary or Portable, for Country Homes, to operate from Gasoline Engine. . Complete Broomell’s VICTOR Electric Stationary Send blue prints for layout of vacuum piping. Send for printed matter. Buy direct from the manufacturer and save money. VICTOR CLEANER COMPANY York, Pa. Ready for Operation ontelair wT cs = A home hotel for the family, the business man and any’ one desiring a residence within an hour from New - York and enjoy the delights of country eleva- tion, rest and environments. ‘This is what the Mont- clair Hotel offers. It is operated on the American plan, has grillroom with facilities for private parties, banquets, dances under the direction of T. Edmund & Krumbholz of the Kirkwood, Camden, A) S.C. and the Sagamore, on Lake George. Mr. R. C. Millard, Resident Manager, will reply to all inquiries and call upon request. AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS May, 1912 TRAIL-BLAZING FOR THE GARDEN By HAROLD D. EBERLEIN HERE is a man, a very sensible man, who makes a point every year of trying to grow two or three strange, new plants he has never heard of before. He goes carefully over all the garden catalogues and notes any brand new importation that is an- nounced. When he fills out his order sheet for the seedsman he always puts down sey- eral of the newcomers on principle. Some- times he gets pleasant surprises, sometimes disappointments, but always an increasing store of valuable experience. He has the right spirit. We are all creatures of habit. In our hearts we all acknowledge the truth of this though we may be loath to admit it in our own particular case. And, now and again, we are creatures of habit much to our cost. In no respect is this truer than in our select- ing of plants, trees and shrubs for our gardens. How many of us, pray, when the time comes for us to make out owr Spring or Fall garden lists, will be daring enough to venture in a new path? Will we not rather let ourselves fall into a narrow groove and stick there, content to order the same things year after year, mistrustful, perhaps, of branching out into new lines? We ought, on the contrary, to cultivate the spirit of botanical experimentation. We doubtless should if we but realized how much pleasure and satisfaction we deprive ourselves of by not doing so. There are scores of plants native to China, Japan, parts of India, South America and other portions of the globe, plants about which we know nothing or next to nothing, all of them de- sirable and suited also to our climate. The same may be said of vegetables and fruits. There are plenty of them we could grow to our great satisfaction. For this unpro- gressive state of affairs the cause seems to be twofold. It is partly our own fault be- cause we do not generally seek out and order the new and unusual things and give them at least a trial, and it is partly the fault of the seedsman and nurserymen be- cause they frequently do not keep up the variety of their stock. It must be said, how- ever, in their defense, that when the demand in certain directions is so small that it yields no profit they cannot be blamed, from a business point of view, for dropping the unprofitable branch and keeping only what there is a steady call for. Some nursery- men, indeed, are making an effort from year to year to introduce new plants and forign varieties of those we know, but they would do infinitely more if they received sufficient encouragement from a large num- ber of their patrons. Now is the most fitting time to branch out and try some horticultural experiments. Why not order a few of the most unusual things we find listed or can in any way hear of? Perhaps they may turn out well and become our staunch friends in the garden and then again perhaps they may not. But what matter? OLD CEDAR WOOD FOR LEAD PENCILS T is not generally known that pencil man- ufacturers are keen upon obtaining sup-. plies of old cedar rails, boards, posts, etc., that have undergone years of weathering. As new cedar carries a large amount of res- inous matter which it is difficult and ex- pensive to eliminate, the old wood is far superior for use in making lead pencils, as any resinous matter remaining in cedar tends to warp the pencils and to ooze out, thus ultimately marring the appearance of the finished product. What Do You Demand In a Water Supply System Is it a high, strong pressure that you desire? Is it efficiency— compactness—simplicity of operation that you want? All are im- portant. Will you get them in the outfit you select? Make certain of it. Install a @ DOUGLAS PNEUTANK SYSTEM It offers you a complete water service piped throughout the house or any part of the grounds. It gives you live, gushing water wherever and whenever you want it. It makes you independent of wind, weather or insufficient town water works. aise A REND RT I i | BREGRE CE ERE - oa Tanglefoot A harmless sticky sub- stance applied directly to tree trunks. Remains effective, rain or shine, three months and longer, fully exposed to weather. One pound makes about 9 lineal feet of band, No apparatus required, easily applied with wooden paddle. Especially recommended against gypsy, brown-tail and tussock moth caterpillars, bag worms, canker worms and climbing cut worms, but equally effective against any climbing pest. Tree Tanglefoot needs nomixing. Itisalwaysready for use. Do not wait until you see the insects. Band your trees early and get best results. Price: 1-lb. cans, 30c.; 3-lb. cans, 85c; 10-lb. cans, $2.65; 20-lb cans, $4.80. For sale by all reliable seed houses. The O. & W. Thum Company, Grand Rapids, Mich. Manufacturers of Tanglefoot Fly Paper and Tree Tanglefoot. Send for Booklet. The outfit shown here consists of an air-tight steel tank, and a standard gasoline engine direct-connected to a very efficient pump. This outfit will deliver up to 600 gallons of water an hour. The pressure is as high as needed in the average suburban home. Douglas PNEUTANK Systems are absolutely reliable and thoroughly durable. Other systems may be cheaper in first cost. They are much dearer in the long run. We will replace any part of the Douglas outfit found defective within five years of installation. Our expert engineering department will gladly aid you in solving your water supply problem. Write to-day for a catalog and full information. W. & B. DOUGLAS 180 William Street , Middletown, Conn. Manufacturers of spray pumps, deep-well pumps, hand force pumps, Forest-fire-fighting outfits, etc. ELECTRIC LIGHT FOR THE COUNTRY HOME You know the convenience of electric light in your city house—its cleanliness and its safety. You can now apply it to your country home, regardless of how far from a Central Lighting Station you are located. This can be done by the installation of your own electric lighting plant which will require only a small space, can be very easily installed and any one can operate it. Acomplete plant consists of a small gasoline engine, dynamo, a simple switchboard and a storage battery called The “Chloride Hccumulator” This battery is the same type as is used in the large municipal lighting stations, by the electric railways and United States Government. The use of this battery totally obviates the necessity of running an engine at night as a few hours operation of the engine and dynamo occasionally will store the “Chloride Accumulator’ with sufficient electricity to give you a full twenty four hour lighting service for your grounds and buildings. Atouch of a switch gives you light whenever needed. The use of the “Chloride Accumulatot’”’ makes your light instantly available andas dependable as that supplied by a city lighting plant. You should install an electric lighting plant in your | country home. Write our nearest office for our book ~\ a 4! ‘ NY “Electricity for Country Places.” Tell us how many lights you will require and we shall be glad to furnish you with complete information. \ THEELECTRIC STORAGE BATTERY C0. 1888 PHILADELPHIA 1912 New York Boston Chicago St. Louis Cleveland Atlanta Denver Detroit San Francisco Toronto Portland, Ore. Seattle Los Angeles — om — Photos (C) Mishkin Dupont Matzene F you have not yet realized the marvel- ous truth and vitality of the music of the Columbia Grafonola, we are sure that your opinion was formulated in 1907 or earlier—and since then a revolution has been wrought. We want to say this courteously ; but we do insist upon it. If we are right you are the one who has missed the most. Will you do just this one thing: Go to the nearest Columbia dealer (we can give you his name) and ask him to let you hear any record, by any of the great artists named above, played on this new Columbia Grafonola (the “Princess” $75.) . Don’t be too sure that you know already. We predict a few minutes of delighted astonishment for which you are likely to thank us. COLUMBIA PHONOGRAPH CO., Gen'l Box 249, Tribune Building, New York Toronto, McKinnon Building London: Earlsfield, S. W. Mexico City; 1-A Calle de Lopez, No.7 * me ; x ; 4 me i ‘i % a 4 ime | y mt a SE I seinem eee ; —_ d JF . ere as I y _ ‘ \ : yf A ee — } nis a f potee —— r s — ed aes A i Le Vacation Articles—Por ati i Ba RTS coe = _ BEVERLY TOWLES vr D LI: r ubli: oe. Gage iene Owners of White Cars have always been foremost in Motor Car Touring, for two vital reasons— N the first place, White Cars are simple in construction and operation, and are built of the best possible material. White Cars are comfortable to the occupants, the spring suspension is ideal, and the car is well- balanced on the road. The driver is not tired out and cramped after a day's run. The expense for gasoline and tires is less than owners of other cars believe is possible. . The oiling system is positive, and it is absolutely im- possible to overheat a White motor, even under the most adverse conditions. Moreover, the organization of The White Company is widespread, offering every service and convenience to White owners touring. The White Company is represented in ninety-one of the one hundred largest cities in the United States, and in two hundred . Others. A branch office is maintained in London, especially convenient for White owners in Europe. There are ten White representatives in Canada. There are also White dealers in Mexico, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Ireland, Scotland, Denmark, Sweden,. France, Russia, Spain, India, Philippines, Australia, and Hawaii. Representation of this character means absolute security to the tourist. CATALOG and information concerning routes, shipping, etc., on request. The White Ea) Company CLEVELAND Manufacturers of Gasoline Motor Cars, Trucks, and Taxicabs opted. eS. A Cs st “av bap . vee Mie noe ee Oey cee a + : SAT Wes aee SS ee NSS June, 1912 CARING FOR THE PULLETS By E. I. FARRINGTON EE order to have pullets begin laying early next winter, they must be kept growing rapidly throughout the Summer months. No one has a right to expect that he can neglect his chickens in hot weather and atone for this neglect in the Fall by forcing his birds. The plan will not work and will prove an expensive one to try. If, on the other hand, the April hatched chicks are subjected to no setbacks, the pullets will naturally commence laying in October or November and continue laying through the winter season. To have the pullets develop properly, they should have as large a range as can be given them, with shelter from the hot sun and with plenty of fresh, cool water to drink. Likewise, they should receive a liberal and nourishing growing ration, al- though such a one need not be at all compli- cated. Green food will be required; but if a wide range is given, the birds will find their own green food, consuming a large amount of grass and weeds. If they have access to the vegetable garden, they will feast on the owner’s pet crops, so that fenc- ing either the chickens or the garden is most necessary. When plenty of grass land is available, there is no better plan than to place the birds in coops or colony houses and give them free range as soon as the brooding age is over, which will be when the chicks are from two to three weeks old, depending upon the breed; in any case, when they are well feathered out, so that heat is no longer necessary. It is well to have these colony houses or coops on runners, so that they may fre- quently be moved a few feet to a new loca- tion. Such a plan obviates the necessity for cleaning out the houses at all, and the grass will quickly grow again. They should not be built with floors if the location is a dry one, for the birds will spend the nights on the ground at first and seem to do bet- ter when in contact with mother Earth. At any rate, the ground is cool in hot weather. On most plants where chickens are fat- tened for market, no perches are used in the colony houses, as they are thought to sometimes cause crooked breastbones. There is little danger of this, though, if the first perches are made several inches wide, and it is well to let the pullets begin to roost as soon as they desire to do so, when they are being raised for layers. Naturally, it is well to place the perches only a few inches above the ground at first. A little more work is required when poultry is being raised on a limited area than when free range is given. It is a good plan to confine the chickens in small yards made of poultry netting and covered with this material so that they cannot fly out. One end of the yard may be covered with an A-shaped roof which will give shelter from rain and sun. When such a pen can be located on a grass plot it may be moved the width of the pen each day, so that the grass will not be worn down, while the birds will have a liberal supply. and troubleless. under all conditions. The Diamond AKRO Simmons Hose Reels Save time and money. Besides, its spiral wind protects life of hose indefinitely. Also neat and compact, with efh- cient lawn - sprinkler combined. Each, - $4.00 net Garden Hose that stands the test of time. None but pure rubber and best fabric used in its construc- tion. Buy direct and save un- necessary j profits. ( Price, including Nozzle and Coup- lings, complete, 10 cents per foot net. JOHN SIMMONS CO. 104-110 Centre Street New York City After All, the Acid Test of Tires is Touring OU may take chances in the city within a block or two of a _ tire repair shop, but out in the country, touring, eighty miles from nowhere, you must have a tire that you can depend upon. The Diamond Safety Tread Tire is the ideal touring tire. It is staunch, rugged, reliable It is safe in ticklish places and 1 | . It has life insurance built into it—and it won’t skid either forward or sideways. And it gives you mileage—more even than the Diamond Smooth Tread Tire, which is greatest in mileage among smooth tires. The Diamond Safety Tread Tire is an economical all the year round tire. Diamond Safety and Smooth Tread Tires are made to fit every style of rim. E b f In addition to dependable dealers everywhere there are FIFTY-FOUR | Diamond Service Stations. Diamond Service means more than merely i selling tires—it means taking care of Diamond Tire users. a 3 Rabber (mpany We Could Build Them Cheaper, But We Won’t We Would Build Them Better, But We Can’t OHIO = Send for catalogue A 27 of pergolas, sun dials and garden furniture or A 40 of wood columns. Hartmann-Sanders Co. Exclusive Manufacturers of KOLL’S PATENT LOCK JOINT COLUMNS Suitable for PERGOLAS, PORCHES or INTERIOR USE ELSTON and WEBSTFR AVES. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS Eastern Office: 1123 Broadway, New York City ii AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS June, 1912 Pouliry, Pet and Line Stork Direriory ONE OF THE SIGHTS IN CUR PARK We carry the largest stock in America of ornamental birds andanimals. Nearly 60 acres of land entirely devoted to our business. Beautiful Swans, Fancy Pheasants, Peafowl, Cranes, Storks, Flamipgoes, Ostriches, Orna- mental Ducks and Geese, etc., for private parks and fanciers. Also Hungarian Partridges, Pheasants, Quail, Wild Ducks and Geese, Deer, Rabbits, etc., for stocking preserves. Good } healthy stock at right prices. Write us what you want. WENZ & MACKENSEN Proprietors of Pennsylvania Pheasantry and Game Park Dept. “A. H.” Bucks County, Yardly, Pa. MOTTLED ANCONAS Beautiful, nonsetting, persistent layers of large eggs. $1.00 for 15 eggs. WILL W. FISHER Watervliet, Michigan KILLED BY SCIENCE DANYSZ VIRUS isa RA I Bacteriological Preparation AND NOT A POISON—Harmless to Animals other than mouses like rodents. Rodents die in the open, For a small house, 1 tube, 75c; ordinary dwelling. 3 tubes, $1.75; larger place—for each 5,000 sq. ft. floor space, use 1 dozen, $6.00. Send now. Independent Chemical Company 72 Front Street, New York Just Published Garages and Motor Boat Houses Compiled by WM. PHILLIPS COMSTOCK @ This work contains a collection of selected designs for both private and commercial buildings, showing the very H latest ideas in their planning and construction. @ There are 136 illustrations of garages and motor boat houses, consisting of plans and exterior views reproduced from photographs. | These designs have been contributed by twenty-four well known architects from different sections of the United States. @ The book is divided into five sections as follows: I. Private Country and Suburban Garages. II. Private City Garages. III. Suburban and City Public Garages. IV. Motor Boat Garages. V. Garage Equipment and Accessories. @ Neatly bound in board and cloth. Size 7% x 10% inches. 119 pages. Price $2.00, Postpaid MUNN & CO., Inc. 361 Broadway, New York When the chickens are confined to a per- manent yard, every care must be taken to keep the ground from becoming badly fouled. If the yard is small it cannot be grassed and purified in that way, and so must be spaded over frequently. Often- times a handplow or wheelplow may be used to good advantage in such a yard; it is a very easy and simple matter to turn over the earth once a week with such a tool. The birds ought to be excluded from the yard in the Fall, if possible, and a sow- ing of rye made. The rye will make good green fodder for the pullets and older hens in winter, and will serve to renovate the soil. Much of the trouble on small poul- try plants which have been established sev- eral years comes from tainted ground. When the pullets are confined to a per- manent yard, the question of green rations must be considered. Almost anything which is green and succulent will do, its principal object being to provide an ap- petizer and perhaps certain salts which are needed in the body. If the flock is small, there may be enough greens from the gar- den—hbits of lettuce, spinach and the like. Perhaps the clippings from the lawn will suffice—they are easily secured by attach- ing a grass catcher to the lawnmower. If there should be a surplus of these lawn clip- pings, they may be dried in the sun and stored for use the following winter. Swiss chard is excellent for growing pullets and may be raised very easily, throughout the Summer, and even after cold weather comes, if a coldframe is placed over the plants. Only the top is removed and as it quickly grows again, a few plants will pro- vide a constant supply of green stuff. If a small piece of ground is available, rape may be grown. Sowed early in May, it will be ready for feeding in July and yields bountifully. The chickens like it and thrive Om it, Some amateur poultrymen have found a simple way to economize labor and time. They grow a patch of grass or a few rows of chard in the henyard and cover it with one inch poultry wire fastened to a board set on edge at each side of the growing crop. These boards should be high enough so that when well started the top of the grass or chard will reach the wire. The chickens will eat off all they can reach, but new growth will quickly produce a fresh supply. If kept well watered, such a bed will yield a green ration all summer. The pullets and cockerels ought to be sep- arated as soon as the latter attempt crowing or exhibit masculine characteristics. The pullets will thrive much better with the male birds removed from the flock, and the cockerels themselves will grow faster and put on flesh more rapidly. Of course, they are to be fattened and sold as soon as feas- ible. Unless fancy stock is being grown, only a few males should be retained. The pullets will lay better probably if there are no roosters in the pens and the eggs certain- ly will keep longer. Much of the annoy- ance to which non-poultry keeping neigh- bors in thickly settled communities object would be eliminated if roosters were dis- pensed with. In any, case, only those needed for breeding purposes should be carried over, unless, indeed, they are want- ed to provide meat in the course of the Winter. When the pullets are confined to perma- nent yards, shelter from the sun will be needed. This may be provided by grow- ing vines over the fences or by planting sun flowers along them. Or pieces of canvas or burlap may be used to break the sun’s rays. Low houses are hot and it is a good COME TO THE BERKSHIRE HILLS LIFE’S WORTH LIVING UP HERE High altitude, dry air, good water, and a beautiful country. I sell Farms, Estates, Homes and Manufacturing Sites. All kinds and prices. Let me know what kind of property you are looking for. L’ll send illustrated booklet. GEO. H. COOPER, Pittsfield, Mass. Room 206, Agricultural Bank Building $20 an Acre—800 Acres The greatest farm bargain in New York, 50 miles from Rochester. 0 acres in cultivation, 250 in timber, balance pasture, large residence, two barns. Fine trout stream. Would make fine game preserve, or grain, dairy, or stock farm, Three miles from good town, markets and railway. Fine view of Canandaigua Lake. Terms ¥% cash, balance to suit. J. P. LONG & CO., 109 Wilder Building, Rochester, N. Y. FOR RENT.—COAST of MAINE | Ten room cottage, on ocean front. Completely furnished. City conveniences. Safe bathing beach, near Portland. Address: D. L. FRANCE Yale P.O. New Haven, Conn. Do You Want to Purchase A Home ? If among our Real Estate Advertisements you do not find just what you want—Address THE REAL ESTATE MART, Care of American Homes and Gardens 361 BROADWAY, NEW YORK CITY. SUMMER HOMES ON LONG ISLAND ““New York’s Seacoast’’ Brimfull of Summer life, and fronting on the level stretch of beach washed by the restless Atlantic, or upon the rolling wooded hills sur- rounding the many picturesque bays indenting the North shore, are the Summer homes, hotels and boarding cottages that shelter the host of New Yorkers and those from distant points that glory in this ideal Summer land. And along this coast line for over 400 miles is enjoyed every imaginable pastime, fanned with exhilarating breezes from off the Atlantic, which throw a new delight into a round of the links, a slashing set of tennis, a tramp through wooded and hilly country, or an exciting sail on picturesque bays in the path of a stiff sea breeze. Let us tell you about these Summering places, and show yuu pictures of the many beauty spots, by sending you new book — Long Island Resorts,’? mailed on receipt of 10 cents postage by the General Passenger Agent, Long Island Railroad, Room 353 Pennsylvania Station, New York. June, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS fli Clothes Rae SIMPLE in construction. Nothing to get out of order. Made in two light parts—Reel and Post. Reel folds up like an umbrella; locks automatically to post-cannot blow off. STRONG Made of the best materials. Malleable castings all galvanized. Cannot rust out. Post, either wood painted or steel tube galvanized. Best cotton thread line. EFFECTIVE Carries from 100 to 150 feet of line and takes up less than fourteen feet of your lawn whenin use. Accommo- dates a whole wash. Every inch of line can be reached by standing in one place. Sold by leading dealers everywhere. If they cannot supply you we will. Send for illus- trated folder No. 9 and your dealer’s name. HILL DRYER COMPARNY,: 309 Park Ave. ,Worcester,Mass. G Fung Tine Cupnrure (78) So Perfect and So Peerless CARPETS, RUGS, UPHOLSTERY FABRICS, INTERIOR DECORATIONS Prices marked in plain figures will always be found EXCEED- INGLY LOW when compared with the best value obtainable elsewhere Geo. C. Funt Co. 4a-47West 23°St. 24-28 West 24"St ee COOK THE COOK “ECONOMY” GAS For Cooking, Water Heating and Laundry Work also for Lighting “‘It makes the house a home’’ Send stamp today for “‘Economy Way”’ Economy Gas MachineCo. ROCHESTER, N. Y. “ Economy ”? Gas 1s automatic, Sanitary and Not-Poisonous Your floors PROTEC and floor coverings from injury. Also beautify your furniture by using Glass Onward Sliding Furniture and Piano Shoes in place of casters. Made in 110 styles and sizes, If your dealer will not supply you Write un—Onward Mfg. Co., Menasha, Wisconsin, U.S, A. Canadian Factory, Berlin, Ont. CLINCH right through the standing seam of metal roofs. No rails are needed unless desired. We makea similar one for slate roofs. Send for Circular Berger Bros. Co. PHILADELPHIA » Iron Railings, Wire Fences and Entrance Gates of all designs and for all purposes. Correspondence solicited: Catalogs furnished. Tennis Court Enclosures, Unclimbable Wire Mesh and Spiral Netting (Chain Link) Fences for Estate Boundaries and Industrial Properties—Lawn Furni- ture—Stable Fittings. F.E. CARPENTER CO., 2°92 Broadway New York City plan to have an opening in the rear, some distance above the perches, to give a bet- ter circulation of air. In any case, the house which is to be used for growing pullets should be of the fresh-air type; that is, it should have large window open- ings without glass. It is well to have doors covered with poultry wire. Growing pul- lets can not have too much fresh air and by being made accustomed to open houses from the first, they will not suffer if kept in houses of that type in winter, for they will grow heavy coverings of feathers. And fresh air is just as much needed for the pullets after they become laying hens as when they are merely chicks. FLOWERS FOR LATE PLANTING By E. I. F. T often happens that no opportunity for making a garden offers until late in the season, perhaps as late as the last of June. In many instances people who have Sum- mer homes in the country or at the seashore defer their planting until that time, by vir- tue of necessity. Plants started late must be the kinds which love hot weather or the results will be most unsatisfactory. There are plenty of good kinds for late planting, though, among the best being the portulaca, annual poppy, mignonette, balsam, and candytuft. The first named is one of the most obliging flowers imaginable. The seeds must not be started until the ground is warm, but they germinate quickly and flower in a very short time. The creeping plants spread rapidly and the plants may be transplanted when in full flower, apparently without suf- fering any inconvenience. Very little water is required and the hottest kind of location is tolerated. Some of the double portu- lacas look like little roses and the colors are very fine. At night the flowers close. Of- ten the seed is self-sown and new plants come up year after year. Sometimes the plant increases too rapidly, for it is a cou- sin of the common garden weed known as pusley. Portulacas make handsome _bor- ders and nothing is more reliable for the seashore, The annual poppy is also most obliging, except for the matter of transplanting. If the seeds are scattered on a bed or in a border just before a light rain, nothing fur- ther in the way of attention will be needed. The flowers are very attractive with their brilliant colors and the plants are excellent for the garden which is started late—or for any other, for that matter. Candytuft and mignonette are always popular and are eas- ily grown in hot weather and when planted late. In fact, it is well to make a succes- sion of plantings in order to have flowers all Summer. If it is possible to purchase plants, the petunias, verbenas, four o’clocks, zinnias, marigolds and pinks may be set in the gar- den very late and will continue to flourish. People who go to their Summer homes late in the Spring and remain late in the Fall may sow seeds of asters, verbenas, nastur- tiums, cannas, cockscombs, zinnias and four o’clocks and still get flowers before the end of the season in most instances. Of course, the flowers which mature more quickly, the started plants, are needed for immediate blossoming. The kinds named do not require a great amount of attention and it is often better to let them grow ina more’ or less natural way on the grounds of the Summer home, rather than to attempt any elaborate garden scheme. % BAY STATE "YU. s, pat: of Your Concrete and Stucco Construction Needs My Coating My Bay State Brick and Cement Coating is backed by twelve years of practical experience in making a ce- ment coating. It has been tried under all sorts of con- ditions and met all require- ments. Years before anyone else had put a coating on the market Bay State Brick and Cement Coating was an established success. It had been used on large and small houses, factory walls and _ factory floors, on the vats and damp rooms of textile mills and breweries. It is the only coating that | know of that won't burn when subjected to heat. It has a flat finish, doesn’t destroy the texture of concrete and saves it from cracking from moisture. Just write me for our Booklet No. 3. Give our salesman a good hearing when he calls. He’s got the goods. Wadsworth, Howland & Co. Incorporated Paint and Varnish Makers and Lead Corroders 82-84 Washington Street, Boston, Mass. HOTEL VICTORIA Cor. Dartmouth and Newbury Sts. @ One half block from Copley Square. Two minutes walk to Public Library, Trinity Church and Back Bay Stations. In center of the Back Bay district, and particularly accessible for automobilists. European Plan THOMAS O. PAIGE, Manager iv AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS June, 1912 See Be pa 3 ‘ WILSON’S OUTSIDE VENETIANS | BLIND AND AWNING COMBINED For town and country houses. Very durable and artistic. asily operated from inside. Admit air, exclude sun rays. SPECIAL OUTSIDE VENETIANS for porches and piazzas, exclude the sun; admit the breeze. | Virtually make an outdoor room. Orders { should be placed } NOW for Summer } delivery. ! Write for Venetian | atalogue Iso inside Vene- tians, Rolling Parti- tions, Rolling Steel Shutters, Burglar and Fireproof Steel Cur- tains, Wood Block Floors. JAS. G. WILSON MFG. CO. Wilson's Porch and Piazza Blinds 5 w. 29th St., New York fn. Exclusive fabrics Made-to-order > of soft, selected rugs for porch, / > camel’shairwoven ~Jin undyed natu- bungalow or Wh. ral color. Also Pe pure woot dyed in Ai f any color or com- "y Mo 40 7 bination of colors. Ss (Gj y Any length. Any My 4 width—seamless up to 16 feet. The finishing touch of individuality. Made on short notice. Write for color card. Order through your furnisher. THREAD & THRUM WORKSHOP, Auburn, N. Y. the colors, we'll maketherug' BILTMORE NURSERY Ornamental Shrubs, Hardy Plants, Deciduous and Evergreen Trees, Interesting, helpful, informing catalogs sent upon request. Box 1264 : Biltmore, N. C. Send for Book of Ready-Built Garages and Gardeners’ Houses Complete Artistic designs. Wind and weather proof, Detail and equipment as desir: Can be erected quickly. Send for catalogue “*H." E, F. HODGSON CO., 116 Washington St., Boston, Mass. Best grade cedar canoe for$ 20 Detroit canoes can’t sink All canoes cedar and copper fastened. We make all sizes and styles, also power canoes. Write for free catalog, giving prices with retailer’s profit cut out. We are the largest manufacturers of canoes in the world. DETROIT BOAT CO., 262 Bellevue Ave., Detroit, Mich, ALL ie ib a UM PS kinds CYLINDERS, ETC. Hay Unloading Tools Barn Door Hangers Write for Circulars and Prices Fe E. MYERS & BRO., Ashland, O. Ashland Pump and Hay Tool Works Landscape Gardening Everyone interested in suburban and country life should know about the home study courses in Horticulture, Floriculture, Landscape Gardening, etc., which we offer under Prof, Craig and others of the Department of Horticulture of Cornell University, Prof. Craig 7d "Page Catalogue Free Write to-day THE HOME CORRESPONDENCE SCHOOL Dept. A. H. Springfield, Mass. GROOMING AND EXERCISE: NECES- SITIES FOR THE DOG By T. C. TURNER VERYONE who keeps a horse knows the importance of grooming, but few who keep a dog recognize the value of this attention to his skin and his coat. No ani- mal shows his general condition of health more quickly than the dog through his coat. It may be noticed that the dog does not sweat as freely as many other animals. He has less ability to throw off poisonous matter, therefore for these and other rea- sons the care of the skin is of importance. Grooming should be done according to the size of the dog, his breed, and the na- ture of his coat, by means of brushes, rough gloves, cloths, combs, and particu- larly by the naked hand. Common sense will dictate which of the various methods to resort to, but never neglect the naked hand for finishing the work. The friction of vigorous rubbing distributes the blood and makes possible the oiling of the coat by nature’s process. A good brushing re- moves the dust, takes out the dead hair and frees the skin from dandruff. Every breed- er for exhibition knows the value of groom- ing and treatment of the skin, but few who keep a dog or two recognize its importance. A well-bred dog could often be much im- proved by this little additional care. I speak mainly of the dogs kept more or less in a state of confinement, not of those who roam at large on farms or country estates, as they resort to nature’s methods of cleans- ing—those of the streams, the grasses, the clean earth, and except on special occasions they need little more than a good straw bed to keep themselves in perfect condition. Although washing is at times a necessity, avoid it as much as possible except for medical purposes, but do not hesitate to re- sort to it if the coat has become so soiled that the brush will not remove the dirt. The danger in washing a dog is that they are very susceptible to catching cold and great care is needed after the washing to prevent this. In starting to wash, always wet the head with cold water before the dog is placed in the bath or tub of warm water; do not wash in any place where the temperature is less than 60°, dry with cloths rapidly, avoid any draughts during wash- ing or after, and when the coat is thorough- ly dry give the dog a sharp run. Dogs are peculiarly subject to constipa- tion, particularly is this the case with those kept in cities, for under conditions of city life it is almost impossible for a dog to get the proper exercise which his system re- quires. To take a dog out on a lead is a poor substitute for exercise. Even yards, though of fair size, are but moderate exer- cising places. The dog to be kept in the best condition should have access to the fields and woods at least once a week, the more often, the better. By this freedom his exercise is pleasant, he can romp at will, and will see more changes and travel more miles in the space of one hour than you would ordinarily take him in one week. The distance such dogs as the terrier varie- ties will travel when left to their freedom in pleasant surroundings is astonishing. I have known terriers that would follow a horse on a twenty-four mile journey, twelve miles out and twelve in, and at the very least they would do another ten miles going off into the woods, running ahead and com- ing back on call to follow the horse. They did not seem to want to rest even when the horse was put up at the break of the jour- ney for his midday meal, but when they returned to the kennels that night it was for a sound sleep. WE WANT YOU to have our catalogue of Garden Furniture beautifully modeled from Old World Master- pieces and original designs. Our models are executed in Pompeian stone, an artificial product that is practically everlasting. Prices most reasonable and work guaranteed to be the best. Writesor Catalogue J. Mailed free upon request. "ns ERKINS STUDIOS The rates Manufacturers of Ornamental Stone 230 Lexington Ave. New York Factory, Astoria, L. I. New York Selling Agents Ricceri Florentine Terra Cotta Mahogany Inlaid Tip Table $5.00 Established 1878 O. Charles Meyer Cabinetmaker and Upholsterer Repairs of Every Description Antique Furniture Restored 39 W. 8th ST., NEW YORK q Let us get your furniture and draperies— 30 inches long will store them free and have repairs an Hand-made alterations ready when you want START A STURDY LAWN —one that will stay beautiful through heat, cold and drought Don't have a sickly lawn—one that looks thin and scrawny in the Spring—or that withers to a rusty brown the minute hot, dry weather comes. Insure yourself of a thick, thrifty lawn that will resist the ravages of cold, heat, drought and hard service and keep green and beautiful by sowing. KALAKA is carefully selected, prime grass seed—mixed with a strong concentrate of rich manure, that draws moisture, nourishes the sprouting seed and quickly results in a thrifty, close-knit turf of surprising hardiness. For renewing and brightening up old lawns, nothing can equal KALAKA, $1.00 for 5-lb. box, or $1.25 West of Omaha. FREE BOOKLET. Go to your dealer and ask him for our valuable Book, ‘‘How to Make a Lawn. If he doesn’t handle Kalaka, send us his name and we'll send you the book. 258 Exel re A The Kalaka Co., Union Stock Vande Oniowes SPECIAL FURNITURE DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTED TO SUIT SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS LLOYD & RUSSELL TELEPHONE GREELEY 2707 1 WEST 34TH STREET NEW YORK SHEEP MANURE Dried and pulverized. No waste and no weeds. Best fertilizer for lawns—gardens— trees—shrubs—vegetables and fruit. Large barrel, freight prepaid 2 WaGon LOADS $4. OO este Missoug River —Cash i STABLE; : ; with order. Write for in- Hy teresting booklet and quantity prices. MaWURE. THE PULVERIZED MANURE CO. 21 Union Stock Yards Chicago, III. FRESH AIR AND PROTECTION! Ventilate your rooms, yet have your windows securely fastened with The Ives Window Ventilating Lock assuring you of fresh air and pro- tection against intrusion. Safe and strong, inexpensive and easily applied. Ask your dealer for them 88-page Catalogue Hardware Specialties, Free. THE H. B. IVES CoO. Sote Manuracturen@® wn. NEW HAVEN, CONN, SaRREL EQUALS FRANCIS HOWARD 5 W. 28th St., N.Y.C. Benches, Pedestals, Fonts, Vases, Busts, Garden Experts. Send 15c. for Booklet See Sweet's Catalogue for 1912, Pages 1598 and 1599 Benches Entrances June, 1912 The “Old Hickory porch” Its rustic is the popular one. charm and enduring comfort make it the favored spot on summer afternoons and evenings. Make your summer comfort complete by fitting your lawn and porch with genuine Old Hickory Furniture. On the most extensive country estates in America, as well as in the less pre- tentious summer homes and cottages, Old Hickory has made an enviable place for itself, because it has superior beauty and gives lasting ease. May we send the handsome book on ‘‘Old Hickory Furniture’’ we’ve prepared for you? It will give 101 all the informalion you’ll need to make your out-door comfort complete. The Old Hickory /__ Chair Co. ops 425 South Cherry St. : Trade Mark Martinsville, Indiana \°2::" Iron Works Co. PRISON, HOUSE & STABLE WORK OIST HANGERS WN FURNITURE FENCING, ETC. AND, OHIO TROWEL Makes Garden Work Easy me Combines Five Useful Garden Implements in One Pe TROWEL—FORK—HOE—WEEDER—DIBBER A Labor Saving Article for Garden or Greenhouse used in Weeding, Digging Planting and Transplanting Compact and rigid in any position—built to last Each tool released by a spring Send 50c for the Whole Combination / ’ if your dealer cannot supply you. h Alca Mfg.Co. \\\ aren if \ treet FORK New York OIBBER iy, WEEDER HOE: oN WHAT YOUNG HOUSEHOLDERS SHOULD KNOW By MAUDE E. S. HYMERS HETHER he owns or rents it, there is much that the young householder should know about the house he lives in. The youthful homemaker, setting up his lares and penates for the first time, may thoughtlessly imagine that the house should take care of itself, but time will teach him his mistake. Regardless of whether the landlord or himself pays for necessary re- pairs, something beside the deterioration of the house, the comfort and health of his own family, depend on his understanding of many things that go to make up the modern home. The plumbing alone may occasion great discomfort, from such simple causes as the exigencies of the weather. Of course every man cannot be his own plumber, but he can take such precautions as will make the plumber’s visits, and the subsequent discom- forts, few and far between. Let him study the map of his basement ceiling as an as- tronomer the heavens, until he knows the location and destination of every pipe in it. He should be able not only to distinguish the gas from the water pipes, but to lay his finger, in the dark if necessary, on the cut- off for every pipe there. Knowing the shut-offs he should also know when to use them; for instance, on unusually cold nights when nature indi- cates a decided drop in temperature, it would be the part of wisdom to shut off the intake pipe outside the house. This, fol- lowed by an opening of faucets and empty- ing of pipes inside the house, will insure your having water for the breakfast coffee, rather than an expensive visit from the plumber. There is little use, however, in shutting off the water unless the pipes are emptied, for enough remains inside them to cause trouble. When a frozen pipe is discovered, 1f pos- sible cut it off fiom the rest of the piping, open the faucet and wait for the natural heat of the house to thaw it. If it proves stubborn, cloths wrung out of hot water may be applied to the pipe, but always with the faucet open to permit escape of steam. Never pour boiling water directly on a frozen pipe for a break will be inevitable. When leaving home for some time in Winter by all means shut off the entire water supply, lest on your return it come rushing from the windows and down the walks to meet you, as actually happened to an acquaintance of mine, whose house was flooded from a particularly annoying break. In Summer take a last look around before leaving to see that all faucets are turned tight enough to prevent leakage and conse- quent rust spots. Emptying the trap of the toilet to prevent rust is also a good idea, but a non-corrosive disinfectant should take its place to prevent the escape of sewer gas. The first act on returning should be to thor- oughly flush all openings and air the house to avoid danger from noxious gases. At all times be on your guard against leaks, not only from broken pipes, but from dripping faucets. The latter may be occa- sioned by carelessness in only half closing them, or by deterioration of washers. It is well to keep on hand a supply of rubber washers, and renew them whenever a fau- cet shows any inclination to drip. An ex- cellent method of repairing small leaks, pending the arrival of the plumber, is to bind the pipe about the break with several thicknesses of cloth, which sprinkle thickly with plaster of paris. This hardens quickly into a sort of cement which sometimes stops the leak indefinitely. AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Buy Paint that is Scien- i tifically Prepared There’s something of Chemistry and of Physics in the making of good paint— To obtain a product so combined as to make a paint of greatest adhesive and cohesive properties that will resist the destructive weather elements re- quires scientific knowledge In making —The Paint of Performance All materials are subject to chemical analysis, and the paints are submitted to practical weather tests. That's why each color is always the same—the consistency is so uniform—why the paint gives long wear and good protection from the elements. “MeLectone, is the most beautiful of all flat wall finishes, and is washable, hygienic and durable. Send for color cards. SEND FOR OUR BOOKLETS Buy from your local High Standard dealer. If you don’t know him we will tell you who he is. Let us also send you our books ‘‘Homes Attractive from Gate to Garret,” ““Harmony in Color’? (both free). ‘‘Good Homes by Good Architects”’ 25 cents in stamps. The Lowe Brothers Co. 469 E. Third St., Dayton, O. Boston New York Chicago Kansas City Lowe Bros., Ltd. Toronto, Can. Sheep’s H ad Brand PULVERIZED Sheep Manure Nature’s Own Plant Food. Ideal for all crops; especially adapted for lawns, golf courses and estates. Growers of nursery stock, small fruits, hedges and gardeners generally will find Sheep's Head Brand the best fertilizer. Contains large percentage of Humus and all fertilizing substances necessary to promote Plant life. Tests place it far ahead of chemical or other fertilizers. Readily applied to the soil. Let us quote you prices. Send for our book, “ Fertile Facts” Tells how to fertilize the soil so that productive crops may be raised. Special matter for lawn and market gardeners, Florists, Nurserymen and Farmers. Sent FREE if you mention this Magazine. NATURAL GUANO COMPANY Dept. 10 , 301 Montgomery Avenue, Aurora, III, vi AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS June, 1912 wie possessing them. Chicago Philadelphia. .1128 Walnut Street Toronto, Can. 59 Richmond St.,E. Pittsburgh.... ..106 Sixth Street St. Louis....100 N. Fourth Street Cincinnati........+ 663 Walnut St. eo vamtlan’ GUARANTEED PLUMBING FIXTURES oy VERY night is tub night when “Standard” Fixtures are inthe home. The delight which the convenience, beauty ™J and refinement of “Standard” Fixtures create in the use of the bathroom makes daily bathing the rule in every home Children especially are drawn to cleanli- ness by the appeal of their attractiveness. to time and use makes their purchase the most econom- ical of all the homebuilder’s expenditures. Genuine “Standard” fixtures for the Home and for School, Office Buildings, Public Institu- tions, etc., are identified by the Green and Gold Label, with the exception of one brand of baths bearing the Red and Black Label, which, while of the first quality of manufac- ture, have aslightly thinner enameling, and thus meet the requirements of those who Standard Sanitary ‘Mfg.Co. Dept. 23 Nashville..... New Orleans, Montreal, Can Louisville........ 319-23 W. Main Street Cleveland.... Hamilton,Can Their resistance demand ‘Standard’ quality at less expense. All “Standard” fixtures, with care, will last a lifetime. And no fixture is genuine w/ess it bears the guarantee label. In order to avoid the substitution of inferior fixtures, specify “Standard” goods in writing (not verbally) and make sure that you get them. PITTSBURGH, PA. London....53 Holborn Viaduct, E.C. Houston, Tex., Preston and Smith Sts. San Francisco. .Metropolis Bank Bldg. Washington, D. C.....Southern Bldg. Toledo, Ohio..... 311-321 Erie Street Fort Worth, Tex., Front and Jones Sts. -315 Tenth Avenue, So. Baronne & St. Joseph Sts. Raprietitec 215 Coristine Bldg. John Hancock Bldg. ..648 Huron Road, S. E. .++++20-28 Jackson St.,W. ‘, Latest Garden Decoration Although the “latest” of our time and country, this Gazing Globe is the oldest feature in classic outdoor decoration. Not a Roman Villa or a Grecian Garden was thought complete without this strange and magic reflector of the sky and landscape. THE GARDEN GAZING GLOBE is a ball of crystal mounted upon a terra- cotta pedestal of Pompeian design, chaste and attractive. The whole is a marvelous kaleidoscopic picture of the ever changing beauty of the out-of-doors. Sunset, moon- rise, clouds—all nature caught and held within your line of vision. Whatever your surroundings of small or ample space, ornate or simple, this crystal globe will find a uniqueand charming place. Diameter of Globe - i Height of Pedestal - 36 inches idth of Base - - 14 inches Write today for illustrated descriptive circular and prices. STEWART-CAREY GLASS CO. Indianapolis, Indiana 5 inches ale g Stow «venient, than larger lamps forgetfully left To permit a leak to continue because of the plumber’s bill, is mistaken economy, since it is only “robbing Peter to pay Paul,” the increased water bill eating up the saving. It has been estimated that a leak the size of an ordinary hatpin will waste about a thou- sand gallons of water in twenty-four hours ; while one as large as a knitting needle would increase the bill by three thousand gallons of water in the course of a day. The furnace coil is another source of possible trouble. In localities where the water contains much lime the pipes will gradually fill with deposit as does a teaket- tle, until nearly or quite full. This will be indicated by heavy, pounding noises in the pipes, and should be regarded as a warning to have the coil removed for a new one. The average life of a furnace coil under such conditions is three years only, and it is un- wise to risk it longer. In case it is not at- tended to there will some day be a small explosion, with emptying of the water tank through the fire box, much steam and a cellar full of ashes and water, not to men- tion the fright given the members of the household. Of course when this happens the first move should be to shut off the pipe to the water tank; if this is not located the intake pipe must be shut off, which means that all | the water in the house piping will proceed to empty itself in your cellar, via the fur- nace; hence the wisdom of being personally acquainted with the various cut-offs. The cleaning of the furnace is another matter not to be overlooked, since clogged air pipes will increase the consumption of coal, while it is still impossible to raise the temperature of the house to the desired point. Even with a furnace properly cared for, on windy days it will be found difficult to heat the rooms on the side of the house from which the wind comes. Especially is this true of a hot-air furnace, where it seems that the wind pushes the hot air back into the pipes so that they sometimes grow cold to the touch. A cold pipe cannot be induced to warm a room, hence it may be- come necessary to first heat the pipe. This may be done by shutting off all the others for a few moments and forcing all the hot air into the cold pipe until it becomes warm, when the hot air will flow through it again. Sometimes outside heat is necessary, such as holding a lighted lamp beneath it. Where the house has electric light ser- vice this difficulty can be permanently over- come by installing an electric fan with ten or twelve-inch blades in the pipe between the cold air intake and the furnace; the con- trolling switch being conveniently located on the first floor. The use of the fan will force air through all the pipes and insure an even heating of the rooms, with perfect circulation. The cost of running such a fan is not great; only about that of an eight candle power light. With hot-air and hot-water furnaces also comes the question of dry air in the living rooms. Most hot-air furnaces have a small tank beneath, which when kept filled with water insures moisture in the air above. The filling should on no account be neg- lected. If there is no such tank small pails of water may be hung in the registers, or jardinieres on top of the radiators. In electrically lighted homes it is possible to cut the bills somewhat by substituting four candle power lamps for larger ones wherever possible; such as at the head of cellar stairs, in halls, bathrooms, etc. Here only light enough to see one’s way about is necessary, and a small light left burning will cost no more, and be much more con- June, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Vii burning half of the time. This is true also of gas lights, where burners having pull chain fixtures, allowing a flicker of light to serve as a torch, are substituted for com- mon ones. Burned-out wires in bulbs are a large expense, but these may be mended if only one wire is broken. To do this attach the bulb to a drop light, turn on the electricity and hold the bulb between yourself and the light, shaking it gently back and forth. The broken ends will meet and the current weld the wires together again. lf gas is the lighting system it is even more necessary to know the location of the pipes, the shutting off of the flow of gas at the opportune moment having often pre- vented serious fires. ; It is also even more important to beware of leaks, not only in consideration of the pocketbook but the health of the family. Never, however, make the mistake of look- ing for a leaky gas pipe with a light. The nose and the ear should be sufficient guides ; after which try smearing the suspected spot with a thick paste of soapsuds. If bubbles form in the paste you may be sure there is a leak there, which should at once be at- tended to regardless of expense. COSMOS TILL CHRISTMAS N the country about New York, blossom time offers such a wealth of floral loveli- ness and the season of sere leaf and gusts of snow is so niggardly in this respect, that some method by which blooms may come fresh from wintry gardens to brighten in- door life at Christmastide, is well worth knowing. The flowers which so rewarded my care were white and pink cosmos, of which I cut enough just before Christmas to adorn two rooms and the foyer with six large bunches. By changing the water in which they stood and clipping the ends of the long stems each day these dainty blossoms lasted for more than two weeks, buds open- ing constantly to add a fresh supply of blooms. The secret of my beautiful harvest of cosmos lay in the fact that my garden is situated on the southern slope of a thickly wooded mountain and the portion of it in which I planted cosmos was further pro- tected by an angle to the north and north- west formed by a tall hedge of privet and the house. Back of some terrace beds of perennials I planted, late in Spring, a thick border of cosmos to form a delicate back- ground of green for blossoms of various sorts until chrysanthemums finished the season in November. My cosmos were of two heights, the taller variety spreading thick symmetrical branches some seven or eight feet above the terrace. They commenced blooming pro- fusely early in the Autumn and continued to blossom through snows that several times froze full-blown flowers but never seemed to injure buds or plants, until a storm that threatened unusual severity de- cided me to cut every budding branch and bloom a few days before Christmas. The earth in which my cosmos were planted consisted of unfertile native red clay and pebbles mixed well with a com- post of rotted manure and leaves, and the plants were said to exceed in height, spread and thickness of branches and quantity of bloom any in that vicinity. The same fortune which attended the cosmos prompted red, straw-colored and white chrysanthemums, which were planted in a border against the southern side of the house as well as in front of the cosmos, to yield blooms until early in December. Your trees ~ will not die of old age but of neglect or of mistreatment from in- experienced men who wield _an axe and saw with heartless indifference. The tree here shown was a big tree when George Washington was president. It was dying of neglect when Davey Tree Experts gave it a new lease of life. Thousands of other trees with either a sentimental or money value have been saved by Davey Tree Experts. The cost In many cases was no more than the cost of removing dead trees. Davey as Experts Oo for trees what trained surgeons do for human beings. They render the greatest service possible, because they are trained in the Davey Institute of Tree Surgery, founded by John Davey. They carry credentials proving them qualified. Demand to see these credentials before you let any man touch your trees. All graduates are employed by the Davey Tree Expert Company. WE NEVER LET GOOD MEN GO. Your trees may be unsound and yet appear sound. They may have weak crotches. The first high wind will blow them over. Loss of property and life may result. If you want to save your trees write to-day for our free book. Be sure to mention how many trees you have and their kind. If agreeable to you we will make an expert examination of your trees with- out obligation on your part. Address The Davey Tree Expert Co., 230 Root Street, Kent, Ohio Branch Offices: New York, N. Y., Chicago, IIl., Toronto, Ont. Canadian Address: 630 Conf. Life Building, Toronto Representatives Available Every- where JOHN DAVEY Father of Tree Surgery COPYRIGHT !9!2 Farr’s Fancy Bulbs Imported to Order If you send me your order before July Ist] can import Tulips, Daffodils, or Hyacinths specially for you, and deliver the bulbs about the middle of September. The finest bulbs can be secured only by ordering early, | and for this reason! give a _ special discount of 10 per | cent. on all orders received before July Ist. I will fill orders after July ist, but] cannot guarantee such high quality bulbs. Send for my Bulb Book and learn about my plan; then make your selection at once, so that you may be sure of receiving Holland's finest bulbs for your garden. OLD ENGLISH GARDEN SEATS RUSTIC WORK Catalog of many designs on request North Shore Ferneries Company, Beverly, Massachusetts Plant for Immediate Effect Not for Future Generations It takes many years to BERTRAND H. FARR, Wyomissing Nurseries 643E Penn Street, Reading, Pa. Start with the largest stock that can be secured! grow such Trees and Shrubs as we offer. We do the long waiting—thus enabling you to secure Trees and Shrubs that give an immediate effect. Spring Price List gives complete information. Box CHESTNUT HILL ANDORRA NURSERIE N PHILADELPHIA, PA. WM. WARNER HARPER, Proprietor Vill AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS June, 1912 a Spencer Turbine Vacuum Gleaners have recently been chosen for the largest vacuum cleaning installation in the world— Nineteen machines for the General Hospital Buildings, Cincinnati, Ohio Proven superiority in efficiency, simplicity and durability of the Spencer Turbine Cleaners makes them logical installations for the great buildings of today and the greater buildings of tomorrow The mammoth Banker's with Spencers, Spencer Turbine Cleaners in the basement have pipes running up through the building to each floor, with hose attachment for cleaning. are made in 12 sizes, from 42 H. P Woolworth Bu id ine—tallest Trust, both being erected in New York City, are being equipped z ! ., l-sweeper, to 40 H. capecity—for the smallest residence or the tallest skyscraper. in the world—and the Machines P., 16 sweepers On request a free Catalog and list of Installations will be furnished as references. ‘—., Spencer Turbine Cleaner Company 638 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, Conn. Branch offices or Selling Agencies tn all Principal Cities Cornell Sectional Cottages . Complete Painted Ready-to Set Up Garages, Stores, Churches, Schoolhouses, Playhouses, Studios, etc. for handling and are quickly and easily erected simply by bolting sections together. is not necessary to set them up, as all sections are numbered and everything fits. class material in the largest and best portable house factory in America. Built in sections, convenient Skilled labor Built of first Buildings are substantial and as durable as if built on the ground by local contractors. Are handsomer and COST MUCH LESS. We build houses to meet every requirement, We pay freight. by mail on receipt of 4c. stamps. Wyckoff Lumber & Mfg. Co., 410 Lehigh St., Ithaca, N.Y. Att catalog HEAVY LOAD ON A HOT DAY NO PLAYTIME FOR HER IN NEED OF FRESH AIR SUGGESTIONS A lawn sociable by your class, Sunday school or club. A card party at your summer hotel or camp. A subscription among your friends. A list of people to whom we may send either this appeal, or others similar to it, without mention- ing your name. THE BATHING HOUR AT SEA BREEZE FROM STIFLING TENEMENT TO SEASHORE AND COUNTRY Do you know that the New Yorker living below Fourteenth Street has an average of only 18 square feet of breathing space? Can you imagine anyone more in need of fresh air outings than these dwellers in sultry homes, hemmed in by scorching pavements > Neither opportunity nor money is theirs with which to seek pure air. For them fresh breezes and outdoor freedom are made impossible by congestion. Every penny of their small earnings goes to satisfy pressing needs. Mothers, children and babies, broken with toil, ill- nurtured, or frail, appeal through us to you for a bit of sunshine and relief from care in the country, or at Sea Breeze, our seashore Home at Coney Island. Wou'd you not enjoy your vacation more if you knew that you were enabling or helping A convalescent mother to regain lost health? A worn-out widow and her children to be care-free for a week or two? An aged and friendless woman to gain new life and cheer? A weary shop girl to enjoy a glorious week of freedom? An under-nourished baby to get fresh air and pure milk? An anemic school boy or girl to win a new start for the next year ? Won't you help them? The trouble of sending a contribution is nothing compared to the joy that it will bring to some of these stifling homes. NEW YORK ASSOCIATION FOR IMPROVING THE CONDITION OF THE POOR R. FULTON CUTTING, PrREsiDEN? A “DIP IN THE TENEMENT DISTRICT A HAPPY LITTLE MOTHER WHO SAID WE ARE AFRAID? HOW THE WAVES TICKLE MY FEET Send contributions to ROBERT SHAW MINTURN Room 207 105 East 22nd Street New York City Treasurer — ANTECEDENTS OF THE FIRELESS COOKER HE first definite mention of the fact that food could be cooked without con- tinual heating is said to have been made by the great chemist Justus von Liebig, in the year 1847, although Juvenil, the Roman poet, informs us that the basket which con- stituted the sole house furniture of the poor Jewish beggar woman of Rome was filled with hay for the purpose of keeping warm the bits of food which were given to the beggars. The action of a fireless cooker depends upon the fact that a non-conductor of heat surrounding a cooking yessel prevents loss of heat from any material which is put into the vessel in a hot condition, so that the material to be cooked remains for a long time at a high temperature and be- comes “done” without further heating. In the.case where a certain food requires an average time of four hours’ cooking it is only required of a fireless cooker that it retain sufficient heat for that length of time without allowing the temperature to fall below 70 deg. Cent. Sixty years ago the peasants of Baden were accustomed to the use of the so-called hay box, a simple box provided with a lid and filled with straw, in which the farmers placed hot food in the morning for their dinner in the harvest fields at noon. In certain other European districts one will occasionally find the practice of wrap- ping cooked food in cloth and placing it in the still warm bed to remain until the next meal time. In the middle of the last cen- tury the hay box of the peasants of Baden found its way to Paris, where it under- went various modifications in which other poor conductors of heat were employed in place of hay. At the World’s Fair in Paris (1867) there was exhibited a fireless cooker under the name of “Cuisine automatique norvegienne.” In this fireless cooker the non-conducting material consisted of cheap Norwegian fur. The first public manufacturer of fireless cookers was Johann Heinrich Meidenger of Carlsruhe, who made many experiments on the heat conductivity of the walls of ice boxes. He found that finely chopped hair, wool, hay and shavings were good in- sulators for the purpose. Meidenger’s fire- less cookers astonished the German public to a degree which we can scarcely compre- hend. The action of an old box in which anyone could within three or four hours, cook food without fire was regarded as downright inexplicable. The first quoted price for fireless cookers was 22.5 francs (about $4.50). The fireless cooker has been the means of effecting important changes in certain industries of Berlin, notably the cigarette industry, in which both men and women were employed. It was the custom in this industry to allow the women to cease work an hour or so before lunch time in order that they might have an opportunity of pre- paring a warm meal for their husbands and families, who were frequently co- workers. Employers on hearing of the fire- less cooker introduced it to their work peo- ple, and by persuading them to adopt it made it possible for the married women workers to remain at work an equal length of time with their husbands, since the workers could bring their lunch with them and have it smoking hot at lunch time. Certain of the German State railroads have provided certain classes of their em- ployees with fireless cookers in order that they might have warm food without the necessity of leaving their posts. June, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND ,GARDENS ix Like ayard with shade treesandshrubbery, cool, seclusive and inviting, is the porch screened from the blazing sun with Burlington Venetian Blinds You can easily fit your porch with Burlington Venetian Blinds, and you can readily adjust the blinds at an angle that will allow free circulation and yet keep out e hot sun. Write for FREE, Illustrated Booklet This booklet will show you that your porch can be that which it ought to be—your summer living room. Burlington Venetian Blind Co. 339 Lake St., Burlington, Vt. 5-Passenger Touring Car—110-inch Wheelbase $850 Standard Model - - Model EE - - $900 R-C-H-Corporation, Detroit, Mich. See it at local branch in all large cities Do you know what kind of a house you want for your own home? ‘The Colonial type, or the | Spanish Mission, or the Swiss chalet, the Italian i villa, or those of the Dutch Colonial type, or the half-timber house? Here is a book that will | j familiarize you with all the distinct styles now | ; used for country homes. Each chapter 1s written } 4 by a prominent architect from the point of view of | an enthusiast. Illustrated with photographs and | plans. Price, $2 net; postage, 20 cents. Concrete and Stucco Houses By Oswald C. Hering The time is approaching when it will be cheaper | to build of concrete, the fireproof material, than of You cannot look at the superb illustrations } in this book without being convinced that a con- } wood. crete house, properly designed, is not only the | most durable but among the most beautiful of | Illustrated with photographs, diagrams | buildings. and floor plans, with colored frontispiece. $2 net; postage, 20 cents. The Half-Timber House By Allen W. Jackson Price, Mr. Jackson contends that this half-timber style } of home with its contrast of dark beams against the light plaster, is our rightful heritage, more so than Colonial or any other style. And he makes you know the half-timber house so intimately—its idiosyncracies, its characteristic detail—that it is very easy to believe as he does. Illustrated with photographs, diagrams and floor plans, with colored frontispiece. Price, $2 fet; postage, 20 cents. The House and Garden “Making” Books Each 50 cents net; postage, 5 cents. A brand new series of practical handbooks. Each by an authority on some important feature § of the country or suburban home. Making a Tennis Court Making the Grounds At- Making a Poultry House tractive with Shrubbery Making a Water Garden Making Paths and Drive- Making a2 Garden to Bloom ways this Year Making a Rock Garden Send for complete list of titles Vour bookseller can supply you > McBRIDE, NAST & CO. Union Sige Wey York House & Garden Travel THE ANTIQUE COLLECTING INSTINCT By ROBERT LEONARD AMES ERHAPS the antiquarian, like the poet, Pi born and not made. The spirit of the true collector will take him into all sorts of places—into the bypaths as well as the highways—for he has learned that in even the most unpromising spots a treasure may be discovered. Possibly the collecting in- stinct may direct him, for if it be that the true journalist is gifted with the “nose for news” it is quite as logical to suppose that like intuitions in others may be equally keen. Who could think of a field for collect- ing, more unprofitable than the homes of the very poor of the lower East side of New York city?