276 MORE POT-POURRI 



because it is not worth while to change it as a few more 



are coming to luncheon. When we first came here, even 



our family party varied so much in numbers that I 



thought it most desirable to find something that would 



suit my notions, and be easily and quickly changed from 



little to big and vice versd. I hunted the old furniture 



shops with no success, and at last decided something 



must be made to carry out my intentions. We got three 



oak tables made of exactly the same size, the top of each 



being forty-five inches square. It was impossible for 



these tables to have four legs, as when put together, which 



was my plan for enlarging, they would be much in the 



way. The top was not very thick, so had to be firmly 



supported. This was done by two pieces of wood placed 



underneath the top and resting on four wooden columns 



(after the manner of Chippendale's round tables) fitting 



into a piece of wood fourteen inches square and eight 



inches from the floor. From the four corners of this 



spread out four feet, almost but not quite to the outside 



edge of the table above, thus making it quite firm. This 



table is equally suitable for two or four people. In order 



to make it comfortable for six, we lay a false top upon it 



a few inches longer at both ends. When guests are more 



numerous, two of the tables are put together, and for 



a still greater number the third can be added. They 



remain perfectly firm and level if made of seasoned wood, 



and need no fixing or machinery to join them. The oak 



can be varnished or left plain, smoked or stained green, 



according to taste. Mr. Watson, of 11 Orchard Street, 



London, makes them to order. For breakfast or luncheon 



we use the small tables apart, even when our party is 



complete. But at dinner this gives so much more trouble 



in waiting that we put them together. 



April 8th. This year gardening knowledge is given 



