THE HOME. 641 



will give a feeling of rest and happiness to the home circle, and 

 whoever is fortunate enough to be entertained within its walls. 



THE LIVING-ROOM. 



When there is an abundant supply of money, a dining-room 

 and a library should be distinct and separate features of the 

 home, and this same abundance will furnish these rooms in the 

 approved manner. While these are desirable, do not entertain 

 the idea that they are necessary for comfort or happiness. Ex- 

 pend money carefully, with a view of obtaining service and dura- 

 bility from your investment, and avoid debt. A lady who left a 

 father's elegant home for one of her own, whose first furniture 

 bill was only fifty dollars, and whose parlor, sitting, and living- 

 room in one was covered with a rag carpet, while from the 

 windows hung curtains made from an old white dress, has been 

 heard to say that, while the home soon outgrew its modest sur- 

 roundings, and better and more expensive furniture entered it, 

 there never entered with it more of comfort or real happiness 

 than came with the unpretending rag carpet. 



When economy is an object, and it becomes necessary to 

 combine the dining-room, library, and living-room in one, it 

 should be the largest, sunniest room the house contains. The 

 furniture should be solid, substantial, and serviceable. A win- 

 dow of growing plants is a great attraction. A broad shelf, 

 from which is suspended a pretty lambrequin, answers admirably 

 for a sideboard, and here can be placed the choice and dainty 

 pieces of silver or china. A bookcase, which can be constructed 

 of a narrow dry-goods box, with curtains hung from a pole, to 

 hide its roughness, will do very well. At all events, begin the 

 foundation of the home and library simultaneously. The living- 

 room is an important agent in the education of life, and it is 

 no trifling matter that worthless books occupy the tables and 

 shelves, and that poor pictures and engravings are hung on the 

 walls. As well say that it makes no difference what friends 

 you select. Interest the children in newspaper clippings and 

 scrap-books. Much useful information can be preserved in this 

 inexpensive way. If not very inconvenient, allow them space 

 for a cabinet, which may consist of a few drawers or shelves, 



