The true northerner., 1897-01-20
Management Of Sleeping Rooms.


II we are to occupy one third of our time
in sleep or rest in our beds, it certainly
must be matter of some Importance just
what conditions surround us and what
sort OF air we breathe. People of limited
means are very likely to cut down in the
cost of their bedding and bedroom furni-
ture, thinking that it will make but little
difference anyway and that the money
can be put to much better use elsewhere
This is common error 1t does make a
great difference whether or not one has
restful and refreshing sleep. Good nights
made good days and no one can have IA
clear head, sound digestion and fine health
and spirits who is given to sleepless, un-
easy, uncomfortable nights, and awakens
weary, unrested and irritable.
1t Is an easy and inexpensive matter to
furnish u bedroom If one goes about it in
the right way. The covering to the floor
is an item of importance. Many house
keepers disapprove of carpets and mating
and have the floors painted, stained or
oiled, and use rugs at the bedsides. This
is sanitary, but to most persons OF sensi-
tive temperament cheerless Besides there
is always more or less noise In walking
across a bare floor, and this at night Is far
from agreeable A good mating makes
but little dust, and Is preferable 10 carpet
for most bedrooms. If one has access TO
furniture factory, bedstead can he
bought in whitewood-that is, without
paint, varnish or other finish. 1t can be
painted with white, pink or blue enamel,
and striped with gilt or silver powder put
on with size. A good wire spring is In
dispensable. The himsy, cheap affairs
that are sometimes sold are not worth hav-
ing either for comfort or durability.
II cheap spring and at the same time
a comfortable and lasting one is desired, it
can be made by purchasing four dozen or
dinary springs, such as are used for furn..
ture seats-what are called box beds. Make
a frame with crosspieces like bed Stats
placed close together, and upon these fasten
the springs SO close together that they will
lower and raise under pressure without
touching When securely placed and
nailed down with the L shaped tacks made
for such purposes attach a strong twine
to the middle of each spring, carrying 1t
60 the next and tying 1t firmly. Interlace
the strings, running them crosswise and
diagonally, but be careful that they are
not so placed that they rub one upon an
other, as this would soon wear them out
The middles secured the tops of the springs
must next be tied in the same manner,
cross lacing them and tying them fast,
then passing the strings down at the outer
edges and lacking them TO the wooden
frame. When this Is finished, 1t makes a
most excellent spring, and one that can
be used by covering with burlaps and then
a padding of cotton, husks or hair, with a
ticking brought over all and tackled to the
frame, or a mattress can be used as on
any other spring.
Feather pillows are preferred by most
people, but those made of hair or fiber are
very well liked.
AS to bedding, blankets are popular,
and much stress is laid upon their sanitary
value. But housekeepers who have had
long experience entertain a very high re-
gard for the old fashioned comfortable of
cretonne, cheesecloth or calico filled with
fine soft cotton. They are warmer than
blankets and very much less expensive.
White counterpanes make work, but pay
in general effect New York Ledger.