Occasionally sideboards and china cabinets are built in the dining room, but if it be necessary to buy such articles the following will be of value.

Buffets are preferable to sideboards.

When comparing prices it is very essential that every detail be taken into consideration. Consider the length of the case and the depth. If a case is fifty-four inches long it must necessarily cost more than one but forty-eight inches, providing they are of the same pattern. If the front and top are all quartered oak it will cost more than a case with quartered oak front and a plain oak top. One built close to the floor must ordinarily cost more than one built high from the floor. Observe all dimensions of a case and all of the detail work, such as cross hand veneering on the many obscure places; examine the locks and keys and see whether or not they are strong and of good size. The number of compartments and drawers will be another source of expense; count them and examine the interior to see whether or not the drawers are subdivided. Some buffets have loose silverware trays which rest in the drawers. Others have secret drawer-, etc. The size of the mirror has much to do with the price, as has also the detail interior work, such as the refinishing of the drawer slides, etc. It is an easy matter to get a low-priced buffet which will till certain wall space, but when superior workmanship is considered it must be paid for, and will return its value in service long after the other low-priced case has gone to pieces.

It is well to examine the feet of these cases, and especially of a china cabinet. See that they are very securely fastened, or a costly accident may occur after the dishes are in the case.

If a china cabinet has bent glass doors and end glasses, interior mirror backing, and glass shelves, the price will be much more than one with flat doors and ends, and no mirror hacking, and no glass shelves. See that the china cabinet doors are dust proof by having the doors to fit over the casing. Many fail to consider the reasons for the cost, and may easily misjudge the concern that sells the article as too high priced unless careful scrutiny is used.

Dishes

Some hesitate in using their best dishes for every day. The under-glazed domestic ware would be sure to give practical service for daily use, as the glazing serves the same purpose as varnish on wood or lacquer on a bed, and preserves the decoration. Such sets will be found inexpensive.