The kitchen floor is a more difficult problem, as the wear and tear is so much greater than suffered by the walls. However, paint and varnish manufacturers have the problem well in hand and there are paints and stains on the market and varnishes, too, which withstand wear and tear, heat, grease, steam, gases and every other normal nuisance. Of course, this holds good only if they are applied correctly. Floor varnishes should dry in forty-eight hours. Dressings for revivifying linoleums are on the market, but beware of poor ones. Don’t be afraid to investigate! This is another mandate to the Domiologist! And bear in mind that floor varnishes and stains should be able to stand dragging furniture and foot wear, should be tough, withstand shock or abrasion, and be unaffected by normal contact with moisture. Good surfaces will give enduring service and will permit the scrubbing and washing of floors almost indefinitely. New coats can be added as the wear and tear demands. In addition to paints there are varnishes and stains combined which give effect of natural stain, and these applied to floors are more than satisfactory. These combinations, too, are useful on linoleums that have aged. These materials are made, it must be understood, to stand wear. Do not ever think of applying a wall stain or paint to the floor, as the floor compositions are made to withstand different use. Before using a stain, etc., on linoleum it is well to get advice from a linoleum firm or a topnotch paint firm. ENAMELS OR PIGMENT VARNISHES Probably nothing gives the Domiologist more delight than the effect a fine white enamel gives the objects over which it is laid. Here is a way to keep the kitchen a real blonde! There are many of these enamels on the market which give the refreshing aspect to the kitchen. Many of them have the appearance of porcelain, and can be kept clean with little trouble. They can be bought in the glossy finish or the flat or dull or mat finish. All the woodwork of the kitchen can be treated with enamels if a charming kitchen is wanted. The high cost of construction to-day demands the protecting powers of paints. The beauty theory of paint still holds good, but the protective power is predominant and most important. The use of a good floor oil has been proven by Dr. Wallace Maunheimer to reduce the quantity of dust in a room from 80% to 100%. Flying dust is the aeroplane of disease. Oils, paint and varnish the anti-aircraft guns! And, finally, read the directions on the can, get the admirable books of directions mailed gratis by the service departments of manufacturers of paint, and _buy the best_. And do not fail to realize that the kitchen with a good complexion augurs well for the complexion of every one in the house. CHAPTER XXIV THE GREAT AMERICAN DISH