—and yet here one collec- tor discovered the most beautiful pieces of old metal work which formed the greater part of a vast collection of brasses, samo- vars, candelabra, and many other objects of wondrous beauty. The writer remem- bers visiting this great collection late one Winter afternoon. In a long and lofty room of an old New York house the walls had been covered with a fabric of a rich, deep brown. The woodwork had been painted and rubbed down to an old ivory tone and amid this beautiful setting was arranged a dazzling array of brass, old braziers with richly perforated covers from Portugal or Spain; milk cans and warming pans with lids etched and pierced, from Holland or Belgium; candlesticks of every size and period and from every country, and the most wonderful objects—lamps and other religious emblems which must have been for generations the houshold treasures of the Dispersed of Judah. The effect of this bewildering variety of metal, softly pol- ished to a velvety surface, with the after- noon sun cast upon it, is a recollection ever to be enjoyed. ies Into our great cities is poured each year a vast horde of immigrants from the older countries of Europe. These people arrive with the tenacity of ideas which has come down to them through long centuries of poverty and oppression, but a subtle some- thing in the atmosphere of the land of the free seems to cause a sudden change in their attitude and this, of course, affects their methods and modes of living. They try, perhaps quite naturally, to become part of the life which they find about them and begin almost immediately to adopt the styles of dress which they see suggested in the shop windows and are quite willing to discard the costumes in which they reached Ellis Island, for the cheap finery they see worn upon the street. These altered ideas soon find expression in their willingness to sell their treasures and heirlooms for what will give more enjoyment, and right here is the opportunity for the careful collector to secure what to him are the most beauti- ful objects. The poor from Russia are soon ready to dispose of their icons and antique brasses, their samovars and such strange, semi-barbaric jewelry as their pov- erty has left to them. The women from Italy are eager to exchange their filet laces, embroidery and bright colored shawls for paltry furbelows, and the Norwegians see little of value in their carved wood and old pewter, when their sale will procure some of the hideous household furnishings which they see on sale everywhere, and which they think are examples of American taste. An antique dealer was once asked where he obtained the wonderful and beautiful things which crowded his shop. He re- plied that he imported but few antiques, but that he or his agents are continually Has Set a New Standard || for Wicker Furniture i THE WORLD’S LEADER Ask your dealer New Booklet, No. 237, upon request. PRAIRIE GRASS FURNITURE CO. & Sole Manufacturers Long Island New York Glendale Permanent, never cracks nor yellows. Gives a_ porcelain-like finish without trace of brush-mark. Send for Free Booklet and Panel Finished with Viiralite —judge for yourself. If your dealer hasn't Vitralite, write us at Tonawanda Street, Buffalo, N. Y.; in Canada, 63 Courtwright Street, a= Bridgeburg, Ont. PRATT & LAMBERT VARNISHES AMERICAN FACTORIES ForReiGN Factories NewYone Burro Gmeaco ESTABLISHED O60 YEARS Pons DON Paris BripGesurG CANADA AMBUR Install a Paddock Water Filter You will then use for every household purpose pure water. Paddock Water Filters are placed at the inlet and Filter Your Entire Water Supply removing all desease bacteria, cleansing and purify- ing your water. Write for catalog. ATLANTIC FILTER COMPANY 309 White Building, Buffalo, N. Y. In New Yor ity PADDOCK FILTER COMPANY 152 East 33rd Street Hide the Garbage, Ashes and Waste Keep them unseen or un- smelt underground or below floor. No litter, no chance for flies, cats or dogs —no danger of fire or infection with Underground Ske FRace wane RECEIVERS Also Underground Earth Closet with Portable Steel House— protects water supply of farm or camp. Other practical articles of the Stephenson Line. 9 years on the market It pays to look us up. Sold direct. Send for booklets C. H. STEPHENSON, Mfr. 21 Farrar Street, Lynn, Mass. AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS The Tree System— Lhe Bell System NOBLE tree thrives because the leaves, twigs, branches, trunk and roots are all working together, each doing its part so that all may live. Neither the roots nor the branches can live without the other, and if the trunk is girdled so that the sap cannot flow, the whole tree dies. The existence of the tree depends not only onthe activity of all the parts, but upon their being always connected to- gether in the “tree system.” y This is true also of that wonderful combination of wires, switchboards, telephones, employes and subscribers which helps make up what is called the Bell Telephone System. It is more than the vast machinery of communication, covering the country from ocean to ocean. Every part is alive, and each gives additional useful- ness to every other part. The value of telephone service de- pends not only on the number of tele- phones, but upon their being always connected together, as in the Bell System. AMERICAN TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH COMPANY AND ASSOCIATED COMPANIES One Policy Sample and Circular Free One System Universal Servicr , A House Lined with Mineral Wool as shown in these sections, is Warm in Winter, Cool in Summer, and is thoroughly DEAFENED. The lining is vermin proof; neither rats, mice, nor insects can make their way through or live init. MINERAL WOOL checks the spread of fire and VERTICAL SECTION, keeps out dampness. CORRESPONDENCE SOLICITED U. S. Mineral Wool Co. 140 Cedar St. NEW YORK CITY June, 1912 buying from the foreigners who have but recently arrived and who are being “Ameri- canized.” His reply may suggest many an idea to the discriminating antiquarian for after all a very large part of the pleasure of collecting is in the experience which it in- volves. The pleasure of collecting in Eu- rope is being ruined by the unscrupulous frauds which are being perpetrated almost everywhere. Not long since the American consul at one of the continental cities, felt obliged to warn tourists from America of the trickery which was being widely prac- tised, and when one remembers the wiles of some antique dealers at home, he can readily understand the ease with which such frauds are managed abroad where a certain foreign setting lends more than usual attractiveness and plausibility to the wares. Then, too, Americans are often willing to delude themselves into supposing that what they see abroad must be really old, and they seem to have a genius for be- ing imposed upon. Not long since a New York woman pur- chased a great number of the really beauti- ful gilded glass objects on sale in Venice; she did not suppose them to be old for she could see them being made at the works at Murano, but she thought it would be im- possible to purchase the articles in America at any price. And yet the same wares and in many cases the identical patterns are on sale in the china and glass departments of many American stores. Everyone knows, or has heard, of the “salting” of antiques abroad and particu- larly in England and in Scotland. An en- terprising dealer in reproductions from London or Edinburg, will “consign” cer- tain coffers, chests, benches or gate-leg tables to farmhouses or inns much visited by tourists. These inns or farmhouses are, of course ancient, and their picturesque names and signs have been landmarks for centuries, while their quaint interiors form a fitting background for the interesting, beautiful, but not antique furnishings, which have been “consigned.” A number of young Americans were once having ale and cheese at a picturesque little inn in Devon- shire; one of the party was attracted by the beauty of the little table at which they were sitting and jokingly asked if it were for sale. He was surprised at the ease with which it was secured and it was triumphant- ly carried away in their motor car; but a few weeks later he found an exact dupli- cate installed in its place and still later on he discovered many such tables in similar taverns and inns, BREAD OF THE VIKING AGE R. SCHNITTGER, professdr at Stock- holm University, has made an interest- ing find relating to the remote past of his country at Ljunga, in Eastern Gothland, viz., some bread dating from the time of the Vikings. Microscopical examination has shown this bread to be made from pine bark and pea meat, thus proving the fact that peas were growh in Sweden as far back as a thousand years ago. Archzeologi- cal excavation has so far brought to light only a few specimens of bread dating from ancient or prehistoric times. The few loaves excavated in Egypt and in Swiss lake dwellings are of the highest archeological interest. In the northern countries only one or two finds of this kind have so far béen *made, foremost among which should be mentioned a corn-meal loaf dating from the. fourth century A. D., which was discovered by Dr. Schnittger in 1908 in connection with the excavation of Boberg castle. June, 1912 Zo eS ASI sera ANIERIT CAN FOMES AND GARDENS xi « THE JULY NUMBER HE midsummer number of AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS will be one of the most attractive issues of the year, full of excellent material of the deepest interest to every homemaker and beautifully illustrated from cover to cover. Indeed, the Editor is constantly in receipt of letters from the magazines and others complimenting AMERICAN HoMEs AND GARDENS on its remarkable illus- trations, expressing some wonderment that it is possible to: make each succeeding issue as handsome as the one pre- ceding. As the magazine not only selects the finest photo- graphs available but likewise has its own direct photographic staff, it is possible to present to its readers illustrated features unsurpassed by any other magazine in the field of periodicals devoted to homemaking. HE magazine knows what to place before its readers because its editorial policy keeps it closely in touch with them. In its various departments AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS seeks not so much to keep its readers informed of novelties as it does to present old truths with vital emphasis. The articles that appear in these departments are essays worth reading, not only by reason of their sub- ject matter but also because they are all well written. N the department Within the House, the matter of the interior of the house, large or small, its decoration, fur- nishing, papering, painting, flooring, plumbing, lighting, heating, etc., comprises a field in which the articles that appear in AMERICAN HoMEs AND GARDENS stand un-. rivalled. UMMER and Winter there is no abatement interest in horticultural matters shown by our readers, because month by month AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS prints the best gardening articles that can be procured that will be of definite value to the home-builder and home- maker. In this connection the regular department, dround the Garden, is of especial value to every reader of the mag- azine. HE ideal of the American home is not the pretentious estate that is merely a show-place requiring an army of servants for its upkeep. Instead, the home and the gar- den of the man of moderate means more nearly approach the true- conception of the American ‘ideal. Therefore AMERICAN HoMEs AND GARDENS is eagerly read by the housewife as well as by other members of the family by reason of the attention it gives to small houses and to the many matters within her province. In every issue appears FHlelps to the Housewife, a department conducted by Eliza- beth Atwood, one of the highest authorities on home econo- mics. American mothers, and fathers as well, can ill af- ford to miss reading her essays on home topics. HE July number will have for its opening article a de- scription of a delightful Massachusetts country home, showing exteriors and interiors. An interesting article on a little studied phase of Furniture will appear under the same authorship, Harold Donaldson Eberlein and Abbott Mc- Clure, followed by Adelia Belle Beard’s article on The American Pageant. Several small houses are illustrated and described in this issue, accompanied by their plans. The in the - double-page feature will be one of the handsomest that has appeared in the magazine this year. HE July issue will give especial emphasis to the sub- ject of The Isolated Power Plant in an excellent article by Jonathan Rawson, and to Plumbing fixtures in an inter- esting and valuable article by Robert Cowie. Other features that will appear in this July issue cannot fail to commend the magazine to every homemaker in America. SCHOOLS OF PRINTING UTSIDE of England (under the influence of William Morris and those following in his steps) and, later, Germany, no other country has given so much interest to the study of printing and typography as has America, de- spite the fact that foreign runic have, perhaps paid more attention to the subject of the appearance of unillustrated books than have we in this country. However, the interest in printing to which the Editor refers is that which affects Americans at large, and a few months ago Mr. John Cot- ton Dana, in an address before the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration, called attention to the rapid development of schools of printing in the United States. In addition to the Harvard School, the Inland Printing Technical School in Chicago, Mr. Dana called attention to the printing course in connection with the School of Journalism at the State University of Washington, the printing course at the United States Indian School, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, the North End Union School of Printing in Boston, the printing course of the New York Trade School in New York city, the Columbus Trade School, Columbus, Ohio, and the printing course in the Cleveland Elementary Industrial School. In addition to these, one might call at- tention to the practical courses of instruction at Tuskegee, at the Utica Normal and Industrial Institute in Mississippi, and other institutions. ‘This awakening interest in the printing trades industrial education is one which everyone should be glad to note, and it should receive the attention of all per- sons interested in industrial education, for in this matter of printing better facilities should be open to all our youth. SUBSCRIBERS’ OWN GARDENS MONG tthe subscribers of AMERICAN HoMES AND GARDENS are many who are especially interested in their gardens. With this in mind AMERICAN -HIOMES AND GARDENS offers $10 to the subscriber who sends us the best photograph or set of photographs of his or her own gar- den, accompanied by an account of its planning, planting, care, etc., which description should be between six and eight hundred words. All manuscripts and photographs should be plainly marked with sender’s name and address and ac- companied by postage for return. ‘The articles and photo- graphs must be submitted before September 1, 1912. Other garden photographs and descriptions of interest will, if retained by the Editor, be paid for at the magazine’s regu- lar rates. The article, ‘“Hints on Using Copper on Outside Building Work” appearing in March number of AMERICAN Homes AND GARDENS was incorrectly ascribed to A. C. Varian in- stead of to Charles K. Farrington, its author. xii AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS June, 1912 Hardware No feature of building is more important than harmonizing the finishing and decorating with the architecture of the various rooms. No feature of the finishing is more important than the refine- ment and beauty of the hardware employed. Good architects are invariably acquainted with Sargent Hard- ware and the Sargent care of little details, beauty. of finish, authenticity of period design and reliability of construction. In Sargent Hardware every detail, every piece even of the least important display is given scrupulous attention. lt is correct. It is in harmonious keeping. with its more prominent companion pieces. — It is practical in service. Write for the illustrated book of Sargent Designs. Also for the Sar- gent Colonial Book illustrating pat- terns of thisperiod. Both sent free on request. Then confer with your - architect to insure an harmonious selection. Lane Steel Beam Hangers = oe ) Lane Double Hangers Lane “D” Hanger Lane “B” Hanger When you do build, build right. Do not cut away the timbers or depend on flimsy spiking. 20,000 Hangers in 100 stock sizes adapted to all conditions are in stock ready for immediate shipment. Send for a handsome model done in aluminum—consult your architect—then permit us to estimate on your requirements. LANE BROS. CO., 434-466 Prospect Street, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. GIRDLING GRAPE VINES By E. 1. F. N sections where early frosts interfere with the growing of early grapes, it is a common custom to girdle the vines, by which means the time of ripening is has- tened from three to five days. The work is done by taking out a ring of the bark be- low the fruit an inch or less in width, a sharp knife being passed around the cane twice and the bark then peeled off. The result of this treatment is that the elabor- ated sap beyond the point girdled does not return to form cane or root, but is taken up by the fruit increasing its size as well as causing it to ripen earlier than under ordinary conditions. Discretion must be used when this plan is followed, and enough of the canes left ungirdled so that the development of the root system and the making of new canes for the next year’s fruiting will not be in- terfered with. After the crop has been gathered the girdled canes are cut away. The time for performing the girdling operation is from July 1st to September 1st, but the earlier the better, as a rule. The work is easily and quickly done and the plan is worth trying if it will save the grapes from being caught by frosts. Another plan practiced by grape growers and commended to amateurs is the bagging of a number of the choicest clusters. An ordinary paper bag will answer and the three-pound size is commonly used. The bags may be fastened about the stem with a bit of twine or with pins. Grapes treated in this fashion mature deliciously and are free from the attacks of birds and other pests. If orioles are plentiful they often do much damage in the grape arbor by piercing the fruit with their bills. Bag- ging is a perfect protection. CATALOGUING EARTHQUAKES WRITER in the New York Evening Post points out that “the modern seis- mographs scattered about the world record about eighty-two earthquakes a day, or ap- proximately 30,000 each year. Most of them, 99.8 per cent., to be exact, are sien slight trembles as to be of no importance. This leaves some sixty a year worth re- cording. Several elaborate and painstaking efforts have been made to compile complete records of the world’s quakes since very early times. The late Robert Mallet and his son made such a list, extending back to 1600 B. C., or thereabouts, and the Count de Montessus de Bellore of Chili has col- lected records of 140,000 earthquakes. The futility of the attempt at completeness is obvious when it is remembered that at the present rate of 30,000 a year there must have been about 6,000,000 quakes since the Christian era began. “Tt has been possible, however, to make a seismic record covering the Christian era of some scientific value by eliminating the minor earth disturbances. Even the re- sults of this limited compilation, recently published for Prof. J. G. Milne by the Brit- ish Association, are very imperfect. His records begin at 7 A. D. and extend to 1899, a period of 1,893 years. They include only what he calls destructive earthquakes, that is, ‘those causing some marked injury to property.’ His lists contain but 4,151 such quakes, whereas at the present rate of sixty a year, there should have been something over 100,000. He could find reliable rec- ords and details of but 4 per cent. of the probable total. The most disastrous and fatal quake of which he gives details was that of 1556, in China, when the loss of life was estimated at 830,000.” SSF g : Re ae we Sate te . t / E%: 73 ; “hig yd Peat 2: = s "ee? Lille Orie Neboer OR JUNE. 1912 Js. WACEINONE SINGIN s G5 och ORE SEAL nok oe CP Dr a eta a ee a Frontispiece COUNTRY: IONE Ame ROSLYN, IEONG ISLAND...'¢....-- 2-2: By Robert H. Van Court 195 BUMMER WORK IN THE VEGETABLE GARDEN... 0.00.08. soe ele es By F. F. Rockwell 200 MOC WVORKeFORGMEHE TONITE IGROUNDS= - cis. Jj2his sb cs he es oo ees a 204 ates Ak. keene SONG By Berwyn Converse 205 A Camp EXPERIMENT THAT BECAME A PERMANENT SUMMER HoME By Helen N. Marion 207 LEE GETIDENT IIRC O16 ag a aha oneal eae an ran EEN 77 ne ee a 210-211 RUNNING A HousEBoaT BY AUTOMOBILE PowER............. By Robert H. Moulton DD SONS OSHS Pete gt OR Seer 5: « Ron u MPR bettas cs aac ile agete a0 2 48 By Mary H. Northend 214 Sc hc eet or By Robert Leonard Ames 218 Eisele, Sugtaed Sb can eee eae een ene Doerner Buin CG wiurner® 1220 Se Areenes Sesases Sais By Harry Martin Yeomans 222 ROUND IEEE GARDEN June in the Garden. 2... 65. cuee dsc be cee ces eu ones Uleabees 224 HELPs ro THE Housewire—The Mother’s Part in Athletics... .. By Elizabeth Atwood 226 Caring for the Pullets New Books Editor’s Notebook Grooming and Exercise for the Dog Flowers for Late Planting Antecedents of the Fireless Cooker CHARLES ALLEN MUNN FREDERICK CONVERSE BEACH President MUNN & CO}. 3 I in (Ce 4 Secretary and Treasurer Publishers 361 Broadway, New York Published Monthly. Subscription Rates: United States, $3.00 a year; Canada, $3.50 a year. Foreign Countries, $4.00 a year. Single Copies 25 cents. Combined Subscription Rate for “American Homes and Gardens” and the “Scientific American,” $5.00 a year. pyright 1912 by Munn &Co., Inc. Registered in United States Patent Office. Entered as second-class matter June 15, 1905, at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1879. The Editor will be pleased to consider all contributions, but ‘‘American Homes and Gardens” will not hold itself responsible for manuscripts and photographs submitted June sets the fancy wandering over hill and dale, lake and stream, to mountain top and by the seaside, when everyone is thinking of vacation time AMERICAN x A Country Home at Roslyn, Long Island By Robert H. Van Court q/O part of the district within reasonably easy ern portion fronting upon the Sound through the hills and j|| access of New York is more popular with vales of the interior of the island to the southern shore the owners of important estates than Long where the land ends in a long succession of broad, sandy Island. Here within an hour’s ride of the beaches. Excellent roads particularly adapted to auto- city is spread out a country greatly diversi- mobiling extend in all directions and everything invites fied offering every variety of natural beauty to motoring, golf and other varieties of out-of-door life. rugged bluffs and rocky shores of the north- The country about Roslyn, near the centre of the island, < A delightfully picturesque half-timber house, long and low, admirably planned and designed and attractively placed 196 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS June, 1912 The walls of the living-room are paneled in squares of dark walnut and the ceiling beams are also of walnut is occupied chiefly by large and very beautiful estates. Here the country is high and rolling, in many places heavily wooded and possessing many hilltops from which are to be had wonderful views of valleys and hills and glimpses of ocean, lakes and sound. Each of the country homes which have been established here is set within spacious grounds, far from the roadside, and screened by dense growth of trees and shrubbery. The county home here illustrated is an important estate planned and built for its owner by Messrs. Walker & Gil- lette, architects, New York. It presents many of the aspects that make an English country home so attractive. The surroundings are such as one finds in many of the counties of England, and the architecture of the house and its service buildings, as well as the planning of the grounds, garden and other parts of the estate are in accord with the arrange- ment of the most modern country homes. Here sur- rounded by broad acres and amid lawns and a beautiful en setting of hedges and shrub- ; : bery, the architects have built a delightfully pictur- esque house, long and low, with many gables and some- what rambling, which has so The paneled hall showing entrance to the living-room quickly become a part of its surroundings that it is quite easy to imagine it the result of long years of gradual growth. The first story, with its many wings and projections, is of brick. The roof is of shingles and is brought down in broad eaves over the second story, which is of rough plaster and wood in half-timber construction. Many of the win- dows are arranged in groups with mullions; small panes are used everywhere and much ivy and other clinging vines are being trained upon the walls. Planting of shrubbery in the angles and at the corners of the building and about verandas and entrance-porch have done much to make the house so intimate a part of its setting. The space directly before the entrance front has been enclosed, English fashion, by a tall trimmed hedge. This large area is graveled and affords ample room for the “parking” and turning of carriages and motors which must be planned for in ar- ranging the grounds .of a large estate in the part of a country where automobil- ing is so important a part of everyday life. Here abund- ant space is provided for the accommodation of a number of cars without danger of injury to shrubbery or flower beds. A single broad stone June, 1912 step is placed before the main doorway which opens through a small vestibule into the entrance-hall, lofty and spacious, which divides the house. At the far end is built the main stairway and upon its wide square landing are several tall windows grouped together. The walls of the hall are paneled and the details of newel and stair-balusters agree in style with that of the walls themselves. Close to the main entrance of the house is a small apartment planned as a reception-room and used as such, although fitted up as a smoking-room or den. ‘The walls are covered with a fabric of a dark tint which affords an excellent back- ground for woodwork painted cream white and old sporting prints and colored engravings in mahogany frames with which the room is hung. The size of this very spacious house seems to be even greater than it really is for living- and dining-rooms are placed at either side of the broad hall and wide door open- ings offer a long vista closing with a glimpse out-of-doors, for at one end of the living-room are windows which open upon a veranda and still farther beyond are seen the barn, shrubbery and trees. Other windows of this beautiful room open upon a terrace and still another group overlooks a garden laid out with the formality which belongs to such an estate. The walls of the living-room are paneled like the hall, in squares of walnut, and against this rich, dark background are placed pictures with gold frames and the numerous small belongings which fill the living-rooms of a large American country house. Two heavy beams of walnut break the ceiling and much of the furniture is of the same wood of Elizabethan design or of old English oak in the form of chests and coffers. A deep fireplace lined with brick and fitted with a “hooded” mantel of stone er EE yet . . AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 107 occupies part of one side of this long room and drawn up about the fireside are divans and chairs, a large study table and a grand piano. The influence of the English period style is especially noticeable in the dining-room, for here, in addition to more paneled walls, furniture of old English pattern and a Tudor fireplace of stone lined with brick, is a ceiling of plaster modeled after the manner of the ceilings in Holland House, Hardwick Hall and other great English country houses. One side of this large dining-room is lighted by windows Opening upon a broad terrace overlooking the estate, and at the other side of the room are four small windows placed in the high paneled wainscoting. In one corner is the entrance to the pantry and just before the door is placed a screen which conceals its frequent opening and closing. A tiny dining-room is planned for the special com- fort of the junior members of the family and, like the main dining-room, is connected with the kitchen and service por- tion of the house by the narrow hallway which leads from there to the main entrance of the house. The kitchen and servants’-hall occupy one end of the building and directly over them are the servants’ sleeping-rooms and their bath- room separated from the main part of the upper floor by a short flight of steps. The bedrooms for family and guests are arranged in suites, several having bathrooms of their own. The master’s rooms are placed directly over the living-room and are separated from the rest of the floor and provided with a small balcony which might be used for out-of-door sleeping if desired. Several small bedrooms are planned for the children and they connect directly with their own bathroom. This attractive house, as has been said, is set far from wie 9 e OFS ahi In the dining-room the influence of the English period:style is especially noticeable The entrance doorway the road in the midst of its spacious and beautiful grounds. The broad driveway terminates before the entrance front in the large space provided for the convenience of arriving and departing motorists, and this graveled space is sur- rounded by a tall trimmed hedge of privet. The service quarters, placed as they are at one end of the house, are reached by their own driveway and entrance so that by far the greater part of the house is surrounded by the broad lawns which are spread out upon all sides. “The casement windows of the living-room open into a terrace and also upon a veranda, paved with brick and surrounded by bay trees, vines, shrubbery and the other accessories which con- tribute so greatly to the comfort and beauty of such spots. An extensive and very beautiful formal garden has here been planned and built and careful cultivation has already produced unusually successful results, for most gardens, dur- ing their first few years, are interesting chiefly by reason of their promises of beauty and floral luxury to be achieved at a later day when nature has had time to co-operate with the art supplied by the landscape gardener’s magic and skill. Here the garden is surrounded by a clipped hedge and grass walks divide flower beds of square and oblong shapes. The beds are filled with all the old fashioned flowers which have at last triumphed over any showy superficialities and have returned to their own in American gardens. Arches are being made of privet which will mark the entrance to the garden, and of climbing roses which are being in- duced to mount wire frames or wooden trellises. Stone benches and other garden adornments are placed at the sides or ends of the wide grass paths. Just outside the gar- den hedge are massed shrubbery and various kinds of flowering plants and beyondthe barn stretches away into heavier under- growth and wooded tracts still farther away. The architects of a large and import- AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS A view of the grounds looking out over the garden June, 1912 The reception-room ant country place have an unusual opportunity for planning complete and spacious grounds, giving to each department of the estate the consideration and space which it demands. A picturesque method of arranging the road frontage of a large country home would be to build a tall fence—perhaps of wire netting—upon strong cedar posts. Such climbing plants as Woodbine and the hop vine might be planted thickly below the fence and their growth during a single season would screen the wire netting from view. With this wall of solid green as a background there might be planted a profusion of such shrubs as Sumac, Elderberry and Jap- anese Maple, with occasionally a flowering shrub such as Lilac, Snowball or the plant sometimes known as Burning Bush. All this tall growing shrubbery would effectually screen the grounds and render the roadway past the estate particularly attractive. The entrance to an extensive country estate may be very dignified and should correspond in style with the architec- ture of the residence and the other buildings upon the place. Gate lodges are considered appropriate only where the dwelling-house is far from the roadside, and where this treatment cannot be had tall piers may be placed at either side of the entrance and a gate of wrought iron hung be- tween them. Sometimes four such piers may be used where it is desired to have smaller gateways at either side of the entrance used for vehicles, and often the piers may be con- nected by archways if a very formal and dignified effect be desired. The en- trance may be fur- ther adorned with lamps, either as brackets fastened to the pil eirisi ois standards upon them or placed di- rectly upon the ground at either side. Within the grounds the _ plan- ning may be done to create the effect of a much greater space than actually exists, and this can almost always be done by placing groups of shrubbery to break the view that at no one place may the entire ex- tent of the estate be June, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 199 seen. Very large laid down. The places are sometimes American garden planned with a sepa- rate gateway and drive for the service quarters of the es- tate. Where it seems better to have but one gate and drive- way it may be so laid out that a separate road will lead from the main drive direct- ly to the servants’ en- trance, kitchen and stable or garage. About the house hedges are of great value, for besides dignifying and laying rare emphasis upon cer- eon tain parts of the place, such as the en- trance to the house, they may be used as screens about minor buildings, service entrances and elsewhere in places where good taste suggests that they be employed. Nothing adds more greatly to the dignity of a country place than the grouping of outbuildings rather than the scattering of them about as is so often done. Such buildings upon many well- planned estates are so arranged that they are connected, often being literally under one roof, and the entire struc- ture then becomes an architectural unit and may be dealt with accordingly. Where this treatment is impossible or undesirable the buildings may be placed closely together and joined or connected with hedges, panels of lattice-work, trellises or other devices which will seem to unite them. The garden of a country home is one of its most im- portant departments. It is usually an out-of-door living- room and is generally placed where it has an obviously direct relationship with the house itself. Being in a sense a part of the house it should be given a certain retirement and privacy which is frequently secured by surrounding it with a hedge of Privet or Arbor Vite. Sometimes, if there be sufficient space, a garden may be divided into sections where in one part roses may be grown together —a water garden might be made in another division and there might even be a Japan- ese garden which, more than any other section, would require a definite separa- tion from the other gardens about it. No two gardens are quite alike, for their charm lies to a great extent in their diversity. No definite rules for the making of gardens can be First CoRRIpOR FLooR PLAN Bs 1 Sw. Pq “A | Fi eee SECOND FLOOR PLAN. Floor plans of the first and second stories The lawn front of the house presents one of its most pleasing aspects differs considerably from that of Eng- land and both Eng- lish and American gardens are quite un- like those of Italy, where flowers are considered of less im- portance than hedges, trees, foun- tains and garden marbles. The Ameri- can garden therefore has a character of its own and upon even the most formal of estates maintains an air of independ- ence and freedom from the restraint of tradition. Scarcely anyone would think in these days of having geometrical flower- beds filled with different colored foliage plants to represent maps of the two hemispheres, and it may be said with con- fidence that nowhere to-day does there exist a vast checker- board made of two varieties of the same plant, the keeping of which in a state of carefully trimmed precision required the greater part of a skillful gardener’s time. The charm of the American garden consists very largely in its democ- racy, for the same flowers bloom in the gardens of the rich and the poor, and Nature—being no respecter of persons— showers her smiles and her favors upon all alike. Certain of our garden plants have come to us like our language, literature and customs, by right of inheritance, but others belong to us of our own right, and all are represented in the gardens which surround American country houses. Evergreens are a very important part of the setting of a garden, and indeed of any part of a country estate, for during the Winter when the surroundings are bleak and dreary their bright foliage attords a helpful bit of cheering color when cheer in the country landscape is greatly to be desired. Verandas and terraces, which are really closely related to gar- dens and garden making, are more than ever impor- tant to the coun- try home. Many houses such as this beautiful home at Roslyn have several ver- andas and ter- races besides the entrance porch, which of course is hardly to be re- garded as a Sum- mer lounging- place. These out- of-door spaces, whether roofed or mot, ame really the heart of coun- try house living, most of the year. TERRACE ae Room 200 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS June, 1912 Beans are one of the most important of all the succession crops that may be planted in the Summer Summer Work in the Vegetable Garden By F. F. Rockwell Photographs by Nathan R. Graves oq| AVE you ever watched a heavy tide come j| in along a rocky shore? ‘The big green waves are all fuss and fume; they tumble in over one another in no end of a hurry to get as far over the strand as possible—one would think that there never had been such a tide, that never again would the barren sands and the naked rocks be visible. ‘Then after a few hours one retraces his steps to find that all the turmoil has subsided. ‘There are the hot dry sands and the blistering rocks, for all the world as though the blinking sea had never moved an eye- lash, or shaken its hoary mane in a wild determination to subdue the imperturbable shore. There are many people whose gardening makes me think of the ebbing and flowing tide. Every Spring they are wild enthusiasm; the ground will not thaw soon enough for them; the seeds are too slow in coming up; they insist on putting their tomato plants out early enough to get nipped by the late frost. And then, along in June, you can look over the fence a dozen times a day without seeing anyone in the garden and by July the weeds are having things their own way, and never a hoe or rake disturbs the hot baked surface of the soil. Such a garden is bound to be two 5 hide a failure. The momentum of the Spring start carries it along for a while, but by Autumn, when it should be at its height, there is hardly a vegetable to be gathered, and during the long Winter, when there should be a plentiful supply of many vegetables in the cellar, every blessed thing has to be bought from the green-grocer. It is not only largely a failure, but a great extravagance, for all the manuring, ploughing, spad- ing, and work of preparation is bound to be, to a great ex- tent, wasted. For such a condition there is absolutely no necessity. A little forethought and systematic work—not nearly the amount required to start the garden—would have made a cornucopia of plenty where now is only a seed plot. The Summer garden work, to be followed up effectually, must be to some extent systematized. It may be kept track of easily along five distinct lines: (1) Cultivation, (2) Late planted crops, (3) Succession crops, (4) Fall and Winter crops, and (5) Fighting insect pests. In this way it becomes a simple matter to keep track of the numerous things to be done, and to attend to doing them on time, which is the vitally important thing. First of all, and generally most neglected of all, comes Summer cultivation. ‘The gardener who persists in clinging to the outworn idea that as long as he keeps his vegetable rows free of weeds his crop is properly cultivated must be content to see his neighbor leave him hopelessly behind. To some gardeners, weeds are a blessed salvation: if it were not for the cultivation given the soil in getting the weeds out, their crops would stand still all Summer. Thorough cultivation—entirely aside from the incidental matter of re- June, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS It is worth all the trouble and attention one may give it to bring the vegetable garden to such a delectable state as this moving the weeds—is all-important for two reasons. It admits the air and moisture necessary to bring about those Muskmelons should not be set out too early changes in the soil which release and make available the locked-up plant food. lt further saves and con- serves the moisture, held by the soil, which must be pres- ent to enable the growing plants to assimilate the plant food after it has be- come available. To express the importance of these con- ditions more emphatically let us use a couple of illus- trations. Plant food in un- cultivated soil is like raw potatoes or frozen meat; the feeding plant roots can- not make use of it until its form is changed, any more than a hungry man could thrive on the frozen meat or raw vegetables. Plant food in dry soil remains useless to the plants be- cause they have no means of taking it up, any more than our hungry man could make use of the meat and potatoes even after they were cooked, if his hands were tied behind his back. It has been proved that plants take up through their roots and evaporate through their leaves about 500 pounds of water for every pound of dry ma- terial added to their weight. Your own experience tells you how important moist- ure is to the growth of plants, and these figures verify it. ‘What has this,” you ask, ‘“‘to do with your tedious ‘fre- quent cultivation?” Very much indeed. Both experi- ence and science prove con- clusively that on hot, bright days the water in the soil is drawn up to the surface and evaporated. Itis drawn up through minute tubes which form in the soil, just as it will soak up through a piece of blotting-paper if you hold one end in water. On the other hand if we keep the surface of the soil, for an inch or two deep, constantly stirred and dust- dry, we both prevent these moisturc-wasting tubes from forming and shade the soil below, just as if the whole garden were covered over with a mulch of leaves or pine needles—and you know how nice and moist you will find the soil under a heap of leaves or even a big stone!—when every- where else it is dust dry. So you can understand why I repeat in capitals, FRE- QUENT CULTIVATION IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TASK IN THE SUMMER GARDEN. Having realized the im- portance of keeping up the dust-mulch, the next ques- tion is how to do it in the quickest way. And the an- swer is, use a wheel-hoe. There are many makes and Every garden should have its melon patch 202 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS forms. The simplest of these cost only a few dollars, $3 to $5, and are capable of accomplishing a great deal of work ina way that is little more than play for the operator. Either single or double wheels may be had, but in a garden of any size the latter form will quickly repay the slight additional cost required. For the wheel-hoe there are numerous at- tachments the various special uses of which may be found described at length in the catalogues of the companies manu- facturing them (I may say in passing that they are well worth procuring and reading carefully for the many good cultural hints contained, if for no other reason). The wheel-hoe does not, however, obviate the use of the fingers. There will be many weeds in the rows which can- not be reached by its swift working blades, and they must be taken out, where the plants are small, with the fingers. A hint or two about this work may be of use. Try to get at it just as the soil begins to dry out after a rain and is still soft and friable, and the roots pull out easily. Also imme- diately previous to weeding run through the rows, cutting up as close as possible, with the wheel-hoe. ‘There are a number of hand-weeders which are useful. I prefer the type which has a little strap over the fingers to hold the im- plement in place in the hand while the fingers are being used. CROPS FOR LATE PLANTING While most of the garden crops can be put in safely dur- -ing April and early May, in fact are all the better for early planting, there are some which must have semi-tropical weather, and no danger of frost, before they will do any- thing at all. Nothing is gained by trying to get them started outdoors early in the season, and the only way to hasten the maturity of the crop is to get them along as far as pos- sible indoors or in a cold-frame before setting them outside. ES i ER EE June, 1912 In this class are Pole and Lima Beans, Cucumbers, Musk- melons, Watermelons, Tomatoes, Egg-Plants, Peppers, Squash, and Pumpkin. All the vine crops should have specially prepared hills, and it will be well worth while to take the same pains in getting ready for the Pole Beans, especially the Limas. Dig out the hill about two feet square and some six inches deep, and put in a fork-full of well rotted manure, mixing it thoroughly with the soil. Then put back enough of the sur- face soil to fill up the hole within, say, an inch of the top and mix into this a good handful.of cotton-seed meal, fine tank- age or bone flour, or a mixture of them. Cover over level with the garden surface and plant. Melon and Squash seed should be covered about half an inch deep, Beans from one to two inches. Always plant the Limas (dwarf or pole sorts) with the eye down, and if possible just when the ground is drying off after a rain, as they root in the soil easily and readily. Melons, Cucumbers, Lima Beans, and even Sweet Corn we now start in paper pots (which are to be had very cheaply), and set out pots and all when the weather is warm enough. This method not only assures earlier results but overcomes to a great extent the dangers from insects and cold, damp weather incident to planting outdoors during this season. ‘‘Giant-podded” is the best pole Lima I have grown; and Fordhook and Spicy are my favorite Muskmelons, although there are a great number of excellent varieties and one should suit one’s own taste. There is a new “‘vineless”’ form which will now make Muskmelons available for the smallest gardens. Tomato, Pepper, and Egg-plants should be pro- cured, if possible, grown in pots rather than in boxes. They are more evenly developed and will not suffer the usual “‘set- The carefully tended Summer garden will produce such tomato vines as this, which may be trained against a wall June, 1912 back”’ when being set out in the field, as the roots are not disturbed at all. A little bone flour or cotton-seed meal in the bottom of each hole when setting out will give them a strong, quick start, and should be followed, a week or two after setting, by a very light application of nitrate of soda worked into the soil about the roots, preferably just before a rain. SUCCESSION CROPS Crops suited for succession planting are such as have a short period of growth, like Lettuce, or those which are much better in quality when gathered in an immature stage of development, like Beets or Carrots. For the best re- sults they should be planted every ten days to four weeks, according to the sorts. The most important of the succession crops are Beans, Beets, Carrots, Corn, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Peas, Radish, Spin- ach and Turnip. As the later crops of these are frequently planted in very dry weather, they should be put in deeper than the early sowing. For instance, where one inch is deep enough for the first sowing of peas, three or four will not be too deep for those planted late. Care should be taken also to firm the seed in the soil, in very dry weather. After sowing the seed in the furrow, tamp it firmly down into the soil with the back of a narrow hoe or the ball of the shoe before covering. Such treatment will often insure good ger- mination where otherwise would be a failure of the crop. Beans, to be had in the best of condition, should be sown at least every three weeks. I consider the white or golden Wax varieties the best in quality and the best strains are not susceptible to rust. Be careful not to plant too many at one time; a very short row of Beans will yield an ample mess for dinner. Beets, Carrots, Turnip and Spinach need not be sown so frequently. It will pay to plant at least three times—early Beans may now be started in paper pots and set out when the weather is warm enough AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 203 in April, in May and in June, the last for late crop for Winter. Columbia and Crimson Globe are fine Beets for Summer or Winter use; Coreless and Danvers are good Carrots, and Amber Globe, with me, is the best flavored Turnip. In place of Spinach, I now use Giant Lucullus Swiss Chard almost entirely, as most of my customers pre- fer it to Spinach and it can be cut any number of times dur- ing the season. CROPS FOR FALL AND WINTER USE No garden opportunity is so often neglected as that of growing supplies of Beets, Carrots, Turnip, Parsnips, Sal- sify, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, Celery and Lettuce for late Autumn and Winter. The Parsnips and Oyster-plant (Salsify) should be sown as early as possible, but early June is not too late. The Beets and Carrots should be put in during June, the earlier the better. July will be right for the Turnips, but firm well in the soil. The Cabbage group should be sown about June first, kept watered and cut-back (by trimming off the tops two or three times) to induce stocky growth, and set out into the per- manent positions during July—which gives an opportunity to use for them the same ground that has already been used for early Beets, Lettuce, Radish, Peas, etc. For Celery, if you did not sow it yourself early in April, you will have to go to the florists, but the plants are not expensive. Let- tuce should not be sown until the last part of July or the first of August. Select a place protected from heavy rains, and work up a nice, fine, smooth seed-bed—a few feet square will be ample—and sow thinly, giving the bed a thorough soaking the day previous. Rig up overhead a light framework that can be covered with old bags, carpets or a sheet, if very hot, bright weather is encountered, so that the bed may be kept partly shaded. (Continued on page 225) As soon as the Plant pole beans just Gh the ee is eae off qe a rain, as aS root in the soil easily AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS June, 1912 ROCKWORK FOR THE HOME GROUNDS HE illustrations shown upon this page will suggest to the homemaker, whois interested in the lawn and in the garden, the value of rockwork to the landscape of the homegrounds. Above one sees how a jumble of field boulders has been converted into an attractive rockery that would prove an interesting feature for any large lawn, and the illustrations below show how interesting a patch of fieldstones can be made by judicious planting. Rockwork is within the means of everyone and it contributes a striking note of interest to any planting scheme with the lawn. " ive. AMERICAN June, 1912 Mae Zn as The street front of the interesting and well-designed cottage type residence of Mr. William F. Russell, at Summit HOMES AND GARDENS BS HAI: aot , New Jersey An American Cottage of English Type By Berwyn Converse Photographs by T. C. Turner and others UCH of the domestic architecture of Eng- land seems to be the direct following of the work of the builders of centuries ago. Architecture in England never reached quite the the low estate to which it descended in America some thirty or forty years ago, and the renaissance of good taste, when it came, found so much of the old work still existing that the revival and application of correct stand- ards of building and decora- tion was accomplished much more easily and more rap- idly than in this country. It would be difficult, perhaps, to define the “modern Eng- lish style” or to say just what the term implied, but, broad- ly speaking, it may be said to embody a certain balanc- ing of mass and a symmetry in planning ornament and The Winter aspect of ape a IPO geen the house is also pleasing fenestration, combined with a quality quaintness which ren- ders formality delightfully informal. Something of this spirit is expressed in the home of Mr. William F. Russell, at Summit, New Jersey, designed by Benjamin V. White, architect, New York. A home in the country more than anywhere else should be planned to care- fully adapt it to its location and here the site consisted of a broad, shallow plot sloping backward rather abruptly from the street to a stretch of woodland with some fine forest trees. This afforded a somewhat ample and. generous setting for what has proved to be a par- ticularly attractive and “‘in- dividual home.” ‘The place as it has been worked out, provided for two fronts— one facing the street and one facing the woods just be- yond the house. ‘The street 206 The hallway front includes the main entrance, of course, and presents the formal appearance expected of the street front of a dig- nified suburban home. At the opposite side of the house a broad terrace overlooks a stretch of lawn which extends to the edge of the woodland. ‘The house is built of stones upon the usual framework of metal lathing. Here the stucco is extended down to the ground over the foundation of concrete which gives rather a more solid and substantial effect than if the foundation were allowed to appear. The roof is of shingles with the gables “clipped” and here, as at the eaves in every part of the house, the shingles have been so applied that they present the appearance of a roof of thatch and the use of casement windows further heightens the old English effect. A wide, low roof or , hood shelters the entrance and this hood, as well as the roof of the house itself, is of a deep, dark red. ‘The walls of the roughened stucco are of a rather dark gray and the exterior trim, including the trellises and the vertical bands at the corners of the house, are of a dark green. One wing which contains the kitchen and other service quarters is balanced at the opposite end of the building by a veranda above which is a sleeping-porch, screened and partially en- closed. The chimneys are so placed that they do not break the long line of the ridge of the roof which curves down- ward at either end, and back of the house is a background Lipase en Living-room fireplace ue AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Floor plans of the Russell house June, 1912 The living-room of trees, which forms the most satisfying of all settings for a suburban home. The floor plans carry out the idea suggested by the two facades of the house .and the rooms are so planned that the most attractive views are had from the living-room, the dining-room and the veranda rather than from those parts of the house which are not so constantly used. This re- verses the usual arrangement where the principal rooms face the street re- gardless of more attractive outlooks in other directions. We know of one very costly countryhouse where by far the most attractive view—a stretch over miles of beautiful mead- ow to a range of mountains—is from the window of a butler’s pantry. The main entrance of the Russell house is into the main hall, which also contains the staircase, lighted by a window upon each landing. Directly ahead is Jthe dining-room, to the left is a small library or den and to the right is the living-room, which is delightfully spa- cious and planned to receive sunshine during the greater part of the day. Here is a group of small-paned case- ment windows facing the approach to the house and another group overlooking the lawn. One side of the room is taken up by fireplace and mantel and two windows, one coming to the floor and opening upon a veranda which gives a glimpse into the woods which surround the house. The (Continued on page 228) SLEEPING PorcH The dining-room June, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 207 Set in the midst of a clump of pines, this delightful camp became a permanent Summer home, unique in its arrangement A Camp Experiment that Became a Permanent Summer Home By Helen N. Marion Photographs by Mary H. Northend OME years ago, Mr. Robert C. Coit, of Boston, purchased several acres of land at Rockport, Massachusetts, with the idea of erecting here a Summer home. The site was ideal for the purpose. On all sides