House and Garden 
contentment indoors even when it storms without. 
A good rule to hear in mind is that of simplicity—not 
too much lurniture or ornamentation. Have a few 
good pictures on the walls—something in color if 
possible—a book case filled with the right kind of 
reading; strong, plain furniture, a low table, some 
chairs which can be converted either into prancing 
steeds or railroad coaches. Have some place where 
the toys can be put away, a cupboard or closet, and 
let the appearance of the room be inviting. 
The guest’s room too, if it is a country or suburban 
house which is under consideration, may also well 
he looked after and some extra comforts added or a 
little daintiness applied felicitously. This is a good 
time to do any repainting that is required for in hot 
weather paint dries quickly and the odor is soon 
dispelled. An old set of furniture treated to a fresh 
coat of enamel will commonly reward the labor spent 
upon it, and chairs which have worn shabby can be 
rejuvenated by paint, stain, or varnish. 
Once a month in summer have the outside shutters 
taken down and washed as dust accumulates freely 
and can in no other way be entirely removed. 
An outdoor dining-room is a great luxury and is 
not always difficult to arrange. A portion of the 
piazza which is secluded should be screened off and 
enclosed in wire mesh. In most sections of the 
country this is necessary to comfort on account of 
flies, though in olden days in the South a small 
colored boy with a long peacock feather brush was 
considered a satisfactory substitute. A round rustic 
table which will look well at all times and be useful 
for other purposes and simple piazza chairs are the 
only essential furnishings. 
In order to insure privacy a natural screen of vines 
is attractive, or one of Japanese matting which will 
roll like a shade may he used. Doilies instead of a 
cloth should be used on the table and a bowl of fresh 
flowers should always stand in the center. 
An ice box built into the house, if it is well built, is 
a great comfort, but any refrigerator requires con¬ 
stant attention. It should he washed out frequently 
with strong soda water and the utmost care should he 
taken that its drain does not become clogged or its 
waste pipe obstructed. If it is an ice chest or box 
which stands on a wooden floor it should be moved 
semi-occasionally to prevent mildew, as the waste pan 
IS bound to overflow at times and the boards become 
water soaked. 
It is advisable also at this time to have the light¬ 
ning rods examined and put in order. They should 
be pointed at the top, well insulated, as nearly 
straight as possible, and properly grounded. To be 
properly grounded it is essential that the earth sur¬ 
rounding the plate should be always damp. If 
possible they should end in a cistern or well but if 
not, and damp earth is not available, a hole should 
be dug and filled with coke around the base of the 
plate at the end of the rod. A poorly grounded 
lightning rod is more dangerous than none at all, and 
it should be remembered that one rod will only pro¬ 
tect an area as great as a circle inscribed with the 
height of the rod above the roof as a radius. It is 
also desirable to see that the electric light and tele¬ 
phone wires are properly insulated. This is the 
season of thunder storms and an ounce of prevention 
is always cheap. 
THE GARDEN 
NNUAL asters should be fed with wood ashes 
at least twice during the summer. Sprinkle 
them on the surface and work into the soil in the 
cultivation. 
For continued bloom during the summer, sweet 
peas require nourishment which is readily available. 
They will respond to fertilization which acts quickly 
and conveys food directly to the roots. Liquid 
manure is best for this purpose. 
Cut back coreopsis after each successive bloom and 
flowers till frost will be assured. This suggestion is 
applicable to a great many flowers. Do not let the 
blooms fade on the shrub or plant. Not always, but 
often sweet william can be coaxed to give a second 
bloom if cut back after the first blooming. 
Sow the seed of biennials now. In the fall they 
can be transferred to a cold frame. When ready for 
setting out next spring, the plants will be large and 
vigorous. If this method is followed beautiful 
flowering will be had a year hence. 
Pulverized sheep manure is a most nutritious food 
for plants. It is fine for mixing with potting soil, 
and there is nothing better tor the lawn or vegetable 
garden. For making liquid manure, or for any 
purpose where quick assimilation and results are 
desired, it is unsurpassed. 
Remember that chrysanthemums do best where 
they get plenty of sun, and even close to a wall or 
board fence where the warmth is reflected. Full 
growth of the plants must he obtained within the 
next sixty days and frequent cultivation and fertili¬ 
zation is necessary. Use well pulverized manure 
worked in the soil around the plants or else use the 
manure in liquid form. To get the largest and 
best blooms it is often necessary to sacrifice many 
branches. If bushy plants are desired the tops 
should be pinched off. 
Poppies require a great deal of moisture. If 
there is a damp place about the yard they would do 
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