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Hygiene of Bedding

The system, so prevalent in America, of sleeping on feathers, and of placing two or more in a bed together, cannot be too strongly condemned. Healthy children, and all others not invalids, should sleep on hard mattresses, of which the best are made from curled horse-hair. These are, however, expensive, and many good substitutes may be bought; one of the best of these is the clean wood-fiber, called excelsior. Have springs, or woven wire, under beds if you choose: never feathers, except for very elderly people, who have grown too used to them to change. Never let a grown-up person, and, above all, never let an old person or an invalid, sleep with a child; it will destroy the child's vitality. So far as possible, give to each member of the family a bed. Not only is this better for the general health, but often, in case of illness, prevents contagion. Avoid stoves, especially coal stoves, in sleeping-rooms. If a light is needed, never use a turned-down kerosene lamp, for its fumes are injurious. Use hard beds, ventilate by open fires or otherwise, and cover well with coarse woolen bed-clothes, and half the illness in the family will disappear.

III. The Parlor Furniture.

THE parlor, like every other room in the house, should be furnished for wear. No sensible person furnishes a parlor to be shut up and remain unused, except upon great occasions. It is the place for the family to gather in when leisure allows, and not a place to be opened only when "Mrs. Grundy" calls. Hence, the furniture must be bought with an eye to use.