stretched meadows and woodland tracts, and in consequence, it seems destined for long, continuous use. It is an ideal little home in its way, combining in its con- struction several interesting features, and at the same time is wholly commodious and comfortable. It was designed by the owner with little thought for architectural effect, and it presents an exterior wholly in harmony with the natural at no great distance was the ocean, affording facilities for bathing. Undecided as to just what sort of dwelling to erect, Mr. Coit determined for the first year to try camp- ing out, and thought of pur- chasing tents and pitching charm of the surroundings. It is built of rough boards, with an overlayer of tarred paper on the roof, and the roof slants at either end to shed rain readily and to pre- vent it from soaking in. At the front, two broad them for living purposes. Before the Summer came, however, he changed his mind about the tents, and in- stead a rough shack or camp steps lead from a clearing paved with stones picked up on the premises, and afford access to the camp interior. The bedrooms occupy the CAMP OF ROBERT COIT ARCHITECT. g a es AT RO&KPORT MASSACHUSETTS - od % oc = ZS « 6443 3 4S ew was constructed. ‘The pleas- ure derived from this substitute home was so great that the members of the family agreed that they would far rather have the shack permanently than any other dwelling, and, The floor plan of the Coit camp burlap curtains, and they are by a waterproof sail, which is supported when not in use front ell, being screened by protected in stormy weather on forked sticks at the outer edge, and attords a covering 208 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS June, 1912 . -* mai iB The living-room portion of the main room of the Coit camp has a great boulder fireplace at one end, giving it a sense of permanency from the sun for the broad entrance steps, which serve as a sort of open air veranda, where members of the family fre- quently congregate. Windows at the rear of the ell render the bedrooms light and airy, and the end chamber boasts in addition a large, casement window at the side. Next to the bedroom ell, and built at right angles to it, is the main portion of the camp, lighted on all sides by quaint diamond-paned windows of the casement type that swing outward. At the front is the combination living-room and dining-room, overlooking a great pine grove, and character- ized by a spacious fireplace built of fieldstones secured on the estate, and beyond is the kitchen, the servants’ dining- porch, with running water at one side, and the servants’ sleeping apartments, and toilet. The main room is most attractive in its wood finish, the soft brown of the stain harmonizing admirably with the gray of the fireplace and the deep green of the nearby woods, of which it seems an intimate part. Built-in shelves for books and other things are features of the living-room portion, while in the dining-room division a built-in cupboard for china, adds distinction. The kitchen is abundantly supplied with shelves conven- iently grouped about, and the servants’ quarters are as com- fortable in their arrangement as the main apartments. One of the main bunkrooms An outside bunkroom June, 1912 Board floorings throughout the house prevent dampness, and the interior partitions are of carefully matched boards. An annex, fitted up with bunks, and protected at the front with the same waterproof sail arrangement as the bedrooms and living-room of the camp proper, stands at one side of the main camp, and is used as a guest house. Casement windows render it wholly light and airy. It is finished in the same manner as the main dwelling, and commands the same picturesque outlook. ‘The cost complete of the camp and the annex of bunks was exactly five hundred dollars. The joy of living in such a house is that derived from the kinship with nature which a dwelling of this sort makes pos- The main bunkrooms AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS The vista from the porch towards the grove of pines in front of the Coit camp is delightful 209 sible, a contact with the outside world of growing things, of trees, shrubs, flowers and vines, of birds and of blue skies and white clouds, even of the Winter’s landscape, a contact that must finally exert upon anyone an enormous influence. Rainy days may come, but who has not discovered how glori- ous the countryside appears through the veil of the storm, and in its freshened beauty afterwards? With a roaring blaze in the huge fireplace of this camp, around whose crack- ling logs the family and friend gather, and from their vant- age point of comfort gaze out on the changed landscape, who would say a day like this was gloomy, who could find monotony in the hour, or for the moment, welcome change? Corner of the kitchen-porch 210 AMERICAN HOMB HERE are few features in the garden of flowering plants that are arches. Perhaps garden beginners overlook the possibilities ini bear blossoms to constitute a garden. A garden is somethin devising ways and means of intensifying the beauties of plant g that after a time every garden-maker instinctively turns his at content to plant a bed of things and watch them grow, rejoi§ will wish to make a “‘house of flowers’’ as it were, even to im formal and sunken gardcns; he will wish to sow a corner with old-fashioned finds that the bit of ground at his disposal is not sufficient to permit these exper as is shown in any of the illustrations on these pages. An examination of ther} AND GARDENS len Arch sre deserving of attention and less deserving of the neglect they suffer, than garden s direction. It is not enough to plant flowering things, have them spring up and jore than a display of a number of plants. It is a creation of man’s ingenuity in th by selection, arrangement, color, choice, contrasts and design. Thus it happens tion to the structural side of gardening. Perhaps his first season has found him -and finding satisfaction in their reaching florescence unretarded. But later he 2 some of nature’s plant arrangements. He will wish to construct arbors, mazes, ‘ers which shall fill the vista with a blaze of unpatterned gorgeousness, but if he nts to any extent, he will still gain satisfaction in constructing a garden arch such ill reveal possibilities along this line that will prove inspiring to the garden-maker. * an : ‘ . -% ® . * Nica es uy AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS HERE are few features in the garden of flowering plants that are more deserving of attention and less deserving of the neglec y suffer, than gar. arches. Perhaps garden beginners overlook the possibilities in this direction. It is not enough to plant flowering things, have them spring ur bear blossoms to constitute a garden. A garden is something more than a display of a number of plants. It is a creation of man’s ingenuity in devising ways and means of intensifying the beauties of plant growth by selection, arrangement, color, choice, contrasts and design. Thus it happens that after a time every garden-maker instinctively turns his attention to the structural side of gardening. Perhaps his first on has found him content to plant a bed of things and watch them grow, rejoicing and finding satisfaction in their reaching florescence unretarded. But later he } will wish to make a ‘house of flowers’’ as it were, even to imitate some of nature's plant arrangements. He will wish to construct arbors, mazes, formal and sunken gardens; he will wish to sow a corner with old-fashioned flowers which shall fill the vista with a blaze of unpatterned gorgeousness, but if he finds that the bit of ground at his disposal is not sufficient to permit these experiments to any extent, he will still gain satisfaction in constructing a garden arch such as is shown in any of the illustrations on these pages. An examination of them will reveal possibilities along this line that will prove inspiring to the garden-make: SEIN RST RLS AIRS LT RT IT PRS PCN RTE PRT BIE Mi. Here one sees moored to her little dock the Driftwood, the house-boat run by automobile power. with a canopy in Summer. AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS ” June, 1912 TESTE z ~ SGken a ee i The iron frame of her roof-garden is covered In passing under low bridges this frame can be folded flat to the deck #3... Running a Houseboat by Automobile Power By Robert H. Moulton OST owners of houseboats who are also the possessors of automobiles have no doubt often wished, when moored at some spot which particularly invited a land ride, that they had their cars along. ‘The only way they could see to make use of the machine while on a water cruise was to have it run up to some desig- nated stopping place, a plan which is nearly always incon- venient and often impracticable. It probably never occurred to them that they could not only carry the car along on board the houseboat, but actually make it serve as a power plant to run the craft. This plan has been successfully carried out, however, by a Chicago man, whose experiment will, no doubt, lead to the building, or equipment, of many other auto-house- boats. Any houseboat that has an aft deck. sufficiently large to accommodate an automobile, and a couple of paddle- wheels, can be fitted up to run in this manner. All that is necessary is to fit spurred sprocket wheels to the hubs of the car’s rear wheels and to key similar but larger ones to the axle of the paddle-wheels. Connection is made between them by means of chain link belts. Then when the rear axle of the car is jacked up so that the driving-wheels are q The Darmonte gang-plank °. clear of the deck, and the motor started, the boat will glide along as easily as could be wished. Furthermore, it is possible to get much greater speed out of the houseboat in this manner than is usual with such crafts. In ordinary waters the ingenious owner of the houseboat run by automobile power here shown has made his boat maintain an average speed of six miles an hour, which is certainly going fast for a houseboat. And this has been done without the slightest injury to the automo- bile, for the owner has now used it in this way for more than a year and finds it just as good as ever. When the en- gine of the car is turning the paddle- wheels it runs as regularly and smoothly as if the auto were gliding over asphalt pavements. A couple of grooved run- ways guide the automobile from the shore to the gangplank, and thence up to a spot midway between the paddle- wheels. The mechanical operations necessary to transform the automobile into a marine engine require only a few minutes. By means of an ingenious device it is possible to steer the boat either with the rudders, of which there are two,. each six feet long and two feet wide, or the paddle-wheels. The paddle-wheels are so constructed as to be independent AMERICAN June, 1912 i Spacious salon of the Driftwood of each other, and when they are connected with the auto- mobile the emergency brake of the car is disconnected from one driving-wheel and the foot brake from the other. In this way one of the paddle-wheels can be revolved while its opposite remains stationary, or both can be turned at one time. If the port paddle is turned while the starboard is held still, the bow of the boat is shoved around to star- board, and vice versa. There are also two driftboards, each ten feet long and three feet wide, to counteract the tendency of any flat bot- tomed boat to drift sidewise. The Driftwood, which is the name of this remarkable craft, is not only unique — HOMES AND GARDENS =a fil ELE We Nid OY ON! ES Companionway of the Driftwoo EERE drinkable, with the quality and clearness always unfailing. The houseboat measures 75 feet over all, with a width of 16 feet 5 inches. ‘These dimensions were decided upon by its owner after he had made an examination of all the canal locks in the United States, for he wanted a boat which would pass through any canal in the country. The house proper is 50 feet long and the full width of the boat. The boat weighs thirty-six tons and draws sixteen inches of water. Its hull is made of tank pine and Oregon fir, triple caulked, and is so dry inside that it 1s actually dusty. Gain Ot A unique system of ventilation which keeps a current of air constantly passing RUNWAY FoR AvTomoBILe in its mechanical arrangements and in- novations, but is an example of marine architecture, both interiorily and ex- through the hull prevents even the slightest suggestion of dampness. The house is divided up into a kitchen, three teriorily, such as is seldom seen any- where in the world. It has every con- venience of a modern steam-heated five-room apartment, including hot and cold water, refrigerator, gas stove, roof- garden, sun-parlor, private back porch, hardwood floors, laundry, clothes drier, and janitor’service. There is also a gas-making machine which supplies gas for illumination and cooking, and a water-filtering system which will clarify the water of any river so that it may be used for lavatory and cooking purposes, while a water filter still renders it a PRR LS LEE a Ie Le PIL CLE, BIE LI TL TRL ES NETO INERT ES I MOEA AP LES F I LUIS GOP WI! MLE PLS OG Mig This shows the Driftwood in v Sal! OGM EDO POE SEE SRD ery rapid motion under automobile power Plan of automobile attachment sleeping-rooms, bathroom, and combi- nation living- and dining-room. The owner of the Driftwood has put the practicability of the houseboat for living purposes to a thorough test. Last Summer and in the early Fall he had the Driftwood moored on Lake Michigan, just off the Chicago Yacht Club, and there he slept every night. Later he had it moored to a more protected spot in a boat yard on the North Branch of the Chicago river, and on it he lived during the entire Winter, happy in his floating bungalow. - ee spurred sprocket wheels on the paddle-wheel axles AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS June, 1912 The open air life throughout the Summer time is what every American boy should be given an opportunity to enjoy Boys Camps By Mary H. Northend Photographs by the author UMMER camps for boys represent a fea- ture of the culture and refinement of mod- ern youth that is equally important, in proportion, with their educational instruc- tion. A decade or so ago these camps were looked upon with disfavor by the majority of people, who viewed them in the light of a fad that would in a few years at the most outlive its popularity. But there was a side to this so-called fad that these same people failed to consider seriously, but which almost immediately mani- fested itself, and year by year grew in importance, until there was no denying its advantages. This was the oppor- tunity for physical betterment that the open air life and regular exercise afforded, and which, more than anything else, has helped to make the Summer camp a permanent institution. The idea of its formation, in some instances at least, was the outgrowth of the Summer homes of large families of boys, whose parents were quick to see and understand the elevating tendency of outdoor life. In not a few cases the home became a paying camp, open to other boys, and when once the success of this home camp project became assured, it was adopted as a business venture by any number of men and women, some of whom maintained Winter boarding- schools and were, in consequence, especially fitted to take charge of children. Under the supervision of such instruc- tors, the benefits to be derived became more and more pro- nounced, and the project, begun in such a simple way, rap- idly developed, with far-reaching results. Considered thoughtfully, one cannot wonder that this is so. The camp offers to the boy the advantage of being under the daily supervision of competent physical instruc- tors, whose duty it is to promote his health, and it affords to him the opportunity of enjoying a care-free open-air life for two months with boys of his own age. In addition, he is provided with numerous opportunities for healthful sports and useful occupations, he is rested and stimulated, as well as nourished with wholesome food at regular hours. Also, through the lessons learned here, he acquires a self-reliance that serves him in good stead in later life. No parents for the sum of the tuition fee—varying from $150.00 to $200.00—could begin to provide at home for their boys the facilities, together with the appurtenances, for sports and instruction such as are provided at camp, June, 1912 AMERICAN and then, too, parents would not always be willing to spend a Summer in the local- ity adapted for such a life. So, all in all, the Summer camp fills a long-needed want in the realm of boy- hood. All these camps are lo- cated with a view to the natural beauty and _ health- fulness of their surround- ings, and as a result they are chiefly found among the mountains, close to the shores of lakes or rivers. Some few are inland, but these are in the minority, for the best liked diversions of camp life are the water sports, which demand a nearness to some body of water. All are remote from the pretence of conventionality, with the open face of nature as an inspira- tion and a comrade, and amid the quiet hills and vales the boys obtain a fund of health and strength sufficient to draw upon during the strenuous Winter school days. The rule of the average camp demands that a regulation camp costume be worn, thus tending to create a democratic spirit, and, too, where a certain color is adopted, and the initial letter of the camp name adorns a sweater or a blouse, HOMES AND GARDENS ae boys have built their own diving stand 215 not a little camp pride and sense of indivuality is the re- sult. The usual camp re- quirements include a heavy sweater and two flannel shirts, or blouses, two sleeve- less jerseys, and a cap, also two pairs of khaki trousers, one pair of flannel running pants, two pairs of heavy woolen stockings, heavy shoes for mountain climb- ing, and two pairs of tennis shoes. Also a simple suit for Sundays or exceptional entertainment. Besides his wearing apparel, each boy is generally asked to bring a rubber blanket, two pairs of heavy colored blankets, a pillow, two laundry bags, and the usual toilet articles, towels, etc. A rubber coat is optional in most camps, but if he has one he can bring it, and he can also include, if he wishes, rubber boots, bathrobe, baseball suit, bat, ball, gloves, tennis racquet and balls, fishing tackle, paddle, hunting knife, hatchet, camera, musical instruments, hammock, small mirror, a few books and games. Each article has to be plainly marked with the owner’s name in full. Since the boys range in age from eight to twenty years, according to the age limit set by each camp, the re- Mess-time, showing the line of happy, hungry youngsters who are spending their outing time in the camp for boys AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS June, Igt2 All the boys in camp are taught to swim and soon lose any fear of the water quirements differ accordingly, and one finds a little of every- thing in some of them, where the ages run from say ten to. sixteen. The religious life is never over emphasized, and there is but little sectarianism. Sunday, as a rule, differs from other days in that camp costume is doffed and a simple suit is donned, for church services, either at the nearest church or in the form of simple religious services at the camp itself. The rest of the day is often devoted to reading, writing let- ters, a short walk, and a talk on some interesting topic, after supper, or, in some camps, a row on a nearby lake is en- joyed before bedtime. Although camp management does not encourage actual study, all of them are prepared to fur- nish competent tutors for boys who are desirous of making an advance in some special line of study, for which assist- ance an extra fee is charged. Although these camps are to be found north, south, east and west, doubtless those in New England are typical of the prevailing manners and customs of the average camp. No state in the Union is more favorable for camp life than the state of Maine, always a synonym for the ‘‘call of the wild,” so naturally this state can lay claim to some of the most attractive camps for boys, from the point of beautiful surroundings, far from the heart of civilization. New Hampshire, too, is ideal for the purpose, and throughout its hills and vales, and bordering the shores of its lovely lakes, several excellent camps are to be found. Likewise, Massa- chusetts and Vermont can lay claim to several finely equipped camps, and the project, in this section of the country, is broadening each year. The methods pursued in each of these camps differ in detail from the rest, but the funda- mental principles of all are the same. The larger camps are often divided into two distinct camps, one for the older boys and one for the younger boys. Each is considered as a separate establishment, and each is rigorously maintained in every respect wholly dis- tinct from the other. Besides the owners of the camp, who devote their entire time to its interests, there is generally a superintendent and his wife who oversee and care for the several features of the camp, also a head councilor, espe- cially gifted in dealing with boys, and a councilor for each tent. The councilors are always chosen for their fitness in some special direction, as well as for general culture and ability, being carefully selected from well-known schools and colleges. ‘The value of their companionship is inestimable, sharing as they do with the boys all the pleasures and duties of the camp life, incidentally winning their confidence, and helping them with advice and assistance. In all camps the boys literally live outdoors. They sleep in tents, eat in tents, and some even sleep on cot-beds be- neath the stars. Save on rainy days, the rest hours and handicraft lessons—comprising a feature of several of the camps—take place outdoors. The tents are generally of khaki, of uniform size, opening at both ends and absolutely waterproof, with board floors well off the grounds. In some instances these tents accommodate four boys, in others, five boys. The dining-tent is a separate feature, sufficiently large to accommodate the entire camp. Many of the camps are now equipped with modern plumbing and sanitary systems and supplied with running water from pure mountain springs, though some few still depend on the well for their water supply. Where the well is the means of supply, the boys are obliged to carry the water they require to their tents, and in such instances, just after breakfast, what is known as the pail-brigade is formed, each boy setting forth, pail in hand, for the well, where a choreman fills his pail with water. Besides the tents, each camp boasts a building, sometimes of rustic design, and generally containing one main room, . which is always characterized by a great open fireplace. June, r912 This room is invariably provided with a piano, shelves filled with books and magazines and a supply of games, and here on stormy days supper is frequently served, after which the boys are free to cluster about the open fireplace and to make merry as they see fit. Generally, a fleet of rowboats and canoes is a feature of the camp, and sometimes motor boats are provided to sup- ply swifter locomotion and to tow long chains of the smaller boats on extended trips. War canoes of varying sizes are likewise frequently supplied, affording opportunity for in- teresting crew work. The different sports indulged in are no doubt to the boys the most interesting diversions. These are carefully limited as to time, and care is taken that no boy over-exercises, or undertakes feats for which he is physically unfit. Swim- ming, diving, rowing, and paddling are among the most attractive features of camp life, but no boy is allowed to use a canoe until he has passed a definite swimming test. Such regulations are enforced regarding all water sports as have been found necessary for the absolute safety of the boys. The usual rising hour is 6:45, and a half hour later the boys gather round the long table in the breakfast tent, where they soon make away with oatmeal and cream, eggs and corn muffins, coffee or milk, as preferred. After breakfast the tents are put in order and the boys are free for the day’s enjoyment. Baseball or tennis practice, swimming, diving, etc., occupy the time until dinner, after which a rest hour is in order, during which the boys can read or write, or go AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS These little men are taught to cook and they love to show their skill in the camp culinary dG) to their tents to rest, as they wish. ‘The afternoon is de- voted to various sports or sometimes a walk through the woods, affording to those who are interested in nature study an opportunity to study birds and flowers. In the evening, games, reading, music, and other amusements pass the time all too quickly until nine o’clock, when the boys repair to bed. In some camps on very warm evenings, supper is served out under the pine trees, and if it be moonlight, a row on the lake is permitted. Horseback riding is a feature of most of the camps, and frequently riding squadrons are formed that exercise sev- eral times weekly, affording any amount of fun for the riders. In addition, several times during the season, the entire camp takes to the water, and in small boats towed by motor boats, journey several miles down a lake or a river to play ball with a rival team. Side-trips to the nearest village, or drives through the woods each week, have come to be a regular pastime of several camps, and they are events to which the boys look forward, for in great, high wagons, each drawn by four strong horses, they are at liberty to make merry with songs and laughter. Camping trips of several days duration, sometimes to neighboring islands, and often to a distant mountain, are regular features of all the camps, and on such trips, each boy has to carry his personal outfit, help pitch tent, make fires, prepare food, wash dishes, and help in all the other duties attendant on life in the open. Need- less to say, such trips are star days in the lives of the boys, (Continued on page 228) SHRM This portable house serves as a permanent home AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS June, 1912 Portable Houses for the Long Vacation By Robert Leonard Ames VACATION of more than a few weeks in the hills, woods or at the seashore, off the beaten track, should hardly be planned with- out carefully looking into the matter of the portable house as a possibility of a vacation home. Let us imagine a tiny cottage planned with especial reference to the requirements of those who are to dwell in it, built upon the spot, whether in the mountains, the woods, or by lake or ocean, which seems most attractive. ‘Then let us picture the interior arranged with the house- hold fittings and personal belongings hoes solid and substantial so that the house may remain perma- nently in one place. The other variety is so planned and constructed that it may easily and quickly be erected and quite as easily taken apart for removal to another site, and these removals may be as frequent as desired. Portable houses of any kind were but little known or used prior to the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. The Exposition, it will be remembered, was some distance from the civic center and living quarters of any kind in the vicinity were difficult to obtain and were held at a high pre- mium. ‘This resulted in the use of a which one finds most necessary, and a veranda spread with rugs and having a hammock, cushions and wicker chairs and tables where the vacation days may be enjoyed. When all of these alluring possibili- ‘s ties have been grasped let us imagine the same house with every detail of furnishings placed in another wholly different setting, where a new phase * of Nature’s wonders seeks acquaint- ance, for all of these opportunities Living Room great number of portable buildings of both types, most of which were used as homes, although many were placed within the grounds, where they were utilized, for the most part, as minor service buildings. Since that time the designing as well as the construction of portable houses has been vastly improved and developed and these changes have resulted in the serviceable and often really beautiful portable buildings which J6'x 16° are within reach of the man or woman who makes use of the qvon- derful contrivance known as the portable house. The term has two separate and distinct meanings, or possibly it would be more ac- curate to say that there are two classes of portable build- ings, each of which has its own place and use. One of these is the house which is designed and made in a fac- tory, usually -from stock plans, shipped to the locality where it is to be used and set into place upon foundation or underpinning more or less Floor plan of portable bungalow illustrated below A five-room portable bungalow, 20x36 feet, which is suitable’ for a permanent location are obtainable to-day. One will readily realize the value of the house which may be easily moved, to a family planning a vacation of con- siderable length, for it offers comfort and convenience at small cost and with com- plete independence of board- ing houses or hotels. The houses are made in a consid- erable variety of style and material and in a wide range of sizes, so that a vacation. home may be either a single room or a house of five or six rooms or even more, and provided with a veranda and June, 1912 every essential detail of home comfort. The construction of the houses chiefly used is exceed- ingly simple. The building, of course, is of wood throughout, with an inner lining of wood in addition to the outer walls, which are usually of clapboards. These walls, as well as the floors, ceiling, and roof, are made in sections, small enough to be handled without difficulty, and strongly held together with bolts and other devices of metal. There are many well-known firms manufac- turing these portable houses and one has but to select his cottage from a catalogue which may be had for the asking. A few weeks are usually required for the proper finishing and shipping of such a structure and this allows for including such details of paint- ing, finishing and arrangement of rooms and partitions as the purchaser may desire. When received from the factory the sections will be numbered—floors, outer walls, inner parti- tions, roof, and framework will be so labeled that the build- ing may be erected in a few hours by almost anyone who will follow the printed instructions and the carefully drawn diagram which will be sent with the house. In this connec- tion it is well to state that freight charges are very low for shipping the sections, and it does not require skilled hands to set them up. Unless the building is to remain for a long period in one place it will hardly be necessary to use posts or piers as a foundation. The ground may be leveled and the sections of the floor placed upon stones or blocks and securely fitted together. After the floor is solidly in position the walls of the house and the interior partitions are set up and fastened together, not with nails, but with “key bolts’ which are secured with one blow of a hammer. The floors and walls being in place, the sections of the roof are set in position and then the moldings under the eaves and about doors ‘and windows are fixed into place, together with such details as steps and the railings about verandas. ‘The erecting of such a structure is not at all difficult, but care must be taken that the joints are closely and firmly united or the building will not be weatherproof and there may be trouble where the house has been taken apart and is to be re-erected in some other place. A house of this type, particularly when carefully set in place and built upon piers or posts as a foun- The portable house is well adapted to the sea-side AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS A portable cottage like this is just the thing for a Summer outing in the lake district 219 dation, will last for many years, and any number are in use upon lakes or sea- shore, or upon mountains where they have been occu- pied each year as vacation homes. Many more have been used year after year, but in different places, for their owners have found no dificulty in taking the houses apart and rebuilding them in different localities. There is still another type of house which may be easily and quickly moved. This variety has a floor and a strong framework of wood upon which walls and roof of very strong canvas are stretched. This kind of house is, of course, not nearly as durable as that built of wood, but it may recommend itself to many by reason of its lower cost and the even greater ease with which it may be moved about. In houses of this sort the divisions be- tween the rooms are also of canvas, and as there is no glass in the windows the openings are merely screened with wire netting and protected by awnings or ‘“‘flaps.”’ This house is somewhat of the nature of a tent, but is much more comfortable and durable, and yet is moved with almost as much ease. The plan of the portable house to be really successful should be quite simple. It must be remembered that walls and roof are not heavily built nor with the type of construc- tion which is used in erecting an ordinary dwelling. The floor plans should therefore be strictly rectangular, with no projections excepting an additional room, a porch or ver- anda, or any extension such as may be complete in itself. The roof lines also should be plain and simple, for without ‘“furring”’ such as is used at the joints of an ordinary roof it would be impossible to prevent leaks if an irregular roof plan were followed. ‘The size of the house must be gov- erned, of course, by the number of people who are to live in it. The kitchen is so often a separate or semi-detached building that it need hardly be counted as a room of the main structure, which will therefore be devoted to a living- room and the necessary bedrooms. Fora family of ordinary size a house of four rooms might be sufficient. This will allow for a combined living- and dining-room and for three sleeping-rooms. The kitchen or “cookhouse,” which will no doubt, be a separate structure, should be so planned that (Continued on page 228) A portable house placed in a wooded locality 220 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS June, 1912 TE CER TINET Sy Sue EES ETS Le oe Ee This is the curious little animal that wreaks such havoc with our lawns. so ake ae Without sight he finds his way underneath the best laid sods Moles and the Lawn By T. C. Turner Photographs by the author vq]| NE of the greatest charms of the country or suburban home is its lawn. Without Na- ture’s own carpet the best planned house in the world would lack in the full measure of attractiveness despite all the beauty that the cleverest architect might put into its con- A good lawn well kept is not one of the easiest Many are the troubles that struction. things for its owner to have. beset the ingenuity of the homemaker who strives with the proper up-keep of his lawn. Dandelions must be carefully watched and prodded out, crab grass must be subdued, and worms kept under control as far as possible. These and many other obstacles of a minor nature must be watched day by day if one is really to make a lawn to be proud of. The excellent article on ‘‘How To Make Good Lawns,” page 100, AMERICAN HoMEs AND GARDENS, March, 1912, had to do with the planting and seeding of the lawn, whereas the writer of the present article would call atten- tion to one of the greatest menaces to the stretch of green, the turf-destructive mole. Of all the plagues that beset the lawn the mole is prob- ably the greatest. This veritable “pestilence that walketh [or to be more correct one would say scrapeth] in dark- ness’’ makes its appearance at most inopportune moments, dooming every blade of grass above his miniature subway. In the short space of a night he will scrape a trench just be- low the surface, often as much as fifty yards in length, and leave above it the telltale ridge of earth in which the roots of the turf are left to die under the hot Summer sun. No quarter of the world is entirely free from the trail of the mole, but America is blest or cursed with several varieties all to herself. All are alike in their methods of life and their destructiveness of lawns and pastures. The common mole of the east (Scalops aquaticus ) is the most widely known. The mole prefers to do his burrowing when the rain has made the earth soft and brought his food, the worm, near to the surface. For so small a beast he accomplishes won- ders. Blind, not often more than five inches long and two inches in diameter, yet he will raise a furrow of earth to the Mole trap—open surface that will kill every blade of grass above it, for that season. Of course, the moles can be got rid of, but sel- dom can an estate be thoroughly cleared of them without the patience and the knowledge which a trained mole trap- per brings to bear in the work. The Department of Public Parks, New York city, has found it necessary to retain the services of one, whose forefathers have followed the craft for generations. I have the figures of one of them, that are surprising. Destroyed at Greenwood cemetery, Brook- lyn, 2,884; on the William Rockefeller estate at Tarry- town, 1,642; in. Central Park, 1,462, etc. Careful and quiet observation, and great patience, are the essential means for use in getting rid of this pest. Make a rough plan of the land showing existing evidences of the mole’s presence; add to it from hour to hour the new indications; watch the directions of the burrows and the spot it goes back to. Some burrows will go straight, some various ways, but all will go back to the headquarters of the par- ticular mole who is working in them. The next stage is to watch the usual hour when the mole leaves his home and goes out to feed. If you do this very carefully you can see him shift the newest casts, as he passes. The most likely hours are between six and seven in the morning, about noon, and between four and five in the afternoon, but there is no certainty. If he has been very lucky in his hunt for food he may lay up for an entire day without leaving his nest. When the home has been determined it only remains to set the traps. There are many kinds of traps on the market, but to my mind none of them do the work so effectually as the pro- fessional wooden trap, particularly if one wishes to save the skin of the mole, and the skin when properly treated has value. The hide is often lost by the iron “spike trap” injuring the body, a result entirely avoided by the wooden trap. Professional trappers are not only looking to catch their game, but to have it in good condition. The trap, as may be seen in the illustra- tion, is a wooden cylinder, about six inches long and three inches in diameter, the thickness being about one half of an inch. A portion of this tube is cut out at the center, about three inches long and one Mole _ trap—shut June, 1912 wide. At a distance of half an inch from each end of the cylin- der a groove is made inside of the tube for the purpose of hold- ing the wire nooses. These nooses are ad- mitted through holes in the top of the cen- ter of the trap and joined outside of the trap to a piece of strong cord, which in turn is fastened to a strong spring at one end, and at the other end through another hole to a trigger in- side the tube. This trigger is a triangu- lar piece of wood, the thin end of which is pushed up into the same hole that the cord comes down and the thick end of the triangle partly fills the diameter of the hole. The run of the mole is then opened for a sufh- cient length to let in the trap; the spring is lightly set, and the tube placed so that the hollow of the trap corresponds to the mole’s run, and all is in readiness. When he gets hungry he starts down his run, and entering the trap, finds an obstruction which he proceeds to remove. That releases the trigger, which in turn frees the spring. The spring then tightens the wire loop which catches him round the body. An illustration of the captured mole shows that in this instance the noose girdled him round the neck—the trigger had responded very quickly. The wire noose at the other end of the trap has gone off without a victim, but had the mole entered at that end, the catch would have been reversed. Both nooses are set so that the trapper may get him coming or going. Like most other things, it is easy enough to do it when you know how, but in cases where moles are plentiful, my advice is to call in a professional and let him clear the way. One can then attend to the few stragglers who may venture to bother the grounds after that. It is in the placing of the traps that the secret of success depends. A spot must be chosen through which the mole will pass to get to his nest, or I should say their nest, for moles usually travel in pairs. Moles build remarkable nests or homes. These are formed of two circular galleries, one a large excavation, with a smaller one above it. [hey are connected by pas- AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Taking the set-trap out of the ground after a catch PENS | sages and in the cen- ter of these galleries is a chamber which seems to form the main entrance, for all the moles’ work- ing runways connect with it. The gal- leries are what might be termed the living- rooms, for it is here that tae young are bred. A mole will not eat anything it does not catch alive and for that reason it cannot easily be pois- oned. But notwith- standing this, they are cannibals, for often the body of a mole taken from a trap will be partly eaten; strange to say, however, the vic- tim is always a male. I have heard the late Mr. Wegner (who was official mole trapper for the New York city parks) say, that of all the thousands of moles he had taken, he had never found the body of a trapped female that had been carnivorously mangled. During the early Spring, Summer and Autumn, moles bore their neatly cut holes about four to five inches beneath the surface, and about an inch and a half in circumference, but during the Winter when the ground is frozen, they make their runs below the frost line. Although the mole has no eye visible, there is evidently an indentation where the organ of sight should be located. Hence the conclusion is that the animals’ existence under the clod has rendered an optic nerve unnecessary; a con- dition somewhat different (although the same in the matter of sightlessness) from that of the fully formed eyes of the fish of the Mammoth Cave of Kentucky, that are by disuse now entirely rudimentary and worthless. If through accident or any other cause moles are unable to find a runway they are known to take to the water, and this readily. They swim well, often crossing streams of considerable size. An old observer, writing in 1793, says that he saw one paddling towards a small island in the Loch of Clunie, one hundred and eighty yards from land, on which he noticed molehills. Besides being a habitat of North America, the geograph- ical range of this burrower, is from England to Japan. ype aires vemos sa tET IS Set-trap showing manner in which mole is caught Showing an ugly run-way made in a lawn by moles THE VACATION HOME By Harry Martin Yeomans momma | |FIE THER one’s vacation is passed in a WE mountain lodge, a seaside bungalow, or on a houseboat threading its way along the mossy Ns ia|| bank of some quiet stream, a great deal is Bike Avs a|| added to the joy of this playtime of the EEE year when the vacation abode is all that it should be as regards its interior arrangements. If there was ever an appropriate place for compact, built- in furniture, window-seats, inglenooks and bookshelves, it is in the vacation home, as it is always desirable to minimize the labor of housekeeping when one is on pleasure bent. If the built-in furniture is arranged for at the time a house is being constructed, it will be found to be much more econom- ical than if acquired later on, and it can also be toned to har- monize with its surroundings at the same time that the woodwork is being done. If the idea of having only such furnishings as are abso- lutely necessary, and those in good taste and consistent with the type of house, then a vacation home will be evolved that will be decorative in every sense of the word, and will not have to depend upon applied ornamentation. The walls should be tinted, kalsomined or painted, or, if of wood, they can be stained with some of the wood stains or dyes which can be obtained in various colors. ‘This mode of treating the walls is preferable to wall-papers, unless, of course, the walls are in such a condition that they cannot stand the tinting process. Stained woodwork is also desirable, as it does not show the dust and is easily kept clean. If the principal rooms are connected by large open- ings, one will get the effect of greater space by using the same color scheme in the different connecting rooms. At least, all marked contrasts should be avoided. ‘This is also economical. Floor coverings should be sparingly used and the rag rugs or solid color modern rugs, either in brown, blue or green, will be found to be a good choice. The blue and white Japanese rugs are excellent for bedrooms. Curtains and hangings should be used only where neces- sary and made of washable fabrics, such as lawn, gingham, cheesecloth, denim or China silk. The furniture for the little vacation house should not be pretentious in character, highly finished woods _ being avoided, and only such furniture purchased as can stand damp weather, hard usage and contact with coarse clothing without showing any ill effects. Furniture of the “Cottage”’ type is desirable. house and can be stained or painted in accordance with any chosen scheme of decoration. The shapes are strong and simple without being heavy in appearance. In a vacation bungalow which had been furnished as in- AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDEN WITHIN THE HOUSE SUGGESTIONS ON INTERIOR DECORATING AND NOTES OF INTEREST TO ALL WHO DESIRE TO MAKE THE HOUSE MORE BEAUTIFUL AND MORE HOMELIKE The Editor of this Department will be glad to answer all queries from subscribers pertaining to should be enclosed when a direct personal reply is desired eet ane © ean ma It can be obtained for every room in the » ome Decoration. Stamps expensively as possible, most of the furniture for the dining- room and the living-room, which opened into each other, was obtained in the housefurnishing department of a department store. The furniture sold in that department is intended for kitchen use, comes in the white wood, and is therefore very inexpensive. Chairs of two different types were pur- chased, two ordinary kitchen tables, and two large tables, the tops of which turn up so that they can be transformed into settles. They were all stained a rich, dark brown and the two settles placed on either side of the fieldstone mantel- piece. The tops of the two small tables were covered with dark green imitation leather held in place by a row of brass- headed nails around the edge. One did duty as a book and magazine table, and the other one was placed against the wall and served as a desk, after being furnished with a lamp and a desk set. Two porch-rockers were added, but as they had already been painted a bright red, they had to be treated to a few coats of forest-green enamel to make them harmonize with the other furniture. When this cheap kitchen furniture was placed against a background of pump- kin yellow walls and brown woodwork, the effect was both pleasing and restful. For a house at the seashore, the willow and wicker fur- niture is commendable, as the damp atmosphere does not aiect “It. The table of the vacation home will be more attractive and inviting if set with matched dishes of good design. The dainty floral designs are not as good for this type of house as that old standby, the blue Willow pattern. The porcelain cottage ware is worthy of consideration and the Indian Tree and blue onion patterns cannot be improved upon. ‘They are all carried in open stock, are very moderate in price and reasonably safe for transport. In a bungalow which the writer visited the question of table linen was solved by using no tablecloths. Small squares of hemstitched, écru linen were used interchangeably as either napkins or doilies, and when the table was set with its crude porcelain dishes and the candles lighted, the effect was quaint and charming. If one must depend upon lamps for illumination, those made from pottery vases or lamps of brass or nickel are best for this type of house. Shades of split bamboo, lined with silk, Geisha shades, or those of glass, are fitting ac- companiments. One should not forget to have a shelf at the bottom of the stairs, or somewhere conveniently at hand, holding a row of bedtime candlesticks. The vacation home, whether high and dry on terra firma or floating on a waterway, should be appropriately furnished for people who expect to spend most of their time in the open air, but at the same time it should embody the neces- sary comforts to make this house a pleasant place during inclement weather; cosy enough to plead against exposure. June, 1912 AMERICAN “HOMES AND GARDENS 20 Height and dignity was given to this living-room by hanging draperies at the windows so as to increase the apparent altitude ADDING HEIGHT TO A WINDOW PLEASING example of the “Value of Effect in In- terior Decoration,’ which was discussed in this depart- ment in our March number, is shown in the two accompany- ing illustrations of a living-room. The low windows gave a squatty appearance to the whole room and brought the ceiling down too low. This effect was counteracted by hanging long curtains in straight folds at the windows, connected by a wide valance, which covered the space above the windows and brought them up to the height of the doors. In this manner one third was added to the apparent height of the windows, and the whole room was improved out of all proportion to the task involved. The built-in bookshelves snugly fill the awkward space. THE DECORATIVE VALUE OF BOOKS VERY room should be peculiarly adapted to the pur- pose for which it is intended and if this element is lack- ing the room is a failure. A library immediately suggests books—books large and small, rare and unique, or, in all probability, just ordinary books, but, nevertheless, a library should be built around its books. They must dominate the room and become its principal decoration, for when the chief reason which justifies the existence of a room can be treated in a decorative manner, then one is approaching real decoration. When properly placed and massed, books will add to the decorative quality of a room, whether they rise from floor to ceiling in serried rows, the various colors of their bindings weaving a dull-toned tapestry, or if one’s books only occupy the space of a modest bookshelf. To obtain the best decorative effect from books depends entirely on the manner in which they are arranged. The low bookcases, having glass doors, such as are usually seen, pro- tect the books from dust, but they also hide them so that the books do not get their full value in the decorative scheme. Ordinary built-in bookshelves, such as can be made by any carpenter, commend themselves for this purpose and have a number of good points in their favor. They can be made to fit exactly into any desired space, either large or small, can be built up to any height, and painted or stained to accord with the general color scheme of a room. When the outer edge of the upright supporting boards are grooved, to take away the appearance of boxiness, and finished with a plain molding at the top, the bookshelves will be both sightly, artistic and inconspicuous. If a great many books are to be housed, it is a good plan to have low-set, built-in shelves run entirely around the room, coming to the same height as the shelf of the mantelpiece. The temptation to place a quantity of bric-a-brac on top of the low-set shelves must be resisted, only a few pieces of faience, brass or cop- per, or a colored plaster bust, or other objects possessing real artistic merit should find a resting place here. Satis- factory dimensions for such bookshelves are four and a half feet high, with four shelves at graduated heights. The lower shelf should be four inches from the floor, and the lower shelves ten inches wide and the top one twelve inches. Bookshelves of this height permit of pictures being hung above them on a line with the eye. If additional book room is desirable, the shelves can be erected between windows and be just the same height as the windows themselves. In an old house which had a deep chimney-breast, the spaces on either side of the library mantel to the corners of the room were filled with bookshelves, rising almost to the ceiling, and just deep enough so that the outer edge of the shelves were flush with the chimney-breast. When plan- ning a new house large enough to devote one room to library purposes, it is an excellent idea to decide beforehand just where the books are going to be placed, and have these spaces sunk into the walls, so that when the books are in place the backs of the volumes will be flush with the wall surface. A room treated in this way will have the effect of being paneled with books. This gives a more solid and sub- stantial appearance than can be obtained with built-in book- shelves. If a room should have an extra closet which is not used, the door could be removed and shelves built in, the finished effect, after the books had been arranged in rows, being much the same as that referred to above. If a rest- ing place is required for only a few books, the shelves can be built into an angle of a room, where no other piece of furniture would fit conveniently, and the bindings of the books will decorate this corner effectively. In a combina- tion living-room and library, the bookshelves could be built partly around the end of the room and would accommodate all of the books found in the average house. In one house the writer saw a good arrangement of bookshelves over and around a couch. In the space between two doors, a box couch was placed against the wall, and plain book- shelves, ten inches deep, extended three feet at either end of the couch. ‘This completely filled the space. The shelves were built up in a tier of five, the top one extending all the way across over the couch below. When the books were placed in orderly array, this uninteresting wall-space and box-couch took on an air of distinction and the effect was extremely good. The space over a built-in seat in an ingle- nook will often be found a convenient place for shelves to hold books. The built-in bookshelves should be strong and substantial, not only in reality, but in appearance as well; strong enough to carry the weight of the books they are designed to hold. When they extend to a height of six feet or so, a stool should be provided, that will not tip over, so as to reach a volume. 224 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS [S§cconGooco Fe [[Ol]kedocoagoooo fel cane the Cadel JUNE IN THE GARDEN Photographs by Nathan R. Graves and others HAT a month of joyfulness is June in the garden! It seems only yesterday that we were coaxing Mother Nature to lift her white blanket that Spring might awaken to new life the sleeping plants that lend their color to the season. We are reminded of all the poets of the garden, Wordsworth, Tennyson, even old Geoffrey Chaucer, who sings in one of his prologues: ‘‘When almost ended was the month of May, Along the meadows green, whereof I told, The freshly springing daisy to behold, And when the sun declined from south to west, And closed was this fair flower, and gone to rest, For fear of darkness that she held in dred, Home to my house full hastily I sped; And, in a little garden of my own, Well-benched with fresh-cut turf, with grass o’ergrown I bade that men my couch should duly make; For daintiness and for the Summer’s sake, I bade them strew fresh blossoms o’er my bed.”’ Every corner of the lawn and garden deserves the careful attention that has been given to this attractively planted terrace nook A MONTHLY KALENDAR OF TIMELY GARDEN OPERA- TIONS AND USEFUL HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS ABOUT THE HOME GARDEN AND GROUNDS All queries will gladly be answered by the Editor. If a personal reply is desired by subscribers stamps should be enclosed therewith. a) June, 1912 We will find the lovely Columbine blossoming this month yellow or scarlet or red or purple or white, that flower of strangely contrasted names, borrowing Columbine from the Latin columba, a dove, and Aquilegia (its scientific name), from aquila, an eagle! In the old, old days of yore, credu- lous folk called it Lion’s Herb, believing that it was the favorite food of these fierce animals of the desert and jungle. And nowadays we fondly couple the name Colum- bine with Columbia, and even find an association of enthu- siasts who seek to propagate the idea of its adoption as America’s national flower, just as the Rose is for England and the Lily for France. Monkshood will be blossoming in June too. It is a lovely plant, but a sinister one. It was brewed by Medea to fill the poisoned cup offered the wary Theseus. It was with the juice of Monkshood (dconite) that the ancients used to anoint their weapons when pre- paring to do battle, and the old-time Greeks were wont to tell how Chiron, the Centaur, discovered its dreaded powers by dropping upon his hoof an arrow that had been dipped in the juice of the plant, his death accompanying his dis- covery. ‘They believed too that Monkshood was sown in the garden of Hecate by Cerberus, the three-headed mon- ster who guarded the place of shadows. But June’s garden will find within its borders flowers of less sorrowful an ancestry,—Campanula (Venus’s Looking-glass), Iris (the Lily-of-France), Honeysuckle, Hollyhock, Jasmine (to the Arabs the flower of love), Linden (the holy tree of the old Germans), the Rose, Pyrethrum, Salpiglossis, Schizanthus, Sedum, Spirea, Sweet Alyssum, Sweet Pea, Veronica, the Violet (sacred to Venus when the gods were still upon Olym- pus), and the Larkspur, though that beautiful plant has al- most as sorrowful a history as the Aconite. ‘This was the flower the marks of whose petals formed the letters A I A, signifying Ajax, terror of the Trojans, for it was believed that the blood of this disappointed hero dropped upon the earth, and from it the Larkspur as Delphinium Ajacis sprung forth. F course there may be those to whom a garden means just plants—vegetables to eat or flowers to sniff at— prosaic persons who are so busy just living to-day that it never occurs to them that yesterday makes it possible and to-morrow will make it profitable. Why, when the whole world is full of interesting things about everything, should anyone be content to know almost nothing about anything? And isn’t it true that we know too little about the things in our gardens, though we may pride ourselves greatly on the knowledge we have acquired of the subject of getting them in. O care for the poetry of things does not mean deserting practical problems. ‘Thus it comes to pass that if we would have beautiful flowers to talk about (and fat vege- tables—-what a temptation the mundane is, after all!)— we must go about the business of completing the manual AMERICAN June, 1912 tasks that June sets for us in her gardens. There will be cabbages, peppers, and cauli- flowers and celery to set out, Dahlias and Gladioli to set in the earth, tomato vines to tie up, berry bushes to spray a couple of times (fruit trees too), privet to be trimmed, late crops to be sown—beets, carrots, corn, turnips, potatoes, radishes, beans, etc., and one must be on the alert for cut-worms, currant worms, rose-beetles, and other insect pests that afflict our gar- dens. In June, when the Hyacinth and Tulip leaves have turned color, the bulbs should be lifted and stored in the cellar until it is time to set them out in the Fall, and the withering leaves of the Daffodils should be cut away and the grass mown where the Crocus have bloomed and now leave only their sere stems to remind one of their late loveliness, that quality which makes amendment for all the earthiness of the hunt for pests or spraying of vines. SS ee ee ee ee @ |e ees ee eee) cee meee meee ees] © | eee aes eee ee SUMMER WORK IN THE VEGETABLE GARDEN (Continued from page 203) ee es Ole ee oe eee ee Oca ee ars are big enough, transplant to two or ehree inches apart each way. In September, as cool weather comes on, they will be ready for setting out, the early sorts in the garden, later sorts of later plantings in the cold-frame, where by protecting with sashes and mats, or better still, with double- glass sash, they may be had, without heat, until after Thanksgiving. FIGHTING INSECT PESTS One of the most important tasks in the Summer garden, is keeping the numerous and destructive insect enemies at bay. The first thing to be remembered in this warfare is that you must get the enemy before he gets you. Preventive “remedies” are the only successful ones. If bugs, borers, beetles, plant-lice or any of this ilk once get a start, it is al- most certain that they will ruin a good part if not all of the crop. Plant enemies are of two kinds—those which eat, and those which suck plant juices. The latter are practically im- pervious to any internal poisons such as Paris green or Ar- senate of Lead. If the following remedies are used in time, they should prove effective in safeguarding your garden: THE EATERS REMEDY THE SUCKERS REMEDY Asparagus beetle _______ 3-4 Aphis (plant-lice) -_____ Cabbage worm _____-__. Squash orers____---- __ -2 Tomato worm _________- 4-5 Squdashpue == 325225 2.2 ]-2-3-4 Cucumber beetle J Wiinitestly e-22245).-.