Those two friends to nightly comfort, a first-class spring and a hair
mattress, are vastly important. If the still, small voice of economy
whispers that other mattresses are "just as good," stifle it. The hair
mattress is the only really sanitary one, since it can be washed and
made over and plumped up times without number, and surely no other
enjoys the distinction of descending from generation to generation,
with the other family treasures. Hair mattresses cost from $10 up,
according to the length of the hair, but a good one of full size cannot
be had under $30. Felt mattresses, from $7.25 to $13.50, are next in
desirability, the best of these, warranted not to cake, being
preferable to the cheap hair mattress with short hair. Then come moss
mattresses with cotton tops, $4.70 to $8; husk with cotton tops, $3.15
to $4; and excelsior, cotton-topped, $2 to $4. Mattresses in two
unequal parts, the larger going at the head of the bed and the smaller
at the foot, are more easily handled and turned than those in one
piece. A slip of heavy white cotton cloth covering the mattress
entire, is a great protection, and should be washed at stated intervals.

Box springs are luxuriously comfortable, an average spring,
felt-topped, costing $17--hair-topped, $18.50. Those topped with tow
and moss are less expensive. There is only one objection to the box
spring: when the bedbug once effects an entrance therein, the days of
that spring are numbered, for there is no evicting him. Woven wire and
coil springs run from $2.25 up, according to the number of coils,
wires, and weight.

Mattress and pillows are covered to match, these days, in all sorts of
charming colors and designs, if one cares to add a little to the cost.
Over the mattress goes a quilted cotton pad, interlined with one
thickness of cotton batting. Pads can be made at home, or purchased