shes. When the china closet does not connect with
the dining room, but is a "thing apart," its shelves may receive the
same treatment accorded those in the pantry--white paper or oilcloth
covering and valance.

While well-filled linen and china closets appeal to the aesthetic side
of the housewife, clothes closets speak directly to her common-sense,
managerial side. If she had a say-so in the matter, their name would
be Legion, but she must not think over-hardly of the few she has, for
they are invaluable developers of her genius for putting "infinite
riches in a little room"; while the constant tussle in their depths
with moth and dust induces a daily enlargement of her moral biceps--and
her patience. May their shadow never grow less (perish the thought!).

CLOSET TIGHTNESS

Before anything goes into a closet see that all the cracks in the floor
are entirely filled with putty, plaster of Paris, or sawdust, for
otherwise dust and lint will accumulate in them, and there the beetle
will find a house and the moth a nest for herself. Whiting and linseed
oil mixed well together until the paste is smooth will make the putty.
The plaster of Paris is easily prepared by mixing the powder with cold
water till it is of the right consistency to spread, but it hardens so
quickly that only a little can be made ready at a time. Or, dissolve
one pound of glue in two gallons of water, and stir into it enough
sawdust to make a thick paste. Any of these preparations can be
colored to match the floor, put into the cracks with a common steel
knife, and made smooth and even with the boards. A better way,
however, seems to be to omit the coloring and give the entire floor two
coats of paint after the cracks are filled. There are those who prefer
covering the floor with enamel cloth; but try as we will, it is all but
impossible to fit it so closely that dust and animal life cannot slip
under it.

CLOSET FURNISHING

The floors attended to, next see that there are plenty of hooks screwed
on the cleat which should extend around three sides of the closet.
They must be at a convenient height, say five feet, and three inches
below the first of two or three shelves, to be not over fifteen inches
apart, thus making at least two available for use. On the under side
of this first shelf screw double hooks, and additional hanging room can
be made by suspending a movable rod across the closet on which to hang
coat hooks holding garme