-_- 3-4 es ] HOMES AND GARDENS The yellow Coreopsis is one of the best garden flowers for cutting 22% (1) Covered boxes or plant protectors: Where these can be employed, as in covering hills of melons and cucumbers, they are the simplest, easiest and surest way of saving trouble and damage. (2) Hand picking: If the beetles or bugs do put in an appearance, knock them off with a small wooden paddle into a pan half-full of water and kerosene. Destroy all eggs. (3) Kerosene emulsion: Dissolve 1% pound soap in 1 quart boiling water and mix with 2 gallons kerosene and 1 gallon water, and churn or pump until a thick cream is obtained. For use, dilute 10 to 12 times with water and spray on. (4) TYobacco-dust: If you can procure a good strong honest grade, this will prove very ef- fective in keeping off both plant-lice and bugs. Dust on the leaves very thickly. (5) Arsenate of Lead: ‘This is much safer, surerand more lasting than Paris green. Use at the the rate of 3 pounds in 50 gallons of water and strain well before filling sprayer. If you will take the slight trouble to keep a supply of the above on hand and watch your plants daily, and act immediately on the first sign of the enemies’ presence, your garden should come safely through the Summer campaign, and will reward your vigilance a hundred-fold. COREOPSIS HE Coreopsis should find a place in every American garden, not only by reason of its beauty, but also because few garden flowers are more easily grown. Moreover its blossoms continue late into the Autumn and it is one of the most de- pendable of flowers for cutting. Many spe- cies of Coreopsis are also known, in florists’ lists, as Calliopsis. The annual garden va- rieties may be raised in any soil. The per- ennial varieties are excellent for arranging in hardy borders, their brilliant yellows and rich browns forming exquisite contrasts. f Blazing Star einen cnven in light il Al Bieomeeilate Sina 226 AMERICAN ebsites AND GARDENS HELPS TO. fia BOL Se THE MOTHER’S PART IN ATHLETICS By Elizabeth Atwood AM sure that helps to the housewife may be found in suggestions relating to other things than the table. Believing that athletics should form a great part of the lives of our boys and girls, it seems to me a mother’s part to be actively interested in developing the athletic spirit. She must sacrifice her fears, and take an interest in the games—not hinder them. Play is as natural to boys and girls as is the running of the dog who doubles and trebles the distance when you take him for a walk. This same spirit continues through life unless perverted, but at no period is it more pronounced than through school and college. Dr. Henry S. Curtis, Secretary of the Playground Association of America, who must know well what is good for boys and girls, believes that what we want is more of joy and fun. Who ever raised a family of children without knowing just that? I claim that children need a mother’s interest in their fun as in their work. Because of this very influence for happiness and added interest in school and its requirements, I am a friend to school athletics. I fully believe in their power for good, from the days of “Crack the Whip” and “Tag,” with all the trying accompaniments for the mother, of worn knees of the stockings and torn trousers, to the days of baseball and foot- ball, with its worn clothes and torn flesh to be mended. This is what mothers are for. Class spirit, team spirit, merg- ing into town spirit, is the re- sult, and is for good. The need for high scholarship to qualify a boy for his membership of the team gives a happy impetus to his school work, under which the necessary grind loses much of its pain. It is all well enough to say that we send our children to school to study, but the world moves, and educators know that play must and should be provided for, as well as the study. I am forced to admit that boys have much more conscience about athletics than they have about study, but this is only another reason why they are bound to be helped by their association with athletics. A fun-loving boy, not meaning TABLE AND HOUSEHOLD SUGGESTIONS OF JNTER- EST TO EVERY HOUSEKEEPER AND HOUSEWIFE A novelty for the table-—Grape-fruit holder Pa IgI2 to be a shirk, drifts along in the easiest way, laughing at his parents’ anxiety over his work, content to just squeak through, and loses no sleep over a failure. But just let a chance of joining the “team” appear, and presto! all changes. It does not make a student or a grind out of him, but the actual stimulus does lift him out of his careless ways. His marks begin to improve, and his habits have to, if he has been given to smoking or to drinking too many sodas. This in turn helps the physical condition and produces the healthy body. Boys must be doing something, so give them the right thing to do and encourage them in it. A great moral education may be conveyed through this very play. A place where boys may run off, as in baseball or football, some of their boiling, surging energy, is just what they need. This same energy is what will make them efficient citizens; and to direct and help it along in healthful lines is a mother’s contribution—as much her duty, as to feed thiem properly. Another moral effect is in the guiding of the mind along healthful lines; and in this in- spiring, active out-of-doors ex- ercise working off morbid thoughts, or better still, leaving no room for them to come. We cannot quietly set this possibility of danger aside, and if there is no cause for fear for our boy, his example will be helpful to the one in danger. I always feel that the active boys on the field are safer than the looker-on who pays more attention to his girl-comrade than he does to the game. There are mothers unwise enough to forbid all rough play. When my children were small, they had a great contempt for some children whose mothers would not allow them to play any games where their clothes would suffer. With merciless candor they expressed them- selves, these relentless, active school children, and dubbed the nice, clean boys “‘sissies.”” What insupportable anguish that mother inflicted upon her children! They were pale and puny, generally ailing, and practically ostracized. My boy said, when I remonstrated, ‘‘Oh, yes, Harry always knows his lessons, but he’s no good, ’cause he can’t play.” Later on in life I have seen the really terrible effects pro-- June, 1912 duced by mothers who honestly thought they were acting for their boy’s best good. They had nerves, these mothers, but I think they were entirely responsible for their con- dition. One told me, “I just can’t bear to let Billy do the stunts these boys are doing. It makes me nervous just to have him swimming around.” And, then, discovering that her precious Billy was out of hearing with some of the other boys and girls, she went into the cottage and had a fit of hysterics. The father whose first thought was for his nervouse wife, gave Billy a scolding, and the air was not charged with happiness for this family. Here was Billy, a stal- wart six-footer, constantly handicapped by a nervous mother. I felt terribly sorry for the boy, and tried to show this mother how she was making her boy very unhappy. Billy had the build for athletics, and, of course, it made him cross and irritable to be held back in this way, as though he were a puny six-year-old. It was no use, for Billy’s mother had that most awful, with men (and Billy’s father was no exception), that most potent argument always ready—tears! AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS TWO CHERRY DESSERTS By Mary H. Northend Cherry Cakes—Bake any good plain cake mixture in gem pans and cut a thick slice from the bottom of each one while hot. 227 that my boy could deceive me so!”’ I am afraid I was not as full of sympathy as I should have been, for I told her point-blank that she had brought it on herself by treating her boy of man’s stature as though he were three years old. I confess my sympathies were with that boy. When a woman is permitted to be a mother of boys, she must try to look at things from the boy’s point of view. It is only in this way that she can cultivate a spirit of regard for her wishes. If a mother allows herself to be unreason- able and exacting, so that her boy, fearful of a scene—and boys do so hate scenes— simply does not tell her of what he is doing, does she not invite deception? And is this a good thing? A mother loses a great deal ‘| who is not_a comrade to her boy. I think that the women of to-day, whether they gain the vote they are clamoring for or not, have a great responsibility on their shoulders. It be- longs to them to develop a higher regard for truth. Where is this to be done? In the home, of course. Woman must be wise in her restrictions when she is handling boys. She must not restrain them to the Have ready How I hate them! The crisis came one day, as it was bound to some preserved or ripe sweet cherries halved and pitted, decorate the cakes with these and serve immediately with vanilla sauce. If more cherries are desired they may be cut up and added to the sauce just before serving. point of losing their con- fidence, or she invites evils far greater than those she come. There was great ex- citement, for the time had come when, the water being warm enough and all in good practice, it was decided that two girls who had been begging for the privilege of swimming across the lake should be allowed to do so. It was a strong mile. Of course, Billy was wild to do it, too, for some of the boys were to swim with the girls; other were to be in the boats and canoes. Of course, it was a great event for us all. Do you suppose Billy’s mother roused herself to say yes? Well, she didn’t. She began to cry and “‘take a thin sugar syrup. through a jelly bag. unmold, fill the center on,” as only a nervous woman knows how to do, and poor Billy in self-defence took to his canoe. He fairly writhed under this lashing of his pride. A girl to swim across the lake, and he refused permission to do it! I can’t think of anything more humiliating to a boy of strength and power, for Billy was a good swimmer, and was natu- rally tired of swimming parallel to the shore. He had reached the limit of his patience, and the next day he went to a neighboring cottage, where he was out of sight and hearing of his mother, and swam across the lake! When I was called upon later to reason with Billy’s mother, who had heard about it, she was moaning and wailing, ‘‘Oh, Cherry Jelly—Stone a quart of cherries and boil them for an hour in Flavor the syrup with lemon juice, and strain Then add one ounce of dissolved gelatine, turn into a mold and set away to harden. with whipped cream, whole cherries. denounces. Here is another case of a foolish mother, and an equally foolish father, for, in his care of the mother he requires too much of the boy. Hal is in a pre- paratory school, and this school has a very fine foot- ball team. Hal is well set up, large and tall, just the very one you would pick out for football. His com- rades think so, too. His fond parents donot. They have allowed him to play with the boys at home un- til he is a good player. But at the preparatory school he is forbidden to take a place on the team. Here is injustice to the boy which he recognizes. He has reached man’s stature, but his parents do not see anything but their little boy. He has claims to an exercise of judgment for himself which his parents do not see. He is commanded not to do a thing in one place which he has been allowed to do in another. Is not deception bound to follow? In this case it did, and the boy will be on the “‘team”’ another year. Is not this deception worse than a broken nose.? Mothers must allow their sons to grow up. They must help them to be clean and pure and strong. If the boys yearn for baseball and football, and, mother-like, they must feel anxious, bear the suffering and be ready to bind up When ready to serve, and garnish with 228 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS possible wounds, which will sooner mend for your solicitude. Athletics make for health and strength of body. Inter- est in the game of the season is always a good stimulant in other directions. Happy is the home into which all this interest is brought, sure of hearty sympathy. My home is one of the places where boys gather to discuss these im- portant matters. , I hear much of the talk. I would not care to give cause for the remarks to be made about me that I have heard about Hal’s mother, for instance. How much good athletics stand for is proved right here in New York. There are over one hundred baseball fields provided by the city. What joy for the boys this means! Long live athletics! Mothers, help your boys by over- coming your fears, and becoming interested in their play, instead of always worrying over their work, and great will be your reward, in their finer development of mind and body. ESSN sp fox fmm te el LOS eet oe fO teceo ta fte mG (NS, AN AMERICAN COTTAGE OF ENGLISH TYPE (Continued from page 206) EE) ei exc en lO mea fe ol LSS) [OD a co nme meso a seen aoe AEC living-room is low ceiled and the woodwork is paneled, which give the somewhat ‘‘distinguished” effect such treat- ment always conveys. The cornice of the mantel shelf is continued upon each side as a narrow ledge upon which may be placed photographs, small framed pictures and the vari- ous other small possessions which accumulate in a family living-room. Wide doors open into the dining-room, where one entire side is taken up by a row of casement windows opening upon a broad terrace which afford a view across the stretch of green lawn into the forest beyond. In one corner of the dining-room is the entrance to the pantry, be- yond which is the kitchen and the service entrance, and the servant’s stairway to the floor above. One corner of the house contains the little room called the ‘“‘den’’—a small study, office or smoking-room which makes the little sanctum a man often wishes to have for his own. The upper floor is divided into four bedrooms and two bathrooms for family use and a maid’s room which 1s pro- vided with a bath. Closets in plenty are provided and the bedrooms are so placed that each possesses windows in two directions which give ‘cross current” ventilation. The little sleeping balcony which opens from one of the bedrooms is sheltered by panels of latticework and screened with wire netting. The Russell house has not been built long enough to be surrounded with the shrubbery and vegetation which do so much to complete the setting which such a home requires. The window-boxes with their blooming plants and hanging vines and the narrow borders for growing plants just below the groups of first floor windows, are probably merely the beginning of the work which time and nature will provide. imran Oe eS BOYS’ CAMPS (Continued from page 2£7) Mi = aap iae jain EO and the campfire, the mountain spring, and the carefull chosen bed on the pine needles after the long day’s tramp, weave a train of delightful memories that are never for- gotten. Besides these special trips, there are many unique events, generally arranged for. Camp bonfires, Saturday evening entertainments, barbeques, corn roasts, minstrel shows, kin- dergarten parties, vaudeville, and historical pageants, are included in the list, all originated and carried out by the boys. Then, too, at the end of the season a field and water day is held, affording to the friends and the parents of the campers an opportunity to judge of the prowess gained from constant practice during the Summer, and constitut- ing a fitting close to this season of beneficial enjoyment. June, 1912 SR OS CRS ft cca bf coco fi (0) fo ooo cmc tes fac conn bel HEA) [O} (CARD ocensco i foocroam bef) ft caso oocn ff ooondponao bh AS RO} PORTABLE HOUSES FOR THE LONG VACATION (Continued from page 219) FREE LOE xem te fo xen te ft econo tof coon bel FE) CO SE ft ce rc fp ccne el (0 fog cccfoca fi fajcor foo be EISNLC) (GED it may be easily reached from the dining-room by a covered passageway. It is very easy to add another room to a port- able building should circumstances make it necessary, al- though added sleeping quarters are very often placed in a building to themselves, wholly apart from the main struc- ture. In planning the house a covered porch or veranda should certainly be included, for it adds very little to the cost and increases wonderfully the comfort and convenience of the cottage. If two porches may be included one might be wire screened and used as an out-of-door sleeping-room. A portable cottage, more than any other type of vacation home, should be very simply furnished with merely the things required for actual use, but this need not prevent the appearance being very inviting and attractive. The simplicity demanded in such a home is very often the cause of very interesting and beautiful interior arrangements, for excellent results are sometimes obtained by the tasteful and careful placing of very little furniture, simple draperies, and a few rugs. ‘The selection of cooking apparatus is a very important item and is governed largely by the choice of locality in which the vacation home is to be established. Gas or electricity as fuel are apt to be difficult or impossible to procure and either coal or wood would produce a heat too great for the comfort of the cook unless the roof of the kitchen be ‘‘hinged” to provide proper ventilation. The choice of fuel narrows down, therefore, to gasoline and kero- sene, but excellent cooking-stoves of these kinds are procur- able and the oil to supply them may be obtained anywhere. It is surprising what an amount of pleasure and comfort may be had from a vacation spent in one’s own cottage. Every part of the country abounds in beautiful and easily accessible spots for the erecting of a Summer home, and ground sufficient for one of these little portable houses may be rented for almost nothing. When the building arrives from the factory it can be readily set into place, one’s be- longings arranged in the various rooms, and a few quick- growing vines planted to shade the veranda and the windows. If the vacation home be established sufficiently early in the season it may even be possible to make a flower or vegetable garden which will afford the pleasure and satisfaction one feels in ‘‘making things grow.” The vacation will prove a time of rest and content which can never be had by those who spend their Summers in resort hotels. With the end of the season the house should be made ready for the Win- ter and until another vacation time comes around. If the next Summer is to be spent at a different place the house should be carefully taken apart and stored away until an- other season brings new uses for its comfort and _ inde- pendence. ; Portable buildings of either of the two types which have been described are useful, of course, in many ways besides as residences and are in service everywhere as churches, schoolhouses, barns, garages, etc. They are often utilized as studios and an enterprising architect has established him- self in a portable house upon the roof of a skyscraper in lower New York. The chief function of the portable building, however, is as a home, and as such it has been on trial for the greater part of twenty years and in a great variety of localities extending from Maine to California and from Minnesota to Florida. The use of such a build- ing as a permanent home is possible, of course, in any but the most rigorous climate, and even there it could be used throughout the year with a small expenditure for a lining particularly heavy. Study the question carefully and choose a type of portable house adapted to your requirements, . = June, 1912 ELECTRIC COOKING ON RAILROAD TRAINS LECTRICITY has been applied in a new way to increase the comfort of railway travel by the introduction of electric cooking devices on the dining cars of cer- tain fast trains between Chicago and the Northwest. A feature of the service is that the passengers are encouraged to dis- play their culinary skill. Connection to the lighting current of the train, which is sup- plied by a steam turbine generator set, is made at an outlet at every table to which the usual devices—frying pan, water heater and egg boiler, chafing dish, teakettle, toaster, coffee percolator—are connected. Apart from the diversion of thus varying the monotony of a long railroad trip, food prepared in the kitchen is maintained in good condition by electrically heated re- ceptacles. THE JAPANESE AS PHOTOG- RAPHERS WRITER in the “Japanese Maga- zine’ has the following interesting information to give concerning photog- raphy in Japan: about two thirds of a cen- tury ago (1843) photography was among the innovations that came to Japan with the introduction of Western civilization. Lord Mito was one of the first men of prominence to start investigations in pho- tography. He sent Kikuchi, one of his retainers, to Nagasaki, where he learned of a Dutch book containing elementary instructions in photography, and was able to secure it. Kikuchi had the book translated into Japanese, and having mastered the subject, returned to instruct the prince. Immediately the necessary outfit, camera, chemicals, etc., were or- dered through the Dutch merchants in Nagasaki. They arrived, and the art of photography was practised for the first time by Lord Mito himself. The prog- ress and use of the art and its study were seriously retarded by the superstitious fear and dread with which it was re- garded by the people, who thought it en- dangered their lives. Shemoaka Renja was the first in the field as a professional, and met with the greatest difficulties in pursuing his work. To gain the neces- sary knowledge of the art of photography he entered the service of the American Envoy as a menial, as he had heard that the Minister’s interpreter was well equipped for taking photographs. The latter readily complied with his request for lessons in the principles of photog- raphy. Learning of the arrival in Yoko- hama of a real photographer from America, Shemoaka straightway left for the port to make his acquaintance. He succeeded in acquiring the photog- rapher’s complete equipment, and opened his own studio to the public. But he had to depend entirely upon the patronage of foreigners, for no Japanese could be in- duced to go near such a place. At first things went well enough; but later he had great difficulties in replenishing the small laboratory, and worse still, was ignorant as to the preparations in which the chemicals must be used. His experi- ments resulted in utter failure, and he was about to abandon his beloved project when a final trial brought success, to his great joy. Knowing he could find ready sale for pictures of the city, he placed his camera inside a palanquin, so that he could manipulate behind drawn curtains, as he did not dare to take the pictures openly. By having himself carried AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Pleasant as a Touring Car for Summer Driving The all-round window space of the Silent Waverley Limousine-Five makes it the ideal electric for summer driving. When all the windows are down it is open as a touring car, with the added comfort of a roof to break the sun’s rays. The Silent Waverley Limousine-Five * SILENT Oy Lp Design and Construction Patented Seating five grown people, the driver on the front seat with full view ahead, the Limousine-Five is not merely the woman’s car, but the family town and suburban car, luxuri- ous, economical and convenient. Easy to drive as the smallest brougham—easy riding as a cradle. | The Waverley Company, New York 2010 Broadway Philadelphia 2043 Market Street aah te th SLPS E 3 oA Loudonville, N. Y. CP Pe IL aoe Re to you. FT a ee ® Explains the care your trees need, how we work and Ls what we have done for others and can do for you. r) a APPLETON & SEWALL CO., Inc., 162 Fifth Avenue, New York 4 f, ‘) 2a &@- 6 @ = B~ ec x 8 eo E i -e~ Ce x ee 2s oe <. e eK eS eH ss ee Apple Tree in Wm. S. ey Orchard We have the men, the brains and the experience to put your shade or orchard trees in perfect shape—to bring the invalids back to health and keep the well trees well. Let one of our representatives go over your trees, tell you what they need and what it will cost to put them in perfect order. absolutely guarantee our work and inspect it every year without extra cost Write us to-day when we can talk this matter over with you. Send for Our Free Book ‘‘Making Good’’ in Trees And literally, silent, like all Waverley © Electrics. Let us send you the Waverley Art Book of Town cars, showing ten mod- ~ els. Prices from $3,500 to $1,225. | Also the Waverley Catalog of Com- | mercial Vehicles. Exide, Waverley, National, Ironclad or Edison Batteries. | Factory and Home Office 226 South East Street, Indianapolis, Indiana Chicago Branch St.. Louis ; 4432 Olive Street 2005 Michigan Boulevard gg RT LL FFE OSS: SBS: |How M. any of Your Trees Need This Treatment ? “Spoke chaining’”” has saved many a fine old tree when its owner thought it was lost. eo { | (} { ' Ah mock) Every one of your trees is worth money to you—are valuable assets to your property. Therefore, take the best possible care of them. It takes years to grow new ones. PEI al PE PEPE PSPC We This costs you nothing. Foresters and & urveyors xiv AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS June, 1912 a0 ro WOSUESTEARGRnE =e poem pores ye =a “2S SaePeeeee Clinton Wire Lath is ieee for use in exterior as well as interior plaster work. A wire mesh made up of drawn steel wire of high quality, galvanized after weaving, and provided with our famous V-stiffeners affords the ideal material for supporting stucco. Its unusual strength and rigidity prevents buldging or sagging. Smooth even surfaces are readily obtained while its stiffness and perfect key for the plaster eliminates all danger of cracking. In use for more than fifty years Clinton Wire Lath has proved its durability. It is everlasting and absolutely will not rust away. Fs] e|| ‘el ite Write for descriptive matter — paGuanneee | BeGeaeeee= LOE on (sauSauaanauaue 4 t L. »* a 7 oereeertre cit ‘i “Ceninon ach Si ; s hel id ai ce et | a tL) PEE EE EEE EEE a Sicage _ eaeTaITL , AOS NOW READY = The Scientific American Handbook of Travel With Hints for the Ocean Voyage for European Tours :-: A Practical Guide to London and Paris By ALBERT A. HOPKINS Editor of Scientific American Reference Book. 500 Pages. 500 Illus- trations. Flexible cover, $2.00, net. Full leather, $2.50, net, postpaid. At last the ideal guide, the result of twenty years of study and travel, is completed. It is endorsed by every steamship and rail- road company in Europe. To those who are not planning a trip it is equally informing. Send for illustrated circular containing 100 questions out of 2,500 this book will answer. Itis mailed free and will give some kind of idea of the contents of this unique book, which should be in the hands of all readers of the, American Homes and Gardens, as it tells you exactly what you have wanted to know about a trip abroad and the ocean voyage. WHAT THE BOOK CONTAINS—500 Illustrations, 6 Color Plates, 9 Maps in Pocket, Names 2,000 Hotels, with price; All About Ships, “A Safer Sea,’”’ Automobiling in Europe, The Sea and its Navigation, Statistical Information, Ocean Records, 400 Tours With Prices, The Passion Plays, Practical Guide to London, Practical Guide to Paris. 'MUNN & CO,, Inc., Publishers, 361 Broadway, New York through the streets he was able to obtain fifteen views—the first photographs of public places in Japan—which brought him large returns. In time the people learned to understand photography, and they became as enthusiastic in its favor as they had been against it previously, and photographers sprang up over the various cities. VACATION STUDIES HE Summer vacation gives opportuni- ties to those who have problems in planting to solve to learn by the mistakes of others what not to do, or if the vacation be spent in the wilds, nature undefiled may be full of pregnant suggestions about what to do. A knowledge of even a part of our native trees and shrubs will be of the greatest assistance to people who wish to improve their own places by planting. Most of the poor planting that one sees is poor because the trees and shrubs used are unsuited to their environment and a study of our native plants as they grow wild should go far to keep one from using unsuitable material. If you stay in one place for your whole vacation it would be an excellent thing to make a sort of flora of the district includ- ing all the interesting trees and shrubs. If your vacation is a rambling one then you could still make a list of good things with larger observations on their adapta- bility to different situations and their gen- eral luxuriance of growth. The artistic aspect of trees and shrubs should be studied and for those who have any facility in sketching there is no way so good, The soil where such plants grow should be noted with care and also the situation— whether it is wet, moist or dry ground. Botanies are usually deficient in their de- scriptions of the soil, and situation in which plants grow and such knowledge is of great value. The number of trees and shrubs in any locality is, of course, influenced by man and the uses to which he has put the land, but there are many places where almost primeval conditions exist and those will be particularly interesting to study. The adaptation of plants to a new environment or to new conditions of light or whatever is worth study. The Laurel (Kalmia angustifolia) for instance must certainly be a plant of the deep woods, yet it grows luxuriantly when the woods are cut off. The determining factor in the distribu- tion of many trees and shrubs is no doubt the condition necessary for the germination of their seeds and for their first year or two of life. Thus the Button Bush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) can be trans- planted to any good soil, but I have never found it wild except close to the water. In a similar way the fact that a certain tree or shrub grows in poor soil does not prove that it will not grow in rich soil, but only that the soil is too poor for any other shrubs to grow with the same luxuriance. The power of resistance of any plant to adverse conditions deserves study, and can be studied to advantage in successive vaca- tions, if they be spent in different localities. The Red Cedar will grow in sand or clay, in the crevice of a spray dashed rock on the hill tops, or in the valley, and some other plants show a similar hardihood. A list of plants growing along the coast would be of great value if it stated the exact soil and situation in which each plant was found. Does the Beach Plum grow only in the sand or will it grow just at the June, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS XV meeting point of sand and marsh? Which plants will endure salt spray, and which will endure occasional submergence by perigee tides? How far down over tidal rivers does the sweet flag (4corus Calamus) grow? The oaks are little understood. They grow throughout the country, but how many people can predict with certainty where any species will be found or will be absent ? When one has a particularly difficult prob- lem in planting a study of the plants grow- ing wild under similar conditions is obvi- ously necessary, but with any problem some knowledge of the sort is desirable. In ornamental planting we often see many shrubs struggling against impossible con- ditions—impossible for them, but quite fav- orable for some other plant of equal beauty though of different characteristics. The accidental groupings of trees, shrubs and plants which one sees while in the re- ceptive mood induced by a Summer vaca- tion are full of suggestions for the thought- ful amateur. The reproduction of such groups will perhaps be difficult, but it is not impossible if one studies the soil and situa- tion and the fortuitous circumstances which have made the group possible. The asso- ciation of species under natural conditions will give one ideas for grouping plants, and will prevent such absurdities as the com- No Locks are Yale Locks unless made by Yale & Towne That your Builders’ Hardware should be Yale is obvious. That you will have the Master-key System is not so obvious, because you may not yet know the convenience, safety, compactness and efhciency of the Yale Master-key, especially as expressed in the Yale Bicentric Lock. The Yale Bicentric Lock has two key- _ Send for bination of cedars and willows. Observations of many ornamental plant- ings should quickly give one an idea of the most useful trees and shrubs, and the older the plantations are the more useful will be their testimony. Japanese barberry is a most satisfactory shrub, but sometimes it fails completely. ways—one for the Master-key, the other for the individual key. Each throws a different set of pin-tumblers which oper- ate the same bolt. The Yale Bicentric Lock—or, for that matter, any Yale Cylinder Lock or Yale Bit-key Lock with Master-key—can be installed with the Builders’ Hardware at the same time these books: The Norway spruce is, of course, the fam- ous example of an introduced tree ill suited to this climate. There are many others equally unsuited, and the signs of their un- suitability should begin to show in many plantations. One can never know, of course, what the absolute failures have been. They die and are taken out within the year usually, but much can be learned by a study of the flourishing or struggling remainder. This book applies without additional cost for installing. the Master Key Theapplication of the principleissowide \ir ae woing to that the padlock on your chicken coops _ build or rebuild. may be opened with the same Master- key that unlocks the big front door. The Yale & Towne Mig. Co. Makers of YALE Products - General Offices: 9 Murray St., New York > this vook telisof There are many wild plants not now Ss Towal Offices grown in gardens to any great extent, which Sin twarcnee: 1 Ratebe, Lehibit Rooms: 251 Fitth Ave., New York: the betuty, uti: are capable of excellent use in the garden and a study of their characteristics and re- quirements will be well worth while. The partridge berry (Mitchella repens) is very beautiful and might be very useful in cer- tain situations. If it is to be beautiful, ornamental plant- ing must be luxuriant in growth, which means that the plants must be well suited with the climate, the situation, and the soil. In many cases this must mean that the plantation is composed in large part of native plants. 3 SMS g ; Yale Builders’ Canadian Yale and Towne Limited, St. Catharines, Ont. Haraaretaie Wall Coverings A PRACTICAL HANDBOOK for Decorators, Paperhangers, Archi- tects, Builders and House Owners, with many half-tone and other illus- trations showing the latest designs By ARTHUR SEYMOUR JENNINGS FISH IN FROZEN DEPTHS UBA ends to the south in a huge for- mation of mountains 8,000 feet high, and steeping sheer into the sea. The wall does not end there, as a writer points out in an article in the London Nation, but continues its precipitous descent into the 700-mile-long abyss called Bartlett’s Deep. This gigantic submarine valley is four miles deep and eighty miles wide. At a mile and a half, the pressure of the water is nearly two tons to the square inch: the ooze that comes up from such a depth, though the equator runs overhead, is cold as hoar frost; it is evidently certain that no vegetation can grow there. As in our world, none but the vegetables are able to make food, it ought to follow EXTRACT FROM PREFACE HE author has endeavored to include characteristic designs in vogue to- day, and to give reliable information as to the choice of wall papers as well as to describe the practical methods of ap- plying them. In dealing with matters concerning decoration there is always the danger of leaning too much toward an ideal and of overlooking the practical re- quirements of commercial life. The au- thor hopes that he has been successful in avoiding this fault, and that his book will be regarded as both practical and useful. One Large 8vo Volume, Cloth. $2 MUNN & CO., Inc., 361 Broadway, N. Y. BRISTOL’S Recording Thermometers Continuously and automatically record indoor and outdoor temperatures. Useful and ornamental for country homes. Furnished, if desired, with sensitive bulb in weather protecting lattice box and flexible connecting tube so that Recording Instrument may be installed indoors to continously record ou'door temperatures. Write for descriptive printed malter. THE BRISTOL CO., Waterbury, Conn. xvi AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS June, 1912 Stained with Cabot’s Shingle Stains. Rufus D. Wood, Architect, Pittsburgh, Pa. Read what this Architect says about his own house, which is stained with Cabot’s Creosote Stains “The shingles of the roof and second story are stained with your brown stain and the plaster on the outside columns with your poe Waterproof Cement Stain. A number of the shingled houses in my neighborhood have been stained with creosote (>) stains manufactured by local concerns and their cclc rs are very muddy and disagreeable and do not seem to stand the weather, while mine has retained the original nut-brown color which I desired. (Signed) RUFUS D. WOOD. It pays to use a reliable, standard article with a reputation. Cheap, kerosene-made stains waste both your money and labor. You can get Cabot’s Stains all over the country. Send for free samples of stained wood. SAMUEL CABOT, Inc., Manufacturing Chemists 131 Milk Street Boston, Mass. 1s the most tragic of disasters are few compared to those lost in the ordinary course of human. activity on shore. Such a disaster ought therefore to bring you to the realization of the common dangers of everyday life against which an ALTNA Accident Policy will protect you. This policy will protect your income and the income of your family. T HE most modern, and best illuminating and cooking service for isolated homes and institutions, is furnished by the CLIMAX GAS MACHINE. Apparatus furnished on TRIAL under a guarantee to be satisfactory andin advance of all other methods. Cooks, heats water for bath and culinary purposes, heats individual rooms between seasons—drives pump- ing or power engine in most efficient and economical manner — also makes brilliant illumination. IF MACHINE DOES NOT MEET YOUR EXPECTA- TIONS, FIRE IT BACK. Send for Catalogue and Proposition. Low Price Liberal Terms Better than City Gas or Eleo- tricity and at Less Cost. C. M. KEMP MFG. CO. 405 to 413 E. Oliver Street, Baltimore, Md. But the lives lost in such For $25 the /ETNA Life Insurance Company will insure your income against loss by accidental injury or death. $25 per week while you are disabled by ACCIDENT. And in addition $5,000 to your family if your ACCIDENT results fatally. $5,000 to YOu if it causes loss of both hands; or both feet, or one hand and one foot; or one hand and one eye; or one foot and one eye. $2,500 to YOU if it causes loss of one hand, or one foot; or one eye. These amounts (except for weekly indemnity) INCREASE ONE-HALF IN FIVE YEARS without extra cost and are ALL DOUBLED if your accident hap- _pens in a public passenger conveyance or elevator, or in a burning building. Larger or smaller amounts at proportionate cost. 3 ABSOLUTE SECURIT Y——_LIBERAL CONTRACTS——-PROMPT SETTLEMENTS Send in the coupon to-day § am under 65 years of age and in good health. eee eee eencecenecanececcnsnecsenennssccssccesscesessenscess| Pa enaennyeenscneyscccenssenaancaumeces” fEtna Life Insurance Co. (brawer 1341) Hartford, Conn. Tear off Tell me howto AETNA-IZE my Income. My name, business address and occupation are written below. that in the depths of the sea there should be no animal life. As a matter of fact, these glooms are inhabited by the most grotesque and chimerical of all fishes. It would seem as though in the darkness life has taken every imaginable license to be ugly and bi- zarre. Cannibalism is evidently the only method of life, and its equipment runs to every kind of extravagance. There are fish with teeth so long that they cannot close their mouths, fish that draw their stomachs over prey larger than them- selves, fish with no more mouth than a leech and getting their living as leeches, fish with huge, myopic eyes, and fish frankly blind. Probably none of them comes from depths quite beyond the region of light, though a great many of them go poking about their ‘ghoulish business furnished with lanterns of the glow-worm type. TOOLS THAT ARE SHARP. ANY amateur gardeners fail to real- ize that they can get better results and with much less labor by keeping their tools sharp. Whoever uses a hoe ought also to have a file in one of his pockets and use it frequently. When the hoe is sharp and shining the earth does not adhere to it as it does to one which is uncared for, and which is something for garden makers to remember. There is a man near Boston who makes a living from two and a half acres of land. This man says that he wears out a hoe every season, as well as two files. He has learned by experience that a sharp hoe lightens his labors. It is just as im- portant, too, to keep the teeth of the wheel hoe sharp and bright. Tools may be kept from becoming rusty by rubbing the bright parts with lard to which a little white lead has been added, or with wagon grease. If they have been neglected until they have become rusty they may be soaked in sour milk whey or in kerosene for twelve hours and then rubbed briskly. A little mineral wool is useful in keeping tools clean. Tools may be marked by making a small space on the steel perfectly clean and bright and covering it with melted beeswax, and then using a sharp pointed wire nail to mark the initials on the wax, care being taken to cut through to the metal. The letters are made permanent by filling them with nitric acid, which should be allowed to remain three or four hours and then be washed off. The acid will have eaten into the steel and the letters will show as soon as the wax is re- moved. Another plan is to make a rough stencil of tin and to burn the initials into the handle. DEDICATING INVENTIONS TO THE PUBLIC T the present time many patents are being dedicated to the public. It re- mains to be seen whether the inventions covered by such patents will prove benefi- cial to mankind or be utilized to any ex- tent. In a work entitled “Creators of Steel” it is said: “Sir Henry Bessemer is a believer in patents ; but to his varied experi- ence in the introduction of new inventions another single fact has to be added. ‘I do not know,’ he says, ‘a single instance of an invention having been published and given freely to the world, and being taken up by any manufacturer at all. I have myself proposed to manufacturers many things which I was convinced were of use, but did not feel disposed to manufacture or even to patent. I do not know of one instance in which my suggestions have been tried; but had I patented and spent a sum over a certain invention, and seen no means of re- June, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS XV1i The Aermotor with the auto- matic regulator stops when the tank By full and Ve: starts when the aar water is lowered 4 inches. You oil it onee a week. A gasoline engine has to be started and stopped and oiled and attended almost constantly, and you have large expense for gasoline and oil. The wind is free. We make gasoline engines (exceedingly good ones) but, for the average water supply for the home and 150 head of stock, an 8-foot Aermotor with a storage tank,—which is a necessity with any kind of water supply —is all that is needed and is by far the morc economical. The supply of wind for the Aer- motor is more to be relied upon than the supply of gasoline, batteries and repairs for the gaso- line engine. 5 The cost of gasoline, oil, batteries and re- Pairs in pumping for 150 head of stock with a gasoline engine, will buy an 8-foot Aermotor every year, and you are still to the bad the amount of time you spend over the gasoline engine. : But the gasoline engine has its place on the farm notwithstanding the fact that 100 people are maimed or killed with gasoline where one is injured by a windmill, and that 100 farm buildings are burned with gasoline where none is injured by a windmill. Forthe watersupply, the windmill is the thing. Thousands of farmers who have done their first power pumping by a gasoline engine have become tired of it and are buying windmills. That is one reason why our windmill business increases from year to year. We can furnish you much testimony like the following: Devine, Tex., Dec. 16, 1911. l amsending you a photo- graph of one of the oldest windmills in this country— it being the first Aermotor put up in Medina County— and is used to furnish water for hundreds of head of cat- tle. Itwasputupinthe year 1889 and is owned by Mr. Murdo Monroe. The only repairs this mill has ever needed are one smal] gear and a rocker arm, the total cost of which was$2.50. This Aermotor is still running and doing good service, furnish- ing water for cattle and family. LOUIS GACONET. Find, if you can, astate- ment like this regarding gasoline engines. Of course, there are places where a windmill cannot be used. There you will have to usea gasoline engine, with all of its disadvantages, We will furnish for that place a small engine which costs but $37.50 complete, soit can be set to pumping in 30 minutes. Or we will furnish you a pump jack—the best made—for $6.00, to do pumping with a larger gasoline engine. Send for catalogue giving full information about water supply. Aermotor Co., Chicago, Branch Houses: Oakland, Cal.; Kansas City, Mo.; Minneapolis, Minn. “COLONIAL HOUSES” A collection of designs showing meapertves in that ever beautiful le with floor plans arranged to meet the requirements of modem days. Contains designs ranging in cost from $5,000 to $30,000. Prices $2.00 by express prepaid. Also “STUCCO HOUSES” with new designs for 1912. It shows designs costing from $9,000 to $35,000. Price $5.00 express prepaid. S. CHILD, ARCHITECT 29 Broadway New York City HESS sit LOCKER Room 1020 The Only Modern, Sanitary STEEL Medicine Cabinet or locker finished in snow-white, baked everlasting enamel, inside and out. Beautiful beveled mirror door. Nickel plate brass trimmings. Steel or glass shelves. Costs Less Than Wood Never warps, shrinks, nor swells. Dust and vermin proof, easily cleaned. Should Be In Every Bathroom Four styles—four sizes. To recess in wall or to hang outside. Send for illus- trated circular. HESS, 926 Tacoma Building, Chicago Makers of Steel Furnaces.—Free Booklet «hij -— The Recessed teel Medicine Cabinet couping myself except by forcing, as it were, some manufacturer to take it up, and I should have gone from one to the other and represented its advantages, and I should have found someone who would have taken it up on the offer of some advantage from me, and who would have seen his capital recouped, by the fact that no other manu- facturer could have it quite on the same terms for the next year or two. Then the invention becomes at once introduced, and the public admits its value ; and other manu- facturers, like a flock of sheep, come in. But the difficulty is to get the first man to move. The first man might say: “Oh, my machinery cost me a great deal of money. I have my regular trade, and this new scheme is sure to be more trouble to me in the first instance; and when every- body, asks for it, every other manufacturer will be in a condition to supply it, so it is not worth my while!” I believe inventions which are at first free gifts are apt to come to nothing.’ ” CHINESE WATER-NUTS HE United State Daily Consular and Trade Report recently contained the following interesting paragraphs about the horned ling—water chestnut—of China: “The term ‘water chestnut’ in China is indiscriminately applied to several va- rieties of nut fruit of plants growing in water, which form a considerable portion of the food supply of many natives. They are so well liked by Chinese that large quantities of the nuts are exported to va- rious parts of the world, particularly to Chinese in the United States and the Philippines. “Perhaps the more widely scattered species is that known by the Chinese in the Yangtse Valley country as ‘ling’ and in the Canton country as ‘ling kok.’ This nut is shaped much like the two horns of a water buffalo or Texas steer, includ- ing a portion of the skull. The shell is so hard as to require cracking, and the kernel is comparatively small and con- sists of almost pure starch. “The ‘ling’ or ‘ling kok’ is the variety most generally noticed by travelers along the canals and ponds of central China. On the canal system connected with the Grand Canal in Che-kiang Province and in that canal itself the cultivation reaches its greatest extent. The nuts are planted merely by dropping year-old nuts at in- tervals of a few feet in ponds or alone the edge of a canal, where the plants can be fenced in by bamboo poles and a net work of bamboo. “They are planted annually in the Spring, growing best in five or six feet of water. The nuts take root quickly and send a shoot to the surface in an incred- ibly short time. The nuts are formed among the leaves of the plant on the sur- face and are gathered in boats. A water chestnut field of this sort resembles in ap- pearance a field of water hyacinth in the rivers of the Southern United States. The nut plant, in fact, grows under similar conditions to the water hyacinth, and it is probable that the nut could be culti- vated in the United States where the hyacinth plant now grows. “The Chinese people use these nuts in various ways. They are to be had roasted of street venders in Central China cities; they are eaten boiled, tasting somewhat like a Jerusalem artichoke; they are made into various pastries and puddings, some of the latter being very popular among foreigners in China.” AT i N i‘ Daytime or Evenings your porch can be made the coolest, cozi- est and most comfortable place you know. It can be kept in deepest shade—cutting off the hot rays of the sun—and yet allowing the air to get in. At night also you can use the porch to better advantage. There you can receive guests, read, write, sew, take a nap in absolute privacy, if your porch is equipped with Vudor Porch Shades They shut off the gaze of passersby yet always al- lowing you to look out without trouble. Wudor Shades are made of toughest wood, bound with unbreakable twine—like that used by fishermen for nets—stand all weather and last seasons where the imitations last only weeks. So look for the Vudor name-plate on every shade you buy and beware of flimsy substitutes. You can equip your porch at a cost from $3.50 up- wards. How to Make Your Porch Cozy and Comfortable It is told in our New Book which you will want to read, handsomely illustrated and colored. A postcard brings it. Don’t miss getting it early. We have no branch factory and no one is licensed to use our patents. ali ey are not Vudor Porch Shades unless they bear the Vudor metal trade mark. HOUGH SHADE CORPORATION 240 Mill Street, Janesville, Wisconsin (We also make Vudor Re-enforced Hammocks. They have re-enforced bed centers and special end cords which double their life and usefulness.) N Be AN i uy Ni Hi) =~ z sitet : 2 . 2s as 4 tN PLANNING YOUR HOME j HOME, no matter how simple or elaborate,may 7 be better planned, with greater satisfaction, if you have one of our books of plans. Our books of DISTINCTIVE HOMES AND GARDENS lu give suggestions, show scores of different arrange- ments, which make characteristic homes. They cover every phase of building. No. 1—35 designs, $1000 to $6000 $1.00 F No. 2—35 designs, $6000 to $15000 $1.00 m 1 No. 3—Combining No.1 and 2 $1.50 5 Stock plans priced in each book. Ask for nl our special offer on original plans. | -The Kauffman Company - l 620 ROSE BUILDING CLEVELAND, OHIO I ul Gseses =: ese SS 25 =, XVill AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS June, 1912 [208 ra) FISH ECONOMY, DELICACIES AND Baking DayInThe Biggest Pottery 3 |“ “evan bial a By PHEBE. WESTCOTT HUMPHREYS iy Every day is “Baking Day” in the Homer Laughlin pottery. HE housewife with a Summer cot- 4® We have 110 kilns. The process of packing kilns and removing | tage by the sea, or a bungalow ie : hi ; ti mes near a famous fishing stream, will learn ie finished china 1s continuous. #% | many lessons in economy in the handling apd Baking is an important process in china making. A dish & | of large fish, that will prove helpful in Ra baked too hard will crack. If baked too soft it will chip. If the “ giaze is not properly baked it will craze; that is, innumerable tiny cracks will appear, making the dish unsightly and unsanitary. Forty years experience has taught us how to make beau- tiful, durable china—china ‘‘as good as it looks.’’ See that the Homer Laughlin trade-mark is on every piece. ~ga*i-, _(—e Send for “The China Book”, a beautiful Le _ brochure on china making. The Homer Laughlin China Company, ss Newell, West Virginia | Bete, Women and Children First! HIS IS THE RULE OF THE SEA. So that on the Titanic, with courageous self-sacrifice, the men stood aside while the women and children filled the life boats and were pulled away from the sinking ship. On this ship were many men who had insured their lives in the TRAVELERS, against just such disasters, for more than a millon dollars. This is a great sum for any insurance company to have at risk in one disaster, but the TRAVELERS will meet it promptly, taking pride in the fact that in protecting the widows and orphans of such men it is doing the work it was put in the world to do. In times of sudden disaster men rise to these supreme demands of life. But may we not call attention at this time to those everyday acts of self-sacrifice by which many of these men who went down, built up the legacies which now belong to those they have left behind. May we not think that after seeing the women and children safe, the minds of some of these men dwelt with satisfaction upon the help that would come to their families from their policies. And may we not think that the little hardships of meeting premium payments helped to build the kind of character which was able to meet this supreme test of courage ? The TRAVELERS INSURANCE COMPANY as the pioneer acci- dent insurance company of America, speaks at this time about the value of accident and life insurance with no feeling of impropriety. It believes that it is doing a good work in lessening the hardships which follow in the wake of any disaster, great or small and in paying losses unparalleled in the history of accident insurance, the TRAVELERS feels that it is its duty to remind men everywhere, that at all times it is “Women and Children First,” and that men respond to that call when heeding the familiar MORAL: Insure in the TRAVELERS Travelers Insurance Company, Hartford, Conn. Assets, $79,900,000. Liabilities, $67,900,000. Surplus, $12,000,000. sone p on Sma GORA RGRneSeRhaSeCeGESOR Een enenenOnoeennesannhaneaasaeneenncnenenannaananennaneaneeeenseeGReenenneunenenneeneneuneeeeeeennnnennaneaneanssaannanannanannnnsanesSSanseannneaSSSSASsSassanannanaannanasensnse The Travelers Insurance Company, Hartford, Conn. Teas Send me particulars about Travelers Insurance. My name, business address, age and occupation are written below. making fish purchases after returning to her Winter home. One ‘who’ has _al- ways bought her fresh cod and_had- dock, etc., in steak form, with the slices cut in the right proportion for broiling, or covering with bread crumbs and fry- ing, may be startled when called upon to utilize a mammoth haddock fresh from the water. There will seem to be con siderable waste in the big head and the unmanageable back bone. It will not be an easy matter for the epee ue fem. inine-fisherman to cut her steaks directly through the huge vertebra, but after slight experience in cutting up the fish and mas- tering the “simple principles of know- how” in utilizing all parts, she will find that not a single inch of this huge fish will be wasted. Fresh fish chowder may be made one of the most delicious of Summer appetiz- ers; but probably not one in a hundred (of the camp and bungalow cooks) knows how to prepare it to the best advantage— to secure the best flavors with the least waste. When it is a whole large fresh cod or haddock that is being considered, first clean the fish thoroughly, wipe dry, and cut off the head. Then, instead of attempting to cut steaks through the back- bone—as usually found in the markets— cut the flesh evenly from the backbone in two long strips. This may then be cut into square steaks, and will be of convenient thickness for either broiling or frying. Not a particle of the steak portion will be required for the chowder, and none of the apparent “waste” need be discarded. The very best of the fish gelatine, that makes deliciously flavored stock for chowder, will be found in the head; and the meat clinging to the backbone—even when most economically removed—will be sufficient to form a generous escalop. Wash the head, remove the eyes; and, breaking the backbone into two or three inch pieces, put the head and the bones over the fire in cold water; and after bringing to a boil, simmer gently for half an hour, or until the bones of the head fall apart. When strained, this stock will form a richly flavored chowder by adding to each cupful of stock one small onion finely minced or grated, one small potato cut in tiny cubes, adding just before serv- ing a little sweet milk and thickening in the proportion of half a teaspoonful of flour and a quarter of a cupful of milk, to each cup of chowder; have the flour stirred smoothly into the milk, add after the onions and potatoes are thoroughly cooked, then flake into the chowder some of the particles of white fish from the boiled bones. This will form a clear white chowder. For those who prefer the flavor of bacon, and a rich yellow chowder, brown very thin slices of bacon in a frying pan, add the minced onion and the flour, and brown slightly before adding the fish stock and the potatoes. Season with pepper and salt; and just before serving add a dash: of horseradish. What a famous camp cook designates as “escaloped sea food,” is a combination of fish and oysters with sometimes a few finely chopped clams; mixed with cracker. June, 1912 crumbs and baked ina mold. The fillets of fish picked from the big backbone of the cod or haddock will be ample to form a generous escalop even after a portion of it has been used for the chowder. The fish may be used alone if there is suffi- cient quantity when hungry campers or bungalow company demand big esca- lops, or it may be used with oysters, or with a combination of oysters and clams where sea food is plentiful, and may be had for the catching. Butter the mold or— when made in quantity—a large bak- ing pan, place in it a layer of fish, and a layer of finely sifted cracker crumbs, or rolled bread crumbs, the layer of crumbs being dotted with particles of butter. For those who like the flavor, a little onion should be grated over each layer of crumbs; or lemon juice may take the place of the onion. Fill the pan with al- ternate layers of the fish and seasoned crumbs, adding a little pepper and salt to each layer. Alternate the fish layers with a layer of oysters if desired, and when the baking pan is full, moisten with a cup of milk, or better still with a cup of oyster or clam juice if convenient. Have the top layer of buttered crumbs, and bake half an hour in a hot oven. AN IMPORTANT PRECAUTION For the city housewife who must pur- chase her sea food from the markets, great care is necessary in the selection and the preparation of fish in warm weather. Dishes served as nourishing food may be- come a dangerous poison in the hands of inexperienced or careless cooks. Fish of every sort are supposed to be more de- sirable than meat as a Summer diet; as it is known that they are not so heating, and are equally nourishing. With nec- essary precaution the fish diet may be made very acceptable throughout the hot weather; but beware of cold storage fish, or of any that is not known to be fresh. In buying fish in hot weather, carefully examine the eyes, the gills and the flesh. The eyes should be full and clear. the gills red, the flesh firm, and the skin and scales bright. Then, after buying a per- fectly fresh fish, see that it is kept on ice until it is used. If it is not desirable to keep them in the ice box with other food because of the “fishy odor” imparted to milk, butter, etc., have a piece of ice wrap- ped with the fish. The methods fre- quently resorted to for keeping fish over night by “salting down” or wrapping in a cloth wet with vinegar, will not be wise: as fish becomes stale and unfit for food more quickly than we realize. Medical experts assure us that it is more dangerous to eat stale fish than stale meat, because the moment that de- composition sets in, in the flesh of a fish, exceedingly poisonous products, possibly compounds of phosphorus, begin to form. The poison is an irritant, and its effects are usually first a severe attack of indi- sestion, then great coldness of the body, and nervous disturbance and depression. Another effect of the poison, still more serious, begins with nausea, severe and protracted vomiting, compression of the pulse, great lowering of the temperature, cramp and diarrhoea, sometimes ending with convulsions. The slight decomposition of meat does not produce these poisons, and accord- ingly “high” meat and game may be eaten with comparative impunity. But it should be kept in mind that fish, the moment de- composition sets in, becomes actual poison; and that the further the decom- position proceeds, the more poisonous the fish becomes. AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS XS Whichever way you ey look at a Morgan-built Ene home the effect is always _ . the same — Simply Superb. BREN YOU'VE often wondered just what its > was that made some particular house, - . . . = a . ee an = %s ‘. * ‘, > s with its unusual distinctiveness, so strikingly attractive. Perhaps you had an idea that the expense would make it prohibitive for you to build such a home. That’s a mistake. The secret is in the woodwork used. In all probability the house you admired was built with MORGAN GUARANTEED PERFECT HARDWOOD DOORS and trimmings. They cost but a trifle more than the commonplace kind, and are easily within reach of every homebuilder. We tell all about them in our ‘‘Door Beauti- ful” catalog,an artistic de luxe bookwith many photographic reproductions of handsome interior and exterior views,show- ing Morgan Doors and Millwork in actual use. It also con- tains much valuable genera! information for home-builders. There's a copy for you—it’s free. Fill out the coupon and mail it to us today. Book will go forward immediately upon receipt. Sold by dealers who do not substitute MORGAN CO., Dept. B2 , OSHKOSH, WIS. Distributed by Morgan Sash & Door Co., Chicago Morgan Millwork Co., Baltimore, Maryland ARCHITECTS: Descriptive details of Morgan Doors may be found in Sweet’s Index, pages 910 and 911. Look for this mark on the rail. Speed of Foot Demands Speed of Lens And the greater the speed of any object, the greater is your need for a speedy camera lens. You will easily capture the fastest thing in motion with a ausch lomb feiss ‘TESSAR [ENS The wonderful speed is due to its great light-gathering power. This lens gives a perfectly flat feld and uniformly sharp definition. Precise optical corrections makethe Tessarthe best all-round lens for action subjects, landscapes, indoor pcrtraits, etc. Wie The supertor quality of Bausch & Lomb lenses, microscopes, field glasses, projection apparatus, engineering and other screntific amstruments 1s the product of nearly 60 years experience. Our new catalog 34H gives prices and details as to the best lens for your particular pur- pose. Sent postpaid. Write ws today. Lnqutre also of your dealer. Bausch £4 Jomb Optical ©. NEW YORK WASHINCTON CHICAGO SAN FRANCISCO LONDON ROCHESTER. NW. FRANKFORT .