October, 1916 
23 
longs to a later date, for, although Dutch 
tile was used in some parts of the country, 
the fashion never became universal. In fact, 
we have little fireplace decoration 
that antedates the year 1800, except 
the work of Samuel McIntyre, of 
Salem, Massaclmssetts. 
Three Different Types 
The chaste beauty of the first il¬ 
lustration is characteristic of his 
earlier work. He followed the prin¬ 
ciples of Adam. This fireplace is i 
capped by a simple shelf, surmounted . 
by a mirror upon the chimney-breast 
of the same Colonial period as the 
mantel, and the books in the alcove 
upon each side add dignity. 
A good example of old English 
paneling is also shown. Here the 
wooden paneling is continued around 
the whole room, and the immense 
opening, with big logs stacked upon 
tall andirons, suggests the English 
Yuletides. However, the “herring¬ 
bone’’ back, the marble, and the tiled hearth 
modify the effect of the leading motif to a 
noticeable degree. 
No fireplace can be in better taste than 
that at the Brown Owl Inn, near Devereux 
Beach. Made of simple red brick, laid in 
the ordinary manner, with wide, white mor¬ 
tar joints, its beauty lies in its proportion, 
simplicity and harmony of environment. 
The whole chimney-breast, between the ceil¬ 
ing and the simple wooden ledge which 
serves as shelf, is occupied by a finely ex¬ 
ecuted painting of a woodland scene 
against a background of distant mountains. 
The canvas is held in place by a plain 
wooden frame, and wooden strips cross it 
The combination of cement and brick is at¬ 
tractive. An overmantel niche faced with tiles 
adds sufficient decoration 
to give a paneled effect, similar to that 
which characterizes adjoining walls. 
The use of this painting is vitally 
suggestive to the prospective home¬ 
builder. In many instances the 
money spent upon architectural or¬ 
nament would buy original decora¬ 
tive paintings of much value and 
beauty, which would harmonize in 
many rooms better than costly carv¬ 
ing. The space above the open fire is 
an ideal setting for a good picture, 
quite the best location in the house. 
The subject may be conventional or 
decorative, or, as in this case, purely 
pictorial. But it must be well done. 
Suggestions for Modern Work 
A frieze of marble or sculpture 
could be set into the wall above the 
mantel shelf, or a niche cut to har¬ 
monize with the general decoration 
of the mantel might well be planned. The 
size of the frieze and of the niche, of 
course, will depend upon the proportions of 
the fireplace itself, for unity is essential. 
Mantel inscriptions have quite passed 
out of use except in such places as the 
camp or in private dens. Inscriptions are 
(Continued on page 66) 
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YOU MAY TELEPHONE FROM HERE 
A shield of silk, 
gilt lace and rose¬ 
bud trimmings is 
convenient, $6.75 
One could have made a little 
Japanese lacquered cabinet 
with pierced doors in which 
the telephone might stand 
Or again, it might be con¬ 
cealed behind a sliding panel, 
with the bell attached on an 
outside hidden corner 
At best, the telephone is not a thing of beauty, and the easiest way to rid oneself of its 
persistent utilitarianism is to conceal it behind a pleasing disguise. Here are some sug¬ 
gestions to purchase and some to make. Write for further information or for purchase 
to HOUSE & GARDEN, 440 Fourth Avenue, New York City. 
A miniature hat, 
trimmed with ostrich 
feathers and satin rib¬ 
bons, is designed to 
cover the telephone. 
Comes in an attractive 
box; $5.75 
That elusive number is 
at hand, rolled up in the 
tube which can be at¬ 
tached to the receiver 
standard. Tube and roll 
complete, $2 
You talk through the 
rosebud. H an d- 
carved wood stand, 
gaily painted, $7.50 
A third disguise would be a 
little grill work of bronze 
with sliding door, a pleasing 
adjunct to any table 
