March, 1912 
WiC AN AOMES “AND GARDENS vil 
where one would suppose everything of 
value had long ago been picked up. 
A department store is almost the last 
place in which one would expect to find 
antique treasures sold at small prices, but 
several such establishments in various 
American cities now have “antique depart- 
ments” where really beautiful things may 
be found. The buyers for these depart- 
ments search the old cities of Europe and 
knowing commercial values they buy these 
things just as they would buy linens or 
linoleum at extremely low prices. Their 
system demands only a moderate margin 
of profit, so it is really a fact that one may 
purchase his treasures of furniture, metal 
and glass, and even paintings in these de- 
partments for much less than he might pay 
for them in old shops of Italy, France, or 
Spain. Of course, much of the interest of 
collecting is lost where one does not make 
his own “finds,” for that 1s the collector's 
chief pleasure in the pursuit. 
IDEAS WHICH ADD BEAUTY AND 
COMFORT TO THE HOME 
By CHARLES K. FARRINGTON 
T is best to have your architect draw your 
stairs upon your plans. Then you and 
your builder can see clearly what is 
planned for. This will prevent what is 
most annoying—a stairs so planned that it 
is practically impossible to carry any large 
piece of furniture up its steps. Every de- 
tail should be carefully noted beforehand 
in getting up a set of plans and specifica- 
tions, and if they are shown graphically, 
so much the better. 
Watch also that the third story hall, 
and rooms can be constructed as drawn 
I have known many instances where it was 
impossible to construct them as shown in 
the plans. I especially remember one in- 
stance where the builder followed out the 
plans to the letter, and then it was discov- 
ered that the hall would not allow a person 
of ordinary height to pass through it with- 
out stooping. 
Do not forget to plan for a piazza rail. 
The houses planned without it have a very 
unfinished look. It also secures more pri- 
vacy for the people sitting upon the p‘azza. 
It will astonish the average person to note 
the vast difference the addition of some sim- 
ple sort of a rail will make in the appear- 
ance of any home. 
Bay windows on the first floor if they 
project out from the foundation should be 
supported in some way. Brick piers are he- 
ing used to-day with good results. If the 
bay window supports a portion of the sec- 
ond story, it is very essential to have a 
firm foundation for it. I came across a 
first floor bay window the other day in 
which was placed a heavy heating radiator. 
The weight of this and the lack of a proper 
foundation caused much difficulty and ex- 
pense in making proper repairs after it had 
sunk. 
Use a “hood” over your kitchen range, 
if it is not set partly in the chimney. A 
ventilator under the hood will allow much 
warm air to pass out and so make the 
kitchen a great deal more comfortable in 
the Summer time. Such an arrangement is 
well worth the extra cost. : 
Some houses nowadays have only a gas 
range for the cooking for both Summer 
and Winter. If yours is so be sure and 
provide a connection with your furnace for 
heating the kitchen in the Winter time. A 
gas range throws out so little heat into the 
room that it is necessary to have some addi- 
tional warmth on cold Winter days. Also 
at night when the range is not used you 
: O single detail of architecture 
is more important than the 
hardware. It attracts the 
eye strongly because in color and 
material it furnishes the element 
of contrast. This makes harmony 
very essential or the whole effect 
of the building is spoiled. 
Sargent designs include types 
peculiarly appropriate to every 
period and school of architecture. 
They are true to the source of 
derivation, always artistic and 
beautiful in themselves and never 
extreme or grotesque. 
Select Sargent Hardware and you 
have a choice of designs that gives 
wide latitude to personal preference 
without overstepping the bounds 
of harmony. 
The Sargent Book 
of Designs 
illustrating many types suitable for residences, 
is valuable to anyone who will build or remodel. 
A complimentary copy will be mailed you on 
request. Our Colonial Book will also be included 
if you mention an interest in that period. 
SARGENT & COMPANY 
-156 Leonard St., New York 
GARBAGE RECEIVER 
has been in practical use. The only sanitary method of caring 
for garbage, deep in the ground in metal receiver holding heavy 
galvanized bucket with bail. 
== No Freezing 
No Odors 
Opens With the Foot--Your 
Health Demands It 
cl—Send for Circular 
C. H. STEPHENSON, Manufacturer 
21 Farrar Street Lynn, Mass. 
Van Dorn 
Iron Works Co. 
PRISON, HOUSE 
& STABLE WORK 
OIST HANGERS 
AWN FURNITURE 
FENCING, ETC. 
CLEVELAND, OHIO 
Mprsce tay aw 
l 
National Photo- 
Engraving 
Company 
@ Designers and 
Engravers for all 
Artistic, Scientific 
and Illustrative 
Purposes :-:  :-: 
Engravers of "American Homes and Gardens" 
14-16-18 Reade St., New York 
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