The States and Union. [volume] (Ashland, Ohio) 1868-1872, 1870-01-26

to be warmed and illuminated by, a
few well selected pictures.
First, the centre-table, so called,
whether it be placed in the middle or
at the side of the room-a few hand
some books, a stereo scope if you have
one. elegant "triles" in the way of or
nament, are better than a surfeit.-
Never buy books merely for their COW
ers /; the illustrated holiday volumes
are quite expensive, and though it
must be confessed they are very tempt
ing, it is a question worth considering,
whether the money spent on one ex-
quisite work of this kind could not be
better expended in buying three of a
palmer but still elegant exterior. Be
sides the books, a small statuette or
two-they may be bought at from two
and a half dollars to ten dollars apiece
or a basket of wax fruit, a vase of
graceful pattern containing a flower VI
a sprigof finely colored grass-for no
article which will not bear close obser-
walton should be admitted to the CEN.
tre-table-will be amply sufficient
Loading a parlor table with all the ar
ticles of 6youterie the house contains,
because it is the spot most exposed to
visitors eyes, though common, is scarce
ly a delicate way of attracting atten-
ton to ones treasures. --H 81.
l saw during the holidays, just past,
a beautiful cross, perhaps, eightinches
high, of the purest Iceland spar, which
was purchased for one dollar and fifty
cents. 1t had a firm base of the same
material. Over it the owner threw a
wreath of pure white wax flowers made
by herself, and both together formed
of the most exquisite table
ments, as we'll as the most precious
Christmas gifts 1 have ever seen.
A m~antle-piece IS especially adapted
for tall vases, candlesticks, or other
small and slender articles. A statuette
of suitable size at each end, may look
very well particularly if the shelf is
high. A few shells, specimens of ore
also the old fashioned card receiver,
which good taste has banished from
the. centre-tsble, may find a place here.
A tiny hanging basket that once saw
from the end of a suspended mantle,
made an enduring impression on my
memory. 1t was a real, natural bird
nest, most curningly ctnstrI c ed, IN
pended by cards, to which moss h.su
been sewed. 1t contained three bona
fde blue eggs, and on its edge was
perched a bird which, I am obliged to
confess was obtained at the milliner's.
1t was very charming; even though
one gentleman %callar, wise in ornithol-l
ogy, but not otherwise, will stoutly
affirm hat no bird of that description
ever laid blue eggs! .iJ -
For the what-not, use matters of
manufacture, shells; ores, cones of ex-
traordinary beauty, very small pictures,
small busts, toys and knick-knacks
such as elegant paper weights, more
for show than use, silver and crystal
cups, etc. Here too, may collect such
curious articles from foreign lands, as
find their way sooner or later into al
most every home. A great deal of
very real pleasure may be extracted
from the collecting, labelling, and ar
ranging of this class of treasures.
The subject of pictures has lately
occupied one of these columns but a
word may be said upon brackets. A
very nice one may be made of the but
ternut shells sawn in "~slices" and glued,
to a frame, if only one can get the
saving done. Cones, shells, etc, are
pretty until they fall to pieces. The
black carved wood brackets obtained
at the picture stores, cost from fifty
cents to five dollars, according to size
and quality, and as they never fall to
pieces, are preferable.
1t is a good way to place a bracket
under a picture which hangs alone;
relieves the otherwise bare look of
the wall. Those fitted for a corner,
look well with a statuette. Corner
brackets should be larger than the 9TH
ers. By the side of 4 door or window
is a good position for one containing a
small picture or boquet. Care should
be taken to place them above the range
Of those, who in sitting are apt to lean
their heads against the wall.
II. L. b.