The Douglas independent. [volume] (Roseburg, Or.) 187?-1885, 1884-02-16
WOMAN AND HOME.
Helps Toward Parental Patience with
the Little Ones.
Woman's work Among the sick.
Mod1eska,s Ideas Concerning
Dress--- anf Hts
Surroundings.
IRural New Yorker. ]


Rural New Yorkerl
tsWhata beautiful placer was the involun-
tary exclamation as we neared my friends
home for the first time.
They had chosen a pleasant, nearly level
spot for building. / cannot agree with those
who build on steep hillsides, or damp low
situations to be near spring, Desirable as
that might be, think there are many far
superior reasons for selecting higher poiEs,
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;
1t 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 as for driving stock from the
barn to other parts Of the place, thus render
ing fence necessary to separate 1t from the
| yard
The lawn was not large, they preferring
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 favor
| perfectly clean-sllaven, 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, sfop-
| ing gently to the road A few choice shrubs
and very few evergreens occupied positions
in the outer portions of the yard, and on one
side a latticed summer house, covered with
climbing roses and grapevines, suggested
cozy retreat.
Near the house, on each side of the en-
trance, was triangular border filed with
bright budding 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 climb
ing over the house, for pretty as "vine-
covered cottage" 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 many ways.
Still a few vines might be allowed on por-
ticoes or porches We must look no longer,
for our hostess is smiling welcome at the
door. shall not describe the furniture Of
this model home, the purchase of this
must depend so much upon 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. l
suspect it was inmates more than the sur
roundings; yet who can say how much the
beautiful, tasteful things, about us had to do
with molding the characters and aiding in
the mental development of the gentle, or
derby children whom we afterward sawa
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 gratifes that per-
ception Of beauty which Is at once the most
delicate and the most intense of our mental
sensations, binding us by an unconscious 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 sit
ting room, it being, as it should always be-
the pleasantest room in the house. A hint of
frost is in the chill evening air and the care
full mother has had her little boy build a fire
which gives a cheerful appearance and
J throws a genial glow over pictures
, and ornaments. | am pleased with
, the latter, for instead of cardboard and other
frail articles (which were reserved for cham
bers and other rooms not In daily use) my
friend had chosen more substantial material
A paper-holder was of carved wood to match
corner bracket on which stood q vase
freshly filled for winter, with delicate sprays
OF dried grasses and fern or two. The case
for letters, lamplighters and comb and
, brush, were of heavy pasteboard, cut and
sewed in proper shape, then painted black,
3 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
, a damp cloth when soiled
Afew delicate moses which had been care
, fully pressed were glued In pretty designs on
6 white cardboard and framed; and Just here ]
Of Il.
small pictures and notices. Make it the de-
sired size, Of smooth strips of light or dark
wood, give it a coat or two of varnsh, and
8 when partially dry place small fronds OF
l pressed terms tastefully upon it; when dry
Q enough varnish again.
|. OF course those who can afford costly
Y pictures frames and other ornaments would
: not so much appreciate these homemade
articles, but that class do not need any as
q sistance, but little good taste in the selec
a tion. So write, only hoping to throw o1rt
a few hints to those less fortunate in that
way, as no doubt large class of rura
readers are, for very little money with taste
and occasional suggestions from other think
q ers on the subject can work wonders Ever
\ books are SO cheap now that small sum vii
v secure library that would be an ornament
: to any home. Going soon to my friend.
J. kitchen, we found her young daughter press
ing autumn leaves with warm iron frs
v passed over rosin; they were very pretty. bu
: suggested leaving q portion on th,
; branches, laying them away between
Z beds for two or three weeks without
= any preparation, then place them abov,
= pictures and mirrors; they have a pleasing
. effect and seem nearer to nature. Oak leave
are specially nice this way, as warm irol
n fades their bright wine color I admit tha
t, none Of these are as pretty as growing plants
> but SO few have the room, time and know
ledge to keep these healthy and bright ant
n many have not suitable windows that the,
a ought to spare for them, for the childrel
:. yard showed that it had not been neglected
:, no rubbish, no uncovered drains or cess-pools
: but neatly swept stone walks, few old
) fashioned shrubs and the children's fowe
beds
e At the north end of the house was a noo
s, where little else but ferns would thrive: thes
grew there in luxuriance. wonder we
L not see moro Of these easily cultivate
l. beauties about our homes. They will gro,
y up strong and healthy every season withou
any care whatever after the first setting
j. would like to speak of the kitchen CONVEX
fences, the boys room (which had its fu
AZ share of pleasant things as well as th
+ guest chamber, were It not that my article
= already too long.
But let us not forget dear sisters all, tha
to husband, SON or brother pleasant, cheel
70 full loving woman Is the brightest ornamer
oI home can have.
BE Mighty Patient with Children.
se TBill Arp