The effect of the colors upon the emotions was similar to that which is sometimes produced by an exquisite strain of music. Who can say how much of subtle refining influence may be exerted by such things? Regarded as a general thing only in the light of the ornamental, they are too often looked upon as luxuries, and therefore dispensable; but whatever ministers to the esthetic side of the mind must be elevating, and the influence of neatness, of beautiful surroundings, of harmonious colors, of art in any form, inevitably produces an effect upon character. In time such surroundings become necessities, and when the individual is deprived of them they are missed, and he feels a sense of dissatisfaction with those of meaner kind--perhaps dissatisfaction with a poorer or lower life in any way--and imperceptibly these seeming ornaments of existence may be the means which shall lift many an one into a higher plane of life, so that, aside from their practical value, all the niceties of household affairs may have a lasting effect for good upon character. To be progressive, one must be constantly in a frame of mind to learn, and ever on the alert for information. Fashions change in serving foods as in other things. However, there are certain fixed principles which always remain unchanged. Perfect neatness, orderly and pleasing arrangement, and harmonious coloring are ever essential. For the invalid's tray use the prettiest china obtainable. In a private house there are always some choice and precious pieces--teacups, quaint silver pitchers and spoons, pretty plates, and delicate thin tumblers. These will be gladly placed at the disposal of the sick one, especially if the nurse will volunteer to be responsible for them. To prepare a meal for an invalid after planning the food, the first necessary articles are a tray clean on both sides, a neat napkin to spread over it, and exquisitely clean dishes done by a servant known to be neat, or by one's self. It not infrequently happens, especially in houses in which the mistress leaves everything to the servants, and never goes into the kitchen, that dishes are washed in such surroundings of dirt, and wiped with such unclean towels, as to be dangerous for any one to use. It is therefore necessary for a nurse to understand about such matters, and to see to it that her patient's dishes are above suspicion. In fact, it is a dainty attention on her part to care entirely for the tray-dishes of her charge. In some forms of disease it is absolutely necessary, in order to prevent contagion, that a nurse should attend altogether to the tray and dishes, for it would almost never occur that any member of a household would understand an effectual method of sterilization.