* * that caught your fancy and impressed you “ . AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Oss), (OLDWELL MOTOR | AWN MOWER Parks of New York City. The New York City Park Y | THERE: are 26 Coldwell Motor Lawn Mowers on the Association is finding these mowers an economic suc- cess because these 26 mowers are doing the work formerly done by 78 horse mowers. horses and 52 men. They are saving the cost of 78 Chicago Parks, United States Govern- ment Grounds, and hundreds of Golf Links and Private Estates everywhere are mowed with Coldwell Motor Mowers. These mowers climb a 20 per cent. grade Their weight, 2000 pounds each, keeps the lawn smooth. They cost nothing when not in use and run an hour on a gallon of gasoline. operate. Expert knowledge not required to If you own a large lawn or are interested in a park association or golf link, investigate the Coldwell Motor Mower. Descriptive Booklet sent on request. Coldwell Lawn Mower Company Newburgh, New York ISSA WENBNI OWE nee 0} eae eaceaeales io LAWN MOWER FACTORY IN THE WORLD. WITTEN, 2 One Horse Automatic is worth ten —fil// times its price. gg Let us prove it. Write postal for interesting folder \}\ of facts. Address \j The Baker Mfg. Co., 599 Hunter Bldg.. li The Schilling Press Job PRINTERS _Fine ane (S rie ae Vv; Work Work A Specialty 137-139 E, 25th St. New York Printers of AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS & SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL BOOKS q WE HAVE JUST ISSUED A NEW CATALOG of scientific and technical books, which contains the titles and descriptions of 3500 of the latest and best books covering the various branches of the useful arts and industries. OUR “BOOK DEPARTMENT” CAN SUPPLY these books or any other scientific or technical books published, and forward them by mail or express pre- paid to any address in the world on receipt of the regular advertised price. SEND US YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS, AND A COPY OF this catalog will be mailed to you, free of charge. MUNN & CO.,, Inc., Publishers SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN OFFICE 361 Broadway New York City June, 1912 \ a*anice nih is Uf NEW BOOKS | ArT, ARTISTS AND LANDSCAPE PAINTING. By W. J. Laidlay. New York: Long- mans, Green & Co. 1911. Cloth, 8vo.; 305 pages. Price, $1.75 net. Mr. Laidlay’s book deals not only with the technique and difficulties of oil paint- ing, but—in a general way—it touches on the education, life, and status of the artists of to-day, and on the advantages and draw- backs incident to the life of the professional artist. Moreover, the book is unlike other works in this class in that it suggests to the student things to be avoided, a welcome chapter being devoted to this subject alone. Mr. Laidlay’s Art, Artists and Landscape Painting can heartily be recommended to any student of the fine arts. AN ENCYCLOPEDIA Walter P. Wright. OF GARDENING. By New York: igre Dutton & Co. 1911. Cloth, 12mo._ II- lustrated.’ 323 pages. Price, 35 cents. Gardening as a healthful and agreeable recreation, as well as a source of income has made a notable advance in recent years. Thousands follow it as a pleasant pastime, many others as a means of livelihood. Read- ers find a happy association in plants and books. Poets gain inspiration from flow- ers. Artists learn that the making of gar- dens is an art to painting beautiful flowers. This excellent and handy encyclopedia of gardening is bound to find a hearty welcome among a large circle. Its scope embraces all the flowers, fruits, vegetables, ferns, palms, trees, and shrubs in general cultiva- tion, and will prove invaluable to the gar- den beginner and to the experienced gar- dener as well. Moreover the book is beau- tifully printed and well illustrated. Tue PracticaAL Book oF ORIENTAL RUGS. By G. Griffin Lewis. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Company. 1911. Cloth, 8vo. Illustrated. 360 pages. Price, $4.50 net. The aim of the present writer has been practical—no such systematized and tabu- lated information regarding each variety of rug in the market has previously been at- tempted.. The particulars on identification by prominent characteristics and detail of weaving, the detailed chapter on design, il- lustrated throughout with text cuts, thus enabling the reader to identify the differ- ent varieties by their patterns; and the price per square foot at which each variety is held by retail dealers, are features new in rug literature. Instructions are also given for the selection, purchase, care and clean- ing of rugs, as well as for the detection of fake antiques, aniline dyes, etc. In furtherance of this practical idea the illustrations are not of museum pieces and priceless specimens in the possession of wealthy collectors, but of fine and attrac- tive examples which with knowledge and care can be bought in the open market to- day. These illustrations will therefore be found of the greatest practical value to modern purchasers, In the chapter on fa- mous rugs some few specimens illustrative of notable pieces have been added. In brief, the author has provided within reasonable limits a volume from which pur- chasers of oriental rugs can learn in a short time all that is necessary for their guidance, and from which dealers and con- noisseurs can with the greatest ease of ref- erence refresh their knowledge and deter- mine points which may be in question. June, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS xxi Tue Musrcar Amateur. By Robert Haven Schauffler. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. Price, $1.50 net. This delightful volume which is quite out of the ordinary run, is, as its author ex- plains, intended as a book on the human side of music. It is a book for the listener as well as for the composer and performer and brims over with personality, and a win- some personality at that. In this delight- ful monograph each chapter is more be- guiling than its fellow. Among such chap- ters one will find “The Creative Listener,” “The Wearing Qualities of Music” and “The Amateur Art.” ‘One is justified in recommending this work to musicians as a volume entertaining to amateurs as well as instructive and interesting. A simple design in TOBEY HANDMADE FURNITURE, } 3 offered in solid St. Jago Mahogany in | ee two sizes, as follows: : 24 x 36 inches, $35. 28 x 42 inches, $42 2 ee ‘ j | THe New History. James Harvey Robinson. New York: The Macmillan Company. 1912. Cloth, 12 mo. 266 pp. Price $1.50 net. Professor Robinson’s valuable contribu- tion to the literature of historical study in the form of the volume of essays, “The New History,” clearly points out the neces- sity of our deserting the old straw-methods even yet current, and of turning to history as something that should help us to under- stand ourselves and our fellows and the problems and prospects of mankind, in which aspect history’s usefulness has, in the past, been most commonly neglected. Professor Robinson’s volume should be read and followed by everyone interested in intellectual progress. HE QUALITY OF TOBEY HANDMADE FURNITURE may be judged just as well by the simple, less expensive pieces, as by the more sumptuous ones, because it is the same inall. In beauty and texture of wood, and in character of cabinet-work and finish, we have but one standard— the highest, we believe, that is now being maintained. And so we submit at this time the moderate-priced Tobey Hand- made Library Table illustrated above, in the hope that by it we may be able to introduce Tobey Handmade Furniture into many homes where it has not yet been known, and that thus we may secure a still wider opportunity for substantiating our claims. Tue Way oF THE BuppHA. By Herbert Baynes, M:R.A.S. New York: E. P. Dutton & Co. Cloth; 16mo.; 132 pages. Prices, 60 cents net. The object of this little book is to give the reader a succinct account of an Eastern sage whose doctrine of the Path has been accepted by millions of the human race, and whose influence is still felt at the ends of the earth. In “The Way of the Buddha,’ Mr. Baynes has succeeded in doing this ad- mirably. We are willing and anxious that your opinion of TOBEY HAND- MADE FURNITURE shall rest upon the comparison which this table sustains with any other article of furniture in your home. RA ROBEY RURINID URE COMEAN Y NEW YORK—Eleven West Thirty-Second Street CHICAGO—Weabash Avenue and Washington Street ITALIAN ScuLptors. By W. G. Waters. New York; George H. Doran Company. Cloth, 8vo. Illustrated. 281 pages. Price, $2.00 net. This volume deals with the Italian sculptors and smiths of the most momen- tous period of the history of art, from the Pisani and their fore-runners to the suc- cessors of Bernini, 1150-1690. Its purpose is to give a complete biographical and critical review of the development and progress of Italian Sculpture up to the end of the golden age. Hitherto, as a general rule, the subject has been presented to the American reader in individual biographies or dissertations on separate schools of sculp- ture. Great artists are naturally given lib- eral space; but others, makers of the beau- tiful and interesting, who have failed to win wide popularity, are generously treated, with the object of giving their merits a more general appreciation. With regard to the attribution of uncertain or unsigned works, the conservative attitude has been maintained. For the ready reference of students and travelers in Italy the book is arranged alphabetically, under the names of artists, and indexed under the names of {ICKORY FUR [TURE (0, Golf and Country Clubs equipped with Rustic g : % { Hickory Furniture have extra attractions for —bent into Rectal curves and Baceese ats towns in which objects of art interest are members and their guests. It is thoroughly in ‘S and backs of hand-woven flexible inner strips t b f L I | 1 { keeping with nature in all outdoor enjoyments. Many of re- . —all in the natural wood. One hundred or morestyles of Oo sy ounc t nas aiso a well- -arranged fined taste wh appreciate its artistic qualities as well asthecomfort | Chairs, Rockers, Settees, Tables, Swings, Couches, Tabourcts, Law ~ i and durability it offers, are adopting it generally. Rustic Hickory | Seats, Sideboards, Rustic Benches, Hanging Baskets, Lawn Vase index of anony MOUs sculptut € and is very j is also ideal furniture for Country Homes, Fashionable Resorts, Roof | Pergolas, Window Boxes, Fences, Summer Houses, Costumers, etc. fully illustrated and may be recommended Gardens, Bungalows, Studios, Cottages, Porches, Parks, Lawns, | Price so reasonable anyone can afford it. Ask your dealer ™ and all places where comfort, beauty and strength are desired. and if he cannot supply you write to us. Catalogue on request. as one of the most helpful art books of the RUSTIC HICKORY FURNITURE CO., 103 STATE STREET, LA PORTE, INDIANA year. 4 AMERICAN. HOMES AND GARDENS June, 1912 WS 4, SSS The Health of Your Family depends to a large degree, upon the condition of your bathroom. One of the most important fixtures in the bathroom is the Tub. Our Sherman Bathtub is the most approved Tub on the market. It is designed to be built into walland floor, thereby eliminating all pockets and corners underneath the Tub where dust and dirt usually accumulate, thus facilitating the cleaning of the Bathroom. In appearance it is very pleasing, designed with plain yet graceful lines, harmonizing well with other fixtures of the room. The Wolff name on our fixtures is your Guarantee. Look for it. ESTABLISHED 1855 L. Wolff Manufacturing Company Plumbing Goods Exclusively The Only Complete Line Made by Any One Firm General Offices: 601-627 West Lake Street, Chicago DENVER Showrooms: 111 North Dearborn Street, Chicago TRENTON BRANCH OFFICES MINNEAPOLIS, MINN., 515 Andrus Building SAN FRANCISCO. CAL., Monadnock Buildi CLEVELAND, OHIO. Builders Exchange OMAHA, NEB., 1116-18 Negi earecete lod KANSAS CITY, MO., 1205 Scarritt Building WASHINGTON, D.CLU.. 327-328 Bond Building ST. LOUIS, MO., 2210-2212 Pine Street CINCINNATI, OHIO. 506 Lyric Building DALLAS, TEXAS, 2109 Pacific Avenue BUFFALO, N. Y., 61 Manchester Place. Send for Booklet—Free Concrete Pottery and Garden Furniture By Ralph C. Davison HIS book describes in detail in a most practical manner the various methods of casting concrete for ornamental crete vases, ornamental flower pots, concrete pedestals, con- crete benches, concrete fences, etc. Full practical instruc- tions are given for constructing and finishing the different kinds of molds, making the wire forms or frames, selecting and mixing the ingredients, covering the wire frames, model- ing the cement mortar. into form, and casting and finishing the various objects. Directions for inlaying, waterproofing and reinforcing cement are also included The information on color work alone is worth many times the cost of the book. With the information given in this book, any handy man or novice can make many useful and ornamental objects of cement for the adornment of the home or garden. The author has taken for granted that the reader knows nothing wha‘ever about the subject and has ex- plained each progressive step in the various operations throughout in detail. 16 mo. (5% x 7% inches) 196 Pages. 140 Illustrations. Price $1.50, postpaid MUNN & COMPANY, Inc., Puitishers 361 Broadway New York and useful purposes. It tells how to make all kinds of con-, CHIMNEYPIECES AND INGLENOOKS. By Guy Cadogan Rothery. New York: Frederick A. Stokes Co. Cloth; 8vo.; illustrated; 239 pages. Price, $1.50 net. The decided revival in the interest taken in designing and decorating chimneypieces make the present volume a welcome addi- tion to those that have already appeared in the excellent ‘House Decoration Series.” In “Chimneypieces and Inglenooks” Mr. Rothery has carefully traced for the reader the development of the fireplace and what one might call its facade, and has pointed out in his book the chief features charac- terizing successive periods in different countries. In various lands fireplaces have been, at least since the twelfth century, a fairly good index of the genuine art ap- preciations of the age in which they were built and beautified. This volume is copi- ously illustrated, well arranged and one to be recommended to everyone interested in the subject of home decoration. A Boox Asout Rosgs. By S.: Reynolds Hole. New York: Longmans, Green & Co., 1911. Cloth, crown 8vo. ‘Illus- trated. 324 pp. Price, $1.25 net. “He who would have beautiful Roses in his garden must have beautiful Roses in lis heart,’ so says the author of this de- lightful book about Roses. And this is true. Throughout its pages this volume is marked by an intense enthusiasm for its subject and to the Rose grower, amateur or professional, we recommend it heartily not only for the information it contains, but likewise for the true literary touch to its contents. The illustrations, in half-tone and in color, are superior to much work of the sort that has been published by makers of less beautiful books than this one from Dean Hole’s pen. ON THE ArT OF THE THEATRE. By Edward Gordon Craig. Chicago: Browne’s Bookstore. Paper boards; 8vo. Illus- trated; 296 pp. Price, $2.00 net. Seldom has a more stimulating book than “On the Art of the Theatre,” by E- Gordon Craig, reached the desk of the pres- ent reviewer. The author says therein that he dedicates the volume to the single courageous individuality in the world of the theatre who will some day master and remould it. Mr. Craig’s distinct purpose in the book at hand seems to be the promul- gation and unfolding of his personal the- ories concerning the art of the theatre. “We are not concerned with what is to be effective,” writes Mr. Craig, “and what is to pay.» We are concerned with the heart of this thing and with loving and un- derstanding it. Therefore approach it from all sides, surround it, and do not let yourself be attracted away by the idea of it as an end in itself, as costume is an end in itself, of shallow management or any of these things, and never lose hold of your deter- mination to win through to the secret, the secret which lies in the creation of another beauty, and then all will be well.” The reviewer recommends this book to the art- ist-reader, especially for the chapter en- titled, “The Actor and the Uber-Marion- ette,” in which Mr. Craig urges the neces- sity of the artist gaining complete control over his materials, the result thus being an intelligent statement and a work of art; he must never leave anything to chance, be- cause the result would be a premature or haphazard statement. One will not agree with Mr.:Craig everywhere throughout the book, and now and _ then—perhaps often—will disagree with him decidedly. Nevertheless, it is a book worth reading. June, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS XXI11 AND PAGEANTS FOR By Constance D’Arcy Patriotic PLAYS Younc PEOPLE. Mackay. New York: Henry Holt and Company. 1912. Cloth. 16mo. 223 pages. Price, $1.35 net. The one-act plays for young people con- tained in this volume can be produced sepa- rately, or may be used as links in the chain of episodes which go to make up indoor pageants. There are full directions for simple costumes, dances, and music. Each play deals with the youth of some Ameri- can hero and these plays are recommended as suitable for schools, Summer camps, boys’ clubs, historic pageants and festivals, patriotic societies, and social settlements and playgrounds. Maxine A Lawn. By Luke J. Doogue. New York: McBride, Nast & Company. itpi2a Clothe i2moy sso pages. Price, 50 cents net. Although this little book contains hardly more text than a short magazine article, its writer is an authority on his subject and the condensed information he presents the reader will serve as a primer to the planner of the home grounds. THe Monvressorr MetHop. By Maria Montessori. Translated by Anne E. George. New York: Frederick A. Stokes Company. 1912. Cloth. 8vo. Price, $1.75 net. Dr. Maria Montessori’s methods, as prac- ticed in Rome, Paris, New York and else- where, have created a sensation in the edu- cational world, and will, perhaps, revolu- tionize child education. This book is an au- thorized translation of her Italian work, giving a full and inspired exposition of her ideas, methods and materials, with impor- tant new matter by Dr. Montessori. Among the foundation stones of the system are the development of individuality in the child in ways quite different from the usual meth- ods, and the careful training of the senses as a basis for future mental associations. Children of four have learned to write in six weeks. When Montessori’s pupils are transferred to the graded schools, they are better prepared in the required subjects than older pupils of the regular system, and have in addition a poise, a self-control, an accuracy and an initiative which fit them for rapid advancement. The system is the product of years of scientific experiment, that it is based not on abstract theories, but on a study of the nature of the individual child, and that its purpose is to develop self-dependence and to encourage the growth of strong, complete human beings, physically, mentally and morally. THE Story oF AvicNon. By Thomas Okey. New York: E. P. Dutton & Co., 1911. Price, $1.75 net. This delightful story of the quaint French town of Avignon is the latest volume to appear in the Medieval Towns Series. “The Story of Avignon” presents in the main a sequence of disconnected scenes, or acts, of many dramas, great historic figures —the Raymonds of Toulouse, Louis VIII, popes and anti-popes, emperors and kings, Robert the Wise, Petrarch, Rienzi, Saint Catherine of Sienna, Joan of Naples—a scene or scenes of their trouble or tragic lives in the little hill city on the Rhone. They have their brief passage before the footlights; they pass away to other stages and are seen there no more. Mr. Okey has presented a record of all these things in an extremely interesting and clear man- ner, making the volume not only of value to the student but entertaining to the lay- man as well. The Home of Wholesome Food A Snow-White Solid Porcelain Compartment il It does away with cracks, joints, crevices, corners and other natural t Le hiding places for dirt, odors, decay- Compartment ing food and dangerous microbes : : = | a Solid piece found in other refrigerators—the one A Lifetime Refrigerator i ae 1 ’ really sanitary food compartment. orcelain Ware, ‘6 ; | Like This. Send for Our Free Book on Home Refrigeration It tells you how to keep your food sweet and wholesome—how to cut down ice bills-what to seek and what to avoid in buying any refrigerator. It is packed with money-saving hints, and every housewife and home owner should have on2. It tells all about the ‘MONROE'’—describes its wonderful lining and the many other grand features that have given this refrigerator its position as the world’s best. A Germless Food Compartment The “MONROE?” is sold direct to you— at factory prices—on 30 days’ trial. We pay the freight and guarantee “full satisfaction or money back.” Liberal Credit Terms if not convenient to pay cash. The “MONROE” is the ONE REFRIGERATOR with each food compart- ment made of a solid piece of unbreakable snow-white porcelain ware wit every corner rounded as shown in above cut, The ONE REFRIGERATOR accepted in the best homes and leading hospitals. The ONE REFRIGERATOR that can be sterilized and made germlessly clean by simply wiping out with a damp cloth. The ONE REFRIGERATOR that will pay for itself many times over in a saving on ice bills, food waste and repairs. The ONE REFRIGERA- TOR with no single point neglected in its construction, and suitable to grace the most elaborate surroundings. MONROE REFRIGERATOR COMPANY (15) Station 29, Lockland, Ohio A Book of Valuable Ideas for Beautifying the Home Sold Direct T We will send you FREE our book “‘The Proper Treat- ment for Floors, Woodwork and Furniture” and two samples of Johnson’s Wood Dye and Prepared Wax (This text book of thirty-two pages is very attractive— it contains eighty illustrations, forty-four of which are in color) You will find this book particularly useful if you are comtemplating building—if you are interested in beautiful interiors—if you want to secure the most artistic and serviceable finish at least expense. This book is full of valuable information for everyone who is interested in their home. Mail coupon for it to-day. With the book we will send you samples of two shades of Johnson’s Wood Dye—any shade you select—and a sample of Johnson’s Prepared Wax—all FREE. Johnson’s Wood Dye should not be confused with the ordinary water stains which raise the cheap, painty effect. 4 grain of the wood—or oil stains that do not sink beneath the surface of Johnson’s Wood Dye is a dye in every sense of the word—it pene- the wood or bring out the beauty of its grain—or varnish stains, which trates deeply into the wood bringing out its natural beauty without rais- really are not stains at all but merely surface coatings which produce a ing the grain. It is made in fifteea beautifiul shades, as follows : No. 126 Light Oak No. 128 Light Mahogany No. 121 Moss Green No. 123 Dark Oak No. 129 Dark Mahogany No. 122 Forest Green No. 125 Mission Oak ~=No. 130 Weathered Oak No. 172 Flemish Oak No. 140 Early English No. 131 Brown Weathered No. 178 Brown Flemish No. 110 Bog Oak No. 132 Green Weathered No. 120 Fumed Oak HALF GALLONS $1.60 Johnson’s Prepared Wax a complete finish and polish for all wood-floors, woodwork and furniture—including pianos. Just the thing fur Mission furniture. Johnson’s Prepared Wax should be applied with a cloth and rubbed to a polish with a dry cloth. It imparts a velvety protecting finish of great beauty. It can be used successfully over all finishes. Johnson’s Artistic Wood Finishes are for sale by all leading 4 drug and paint dealers. If your dealer hasn’t them in Se stock he can easily procure them through his jobber. j = Fill out the attached coupon for oe booklet and free samples. so Ss ee This S. C. Johnson & Son ye” cre 2 . (Offer of Free Book- Racine, Wis. @ let Edition (A.H.6) and oe Please ry two sample bottles ofJohn- The <> son’s Wood Dye. Send me Wood @ shades Nos.......... 3 Finishing e*” and one sample can of Johnson’s ¢ Authori- ” Prepared Wax. =. * e ties Oo Namie sacieitcincaisca nese achicecic ce é a ACO CSS iiclelelelcisieicicisieieteisisiniateicteriiciciesiviciece 3 2 gi Oe ee ee e se H a as e 20008 108 sO OecO re BeeGeeB Gm Oer XxiV AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS June, 1912 AKE your visit now, because simone during June the trees, shrubs, : ne and hardy flowers will be at oN, Ms pat - their best. It's the ideal time to j : : 2 mee make your selections. You can see = ay j things as they will actually be. It's so much better than trying to form a conception from catalog dé<- scriptions. Don't put off coming till Fall, when the flowers and foliage are passing, and your enthusiasm on the wane. o it now so youcan make Your selections when you are keenly alert to just the things you most nee Run down in your auto any day. It's a beautiful ride along the Jericho Turnpike, where our nursery is located. Perhaps you don’t know that we have trees in all sizes, from fifty cents for a three year old, to fifty dollars for one twenty. One very important thing to also bear in mind is that any of our ever- greens can be planted in August and September just as successfully as inthe Spring. Come and make your selections now, and we will tag them with your name, and ship them any time the latter part of July. If you can’t possibly come to the nursery, then let us send you our catalogs. This year’s editions are . exceptionally interesting and en- tirely untechnical. You'll enjoy them. Isaac Hicks & Westbury, Long Island .CH.BRrooKseCo. cLevEAN.0- Pm FLOORSSIDEWALK LIGHTS. s OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. STATIONARY VACUUM CLEANERS Broomell’s Electric—The VICTOR The time is rapidly coming when it will be considered just as necessary to install a Stationary Vacuum Cleaner in residence, church, office, schoolhouse, or other building as it is to have a Heating System. The cost of a Vacuum Cleaner is small in comparison to the Heating Plant. It is only necessary to heat six months, while the house can be kept clean and free from moths, disease germs, dust and dirt the entire year with a Vacuum Cleaner at an expense of only a few cents per day. Broomell’s VICTOR is a strong, durable machine, is equipped with the best possible electric motor (1 H. P. for a single sweeper outfit). The Victor Pump Is positive in its action and pulls a strong, steady vacuum. The pump has only three moving parts, and will last a lifetime. In addition to the Stationary Electric machine shown in the illustration, we manufacture a special type Stationary Vacuum Cleaner to be used with Gasoline Engine, or other available power. Send for booklet giving full particulars. VICTOR CLEANER COMPANY York, Pa. Shaking Dust Screen The Scientific American Boy By A. RUSSELL BOND 12mo. 320 Pages. 340 Illustrations. Price, $2.00, Postpaid. q This is a story of outdoor boy life, suggesting a large num- ber of diversions which, aside from affording entertainment, will stimulate in boys the creative spirit. In each instance complete practical instructions are given for building the various articles. @ The needs of the boy camper are supplied by the direc- tions for making tramping outfits, sleeping bags and tents; also such other shelters as tree houses, straw huts, log cabins and caves. q The winter diversions include instructions for making six kinds of skate sails and eight kinds of snowshoes and skis, besides ice boats, scooters, sledges, toboggans and a peculiar Swedish contrivance called a ‘‘rennwolf.” @ Among the more instructive subjects cov- ered are surveying, wigwagging, heliographing and bridge-building, in which six different kinds of bridges, including a simple can- tilever bridge, are described. FOR SALE AT ALL BOOKSTORES FIVE MILES OF RHODODENDRON DRIVE HIE estate of Biltmore, in North Caro- lina, offers to the traveler constant sur- prises in the way of new vistas of liveli- ness at every bend in the forty-odd miles of macadamized road that wind through the private park about the Vanderbilt chi teau, Lut nothing more beautiful in the Spring and early Summer than the banks of the Irench Broad River which flows, with many a turn and twist around should- ers of the mountain, through this pictur- esque spot. So cunningly has art been applied to nature in enhancing the natural loveliness of this river that vine-clad rocks and bould- ers, with here the vivid glow of wild- flowers, and there the cool green of massed ferns, form a fringe that one fancies only Nature could fashion to frame a river’s margin. Most wonderful of all is the border of rhododendrons that seem to grow naturally among trees and shrubbery between road and stream and, for a distance of five miles, lean over the river’s brim, reflecting in its waters a glory of rose and pink, of amethyst and crimson, like sunrise clouds gathered into concrete form. Not as most persons know them, are the rhododendrons of North Carolina, and especially those to which such care has been given as the ones that glow along the curves of the French Broad River. Here rhododendrons attain a great height and spread of branches and are massed with boughs of marvelous colors. So famous is the rhododendron drive along this beautiful river that no one who can tarry, passes through North Carolina in the season when this native shrub is in flower without making pilgrimage to Bilt- more to enjoy the exquisite sight. EDIBLE BIRDS’ NESTS HE uninitiated are apt to think of birds’ nest soup as a most disgusting stew of twigs, feathers and what not. As a matter of fact, the nest used by the Chin- ese is a very delicate, semi-transparent, gelatinous substance, built by the swallow- like birds known as the Salangane. The nests are found in the islands about Siam and the Malay Archipelago, and the harvest in the year 1909 was 18,000 pounds, valued at over $100,000. It used to be thought that the nest was formed of inspissated saliva secreted by the highly developed glands of the bird. Now it is known that the nest is made of a species of alga, gath- ered by the bird. The season for harvest- ing the nests lasts from April until Sep- tember. It takes three months to build the first nest, and just before the eggs are laid the nest is stolen by the collector. The bird immediately sets about the building of a second nest, taking thirty days for the work. This is also stolen before the eggs are laid. The third nest, however, is un- molested and the birds are permitted to raise their young, after which the nest is taken and sold. The nests are built in most inaccessible spots, among the cliffs along the coast, and the natives must risk their lives to reach them. In preparing birds’ nest soup the nest is washed in cold water and then cooked for eight hours in a closed vessel, after which it is mixed with chicken broth, seasoned: and boiled for a quarter of an hour. This dish is considered a great delicacy among the Chinese, and Occident- als who have tried the soup find it very palatable and much resembling chicken soup. Tanglefoot A harmless sticky sub- stance applied directly to tree trunks. Remains effective, rain or shine, three months and longer, fully exposed to weather. One pound makes about 9 lineal feet of band. No apparatus required, easily applied with wooden paddle. Especially recommended against gypsy, brown-tail and tussock moth caterpillars, bag worms, canker worms and climbing cut worms, but equally effective against any climbing pest. Tree Tanglefoot needs nomixing. Itisalwaysready for use. Do not wait until you see the insects. Band your trees early and get best results. Price: 1-lb. cans, 30c.; 3-Ib. cans, 85c; 10-lb. cans, $2.65; 20-lb cans, $4.80. For sale by all reliable seed houses. ~ The O. & W. Thum Company, Grand Rapids, Mich. Manufacturers of Tanglefoot Fly Paper and Tree Tanglefoot. Send for Booklet. A Water-Supply System That Is Guaranteed Here is a practical, perfect system for water supply that is guaranteed to be free from defects and satisfactory in operation. We will replace free of charge any part found defective within five years of the installation. There are no conditions whatever. @ DOUGLAS @ - PNEUTANK SYSTEM Whether your source of supply is a-deep well, a cistern or astream, you can have water pumped through the house or to any part of the grounds. You can have live gushing water in the kitchen, bath, laundry, barn—wherever and whenever you want it. The Douglas PNEUTANK System consists of an air-tight steel tank, a motor (gas, gasoline or electric) and a pump. It can be located in the cellar or in a pump house. Is accessible in all kinds of weather—and not | subjecttothe wearandtearofthe elements. It isdesigned by thoroughly experienced engineers and built by efficient mechanics. Douglas products are known to three generations of pump users. Since 1832 they have been the standard of excellence. Our engineering department is expert in solving water supp!y problems, A Catalog and full information will be sent upon request. Write to-day. W. & B. DOUGLAS 180 William Street Middletown, Conn. Manufacturers of hand pumps, deep-well pumps, etc. If you are interested in Spray Pumps, ask for special] catalog. L ae aaa _ ie pez vanenall be EXCELSIOR “RUST-PROOF” FENCE Trellises, Tree and Flower Guards sears grounds always have a delightful air of privacy. The old-time wooden fences are gone never to return; but the modern non-rusting wire fence has come to stay. Wright’s Excelsior Rust - Proof Fences mark a new epoch in fence construction. They are strong, ornamental and lasting. Every inch of surface is completely covered with melted zinc—after making. It will last for many years without a drop of paint. Write to us for illustrated catalog. WRIGHT WIRE CO., Worcester, Mass. 33 West Michigan Street, Chicago 410 Commerce Street, Philadelphia 256 Broadway, New York City 125 Summer Street, Boston 5 First Street, San Francisco Order from your dealer. “Cream Quality” Bulbs for American Gardens Are you sure that the Hyacinth, Tulip, or Narcissus bulbs that you planted last year, or the year before, weve Hol- land’s best? For years past most of the choice bulbs have gone to England—we Americans got what were left and thought we were getting the best. The very finest and largest bulbs are called “Cream” and for a number of years I have been able to get these “Cream Quality” Bulbs by placing my order not later than June 25th. Hunt’s “Cream Quality” Bulbs will be a revelation to American gardeners; they are carefully selected, sound and solid. I know the varieties are of the highest quality, for most of them are in bloom in my trial grounds. My book “The Cream of Holland” tells what varieties I import. Send for a copy to-day, and make your selec- tion af once —for my orders must be sent to Holland not e” later than June 25th. “Daffodils de Luxe” describes the latest novelties in these magnificent flowers—send for a copy if you are interested in them. CHESTER JAY HUNT, Box 122, Montclair, N. J. Avoid the substitutes 173 Broadway, New York oy TN i) 2 3 a i) s) im 8) ~ e a Ss & ~ i) 3 i.) hee a S i) S ac) ~ 8 ted SB bo a5 v 8 & > ee) v =~ i) S - Waterman Co., ok 115 So. Clark Sin, Chicago. 6 Rue D’Hanovre, Paris /., Montreal, Kingsway, London, 107 Notre Dame St., 17 Stockton St., San Francisco. 8 School St., Boston. Attractive Porches—Isolate Fnua Noo ASL Hort. a Regia Nitta hsippeblee7. MUNN 6 CO., INC. PUB LISHMEKS NEW YORK ” he realization of the car you 4 would build for yourself 1s more than fulfilled m the WHITE selt-starting SIX. UlIts NHITE electrical starting and light ing ‘system. combined with ‘the logiall g ON ROR, GS ete : OD = on fam an D roe ee D 7 ee il pos = sible for the first time eZ ee ait NWN} { jo aT \.) ee 2 drag. comm start 4 light the caps aan step- ping into the roadway. Gl A ride in this carefully built and beautifully finished car will convince you that its design. for comforl. convenience and mechanical perteclion is supreme in the art of motor car construction. | The White Company. Cleveland. July, 1912 MID-SUMMER POULTRY WORK By E. I. FARRINGTON ANY hens are kept through the Sum- mer at a loss, not laying an egg for weeks. It is advisable and profitable to cull the flock in June or early in July, instead of waiting until Fall. Such birds as seem to be out of condition, with pale combs and a disposition to take life easy, might as well be gotten rid of now as later; the cost of the grain they would eat will be saved. This does not mean sick birds, of course, but simply those which have laid prolifically for a long season and which must have a pro- tracted rest. It hardly pays to try to fat- ten them, either, at this time of year. Sometimes a radical change in feeding will start a flock laying. Jf commercial feeds are being used, growing mash may be substituted for laying mash. If the birds have been confined, the same result may follow if they are given a wider range with an abundance of grass. However, there will always be a certain number of birds which will refuse to lay no matter how much they are coaxed. If the flock is a small one, most of them can be picked by close observation, and should be disposed of. It is well, also, to get rid of the male birds, except such as are to be kept for breeding purposes, and they should not run with the hens. Eggs keep better when they are not fertilized. Sometimes a male bird which is to be kept for breeding purposes the next season may be placed with a farmer and given free range for the Summer, an excellent plan for all concerned, including the rooster. Some poultry-houses which are excellent for Winter use, because they keep the fowls warm, are extremely hot in Summer, even when they have open fronts. The remedy is to make an opening in the rear wall just under the eaves, so that there will be a circulation of air at all times. A hinged board may be dropped over the opening in the event of a driving rain coming up, but there will be few nights when the opening will not be a distinct advantage in keeping the hens comfortable. Shade is also neces- sary in the hot months. Some poultry- keepers plant sun flowers to provide shade, while others grow vines over the fences. In lieu of anything better, strips of burlap or bagging may be stretched over poles. An abundance of green food is essential at all seasons, but especially so in Summer. One of the simplest ways to provide it is to have a grass-catcher fitted to the lawn mower and to throw the clippings into the poultry yard. If there is a surplus of clip- pings, they may be saved for Winter use by spreading them on a grain bag in full sunlight for several days until they crackle when handled, after which they may be stored in barrels or boxes. Greens from the garden will be devoured with eagerness. A few rows of Swiss chard will furnish a liberal supply of greens, for the leaves grow again when picked. A small patch of dwarf Essex rape may be planted for the express purpose of growing green food for the occu- pants of the poultry-house. It matures in a few weeks and new plantings at short intervals will provide a succession. Very AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Nothing in the appointments of a building can give it so much distinction as correctly chosen hardware. must be in accord with the » architectural scheme of interior decoration to produce an harmonious whole. Sargent Hardware offers a selec- tion that covers every period of It gracefully merges — design. into and becomes a component part of the entire architectural scheme. For apartment houses, hotels, theatres and public build- ings—for city residences, small -. cottages or country homes, the most hitting appointments. will be found in the Sargent line. Back of the beauty of design— under the richness of _finish— Sargent Hardware possesses the qualities of material and work- manship that insure permanence. SARGENT & COMPANY 156 Leonard St., New York WV wish to call attention to the fact that =| we are in a position to render com- Worse services in every branch of patent or trade-mark work. Our staff is composed of mechanical, electrical and chemical experts, thoroughly trained to pre- : pare and prosecute all patent applications, irrespective of the complex nature of the subject matter involved, or of the specialized, technical, or scientific knowledge required therefor. We are prepared to render opinions as to validity or infringement of patents, or with regard to conflicts arising in trade- mark and unfair competition matters. We also have associates throughout the world, who assist in the prosecution of patent and trade-mark applications filed in all countries foreign to the United States. Tie FEETLENY MUNN & CO., Patent Attorneys, 361 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Branch Office: 625 F Street, N. W. Washington, D. C. | Bremerrererererermrn YS SS To be correct it: motive and the The Cremorne Bolt for Casement or French windows, half round bolt, all lengths with guides, oval knob or lever handle, in art bronze, finished to correspond with other metal work. The Sargent Book of Designs showing a large number of the most artistic pat- terns will be sent free on yequest. ‘The Colonial Book illustrating patterns of that period, will be included if you desire it. Send for catalogue A 27 of pergolas, sun dials and garden furniture or A 40 of wood columns. Hartmann-Sanders Co. Exclusive Manufacturers of KOLL’S PATENT LOCK JOINT COLUMNS Suitable for PERGOLAS, PORCHES or INTERIOR USE ELSTON and WEBSTER AVES. CHICAGO, {LLINOIS Eastern Office: 1123 Broadway, New York City ii AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Houliry, [rt ann Line Stork Directory ONE OF THE SIGHTS IN OUR PARK We carry the largest stock in America of ornamental birds andanimals. Nearly 60 acres y of land entirely devoted to our business. ! Beautiful Swans, Fancy Pheasants, Peafowl, Cranes, Storks, Flamingoes, Ostriches, Orna- mental Ducks and Geese, etc., for private parks and fanciers. Also Hungarian Partridges, Pheasants, Quail, Wild Ducks and Geese, Deer, Rabbits, etc., for stocking preserves. Good f healthy stock at right prices. Write us what you want. | WENZ & MACKENSEN Proprietors of Pennsylvania Pheasantry and Game Park Dept. ‘“‘A. H.” Bucks County, Yardly, Pa. KILLED BY RAT SCIENCE By the wonderful bacteriological preparation, discovered and prepared by t. Danysz, of Pasteur Institute, Paris. Used with striking success for years in the United States, England, France and Russia, DANYSZ VIRUS contains the germs of a disease peculiar to rats and mice only and is abso- lutely harmless to birds, human beings and other animals. The rodents always die in the open, because of feverish condition. The disease is also contagious to them. [Easily prepared and applied. How much to use.—A small house, one tube. Ordinary dwelling, three tubes (if rats are numerous, not less than 6 tubes). One or two dozen for large stable with hay loft and yard or 5000 sa. ft. floor space in build- ings. Price: One tube, 75c; 3 tubes, $1.75; 6 tubes, $3.25; one doz, $6 INDEPENDENT CHEMICAL CO., 72 Front St., New York Just Published Garages and Motor Boat Houses Compiled by WM. PHILLIPS COMSTOCK @ This work contains a collection of selected designs for both private and commercial buildings, showing the very f latest ideas in their planning and construction. q There are 136 illustrations of garages and motor boat { houses, consisting of plans and exterior views reproduced | from photographs. @ These designs have been contributed by twenty-four well known architects from different sections of the United States. : @ The book is divided into five sections as follows: I. Private Country and Suburban Garages. | 1 II. Private City Garages. | 1. Suburban and City Public Garages. IV. Motor Boat Garages. V. Garage Equipment and Accessories. |g Neatly bound in board and cloth. Size 7% x 10% inches. 119 pages. Price $2.00, Postpaid MUNN & CO., Inc. 361 Broadway, New York liberal feeding of rape is said to make the egg yolks somewhat light-colored, but the average amateur need not worry about this. Where only a small flock is kept, a little bed of oats, Swiss chard or any green crop which grows rapidly may be made in the poultry yard and covered with chicken wire fastened to a board set on edge at each end. Then the hens will be able to eat the green stuff only as it grows to a point where they can reach it through the wire. The best plan I have found, is to open the gate to the yard about an hour before darkness comes and let the birds have the run of the grounds. They do not wander far but devote themselves to consuming grass. Naturally a watchful eye must be kept on them so that they will not wander into the garden, but they are made welcome in the corn patch. It is a great advantage to have double yards, so that one may be dug up and planted with a quick-growing crop like oats while the birds are confined in the other. Then there is no danger of the yards becoming foul, something to be care- fully guarded against. If there is but a single yard, it should be plowed or spaded once a month. A hand-plow is excellent for this purpose. Unless the soil is very light and open, it is best to first rake or scrape up the surface accummulation and remove it; used in the garden, it makes an excellent stimulant for the growing vege- tables. Feeding in Summer calls for no special departure from the regular routine, except that the corn ration should be reduced in very hot weather. It is not necessary or advisable to cut out corn all through the Summer. It is the best srain there is. When feeding cracked corn, though, care should be taken to have it sweet and good. The same advice applies to beef scraps. The latter are needed, even when the hens have free range. In Summer, when the days are long, the hens are off the roosts at an early hour and ought to have their morning meal at once. If the owner is averse to such early rising, he should scatter grain in the house after the birds have gone to roost the night be- fore or else make the last feeding of the day so bountiful that there will be some grain left over for morning. If the hens have free range, they should be fed before they are allowed out of the houses ; otherwise they are likely to satisfy themselves largely with grass and what- ever else they may find outside and not eat enough grain, in which case the egg yield will fall off. Some poultry-keepers like to feed a mash in the afternoon. This may be given about 5 o’clock and a feeding of whole or cracked grain made an hour or two later. It is surprising with what avidity the birds will devour hard grain shortly after they have had their fill of mash. If the fowls have a wide range, no litter is needed in the house in Summer and the grain may be scattered in the grass. If the flock is closely confined, however, a litter is needed, so that the birds will be obliged to work for what they eat. A little grain may be sowed in the yard to induce the hens to scratch there. Some of it will sprout before it is scratched up, and will then be eaten with zest. There is no better place for the growing chicks than an orchard or a cornfield. In the latter they will find many bugs and worms and will be protected from hawks. In hot weather it is best to house them in coops without floors. They should not be crowded and should not be allowed to run in the grass until the dew has dried off. ar ie: ’ . Ni pay) Nabe! - THE:REAL ESTATE:MART LAKE GEORGE, N. Y. FOR SALE OR TO LET “Lochlea,” a large, new, completely furnished residence on Lake George with 8 acres and 500 feet lake front; one mile fromR.R. station; twelve bedrooms, main hall 60x10%, drawing room 30x18, dining 24x18, reception 13x18, library 14%x18, billiard 34x16; ten open fire- places, five bathrooms, electric light, vapor heating, Garage. Pamphlet, pictures, terms, etc., upon application. Also a smaller brick house, completely furnished. Apply to EDWARD S. HEWITT 527 Fifth Avenue New York Details of Building Construction A collection of 33 plates of scale drawings with introductory text ‘ By CLARENCE A. MARTIN Assistant Professor, College of Architecture, Cornell University ,This book is 10x!2% inches in size, and substantially bound in cloth. Price $2 MUNN & CO., Inc., 361 Broadway, N. Y. JUST PUBLISHED Bungalows, Camps & Mountain Houses Consisting of a large variety of designs by a number of architects, showing buildings that have been erected in all parts of the country. Many of these.are intended for summer use, while other examples are of structures erected in California and the Southern States for perma- nent residences. Also Camps, Hunters’ Lodges, Log Cabins, ete. The book contains Seventy Sefarate Designs of which several are Log Cabins and Camps 78 Exterior Views, 12 Interior Views and 69 Floor Plans In the text is given an articleon “The Bungalow,” with hints on selection of site, sanitation, lay- out and construction, together with a very com- plete description of each design, with cost where it could be obtained. The work is intended to meet the needs of a large class of people who are planning summer homes at low and moderate cost, for erection in the Woods, Mountains, and on Lake and Seashore. Size 8x9}4 inches, bound in illustrated boards. Price, $2.00 postpaid. MUNN & CO. Inc. Publishers 361 Broacwzy. Kew York July, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS iii os Sab Occupies only a small space when in use—but accommodates a large wash. Folds up like an umbrella. Hill’s Clothes Dryer Made in two light parts—reel and post. Special in- terlocking device—reel cannot blow off—clothes can- not drag. Best materials, bestworkmanship, all metal parts malleable iron galvanized, no rust, no wear. Gives youa good lawn. no unsightly posts, lines, clothes poles or trampled grass. Saves time and strength. Will last a life-time. Sold by leading dealers everywhere If they cannot supply vou we will. Send Jor illustrated Folder No. 9 and jour dealer's name. HILL DRYER CO. 309 PARK AVE. WE WANT YOU to have our new catalogue of Garden Furniture beautifully modeled from Old World Master- pieces and original designs. Our models are executed in Pompeian stone, an artificial product that is practically everlasting. Prices most reasonable and work guaranteed to be the best. Write for Catalogue Y. Matled free upon request. The Largest Manufactu The ERKINS STUDIOS ol aeest Masulacturers 230 Lexington Ave. New York Factory, Astoria, L. I. New York Selling Agents Ricceri Florentine Terra Cotta ANTIQUES of all kinds—large stock of OLD CHINA; some fine old MAHOGANY FURNITURE: Copper, Brass, Pewter and old ; old Blue Quilts; Colored English Prints; Old Mirrors andClocks. Many other Antiques. Catalogue on request. Mrs. ADA M. ROBERTS Box 98, WASHINGTON NEW HAMPSHIRE P ROTE (Oa i Your floors and floor coverings from injury. Also be.utify your furniture by using Glass Onward Sliding Furniture and Piano Shes in place of casters. Made in 110 styles and sizes. If your dealer will not supply you Write uun—Onward Mfg. Co., Menasha, Wisconsin, U, S, A, Canadian Factory. Berlin, Ont. HESS saxca’ LOCKER f< The Only Modern, Sanitary i STEEL Medicine Cabinet or locker finished in snow-white, baked everlasting enamel, inside and out. Beautiful beveled mirror door. Nickel plate brass trimmings. Steel or glass shelves. Costs Less Than Wood Never warps, shrinks, nor swells. Dust and vermin proof, easily cleaned. Should Be In Every Bathroom Four styles—four sizes. To recess in wall or to hang outside. Send for illus- trated circular. HESS, 926 Tacoma Building, Chicago Makers of Steel Furnaces.—Free Booklet ° igi Smee The Recessed Steel Medicine Cabinet Se Parlect and Se Peerless Fur: Five Comune (3) CARPETS, RUGS, UPHOLSTERY FABRICS, INTERIOR DECORATIONS Prices marked in plain figures will always be found EXCEED- INGLY LOW when compared with the best value obtainable elsewhere Geo. C. Funt Co. aa-a7West 23°St. 24-28 West 24"St While in the care of hens, they will not wander far afield if the hens are kept con- fined to the coops; later they will need to he fenced. It is always well to start with a fence that the chickens cannot scale, for if they do not form the habit of going over fences when young, they will not be likely to acquire it later. After they have been weaned, the chicks -should be taught to roost on wide perches. The lighter breeds usually require little teaching, but it may be necessary to put one or two older chickens or even hens with chicks of the heavier breeds. The perches should be wide in order to avoid the danger of giving the chicks crooked breast bones— three inches is none too wide. Some grow- ers of market chickens never allow them to roost so that there will be no cases of mal- formation of this sort. Young birds are prone to crowd, though, when they sleep en the floor and become unduly heated as a result. The chickens require green food in abundance. Sometimes it is necessary to give green rations even to young birds with a grass run, for after the season is well advanced, the grass becomes very tough. Of course, shade must be given, with plenty of fresh water. Fresh ground should be chosen for the chicks each season, unless they have a grass run, for foul ground has been responsible for many chicken growers’ troubles. THE SANDAL TREE CCORDING to the New York Even- ing Post “the Sandal tree (Santalum Album), from which most of the sandal wood oil of commerce is obtained, occurs in a limited area in southern India. Other species in the Hawaiian Islands, Fiji, New Caledonia, and Australia furnished a con- siderable supply of the oil at one time, but were apparently soon exhausted. The white sandal tree is cultivated in India, and because of its value and the large demand for the oil, efforts have been made for a long time to extend the area over which it is grown. These have rarely been success- ful, chiefly, it now appears, because of the curious life habits of the tree. It is a root parasite dependent on the roots of other plants for its food. Planted alone it dies by starvation. An account of an investigation of its parasitism, conducted by M. Rama Rao, has recently appeared in the Jndian Forest Records. He found no less than 150 alien species acting as hosts for the sandal tree. It appears to prefer evergreen trees, and when attached to their roots becomes an evergreen itself. But it can flourish on deciduous roots, and in this case sheds the leaves annually as does its host. It is quite probable that this investigation will fur- nish information of importance in the cul- tivation of the tree—perhaps lead to a not- able increase in the annual supply of san- dal-wood oil.” EXPORTING EDIBLE BIRDS’ NESTS HE export of edible bird’s nests is one of the profitable industries in the Palawan Province of the Philippine Islands. Most of the product now obtained is sold to Chinese in the Philippines, but some of the nests are exported to China through Hong- kong, and apparently there is no reason why the exports should not be extended to the Chinese in the United States, who are accustomed to import this product from China at much higher prices than those obtaining in the Philippines. The nests are sold in Palawan for their weight in silver, or for about $1 in gold each, %eq_ BAY STATE Internationul Varnish Co., Ltd., >», Toronto, Canada. There is only one / Address Mahogany Inlaid Tip Table $5.00 Established 1878 O. Charles Meyer Cabinetmaker and Upholsterer Repairs of Every Description Antique Furniture Restored 39 WEST 8th ST., NEW YORK ee Antique fireside chair, largecomfortable wings in tapestry, carved claw legs, $20.00. 30 inches Hand-made The Stephenson System of Underground Refuse Disposal Keep your garbage and waste out of sight, under ground or below fioor in Garbage and Refuse Receivers Sanitary, odorless, fly-proof, a clean back yard, a fireproof disposal of refuse in " cellar, factory or garage. Underground Earth Closet with port- able steel house for contractors, farm or camp. Nine years on the market. to look us up. Sold direct. Send for circular. C. H. STEPHENSON, Mfr. 21 Farrar St. Lynn, Mass. It pays % AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS September, 1912 Andorra-Grown Peonies For SEPTEMBER Planting We catalog a collection of choice varieties, with complete descriptions, in our Calendar of Perennials Parcaliview of Peony Exhibition at Andorra The design and construction of a 100-mile wireless telegraph set is described in Scientific American Supplement 1605. The location and erection of a 100-mile wire- less telegraph station is described in Scientific American Supplement 1622. In Scientific American Supplement 1623, tbe installation and adjustment of a 100-mile wireless telegraph station is fully explained. to any address for 60 cents. Order from your newsdealer or from "THE most modern, and best illuminating and : cooking service for isolated homes and institutions, is furnished by the CLIMAX GAS MACHINE. Apparatus furnished on TRIAL under a guarantee to be satisfactory andin advance of all other methods. Cooks, heats water for bath and culinary purposes, heats individual rooms between seasons—drives pump- ing or power engine in most efficient and economical manner —also makes brilliant illumination. MACHINE DOES NOT MEET YOUR EXPECTA- TIONS, FIRB IT BACK. Send for Catalogue and Proposition. Low Price Better than City Gas or Elee- Liberal Terms tricity and at Less Cost. C. M. KEMP MFG. CO. 405 to 413 E. Oliver Street, Baltimore, Md. How to Make a 100-mile Wireless Telegraph Outfit In the following Scientific American Supplements, the well-known wireless telegraph expert, Mr. A. Frederick Collins, describes clearly and simply, without the aid of mathematics, the construction of a 100-mile wireless telegraph outfit. Complete drawings accompany his descriptions. These six articles constitute a splendid treatise on the construction, operation and theory of wireless telegraph instruments. Single number will be mailed for 10 cents. MUNN & COMPANY, Inc., 361 Broadway, New York, N.Y. SPECIAL OFFER TO CLEAR A BLOCK Four-year-old Plants, good standard sorts, in varieties of our selection. Per Dozen $4.00 Two Dozen 7.00 Fifty. . 