Before anything goes into a closet see that all the cracks in the floor are entirely filled with putty, plaster of Paris, or sawdust, for otherwise dust and lint will accumulate in them, and there the beetle will find a house and the moth a nest for herself.  Whiting and linseed oil mixed well together until the paste is smooth will make the putty.  The plaster of Paris is easily prepared by mixing the powder with cold water till it is of the right consistency to spread, but it hardens so quickly that only a little can be made ready at a time.  Or, dissolve one pound of glue in two gallons of water, and stir into it enough sawdust to make a thick paste.  Any of these preparations can be colored to match the floor, put into the cracks with a common steel knife, and made smooth and even with the boards.  A better way, however, seems to be to omit the coloring and give the entire floor two coats of paint after the cracks are filled.  There are those who prefer covering the floor with enamel cloth; but try as we will, it is all but impossible to fit it so closely that dust and animal life cannot slip under it.

CLOSET FURNISHING

The floors attended to, next see that there are plenty of hooks screwed on the cleat which should extend around three sides of the closet.  They must be at a convenient height, say five feet, and three inches below the first of two or three shelves, to be not over fifteen inches apart, thus making at least two available for use.  On the under side of this first shelf screw double hooks, and additional hanging room can be made by suspending a movable rod across the closet on which to hang coat hooks holding garments.  Skirts, waists, and coats hold their shape far better when disposed of in this way, and can be packed closely together.  A twelve-inch piece of barrel hoop wound with cambric or muslin, and with a loop at the center, is a good substitute for the commercial hook.  On the shelves go hat and other boxes, and various parcels, each to be plainly labeled.  A chest of drawers at one end of the closet is handy for the disposal of delicate gowns, extra underwear, furs, summer dresses, etc., while a shoe bag insures additional order.  The soiled-clothes hamper belongs, not in the clothes closet, but in the bathroom.  Too much emphasis cannot be placed on this.  The odor from the linen pollutes the naturally close air of the closet and clings to everything it contains.

CARE OF CLOSETS AND CONTENTS

Wash the woodwork, drawers, floor, and shelves of all closets thoroughly with water containing a few drops of carbolic acid—­not enough to burn the hands—­and wipe dry.  Painted walls which can also be washed are most desirable; if calcimined, the tinting must be renewed each year.  If furs are to be put away, brush and beat well, and then comb to remove possible moths or eggs, sprinkle with