ELECTRIC LIGHTING 237 



forest monarch has withered and died by a short circuited current, 

 or simply through a wire stay embedded in the growing tree, cutting 

 off the life-giving sap. The hour-glass moves swiftly in the horticul- 

 tural world. 



Electric Fixtures. 



No one item for its cost can make or mar a house more than 

 the electric light fixtures. From the time when King Alfred first 

 encircled the snuffed-out candle with a metal shield to the present 

 day, the lantern has been a decorative adjunct. We swung in the 

 centre of our twenty-five foot hall ceiling a ponderous, electrically 

 lighted cathedral lantern seven feet high and few features in Pin- 

 nacle attracted more attention than that christened King Alfred's 

 lantern. 



For the attic studio, whose beamed ceiling reaches to the ridge, 

 we chose a fixture having three sets of circular lights of diminishing 

 size, arranged one above the other, the whole suspended from a 

 verde-antique chain matching the half dozen sconces that lighted the 

 side walls. Two gala rooms illuminated by diffused light from 

 glass tubes concealed at cornice line were good examples of indirect 

 lighting. 



Gas piping kept pace with electric wiring, and included gas log 

 connections in several rooms. 



Combination gas and electric fixtures were installed in some 

 rooms, and when desirable low candle power bulbs used, preventing 

 waste, while switches both up and down stairs controlled many lights 

 within and without, including the ventilated sub-cellar, a real favissa, 

 which, by the way, like St. Peter's Cathedral, was of uniform tem- 

 perature summer and winter, and properly drained proved a most 

 desirable addition. There were a number of base plugs the base 

 trim being high enough to properly centre them connecting with 

 movable electric stand lamps at bedside, study table and easy chair, 

 dressing electroliers before mirror doors and bureaus, and especially 

 designed fixtures for picture gallery, billiard room, bowling alley, 

 den and conservatory. The latter were glass to prevent corrosion. 



The electric light in hall wrap closet operated by opening and 

 shutting the door, automatically turning the current on or off as 

 required, an air check valve making it economically satisfactory. 



All exterior entrances, including the cellar, were lighted from a 

 switch within the house placed near a window so that any visitor 

 could be scrutinized before the door was opened. 



A secret- switch was installed just outside the front door to light 

 the house before entering, and on one memorable occasion this pre- 

 caution proved of value. Light the owner's best and safest defense 

 against the midnight marauder flooded the entire dtvelling by 

 operating a switch near the master's bed. 



The front door bell was placed on the right of the door, there 

 was also electric connection with the knocker, so that when lifted it 



