[Illustration:  The bathroom.]

The principal thought being to eliminate anything which will retain water, tile or rubber flooring is preeminently best for the bathroom.  If wood is substituted, it should be oak or maple, thoroughly oiled.  Nothing should rest upon the floor to prevent any portion of the surface from being thoroughly cleaned.  A tile wainscoting is almost indispensable.  Paper will not stand steam and moisture, and calcimine is scarcely better.  Canvas or burlap above a four- or five-foot wainscoting makes an attractive combination.  All-white is not called for, but light tints of green, buff, or terra cotta will give a softening touch of color without destroying the general effect of immaculateness.

Art glass in the window can scarcely fail to add to the attractiveness of the room.  It may be had for from 75 cents to $3.50 per square foot.  A rug is an essential, but it should be of a sort that will not readily absorb and retain water.  Speaking of the window, it must be observed that outdoor ventilation, without disturbing privacy, should be made possible.  Often a bathroom becomes quite suffocating, and with weakly persons the danger of being overcome in a locked room is not to be left out of consideration.

THE TUB

The tub may be of enameled iron or of porcelain.  The former costs very much less and is almost as satisfactory as the latter, though in the cheaper sorts at least the enamel will eventually crack.  Of course it can be reenameled, but in most things for the home there will be enough of repairing without counting too much upon the ease with which it may be done.  That which will go longest without any repairs is usually best.  Still, as between the two kinds of tubs, one can scarcely make a mistake either way, and the difference in price will govern the decision of most of us.

To be consistent in our thought of keeping the floor clear, we should have a bathtub that rests upon legs.  It should not, if avoidable, be placed under the window, and if it can be several inches from the wall, it is more easily cleaned on the outside, and the space next to the wall need not accumulate—­or at least retain—­soap, towels, and sponges that elude the grasp of the bather.  Tubs come in lengths from four to six feet, and cost accordingly.  The comfort of a six-foot bath to persons of any considerable elongation is always manifest, while a four-foot tub is merely better than a footbath.  Where hot water is not on tap in unlimited quantities, five feet is a fair compromise.  In porcelain enameled ware a tub of this size costs from $27 to $60, without fittings.  The better-class goods, included in this range, are warranted not to crack or “craze.”  Porcelain prices are almost double those mentioned.  If we want stripings or pretty flowers or highly ornamented legs for the tub, we will be permitted to pay for them, but they are scarcely requisites in the bathroom economy.