Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-05-03
THE LITTLE FOLKS
Requirements for Their Daily
Perambulations.
THE ENGLISH STYLES
Go-CARTS AND THE PRETTY FUR
NISHINaS.
Hints as to Careful Dressing for the
Youngsters Out
ings.
THE ENGLISH STYLES

Written for The Evening Star
Children should be given every possible
opportunity for enjoying outdoor air and
sunshine soon as the weather will per-
nit.
During the winter only limited amount
of exercise is practicable, but as soon as
spring comes the little ones may be ac-
corded longer and longer periods for out
door walks and rompS.
Families who live in the city usually send
the children daily in charge of relative
or maid to the nearest park or public
square. An hour two of play in the
sunshine is long enough. The little party
should not be started out before IL in the
morning or allowed to remain later than 4
o'clock in the afternoon. All should be
warmly clothed and supplied with balls,
skipping ropes, hoops and such joys as will
encourage them to exercise. Even the
babies may be taught to play ring around
rosy and similar games.
When the youngest member of the house
hold is less than three years Of age
go-cart or child's carriage must accom-
pany the expedition, for the little ones, even
If able to toddle, soon tire, and even
nursemaid should not be expected to carry
a heavy child in her arms.
For older children a stout go-cart is the
most sensible provision, but for an infant
roomy and comfortable perambulator is
sential. 1t should be comfortably furnished
and supplied with parasOl to protect the
child's eyes from the light. Many case
Of weak or defective vision may be traced
to the carelessless of parents or servants.
These too often trundle children through
the parks or streets with the sunshine pour
ing into their poor little faces. Even an
adult cannot endure the torture of a fierce
light beating into the eyes; so how much
q @
nerves Of the baby! Those fine lace shades
that look so pretty swaying over the child's
head ought always to be provided with
lining that will admit only subdued light.
The English Style.
The English baby carriages, heavy and
unwieldy, cannot in this country win the
same favor that the light wicker and rat
tan ones enjoy. Nevertheless, fashionable
people are buying them. and in the shops
elaborate specimens of these carriages are
shown. They look very much like the per-
ambulators Of grandparents. The
bodies of the vehicles are Of wood enameled
white or black and decorated very much
like landau or coupe. The covers are of
dull leather, the metal bars being often
chased and elegantly finished. The inter-
iors are generally upholstered in leather
There is very little variety Of design in
the so-called English perambulators. They
are heavy to drag about and uncomfortable
for the little occupant during the hot days
Of midsummer. Willow carts and carria ges
have an advantage over the polished wood
en- ones in the fact that they seldom look
shabby. Then, too when they are soiled
they may be cleaned or when weather
beaten covered with a coat of enamel
The Little Go-Carts.
While the large English carriages cost as
much as SIS, little go-carts may be pur-
chased for a few dollars. The cheaper
qualities are made entirely Of wood
Mall carts supplied with shafts so that
the vehicle may be drawn instead Of being
pushed are also strictly English. They are
built Of both wood and willow. Wicker
covers are features of these, although
woven shades may be had on both peram-
bulators and go-carts.
The most exquisite work Is seen on some
or the wicker carriages. The bodies of
many of them are fashioned to represent
huge shells and are covered with flowers,
shells or conventional patterns woven In
the finest withes. The interiors Of the high
priced creations are lined with delicately
colored feathers, satins or velvets
Parasols for carriages are made of silesia
sateen, silk or satin, the lace covers being
placed over the thick material Net point
desprit, dotted swiss, fine muslin and lace
shades are sold in the shops They are SO
simple that any woman may easily pre-
pare one at home and save the price of the
article. which will range from s1.25 to s25,
according to material and design.
Plenty Cushions.
The carriage or go-cart should have spe-
cial cushions There ought to be plenty OF
these, and each should be supplied with an
inner slip of rubber. A stout washable ma
terial may be provided for the outside
Linen, sateen, denim and lawn make nice
plain covers, while chintz, cretonne and
wash silk make pretty figured ones. If one
cares for it, design may be outlined upon
the plain cover with cord, embroidery floss
or ribbon; Some of the popular nursery
rhymes will afford suitable subjects.
A pretty rug must be added to the car
riage outfit. If baby goes out much, rug
for chilly days should be provided, and this
must be slightly heavier and more durable
than the airy one for warm weather Be
sides these waterproof rug Is wise ad-
dition to the furnishing of the perambula-
tor. On bright days 1t may be spread on
the floor and the soft pillows arranged over
1t. Then If an unexpected shower arise it
may be quickly brought out and tucked
over the child's body. For the waterproof
cover piece of black oilcloth bound with
Of old mackintoshes also may be patched
into very good protection from rain.
Among the family two Of these can usually
be drummed up. and If the best portions are
fashioned.
The Necessary Extras.
Bedford cord, corduroy, tapestry, velours,
plush and satin damask are the stuffs gen.
orally adopted for the upholstering Of car
riage interiors. Any colors are likely to be
used. but at present white and gray are
favored.
Rubber-tired wheels and brakes and ad-
justments for permitting the child to reciine
comfortably without any extra cushions are
necessary auxiliaries to safety and comfort
a n Sfnr fpao he oHu
arms will save many fall for lively
youngsters who cannot otherwise be pro-
tected.
When the party of little folks is sent out
for an airing. the younger children may be
given turns in resting in the carriage pro-
vided the park benches are not capacious
enough or are otherwise occupied The
children are not all likely to be weary at
one time.
It is foolish to send a baby out thinIy
clad. depending on the carriage rugs to keen