Page:Every Woman's Encyclopedia Volume 1.djvu/46

 CHILDREN A nursery frieze that any special reason against doing this, have ready for such an emergency a piece of wood the width of the window and about four inches deep. Open the lower sash, fit in the piece of wood, shut the window down on to it, and a space will be left between the upper and lower sashes in the vicinity of the fasteners through which the outer air will rise without draught. Never imagine that fresh air means draughts through badly-fitting windows and ill-laid floors. If these exist, tack the indiarubber tubing made for the purpose, and costing but a few pence per yard, under the doors, etc., and fill cracks in the floor with putty or cement. Nursery windows should be protected by outside iron bars, for children simply love to look out, and in no other way can their safety be ensured. Supposing bars are not possible for some reason, hammer a strong nail into the window frame above the lower sash, so that it cannot be raised more than about six inches. The most hygienic plan is to have the nursery windows free from blinds, as, with the ex- ception of the Venetian variety, they all exclude air, and the latter, alas ! are veritable dust- traps unless constantly washed. Still, it is convenient to be able to screen the windows at times, in order to soften the light or make the room cosy in winter ; so soft casement cloth cur- ^ ^ tains, in tints to harmonise with the room, are often used, for they wash perfectly, and only need to be plainly ironed. The Ceilings and Walls A few years ago whitewcLshed ceil- ings were thought ^ crawling.mat of good enough for *°^' material with anybody, but baby «^Pp''q"<^d animals nowadays has his *"^ ^'^^^ *="^ °"' °f painted in white or br.ght.hued scraps pale cream enamel, washable distemper, or covered with white washable paper If, however, the old method is preferred, the whitewashing should be done every spring. Ceilings and walls give wide scope for artistic and original ideas, as long as the rule that ideal nurseries must be washable throughout is always remembered. Perhaps the greatest favourite for nursery- wall covermgs is some form of washable dis- temper, or enamelled paint in pale tints, with decorative bands or friezes of paper made in designs of quaint figures, animals, birds, etc., attordmg the youngsters something bright and entertaining to look at during meals or rainv days. •' would delight children If liked, washable papers illustrating nursery rhymes, etc., can be used instead of the self- coloured paint or distemper ; but they do not make a restful background, and need to be purchased from good firms, or the designs and colourings injure, instead of educate, the chil- dren's perception of colour and form. In some nurseries the dado is made of pretty oilcloth, fastened to the wall with a dado rail above of a darker contrasting colour. This scheme is simple, costs little, is very strong, and easily kept clean. The Important Question of Floors What shall our babies walk and crawl on is another absorbing question. Try a good cork carpet with a pattern (not self-coloured, as these show the dust too much). It is warm, wash- able, strong, and pretty, and affords no resting- place for the dust fiend. A few washable cotton rugs in blue and white or other colourings can be laid down here and there, but care must be taken that children do not trip over them. Baby's Furniture There is still a tendency to relegate large, old, cumbersome pieces of furniture to the nursery, either because it is roomy and comfortable, or because it has become a sort of nursery heir- loom ; but it is doubtful if either reason is sufficiently good to justify their presence in valuable space that ought to be occupied by air. So far as comfort goes, nothing can beat the modern nursery furniture now procurable from many good firms. Simplicity is the rule, and furniture of best quality is made in plain oak or stained wood, """" -v, for painted and highly polished surfaces too soon show the wear and tear of nursery customs. Rounded comers to everything are necessary for sharp-pointed edges have resulted in many a serious cut and scar. Supposing the furniture now in use is of the latter description, a cabinet-maker will very soon remedy the danger. Miniature nursery tables, chairs, etc., are very popular. They are made in wood or cane, and are more comfortable and safer than high tables and chairs. A cosy, broad sofa is an invaluable possession in the nursery. An aching head or bruised limb can be petted on it so well without keeping the child in bed, and it provides a too quickly- growing boy or girl with means of obtaining the