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Ornamented Chimney Pieces In Wood

I. Beautifying the Home.

HEN a man builds a house his first duty, after the family is comfortably settled, should be to make the surroundings pleasant. In the smallest village lot there is room for decoration. The walks should be graded and made firm and dry; the garden laid out and planted, vines shrubs and the necessary shade trees planted. There may not be room for shade within the inclosure, but trees should always be set next the street as soon as the house is built, unless finished too late in the [341] spring. In that case the tree planting should be done the next autumn or in the following spring. Do not forget to plant a few flowers: Peonia, bleeding heart, bellflower, larkspur, French honeysuckle and phlox are hardy, herbaceous perennials. The lilies, hyacinths, tulips, crocuses, narcissus, etc., are hardy bulbs. Train the common honeysuckle, the woodbine, any of the hardy climbing roses, or the ampelopsis over the porch or along the veranda. The hardy shrubs for the lawn are without number. In a previous chapter we have given a list of valuable fruit-trees and shrubs, as well as annual and perennial plants for the farm, orchard and garden. There is nothing that will so endear their home to the children, and make them love it, as the light labor of assisting to keep it trim and fair. II. Furnishing the House.

THE furniture of the house should correspond with the condition of the owner. Tawdriness must always be avoided. Do not try to ape some one wealthier than yourself, by buying cheap, flashy garniture. Plain, substantial furniture for those in moderate circumstances will look better and command more respect than cheap display. Study harmony. Never furnish a house by buying inferior, second-hand furniture or hangings, if it can be avoided. Especially let all bed-room furniture and bedding be new. Second-hand pictures, if good, are admissible. The first wear of everything else is generally the best.