13.00 Hundred 25.00 ANDORRA NURSERIES Wm. Warner Harper, Proprietor BoxN Chestnut Hill, Phila., Pa. Send For Fall Price List The adjustment and tuning of a 100-mile wire- less telegraph outfit is discussed in Scientific American Supplement 1624. The theory and action of a 100-mile wireless telegraph outfit is explained in Scientific Ameri- can Supplement 1625. The management and operation of ship and shore stations is clearly set forth in Scientific American Supplement 1628. The complete set will be mailed 4 SIMPLE TEXT-BOOK telling in a series of plain and simple answers to questions all about the various orders as well as the general principles of construction. The book contains 92 pages, printed on heavy cream plate paper and illustrated by 150 engrav- ings, amongst which are illustrations of various historic buildings. ‘The book is 12mo in size, and is attractively bound in cloth. PRICE FIFTY CENTS, POSTPAID Muwn & Co., INc., 361 Broadway, New York bers of a family living on a farm fifty miles from New York have never had, until very lately, more than a slight interest in the fascinating country which stretches out about them upon every side. The acquisi- tion of an automobile induced exploration into the depths of the Hudson River coun- try immortalized by Washington Irving and led them through the Sleepy Hollow region and among the Catskills where Rip Van Winkle is said to have lived. A re- newed interest in local history took them over the historic roads traveled by the weary Continentals during the days of the Revolution and to the old Colonial homes where Washington at various times main- tained his headquarters or where certain of the American generals were once en- camped. Longer trips toward Albany made plain much of the history of the early Dutch settlers and other journeys toward Boston and Philadelphia, regions rich in historic associations, brought about an entirely new understanding of the nation’s history and literature. Another family, having explored in vari- ous tours in their automobile the greater part of the eastern states of our own country, took their motor with them upon a trip into England and motored through some of the most beautiful of the English shores in the same car which so often carried them over the roads about Phila- delphia or over the highways of West- chester County, N. Y. The expense and difficulty of the transportation of the car was much less than had been expected, and its use over the roads of a foreign land made very pleasant the visiting of many places interestingly connected with Amer- ican history. The place of the automobile in plans for a vacation is a very important part of its usefulness for it makes possible long camp- ing tours with jaunts into wild and remote country districts, with nights spent either in the most primitive of tents or sleeping upon the ground under the stars. So many are the uses for the motor in country living and so important is the place which it has come to fill that it really adds more to the pleasure of life in the country than any other one thing. But besides the social advantages which the motor brings to dwellers in the coun- try, and in small places it has a decided social value in or nearer the city. By its use the engagements of the women of the family are made much easier of fulfilment and calls are made which perhaps would be much more difficult if one were obliged to depend upon a street car or some other means of transportation. Then there is a saving which is rarely considered in reck- oning up the pros and cons of keeping an automobile and where the considerations are usually those of a financial nature. In even the most economical households there are times when one is obliged to make use of a cab and when the cost during a year of such occasional service is added up it will be found to reach a sum which will make a very imposing addition to the argu- ments in favor of keeping a motor by which such expense will be avoided. The ownership of a car does not neces- sarily involve the keeping of a chauffeur. Even in large cities many automobiles are run by the women who own them, and it may be said that anyone who can operate a sewing machine can run a small motor about the city’s streets with entire safety to the car, to herself and to the public. In New York there are many professional women physicians chiefly who motor about by night as well as by day. September, 1912 MOVABLE FARM INSTITUTES IN NORWAY HERE is a widespread movement in Norway to promote the interest in agri- culture and farm husbandry by state experimental stations, agricultural schools and farm institutes, writes B. M. Rasmusen, U. S. Consul at Bergen, Norway. The en- tire area of cultivated land in this consular district is a trifle less than 4 per cent of the whole, but it might easily be quadrupled. For encouraging ‘agriculture and farm hus- bandry, the ‘Council of Nordre Bergenhus Amt (County) has made arrangements for conducting agricultural institutes at three different places in that county during the Winter months. The institute will be under the supervision of the government agricul- turalist in order that those participating may have scientific instruction. The plan is as follows: (1) An institute for one month at each place at the most convenient time. (2) The course of study for each district will be selected by the Agricultural Society of said district. (3) Each district shall provide suitable quarters for the hold- ing of such institute, as well as light, fuel, and janitor service. (4) The Agricultural Society shall prepare the courses of study and make the necessary arrangements for putting them into effect. (5) Appropria- tions made by the county council for this purpose are as follows: Government agri- culturist, $121; assistants, $67; secretary, $13; materials, $40. MEXICAN CACTUS FOR EXPORT ONSUL Wilbert L. Bonney, of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, states that there is some demand for cactus seeds and plants from European cities for ornamental pur- poses, and also for medicinal purposes. Shipments from San Luis Potosi to conti- nental Europe have arrived in good con- dition, and it is said that some of the plants that can be had for a few cents in Mexico bring fancy prices in the cities of northern Europe. Consul Bonney has forwarded a list of the cactuses that are obtainable in San Luis Potosi; it may be obtained upon application to the Bureau of Manufacturers. AN AMERICAN COMMERCIAL CONGRESS HE Secretary of State has sent a cir- cular letter of instructions to diplomatic and consular officers in Latin America ad- vising them of the interest of the Depart- ment of State in the work of the Southern Commercial Congress, which maintains headquarters at Washington, and inviting attention to the next convention of this organization which is to be held in Mobile, Ala., in the Fall of 1913. Delegations from the Latin-American Re- publics are expected to attend this conven- tion, and it is also planned to establish ex- hibits of the products, especially exports, of these countries, together with maps, charts, and literature, in the headquarters of the Congress. The Department of State cordially indorses these plans and directs diplomatic officers of the United States to ask the co-operation of the countries to which they are accredited in bringing the republics of the Western Hemisphere into closer trade relations through participation in the Fifth Annual Convention of the Southern Commercial Congress. Consular officers are directed in the Secretary’s letter to bear in mind the interest of the Depart- ment of State and to supply inquirers with such information as may be available for the purposes of the Congress. AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS betel hnedled J cnpbcherep adhered nel entied nd rocantie qrameiad erseedndbaren WH TT: TERA TAD MO) ATOR TT TRF ——- 2 TA © GR 2 GEA O CRA O MR A HES 8 I M GS O HS 8 SSS 2 Ot SSS Be SE S68 SS 2 re a pla auiaen Vale aataad Pics can Sa _ ey - <= PLUMBING | Coen tlasdl” i FIXTURES jmémom|EFORE the advent of “Standard” Fixtures a sani- s ‘ Lae bathroom was a luxury of the rich. Today leven the simplest homes enjoy and profit by their ]refining influence. The moral effect of “Standard” Fixtures hasbeen as great as their beauty, durability and excellence. * The beauty, practical utility and quality of “Standard” Fixtures, have nerimed the bathroom standards of the entire world. Genuine “Standard” fixtures for the Home and for School, Office Buildings, Public Institutions, etc., are identified by the Green and Gold Label, with the exception of one brand of bath bearing the Red and Black Label, which, while of the first quality of manufacture, have a slightly thinner enameling, and thus meet the re- and make sure that you get them. Standard Sanitary Mfg.Co. Dept. 23 PITTSBURGH, PA. New York . 35 West 31st Street Nashville . 315 Tenth Avenue, So. Hamilton, Can. . 20-28 Jackson St.,W. Chicago . 900S. Michigan Ave. NewOrleans,Baronne&St.JosephSts. London . . . 57-60 Holborn Viaduct Philadelphia . 1128 Walnut Street ioti Houston, Tex. . Preston and Smith Sts. Toronto, Can. 59 Richmond St., E. eavireg Can: Pan eres ane San Francisco . Metropolis Bank Bldg. Pittsburgh 106 Federal Street es on biel £- Washington, D.C. . . Southern Bldg. ; St.Louis . 100.N. Fourth Street Louisville . 319-23 W. MainStreet Toledo, Ohio . . 311-321 Erie Street Cincinnati 633 Walnut Street Cleveland . 648 Huron Road,S.E. Fort Worth, Tex. . Front and Jones Sts quirements of those who demand “Standard” quality at less expense. All “Standard” fixtures, with care, will last a lifetime. And no fixture is genuine uzless it bears the guarantee label. In order to avoid substitution of inferior fixtures, specify “Standard” goods in writing (not verbally) GEES € CE 8 GM O OE A SP © LAE ee A ey ' SE & eRe A Et 2 EE © Ee = SASS Fat SESS ha BS B O63 0C OT OF nee Lane’s Trolley Parlor Door Hangers and Track Fitted with superior quality ball bearings of the Annular type. The only Trolley Track adjustable laterally after the equipment has been installed. If the building settles slightly or when door dries out in winter or swells in summer, by this patented feature any binding or scraping of beauti- ful woodwork may be entirely prevented. Send for Complete Catalog Lane Trolley Hanger No. 109 LANE BROTHERS COMPANY Prospect Street, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. GUARANTEED TT Ue oa | OC CA CL NEE) CEST FA TSNICT) CS COR OS 6 CD CE © MO M CRE © RES © CE A EEE A Gone f 5 as emmnnent ’ : Pabst YN Nip r : bose? 5 Cane 4 dh. NLD Mem ca) Uh cd WW an ta Xl AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS September, 1912 DEAL, because it is better for the trees and better for you. Better for the trees, because it gives the roots a chance to get well established, resulting in a more vigorous foliage next spring. It fortifies the trees to attle against the dry summers we have nowadays. Better for you, because the ground, being firm, will not be torn up so. Workmen are easy to get in the fall—In short, it overcomes the spring rush, and consequent dis appointing results. e do the bulk of our Nursery planting and shifting in the fall and winter months. you need choice trees, in any sizes, from 6 inches up to 30 feet; trees with carefully pruned roots, and sturdy constitutions, then you want Hicks’ trees. There is no better stock to be bought at any price. Many tell us, there is none so good. Come an makethem from our catalogs. make your selections or Your order will have the prompt and careful attention you appreciate. eae Hicks & Son Westbury, Long Island Two layers of glass instead of one Between the two layers of glass is a % inch transparent blanket of dry, still air—that takes the place of mats or boards—that permits the plants to get all the light all the time. Have fresh vegetables and flowers when they are luxuries Last season amateurs were phenomenally successful with fresh lettuce, radishes and violets all winter; cabbage, cauli- flower, beets, tomato, pepper and sweet potato plants ready to set out assoon as it was warm Outside. SUNLIGHT DOUBLE GLASS SASH CO. Greater pleasure and profit in winter gardening With Sunlight Double Glass Sash you eliminate all the drudgery of getting out in the wet, cold or snow to cover or uncover beds. Get these two books: One is our valuable free catalog. The other is by Prof. Massey, an authority on hot-bed and cold-frame gardening. In it he tells in an interesting and in- structive manner how to make and care for the beds, what and when to plant. Tear out this ad. Send it with 4c in stamps, and we will send you the two books, Do it now. 943 E. Broadway, Louisville, Ky. Two Magnificent Books on Home Building Modern Dwellings—9x12 in. 200 Illus. ($3,500 to $50,000) with Plans . $1.50 American Homes—150 Illustrations ($2,500 to $10,000) with Plans These books contain a profusion of the latest ideas in Georgian, Colonial, English, Bungalow, &c. For those who are Planning to Build GEO. F. BARBER & CO., Architects, Knoxville, Tenn. If you would Build Beautifully Get These Books First One good new idea, while you are planning your home, is worth the price of many books. Circular FREE BOTH BOOKS $2.00 . $1.00 Do You Know Farr’s Peonies Most Peony enthusiasts, in their search for rare and new varieties. so hard to obtain, have found them in_the splendid selection of Peonies grown here at Wyomissing. They have also possessed themselves of my book, ‘‘Farr’s Hardy Plant Specialties," which aside from describing accurately the hundreds of varieties which go to make up perhaps the most complete collection of Peonies in existence, tells you how I have been able to learn about these beautiful plants during the many June's I have lived among them. If the soft iridescent beauty of the Irises makes you a dreamer of “‘far away things,”’ that of the Peonies, rich with the warmth of their glowing colors, intoxicating in the delightful fragrance of their great big flowers, fills you with the joy of life and the glory of June. Fortunately for me the Irises and Peonies do not come together, sol can revel in both to my heart's content. Perhaps you are one of the many thousands who do not yet know the beauty of the modern Peony or who know not the lure of the Iris: if so, you have missed much and should send at once for my book—it’s free, BERTRAND H. FARR Wyomissing Nurseries Bg 643E Penn Street, Reading, Pa. Les Want a really fine lawn Start it Now with K A L A K A i Sa your wat Ee aaa t wi e green an eautifu. next spring at the time when FERTILIZED GRASS SEED otherwise you would just be seeding it, For fall seeding, it’s important to sow Kalaka—not ordinary seed. Kalaka grows quickest an surest, and gets well rooted before cold weather comes. It's easier to sow and goes further, too. No waste to Kalaka. It’s the choicest of carefully cleaned prime seed—mixed with a strong concentrate of rich manure—draws moisture, quickens germination and nourishes the sprouting grass into a thick, sturdy turf in a brief time. Now is the time to tone up the thinlawn and brighten up bare spots with Kalaka. $1.00 for 5-lb. box, $1.25 West of Omaha. one pare 5 eer ow to Make a Lawn” wi Free Booklet be given you by any Kalaka dealer. Ask your dealer forit, If he doesn’t handle Kalaka, write us his name, and we’ll send you the book. The Kalaka Co., 25 Union Stock Yards, Chicago How One Man Became Independent Mr. Goltz, Big Rapids, Mich., gets a good salary as foreman ofa planning mill. But like you and I, finds that even a ‘‘ good”’ salary willnot enable him to get ahead very fast. Last year he planted an acre of gooseberries and four acres of Himalaya berries. This year he has a little fruit; next year he should make a profit of $500—without leaving his town home or regular work. # You Can Do It—Ask Me How. This is the idea that I want 1000 men totake upin 1912-13. Itwill be the first step to in- dependence, will mean happier days and longer lives, Will you be one of them? Ask formy Berry Book— free. 32 pages of sound ideas, all gathered in my thirty years of berry growing asa hobby and a business. A. Mitting Berrydale Experiment Gardens American Ave., Holland, Mich. Himalaya Berry is fruitingin Mich-@ A VILLAGE FLOWER FAIR By HENRY W. FOSTER IVALRIES among home garden mak- ers may sometimes be made to serve the general good of an entire community. In a certain large village there are garden- ers, who, during the past few years, have developed garden spots of surprising beauty and extent. One is particularly proud of her Hollyhocks, and the large collection which forms her garden’s chief glory con- tains almost every variety, single or double, known to horticulturists, besides several kinds which defy classification. In another garden is an especially beautiful array of Phlox and Canterbury Bells, where their tall groups of brilliant coloring challenge the emulation of the entire village. Asters are the pride of still another amateur gard- ener and elsewhere other flowers have been brought to such perfection that there seems little still to be achieved. Each of these specialties, however, had competitors so that no one could claim undisputed title to the pre-eminence which each garden maker felt was particularly hers. Village enthusiasm and the competition of individual gardeners had resulted in much beautifying of certain portions of the community but no effort had been made for the improvement of the village as a whole. The opportunity existed and enthusiastic workers were at hand when someone sug- gested a “Flower Fair” at which the claims of rival horticulturists should be care- fullv weighed and decided and which, at the same time, might produce the nucleus of a society or league for village improve- ment. That ample time might be given for all possible work and development upon the part of individual exhibitors the date. of holding the “Fair” was placed in August. Preparations were begun in June and a decision was then made by those who were in charge of the different classes of flowers to be entered and the value of the prizes or ribbons which should be given. Besides this giving of prizes for special classes of flowers several prizes were offered for the most beautiful amateur gardens and for the new gardens which should show most successful results at the time of the “Flower Fair” in August. The days for holding the “Fair” found preparations fully made, for during sev- eral months the gardeners of the village had put forth unusual efforts in the cultivation of their flowers, particularly of such as were to be entered in competition for prizes. The exhibition was held in the town hall the free use of which had been donated by the Village Fathers, and the village band donated its services for the two afternoons and evenings during which the “Flower Fair” was in progress. The town during August was usually filled with visitors from the city and a large number of patrons paid the admission fee into the exhibition. In one corner of the hall a refreshment department was managed by one group of women and in another cor- ner a candy counter swelled the receipts of the “Flower Fair” to a surprising figure. The prizes given the successful exhibit- ors as well as everything used in the “Fair” had been donated by individuals or busi- ness firms interested in the work which the exhibition was to accomplish, and the re- turns when counted, greatly exceeded the expectations of even the most enthusiastic workers ; so large was the sum realized that an improvement which had long been de- sired suddenly became a possibility. In the most conspicuous part of the village, at a point where two streets meet, is a small triangular piece of ground which had long September, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS xiii been covered with rubbish and débris. All proposals for its purchase had resulted in nothing on account of the prohibitive price which its owners placed upon it. The un- expected success of the “Flower Fair” made possible the securing of the triangle and its being made into a tiny park, suit- ably planted and beautified with a small fountain in the center of a lily pool. But perhaps the most important result of the “Fair” was its leading to the formation of a society or crusade for the improvement of the Village. With such work definitely in the hands of some of the most enthusi- astic and public spirited of the villagers the aspect of the entire place has become changed. Trees have been planted and are being cared for during their period of growth; the most objectionable of the busi- ness sections of the village have been wholly removed and the buildings which remained have been greatly improved. Co-operation with the railroad officials re- suleed in the beautifying of the grounds about the station which is highly important for many people who know little of a village judge entirely by what is seen from a car window. This may suggest the forming elsewhere | HE YALE DOOR CHECK is a mechanical doorman of some similar plan for the encourage- : 3 S Se eee cialcinie which: means ‘50 that never gets tired and never forgets It closes a door much for the average village or small with a firm swing that ends in a slow, quiet push. And it F ie . . - . . pene eco oe cicicd to) tt cannot fail. There is no other door check made which gives the may be made to produce some helpful and : ; j durable means of adding to the beauty and | | same unvarying quality of service through years of constant use, eee iene commmenity. mos! without repair and even without adjustment. everywhere there exists opportunity for ee ; some stich form of village adornment and | § Yale Door Checks are made in sizes and designs for every need, “TSCERL 3 OSL Fas a aay mace ot ae and in finishes harmonizing with all Yale door fittings and builders’ complishing such an achievement which | [ also lends encouragement to individual hardware. You can get them at any good hardware store. garden makers and affords social enjoy- : F ee ach waliie:-. Théte is no Aengiis Yale Night-latches Yale Hardware Yale Padlocks the value of concerted and united effort The Yale Night-latch No. 44 is There areahost ofnewdesigns, There is only one way to open 7” Are lilee aril : EE a dead-locking night-latch and as handsome and tasteful asthe a Yale Padlock—with its own ee IP LOVE MctILeS a night-latching dead-lock, com- older ones, which may be seen key. The name Yale means as the thing aimed at. The value of in- bining a high degree of conve- in the salesrooms of leading much on a padlock as it does on dividual effort is multiplied many times nience with absolute security. hardware dealers. the most elaborate bank lock. when the individuals are banded together in some form of organized work. The villages which are the slowest to respond to such united action are usually those where If you haven’t seen our booklet, “The Quiet Life,” let us send you a copy The Yale & Towne Mig. Co. the most need for such work exists and are Makers of YALE Products almost always the places where the great- (Cuicaco: 74 East Randolph $ T 7 1) : oN 30: ‘ ph ot. est enthusiasm prevails and the most Focal Offices \ Sax Francisco: 134 Rialto Bldg. 2) Nilay insets, INow/ 1 ora marked improvement noticed as soon as| § Canadian Yale & Towne Limited, St. Catharines, Ont. such a plan for systematic village better- ment has been organized. NUMBERING FARM HOUSES HE Kenosha Automobile Club of Wis- ~ consin is working on a plan of dis- M ] d B tricting counties which will greatly facilitate onop anes an iplanes travel and make it as easy to find a farm| || Their Design, Construction and Operation house as it is to find a city residence. The plan is a new one in Wisconsin, and is at- ee y . tracting State-wide interest. The Kenosha dike AAD TEHON CS ACESS WSO gi WAAR Gy Oe Ee Club plans to block all highways in the escription and Comparison of the Notable Types county, then name each and number the By Grover Cleveland Loening, B.Sc., A.M., C.E. farms. The main features of the plan are outlined as follows: 1. The roads of the county are first carefully studied by experts, and then aligned, or arranged, into the fewest and longest lengths suitable for naming and blocking. 2. To each road, as aligned, is given a short euphonic name. 3. The roads are then blocked, which consists of carefully measuring them along the surface, giving traveled distances, and divided into miles, which are then sub- divided into tenths of a mile, or imaginary blocks of 528 feet of road frontage. The blocks are then numbered, commencing at Munn & Co., Inc., Publishers the end of the road nearest the county seat, and the block numbers are taken as the 361 Broadway, New York basis for numbering farmhouses. N the many books that have already been written on aviation, this fasci- nating subject has been handled largely, either in a very “ popular’’ and more or less incomplete manner, or in an atmosphere of mathematical theory that puzzles beginners, and is often of little value to aviators themselves. here is, consequently, a wide demand for a practical book on the subject~- a book treating of the theory only on its direct relation to actual aeroplane design and completely setting forth and discussing the prevailing practices in the construction and operation of these machines. ‘“‘ Monoplanes and Biplanes”” is a new and authoritative work that deals with the subject in precisely this manner, and is invaluable to anyone interested in aviation. It covers the entire subject of the aeroplane, its design, and the theory on which its design is based, and contains a detailed description and discussion of thirty- eight of the more highly successful types. 12mo., (6x8% inches) 340 pages, 278 illustrations. Attractively bound in cloth. Price $2.50 net, postpaid An illustrated descriptive circular will be sent free on application. xiv AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS September, 1912 i jj + j NEW BOOKS, Tue RusstAn YEAR-Book For 1912. Com- piled and edited by Howard P. Kennard, M.D., and Netta Peacock. New York: The Macmillan Company. 1912. Cloth. 8vo. 428 pages. Price, $5 net. tg Caught in the Air Photographs like this are interest- The superior qualily of Bausch & Lomb lenses, microscopes, field glasses, projection apparatus, engineering and other scientific rnstruments ts the product of nearly 60 years’ ex perience. ing souvenirs of Summer pleasures. bina ; : With the growth of public interest in the But to Bae satisfactory pictuiea yor affairs of alt nations, ie value of national must have a speedy lens that has been | handbooks such as Dr. Kennard’s “Russian corrected with optical precision and | Year-Book” is quickly apparent. The pres- skill. You are sure to get the 7zosi | ent volume is the second annual issue and fatthtul results with a the chapters on Rights of Foreigners, Edu- cation, Agriculture, Municipal Progress and and ° Labor, and General Information for Travy- eS elers are among the many that are wel- allisCc om e1lss comed by one seeking general information on Russian topics. In addition to a num- ‘JESSAR [ENS ber of original articles, the sources from which the “Russian Year-Book” is com- piled include Official Reports of the Min- The truly wonderful power of this lens to | isters of Finance and Commerce, the Re- gather and transmit light willsurprise you. The | ports of the Central and Statistical Com- Tessar has great speed, clear definition, perfect | mittees, Consular Reports, and notes in illumination. For portraits, landscapes or the | various periodicals. swiftest things in motion—for use in weak light : or on grey days—the Tessar has no equal. ARCHITECTURE. By W. R. Lethaby. New York: Henry Holt & Co, 1925 @lothe When buying a lens use judgment. You 16mo. 251 pages. Price, 50 cents net. will find valuable information in our new ; : Catalog 34H. Write to-day for it. And Mr. Lethaby’s handbook on Architecture remember that what your dealer can tell is an excellent introduction to the history you may be of interest. and theory of the art of building, which can be read with profit not only by every home- ‘ builder but by the student of history, of Bausch 6 lomb Optical ©. architecture Aaa of art as well. NEW YORK WASHINGTON CHICAGO SAN FRANCISCQ LONDON ROCHESTER.NWY. FRANKFORT SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL BOOKS q WE HAVE JUST ISSUED A NEW CATALOGUE OF SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL books, which contains the titles and descriptions of 3500 of the latest and best books covering the various branches of the useful arts and industries. OUR “BOOK DEPARTMENT” CAN SUPPLY THESE BOOKS OR ANY OTHER Scientific or technical books published, and forward them by mail or express prepaid to any address in the world on receipt of the regular advertised price. SEND US YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS, AND A COPY OF THIS CATALOGUE will be mailed to you, free of charge. MUNN & COMPANY, Inc., Publishers SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN OFFICE 361 Broadway, New York City Tue Lire or Grorcio Vasari. A Study of the Later Renaissance in Italy. By Rob- ert W. Carden, A.R.I.B.A. New York: Henry Holt & Co. 1911. 8vo. 367 pp. Price, $4. Imbued with the decadent ideas of his century, Vasari, in spite of his contem- porary fame, can scarcely be said to be more than a copyist of his master, Michel- angelo. Fortunately for posterity, he used his pen to better advantage than his brush, and has left us three volumes of invaluable history, appreciation, and comment con- cerning Italian art. Where the works of others were concerned, his eye was mar- velously unenvious and_ discriminating. This clairvoyance, aided by his opportuni- ties for commingling with personages royal by blood and royal by genius, has given us writings of the most enchaining interest. These alone would be excuse enough for an extended biography of their author, but Mr. Carden makes another ingenious point when he argues that Vasari’s history of the arts through infancy and youth to manhood leaves them there in the fullness of their mature glory, unconscious of the fact that JUST PUBLISHED THIRD EDITION OF KIDDER’S Churches » Chapels BRISTOL’S Recording Thermometers Continuously and automatically record indoor and outdoor temperatures. Useful and ornamental for country homes. Furnished, if desired, with sensitive bulb in weather protecting lattice box and flexible connecting tube so that Recording Instrument may be installed indoors to continously record outdoor temperatures. Write for descriptive printed matter. THE BRISTOL CO., Waterbury, Conn. By F. E. KIDDER, Architect This edition has been thoroughly revised by the author, and enlarged, many new designs being added, including several new designs for Catholic churches. There are 120 illustrations in the text and more than 50 full-page plates. The book contains a large number of plans and perspectives of churches of varying costs. Be- sides this there is much concise and practical in- formation relating to planning and seating ; details of Construction, Heating and Ventilation, Acoustics, etc., making it in its present form The Best American Book on Church Design and Construction One oblong quarto volume. Price, net, $3.00 Munn & Co., Inc., 361 Broadway, N.Y. City the shadow of senility had already fallen upon them. This period of decay, the writer further urges, coincides with the sixty-three years of Vasari’s own life; hence in Vasari himself. we have a human document surcharged with the unsuspected pathos of art’s hectic Autumn—a period no less significant in its way than the Spring and Summer of its promise and fruition. This significance is admirably conveyed by the biographer, and is accentuated by many rich plates reproducing the canvases of Titian, Bronzino, and Vasari himself. These exhibit to excellent advantage both the strength and weakness of Vasari’s hand. The text is of a free, flowing style, does thorough justice to its subject, and forms a distinct contribution to the accessible lit- erature of Italian art. September, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS XV AERIAL NavicaTIon. By Albert Francis Zahm, A. M., M. E., Ph.D. 485 pp.; illustrated. New York: D. Appleton & Co. 19k, It would not be too much to say that Dr. Zahm has given us the best popular book on the airship and the aeroplane. No less could be expected of a man who is prob- ably the foremost authority on aero-dyna- mics in this country. A work such as this is to be particularly welcomed at a time when the market is flooded with popular books on aerial navigation, written for the most part by men who know little of the subject, except what they have read in pop- ular magazines and newspapers, and who are trying to turn an honest penny by writ- ing books which are supposed to meet the popular demand for information. Our only regret is that Dr. Zahm’s book should not have appeared earlier. Dr. Zahm has treated his subject historically, but has care- fully excluded, as he tells us in his preface, those experiments which, however pictur- esque or clever, constituted no advance in the art or led to no useful result. The re- sult is a very compact presentation of what is really historically valuable. The book is divided into four parts; the first deals with the growth of aerostation, the second with the growth of aviation, the third with aero- nautical meteorology, and the fourth is com- posed of appendices. Though frankly in- tended for popular reading, Dr. Zahm’s book gives every evidence of scholarly research. Here will be found clearly laid down the actual contributions made in the develop- ment of the dirigible by Haenlein, Woel- fert, Santos-Dumont, Col. Renard, the Le- baudys and Zeppelin, and the part played by Henson, Ader, Stringfellow, Chanute, Langley, Lilienthal, Herrgin, Wright, Mont- gomery, Santos-Dumont, Farman, Curtiss, Blériot and the rest in the development of the aeroplane. Unlike most of the popular books of the day, Dr. Zahm’s contribution is strictly up to date, for it brings the de- velopment of the aeroplane and the airship down to the end of 1910. THE Seconp Boys’ Book or Mopet AERO- PLANES. By Francis A. Collins. New York: The Century Company, 1911. 8vo.; 262 pp. Illustrated. Price, $1.20 net. The length of flight of the model aero- plane is now ten times that of the earlier models, and much of this improvement is directly traceable to boy students and work- ers. In this delightful volume are pictured more than fifty different types, resembling all sorts of animate and inanimate objects from a mosquito to a rat-trap. Some of them show great ingenuity, and are capable of re- markable things. As to motive power, a flight of half a mile is possible by means of twisted strands of rubber, while with the miniature gasoline motor distances of a mile have been traversed in single flights. Instructions for making and flying the models accompany the plates; there are practical rules for conducting races and tests, and the draft of a constitution and by-laws for a model aeroplane club. A catechism on aeronautical problems and practice is given, with a glossary of aero- nautical terms. It is a book to warm the heart of the boy mechanically inclined. A Lute or Jape: SELECTIONS FROM THE CiassicaL Ports of CHINA. Translated by L. Cranmer-Byng. New York: E. P. Dutton & Co., 1911. Cloth; 16mo.; 116 pages. Price, 60 cents net. A certain writer has said that to be a great lover is to be a great mystic, since in x rone-iire WHITE ENAMEL F you want the white enamel finish de luxe, tell your painter | and architect to use Vitralite, Te Long-Life White Enamel. This beautiful, porcelain-like white finish is durable and water-proof. May be used inside or outside, on wood, metal or plaster, whether old or new, and may be washed indefinitely. Vitralite is pure white and stays white — will not turn yellow, nor crack. It is eco- nomical because it covers so much surface; is so easy to apply, and will not show brush marks. Write for the two Free Booklets on Vitralite and Decorative Interior Finishing also sample panel finished with Vitralite. They will interest you. Vitralite can be tinted to any shade desired and may be rubbed to a dull finish when the rich natural gloss is not preferred. On your floors and linoleum, old or new, use ‘61’? Floor Varnish. It is heel-proof, mar-proof and water-proof. Will not turn white, show scratches nor heel marks. this. Send for Free Floor Booklet and Sample Panel finished with ‘‘61.? Test it yourself. Hit it with a hammer. You may dent the wood but the varnish won’t crack. Pratt & Lam- bert Varnish Products are used by painters, specified by architects and sold by paint and hardware dealers everywhere. Prove Address all inquiries to Pratt & Lambert-Inc., 119 Tonawanda Street, Buffalo, N. Y. . \ S N Tours :-: fearese Burnss Conese’ ESTABLISHED OG YEARS CSucon “Panis Briaceeyre CANACa HamBurRG The Scientific American Handbook of Travel With Hints for the Ocean Voyage for European A Practical Guide to London and Paris By ALBERT A. HOPKINS Editor of Scientific American Reference Book. 500 Pages. 1 trations. Flexible cover, $2.00, net. Full leather, $2.50, net, postpaid. At last the ideal guide, the result of twenty years of study and travel, is completed. road company in Europe. To those who are not planning a trip it is equally informing. Send for illustrated circular containing 100 questions out of 2,500 this book will answer. Itis mailed free and will give some kind of idea of the contents of this unique book, which should be in the hands of all readers of the, 4merican Homes and Gardens, as it tells you exactly what you have wanted to know about a trip abroad and the ocean voyage. WHAT THE BOOK CONTAINS—500 Illustrations, 6 Color Plates, 9 Maps in Pocket, Names 2,000 Hotels, with price; All About Ships, “A Safer Sea,” Automobiling in Europe, The Sea and its Navigation, Statistical Information, Ocean Records, 400 Tours With Prices, The Passion Plays, Practical Guide to London, Practical Guide to Paris. MUNN & CO., Inc., Publishers, 361 Broadway, New York | n Canada, 63 Courtwright Street, Bridgeburg, Ontario. “PPFLOORVARN PRATT & LAMBERT VARNISHE Forcicn Factories NOW READY = 500 Illus- It is endorsed by every steamship and rail- Xvi AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS is : hy Ne) eee a 4 Fabrics for draperies and coverings Think of the relief it would be to banish all fear of the damaging effects of sunlight on your draperies, wall-coverings and upholstery materials, regardless of climate, length of exposure or repeated washings. Think of the benefit to be gained by flooding your home with cheery, health-giving sunshine. With Orinoka Sunfast Fabrics you can give fullest scope to your decorative ideas, employing rare and delicate shades to achieve beautiful color-harmonies —for the Orinoka line includes light and dainty colorings as well as the darker tones, and none will ever streak or become lifeless. Every bolt is tagged with the guarantee ticket shown below—the pledge of the largest manufacturer of drapery fabrics in the country. In- sist on seeingit,sothat you may be protected by our guarantee. LP». Shown by leading stores everywhere. Ask your dealer for our book, “Draping the Home.” THE ORINOKA MILLS Philadelphia This New York / guarantee Chicago g tag on San Francisco every bolt. MODEL EE TOURING CAR 5-Passenger—110-inch Wheelbase $900 f.o.b. Detroit R-C-H Corporation, Detroit, Mich. See it at local branch in all large cities SILENT WAVERLEY LIMOUSINE-FIVE Ample room for five adults—full view ahead for the driver. Most con- venient and luxurious of town and suburban cars at half the gas car's upkeep cost. Beautiful art catalog shows all models. THE WAVERLEY COMPANY Factory and Home Office: 212 South East Street Indianapolis, Ind. PROTECT Yes, and floor coverings from injury. Also beautify your furniture by using Glass Onward Sliding Furniture and Piano Shoes in place of casters. Made in 110 styles and sizes. If your dealer will not supply you Write uu—Onward Mfg. Co., Menasha, Wisconsin, U, S, A, Canadian Factory, Berlin, Ont. =] uv G u K im Benches Entrances 5 W. 28th St., N.Y.C. Benches, Pedestals, Fonts, Vases, Busts, Garden Experts. Send 15c. for Booklet : See Sweet's Catalogue for 1912, Pages 1598 and 1599 the highest conception of mortal beauty that the mind can form there lies always the unattainable, the unpossessed, suggesting the world of beauty and finality beyond mortal reach. It is in this power of sug- gestion that the Chinese poets excel. At least as far back as the year 1700 B.C. the Chinese people sang their songs of kings and feudal princes good or bad, of hus- bandry, or now and then songs with the more powerful note of simple joys and sor- rows. The T’ang dynasty—A.D. 618 to 906—witnessed China’s most _ glorious period of poetic expression, and readers will find the little anthology presented between the covers of “A Lute of Jade” delightfully refreshing to read, and the most excellent introduction to the study of Chinese poetry of which we know. Forest AND Town Poems. By Alexander Nicholas De Menil. Second Edition The Torch Press, New York and Cedar Rapids, Iowa: London: 26 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, W. C. 1911. Cloth, 16mo.; 137%pp. Price, $1.25. A small volume of poems by Alexander Nicholas De Menil with the title of Forest and Town has recently been issued in a second edition form. These are assembled under the heads of: Nature; Love; Friend- ship; Death and Miscellaneous. The poet avows that his verse is only written to pic- ture the restless spirit of the age, and in accomplishing this he has the courage of inventing new forms of versification; the over-zeal of here and there painting an in- convenient subject; and in social problems where he should have been content with the right to attack, he is too abusive. Again he is bold, for in the translation of a song of Moreau’s he confesses to have taken great liberties. De Menil writes with pathos and gentleness of many things that. put song into his heart; he hails them as dreams of youth and hopes gone by and kisses his hand to all their pretty ways, as he puts it. His touches are radiant with sincerity, and a human interest penetrates with him the multitudinous haunts of Na- ture. “The One Fair Woman’; “The Face at the Window,” remind one at times of a strong line in Wilfred Scawen Blunt, but not in the direction of that Sonneteer’s strength in escaping didacticism. After reading all the poems one is somewhat free to feel that as a whole they inspire praise for much that is beautiful and fervid. EcypTiAN EstHetics. By René Francis. Chicago: Open Court Publishing Com- pany. 1912. Cloth. 8vo. 2%6 pages. Price, b2 net The author of Egyptian Esthetics sets out to show that the appeal of Egypt to those who know the land of the Pharaohs is summarized in the premise that she is and always has been artificial, thus inspir- ing at once both dislike and attraction, ap- pealing in vain to the material side, to the perception, but awakening immediate re- sponse by her appeal to the mind and to the imagination. As to the works of art that have come down through her history, the writer says, “If you see them merely as great works of great ages, you cannot but marvel, but if you pierce their secret, and see them with the mind as well as with the eye, then you have something more than mere wonder, for you know them, and they remain with you eternal pos- sessions, the more eternal for that they are votive gifts to eternity. This is a volume that is a welcome addition to our store of Egyptology. THE ROTARY STEAM ENGINE HE Rotary Steam Engine has attracted the best thoughts of inventors and students for many years. A\ll interested should read carefully the very complete in- formation found in the files of the Scientific American Supplement. Every class and type of rotary engines and pumps is described and illustrated. Scientific American Supplement 470 describes the Harrington Rotary Engine, a form of intermit- tent gear. Scientific American Supplement 497 describes Fielding & Platt’s Universal-joint Rotary Engine. Scientific American Supplement 507 describes the Jacomy Engine, a square-piston type. Scientific American Supplement 528 describes Inclined-shaft Rotary Engine, using the universal- joint principle. Scientific American Supplement 558 describes the Kingdon Engine, a ‘“‘wabble-disk"’ design. Scientific American Supplement 636 describes Riggs’ Revolving-cylinder Engine, suggesting the present Gnome motor. Scientific American Supplement 775 describes Revolving-cylinder engines of several forms. Scientific American Supplement 1109-1110- 1111 contains a series of great interest, describing and illustrating all the principal types of rotary en- gines and pumps. This set should be studied by every inventor and designer. Scientific American Supplement 1112 describes the Filtz Rotary Motor, using helical surfaces. Scientific American Supplement 1158 describes Hult’s Rotary Engine, an eccentric-ring type. Scientific American Supplement 1193 describes Arbel & Tihon’s Rotary Motor, an ingenious eccentric type, now on the market asa pump. Scientific American Supplement 1309 describes The Colwell Rotary Engine, in which a piston travels entirely around an annular cylinder. Scientific American Supplement 1524 describes Rotary Engine on the intermittent-gear principle. Scientific American Supplement 1534 contains a valuable column on the difficulties of rotary en- gine design. Scientific American Supplement 1821 contains an article describing many new forms of rotary engines of the most modern design. Scientific American, No. 23, Vol. 102 contains a full description of the recent Herrick Rotary En- gine, an eccentric type with swinging abutment. Scientific American, No. 23, Vol. 104 describes Jarman’s Engine, on the sliding-valve principle. Scientific American, No. 14, Vol. 106 describes the Augustine Rotary Engine, with novel features incorporated in the sliding-valve design. Each number of the Scientific American or the Supplement costs 10 cents. A set of papers containing all the articles here men- tioned will be mailed for $2.00. They give more complete information on the subject than a library of engineering works. Send for a copy of the 1910 Supplement Catalogue, free to any address. Order from your news. dealer, or the publishers. MUNN & CO., INC. 361 BROADWAY, _N. Y. CITY September, 1912 CONCRETE POTTERY AND GARDEN FURNITURE _ By RALPH C. DAVISON HIS book describes in detail in a A010 VL LLL, FLINTS FINE FURNITURE | most practical manner the var- ious methods of casting concrete for ornamental and useful pur- poses and covers the entire field of ornamental concrete work. It tells how to make all kinds of concrete vases, ornamental flower pots, concrete pedes- tals, concrete, benches, concrete fences, ete. Full practical instructions are given for constructing and finishing the differ- ent kinds of molds, making the wire forms or frames, selecting and mixing the ingredients, covering the wire frames and modeling the cement mortar into form, and casting and finishing the various objects. With the information given in this book any handyman or novice can make many useful and ornamental objects of cement for the adornment ofthe home or garden. The author has taken for granted that the reader knows nothing whatever about the material, and has explained each progressive step in the various operations throughout in detail. These directions have been supplemented with many half-tone and line illustrations which are so clear that no one can possibly misunderstand them. The amateur craftsman who has been working in clay will especially appreciate the adapt- ability of concrete for pottery work inasmuch as it is a cold process throughout, thus doing away with the necessity of kiln firing which is necessary with the former material. The information on color work alone is worth many times the cost of the book inasmuch as there is little known on the subject and there is a large growing de- mand for this class of work. Following is a list of the chapters which will give a general idea of the broad character of the work. I. Making Wire Forms or Frames. VIII. Selection of Aggregates. Il. Covering the Wire Frames and Mod- IX. Wooden Molds—Ornamental Flower eling the Cement Mortar into Form. Pots Modeled byHand and Inlaid with HE 4 i WII HU TMNT TTT TT MAUMRRUR ROMO | | COLONIAL Yes ee With the endless suggestions to be had from our artistically arranged exhibits, the assistance of expert decorators and our practically unlimited facilities for promptly executing special orders, “furnishing ” at Flint’s is a pleasure in- suring economy of Time, Trouble and Expense. Geo. C. Funt Co. 43-47 West 23°ST. = 24-28 West 24" St. HII | ltl ( ITI. Plaster Molds for Simple Forms. Colored Tile. IV. Plaster Molds for Objects having X.. Concrete Pedestals. Curvea Outlines. XI. Concrete Benches. V. Combination of Casting and Model- XII. Concrete Fences. ing—An Egyptian Vase. Miscellaneous, including Tools, VI. Glue Molds. Water proofing and Reinforcing. VII. Colored Cements and Methods Used fur Producing Designs with same. 16 mo. 54x74 inches, 196 pages, 140 illustrations, price $1.50 postpaid This book is well gotten up, is printed on coated paper and a- bounds in handsome illustrations which clearly show the unlimited possibilities of ornamentation in concrete. MUNN & CO., Inc., Publishers 361 BROADWAY NEW YORK EUMTVMVICUUUEUUUNVHVUUUURPUCUUUUUUELTEOCUUUUUUUUATOCUUCUUROOOUURURRUROVOOUUARROUUULURRUOCUULUAOOUUULLLLAGGECCULCAREGOACAARLLAOGULL UAHA LLOLLLGGEA CLEC PVOVTVUAARVVARLOATRTTOORLORAILCORUCORALUGHALONRLOLOARCOR LORI LUOTAUUORRCLORRR UVOWRTVOWRRURUUUCCQORUUCOORICCCGOAACLUGNARA LUCOWARACUUUONOORRRUECUOTAULARRRLUILLULTOGRLUULGLARLULLOLORPLUDLULGOLLGALLLUoot BOUND VOLUMES of AMERICAN HOMES and GARDENS 1911 456 pages, over 1,000 illustrations, 2 many of which are full-page plates. e rice, $ 5 ° 00 An exquisite volume full of interest to the home planner, the home builder and the home maker. The volumes are beautifully bound in green library cloth, stamped in colors, gilt top. AMERICAN HOMES AND:.GARDENS is a magazine of taste and distinction in all things that pertain to home-making, and every one of the numbers which compose this fine volume is thoroughly illustrated by many half-tone reproductions from photographs especially taken for this publication. Below are mentioned a few of the many subjects covered in its columns: Houses Furnishings Heating Flowers Garden Plans Kennel Bungalows Plumbing Cooking — Fruits Aviation Stock House Plans Water Supply Housekeeping Lawns Automobiling Landscape Interiors Lighting Gardens Garages Poultry Architecture AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS is considered to be the most beautiful magazine published and it is also the most practical. It fills the needs of the home, both in and out doors. The designing and con- struction of the House, its interior and exterior decorations, the planning and laying out of the Garden, every phase of Country Life, every home problem is solved in discussion and illustration in its pages each month. It breathes the spirit of the country without being Agricultural or Horticultural. A limited number of volumes for 1906, 1907, 1908, 1909 and 1910 are available. Price $5.00 each. 1905 is a volume containing six months numbers, price, $3.50. MUNN & COMPANY, Inc., Publishers, 361 Broadway, New York iff “Autumn” a beautiful composition by Chamin- ade, is one of many thousand pieces that you can play if you own a Kranich & Bach Player-Piano— “the most Auman of all.” Even though you know nothing about piano-playing, your perform- ance is technically perfect; and, better still, you can play with true personal musical expression, exactly like the most experienced pianist. — RANICH & BACI PLAYER-PL a Only the technique— the striking of the right notes at the right instant—is me Every Pipes of musical-expression is under absolute personal control of the performer. And beak is what makes music—not technique. The KRANICH & BACH PIANO is famous as one of the half-dozen really /7s/-g7ade pianos. The Kranich & Bach Player Action is exclusively a K & B product—invented by us and made by us, in every detail, in the same factory with the piano. It is, therefore, equally as perfect as the piano, and is to be had only in KRANICH & BACH PLAYER-PIANOS. Every piece you can, ae ie every piece you ever heard, and thousands that you never heard but would like to hear—are instantly “included in your repertoire. ~~ __ They cover every class of music —popular, dance, comic-opera, musical comedy, grand-opera, classic, sacred. All the old fam- iliar favorites as well as the very latest hits. You can play © | Thousands of pieces on the NO The Highest Grade Player-Piano in the World Built Completely in one Factory _ ome Among the many exclusive features of superiority, one of the most important is the TRI-MELODEME or TRIPLE SOLO device, which enables you personally to “bring out” the melody whether in bass, tenor or treble, and subdue all else. Complete and interesting literature will be sent on request; also a sample copy of THE PLAYER MAGAZINE. Sold on Convenient Monthly Payments if Desired — wT “Tri-Melodeme’’ (Melody-Marked) Music-Rolls, with Special Antistic| Tempo Interpretations, make expressive playing easy and quickly acquired. | These can be used with any player-piano. Kranich & ae 233-245 East ae Sty New York City : 4 Ok Pea , . ee 4 - a Brey op tent Rte Se Gee ae James McCreery & Co. 23rd Street ; 34th Street FURNITURE AND FLOOR COVERINGS are the essential furnishing features in our homes, whether a city house, an apartment, a country home or club. Itis not dificult to procure furnishings for the average apartments, but it is very dificult to find an unusual Persian Rug in just the colorings and size needed, or a sideboard that is roomy and yet not too large for the dining room of the modern city apartment. We make it a pronounced feature in our merchandising to have the unusual in the various lines of furnishings as well as the staple and : standard stocks. Simplicity is particularly desired for country homes, and for such we have a complete stock of Craftsman Oak Furniture for any room, also rich mahogany built along the same lines as the Craftsman. ORIENTAL and DOMESTIC RUGS in a very complete range of colors and sizes. Carpets and Linoleums in all grades and designs. Orders taken for furnishing single rooms, suites or entire houses. Upon request, estimates submitted. 23rd Street NEW YORK 34th Street BOBBINK & ATKINS World’s Choicest Nursery and Greenhouse Products JUST PUBLISHED A Complete and Authoritative American Work! Standard Practical Plumbing BY R. M. STARBUCK Author of ‘Modern Plumbing Illustrated ” etc., etc. Octavo, (6% x 9% inches), 406 pages, 347 illustrations. Price, $3.00 postpaid. This work is especially strong in its exhaustive treatment of the skilled work of the plumber and commends itself at once to everyone working in any branch of the plumbing trade. Itis indispensable TANDARD: S| to the master plumber, the journeyman PRACTICAL PLUMBING plumber and the apprentice plumber. Ry M. STARBUCK Plumbing in all its branches is treated THE proper way to buy is to see the material growing. We shall gladly give our time and attention to intending purchasers visiting our Nursery, and invite everybody interested in improving their grounds to visit us. Our Nursery consists of 300 acres highly cultivated land and 500,000 square feet | of greenhouses and storehouses, in which we are growing Nursery and Greenhouse Products for every place and purpose, the best that experience, g od cultivation and our excellent facilities can produce, placing us in a position to fill orders of any size, Our Formal Rose Garden, planted | Plant Tubs, Window Boxes and with 5,000 Roses in 250 varieties | “ Garden Furniture. We manu- is now in full bloom. Everybody facture all shapes and sizes. interested in Roses should visit | Evergreens, Conifers and Pines. our Nursery and inspect same. More than 75 acres of our Nursery are planted with handsome speci- mens. Our plants are worth travel- ing any distance to see. Boxwood and Bay Trees. We grow thousands of trees in. many shapes and sizes. 3 . Hedge Plants. We have a large within the pages of this book, and a large Palms, Decorative Plants for Con- quantity of California Privet, Ber- amount of space is devoted to a very servatories, interior and exterior beris, and other Shrubs for Hedges. eoainicte and practical treatment of the decorations. Our greenhouses are | Pot-Grown Strawberries. We raise P subjects of hot-water supply, circulation and range boiler work. The illustrations, of which there are three hundred and fone seven, one hundred being full-page illustrations, were made ¢x- pressly for this book, and show the most modern and best Am- erican practice in plumbing construction. Following is a list of the chapters: full of them. thousands of. pot-grown straw- Hardy Old-Fashioned Flowers. pemc oo all’ the Saas and We h ai, Beene popular varieties, ready for im- e have thousands of rare new Sai pear paren and old-fashioned kinds, Our P 3 T Le Ay Pech He. G d “all aeonies. ree an erbaceous See OUS round sane cepcca Paeonies. September delivery interesting at this time. Special Bulbs and Res Weamoott lanes prices on quantities. : quantities of Bulbs and Roots from A Be F “I. The Plumber’s Tools. XVIII. Residence Plumbing. Hardy Trailing and Climbing Vine: - Japan, Holland and other parts of | it. Wipide “Solder, Composi- XIX. Plumbing for Hotels, e grow in pots quantities for all Europe. Our Autumn Bulb Cata- tion fl Use por Factories, Sta- 5 Bi es, c. kinds of planting. logue will be mailedupon request. Joins Works, Xx. Modern Countay Bias Traps. ng. Siphonage of Tape XXI. ileration of aaa and Venting. Water Supp Continuous: Venting. XXII. Hot and Ca ‘Suppl Our New Giant Flowering Marshmallow:,, Everybody should be inter- ested in this Hardy New Old Fashioned Flower. It will grow everywhere and when in bloom is the queen of flowers in the garden. Rlooms from July until the latter part of September. Hone Sewer and Sewer © XXIII. Range -Boilers; ireula: onnections. tion OUR ILLUSTRATED GENERAL CATALOGUE No. 75 describes our: Products, is Hotise Drain. XXIV. Circulating Pipes: comprehensive, interesting, instructive and helpful to intending purchasers.. Will be | Soil Piping, Roughirg. XXV. Range Boiler Problems. - mailed free upon request. ‘ \ Main Trap and Fresh XXVI. Hot Water for Large Our Landscape Department is in a position to Plan and Plant Flan, ee A l@atiie XXVI We ee Andee ees Grounds and Gardens Everywheye with ot World's Choicest Drang rete Teadees XXVIII. Multiple Connections for Nursery Products, ‘Grown in our World’s Greatest Nursery. rae Deana ee Plot, Waters aiRoilerss Visitors, take Erie Railroad to Carlton Hill, second stop on Main:Line, Bixture aes % Races bee yan why BULA PPE NECA i Ventilation. *» XXIX. Theory for the’ Plumber. _ Improved Plumbing Con- XXX. Drawing for the Plum-: BOBBINK & ATKINS nections. ber. Nurserymen, Florists and Planters RUTHERFORD, N. J. & CO., Inc., Publishers, (361 Broadway, New Y ork October, 1912 THE WHITE EGG HENS By E. I. FARRINGTON F course, the color of an egg really has no influence on its quality. Richness and flavor are determined by other factors, entirely. Yet in many sec- tions buyers pay a premium for eggs which are snowy white, so popular are eggs of this color. That is the reason why only White Leghorn hens are found on most of the large egg plants in the vicinity of New York city and in other parts of the country, notably California, which is sometimes called the land of the Leghorn. The Boston market, for some unaccountable reason, goes to the other extreme and demands dark brown eggs. The amateur who prefers white eggs has a long list of breeds to select his lay- ing hens from, all of them belonging to the Mediterranean or French classes. Undoubtedly, the White Leghorn heads the list, being nearest an egg machine of any fowl yet developed. The Leg- horn as now bred in this country is quite a different bird from those first brought from Italy. To all intents and purposes the breed has been Americanized, and the Leghorns seen here are larger and dif- ferent in many ways from the Leghorns found in England, where the breed is also popular. There are single and rose comb varieties in white and brown and single comb buffs, blacks and silver duck- wings, although the two named last are not common. The white and brown var- ieties are the two most often seen, but the White Leghorn is given the prefer- ence, because it lays the larger eggs and those which are uniformly pure white. In some markets White Leghorn eggs are the standard and are sold by name. Leghorns are too small to be satisfac- tory table fowls, although the meat is tender and sweet. They are rather wild, fly like birds and can crawl through very small holes. On the other hand, they are light eaters, lay when five months old and are non-sitters, seldom becoming broody. They lay well in Winter, al- though the long combs of the single- comb varieties are likely to be touched by frost in very cold weather. The Anconas are a white-egg breed which is growing rapidly in popularity. The hens are remarkably prolific and both hens and cocks are very attractive. The birds are mottled black and white, about every fifth feather being tipped with white. The tendency is to breed them a little heavier than the Leghorns and some breeders have been accused of introduc- ing Minorca blood to secure this result. The tail is carried somewhat higher than oe Leghorn tail and the breast is rather ull. Anconas are very lively, but stand con- ainement well. If the yard is small, they will easily scale a five-foot fence, but are less likely to seek escape from a large yard. The chicks are unusually attrac- tive and grow their feathers quickly. They are spared the awkward, half-bare AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS RES RES: U] (] veloped a sheer RES RBrsE S383 that period. ‘American renaissance.’’ It satisfies. UR furniture is the standard of com- O parison. Our shopmark is as full of meaning on a piece of furniture as the word ‘“‘sterling’’ on pure silver. Our period pieces are wonderful studies from the best work of the master designers of the old days. Our dealers, with the displays on their floors and our wonderful portfolio of direct photogravures, are able to give you the privilege of choice from our entire line. Do you want good information cheap? Write to us and we will refer you to a Scientific Ameri- can Supplement that will give you the very data you need; when writing please state that you wish Supple- ment articles. Scientific American Supplement articles are written by men who stand foremost in modern science and industry. Each Scientific American Supplement costs only ten cents. But the information it contains may save you hundreds of dollars. Send for a 1910 catalogue of Supplement articles. It costs nothing. Act on this suggestion. MUNN & COMPANY, Inc., Publishers 361 Broadway New York City Want a really fine lawn Start it Now with K A L A Start your lawn this fall. It will be green and beautiful otherwise you would just be seeding it, to sow Kalaka—not ordinary seed. Kalaka grows quickest an surest, and gets well rated (batons cold weather comes. It's easier to sow and goes further, too. No waste to Kalaka. It’s the choicest of carefully cleaned prime seed—mixed with a strong concentrate of rich manure—draws moisture, quickens germination and nourishes the sprouting grass into a thick, sturdy turf in a brief time. Now is the time to tone up the thinlawn and brighten up bare spots with Kalaka. $1.00 for 5-lb. box, $1.25 West of Omaha. om, eae = v1 ‘How to Make a Lawn” w Free Booklet be given you by any Kalaka dealer. Ask your dealer forit, If he doesn’t handle Kalaka, write us his name, and we'll send you the book. The Kalaka Co., 25 Union Stock Yards, Chicago (JHE Flemish renaissance in furni- ture designing and making de- line and treatment which is faithfully retained in Berkey & Gay pieces studied from Berkey & Gay furniture has been aptly termed the crude, cheap, garish modes to the best thought not only of the past centuries but of today. t to you the beauty that endures and the quality that When you purchase Berkey & Gay furniture you are not buying for temporary use, but For Your Children’s Hetrlooms Berkey & Gay Furniture Co. 178 Monroe Ave., Grand Rapids, Michigan KA } next spring at the time when FERTILIZED GRASS SEED For fall seeding, it’s important beauty and a charm of marks the turning from the In furniture it brings OU will enjoy reading our de luxe y book, ‘‘Character in Furniture,’’ the demand for which has been so great that we have prepared a second large edition. It is a treatise on worthy fur- niture and its uses. We will mail it to you at once for fifteen = two-cent stamps. With it we will send ‘“The Story of Berkey & Gay’’ —an inspiring book for boys, if you have any. This inlaid mark of honor identifies to you each Berkey & Gay piece. Staimed with Cabot’s Shingle Stains. Davis, McGrath & Shepard, Architects, N. Y. The Advantages of . Soft, rich and artistic coloring effects. . Cost less than half as much as paint. . Can be quickly and easily applied by any one, at half the cost of painting. ade of Creosote, which thoroughly preserves the wood. . Guaranteed fast colors. . Suitable and appropriate for the smallest ungalow or the finest residence. You can get Cabot's Stains all over the Country. Send Sor samples of stained wood and name of nearest deale SAMUEL CABOT, Inc., MFG. CHEMISTS — 131 Milk Street, Boston, Mass. Cabot’s Shingle Stains | SMITHSON), Fn V % ‘ il AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Poultry, Pet and Live Stork Directory ONE OF THE SIGHTS IN OUR PARK We carry the largest stock in America of ornamental birds and animals. Nearly 60 acres of land entirely devoted to our busi- ness. Beautiful Swans, Fancy Pheasants, Pea- fowl, Cranes, Storks, Flamingoes, Ostriches, Ornamental Ducks and Geese, etc., for pri- vate parks and fanciers. Also Hungarian Partridges, Pheasants, Quail, Wild Ducks and Geese, Deer, Rabbits, etc., for stocking preserves. Good healthy stock at right prices. Write us what you want. WENZ& MACKENSEN Proprietors of Pennsylvania Pheasantry and Game Park Department C. Bucks County, Yardly, Pa; KILLED BY SCIENCE DANYSZ VIRUS isa RA I Bacteriological Preparation AND NOT A POISON—Harmless to Animals other than mouses like rodents. Rodents die in the open, For a small house, 1 tube, 7Se; ordinary dwelling, 3 tubes, $1.75; larger place—for each 5,000 aq. ft. floor space, use 1 dozen, $6.00. Send now. Independent Chemical Company 72 Front Street, New York G. D. TILLEY Naturalist Beautiful Swans, Fancy Pheasants, Peafowl, Cranes, Storks, Ornamental Ducks and Geese, Flamingoes, Game and Cage Birds. “Everything in the bird line froma Canary to an Ostrich’’ I am the oldest established and largest exclusive dealer in land and water birds in America and have on hand the most extensive Stock in the United States. G. D. TILLEY Box A, Darien, Conn. : HOME BUILDERS—SOME HELP Beautiful homes—characteristic homes are not ac- cidents, but the outgrowth of careful planning. The biggest help in the preliminary steps is obtained from a good architect’s book of designs and floor- plans from which to cull ideas. {U “DISTINCTIVE HOMES AND GARDENS”’ give endless suggestions, covering every phase of building. No. 1—<5 designs, $1060 to $6000, $1.00; No. 2—35 designs, $6000 to $15000, $1.00; No. 3—Combin- ing No.i and 2 $1.50. Stock plans priced in each book. Descriptive circular sent upon request. I -The Kauffman Company- | 620 ROSE BUILDING CLEVELAND, OHIO l a eee SSS S| SS Se ee appearance seen in chicks of larger breeds. Often they lay before they are five months old and lay persistently for months. The eggs are fairly large and generally pure white, although slightly tinted eggs are occasionally found. Though they are classed as non-sitters, the hens are prone to become a little broody in early Summer, but are not to be trusted with eggs or chickens. This is strictly an egg-laying breed, but the flesh is of fine quality and there is enough of it to warrant serving the birds on the family table. The one white-egg breed which sup- plies a liberal amount of meat, however, in the Minorea, of which the black var- iety is the one commonly seen. The Black Minorca is an excellent fowl for the amateur. It is almost as large as a Plymouth Rock and the eggs are the largest, on the whole, of those laid by any hens in its class. The hens are very pro- lific and lay well the year around. They have exceptionally long combs, though, something of a disadvantage in cold cli- mates and the skin is white, so that the Minorcas are barred from the fancy mar- kets as table poultry, yellow skin being in demand in this country. The legs are dark, also, another point against this breed, The amateur, however, who in- sists upon white eggs and still wants birds which will provide a generous amount of meat for the family table, must needs consider the Minorcas, as being the heaviest of the non-sitting and white-egg breeds. Next should be named the French fowls known as Houdans, the only French breed popular in this country. No amateur can keep a flock of Houdans without finding pleasure as well as profit in them. They are handsome, tame, friendly, prolific and easily confined. They weigh half a pound less than Wyandottes, which means that they dress well for the table. It is true that the skin is light in color and the legs far from the golden yellow which our markets seek, but this fact makes the birds none the less valuable for home eating. This insistence upon yellow flesh and yellow shanks is only an American notion, anyhow. The French people much prefer the flesh of Houdans to that of any American breed and their judg- ment on matters epicurean is hardly to be questioned. The Houdan is mottled black and white and has a peculiar crest on its head, which prevents it looking skyward read- ily, so that an ordinary poultry fence will confine a flock of these birds. A fifth toe is a curious characteristic, but as it turns up does not aid it in walking or scratch- ing. Houdan eggs are especially fertile and the chicks grow remarkably fast. AI- togcther this is an interesting breed. There are several other white-egg breeds, but for the most part they are raised only by fanciers. The Andalus- ians, which have light blue feathers, are odd and pretty and really are practical fowls. They lay well and the eggs are of good size. Although classed as non- sitters, the hens become broody to some extent. The Hamburgs are astonishly prolific, but the eggs are small. The var- ious varieties are prized for their beauty of feather and generally stylish appear- ance. They are easily frightened, fly high and ought to have a wide range to do their best. The Black Spanish and Polish are breeds for the fancier rather than for the amateur whose principal aim is eggs and plenty of them. October, 1912 THE-REAL ESTATE-MART A Farm For Sale At Cazenovia, New York 135 acres; a number of farm build- ings; large wood lot, over a quarter of a mile shore front on beautiful Lake Owahgena; fine building sites; lovely views. A farm suitable for a gentleman's country estate. Apply to Mrs. Richard Fitz-Hugh Ledyard Cazenovia, New York Important to those Who expect to build WHEN PLANNING TO BUILD, get the ideas of leading architects, regard- ing best design, proper interior ar- rangement and most appropriate furnishings. This will aid in deciding about your own plans, when you consult your architect, and can be obtained from the several hundred designs beautifully illustrated in six numbers of the Architectural Record The National Magazine for Architects, Owners and Builders, with the largest circulation in the field In the advertising pages of these six numbers are a/so illustrated and described numerous building specialties that add much to the com- fort, convenience and value of the modern home, without materially increasing initial cost; fis information may mean saving of many dollars to you. OUR SPECIAL OFFER We have a limited REREDy of these sets of six numbers, invaluable to those who expect to build or make altera- tions. Although "eater, price is $1.50, we make sou a special offer of $1.00 for the six, while the sets last, if you mention AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS. ey will soon be sold. Order to-day, to-morrow may be too late. This $1.00 Should Save You Hundreds THE ARCHITECTURAL RECORD 282 Metropolitan Annex New York Enclosed _ is $1.00. Mail six numbers containing CITY and COUNTRY HOUSE illustrations, according to special offer in AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS. October, 1912 SCHOOL-TAUGHT FARMERS IN GERMANY CCORDING to an interesting report submitted to the United States Bureau of Manufactures at Washington by Vice-Consul-General De Witt C. Pool, Jr., stationed at Berlin, an excellent educational system has been instituted and developed in Germany to meet the needs of German agricultural workers. The Prussian scheme has, as its foundation, four agricultural “high schools,” which, in a general way correspond to the technical schools of the German universities. These four schools had, in the Summer term of 1911, an ag- gregate of 1,552 pupils, and nearly two thousand during the Winter term, many of them being women. “In addition to the agricultural ‘high schools,’ says Mr. Pool, “there are five other high schools devoted to teaching veterinary science. “The Agricultural High School in Berlin, founded in 1870, contains a department for agriculture, one for geodosy, one for irriga- tion and draining, and one for agricultural- technical processes, such as distilling, brew- ing, sugar manufacturing, etc. Its teaching staff embraces twenty or more professors and a somewhat larger number of assistant masters and instructors. “Agricultural institutes exist in the class- ical universities of Breslau, Gottingen, Halle, Konigsberg, Leipsic, Jena and Gies- sen. Like the special agricultural high schools just described, their purpose is to afford a scientific training for the heads of large agricultural undertakirgs, whether owners, tenants or managers. “Below the agricultural high schools and the agricultural institutes of certain of the universities come the intermediate agricul- tural schools, which, however, are not necessarily simply a step to the collegiate training just described, but in most cases, it would appear, are an end in themselves. They are called “Landwirtschaftsschulen,” or agricultural schools, as distinguished from the “Hochschulen,” or high schools. Their character is that of what is known in the general or unspecialized educational system as the “Realschulen,’ or burger school, the curriculum of which corresponds in a general way to that which an American youth would pass through in completing a “modern” or “modern classical” course in one of our high schools. To the subjects of the “Realschulen” the agricultural school adds rural economy, to which some four or six hours are devoted weekly, and gives to natural science an important position with eight to ten hours weekly. This necessarily restricts the teaching of general cultural subjects, such as languages, history, etc. Experimental fields, fruit and vegetable gardens are often attached to these schools. “According to the latest Statistical Year- book, at the close of 1908 there were eigh- teen agricultural schools in Prussia alone. The total attendance in that year was 3,940, and the several teaching staffs comprised 220 individuals. During the previous year the Prussian Government had contributed $114,835 to their support, and local Govern- ments, private organizations, etc., $50,499. “Alongside the agricultural schools stand the ‘Ackerbauschulen,’ or farming schools, concerning which an authoritative writer Says: “The pupils, of the age of 15 and 20, are mostly sons of farm owners or tenants. They (the schools) are established partly by individual practical agriculturalists, partly by agricultural societies, partly by endow- ments. All, however, are under State con- trol, and nearly all of them receive sub- AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Hardware Quality comes first in Sargent Hardware. The mechanism is designed for strength and perfect action. The workmanship is of the accurate kind that considers every detail. Successful architects appreciate the splendid selection the Sargent line affords. It includes - the exact designs that best fit in with each architectural and decorative scheme. Shall we send you a copy of our Book of Designs We also have a special book of Colonial Designs. SARGENT & COMPANY, 156 Leonard Street: New York The SUNDIAL is only one of many pieces of art- istic garden furniture that we manu- facture. We have a splendid collection of benches, pedestals, fountains, statuary, etc., all executed in Pompeian Stone, an artificial product that withstands the ele- ments and is practically everlasting. You will enjoy our handsome catalogue O. Write for it today. THE ERKINS STUDIOS The Largest Manufacturers of Ornamental Stone 230 Lexington Avenue, New York Factory, Astoria, L. I. New York Selling Agents eS \% Ricceri Florentine Terra Cotta N SS = = ad The Schilling Press Job PRINTERS Fine Book Art and Press Catalog Work Work A Specialty 137-139 E. 25th St.. New York Printers of AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Send for catalogue A 27 of pergolas, sun dials and garden furniture or A 40 of wood columns. Hartmann-Sanders Co. Exclusive Manufacturers of KOLL’S PATENT LOCK JOINT COLUMNS Suitable for PERGOLAS, PORCHES or INTERIOR USE ELSTON and WEBSTER AVES. CHICAGO, {ILLINOIS Eastern Office: 1123 Broadway, New York City > > 2 = iv AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS October, 1912 o Let the ~randon be your 4 || Janitor for Thirty Days; Pay us if it Makes Goon ERE is the opportunity to end your heating troubles without risking a cent until you are satisfied they actually are ended. If you are tired of under-heated or over-heated rooms, prove to your own satisfaction that you can have uniform heat—just as you want it—all the time. Automatic Thermostat Heat Regulator ‘*The Janitor that never Sleeps.’’ will end your daily grind of trips up and down stairs to change drafts and dampers in an effort to keep the furnace regulated. The ‘‘Crandon”’ consists of a small mechanical thermometer, which is placed in the living room and connected by wire with a simple device over the furnace, which automatically regulates the draft and check dampers if the heat in the living room varies one degree from the desired temperature. Regulates hot- air, hot-water and steam-heating systems. Pays for itself in coal saved. So simple that anyone can install it. Write for full details of trial offer, and copy of our booklet ‘‘Automatic Comfort.” Name your heater-man or plumber, if possible. CRANDON MANUFACTURING CO., 10 Bridge St., Bellows Falls, Vt. e Good Plumbing Makes Good Homes EARLY every man and certainly every woman wants N a home—a real sanitary, economical home whereall the comforts of living can be thoroughly enjoyed with a perfect bath, kitchen and laundry equipment. We have been engaged in the manufacture of Plumbing Goods for over 57 years and are the only firm making a complete. line. For new Bath Room Ideas send for our free Booklet No. 45 at once. L. Wolff Manufacturing Co. Established 1855 MANUFACTURERS OF Plumbing Goods Exclusively The Only Complete Line Made By Any One Firm GENERAL OFFICES: 601 to 627 WEST LAKE STREET, CHICAGO Showrooms: 111 North Dearborn Street, Chicago BRANCHES AND BRANCH OFFICES Denver, Colo. Minneapolis, Minn. St. Louis, Mo. Trenton, N. J. Dallas, Texas Washington, D. C. Kansas City, Mo. Omaha, Neb. Rochester, N. Y. Cincinnati, Ohio San Francisco, Cal. Salt Lake City, Utah Cleveland, Ohio sidies from the State or from public cor- porations. They are in the country in con- nection with a smaller or middle-sized es- tate. The head of the estate, whether owner, tenant, or manager, is at the same time director of the institution. The pupils are full boarders. In return for this and for the teaching they pay boarding and school fees. Many of the farming schools admit pupils without payment or with half pay- ment.” The instruction is both practical and theo- retical, preferably the former in the Sum- mer, the latter in the Winter. The practi- cal teaching extends to all kinds of agri- cultural labor, which every pupil must learn to perform by continued personal applica- tion. The theoretical teaching is given in the elementary subjects, in rural economy, in natural science (a subject of special im- portance to agriculture), in horticulture and fruit growing, in veterinary science, fre- quently also in select sections of natural economy ard agricultural law. The com- plete course lasts two years. Admittance is conditional on previous elementary edu- cation and knowledge of simple agricultural practice. “There were seventeen farming schools in Prussia alone at the end of 1908 at- tended by 1,011 pupils and having an aggre- gate teaching staff of 137. In 1907 the Prussian Government contributed $6,979 and local Governments, private organiza- tions, etc., $33,988 to their support. “Continuation schools, in which those who have completed their elementary education and have begun their life’s work receive further general or special instruction, are a prominent feature of the German general educational system, and are maintained in agricultural as well as in industrial districts. In the agricultural districts they are in- tended chiefly for strengthening and extend- ing the elementary education of the rural population, but in some of them technical agricultural instruction is also given. The teaching is conducted principally in Win- ter, during some evenings of each week and often on Sunday afternoons. In the agri- cultural districts of Prussia, at the close of 1908, 3,781 continuation schools were at- tended by 55,889 pupils and cost $136,636 for their maintenance. In seven of these schools, attended by 171 pupils, specialized instruction in agricultural subjects was be- ing given at a cost of $454. No doubt the proportion of these latter schools has sub- sequently increased. “Of a somewhat similar nature are the possibly more important agricultural Win- ter schools. These are attended by young farmers 15 to 20 years of age, and resemble the farming schools already described, ex- cept that the teaching is purely theoretical in its nature, the pupils being engaged on their fathers’ or others’ estates in Summer. Otherwise the subjects and manner of in- struction are not different, and the daily hours of teaching being many, the same theoretical knowledge may be obtained by two Winters’ attendance at one of these schools as by two years’ attendance at one of the farming schools. The schools are conducted by qualified directors, who are generally occupied during the Summer months as visiting lecturers. “At the close of 1908 there were 184 ag- ricultural Winter schools in Prussia, having 1,382 teachers and 7,273 pupils. They re- ceived for their support $88,480 from the Prussian Government and $160,263 from local Governments and private organiza- tions.” October, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS y COLOR OF YOLKS OF EGGS VERY one has noticed how the colora- tion of the yolks varies from one egg to another, shading from very pale yellow to reddish orange, says a writer in the Revue Scientifique, translated for the Literary Digest. The literature treating of hen’s eggs is very large, yet few writers have been attracted by this question of col- oration. Noticing, several years ago, that the observed differences of color are with- out any effect on the intrinsic qualities of the yolk, which remains equally nutritive and equally valuable in reproduction, Morris attributed the initial cause of the color to the nature of the food. Starting with the fact that it is paler in Winter and with hens living in unscientific quarters, he inferred from this that the more intense coloration of the yolks of ges laid by hens living at liberty was due to the coloring-matter of the green plants, and of the insects that these fowls eat in large quantities. After complex chemical transformations these pigments from the foodstuffs reach the ovary, whose fatty cells fix it, owing to a special affinity... . Consequently hens should be placed in bet- ter conditions of life, by giving them spaci- ous grassy runways, and during the Winter supplying them, in the absence of fresh food, with grain, salad, cabbage, beets and carrots, crushed or finely chopped. Apro- pos of this question of coloration L’Ac- climatation tells us that, after repeated com- plaints from their customers, certain asso- ciations of English breeders have drawn the attention of producers to the desirability of obtaining yolks of a higher color, and hence more nutritive, by placing the hens in proper conditions of hygiene and nutrition, and by giving them water having iron in solution, twice a week. This thesis, which is very different, as may be seen, from that of Mr. Morris, attributes to the coloration of the yolks an influence on their nutritive power, and recognizes as its cause their content in iron. Neither of these two opinions is based on precise experiments, but both lead, fortunately, to the same practical measures. Giving healthful and abundant food to hens, and placing them in sanitary surroundings, will assure them the strength nec ssary to good layers. AUTOMOBILE EXPORTS HE automobile industry in the United States has grown to such proportions, says the New York Times, that the exports of automobiles to foreign countries have, during the fiscal year ended June 3, reached the total of at least $27,000,000. Ten years ago the exports of automobiles and parts did not amount to $1, 000,000. The auto- mobile industry is growing more rapidly in the United States than in any other country. France still leads the world in the value of exports, but is rapidly falling back, and last year shipped abroad automobiles to the value of $4,000,000 in excess of our foreign shipments this year. Our exports of auto- mobiles are now greater than those of any other country except France. During the last three years the value of automobiles exported has increased 300 per cent. Ap- proximately 25 per cent. of our automobiles shipped abroad go to Canada, and about 40 per cent. to Europe, chiefly to Great Britain; 29 per cent. to Australia, and 8 per cent. to South America, the remainder being widely scattered. The remarkable decrease in price is not entirely due to the effort of the man- ufacturer to reduce the cost of the machine, but in a large measure to the exportation of second-hand machines. r : “ PORTLANC CEMENT walks, porches, etc. pol Or CEMENT. | | This handsome, durable garage of solid concrete may be quickly constructed in town or country, atmoderatecost. Fireproof throughout; affords safe gasoline storage. The floor is oil proof and easily cleaned. 4 Simple, attractive plans are readily obtained for building minor cement structures like this, house foundations, side- q| Write us for information and assistance in planning and executing any form of con- crete work on your place. CONCRETE IN THE COUNTRY - (Free) : CONCRETE SURFACES—(Free) CHICAGO WE wish to call attention to ne fact ae) we are ina Position to render com- Wess services in every branch of patent or trade-mark work. Our staff is composed of mechanical, electrical and chemical experts, thoroughly trained to pre- pare and prosecute all patent applications, irrespective of the complex nature of the subject matter involved, or of the specialized, technical, or scientific knowledge required therefor. We are prepared to render opinions as to validity or infringement of patents, or with regard to conflicts arising in trade- mark and unfair competition matters. We also have associates throughout the world, who assist in the prosecution of patent and trade-mark applications filed in all countries foreign to the United States. MUNN & CO., Patent Attorneys, 361 Broadway, New York, N. Y. Branch Office: 625 F Street, N. W. Washington, D. C. | Z In making concrete it is important to mix your sand with a fine grade of Portland Cement; use nothing but UNIVERSAL Address UNIVERSAL PORTLAND CEMENT CoO. PITTSBURGH PLANTS AT CHICAGO AND PITTSBURGH—ANNUAL OUTPUT 12,000,000 BARRELS Send for the following book- lets; they are full of practical interest and information. CONCRETE SILOS—(Free) CONCRETE SIDEWALKS-— (Free) PORTLAND | CEMENT MINNEAPOLIS {Vianogany Inlaid Tig Table $5.00 Established 1878 O. Charles Meyer Cabinetmaker and Upholsterer Repairs of Every Description Antique Furniture Restored 39 WEST 8th ST.,NEW YORK Antique fireside chair, large comfortable wings in tapestry, carved claw legs, $20.00. 30 inches Hand-made FALL PLANTIN of bulbs, shrubs, trees, ete., and fall lawn making will give you 50% better returns in the spring—if you make liberal use of TRADE ZA MARK SHEEP MANURE Dried and Pulverized . No Weeds—No Waste Economical and Convenient Unequaled for eae and Field Fertilizing OO for 200 pound barrel freight paid east of Omaha— $ wees Cash with order. Ask for special quantity prices and interesting booklet. THE PULVERIZED MANURE CO. 21 Union Stock Yards, Chicago Wizard Brand is sold by first-class seedsmen vl AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS October, 1912 The horizon of vision, the circle which bounds our sight, has not changed. It is best observed at sea. Though the ships of today are larger than the ships of fifty years ago, you cannot . see them until they come up over the edge of the world, fifteen or twenty miles away. A generation ago the horizon of speech was very limited. When your grandfather was a young man, his voice could be heard on a still day for perhaps a mile. Even though he used a speaking trumpet, he could not be heard nearly so far as he could be seen. Today all this has been changed. The telephone has vastly extended the horizon of speech. Your Telephone Horizon Talking two thousand miles is an everyday occurrence, while in order to see this distance, you would need to mount your telescope on a platform approximately 560 miles high. As amanis followed by his shadow, so is he followed by the horizon of telephone communication. When he travels across the continent his tele- phone horizon travels with him, and wherever he may be he is always at the center of a great circle of telephone neighbors. What is true of one man is true of the whole public. In order to provide a telephone horizon for each member of the nation, the Bell System has been established. AMERICAN TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH COMPANY AND ASSOCIATED COMPANIES Every Bell Telephone is the Center of the System. morocco leather case for only $10. if Machine does not make good. HESS sai LOCKER The Only Modern, Sanitary STEEL Medicine Cabinet or locker finished in snow-white, baked everlasting enamel, inside and out. Beautiful beveled mirror door. Nickel plate brass trimmings. Steel or glass shelves. Costs Less Than Wood Never warps, shrinks, nor swells. Dust and vermin proof, easily cleaned. Should Be In Every Bathroom Four styles—four sizes. To recess in wall or to hang outside. Send for illus- aikest fae §=6trated circular. The RecessedStee] HESS, 926 Tacoma Building, Chicago Medicine Cabinet Makers of Steel Furnaces.—Free Booklet The “GOLDEN GEM” ADDING MACHINE $ 1 O For General Office or Personal Desk Use ONLY We have been making adding machines for ten years —and have sold over 30,000. ‘‘THE PROOF’’ on request. During the past few years we have expended thousands of dollars in special tools and machinery to produce a machine that would be wifhin the reach’of all. We have succeeded—the ‘‘Golden Gem”’ is the result. You can keep it right on your desk or take it with you on the road. It saves brain work— avoids mistakes—it suits the average man’s needs as well as high priced machines. It is supplied in a pebbled Send Your Remittance Today—Your MONEY BACK within TEN days Address : \cuer Automatic Adding Machine Co., *}3. roadway SALES AGENTS: The ‘‘Golden Gem’ Sells Itself M ~— Iron Railings, Wire Fences and Entrance = Gates of all designs and for all purposes. | Correspondence solicited: Catalogs furnished. FENCE! Tennis Court Enclosures, Unclimbable Wire Mesh and Spiral Netting (Chain Link) Fences for Estate Boundaries and Industrial Properties—Lawn Fumi- ture—Stable Fittings. 253 Broadway F.E. CARPENTER CO., Now York City CHINESE BLACKWOOD FURNITURE CHARACTERISTIC: productos China, known around the world and admired in varying degrees by foreigners generally is Chinese blackwood furniture, ~ mmonly including cabinets, chairs, stools, stands, pedestals, center and side tables, frames, and most other drawing-room pieces, elaborately carved and decorated and manufactured or supposed to be made from a blackwood, writes Consul General George E. Anderson at Hongkong to the United States Daily Consular and Trade Reports. This furniture, if real in all re- spects, 1s produced from various dark woods, generally from Dalbergia latifolia, a hard, heavy, close-grained, dark-red wood known to the Chinese as “ka-hee” or “fur- niture wood,” or sometimes as “sun-gee” or “dark-red wood.’ When exposed to the air for a long time this wood turns dark and eventually becomes black, with more or less red streaks in the grain corresponding to the amount of resinous or other natural coloring matter in the grain. It is imported as logs of as much as 18 inches in diameter and up to perhaps 20 feet in length, but also as tree branches and smaller pieces, the Chinese affecting pieces grown crooked for use in natural shape in some of their fur- niture. The wood is bought by weight, an average wholesale consignment costing 3 to 4 taels a picul or about 11% to 2 cents gold per pound. Originally the Chinese used this wood for their own fine furniture and for wood bases or frames for porcelains, jade carvings, or other ornaments for display in drawing- rooms or cabinets. Chinese furniture or- dinarily is quite plain, generally constructed in long curves or rounded corners, straight backs to the chairs, settees with straight backs, often set with porcelain or marble panels, and similar pieces, while bases for porcelains or other similar work were often beautifully carved. With the advent of foreigners in South China, however, there came a demand for a combination of fur- niture more or less on the Chinese model, which was carved instead of plain. The Chinese manufacturers eventually designed furniture somewhat on foreign models, with the popular elaborate carved ornamentation, the local demand for which spread into a world-wide trade. The actual volume of this trade is not large, the United States probably taking more of it than any other nation. Sales to the United States will probably not run over $50,000 a year, in- cluding shipments of household goods. The furniture is prominently displayed in oriental shops all over the world, and is so especially characteristic of Hongkong and South China that there is unusual in- terest in it, and one of the first visits paid by tourists traveling in this part of the world is to blackwood shops and factories. Furniture of this wood is often referred to in the United States as teak furniture. Blackwood has ho relation to teakwood and is distinctly different from it in nature and characteristics. Formerly most of this fur- niture was made in Canton, which still an- nually exports about $45,000 gold in value, practically all to Hongkong, besides various amounts shipped abroad as household fur- niture. In Canton, a district practically given over to making such furniture is a point of interest for tourists. Of late years these factories have sprung up in Hongkong where most of the product is actually sold to users and there are now eight such establishments listed by the Government. A few years ago there was considerable fraud in the business and soft light woods stained black were used in such goods just as most of the so-called cherry wood furni- October, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS vil ture in Japan is now soft white wood stained cherry before finishing. The use of poor] , wood so injured the trade that the Chinese guild concerned decided to use only the real blackwood and this in Hongkong is charac- ILO e~ Crinic e teristic of the trade, though of course there is still need to guard against inferior woods. : S 1 B ectional Bookcases eine Practically all this furniture — even planed table tops and the most intricate and delicate fittings—is handmade. Furniture ‘\ is planed in parts which generally dovetail together in order to eliminate screws or nails, and the various parts are shaped for the carver. The worker squats on the earth floor and works with various knives, chisels, and other tools of native workmanship but with no other vice or bench than his legs, toes, and the earth floor or, in exceptional cases, a log combination of seat and bench. Workmen in these shops are practically bred to the business. An apprentice serves three years with no other pay than his rice. He then earns perhaps $10 silver or $4.80 gold per month for several years. A full- fledged carver will ordinarily receive $20 silver or $9.60 gold per month. When carved, the article is usually stained a uniform black by an alum prepar- ation, then waxed with a preparation of wood oil and blacking and polished, or sometimes finished with a special prepara- tion of Ningpo varnish. Foreign oils and varnish are sometimes used for special pur- poses, but as a rule only native materials are employed. Of late a demand has grown for the furniture in natural dark red of the wood, furniture nearer real and likely to become more popular as it becomes better known. A strong demand is growing for furniture manufactured from this wood on plainer lines and to some extent for settees and chairs in Chinese styles. The popu- larity of the furniture on the whole seems oe f y 5 Z to be increasing, although there has been NCE books either overcrowded limited shelf space or empty shelves no material change in average volume of yawned and waited for books. When one bookcase overflowed, a new shipments. one was purchased, and its gaping shelves were gradually filled. That was — before the Globe Wernicke period in bookcases. Now, books and their FOREIGN SALT MARKET AND shelves come together. The bookcase grows apace with the library. This is INDUSTRY the modern way of building a library. This is the Globe-Wernicke idea. “‘Booklovers’ Shopping List’’—This little book lists the works of great LTHOUGH the United States is a salt- authors and gives the prices of the same in sets. The list includes the low s : : 5 = ah c priced popular sets as well as the de luxe editions. Every bookbuyer should d aie ieee it See a oa have acopy. Sent free with the Globe-Wernicke catalog. Address Dept. A.H. siderable quantities of special refined salt in ; r ‘ . foreign countries, and the trade is increas- The Globe-Weenicke Co., Cincinnati, O hi o ing annually. A monograph entitled “For- Branch Stores: Prviadciphia ida Chesmut St, Bouts, © | 9193 Federal Steet Cincinngu, 128-134 Fourth Ave. E- eign Salt Market and Industry” has just been issued by the Bureau of Manufactures, | ‘ sd ; showing the conditions of the trade in for- eign countries and the possibilities of open- ing up or increasing the market for the Ke American product abroad. This mono- » y” | Bs graph pays particular attention to prices, wholesale and retail, of the various grades of crude and table salt, with the chief sources of importation or domestic produc- tion in each country. The most universal presence of salt in the various countries of the world makes a market for the crude | Wilson’s Outside Venetians American product out of the question. Re- Blind and Awning combined, for windows, porches and fining, however, is a matter of some ex- Cre Fie Paves, durble uni No. 5 CYLINDERS, ETC. pense; but when conducted on a large scale, Jas. G. Wilson Mfg. Co., 5 West 29th Street, New York Ld. Fe» Hay Unloading Tools refined salt can be produced at a cost which “IP ne Barn Door Hangers will permit it to be shipped wherever there ee Write for Circulars and Prices le ate bln AIR AND PROTECTION! || F.£. MYERS & BRO, Ashland, 0, with substances to prevent caking, has held Sobinne Leupisnd Hey Zool Wer the chief place in the refined salt trade of the world. It has, in fact, established itself in almost every civilized country. The prices for this salt vary, in some places reaching as high as 20 cents per pound, the average being perhaps 10 or 12 cents per pound. The monograph shows that the salt is a Government monopoly in Ecuador, ore cgay cn pao War a s 5 88-pgage Catalogue Hardware Specialties, Free. A Peru, Venezuela, Italy, Roumania, Austria- Economy Gas MachineCo. Hungary, Switzerland. Servia, Turkey, THE H. B. IVES Co. ROCHESTER, N. Y. Greece, China, Cochin China and Japan. So.e Manuractunera ... NEW HAVEN, CONN. Basen aay sutomac) Sanitary Gand) Not Polsoacas Ventilate your rooms, yet have your windows securely fastened with The Ives Window Ventilating Lock use “ECONOMY” GAS assuring you of fresh air and pro- et if For Cooking, Water Heating and tection against intrusion. Safe i Laundry Work also for Lighting and strong, inexpensive and easily rk “It makes the house a home”’ applied. Ask your dealer for them ; viii AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS October, 1912 f of this well-planned modern home is the Morgan “iii Doors with whichit is furnished throughout. If you want your house Weavise Buar€y¥ GRMN poche. admired as you admire this and other handsome houses, have it finished with Morgan Perfect Doors and Millwork. Well- informed architects who take pride in their creations specify Morgan Doors because they want to be judged by the Morgan Standard. “*The Door Beautiful,’’ an artistic,de luxe book, describes them in detail and offers bright, help- ful pictorial hints on making homes more attrac- tive. Sent free on request. If you are thinking of building or remodeling, write fora zopy today. Morgan Sash & Door Co., Dept B2, , Chicago MORGAN COMPANY MORGAN micLWORK CO. Oshkosb, Wis. Baltimore, Md. r - Descriptive details of Mor- Architects * gan Doors may be found in Sweet’s Index, pages 910 and 911 This brand is on the top rail of every genuine Morgan Door. Insist on seeing before buying. Electric Stationary for all kinds of VACUUM CLEANERS 335. cocaome et 55 pounds. Country Homes special | Broomell’s “The reliable inexpensive Cleaning device — - BISSELLS “Cyco” BALL-BEARING Carpet Sweeper 5 Other cleaning devices come and go, but the Bissell Sweeper withstands all competition, al- | ways emerging with increased wy | prestige and a broader measure - | of public favor. The reasons for | y | __* this are very plain andsimple. The “~~, | t Bissell Sweeper occupies a distinct ae field of usefulness that no other clean- : ing device covers, meeting a daily necessity of every home that cannot be practically compassed by expensive cleaning machines that are cumbersome to use; and beyond this, the ‘‘Bissell’, gathers up miscellaneous litter that other devices cannot pick up—all of which is recognized by housewives gen- erally The dirt and dust problem has to be met every day in the year, not periodically; \ and the Bissell Sweeper is the only cleaning , device which, on accouut of its lightness \ and efficiency, is practicable to use daily. \ The very latest BALL-BEARING BIS- \ SELL costs but $2.75 to $5.75, and will last from five to fifteen years, according to care given it. For sale by all the best trade. Write for free booklet, “Easy, Economical, Sanitary Sweeping.” Bissell Carpet Sweeper Co. Dept. 125 Grand Rapids, Mich. | (Largest Exclusive Carpet | weeper Manufacturers or use with Gasoline Engine. 66 VICTOR 99 VICTOR CLEANER COMPANY YORK PENNSYLVANIA S U N A Beautiful Illustrated Booklet, “WHERE SUN DIALS ARE MADE,” sent upon request. i Estimates furnished. Ask for Booklet No. 5 Any Latitude E. B. MEYROWITZ, 237 Fifth Ave., New York Branches; New York Minneapolis St. Paul London Paris For American Homes and Gardens and Scientific American sent to $5 one address for one year. $ 6 REGULARLY The Stephenson System of Underground Refuse Disposal Keep your garbage and waste out of sight, under ground or below floor in eet assaces Underground veace wane Garbage and Refuse Receivers Sanitary, odorless, fly-proof, a clean back yard, a fireproof disposal of refuse in a cellar, factory or garage. - Underground Earth Closet with port- able steel house for contractors, farm or camp. - Nine years on the market. It pays to look us up. Sold direct. Send for circular. C. H. STEPHENSON, Mfr. 21 Farrar St. Lynn, Mass. THE EARLY HISTORY OF INDIA- RUBBER N article in The Automobile presents some interesting facts about india-rub- ber as first used by Europeans. Following the discovery of America an early Spanish writer made mention of the fact that the Haitians “played a game with gum balls,” the first reference in literature of any sug- gestion of india-rubber. Mexicans were later mentioned as “making slits in trees to permit the flow of a pleasant smelling, milky gum.’ Another Spanish _ writer, whose book was issued in 1615, after de- scribing the rubber-tree, says the Indians “used this elastic gum for medicine and the Spaniards used it for waterproof cloaks.” Other interesting historical items in the article are the following: “TLacondamine sent some of the dark, gummy caoutchouc from Brazil to the Paris Academy in 1736. With great difficulty chemists sought some sort of solvent for this, but not until 1761 was it accomplished. Herissont and Macquer then dissolved caoutchouc in oil of turpentine, rectified over lime, and obtained a mass that allowed the rubber to regain its elastic state. Ether was also used. Priestley, the great discov- erer of oxygen, in 1770 found that rubber made a good eraser for pencil-marks. Two years later, Magellan induced the French to use rubber commercially, and its price was $5 an ounce. In 1798, J. Howison dis- covered a rubber-tree (Urceola elastica) in Penanh province, and Dr. Roxburgh an- nounced another tree (ficus elastica) in Assam province. “In 1791 Samuel Peal had already taken out the first patent in connection with rub- ber ‘for the application of dissolved rub- ber to waterproofing.’ A second equally. useless patent was obtained twenty-nine years later by Thomas Hancock, April 29, 1820. In 1823, Charles Mackintosh re- ceived the patent on waterproofing fabrics by dissolving rubber in coal-oil, and built the first factory in Glasgow, removing later to Manchester. “The fact that all articles made would not stand the stress of heat and cold led a German chemist, Professor Ludersdorf, to the discovery in 1832 that sulphur mixed with rubber dissolved in turpentine, re- moved all viscosity from the rubber. Here he stopped. “Then, in 1839, Nelson Goodyear, an American, solved the riddle of the rubber question. He discovered how to produce rubber objects that would withstand all ex- tremes of cold and heat. Nathan Haysard, his friend and partner, one day accident- ally dropped some rubber mixed with sul- phur upon a heated stove. When he picked it up, it was noticed that the sulphur was absorbed by the rubber, which kept its elas- ticity when afterward exposed to the hot sun. Goodyear, who had three years be- fore started in the rubber business by get- ting United States Government contracts for rubber mail-bags, continued experi- menting with this discovery, and in 1844 re- ceived his patents on the vulcanizing pro- cess.” FOXES NOT EASY PREY OXES often kill buzzards and the smaller hawks that have been impelled to attack them through hunger. They have mainly done this by dragging the birds through branches and brushwood; for they usually have their talons deeply imbedded in their intended victim, and are unable to let them go. | October, 1912 Tints THE NOVEMBER NUMBER HE next issue of AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS, the November number, will be introduced by a beauti- fully illustrated article describing one of the most interest- ing American homes at Tuxedo Park. The second article will be descriptive of a most attractive Massachusetts home and its interesting furnishings. Olden Time Bandboxes will be the subject of an article describing these little known relics of the days of crinoline, and the illustrations will be from photographs of bandboxes in the remarkable collec- tion gathered by Mr. A. W. Drake, of New York. “Lit- tle Houses for Little People” is the subject of an article on playhouses, a fresh topic full of interest to the home- maker who realizes, as every home-maker should, the value of a properly-planned and designed playhouse for develop- ing the child’s sense of orderliness. The double-page fea- ture for November will consist of a number of reproduc- tions of photographs of attractive and well-designed chim- neys. ‘Weather Vanes” is the title of another illustrated article out of the ordinary, and will present many sug- gestions for adding notes of interest to the home premises. A beautiful country home not far from New York city. a house of distinction and architectural character, will be de- scribed and illustrated with photographs of exterior and in- terior. Archery as a pastime for Americans is the subject of yet another article, and the November number will be further enriched by other contributions and by the usual departments, ‘‘Within the House,” ‘Around the Garden,” and “Helps to the Housewife” that have helped to make AMERICAN HoMEs AND GARDENS maintain prestige in its field. WILLIAM BOOTH AND THE SALVATION ARMY QUARTER of a century ago there was hardly a day passing when ridicule was not being heaped upon the shoulders of William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army. The public felt that the assumption of “General” by him, the blare of trumpets, the pounding of drums, the mar- shalling of his “‘soldiers” in uniforms and all that were mat- ters for its levity. The death of William Booth marks a long standing revulsion in public sentiment which seems in itself a justification of the Salvation Army’s work as di- rected by its restlessly energetic founder through years of sacrifice, devotion and sincerity of conviction that ennobles any cause. We need not concern ourselves with those methods which might awaken our criticism and of which, even to-day, we cannot all be expected to approve, but tak- ing the Salvation Army’s labors from the viewpoint of its social aspects alone, we must concede to it the accomplish- ment of a tremendous and uplifting influence. The sensi- tive may deplore the blatancy with which the organization appears to conduct much of its work, but it reaches out a helping hand too far beyond casual charity’s feeble effort for even the comment of the sensitive to stand in condem- nation. General Booth combined with his religious enthu- siasm a rare zeal—even the zeal that permits a fanatic to accomplish incredible things—but it was a zeal well directed and guided by remarkable executive ability and the qualifi- AVEC AN FIONES “AND GARDENS ix Ut TUTITUNI UM nua =e SS = cations that lead to business success. William Booth, like John Wesley in his generation, brought about an awakening of a realization within us of the possibility of penetrating the darksome ways of modern life, which in this era before Booth’s advent, had been too much shunned by those who sought souls to save in pleasanter and less dangerous places. The founder of the Salvation Army recognized the fact that the untroubled peacefulness of our homes de- pends upon the moral cleanliness of neighborhood envi- ronment. The greatest metropolis of America is now awakening to a public realization of its shameful bondage to organized vicious influences, an awakening which the Sal- vation Army in America has done much in an unadvertised way to bring about. Would that everyone of us were pos- sessed of such zeal as made William Booth’s name come to be honored throughout every land in the world, that every- one of us could walk along the path of his own perception of righteousness as undeviatingly as did this remarkable man, for the world needs thousands of men and women who are willing to assert their convictions, exemplify their prin- ciples and give the world one of those good old-fashioned moral housecleanings it only receives once in every three or four centuries. VACATIONS IN WINTER ECENTLY an attempt was made in Europe to inter- est employers in the subject of Winter vacations for employees. In commenting on this unsuccessful effort the New York Times has this to say: ‘The offer of some ex- tra days—as many as there are weeks in the Summer vaca- tion—will be tempting, of course, but more than counter- balancing the temptation will be a realizing sense that there are not nearly as many pleasant, healthful, and inexpensive things to do out of doors in Winter as in Summer. And freedom from work is most desired at the season when work is the most irksome and exhausting, which is dur- ing hot weather, and while a bank clerk may not greatly enjoy his labors when icy winds do blow, at least he does not then have to refuse any pressing invitations from forest and stream. It probably could be proved that the Summer vacation custom is advantageous to employers as well as to the employed, since it enables the latter to give better service to the former than would a vacation passed as it most likely would be in Winter. “KNOW-YOUR-CITY” CLUBS HERE is much that might be accomplished through “‘know-your-own-city”’ clubs. In the smaller cities throughout the country the task of gathering sociological data as a working basis should not prove an especially diff- cult one. Such clubs should meet at stated intervals and concentrate major effort upon some one civic problem that through energetic and well-directed effort might be solved to the betterment of the conditions it affected. In connec- tion with this work, an outline map of the city wherein such a club might be located would be an invaluable aid, when properly charted to indicate slum sections, factories, amuse- ment places, etc., in planning a study of the cities we live in and in our united efforts to make them clean and decent. x AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS October, 1912 WHITE TOWN CARS Built Particularly For Women Slee White Forty Coupe is the pioneer woman’s gasoline car. To the woman who drives, it offers the touring radius and flexible speed of the gasoline roadster, combined with the comfort, safety, and ease of operation of the electric brougham. The left-side drive admits of easy access to the driving wheel from the curb. The White Electrical Starter, positive under all conditions, not only is oper- ated by one simple motion from the seat, but also renders impossible the inconvenience of the engine being accidentally stalled. The lighting of the car, electric throughout, is likewise controlled from the driving seat. ™ ms © The first of its kind, the White Coupe is the recog- Sach nition of woman’s demand for a clean, safe motor car- riage for town and suburban use, having the grace, speed, and radius of travel which only a gasoline car can give. White Coupes are built in Thirty, Forty, and Sixty horsepower models. AUNAUUULONUNUNDLY Manufacturers of re Trucks and Taxicabs. HUH aL SS TM BA \ l { | aN Zi h Ws Mi) Vy Att A rees||| ier \ il I | _— MES"AND GARDEN al la SONGeesaNi Ss FOR OCTOBER, 1971 2 CELSO CIRG See bie hy a ot grote PRU es Fe CMe eer Frontispiece Seep RD eMEDING OE VDRICK «oe ac hse bcs de oR Me kee ee ye By Robert H. Van Court 339 FALL PLANTING FOR THE PERMANENT FLOWER GARDEN............. By Gardner Teall 344 EAOUSE AT READING, MASSACHUSETTS... ...:...0.02... 0.00% By Mary H. Northend 349 PMCWNT ELEASANDT - ON“DHE SCHUYLKIEL.... 60.8045: By Harold Donaldson Eberlein 351 SOME PERGOLAS OF PLEASING DESIGN AND PROPORTIONS. ...... 0.00 0c ce eeee eee 354-355 ee MUEUSIDES EIONME EN CADIFORNIAs © 00. on ee hee ee ee ees By Margaret Craig 356 PIPE CREORM ALE LANDING 80502 nga be ne Ue de bea ba vena By Ida D. Bennett 359 MERI er ABLE We LIWASANTS£.5 o405 5 6 hs oe ae ae hod sc ae cee ces By E. I. Farrington 364 WITHIN THE House: ON nse (SMG iG ee ee ce, ee By Harry Martin Yeomans 366 AROUND THE GARDEN: SerovermmmtnerGarden: Garden Labels... Fe: dots eo noc od ceeded aes 368 HELPs To THE HousEWIFE: Developing, Elabitseim the Child... cc oe es pe wine ee eda By Elizabeth Atwood 370 Deis SNDIE MIDS ING MRUITS 22 fe oe bee ee oe wb bee By Phebe Westcott Humphreys 372 The White Egg Hens New Books Fditor’s Note Book CHARLES ALLEN MUNN FREDERICK CONVERSE BEACH President VEwWENeNeis. GG . OF 4 Inc. Secretary and Treasurer Publishers 361 Broadway, New York Published Monthly. Subscription Rates: United States, $3.00 a year; Canada, $3.50 a year. Foreign Countries, $4.00 a year. Single Copies 25 cents. Combined Subscription Rate for “American Homes and Gardens” and the “Scientific American,” $5.00 a year. Oler pete mans oe mas Ola nso sO) Copyright 1912 by Munn &Co., Inc. Registered in United States Patent Office. Entered as second-class matter June 15, 1905, at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., un ma Act of Congress of March 3, 1879. The Editor will be pleased to consider all contributions, but “‘American Homes and Gardens” will not hold itself responsible for manuscripts and photographs submitted mae SS TES) Photograph by Nathan R. Graves With the passing of Summer-time the memory of such a beautiful garden as the one here pictured should inspire our interest in Fall planting The Building of Brick By Robert H. Van Court more frequently built of brick? At first thought one might feel like replying that many of them are so built, but a moment’s reflection and a mental survey of the suburbs, even the most beautiful, with which he may be familiar will convince him that in only a very few in- stances, comparatively, is the suburban or country home constructed of brick unless the house be much larger and more costly than the average. If the vast majority of our suburban houses are of wood, it is very largely because wood is the cheapest material with which to build. Perhaps it would be more correct to say Brickwork improves in esthetic aspect with age. The old house of brick invariably possesses a charm peculiar to itself that the imitial cost 1s much less than that of any other build- ing material. ‘This is an age that has encouraged shams— in the striving for the maximum effect at the minimum cost —of building for to-day rather than for to-morrow and of being satisfied with what is attractive and temporarily effec- tive, rather than of striving for what is intrinsically good and will grow more beautiful and consequently more valu- able with the passing of time. In order to obtain rooms of a given number and size and furnishings of a certain sort, so many home-builders have in times past been willing to substitute frame for brick as the material with which to build. Then, too, brick is not more generally used because it is not quite thoroughly understood in America. The country Pad é enn ee ™s ¥ i Ly i ~ ~ — ne 340 has been very quickly settled and built up—villages have rapidly grown into cities—and brick has been seized upon and used chiefly because it is the least expensive material, the use of which will comply with the municipal building laws. The result is that it has been so extensively used for constructing factories and other unsightly buildings, that the very mention of a brick house brings to mind some hideous structure with which one may be familiar. Still another reason is, that until very recently our architects have given very little attention to the study of brick build- ings. Too often it has been regarded as a cheap substi- tute for stone and thus forced into a use for which it is not adapted, for we seem to have forgotten that brick has had a long and honorable history and possesses an entire school of traditions of its own. We may think of the beautifully mellow and time-stained brickwork of Italy, France and England, and sigh because such effects belong to other coun- tries and bygone ages, forgetting that much of the grace and beauty of such building may be ours if we will but use the materials at hand with which to create it. Many of us think that wood is the cheapest of building material, but, after all, is it? The initial cost is the least, but a frame building begins almost at once to demand re- pairs, and these repairs become more and more costly as the age of the house increases. It must be painted every year or two to keep it in presentable order, and any failure to make these repairs promptly results in a rapid deprecia- tion in value. A frame house is difficult to heat and to heat it at all involves a heavy outlay for fuel, while in Summer it is much warmer than a house of brick and con- sequently much less comfortable. A frame building is of Here we AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS see a careful arrangement of material, combining October, 1912 course highly inflammable and insurance companies have learned to their cost, that a frame house once on fire is al- most invariably a complete wreck and therefore a loss, and their rates for insurance are naturally higher. In a few years the added cost of these items may amount to much more than the difference between what the house cost and what it would have cost had it been built of brick or even of stone. Then, too, thi: frame house is subject to constant depre- ciation in value. \ wooden house ten years’ old generally looks its age, anc if it were for sale would not bring any- thing like its cost. A brick house, on the contrary, becomes more beautiful with the passing years, and therefore in- creases in value. One can hardly find a frame house one hundred years old, but brick buildings one thousand years’ old are numerous, and apparently as strong and serviceable as ever. It might be suggested that we are building our homes for ourselves, and not for our descendants of one hundred or one thousand years hence; but why not build the best for ourselves, particularly when the best costs only a very little more than something not so good? Next to frame, the cheapest material of which to build is stucco in some one of its various forms. Stucco, of course, is not a new building material, but its adaptation to modern country and suburban building is quite recent. The use of stucco which just now finds wide acceptance requires that it be applied directly to tile or terra cotta blocks or else ap- plied to wire lath or metal netting which is stretched upon a framework of wood. This method of building is so new that there has not yet been time to fully test its efficacy, but it may be said that so far the stucco has shown a tendency artistically proportioned woodwork and brick construction October, 1912 to “peel off... The tiling or wire lathing to which it is fixed expands or contracts, of course, with heat or cold, and this naturally causes cracks in the stucco which is necessarily rigid. The smallest crack will let in moisture which hastens the process of destruction. Walls thus built of stucco re- quire constant repairing, and much patching which leaves unsightly blotches and differences of color. Some of our friends will tell us that stucco is one of the most ancient and durable of building materials, and will point to various stucco structures in Europe or South America which have attained a great age. If stucco has endured for years in these cases, it is because it has been applied to stone or brick, and even then it is sometimes known to require con- siderable repairing. No one seems to claim durability as one of the advantages of our use of stucco. Its chief points seem to be that it is fresh, cool looking, inexpensive and easily applied. Stone is almost always the most beautiful and most deco- rative of building materials, but unfortunately it is nearly everywhere the most expensive both in its original cost and in its application. Only in certain places are there quarries of stone suitable for building purposes, and freight on a substance so weighty must be taken into consideration. Then the quarrying and the cutting which is almost always neces- sary is another exceedingly costly item and all this expense is incurred before the material has reached the scene of building operations or before the actual construction has been begun, and the cost of labor in building a house of stone is necessarily quite high. Wood is rapidly becoming less and less of a factor in home-building. The forests, AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 341 which were once thought almost inexhaustible have disap- peared before the ruthless campaign of the sawmill and its ‘lumber king,” and forestration, which might afford a rem- edy, is too recent a science to be of any practical help. Then there are vast districts where no lumber could be produced, and the cost of importing lumber or bringing it from a dis- tant part of the country would be excessive. So each year finds the proportion of frame houses smaller and smaller. We now come to the subject of brick as a building ma- terial. It seems to answer every demand. Being made of clay, it can be and is produced in almost every part of the coun- try. It has been subjected for days to a furious heat while being baked and is therefore fireproof, and its use keeps down the insurance rate. A brick house is not difficult to heat and the fuel bill will be one-third less than if the house be frame, and being cooler in Summer, it is more comfort- able during the heated periods of our trying American Summers. But our homes are now being built for beauty as well as for comfort, and economy now has a meaning other than mere cheapness, for what is merely cheap and ugly, and uncomfortable because cheap, is really after all the most costly in many ways—all this by way of preamble to saying that brick is the most beautifying and satisfying building material within the average man’s means. Let us suppose that the prospective builder fully realizes that brick possesses so many advantages, material as well as artistic, that he is prepared to pay the added cost, charging the difference against the credit item created by the reduction in the cost of heating, insurance, painting, repair and general upkeep. He finds a vast array of styles awaiting his selection IS Selb las et Saat id Ln oe es a ee he ae Brickwork will often give to stucco houses just that note of distinction which cement surfaces often require to relieve their flatness 342 aR a ys % & LSE RS RIES Ds Bal Much may be learned from a study of early examples of American brick houses. oughly well suited to the material of the facades. AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS od oe ve ie pal October, 1912 AE WN x P34 tiated Lt He ‘ { t Here one sees the exquisite example of a doorway thor- The brick house that is properly set in the midst of surrounding trees forms an attrac- tive note in any landscape —the variety is fascinating, for if we except Gothic, which is to a great extent a style adapted only for buildings of stone and which in any case is rarely if ever used for do- mestic architecture, there is no style of building which can- not be suitably interpreted in brick and for which precedent and tradition do not offer examples. The Italian style which just now is so deservedly popular is more frequently and perhaps more properly developed in brick than in any- thing else. The English and German domestic types find their most beautiful expression in cottages of brick, and the very words suggest pictures of time-worn, ivy-covered houses of half timber which are beautiful, not in spite of their age, but because of it, and usually these cottages are of brick ‘of some of the many kinds which the old builders under- October, 1912 stood so well and_ with which they wrought so lov- ingly. Brick is particularly inter- esting as a building material because it possesses a certain “human” element. It seems to respond to almost any architectural humor, grave or gay, and is quite as pleasing and beautiful of plain dark red modestly trimmed with white stone at Independence Hall, as when of pale buff with diaper pat- tern subtly suggested by darker headers at Madison Square Garden. This “re- sponsive” quality renders its application to domestic build- ing particularly successful for brick, seems to sustain the note in which the home is set, whether it be the dignified beauty and reticence of English Tudor or Jacobean, or the more intimate cottage styles of Germany or France. It is particularly adapted for building homes in what we call the ‘‘Colonial’’ styles, for brick was used in all the American colonies where such expense could be met and excellent examples of such build- ings are readily recalled, from the Hancock house in Bos- ton, to the Dutch architecture of New York with its houses of brick “brought from Holland,” then through Maryland and Virginia with their stately brick manor houses to the French and Spanish buildings of Louisiana. The texture of the brick made to-day is of great variety, and even a greater variety of coloring is obtainable, rang- ing from the palest gray or buff through all the long range of colors into the deeper browns and greens which shade imperceptibly into black. Between these extremes there are the most beautiful shades of grays, tans and blues, and every color imaginable, and the variety in size and shape is very nearly as great as the variety in coloring and texture. Besides all this