74 FARM HOMES, Itf-DOORS AND OUT-DOOKS. 



simply these three things a large, wide-silled window, a 

 fire-place, and a generous-sized mirror to place above it 

 letting curtains and carpet and chairs come about as they 

 can ; or using for a while plain shades for the windows, 

 and a neat matting for the floor. Adding two or three 

 pictures, a few books, some growing vines, and an easy 

 chair to such a room, it is already cosy and hospitable in 

 its aspect. 



In this room, as in all. others, one should avoid a clut- 

 tered, crowded appearance. Do not afflict the walls 

 with a general outbreak of small pictures, brackets, and 

 fancy articles, as if a notion-store were being fitted up. 

 It is better to distribute such things throughout the 

 house, that each room may have its two or three touches 

 of graceful fancy. 



For a table obtain something in a round or oval shape. 

 It may be of pine or whitewood, but must be strong and 

 substantial. Paint the legs black and varnish them. 

 The top can be covered with a blue or gray cloth, em- 

 broidered about the edges, if one has time, with silk, or 

 with zephyr wool. Above the table suspend a pretty 

 hanging lamp with shade. 



Sometimes old chairs can be purchased at an auction, 

 or dragged out of a garret, and transformed into beauti- 

 ful things with paint and varnish, decalcomama-gildings, 

 and stuffed seats of rep or cretonne. These, with a light 

 willow rocker, or a camp-chair, and a handsome foot- 

 stool or two, will comfortably complete the furnishing. 



