than stained birch, and walnut than gum wood, but there are certain people who for some strange reason feel that they are getting something a little smarter and better if it is tagged “birch mahogany” than if it were simply called birch.  Some of the furniture is well stained and some shockingly done, the would-be mahogany being either a dead and dreary brown or a most hideous shade of red, a very Bolshevik among woods.  One must remember that the mahogany of the 18th century, the best that there has ever been, was a beautiful glowing golden brown, and when a red stain was used it was only a little to enhance the richness of the natural color of the wood, more of a suggestion than a blazing fact.  The wood was carefully rubbed with oil and pumice, and the shellac finish was rubbed to a soft glow.  Modern furniture, especially in the medium and cheap grades, is apt to look as if it were encased in a hard and shining armor of varnish.

[Illustration:  This chair with its silk damask covering edged with gimp, the shape of the underframing and arms, and the dull gold carved ornaments, shows many characteristics of the Italian Renaissance.]

[Illustration:  An elaborately carved Chippendale chair, with late Queen Anne influence in the shape of the back.  Petit point covering which was so popular in her day is now wonderfully reproduced.]

[Illustration:  This Chippendale pie crust tip table shows the tripod base with claw feet and the carved edge which gives it its name, and which was carved down to the level, never applied.  A genuine antique pie crust table is very valuable.]

[Illustration:  This fine example of a Queen Anne lacquered chair shows the characteristic splat and top curve, the slip seat narrower at the back than front with rounded corners, and cabriole legs.]

Beside this practical knowledge one should have a general idea of the artistic side or the appearance of the different period styles and the manner in which they were used.  To achieve this, one must study the best examples it is possible to find in originals, pictures, and properly made reproductions.  Many of the plates in this book are from extremely valuable originals and should be studied carefully as they give a fine idea of some of the chief points in the different styles.  One should also go to libraries and Art Museums whenever possible and study their collections.  The more knowledge gained the more ease one will have in furnishing one’s home whether there is everything to buy, or one is planning to add a few articles to complete a charming interior, or, with an eye to a future plan, is buying good things piece by piece and slowly eliminating the bad.  It is this knowledge which will help you to study your own possessions and decide what is needed and what will be correct to buy.  That, is one of the most important points, to have a well thought out plan, and never to be haphazard in your purchases.  Very few of us have houses