outh as to
forget certain summer evenings, linked in memory with verandas or
bowered walks, when moonlight--and even that in a modified form--was
the ideal illumination. But even if we could employ the good fairies
to dip them up for us, we should find the soft moongleams of the summer
evening a rather doubtful aid in searching for the cat in the dark
corners of the basement.

Omitting pine knots, which are rather out of vogue, modern home
lighting includes four forms--candles, oil lamps, gas, and electricity.
The first-named are not, it is true, used to any extent for what may be
called the practical purposes of lighting; but in many ways their light
is most beautiful of all. Some charming candelabra suited to the
dining table are found in the better shops, and an investment in a
choice design is a very justifiable extravagance. Candle illumination
is of all varieties the one least trying to the eyes and to the
complexion, though its effect upon the temper of the person tending the
candles is not so sure to be happy. However, the sort with a hollow
center, called Helion candles, require little attention, and the
patented candle holders, which work automatically, give no trouble at
all.

KEROSENE

Notwithstanding there are some points in favor of the old reliable
kerosene lamp, even when put in the scale with other illuminants, few
people of the younger generation regard it as other than something to
be endured. In view of the facts that an oil lamp requires a great
deal of attention, usually leaves its trail of oil and smoke, is
ill-smelling, disagreeably hot in summer, and always somewhat
dangerous, it is strange that those who cling to it as to a fetich are
usually the ones who have longest struggled with its imperfections.
The pretext for this conservatism, whether it be spoken or reserved, is
economy. If we are of this class, we may be shocked to discover that,
after all, kerosene lighting is really no cheaper than gas or electric
light, if sufficient illumination is afforded, and insufficient
lighting is surely ill-judged economy.

GAS AND MATCHES

Few communities of respectable size are now without gas or electricity,
and even in the country the latter is almost everywhere obtainable. If
not, an individual gas plant, of which there are several makes, may be
installed at a moderate cost. Properly placed, such a plant is safe
and easily regulated and will furnish light for somewhat less than