n surfaces permit filth to accumulate. If,
however, the plumbing is modern and of substantial quality to begin
with, has stood all the tests, and is accessible and fairly well
understood by at least one member of the household, reasonable
vigilance will obviate practically all worry about sewer gas.

BATHROOM LOCATION AND FURNISHING

Usually the bathroom is placed in a central location on the second
floor, accessible, if possible, by both rear and front stairways. In a
small house the upper floor is always advisable, as the bathroom should
be well retired from the living quarters. Where the space can be
spared, there should be a closet, however, on the main floor, or at
least in the basement, where it will be readily accessible from the
back part of the house. If the bathtub is popular with the household,
it is in constant use, and for this reason the closet is in some cases
cut off from it, and is reached by a separate door.

[Illustration: The bathroom.]

The principal thought being to eliminate anything which will retain
water, tile or rubber flooring is preeminently best for the bathroom.
If wood is substituted, it should be oak or maple, thoroughly oiled.
Nothing should rest upon the floor to prevent any portion of the
surface from being thoroughly cleaned. A tile wainscoting is almost
indispensable. Paper will not stand steam and moisture, and calcimine
is scarcely better. Canvas or burlap above a four- or five-foot
wainscoting makes an attractive combination. All-white is not called
for, but light tints of green, buff, or terra cotta will give a
softening touch of color without destroying the general effect of
immaculateness.

Art glass in the window can scarcely fail to add to the attractiveness
of the room. It may be had for from 75 cents to $3.50 per square foot.
A rug is an essential, but it should be of a sort that will not readily
absorb and retain water. Speaking of the window, it must be observed
that outdoor ventilation, without disturbing privacy, should be made
possible. Often a bathroom becomes quite suffocating, and with weakly
persons the danger of being overcome in a locked room is not to be left
out of consideration.

THE TUB

The tub may be of enameled iron or of porcelain. The former costs very
much less and is almost as satisfactory as the latter, though in the
cheaper sorts at least the enamel will eventually crack. Of course it
can be reenameled, but in most thin