Under such conditions as the above, and others individually affecting us, it is the part of wisdom in many cases to simplify one's mode of life and avoid all features which entail unnecessary labour: this can be done without the sacrifice of comfort, convenience, interest or beauty; and indeed frequently with an increase of all these qualities.

Numberless homes are too greatly littered with small objects - attractive enough in themselves, perhaps, but entailing how much work in their dusting and handling day after day? Some of these things may be small gifts, and, because of their associations, we do not wish to destroy them; therefore they remain to our encumbrance month after month. After a sufficient use they surely might be put away. And with them may often go other possessions: let us take a lesson from the Japanese who display but a few charming decorative objects at a time.

How often, too, is the home impeded with too much furniture - that unnecessary rocker against which everyone is continually kicking because it is placed in an awkward position in a room filled with other probably more comfortable pieces: that centre-table which blocks passage in every direction when it would answer quite as well if it were drawn to one side.

And pictures! pictures everywhere, while art is far to seek!

Let us not forget the average dining-room sideboard - covered like a bar-room shelf with glassware, china, and oddments. Consider the amount of work necessary to keep these "ornaments" clean and in order.

The curse of the modern home is the false idea of decoration: decoration is secured not by multiplicity but by a few well-chosen objects rightly disposed.

We now reach the exceedingly important matter of the type of furniture to be selected. The most beautiful furniture in its proper place undoubtedly is that of the period styles, from which there is an almost infinite selection to be made. But these pieces entail cost and care; and, under the circumstances we are considering, simple furniture is far more sensible and, when well chosen and aided by attractive and suitable fabrics, is little less engaging. An abundance of such furniture is illustrated in this volume: it will be seen that its lines are excellent, that it is sturdy without being clumsy, and, which here is greatly to the point, that there is an absence of carving and other ornament, so that its dusting is quickly accomplished. Being light of weight it is also easily moved when the room is being cleaned. A slight knock leaves its mark upon polished walnut, mahogany or satinwood, while the plain oak and birch of which simple furniture is usually constructed stand the vicissitudes of household wear much better without looking shabby. Painted furniture demands more care, but this will be considered in its place.

Immaculate but not painful neatness, the putting of things immediately in their proper place by each member of the household, is an excellent habit in itself and a great saving of labour. Not only is this true of personal wear but of the many other things in which our homes abound - whether sewing-utensils, tools, books, stationery, and magazines, or pots, kettles, and pans. This is naturally not to say that a book or two or a few magazines may not be left upon a table, for such things are attractive in themselves and the home should show that it is lived in, but if there is a general litter of objects to be handled and arranged day after day life becomes a burden. There are two things which, more than any others that immediately occur to the writer, give the appearance of disorder to any abode - scattered newspapers and an untidy ash-tray filled with the remains of cigars or cigarettes.

This habit of putting things in their place is much facilitated by providing the place. There should be abundant and quickly accessible storage-room supplied either by closets and built-in fitments or by such articles of furniture as wardrobes, chests, chests of drawers, cupboards, and the like.

Under the various disabilities of present-day life let us see, then, what the Modern method of furnishing will do for us; not forgetting also its higher development to be treated in subsequent sections.