The Owosso times., 1881-07-29
Outdoor ParlOrs.


When i see house in process OF
building without liberal allowance
of piazzas, | resent /. almost as a per
sonal injury, although there may be nc
reasonable probability that shall ever
sit under that mans vine or fig tree
The vine, especially, would be alto
gether ligurative without the material
support of veranda. AS good rule
would be, in building first make your
piazza, then attach house to it.
The indoor parlor is sure to be pro-
vided for with the usual amount of
sofas and draperies; but the outdoor is
too often like rent-the accident of
day. "Shall we run out a railing
here and few steps, and have va
randa?" asks Paterfamilias, in a
dubious sort of way. and his wife usu-
ally assents, for she does not dislike
the idea; although she would sooner
part with this appendage than give up
the valuable inclosure at the back Of
the kitchen, which is so particularly
handy as sort of store-hOuse and a
place for the doing of odd jobs.
The enthusiasm comes from the
girls, who know the value of a front
piazza with a thick green curtain Of
hOneysuckle and wistara making a
shady retreat through the long June
days, and the torrid August noOns,-
fragrant, like carefully kept linen, with
delicious country smells,-clover and
fresh hay, in place of lavender and
rOse-leaves, strong distilled sweetness
of woodbine, faint whiffs of clematis,
and roses.
And when the moonlight comes and
traces lattice-work of leaves on the
piazza floor, and touches with lambent
light each spray and corner,
making eartb's commOnest things appear
All romantic, poetic, and tender"
the outdoor parlor is IN its glory. 1t is
the most delightful, dreamy lOunging
place, where the Odor of fragrant Ha-
vanas is apt to mingle with the honey
suckle, and the steps are frequently oc-
cupied by half-visitors who could
scarcely nerve themselves up to the
formula of a regular call. How charm
ing is its twilight darkness to class
of people who do most of their cOnver-
sation in whispers, and who are seldom
characterized as great talkers,-who
look upon the brightness of the indoor
parlor and its animated groups with
cut any feelings Of envy, assured that
whatever good times there are in the
world they are having them! What
would lovers do if there were no piaz-
Zas?
Some piazzas are simply an exaspera-
ton; so narrow that the steps rudely
crowd the front door, instead of keep
ing their distance, as they should do,
and only crossing the front of the
house. This is a great mistake; there
should be at least toOO sides to veran-
da, to allow of one corner, and three if
possible; while it should certainly
measure four yards in width. We are
speaking now of the piazza for mod
crate hOuse-moderate in every way.
Hudson River castles, and similar
mansions elsewhere, have their full
complement Of generous verandas; it
is the middle-class houses that suffer.
AS general thing, the furniture of
our outdoor parl0rs does not receive
sufficient consideration; it is either not
picturesque, or it is uncomfortable. A
rustic chair, uncushiOned, is to a GER
tain extent, picturesque ON a piazza,
but is not comfortable; while the bam-
boo settee is neither one nor the other.
Camp-chalrs with gray-colored seats
are very desirable, if the color and de-
sign are good; and two or three cush-
ions in a corner will make very good
substitute for the Moorish pile. A
bright cOlored afghan thrown over the
pile, or on the end of the settee, adds
much to the effect. In fact, anything
that makes good contrast with green
is desirable on the piazza. Prettiest of
all is to see child asleep on gay
colored rug, watched by Newfound-
land dog.-Ella Rodmdn church IN
Midsummer Sc7ibner.