Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-09-22
mfsrellaurrus.
A Beautiful Home.
Rural New Yorker

I
many far superior reasons tor selecting
higher point; dryer, more healthy air.
better views and driveways, less mud. less
washing away in times of heavy rains. etc.
The approach adds to or takes from the
appearance of place; it is preferable on
some accounts to drive directly into the
yard; but here, as upon many other farms
the same road is used for the carriage ar
for driving stock from the barn to other
parts of the place, thus rendering fence
necessary to separate it from the yard.
The lawn was not large they preferring
a small one well kept rather than larger
one which is so apt to be neglected among
many busy farmers. Yet it was not kept
in exactly the style which seems to be
growing in unexpectedly clean shaven,
without a tree. shrub or flower; neither
was it so full of shrubbery as to obstruct
the view to or from the road. The main
part was smooth and velvety ,sloping gent
| iy to the road. A few choice shrubs and
very few evergreens occupied positions
! in the outer portions of the yard, and on
one side latticed summer house, covered
with climbing roses and grapevines. sug-
| gested coy retreat.
Near the house, on each side of the
entrance, was a triangular border filled
with bright bedding plants-now in all
their autumn glory. We also catch a
glimpse of other floral treasures bordering
the path to the back yard. There were
no vines climbing over the house, tor
pretty as vine covered cattage" is in
the poetry. it becomes quite prosaical
when they have to be taken down to paint
under them; trellises near the windows
or elsewhere are nearly as pretty, and
more desirable in manv ways: Still a
few vines might be allowed on porticos
and porches. We must look no longer,
for our hostess is smiling welcome at
the door. shall not describe the furni-
ture of this model home, as the purchase
of this must depend so much on ones
means, but wish could tell you what it
is that gives it such an inviting, CHEEKY
look, and makes one feel so thoroughly
happy and at ease. | suspect it was the
inmates more than the surroundings; yet
who can say how much the beautiful,
tasteful things about us, had to do with
moulding the characters and aiding in the
development of the gentle, orderly chill
dren whom we afterwards saw? For
what thinking, observant person will deny
the refining influence of beautiful homes,
when ingenious minds, loving hearts and
willing hands have made them so?
We think Bayard Taylor says truthfully
Nothing is useless which gratifies that
perception of beauty which is at once the
most delicate and most intense of our
mental sensations, binding US by an I'M
conscious link nearer to nature and
to Him. whose every thought is
born of beauty. truth and love-"
We were taken at once to the family
sitting room, it being as it should always
be the peasantest room in the house. A
hint of frost is in the chill evening air and
the careful mother has had her little boy
build a fire which gives cheerful appear
ance and throws genial glow over pic
lures and ornaments. am pleased with
the latter, tor instead of cardboard and
other frail articles (Which were reserved
for chambers and other rooms not in daily
use) my friend had chosen more substan-
tial material paper holder was of
carved wood to match a corner bracket
on which stood a vase freshly filled tor
winter, with delicate sprays of dried
grasses and fern or two. The case for
letters, lamp-lighters and comb and brush
were of heavy pasteboard, cut and sewed
in proper shape, then painted black, bright
embossed pictures or pressed ferns pasted
on, and lastly, several coats of Demar or
chrome varnish these are handsome, dur
able, easily made, and can be wiped off
with damp cloth when soiled.
few delicate MOSES which had been
carefully pressed were glued in pretty de-
signs on white cardboard and framed and
Just here | think of simple and easily
made frame for small pictures and mot
toes. Make it the desired size, of smooth
strips of light or dark wood, give it a coat
or two of varnish, and when partially dry
place small fronds of pressed ferns taste
fully upon it; when dry enough varnish
again.
OF course those who can afford costly
pictures, frames and other ornaments
would not so much appreciate these home
made articles but that class do not need any
assistance, but little good taste in the
selection. So | write, only hoping to
throw out a few hints to those less fortu-
nate in. that way, as no doubt
large class of rural readers are,
for a very little money with taste
and occasional suggestions from other
thinkers on the subject can work wonders
Even books are so cheap now that small
sum will secure library that would be
an ornament to any home. Going soon
to my friends kitchen. we found her
young daughter pressing autumn leaves
with warm iron first passed over rosin;
they were very pretty, but | suggested
leaving portion on the branches, laying
them away between beds for two or three
weeks without any preparation, then
place them above pictures and mirrors;
they have a pleasing effect and seem near
er to nature. Oak leaves are specially
nice this way, as warm iron fades their
bright wine color. | admit that none of
these are as pretty as growing plants,
but so few have the room. time and knowl-
to keep these healthy and bright. and many
have not suitable windows that they ought
to spare for them. for the children need
them worse. A walk through the back
yard showed that it had not been neglect
ed; no rubbish, no uncovered drains or
cess pools, but neatly swept stone walks,
few old fashioned shrubs and the chill
dren's flower beds.
! AT the north end of the house was
nook where little else but ferns would
thrive; these grew there in luxuriance. L
wender we do not see more of these east
| ly-cultivated beauties about our homes
| They will grow I'D strong and healthy