58 FARM HOMES, IN-DOORS AND OUT-DOORS. 



and seat of some old-fashioned wooden rocker, previously 

 renewed with paint and varnish. 



A low sewing chair (a kitchen chair with legs sawed off 

 two inches) should be cushioned in the same way, and 

 two soap boxes one to contain rolls of sewing or mend- 

 ing, and the other the baby's playthings can be cush- 

 ioned so as to be comfortable little seats, and covered 

 with the same goods. 



There should be a substantial table for the center of 

 the room one on which children can lean over lessons 

 or picture-books without fear of upsetting the structure. 

 If one is not so fortunate as to possess some great-grand- 

 mother's mahogony or cherry-wood table, have a carpen- 

 ter make one of pine, about three by four feet, with 

 rounded corners and turned legs, and finish it at home with 

 walnut-stain and varnish. Two yards of double-width 

 dark-scarlet flannel, hemmed all around with machine 

 stitching in silk, will make an elegant spread, or the ta- 

 ble is very well without any covering, particularly for 

 children's use or for evening games. 



Above this table should be suspended a shaded lamp, 

 to come down to a good reading or sewing level. It will 

 impart a wonderfully pleasant and refined air to the 

 room, give the best light, and be far safer than one that 

 stands on the table. 



There should be a paneled bedstead, either in real or 

 imitation walnut, and its furnishing should be always 

 neat and fresh in appearance. Farm-mothers should 

 fight against the tendency, amid their many cares, to 

 neglect their own personal belongings, and to think that 

 they have no time for refined comforts. Smooth, white 

 shams, plump pillows, pretty counterpanes, and laven- 

 der-scented sheets, are just as becoming to Mother's 

 Room as to that of the occasional guest; and no more 

 time is required to mako up such a bed than one where 

 everything is limp and disorderly. 



