interiors would be much more pleasing if fewer pieces of superfluous
furniture were brought in to cover the floors. At any rate, the
longed-for furniture may be "saved up for" and bought later; a mistake
in floors to start with is hard to rectify.



MATERIAL AND COST OF LAYING

Oak flooring comes in narrow, thin strips of plain- or quarter-sawed.
At this writing the plain-sawed costs, laid, usually 16 cents per
square foot. It will never be cheaper. Where quarter-sawed is
desired, a cent per foot must be added. Borders, which are by no means
essential, cost from 20 to 45 cents per lineal foot (laid). In a
country house, where local artisans do the laying, the expense may be
somewhat less for labor. But it must be remembered that fine floor
laying is a trade of itself, and that the time to make sure of the work
being properly done is when the wood is put in. If the building is
properly constructed, a bulging or cracked floor is unnecessary. At
all events, if we are in doubt as to the village carpenter's skill, we
would do well to pay the few dollars extra for the expert from the
city. Careful measurements are also important, especially with borders
and parquetry.



ORNAMENTAL FLOORING

The hall, if large, will permit of rather more elaborate treatment than
the rooms which are to be constantly occupied. No part of the house