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 the usual charge of the gas companies.

Gas has never fully supplanted kerosene, even where it is readily obtained.  Why this is true we need not pause to discuss; perhaps a fairly well-founded suspicion of the meter has had something to do with it.  But certainly no one building a house in these days would fail to pipe it for gas if the supply were at hand, even if it were to be used only for kitchen fuel.  Gas has its virtues as an illuminant also, and is favored by many on account of the softness of the light.

But while gas is preferable to kerosene, electricity is with equal certainty preferable to gas.  It is more adaptable, is in many places quite as reasonable in cost, and is cleaner and safer.  In numerous country communities where gas is not to be had electricity is available, as frequently a large region embracing several towns is supplied from a single generating plant.