Art. Furnishing.

The art of furnishing has taken such strides within the last ten years that one needs to study the subject well in order to keep up with the times. An is the great object before every one's eyes now-a-days, and whether they be artistic or not, they must obey its mandates or be content to be out of the fashion. And certainly we cannot find much fault with the carpets, curtains, furniture, &c., that artistic taste designs. They are nearly all pretty and graceful, and, indeed, are infinitely nicer than our old, stiff style of furnishing, with a round table in the centre of the room, and the half dozen chain and sofas ranged against the wall. But all this beauty of decoration requires great thought and care to ensure its being a complete and unique success, and not a bad imitation of the more fortunate efforts of others.

My intention is to ensure success to all who will take the trouble to ask my advice on any point which will assist them in furnishing their house artisticalty and prettily. This page will be kept open for correspondence on this subject of furnishing, and all letters will receive due and prompt attention at my hands. Letters must be received not later than the first week in each month if the writer is anxious to receive a reply in the next number of Zealandia.

I have every opportunity for knowing the latest and best designs in furniture and art materials, and have studied the subject well. I shall do my utmost to please my correspondents and to satisfactorily solve all the difficulties of this kind about which they may seek my aid. To do this effectually, however, the statement of what is wanted and the description of materials in hand, and the room to be dealt with, should be as full and clear as possible. I can only deal with one room at a time for each correspondent.—Annette.