xvi AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 
September, 1909 
Multiplication of Power 
There is no higher efficiency in the world 
than that of the American business man. 
The multiplication of power in a business 
man—if he has the ability within him— 
depends upon the zucreased number of people 
whom he can, by personal contact, interest in 
his purposes. 
He does this by telephone, and the 
multiplication of the telephone’s usefulness 
depends on the increased number of persons 
whom he can reach. 
In 1890 the Bell System had 200,000 
subscribers’ telephones in use. As late as 
1899—ten years ago—it had only 500,000. 
To-day it has 4,400,000—one for every 
twenty persons in this country—and is increas- 
ing at the rate of 500,000 a year 
Has the vast development of industries 
since 1890—the greatest period of advance in 
the world’s history—when America has ad- 
vanced faster than all the rest of the world, 
been the force that has built up this great, 
unified, efficient telephone service; or 
Has the increased ability of the American 
business man to bring people to him from 
every locality, far and near, over the Bell 
Telephone System, been the cause of the multi- 
plication of his power and his principality? 
Whichever the cause and whichever the 
effect, the advancement of one is inseparably 
linked with the advancement of the other. 
The business man’s Bell Telephone, with 
its long distance and emergency advantages, 
is his most precious asset next to his capital 
itself. 
The Bell Long Distance Telephone means as much to the home 
as it does to the office. 
It is the most marvelous conven- 
ience of modern times—if not all time—added to home life. 
The American Telephone and Telegraph Company 
And Associated Companies 
Every Bell Telephone Is a Long Distance Station 
Heat @ Hot Water Any Time 
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MUNN & CO. 
Relating to Archi- 
tecture, Ceramics, 
Decoration, Rugs, 
Furniture, etc. :: :: 
NEW YORK 
Problems in Home Furnishing 
(Continued from page xiv) 
GLASS TOP FOR A BUREAU 
To protect the delicate surface of a highly 
polished mahogany bureau, as asked by R. T., 
Nova Scotia, a piece of plate-glass is cut the 
exact size, with the edges curved or left 
straight like the wood, and laid over it. Some- 
times a handsome piece of lace is laid under- 
neath the glass. If the mahogany, however, 
is finished in oil and rubbed down well it 
will stand a good deal of hard wear without 
any further protection than a linen scarf, and 
this may be as decorative as practicality will 
permit. 
FRAMING JAPANESE PHOTOGRAPHS 
An idea for framing some hand-colored 
Japanese photographs has been asked for by 
G. D. ‘These may have mats made of the 
Japanese wood-paper that comes in a variety 
of shades, with a frame covered with the same 
material. Of course the color of the mat 
and frame should repeat the predominating 
tone in the picture. Another frame that suits 
these foreign subjects is a gray maple that 
resembles a bamboo in its finish. 
A DINING-ROOM PROBLEM 
“We have taken a house for the fall in 
which the dining-room is paneled with dark 
brown oak to the ceiling. The spaces are 
large and we are afraid the change from a 
papered room will not be agreeable. We have 
a good set of furniture in English oak, but 
can add new curtains and a new rug. What 
shall we select to help out the severity of this 
room? ”’—T. F., of Pennsylvania. 
The paneled dining-room will be a very de- 
lightful room if attention is paid to color 
effect and interesting patterns in the floor 
covering, window hangings and _portieres. 
Another item that that will prove helpful will 
be a large screen covered with a picture tapes- 
try. The china closet may be arranged with 
pieces of glass and china so that these will 
also contribute to the general interest. If 
there is no plate-shelf a few pieces of copper 
and brass may be fastened above the doorways. 
Over-curtains to draw at night made of the 
Portuguese brocades are suggested for their 
bold, effective colorings. 
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ONSISTING of a variety of 
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showing the latest ideas in planning this 
class of dwellings in city, village and sub- 
urbs, together with very complete de- 
scriptions covering all the latest improve- 
ments in sanitation, heating, lighting, etc. 
In presenting this collection of designs the 
editor has had in mind the large demand 
for improved house accommodations 
on comparatively small lot areas, and 
has endeavored to collate designs from 
all parts of the country, representing 
the handling of the subject by practis- 
ing architects in their efforts to meet 
the needs of their clients in this respect. 
Two Detailed Specifications and 
Sixty Designs 
Elaborately illustrated and accompanied by full 
descriptive text. Size, 8x10'% inches, bound in 
illustrated board. Price, $2.00, Postpaid. 
MUNN @ CO., 361 Broadway, New York 
