House and Garden 
American house built on unostentatious plans. 
Many a piece of antique furniture may be picked 
up at a trifling cost in comparison to its real value,^— 
but its value to the purchaser depends upon whether 
or not he has a room in which it will “ht.” 
So far modern art has no originative power and 
must look backward, hut there were in the past as 
now, bad models,—models in themselves unworthy. 
Old models, even though they be worthy, are not 
always adapted to modern requirements. As a con¬ 
sequence only “good taste ” can decide the question 
of the adaptability of a given style of furniture to a 
given place. The selection of furniture coverings, 
draperies and rugs is a most vexatious question to 
one who must furnish pleasingly on a little money. 
Among the reasonable fabrics come the cotton 
velvets, which may be had in excellent colorings fifty 
inches wide from .60 a yard up. Madras curtains 
—sash lengths,—make a most attractive drapery for 
either living or dining-room, and madras cloth may 
he had in such a variety of colorings that it is not 
difficult to make a selection. Plain Russian net 
trimmed with a simple Renaissance braid makes 
very attractive sash curtains. Phe display of fabrics 
in large shops frequently offers suggestions, but 
when such shops are not accessible samples may be 
had direct or through purchasing agents. Goods 
purchased in this way are not more expensive to the 
consumer than if bought directly from the shops, 
as these agents get their commission fromTheThops 
and ask only the retail price. The lovely ^flowered 
cretonnes and taffetas which are so effective in infor¬ 
mal living and drawing-rooms are expensive in im¬ 
ported goods, hut the domestic may be had at prices 
ranging from forty cents a yard up — and while the 
coloring is not so satisfactory they are improving each 
year. These fabrics used as curtains, portieres, and 
loose covers on wicker furniture are wholly satisfying 
in effect. Cilazed chintz, so distinctly an English 
textile, is, if used properly, very charming. The 
mistake of “buttoning” such cushions, when using 
glazed chintz on wicker, is often made. The English 
never do this, the desired impression being of unup¬ 
holstered freshness, and easy and frequent change. 
I'he problem of floor covering is very simple when 
one may have Oriental rugs, and need look no further. 
But leaving Oriental rugs, and going down the scale 
of prices and quality, the question of howto treat a 
floor is a trying one. Axminster, Erench Wilton and 
Smyrna offer varying advantages and disadvantages. 
What one finally selects must be determined by the 
individual requirements of each case. Cotton rugs 
for bedroom use are being shown every season in 
increasingly attractive designs and colors. 
