The Kitchen is the workshop of woman - mistress or maid: and in either case efficiency is not advanced by exhaustion. No man would dream of working during a large portion of his life under such inconvenience as these rooms often reveal; for he well recognises that his physical condition is his capital. Woman spends her energies regardless of this consideration, and needlessly - for the reformation usually required is by no means revolutionary, difficult, or expensive.

It consists in such simple things as these: a proper selection of the utensils needed for the particular family, and their proper disposal. The latter means that the things continually used should be immediately at hand, and that they should not need to be fetched from the other side of the room. Those more seldom required may go elsewhere.

The greatest strain upon woman's constitution is being continually upon her feet. The above is a slight aid in obviating this, but the following is much more important. The book-keeper of a large establishment, with a range of books upon a high desk, must move for long periods of time from one to another. Watch him. Almost invariably there will be a couple of stools: when posting there is no time really to sit upon them, but he will partially slide on to the seat of the one or the other, half-standing, half sitting, but more or less resting. When a woman is ironing or pressing out, or washing or wiping dishes, why may she not do at least as much? Because the stool is not provided, and in her carelessness of physical well-being she would not think of purchasing it.

In addition to at least one chair there should be two stools of different heights, carefully adapted to her own work. These may be pushed under the sink or placed in some other out-of-the-way but handy position. But the woman will find that she will not avail herself of these rests, notwithstanding her exhaustion at the end of the day, unless she is constantly watchful for a week or two - "it is too much trouble to sit down", and she has not habituated herself to it. Let her once do so and she will learn the difference. So with conversation: though chairs are directly at hand two women will frequently talk for a quarter of an hour without using them. Think of the rest fifteen minutes entire relaxation of body will bring!

Such things, with orderliness and cleanliness, are within every woman's personal control. So, usually, are lighting, ventilation, and general sanatory conditions. Modern built-in features, such as those illustrated in Plate 152, are a great convenience and make for concentration. The floor, woodwork, and curtains should be simple, workmanlike, and beautiful.

PLATE 152. COMBINATION KITCHEN DRESSER AND WORK-TABLE.

The work-table contains the sink, with open plumbing, and 10 drawers.

One dresser may contain a flour bin if desired.

The work-table may also be used without dressers.

Manufactured By Curtis Companies, Clinton, Iowa.

PLATE 153. "INSET TILE" AND JASPÉ LINOLEUMS MADE IN VARIOUS COLOURS.

Manufactured by Armstrong Cork Co., Lancaster, Penna.

One quarter actual size of patterns The colouring runs all the way through.

The woman who does her own work will thus find her life less of a burden; the mistress will learn that it less difficult to retain her maids. The writer has done what he could; but he closes this section with a sigh - for he doubts if a single woman-reader will make any permanent use of these suggestions. With the utmost respect be it said that she becomes absorbed in the occupations of the moment without thought of eventual consequences and of issues greater to herself and to those to whom she is dear.

And what man - husband, father, son, or brother - adequately honours her self-forgetfulness, is sufficiently considerate, watches over her welfare, and sees that she secures abundant rest and recreation and in the manner in which she herself prefers to take them!