d by
brackets of brass. Between the two upper ones partitions are glued in
to form pigeonholes.

From four to six inches from the lower end of each of the strips of
wood is firmly placed a strip about two inches wide, to which is
hinged the shelf that forms the desk. This is upheld when open by
brass chains, and is thus made firm. When it is desired to close it,
it is merely shut to the wall, the chains falling into place. The
ledge upon which the lid is hinged forms a firm place for the inkstand
and other necessary fitments of a desk.

Against the wall, between the supporting strips, may be fixed a
Japanese panel or some tapestry or silk, as taste may dictate. A
picture can be so fastened to the panel as to form a good letter or
cardholder.

The whole affair is simple and easily managed. Any good carpenter will
make the necessary woodwork for a very small sum.

A Window Desk.

One of the most convenient and altogether satisfactory contrivances
quite in the power of a woman to manipulate is a window desk.

Take a board about fifteen inches wide and saw it the length of the
window sill. Put small iron hinges on it and screw it to the sill, so
that it can hang down against the under wall when desirable.

Tack a narrow strip of wood under the board, near the front edge.
Resting on the floor and wedged under this cleat there is a prop of
planed wood, slender and neat looking. You can put a beading around
the board, with small brads and stain it cherry or some other color.

The sill holds pens, pencils and inkstands, and a large blotter laid
on the board, is a most desirable writing pad. This idea comes from an
art student in Paris, who dotes on her window desk.

It will be found useful in the nursery as a place for pasting
pictures, drawings, etc., and when done can be swung down and out of
the way.

A Hall Chest.

A pretty hall chest is one of the things that may be successfully
produced at home. In a seaport town, the chest of some ancient
mariner is easily procured; otherwise, one of similar style and make
must be fashioned for you by a carpenter. As it need only be made of
soft wood the cost is not great. After it has left the carpenter's
hands it may be decorated with the applied ornamentation in scroll
design, which is now obtainable ready to put on, and afterward treated
to a coat of stain.

Old oak is the most satisfactory, or it may be ebonized, if preferred.
Polished brass corners and hinges m