That heaven on earth to the weary head!"

Furnished complete it represents a considerable sum, but here again it
is well not to count the cost too closely, for the return in comfort
and refreshment cannot be estimated in dollars and cents. The change
from wooden to metal beds is desirable in every way. Besides being so
much more hygienic, they seem to take up less room, and admit of a
freer circulation of air; they can be painted over and freshened up
when necessary, and look well with any furniture. The best patterns
are formed by parallel bars and circles, those with simple lilies
conveying the idea of solidity, and with the least ornamentation, being
preferable always. The extension foot facilitates the arrangement of
spread or valance, and if drapery is desired, beds with head posts
fitted with canopy frames or "testers" are to be had. Brass beds are
the most expensive of metal beds, costing from $22 to $55, or as much
more as one cares to pay. They have to be handled with great care--or
rather, not handled at all unless through the medium of a soft cloth.
The _vernis Martin_ bed of gilded iron produces the same general
effect, and is but little more costly than the enamel bed, but, after
all, it is only another "imitation." Enameled beds can be had for from
$2 all the way up to $31. It cannot, of a surety, be necessary to warn
against those hideous embodiments of bad taste, colored beds, with
their funereal blacks, lurid reds, and sickly blues, greens, and
yellows. Enough said! And avoid too much brass trimming. The bed
should stand on casters--wooden--and not too high.



SPRING, MATTRESS, AND PILLOWS