Or either end of this cloth screen may be closed by means of a pin or buttonhole and button, and the entire current turned in the opposite direc tion. Ordinary sash-curtain rods or even rollers such as are used for cur tain shades or sticks used for the lower part of curtain shades may be adjusted permanently for this purpose in sleeping rooms.
Or the patent spring sash-curtain rods, that have a spring inside and rubber tips at the end to keep them adjusted, may be utilized to make one or more removable screens. These can be adjusted according to conditions from time to time on any windows in any part of the house.
Or stretch a piece of cheese cloth over the opening and tack it fast.
Or tack cheese cloth on a small re movable frame that will fit into the opening.
Or put a sheet of finely perforated metal in place of one of the upper panes of glass in one of the windows.
Or tack a strip of thin wood or stiff cardboard eight to twelve inches wide across the lower part of the window frame, an inch or two from the glass. When the sash is raised the current striking this obstruction is turned up ward into the air and may be thrown entirely over the bed, just as a cur rent of water might be thrown from a hose.
Or place a piece of board in the window casing below the bottom of the sash. When the window is closed down upon this board a space is left between the upper and lower sash which admits a current of air.
Or place an ordinary fire screen or wooden frame covered with cloth or paper between the window and the bed, as is often done in hospitals.
Or make a little curtain of sheeting to fit the head of the bed and tie at the four corners by means of tape.
Any of these devices may be used to ventilate other than sleeping apart ments.
Sleeping Porch.—In the vicinity of the great sanitariums where sleeping out of doors has been proved to be a cure for consumption and other dis eases, many persons have formed the habit of sleeping thus. Any porch somewhat excluded from view and in a sheltered location can be utilized. The porch should be screened and pro vided with storm curtains of tent can vas that can be drawn and buttoned like the curtains of a carriage. If the porch is used during the day a bunk or folding bed may be hinged to the wall on one side, with legs that will let down on the other. When
folded up this may be concealed by a waterproof curtain. Or one of the so called hammock beds may be suspend ed by hooks from the ceiling.
If suitable blankets are provided it is possible to sleep out of doors the year round in most parts of the United States, with the exception of a very few nights, and probably no practice would be more invigorating, healthful, or pleasurable, especially in the sum mer months.
Bedrooms.—Furnishings and decora tions of bedrooms should conform to the object for which the room is in tended. Simplicity should be the key note. Wall coverings in geometrical designs or large-figured patterns of any sort and all bric-a-brac and use less flounces and decorations should be avoided. The fewer objects not actually necessary in the room the bet ter. Finish the woodwork in natural colors, oiled or stained, and preferably with oil paint or varnish. Tint the walls or hang them with a solid col ored or double-toned paper, or a sim ple stripe. Hang at the windows light muslin or cheese-cloth curtains, either white or dyed to conform to the gen eral color scheme. If the floors are smooth, oil and wax them, or stain or paint them with any of the lac paints or varnishes. Floors not smooth may be covered with either linoleum or matting as preferred. Avoid, as a rule, the use of carpets in bedrooms. A plain stained or painted wood floor with rugs is much easier to keep clean and is more sanitary.
Beds.—Iron or brass beds fitted with woven wire or other suitable wire springs are to be preferred. The iron beds in white enamel harmonize well with birch and other light-colored woods and enameled furniture; and brass beds with mahogany, walnut, and other hard woods in darker col ors. The furniture should be of sim ple design, without carving or un necessary decoration. The mattress should be of hair or cotton felt, of good quality, and made in two parts, for convenience in turning and airing. The bed clothing should be light and warm, consisting of linen or cotton sheets, blankets, and a white spread.