cannot be conclusive. The carefully made article built upon slender
lines is often quite as strong as a more rugged creation hastily put
together. The chair that is properly constructed may be almost as
solid as if it were of one piece, and still not require a block and
tackle to move it. The strongest article is made entirely of wood, and
we find some of the old models so sturdily built that no rounds were
required between the legs. In chiffoniers, dressers, or side-boards a
handsome exterior should not blind us to cheaply constructed drawers.
The latter should be of strong material, properly fitted, and well
sealed. There need be no sagging, jamming, or accumulation of dust in
drawers that are well constructed.



SUPERFLUITY

California, with its pretty little bungalows, not only has pointed out
to us the possibility of living satisfactorily in a small number of
rooms, but has shown us something in the way of simple furnishings.
Not until we see what may be "done without" do we realize how much that
is superfluous crowds our floors.

A pretty good rule is to test everything first by its usefulness; if it
is not useful, we may dispense with its purchase. Even at that, it may
be necessary to demand that the article shall be not only useful but
absolutely indispensable, for between the beguiling advertisement and
the crafty salesman, almost anything that is manufactured may be proved
necessary. At the best we shall probably purchase a-plenty, and the
question of when a house reaches the point of overfurnishing is a
difficult one to settle. Let one of us, for instance, venture at