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AMERICAN FORESTRY 



a pretty dull child that would not see through the sham 

 and know that the present was for the house, with noth- 

 ing personal about it. It will be different if the present 

 which arrives the day before Christmas is something 

 distinctly for a child, a little rocker, a low writing desk, 

 or a bed only a little larger than the one outgrown. That 

 will appeal because it suits. Children learn at an early 

 age that "consistency is a jewel." 



Therein lies the secret of successful giving, and no- 

 where more than in selecting presents at Christmas, which 



fireplaces, a book, and a quiet hour after the day's work 

 was done. Times have not so greatly changed that the 

 spirit which prompted the giving in the old way should 

 not hold yet. Some of the very old stories are always 

 new, and one of them relates to that kind of giving. 



Most furniture makers imagine that they must keep 

 their line up to date, yet it is as well to be a little old 

 fashioned in some things, for among the old fashions 

 are some rich in memories. 



A discussion of furniture might be based on two wholly 



WILLOW AND REED FURNITURE 



Moil willow rods oC which furniture is made have been imported from Europe, though a few holts have been cultivated in this country with 

 (tood results, nd no reason exists why adequate supplies might not be grown here, where there is always a good market for willow furniture. 



by common consent the world over is the most appropriate 

 time for making presents. Utility is not barred. A gift 

 is none the less welcome because it is useful. During 

 all changes in patterns and fashions, the same rule has 

 held which was true when our great-grandfathers made 

 presents of andirons, rocking chairs, and brass candle- 

 sticks. These suggested evenings at home, with open 



different points of view. The subject could be dealt with 

 historically, and that would call for an account of changes 

 in fashions and styles during different periods. Such a 

 treatment would make much of the varying tastes of 

 peoples in certain countries from time to time, as those 

 tastes were expressed in furniture. Or, approaching 

 from the other viewpoint, the furniture industry might 