there are many different methods of using brick—an endless number of “bonds” adapted or borrowed from antiquity which produce effects of light and shade by projecting or recessing certain courses or even certain units BLieee (Sree AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS An excellent type of the house of brick and stucco combined 343 of decoration to produce variety of effect. More beau- tiful than all these, however, are the wonderful results ob- tained by combining brick with mosaic, tiles, terra cotta, majolica or the other materials in which bas re- lief or modeled ornament is produced. The building of plaques or panels of ivory- tinted plaster or colored ma- jolica into walls of rough- surfaced brick of a different color produces effects al- most unbelievable. But the advantages of brick as a material of which to construct the house, are not confined to its use in ex- ternal work, for some of the most interesting and distinctive uses for brick are for in- teriors. Some particularly beautiful vestibules are being paved, lined and ceiled or vaulted with vari-colored brick, and an especially interesting example is found in New York, where the beauty of a wonderful facade of brick in mediaeval color effect is repeated and emphasized in the treatment of a large and deep vestibule or hall where the idea of inex- pensive richness worked out in brick is developed in a most wonderful way. Brick in many forms is used for flooring terraces, verandas and pergolas, and it is often used for halls, libraries or dining-room, or in other rooms where a solid and dignified effect is desirable, but even more suc- cessful is its use for the facing and lining of fireplaces and even for building mantels. There are perhaps no more successful mantels being made than those which are con- structed wholly of brick, especially made in suitable design, size and shape, and merely set in place by the workman. The corbels or brackets which support the shelf are of brick, and the shelf is frequently one very large thin brick. One might suppose that this would produce a very rough, crude effect much more suitable for a mountain camp or a bungalow in the woods, than for a suburban or country home, but just the opposite effect has been secured in sey- (Continued on page 3%2) No material offers a better contrast to vines and flowering plants than that of good brickwork, forming, as it does, just the proper background SS NE EE EC LT. £ for the green of growing things AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS October, 1912 J $s cf ig Perennials and of Annuals, near Cornish, New Hampshire. W This season’s Fall planting should produce a garden as in- teresting as this one Fall Planting for the Permanent Flower Garden By Gardner Teall Photographs by Jessie Tarbox Beals and Nathan R. Graves APPILY the time is passed when the Ameri- can home garden-maker simply looked upon the patch of ground at his disposal as being merely a bit of practice acreage in which, as fancy dictated, he might plant here and there a few seeds of flowers or of vege- tables in haphazard confusion or skimpy orderliness, feeling that the whole matter was one of experiment, and that fail- ure on the part of the seeds to produce what was expected of them, or even to come up at all, was not attended with any disappointments of serious consequence. That was the time when the man of the house attended to the buying of vegetable seeds, leaving to the housewife all things con- nected with the seeding of the flower garden. I do not know why it is that our grandfathers and our grandmothers should have looked upon all gardening as a pursuit to be divided between themselves; why the raising of vegetables should have been considered a manly occupation or recre- ation and the growing of flowers not, but that is as it seems to have been until comparatively a few years ago. Now, fortunately, the joys of gardening are shared alike by master and mistress, the children, the young and the old, and a statesman may wax enthusiastic over his garden of rare pinks or a milliner over her bed of asparagus without any 7 Wy) A Se Y/ \ one’s criticizing the choice of either in garden planting. Nowadays, we do not confine our efforts to Springtime visits to the grocery store for a package of Petunia seed, a parcel of Sweet Peas, or an envelope of Candytuft, content to sprinkle in over a little dirt in a bed that occupies a cor- ner of the “yard,” sighing the while that we cannot seem to raise the good old flowers to the state of perfection they reached in the old-time gardens of ante-bellum days, of Colonial memories; instead we are happy to have discov- ered the difference between those flowers which have to be planted every year—the Annuals—and those others—the Perennials—which will continue to come up season after season from the original stock when once the seeds take root, and we have come to plan for permanent gardens, that shall fill our hearts with the joyousness their beauty will lend throughout the season when Nature dons her loveliest raiment. We have come, too, to understand that just stick- ing a seed or two or a root into the ground anywhere is not all there is to gardening. Year after year our study of the A, B, C of home outdoor floriculture initiates us into the simple mysteries of garden craft, so that our gardens to-day are as lovely as those that ever gladdened the sight of the American home garden-makers of the early period. Fall planting is an important part of the maintenance October, 1912 AMERICAN of the home garden. There are not in the whole realm of the Goddess Flora flowers more exquisite than the hardy species that lend them- selves so admirably to permanent planting—the Sweet Williams, Del- phiniums, Foxgloves, Canterbury Bells, Pyrethrum, Montbretia, Iris, Hollyhocks, Anemones, Primroses, Saxifrage and the like. October should be a busy month in every garden, for this is an excellent time for dividing old roots, re-arranging the clumps of hardy Perennials where these need it, of filling gaps in hardy borders, and of setting out new hardy plants. Perhaps one of the commonest mistakes made by the garden beginner is to assume that a small garden requires small plants and that tall-growing and large flowering plants are out of place in any but a large garden. We have only to recall the wondrous beauty of the English cottage gardens that seem to be bursting with their glow of Holly- hocks, Larkspurs, Sunflowers and Chrysanthemums, to real- ize how lovely a tiny garden planted with striking flowers may be. To this article is appended a table showing, in a general way the height attained by various flowers suitable for Fall planting when these have reached their maturity. Not one of the plants in this list would be out of place in the small home garden if properly placed. Under “‘loca- ONES! AND GARDENS | Golden Glow (Rudbeckia Laciniata) a 345 tion’ those that require full sunlight have that fact indicated by the word “sunny,” and those that require less sunshine by the words “less sunny,” though the garden beginner must never expect success with plants that hardly receive the sunlight at all. When planning for Fall planting one must take into consideration the fact that inasmuch as the hardy Per- ennials are to form a garden that will, in all probability, remain un- altered for some years (so far as its essentials are concerned), it will be seen how necessary it is that such gardens be prepared with the great- est care and thought of their future aspect. First of all thorough drain- age must be assured after which manure must be worked into the earth to some depth, preferably three feet. A good way to prepare beds and borders for permanent Perennials is to dig a trench the size of the bed or border to the depth of three feet covering the floor of it with a five-inch layer of rubble to assist drainage, and a couple of inches of coarse ashes above this, filling up the trench with the bedding composed of loam, manure and sand. This will make an admirable soil for setting out the hardy plants. Of course the earth of newly-prepared beds and borders will settle somewhat and will have to be evened off later by filling. Where it is not possible to give to the Clumps of the lovely Bellflower (Campanula persicifolia) combine well with lawn shrubbery 346 beds and borders such thorough pre- paration one must still be sure that the soil in which the plants are set is not poor or sour and fertilizer should be worked in where needed, although it must be remembered that the soil should not be over rich. Seedlings grown from July sowing should be set out without delay in order that they may become estab- lished in their new environment be- fore the setting in of Winter. In this connection let the home _ garden- maker, remember that although Fall planting is now. generally recom- mended, it is wiser in those localities where the Winters are long and se- vere, to defer planting until Spring- time as it often happens that the sea- son of snow and ice sets in too early in such places for the newly-planted Perennials to get their start ahead of the severity of the climate. ‘There is an advantage in Fall planting that should always be taken into account. October does not find one as rushed as does the month of May for in the Spring the home garden- maker (who usually has only a limited amount of time to devote to planting and garden cultivation) finds the plan- ning of the seeded beds quite enough to take up all of his leisure moments. When working in an established hardy garden, for the purpose of removing and dividing the roots of old plants, one must take care not to damage any clumps of Bulbs which might remain hidden in the soil. As one garden lover put it: ‘Roots are to be fished out, not to be speared!”” In digging up a clump of herbaceous roots, for resetting or Perennial Phlox AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Centaurea October, 1912 for division, all dead shoots clinging thereto should be cut away. It is needless to say that all roots should be handled tenderly. The garden beginner will come to learn that there is no general rule that can be taught him for properly separating old root clump into numerous parts, which, when set out, themselves multi- ply in rootlets and themselves become sturdy clumps in the course of a few seasons again to be divided and reset. The garden-maker must use his judg- ment and learn by experience and the intuition that will probably come to his aid just how he may cut or break up an established clump of roots into a number of settings for fresh culture. This process of root division refreshes the stock of any hardy garden. If the old plants were not lifted season after season, they would eventually form root-masses that would over- crowd the beds and borders. Moreover such plants as the Iris would form a hard root-mass_ which would give out a circle of leaves and _ flower-stems leaving the center bare, thus forming unsightly patches of bare earth in the gardens. Fortunately for the garden-maker, Perennials present species adapted both for very sunny, half-sunny and shaded locations, thus offering a wide range of planting material both in low-growing Perennials and in those of taller growth. Again there are Perennials that thrive in rich soil, those that are best adapted to clayey soil and still others that do very well in sandy soil. Among the hardy Perennials that require less sunlight October, 1912 than the class in general are the follow- ing interesting species: Monkshoods, Aremones, Primroses, Violets, Saxa- frage, Funkia, Bleeding-heart, Lily-of- the-Valley, Day Lilies, Hepatica, Vin- ca and others that will be found in the table appended to this article. Of the Perennials of low growth are to be mentioned Arabis, Aubrietia, Hepatica, Bellis Perennis and Myo- sotis, in connection with which it is worth noting that the earliest Per- ennials do not, as a rule, attain as great a height as those which bloom after June. None of the species just mentioned attain a height of more than six or eight inches. In arranging a border or a bed of hardy herbacious plants the table appended should prove useful inasmuch as the garden- maker can there see at a glance the various heights to which the Peren- nials listed attain and place, can, there- fore, place them in the garden with reference to the taller species forming a background for those of lower growth. When arranging the permanent garden succession of bloom must also be taken into consideration. In those states where Spring brings forth growing things at an early date one may look for Adonis, Columbine, Arabis, He- patica and Trillium to blossom; in May for other varieties cf Aquilegia, for Anemones, Bellis Perennis, Iris, Prim- rose, Campanula, etc.; in June for Iris, Lychnis, Pop- pies, Scabioso, Spirea Trollius, Veronica, etc.; in July for Achillea; Centaurea, Funkia, Heliopsis, Stokesia, Ver- onica. Virginica, etc.; in August for Asclepias, Boltonia, Helianthus, Rudbeckia, etc.; in September, for Aconitum, Delphinium AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Agee 347 Aster Amellus,. Chrysanthemum, Lobelia, Phlox Paniculata, Veronica Longifolia, Seduin, etc., and in October Aconitum Autumnale, Aremone Jap- onica, Chrysanthemum, etc., all these species flowering somewhat according to the climatic conditions in the matter of time. Another matter for thought in plan- ning the permanent garden is that of color. One would not care to have monotony in this respect, therefore it is always well to plan carefully the color-scheme of the garden-to-be as it will appear from month to month, al- ways striving to have each month’s ar- ray of flowers present sufficient variety in the matter of color contrast, as this color contrast is a matter which is of great importance in the planning of a fine garden. Man has spent so much of his time in specializing, of se- gregating floral types, varieties and colors that the garden beginner can easily go astray if he selects his plants with reference to species only. Indeed the modern garden maker must be something of an artist. It is not enough that things planted come up, grow, thrive and endure that a garden will be evolved; in the true sense of the word a garden must be a spot where growing things give one a sense of enjoyment. All the flowers in the world wrongly placed hardly would do that, even though, in their entirity, they suggested pleasurable individual types. No, Ea the true garden-maker must be an arranger of flowers as well as a putter-in-the-earth of plants, for he must select from Flora’s palette such flowers as represent the wealth of color Nature has placed within range of his skilful hand. 348 NAME Aconitum (Monkshood) Aquilegia (Columbine) Alkanet (see Anchusa) Anchusa (Alkanet) Blazing Star (see Liatris) Bleeding-Heart (see Dicentra) California Tree Poppy (see Romneya) Campanula (Canterbury Bells) Canterbury Bells (see Campanula) Cardinal Flower (Lobelia) Centaurea Chrysanthemum Columbine (see Aquilegia) Convallaria (Lily-of-the-Valley) Day Lily (see Hemerocallis) Delphinium (Larkspur) Dianthus (Sweet William) . Dicentra (Bleeding-Heart) Dictamus (Gas Plant) English Daisy Foxglove igbbaicle) Gonoanog Gas Plant (see Dictamnus) Golden Glow (see Rudbeckia) Helianthus (Sunflower) Hemerocallis (Day Lily) Hepatica Hibiscus (Marsh Mallow) Tris Larkspur (see Delphinium) Liatris (Blazing Star) Lily-of-the-Valley (see Convallaria) Loosestrife (see Lysimachia) Ittgopbss Goocosdod TEViCHMNIAS tes eierei Lysimachia (Loosestrife) March Mallow (Hibiscus) Monkshood (see Aconitum) ew GshoooseDe Phlox, Perennia Platyeodon (Bellflower) Poppy, Perennial Primrose (Primula) Primula (sce Primrose) Ranunculus Romneya Rudbeckia (Golden Glow) Saxifrage siahveeh: Goodoancocood Stokesia Sunflower Sweet William (see Dianthus) Trillium Trollius Tritoma Valerian Veronica Vinca Violet White to COLOR Blue Various Blue Blue White to Deep Pink Blue Purple Pink and White White W hite-Blue- Pink White-Blue- Pink Scarlet White-Blue- Yellow Various Various White Yellow to Orange W hite-Blue- Pink White to Red & Purple Pink and White White White-Pink Pink-White White White Yellow Yellow Yellow to Orange Lilac toy Blue Rose- White White-Yellow-Blue White-Blue- Pink Purple White White- Yellow White-Blue-Pink White to Red White-Yellow Rose- White Blue Various Various Blue Various Primrose- Yellow Primrose- Yellow White White Yellow White-Yellow-Pink White-Rose Blue Yellow White-Pink Yellow to Orange Yellow-Orange-Red Pink-Rose Blue- Purple Blue Violet-White Red & Purple SEASON June May-July Through Summer Through Summer August-October July-August June-July May July June-July June-July August-September Through Summer September-November May-July May September Through Summer Through Summer May May-July June-July June-July July-August May-July July-August July-September September May July-August May-July Through Summer June-July May July June June-August July July-August June May-October July-September July-August June May May May July July-August May-June May July-August July-September Through Summer May May-August Late July-October July-August May May AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS. LOCATION Less Sunny Sunny Less Sunny Less Sunny Less Sunny Sunny Sunny Less Sunny Sunny Sunny Sunny Less Sunny Sunny Sunny Sunny Less Sunny Less Sunny Sunny Sunny Less Sunny Sunny Sunny Sunny Less Sunny Sunny Sunny Sunny Less Sunny Less Sunny Sunny Sunny Sunny Sunny Less Sunny Sunny Sunny Sunny Sunny Sunny Less Sunny Sunny Sunny Sunny Sunny Less Sunny Less Sunny Less Sunny Sunny Sunny Less Sunny Less Sunny Sunny Sunny Sunny Less Sunny Less Sunny Sunny Sunny Sunny Less Sunny Less Sunny Sweet William October, 1912 Creeping 4-6 in. October, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES Road front of a house at Reading, Massachusetts, which has been cleverly planned to fit its sloping site AND GARDENS MS SS Nata: NON =< \ ’ Gia Gait maven! reac os. rah A A. i is si = & e i ae A House at Reading, Massachusetts By Mary H. Northend Photographs by the Author ROWNING tthe crest of slightly rising ground at Reading, Massachusetts, in the midst of grassland surroundings, plentifully interspersed with slender birch trees, stands the home of Mr. H. H. Boardman. The house, designed by Messrs. Adden & Parker, architects, of Boston, is admirably located with a view to showing its exterior to the best possible advant- age. In type the dwelling is a modification of the Dutch- Colonial model, and it depends for distinctiveness upon its own individual- ity. It is built along broad, roomy lines, with deep over- hanging roof ac- ~ centuating its length- and width, and its several features add interest to its rather plain foun- dation. Dormer in- sertions here and there, equipped with small-paned casement windows, re- lieve the broad sweep of the deep-pitched roof, and addi- tions at either side of the main body of the dwelling in the {== Covered Prazza Dinira Fit, First and second floor plans form of porches, lend character, and at the same time serve special purposes. The porch on the right is screened in dur- ing the Summer months and fitted up as an open air living- room, while the one on the left affords access to the service department. Other exterior features are the long, wide, uncovered veranda at the rear, and the outdoor sleeping porch, opening from an interior chamber. The house is built upon a fieldstone foundation, with frame superstructure covered with shingles, and in coloring is cream for the bedy with dark brown for the trim. In shape, it is nearly square at the front, with porch project- ions as mentioned, while at the rear it is somewhat irregu- Sleenin Balioni, lar in contour, though wholly har- monious. The win- dow arrangement is particularly good. No set form of in- sertion has been followed, though due regard has been paid to balance, and in consequence the windows assume character, and lend distinction by their independence. eee Plenty of light and air were primary considerations in the planning of this dwelling, and the results sought have been attained through this very ‘feature of. excellent window placing. The approach from the main road is along a grav- eled path, flanked on either side by broad strips of close- cropped lawn. The main ‘entrance is dignified by a recessed porch, shaded by a slanting hood, above which is a shelf effect, burdened in the Summer season with a box of gay colored blossoms. From within the porch, a broad door, with quaint small-paned window flank- ings, opens upon the hall- way, which extends the en- tire width of the house, Opening’ at the rear “on: to the back veranda. In char- acter, this apartment is strongly suggestive of Colon- AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS The road front October, 1912 The garden side ial influence. A simple stair- way, with mahogany outline rail, rises at one side, the landing lighted by a broad window, beneath which ex- tends a built-in seat, and the equipment includes some few fine mahogany pieces. To the left and right open the main apartments, and near the rear a door connects with the kitchen. The color scheme is grey and white with a bit of soft pink in the wreath design of the wall hangings, affording a restful and attractive finish. Double French doors lead from the hall to the living- room, and the same arrange- ment connects with the din- ing-room. ‘The living-room is especially attractive in its arrangement. Its ample di- mensions allow of develop- ment along comfortable lines without any hint of crowd- (Continued on page 371) The entrance alice AMERICAN October, 1912 “Mount Pleasant HOMES AND GARDENS | ae The lawn front of “Mount Pleasant,” one of Philadelphia’s most noted Colonial manor-houses on the Schuylkill A Famous Old Philadelphia Home Now Preserved Within the Precincts of Fairmount Park By Harold Donaldson Eberlein Photographs by T. C. Turner OUNT PLEASANT” is fitly so named. Surely no pleasanter place for habitation j4|| could be found than the spot where this 4) stately Eighteenth Century house rears its balustraded roof above a sea of surround- ing greenery. On the crest of an eminence at a bend of the river, the site commands a broad view up- stream and down and over the wooded slopes of the farther shore. Though in Summer the density of the foliage some- what obscures the prospect, at other seasons, when the trees are less fully clad, the eye sweeps the valley for miles. Then it is, as once noble country-seats are seen crowning every hill, that one feels how ample and almost’ princely must have been the manner of life that prevailed there in the long-past days when the city was still far distant from these sylvan fastnesses. Society was gayer, more polished and wealthier hereabouts than in most other parts of the Colonies, and the affluence and cul- ture of persons of substance and quality were reflected by the houses in which they chose to spend their Summers or where, sometimes, they lived the year round. The high, rolling lands on both banks of the Schuylkill invited the establishment of plantations by the foremost citizens, the unsurpassed love- liness of the scene was an ever-present The entrance facade is one of the finest early architectural examples in America joy, while the waters of the stream supplied an agreeable element of life and, at the same time, yielded an abundance of the best of fish to grace the boards of gentry notoriously addicted to the pleasures of the table. In one of the choicest spots of this fair paradise of peace and plenty, Captain John Macpherson bought land in Sep- tember, 1761, and set to building a great house of almost baronial aspect that commands consideration by its architec- tural presence alone, quite apart from the rich historic glamour that hangs over it. From the west or river front of the house the land falls away rapidly so that the ap- proach by the driveway leads to the east front. ast and west fronts are alike of imposing mien. A high founda- tion of carefully squared stones is pierced by iron-barred basement win- dows set in stone frames. Above this massive grisly base the thick walls of stone are coated with yellow-gray rough cast. Heavy quoins of brick at the corners and, at the north and south ends of the building, great quadruple brick chimneys, joined into one by arches at the top, give the structure an air of more than usual solidity. he regspenest AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS October, The aardet front of ihe attractive Aoase on a hillside near Pasedene California A Hillside Home in California By Margaret Craig S the strength of the fruit goes to make its seed, seems it that the gifted climate and unjaded soil of California favor Pasadena in the development of her garden qualities. From this it is but a step to provoke the wealth of design that casts into the mold of grace those details subordinate to unity that make pos- sible houses worthy of their favorable surroundings, one such as is the home of Miss Florence Dwight, built in a most delightful situation, on a five-acre portion of the picturesque San Rafael Heights. In trying to designate the type of this house, where all of its characteristics divulge neither the Mexican turn nor that of the bungalow completely, the result leads to any conclusion almost that you please, and likely of the favorable sort, for whether capable of definition or not it is a fact of architectural loveliness, bearing on the fin- ished product the stamp of a large origin- ality. There are few towns in this country equal in dimensions to Pasadena, that can share with her in the distinction of being highly contributory to types of houses which are sought as instances of the best for the expenditure in architectural practice or so full of ideas adapted to rare garden land- scape results. Pasadena has been made popular by views of her large and small holdings that dot many illustrated pages of magazines and books, as freely indeed as the originals themselves have been re- Steps leading to the entrance-walk produced on the actual soil of her State and far outlying districts. AMERICAN HoMEs AND GARDENS itself has been productive in this direction since numerous examples of Pasadena’s dwellings and grounds have been described and illustrated in its pages from time to time. The interesting house here shown is built on grounds that have just a sufficient clearance to give variety, without running into an overprofusion of features. tion of the house, the owner decided upon the hillside con- struction which would give greater individuality. In this the architect, Louis Du P. Millar, of Pasadena, in his exterior work has been careful, in not to scatter the effect, nor has he failed to em- realized in interior designs. Although the area between the entrance of the house and the country road is covered with grapevines and is broken by the long straight path leading from the gallery to the front door, and by the carriage drive on either side of the open space, one has a moment hardly since entering the charming garden pre- cincts to note any of its particular motifs, so uncritical does one feel, or so restful in the contemplation of general results. But eventually the garden details become crisp to the view and then we see built among them in an effective style, a house of white plaster with furnishings of dark stained wood; and with its low-hanging eaves and 1gtT? Although the . lot allowed the choice of valley or elevation for the founda- © phasize those fine features that give assur- ° ance of comfort and of taste that should be» October, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 357 simple white chim- containing the ob- neys somewhat car- rying out in inclusive effect the idea of the old Mexican homes. The plan of the; grounds as furnished on this page, shows an artistic latitude of accommodation be-. long pond, or rather, the formal-pool, and the doorway pat- terned after the San- ta Barbara Mission. The porch which is just a few inches from the ground, is made of red _ brick, and a white seat with tween the rectangu- lar and the curve. The uniform tenden- the severe lines of a cy to maintain the former design, which is shown in the en- trance-court, kitchen yard, stairways and their platforms, and terraces, would point to a grounds’ de- signer betrothed to a single idea, if he had not deliberately chosen to _ intro- duce the curve just mentioned, which skirts the rock-gar- den and joins the main terrace and the space to the right of the north porch, and which makes the uneven loom of the rock-garden, the dip of the path, the semi-serpentine bend in the pond and in the walk, just the shift to variety that was needed to show that the garden’s lap which receives and holds the variegated shower of horticulture, must have the essentials of form as well as of color. Shaded by graceful olive trees the entrance-way to the house is most attractive with its little conventional court Plan of the ground floor and of the terrace bench is on either side of the heavy front door. The presence of the close- ly-trimmed box trees, adds to the decora- tive effect here and in various parts of the ground. The hallway which one enters from this door, runs at right angles to it, and in fol- lowing it directly to the right, one comes to a bedroom facing the north porch, and farther on a larger one frontward upon the entrance-court. The drawing-room and the pantry are placed across the hall and all these face the extensive terrace piazza. To complete this side of the house are, the screen-porch and the kitchen. To the front once more, we find another bedroom where one of the windows gives upon the left side of the entrance-court. Two bathrooms, linen and other closets, complete the list of the walled-space features of this floor. The arrangement of the interior rooms not only guarantees comfort, but REY TE RRA RO Ae SEITEN POR ie PLE EI FR De 358 permits the uncongested placing of those decora- tions and fur- nishings which creates a per- vading charm. By one means or another, either apart from consist- ency or in ac- cord with it, braite-a-t ac, hangings, pic- tures, objects de luxe and movable piec- es are fittingly disposed by the hand of one who evi- dently leans to both sides AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS The quiet Spring pool in the garden is set against a mass of foliage an d Rese October, 1912 piece shows the sure and persistent work that has been accom- plished in those serious and superior productions that make for ordered beau- ty and repose in a_ suburb richly gar- nished with portrait bits reflecting cul- tivated Pasa- dena; while neighborhood points of con- spicuous charm are seen in the superb Annan- in the discussion of whether “symmetry is a sign of decad- dale Golf Links that border our garden, and the attractive ence in art.” That hand knew the value of the old family portrait and hung it over the fireplace in the dining-room matching it vertical in line with the opening beneath, then set her ornaments over the beautiful tile front in a pleasing, broken adjust- ment; when as a sort of com- pensation balance to this, she posed a framed picture over another exquisite man- tel, but this time between urns and vases that are placed in studied relation- ship and to the praise of the living-room. In the illus- trated bedroom may be seen long and imposing curtains intended as an offset to the massiveness of the high bed- stead which stands in all the dignity of heavy carving as though grazing a ceiling at right to be here. An all-round view of the horizon beyond this five-acre The living-room Versailles, while proving its The dining-room “Hill Farm” which broadly adjoins it. A photograph shows a straight path and steps leading to a columned structure stretching as clean and neat as if out of an English enclosure. Another, shows a pool lying alongside of a wide-arched wall cov- ered with plants and vines, that would look inviting in any locality. The exterior of the house with its exceedingly graceful roof lines immediately sug- gests the buildings of Italy. The broad wall surfaces carry the idea a step fur- ther and of course the semi- tropical vegetation of Cali- fornia and the vineyards which surround the house do much to create the Ital- ian atmosphere. A home built upon a hillside presents many problems and here they have been handled in so successful a manner that the re- sult may.prove helpful in the solving of similar problems. A bed-chamber October, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS Of all Spring-flowering Bulbs none is lovelier than the fragrant single white, pink or blue Hyacinth Bulbs for Fall Planting By Ida D. Bennett Photographs by Nathan R. Graves HERE is hardly a class of plants which ap- peals to all classes of people so generally as does that of Spring flowering bulbs—those which go into the ground in October, and bloom with the first warm days of Spring. Bulbs are adaptable to so many places and conditions of soil and exposure, so tractable in their re- quirements, even being, in many cases, quite content to spend a portion of their lives in paper bags, if it happens that the particular bit of ground in which they have bloomed is needed for something else later on—the bedding of Cannas and Caladiums, the growing of annuals and like operations, and they have, in consequence to be taken up for storage. Tulips are especially accommodating in this respect, and so universally popular and satisfactory is this particular family of Bulbs that it seems the subject natural to begin- ning any article on Bulb planting. Almost any location will serve the Tulip so long as it is well drained, but water about the Bulbs is fatal. They may even be grown under semi- shade as at the time of their blooming the leaves are not yet in evidence and the plants will receive sufficient sunshine, for it must be borne in mind that the sunshine upon the bloom is responsible for much of the brilliancy of the flower. After the period of bloom is past Tulip Bulbs may be lifted and heeled in some sunny position to ripen and then stored in tightly-closed paper bags for the Summer and planted out again when the season comes around. But it is also certain that the greatest satisfaction comes from growing the Tulips in permanent beds where they can remain undis- turbed for several years. It may not be generally known in this connection, that the Tulip seeds freely, and when this seed is allowed to ripen it will scatter and come up in various places about the grounds in later seasons, producing in two or three years, strong clumps of plants which will give a fine show of bloom. Such Tulip seedlings are apt to depart quite notably from the parent type in blossoming, the petals tending to revert to the original type, of the wild flower which produced pointed, rather than rounded petals. The color, too, varies and many stripped and blotched forms re- sult. JI have had some very good Bizarres and Biblooms result in this way. The use of manure applied in the Fall is of doubtful ex- pedience in the planting of Fall Bulbs, but as a rich soil is a requisite of fine blooms it must be supplied in some form. I find land which has been heavily manured in the Spring and used for annuals or other plants is usually about right for Tulips and other Bulbs, in fact about the same condi- tions which make for successful potato culture works out 360 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS well for Tulips. For permanent planting I think their use as a border—three deep, for beds of hardy Perennials gives most satisfactory results as they require the minimum of care and yield the maxi- mum results and brighten up the beds at a time when the Perennials are just getting ready to show what they can do. The. Bulbs should be set about pei nente ts six inches apart each A Narcissus border way and about once and a half their depth below the top of the soil—that is there should be that depth of soil above the top of the Bulb. This is an excellent rule to follow in the planting of any Bulbs about which there is doubt. In planting in solid beds BATMAN EES SW LSID A OMAR SON ERE LEONEL AT ILL OS CINE ORE S SUE LEN eRe For the garden of ample proportions late flowering Tulips may be planted amid early flowering Perennials, which will provide an admirable succession of bloom October, 1912 where uniformity of planting is essential, it will be found a good plan to remove a couple of inches of the top soil, will enrich the bottom soil with o/d manure or bone meal well worked in, cover this with an inch of sharp sand and mark off on this either circles or straight lines—the last is more practical and the resulting planting will be in circle and place a Tulip at the intersection of each cross lines. Cover these with an inch of soil and then, before finishing the coy- ering, while yet the tips of the Bulbs are visible, fill in the intervening spaces with Crocus or Scillas. These will bloom a couple of weeks before the Tulips and make a lovely bed, or alternate the white Crocus and blue Scillas and see how charming they are. In selecting Tulips for solid bed, careful attention should be given to harmonious arrangement of color, to the height of the flowers and the season of bloom. Most catalogues now give the season of bloom, height, and indicate such varieties as are especially suited for bedding. It goes with- out saying that yellow and red is not a happy combination, though it seems to appeal to some people, but white may always be combined with any of the other colors and adds brilliancy to the display. The following list of desirable varieties which bloom at the same time and are of uniform height will be of assistance to many: White: Duc Von Thol, L’Immacule, L’Reine; Yellow: Mon Tresor; Scarlet: Vermilion Brilliant, and Duc Von Thol. The white and the red Duc Von Thol varieties reach a height of eight inches and should be used for edging the beds of the other varieties named above as they are ten-inch plants. The following are medium early Tulips recommended: White: Joost Van Vondel, White Hawk, Potte- bakker, Cottage Maid (suffused pink); and Princess Marianne (shaded rose) ; blush pink and white: Queen of the Netherlands. Pink: Pink Beauty, Rose Grisdelin; and Pink Beauty; Rose: Proserpine, and Rose Luisante. Scarlet: Sir Thomas Lipton, Belle Alliance, Pottebakker Scarlet, Cramoise Brilliant, Crimson King, Prince of Austria (orange tinge); and Duchesse de Parma (bordered orange). Red: Potte- bakker Scarlet. Yellow: Golden Queen, Chrysolora, Pottebakker Yei- low, and Yellow Prince. These reach from ten to twelve inches in height except the Rose Grisdelin, which is eight inches in height. This last is fine for borders. Following these in season there are a few such late blooming Tulips as the Couleur Cardinal (Cardinal) reaching a height of ten inches, and Prince of Austria and Thomas More, both orange-scarlet twelve-inch plants. ‘Then there are the various Bybloomers—Bizarres, Gesnerianas, and tall-growing Tulips. These do best, I think, in clumps and among shrubbery where there is some foundation to cover a somewhat lanky growth. The low-growing Deutzia Gracilis, Anthony Waterer Spirea and the like, are good fore- grounds for these sorts or they may be PR bey October, 1912 appropriately grown among the smaller attractive Azaleas. The list of double Tulips is much more restricted, but the quality of such varieties leaves little to be desired in such Bulbs as the Salvator Rosa, Duke of York and the like. Many of these double flowers are delightfully fragrant and the list here given may be useful in making a choice. White: Rose Blanche, and La Candeur (pure white); Pink: Murillo; Red: Titian (bordered yellow) ; Rose: Tournesoil (scarlet-edged yellow), Salvator Rosa, Duke of York, and Lord Beaconsfield; Yellow: Yellow Rose and Tournesoil Yellow; Bronze Orange: Toreador; Scarlet: Rex Rubrorum and Imperator Rubrorum. The Rose Blanche is an eight-inch variety, the Murillo, Toreador, Tournesoil and Tournesoil Yellow are nine-inch varieties and the others reach a height of ten inches. Tulip beds and borders should be given a light top-dress- ing of stable litter late in the Fall or after the ground freezes, and remove the most of this early in Spring, as soon as growth begins, retaining enough to protect from severe frost. If all the litter is left on, the new growth will force itself up through and be injured when an attempt is made to remove it. It is a good plan to leave a quantity of litter convenient for replacing at the approach of a cold wave, this can be done by planning for a mulch box. Hyacinths require practically the same treatment as do Tulips, but should be planted farther apart— from six to eight inches and much deeper—from three to four inches. They are better left in permanent beds from year to year, growing some light rooted annual in the beds as a cover during the Summer months, Pansies, Forget-Me-Nots, Schizan- thus and the like making excellent cover. The single Hyacinths make finer spikes and a better display than do the double ones and are, in conse- quence, generally preferred to the former. In the following list will be found all that could be desired: Bar- oness von Thuyl, a beautiful, delicate pink; Charles Dickens, an exquisite shade of pink; Lady Derby, one of the finest pink Hyacinths; Moreno, pink; Roi des Belges, brilliant crim- son-scarlet, fine bedder; Baroness von Thuyl, pure white; Grandeur’s a’Mer- veille, plush-white—the most popular of this shade; La Grandesse, finest pure white, fine spike, immense bells; La Innocense, the most popular of the pure whites; Mme. Van der Hoop, pure white, very large bells; Mr. Plimsol, an excellent ivory-white; King of the Blues, blue—the fin- est of the deep-blue variety; Baron Von Thuyl, rich purplish blue, very rich; Czar Peter, light lavender blue; Grand Maitre, deep porcelain blue; Marie Rich, purplish blue, enormous spike; Queen of the Blues, clear silver azure blue, a grand sort; Ida, one of the best yellows; King of the Yellows, yellow; Odelisque, rich, deep yellow, and Yellow Hammer, fine spike and bells. In purchasing Hyacinths it pays to get the selected, first size Bulbs, as they will give far better results than AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS the cheaper Bulbs. These can usually be bought for twelve cents each, $1.00 per dozen, or $7.00 per hundred, fifty at hun- dred rates, which is the more economical way to purchase. For naturalizing in the grass nothing is prettier than the Inctle= (Gujarp e) | Tely- acinths — Muscaria Botryoides — which grow about six inches high and _ resemble erect bunches of tiny blue or white grapes. Se ie The Grape Hyacinth A bed of Tulips is one of the few plants that will grow under Pine trees, and it is useful in covering barren spots. This and the well- known Star of Bethlehem may, when once planted, be trusted to take care of themselves. The latter, however, re- A mass of well-placed double Tulips always forms an exquisite color note in the landscape and where the area permits one should plan such an arrangement 362 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS quires much sun, as a general thing, to open the flowers, though I have found some curious exceptions to the rule. Several years ago, having had occasion to dig up a big patch of these Bulbs, I found, when through, that I had a bushel of selected Bulbs. The basket contain- ing these was set in a dark corner of a shed, quite for- gotten for atime. The next Spring, chancing to go to the shed for something, I was surprised by a gleam of white in a dark corner, and investigation revealed the basket of Bulbs a solid mass of flowers. Next of importance to the Hyacinth and to Tulips is the Crocus. Useful as this delicate flower is for filling in beds of Tulips and Hy- acinths, the Crocus is only at hearts of all its best when grown in the grass of the lawn, where it should be planted by the hundreds and thousands. Crocus Bulbs are so cheap—eighty-five cents a hundred for the choice named giant sorts—that the cost can never form a barrier to their liberal use. Never buy the small cheap Bulbs which give but a single bloom, but rather select the giant named varieties, which give from a dozen to twenty or more bloom to a bulb. Plant them, if possible, where they may be seen from the living-room windows, massing them particularly in the shade of trees or where the grass will not need attention quite so early as on the more open spots, as the only precaution required in this form of cul- ture is to- not destroy the leaves of the plant until they have ripened. It is usually quite possible to run the lawn-mower over them with- out cutting the leaves, how- ever, and once planted they will come up Spring after Spring and brighten wonder- fully the often gloomy days of March and early April. Do not attempt any regular- ity of arrangement in plant- ing Crocus, but plant in un- even groups and lines, throw- ing the Bulbs on the ground and planting wherever they chance to fall. White and gold are the most effective colors, but the blues are lovely at close range. In planting just lift the sod with a narrow trowel or a spud, one person making the incis- ion and another dropping the Bulb, right-side-up, and pressing back the sod with the foot. Set each Bulb two inches deep at least, and that is all that is required. ee eRe ecm ie ET Pu ee A oon pass i Probably the old-fashioned single Tulip is the variety most dear to the The Snowflake, Leucojum zstivum October, 1912 All the Narcissus family— Narcissus, Daffodills, Jon- quills and the like do well in almost any situation and as a general rule should not be disturbed for several years at a stretch. The Poet’s Nar- cissus, which is most in evi- dence in the Springtime, is only at its best when grown in long double or triple rows, and will give a wonderful display of bloom the end of May. Plant Narcissus Bulbs about twelve inches apart, setting the Bulbs three inches deep in rich, mellow loam and in a well- drained situation. The Nar- cissus forms its new Bulbs around the old in ever- spreading circles, hence the need of room. ‘The Crocus, on the other hand, makes its new Bulb on top of the old, so we put it deep so that the Bulbs of the third year may still be below the sur- face of the ground, after which, unless lifted and reset, they will be apt to disappear. The trumpet-flowered Narcissus or Daffodills are equally beautiful in clumps or rows, their higher price, however, usually results in the former manner of planting, the best varieties costing about three dollars per hundred, while the Poet’s Narcissus may be had for one dollar per hundred. The newer King Edward variety costs three dollars per hundred. The best of the trumpet-flow- ered varieties are undoubtedly the Glory of Leyden, Em- S aati garden-makers press, Emperor, Albicans, Bicolor Victoria and the Mme. de Graff. For naturalizing in the grass the old Von Sion Nar- cissus is unexcelled, and it is magnificent when grown in long, heavy rows. Speaking of naturalizing, why not plant quantities and quanti- ties of the little Winter Aconite (Eranthus Hyemal- is), and let it make bright the first windy days of Spring with its little cups of gold growing so close to the ground that they seem just golden stars dropped down in wanton play. They are so cheap and easily planted, one dollar per hundred or a thousand (think of it!) for only eight dollars, that the home grounds ought to glow with them in Spring. Most of the occasional] Bulbs which the catalogues advertise, like the Chiono- doxias, Colchicums, Ornith- ogalumns, Pushkinias, Fritil- larias and the like look best when planted in considerable groups in the shrubbery, but they do not, as a general ee oe October, 1912 PTS ST Double Tulips when placed against brick garden walls are always effective. thing, mass well in isolated beds like Hyacinths and Tulips and are apt to break down under rain and wind when in small clumps. There are two beautiful sorts of Bulbs not nearly as much grown as they should be, and those are the Ixias and Spar- axis. To be sure, these are not as reliable as Tulips and Hyacinths, but well repay the extra care they require. They should be planted in solid beds, not too large, so that it may be possible to give adequate protection. Set the Bulbs which are small a couple inches apart and two deep and cover the beds with several inches of dry leaves, and over these place a big, loose box or frame of boards which will effectually shed water, and success will be yours and a most lovely bed of exquisite form and color result. Remove the covering carefully in the Spring and leave a portion of it handy to replace should occasion require. When the foliage had Tulipa Retrophela AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS CETTE NTE ET The variety here shown is the very beautiful scarlet Salvator Rosa died down, dig the Bulbs and store in paper bags in a cool, dry place till the following Fall. Ixias may be had in mixed colors for one dollar and seventy-five cents a hundred and Sparaxis for one dollar a hundred. Then there are the hardy Lilies, lovely and beguiling, though often so short-lived that one must be always renew- ing them. Nevertheless, few flowers pay better in results than do Lilies, and Lilies, especially the great white Aurat- umns, Giganteums, and the cheaper but equally lovely Can- didums and Longiflorums. The largest and most expensive Lily Bulbs are not necessarily the most desirable. Rather the second sized ones should be selected, for the big Bulbs have one more year less of life, having reached their acme of size and perfection. The most important essential of Lily culture is good drainage, rich soil, free from fresh (Continued on page 369) The Grape Hyacinth 364 AMERICAN HOMES AND “GARDEN: October, 1912 ip * pis — ‘“s Two types of Pheasants—the Golden Pheasant and the Mongolian Pheasant a =< oe = Keeping a Few Pheasants By E. I. Farrington Photographs by Thomas Ellison and others ~0g|INE feathers do make fine birds in the case || of pheasants, in spite of the old adage. These birds are bred for their fine feathers and for nothing else when kept in confine- ment, although they are of special value in destroying insect pests when allowed their liberty, and for that reason are being propagated on a large scale by several of the states, which have established extensive pheasant farms. All over the country there are people who keep just a few birds because they admire their beautiful markings. Probably more people would keep them if their general care were better understood. Newly hatched pheasants are extremely delicate, but mature birds are hardy and strong. Pheasants do not suf- fer in cold weather, for they have a very heavy covering of feathers, but dampness and draughts must be avoided with the utmost care. ‘The aviary should therefore be constructed with one side or end entirely open, except for inch-mesh poultry netting stretched over it. A canvas cur- tain may be dropped if necessary to keep out beating rains. The floor should be built up at least a foot higher than the outside ground in order to make sure that it will always be dry. A dirt floor is as good as any, but should be cov- ered with gravel two or three inches deep, which should be replaced at least twice a year. Pheasants are exceptionally neat and the amount of labor needed to keep their pens in a sanitary condition is not great. It is most important to keep out rats and other maraud- ing animals, for the birds often choose to roost on the floor. The best protection against rats is a cement foundation wall reaching to the frost line. Hemlock boards painted with a commercial preparation offensive to rodents may be used instead, or inch-mesh poultry wire may be sunk into the ground a foot or more deep all around the house. As pheasants are exceedingly shy, it is well to make a retreat in their pen, where they may find seclusion. This may be done by boarding off a corner, with a small entrance hole made in the bottom board, or by placing a few short evergreen bows in a corner. A perch or two will complete the equipment so far as ordinary requirements are concerned. There should be a yard attached to the house, if possible, but it must be wired over or the pheasants will soon leave it by the air route. Netting with inch-mesh is the best for use, as it will exclude sparrows, which vagrant birds will otherwise consume more grain than the pheasants. Being covered, these runs need not be high—four feet is ample. It is not wise for the amateur to attempt hatching pheas- ant eggs until warm weather is established; if he does, he will almost certainly suffer so many losses as to be discour- aged. The first of June is sufficiently early in the northern states to have the young birds make their appearance. On the other hand, they ought to be out before the excessively warm weather comes on. It is necessary to give the young- sters every advantage. From 21 to 26 days are required for incubating the eggs, according to the variety. Bantam hens are used almost exclusively as sitters. Pheasant eggs are so small that twenty of them may be put under a hen of ordinary size, but it is better to use a light hen like a Bantam, and to give her not more than ten eggs. ‘Then the poults will stand a better chance of surviving the manifold dangers of infancy, for if there are many young birds, some of them are almost certain to be stepped on or to stray away. The hens are commonly set in boxes in the bottom of which a shovelful of earth or an inverted sod has been placed. It is well to set two hens at the same time, so that if many of the eggs prove infertile when they are tested on the seventh day, those which remain may be given to one hen and the other hen released from her task. It is a common practice to remove the eggs from the hens just before they are due to hatch and to place them in an incubator, raising the poults in a brooder. ‘The reason lies in the fact that hens frequently transmit a disease known as white diarrhoea to chicks, which does not affect the old hens to any appreciable extent, but is considered fatal to young birds. If the poults are then raised on the ground where poultry has not run for four or five years, they .are not likely to contract either disease or lice until old enough to resist infection. ‘This plan is really the secret of raising young pheasants and when it is remembered, success follows. October, 1912 At any rate, it is a precaution too important to neglect. If hens must be relied upon, it is advisable to place chicken wire with a half-inch mesh around the nest; otherwise some of the poults are pretty sure to stray away. The newly- hatched birds are very active and start out to see the world as soon as fairly dry; and they can crawl through an as- tonishingly small hole. Often some of the eggs are tardy in hatching, so that the birds which first break out of their prisons are running about long before the hen is able to leave the nest in order to look after them. Brooder poults, too, must be confined with a closely woven wire netting as soon as they begin to wander from under the hover. A little wire yard made in the shape of a half circle will pre- vent their straying away from the heat too far, and as they work their way along the wire, they will soon find themselves back in the hover. A custard made of eggs and milk together may be given after the poults are 36 hours old, and this ration continued three or four days, when a change to very small grains and seeds with a little Hamburger steak three times a week may be made. The little birds will eat only a small amount at first. In raising pheasants abroad, ant “eggs,” which are the pupae of ants taken from ant hills for insect food, are considered very valuable in raising young birds. In this country maggots have been cultivated for the same purpose. There are concerns in England now which market ant ‘‘eggs’’ in boxes for the purpose of feeding young pheasants. AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 365 By the time the poults are four days old they will begin to forage a bit and should be given in an open-air run on sod. A few piles of brush scattered about make good shel- ters and the young birds will seek them at the slightest alarm. When the poults are nine or ten weeks old they are well feathered out and ready to dispense with the ministrations of the mother hen, if hen-reared. After that age is reached, they also become hardier and if permitted to follow their natural bent, will take to roosting in the trees. When four months old they are nearly full grown. Mature pheasants may be fed like common poultry twice a day, over-feeding be guarded against. Mating pens should be made in February. When pheas- ants for breeding purposes are purchased, it is well to have them delivered in the Fall or early Winter, so that they will become accustomed to their new surroundings before the breeding season arrives. The eggs are not laid in nests, but on the floor, often in the most secluded spot available, but in no regular place. Sometimes they are dropped from the perches, in which case the latter may be removed during the laying season, but as a rule, the eggs are laid in the early evening, and of course, must be gathered at once, so that they will not be broken and the egg-eating habit formed. There are many handsome varieties of pheasants, but (Continued on page 372) ae . nA >: A. typical wheasaut nest containing eggs awhich are so snail He twenty may Ee eee rE a eins Bantuan from subscribers pertaining to “WHY COLONIAL >” By Harry Martin Yeomans voted to Architecture, Interior Decoration and kindred subjects, he will notice a great many articles advising the use of what is known as the ‘‘Colonial” style, both in archi- tecture and furnishings. So the question naturally arises, ‘‘Why Colonial?” I will try to give here a few of the reasons why Colonial furniture makes so great an appeal and is especially appropriate for American homes. Most of the furniture brought to this country by the settlers of the original thirteen States, or made by them, was heavy and crude in appearance and made of oak or walnut. At the beginning of the Eighteenth Century mahogany furniture, having Dutch tendencies, made its appearance, the chairs and tables having the cabriole or bandy legs which are so characteristic of the Queen Anne style. This constituted the real Colonial furniture or furniture used in the colonies prior to 1776. About the year 1725, the influence of the Italian Renais- sance made itself felt in England, and the classic details of that period were reflected both in the architecture and furni- ture of the time. This was the beginning of the English Georgian period. We borrowed the English Georgian architecture and copied the furniture as well. This was only natural, of course, for, as there was a demand for better things in the way of furniture, quantities in the prevailing styles in Eng- land were imported, the American cabinet-makers using it as models, and since that time this beautiful mahogany furni- ture has been known in this country as Colonial furniture, although most of it was designed and made in England dur- ing the Georgian period. About 1750, Chippendale, the great English carver and cabinet-maker, was creating a sensation in London with his new productions. He broke away from tradition and created new designs and adapted Gothic and Chinese detail to his own particular needs. He worked out his artistic ideas in pieces which had never been seen before and which were eagerly purchased by his clients. Chippendale worked almost entirely in mahogany and some of his chairs and tables were elaborately carved, showing a great deal of French influence. He made sofas, chairs, card-tables, mir- rors, fire-screens, tea-tables, and candlestands, all of which were both useful and beautiful, and became immensely popular as they were so well adapted to everyday needs. Chippendale had three worthy contemporaries, Shearer, Hepplewhite and Sheraton, who followed out his ideal of creating beautiful furniture for utilitarian purposes, and no matter whether their inspiration was drawn from Dutch, French or Greek models and motifs, they gave them an AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS WITHIN THE HOUSE SUGGESTIONS ON INTERIOR DECORATING AND NOTES OF INTEREST TO ALL WHO DESIRE TO MAKE THE HOUSE MORE BEAUTIFUL AND MORE HOMELIKE The Editor of this Department will be glad to answer all queries should be enclosed when a direct personal reply is desired October, 1912 ome Decoration. Stamps original and sane interpretation, which was exactly suited to the English temperament. The products of these artists found their way to our shores and filled a long-felt want in the homes of our fore- fathers, just as they had in the Georgian homes of England. Their graceful contours and beautiful outlines made a big appeal and have since stood as sponsors for the good taste and judgment of our forebears. All of this furniture was copied and adapted, more or less freely, although the gen- eral designs of the English furniture were adhered to. Since the day that Colonial furniture first fell into disfavor, until the revival of its use about thirty years ago, we have developed nothing in the way of furniture that was worth while. It has stood the test of time and lived to triumph over the “dark ages” of the Victorian period of 1860. We have had fads and fancies in furnishings, but they have not survived, because there was no big, dominant thought be- hind the impulse that created them, and they could not stand the most crucial of all tests; they could not be lived with day after day without one growing tired of them. That is why Colonial furniture is favored so much by architects and decorators. It owes its being to the social conditions and demands of a people, analogous to ourselves, at a time when the complicated domestic arrangements, as we now know them, were just having their beginnings. Owing to its convenient size, sane designs and multiplicity of articles, it can be used in every room of a house or apart- ment, and the longer you have it about you, the fonder you will grow of your cherished mahogany. - Its simple elegance and refinement enable it, like cultured people, to fit into almost any environment and not seem out of place. I remember seeing some Hepplewhite shield-back chairs, together with a sideboard and table, after designs by the same artist, standing in solemn dignity in a paneled dining- room. The paneling was not elaborate; the simple ex- pedient of wooden moldings, with the egg and dart motif, being used to break up the wall space into panels above a wainscoting. The walls had then been painted a dull, old- ivory tone and yellow brocade was hung in straight folds at the windows. As I admired this beautiful room, my thoughts traveled backwards to a living-room in an old New England farmhouse.