three coats, or painted burlap.  Or our thoughts may turn with longing to a white-tiled kitchen, with its air of spotless purity, but, too often, “beyond the reach of you and me.”  Why not substitute for it the white marbled oilcloth which produces much the same effect, and can be smoothly fitted if a little glue is added to the paste with which it is put on?  A combination of white woodwork with blue walls and ceiling is charming, particularly where the blue-enameled porcelain-lined cooking utensils are used, and the same idea can be carried out in the floor covering.  White with yellow is also dainty.  Calcimine is not desirable in the kitchen, as it cannot be cleaned and is, therefore, unsanitary.  Two tablespoonfuls of kerosene added to the cleaning water will keep woodwork, walls, and ceilings fresh and glossy.  A long-handled mopholder fitted with a coarse carriage sponge will facilitate the cleaning of the latter.

[Illustration:  The kitchen.]

THE FLOOR

Despite the fact that we are enjoined to “look up, not down,” the floor seems to be the focal point to anyone entering the kitchen, and it becomes a source of pride or humiliation to the occupant according to its condition.  A beautiful, snowy hardwood floor, “clean enough to eat on,” is a delight, but it has such an insatiable appetite for spots after the newness has worn off that it requires frequent scrubbing—­twice a week at least—­and on a dry day, if possible, with doors and windows opened during the operation, all of which means energy misapplied.  To be sure, the new “colonial” cotton-rag rugs, woven in harmony with the general color scheme, protect the floor and help to relieve the strain of much standing, and can he washed and dried as satisfactorily as any piece of cotton cloth; while raw oil, applied with a soft cloth or a handful of waste every two months, will keep the floor in good condition.  But the housekeeper who chooses the better part covers her floor with linoleum at comparatively small cost, a piece good both in quality and design selling at 60 cents a square yard.  In this, too, the color idea can be carried out, the smaller designs being preferable.  Neutral tints follow wood-carpeting designs, are neat, and less apt to soil than the lighter patterns.  It is a wise plan in buying to allow enough linoleum for three smaller pieces to be placed before stove, table, and sink, thus saving wear and tear on the large piece.  Thus covered, the floor is easily cleaned with a damp cloth.  It must be thoroughly swept once a day, followed by a general dusting of the room, with brushings up between times.

THE WINDOWS

Kitchen windows must he washed once a week—­oftener in fly time.  A dainty valance, or sash curtains of muslin, dimity, or other summer wash goods, give an attractive and homey touch to the room.  Each window should have a shade with a double fixture, fastened at the middle of the casement and adjusted upward and below from that point.