December 1930

Unseen, he will Come

Along the Garden Path

"WHAT do you want for Christmas?" We blink our eyes and say, "Well, I don't want a thing-- just a card."

The Roving Gardener

ANOTHER year is almost gone, with many tasks undone and many an ambition unrealized. It is ever so with me, and with all the rest of us, for such is gardening, such is life.

The Christmas Tree Steps Out

WHEN Cleveland, Ohio, in 1912 established the first community Christmas tree, that progressive city "started something," for more than 15,000 American cities and towns now center Yuletide festivities about a neighborhood tree.

Why Not Give Music This Christmas?

MUSIC, musical instruments, good concerts, and stories of music and musicians are necessary adjuncts of boyhood these days. They help a fellow grow up along the right lines. What wouldn't you cheerfully pay to insure your boy a fine big manhood? Along with cheerful melodies and snappy rhythms, you give him company for his long working hours.

Prologue

Christmas Comes but Once a Year

YOU see, food has always played an important part in the preparations for Christmas. Everywhere the day is celebrated we find the holiday season demanding special foods that have their own significance. And whether stockings are hung, as in England; or whether shoes are set out, as in Germany, Holland, Sweden, and France; whether it is the American Santa Claus with reindeer or airplane, St. Nicholas of Holland and Germany with his white horse, Pere Noel of France, the Brownie Nisson of Denmark, or Befana who rides a broomstick in Italy, Christmas is Christmas all over the world, and not to be prepared with certain well- known delicacies on the pantry shelf is a great tragedy indeed.

Let's Make Candy for the Holidays

WHAT shall the Christmas-candy boxes contain? My answer is "something old and something new," and homemade candy of course. There is something about bubbling pans of sirup, scenting the kitchen with their fragrance, and packing different kinds of candy into pretty boxes, that makes Christmastime and gift-giving a gayer and happier time. At least it has always seemed so to me, and I recommend the practice both for the holiday spirit it imparts and the economy it affords.

House-Plant Success Is Due Largely to Knowledge of These Tips

"SHE has great luck in growing plants in the house." "Yes, I am sure of it, because I have tried to copy her methods but have never succeeded.

You Will Get Some Good Ideas From This Modern House

HERE is a house of six rooms-- six rooms and the usual dependencies that go to serve them. There are stairs that lead from one floor to another and corridors that conneet the rooms. It is equipped with closets and cupboards, entries and shelters.

Garden Greens and Christmas Reds

"GREETINGS, Junior Gardeners," gayly calls Cousin Marion as she stands at the open door of the Hollyhock Lane Garden House.

Rebuilt, Gardened, at the End of the Road

MANY of the large estates which were so plentiful in Santa Barbara, California, a number of years ago have been subdivided into very interesting smaller building sites, and among these is one situated on the side of the steep crescent-shape hill which partially encircles the town.

Some Pointers on Feeding Your Pet

"WHAT shall I feed them?" asked Mrs. Phillip Bronson, as she paid for a pair of lovebirds.

These Miniature Water Gardens

THE water garden is the simplest form of dish garden. It requires only pebbles or stones, a plant to be arranged with them in picture suggestion of the outdoors, water, and a decorative dish which in some way forms a note of color harmony on table or desk or by a window.

New Books That Fit Each Stocking

WITH so many perfectly fascinating books in the world, and so many people hungering for particular volumes they don't own, isn't it a shame that money should ever be spent for misfits? Yet it happens every Christmas. However, it is my sincere hope that this article may do its bit to prevent a few of those unnecessary tragedies. Read it carefully!

A House That Invites Ownership

WHERE savings are necessary, compactness is the soul of economy in building the home-- not only economy of building but of heating, care, and upkeep. Moreover, compactness of plan also makes for economy of effort on the part of the homemaker in keeping house, or we might say, keeping the home comfortable.

Choose Wisely to Obtain Beauty Underfoot

"WHAT shall I do with the floor?" appears to be an eternal question in most of our homes, whether we are starting to furnish or just refurnishing. And this is a fortunate time to ask, for the decorative world underfoot is full of new ideas, new color, and new beauty.

Their Own Christmas Money to Spend

HOW do you manage children's Christmas-giving; that is, both selection of gifts and the money involved?

The Artcraft Department's Toyland

EVEN in Toyland distinction may be gained by that handmade touch which sets toys apart from the mill-made thousands. Hand-dressed dolls sell at a premium, and handmade ones are often the cleverest of gifts. Ideas and patterns that we suggest on this subject are so simple to make that you will have time to do them before Christmas, even tho this happy date is just around the corner!

Notes From a Gardener's Scrapbook

LARGE shade trees may be moved any time during the winter. In buying such trees, select those which are good, healthy specimens showing a good growth for the past few seasons.

A Flower Border for the South

FLOWERS bloomed in my border from the middle of April until Christmas last year, and most of the time the border was a mass of color. At no time was it ragged or unsightly. With a little care in picking the faded blooms and cutting back the wilted foliage it, was always pleasing.

My Neighbor Turns a Candlestick

BILL, my neighbor, works in an office, but he gets a lot of fun out of his basement workshop.

The Question Before the House

QUESTIONS concerning any part of home building, financing, planning, upkeep, or repair are answered by this department. Those questions of general interest are answered here. Others are answered direct. With your questions end a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Aids to Better Housekeeping

HOUSE gifts are often as much or even more appreciated than personal gifts, and they are always useful, which is another point in their favor.

"WHERE ARE YOU on Tuesday afternoons?"

LAST night Bob came rushing in half an hour earlier than he had been home in weeks.

WHEN A WOMAN SHOPS

CHRISTMAS-CARD fashions have changed. It has, of course, long ceased to be permissible to send a card uninclosed in an envelope. We are also forsaking the tinsley, overdecorated cards for those of more simple design and more interesting textures.

Article Price List

Handy Tips

The Children's Pleasure Chest

CHRISTMAS Eve again, with the same busy snow fairies spreading a tip-toe carpet over the hills and highways in preparation for Santa's arrival from the Northland.

Here Are Gifts You Can Make!

MARY ELIZABETH has been making some cunning place cards. Your mother would enjoy having them, too, for the feast-day dinner.

The New Better Homes and Gardens Scrapbook

How to Light Your Home Grounds

HERE are suggestions which will help you to decorate and light your home grounds in the true Christmas spirit:

Gulf Coast Notes

Figs planted from cuttings this month will be bearing 18 months from now. A sucker taken from the roots of an old tree or 6 inches of good healthy wood from the end of a branch will root readily if stuck into the ground until only a few inches or one joint remains above ground.

ACROSS THE EDITOR'S DESK

A WEALTHY old banker once told me the secret of his success. It was very simple and very obvious, and yet so few people follow the recipe. It was: "Buy when everyone else is selling; sell when everyone else is buying."