Twenty years ago coal or wood burning stoves were usual in country homes.  They were disagreeable to tend and in summer made an uncomfortably hot kitchen.  But that same heat was most acceptable in winter weather.  For a kitchen not too well heated by the main house system, there are ranges that combine coal and electricity.  Thus, in winter they serve the double purpose of a cooking tool and heat producing unit and also help reduce the electric light bill at the season of the year when it tends to be heaviest.

[Illustration:  ENTIRELY NEW, BUT WITH ALL THE CHARM OF AN OLD HOUSE

Robertson Ward, architect. Photo by Samuel H. Gottscho]

Where electricity is available, the problem of refrigeration is simple.  Of course, the initial cost of a good electric refrigerator may easily be more than double that of the ordinary icebox, but the cost of operation is very small and food losses are materially cut down.  The old method of refrigeration calls for only a moderate outlay for a box, but delivering ice three or four times a week to the average country home involves heavy overhead for the local ice dealer and he must therefore charge accordingly.  If one must depend on ice, however, there is an improved box now on the market so constructed that it needs to be filled but once a week.  It operates on much the same principle as the mechanical box as far as keeping an even temperature is concerned.

With the various storage cupboards, closets, and cabinets that make up the furnishings of this culinary assembly plant, there are sundry built-in units, widely pictured, written about, and advertised.  What type you will have is a matter of personal taste.  The main thing is to be sure they are well built and conveniently located.  The kitchen sink may also be of any type you prefer but let there be light where it is hung.  A window directly over it will make for cleaner dishes as well as less breakage.  Another ounce of prevention for the latter is considered by many to be the sink lined with monel metal.  It is fairly soft and yielding so that a cup or plate is not readily shattered if accidentally dropped in it.  With porcelain sinks, one may use a rubber mat designed for the purpose or one can be careful.

If the service wing plans do not include a laundry, a set tub with cover forming one of the drain boards is practical for the occasional small pieces washed at home.  Along with the sink may be installed an electric dishwasher, depending, of course, on whether the family considers its benefits equal to the expense involved.  If mother is to do the work, it may be warranted; but where her efforts are limited to one or two sketchy meals on Thursdays and Sunday evenings, one might well interview the person who is monitor of the service wing the bulk of the time.  Dishwashers, cake mixers, complicated fruit juice extractors, and similar gadgets are all excellent but they are not essential.  Many servants do not even want them.