Report of Missouri Farmers' Week. 227 



forests. Light colors, especially a cream yellow, reflect the light 

 better and make a room seem lighter, while the dark colors absorb 

 the light rays and make a room appear correspondingly darker. 

 Psychologically, colors affect people differently. As a rule, we may 

 say that it is better to select neutral colors — soft grays, gray 

 greens and soft brown. 



Washing of the Windows. — The windows should be carefully 

 washed. Dirt and grime on the window glass may cut off a large 

 proportion of the light, and may mean serious trouble for some of 

 the students later in life. For cleaning the windows you will want 

 plenty of clean water, some soft clean cloths and clean newspapers. 

 A little kerosene added to the water makes it easier to clean the 

 windows; a small amount of soap or washing soda may be used, 

 but it is not advisable, as it may streak the windows. Dip in the 

 washing cloth and squeeze almost dry. Rub the window with the 

 damp cloth, rinsing it frequently, until perfectly clean. Rub dry 

 with a clean soft cloth, and polish with a piece of soft newspaper 

 which will leave no lint. This should leave them clean and shiny. 



At the same time the window frames and the window ledge 

 should receive attention. They should be wiped with a cloth dipped 

 in soapy water or water to which a small amount of kerosene has 

 been added. In case they are very dirty a scrub brush may have 

 to be resorted to. If this is necessary, it should be done before 

 the window glass is washed. 



Nothing should be tolerated on the outside of the windows 

 which will hinder their being frequently cleaned. If a screen is 

 desired there to protect the window from stray rocks or balls, it 

 should either be put on in such a way as to enable it to be removed 

 easily or should be on a hinged frame. Any of the older boys could 

 construct such a hinged frame. 



The first step in the cleaning of any floor is to sweep it well. 

 This should always be done in such a way as to raise as little dust 

 as possible into the air, and at the same time collect as much as 

 possible from the floor. The broom should be held firmly, not too 

 tight, and you should sweep with short strokes, keeping the broom 

 close to the floor. Turn it edgewise to clean out the cracks and 

 corners. 



As a means of preventing the dust from rising into the air, 

 various materials may be sprinkled on the floor before sweeping, 

 which, as they are swept up, tend to accumulate and hold the dust. 

 For a bare floor sawdust to which a small amount of oil has been 

 added is used, while for sweeping a carpet, damp tea leaves or 



