SUGGESTIONS FOR THE MONTH 
FOR THE HOUSE AND GARDEI 
THE HOUSE 
T his is one of the busiest months ot the year for 
the householder. There are innumerable 
things not only to be done but to be consid¬ 
ered—things which cannot be neglected or post¬ 
poned. just as a time comes to lay aside muslin 
gowns and put on furs so the days arrive when the 
house must doff its summer clothes and don its 
winter dress. 
Remove the covers from the furniture, have them 
washed and packed away. Then give heed to the 
floors. If rugs are to he used have them gone over 
carefully and well polished in a manner best suited to 
the original finish, whether it be varnish or wax. 
If they are to be carpeted, have them wiped up with 
water, and when thoroughly dry covered either with a 
generous layer of newspapers or the regulation carpet 
lining before the carpet is laid. Rugs are decidedly 
the more sanitary and satisfactory if the house is well 
built but in old houses in which the floors are bad 
and the cracks many carpets undoubtedly are pref¬ 
erable. A good way out of this difliculty is to lay 
parquet flooring and if one desires to have this done 
October is an excellent time for it. 
And now comes up the vexing (juestion of procuring 
new rugs and carpets. In purchasing either it is 
economy to get the best, for real Oriental rugs out¬ 
wear the imitation many times and high grade carpets 
are relatively as superior to those of low grade. Un¬ 
less you are an expert, however, do not depend upon 
your own judgment in buying Oriental rugs, for in 
nothing is one more apt to be deceived, unless it is 
paintings attributed to tbe “Old Masters.” lake 
some one with you who really knows or else go to a 
dealer whose reputation is such that he cannot afford 
to mislead you. To be sure it is c|uite possible, if you 
are wise, to occasionally pick up a bargain at auction, 
or to procure a treasure for a pittance from a wander¬ 
ing salesman, but for the uninitiated the risk is great 
and the chances of error many. Color, texture, and 
durability, are all to be considered, and ragged corners 
are no proof of either genuineness or age. 
The pattern too should be given thought, lor even 
all Oriental rugs are not attractive and almost always 
there is a choice. The size of the room, its furnish¬ 
ings and use, all affect the question and must be kept 
m mind. Some patterns which are intrinsically 
charming are far from pleasing with certain surround¬ 
ings. A good rule to go by is to avoid insistent colors 
and require in the design definite character. 
But if Oriental rugs are beyond one’s reach there 
is now made a line of domestic rugs which will prove 
most satisfactory both as to artistic effects and wear¬ 
ing qualities. The best designs and colorings of 
Oriental rugs are cleverly copied, the colors being 
soft and beautiful. Do not confound these with that 
variety of domestic rug which sweeps off and fades 
day by day. Rugs made of tapestry-brussels carpet 
are serviceable and often of good design. Denim, 
while sometimes used tor floor covering, cannot be 
recommended as it needs continual cleaning and very 
soon ceases to look well. Fibre rugs may be used 
effectively in certain places. 
The windows next will require attention. After 
the screens are removed the dark summer shades can 
be taken down and the light winter ones put up. 
d'hen comes the (juestion of curtaining. This too is a 
difficult problem the solution ot which means much 
in the appearance of the house. In the first place it 
should he remembered that the window has a f unction 
of which it must not be robbed—that to swathe it in 
lace and draperies prevents its use. It is indeed quite 
possible to over-dress a window—to clothe it in 
garments that are entirely inappropriate. Lace cur¬ 
tains should be rich hut not aggressive—thick drape¬ 
ries simple in arrangement and not too voluminous. 
For bedrooms nothing is more attractive than muslin 
and plain net for curtains with cretonne lambrequins 
and side draperies. Silk, of course, may be used but 
wash materials are more suitable and in these charm¬ 
ing designs are now attainable. 
In all probability the cushions will have to be re¬ 
covered at this time and the window seats and benches 
reupholstered. If the latter are done in the same mate¬ 
rial as the window draperies the effect will he pleasing. 
Portieres too must be hung and should by all means 
he made to accord in color and texture with the walls 
and furnishings. They should not be conspicuous 
and they should be so hung that they can be readil}’ 
drawn that is if tor actual service and not mere show. 
Possibly at this time it will be found, moreover, 
that certain pieces of furniture are needed- that 
some chair, like the one-horse chaise, has suddenly 
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