The household models come in 46″, 42″, 37″, 32″ actual ironing widths. The 46″ and 42″ seem to be popular with some manufacturers. The former is for 2¹⁄₂ yards or 90″ wide and 22″ small linen, and the latter for 2¹⁄₄ yards or 81″ wide or 20″ small linen. The 37″ for 2 yards-wide linen. Size 32″ takes up actually about 42″ × 26″ of floor space, the 37″--47″ × 26″, the 46″--58″ × 25″, etc. There is one ironing machine on the market that is separate from its base so that it can be set up in an apartment on the top of a radiator or on a 14″ shelf. This answers the wants of the “flat dweller.” It is an interesting fact that one agent in New York is shipping 1000 ironing machines daily, many of which go to Boston. This is due to the low rate of electricity that prevails in that city. And here’s a point:--even in some vicinities where the rate is low, where two lines only supply a whole state with electricity, it is not advisable to use electricity for machines. You must have a good current, even service, etc., to make it worth while. HOW TO OPERATE You light the burners on these machines as you light the gas, turn the electric switch and iron. It is quite simple and safe. Many of the machines have a pilot light to tell when the current (electric) is on or off. To heat by electricity all you do is to attach the cord to the ordinary wall socket. A hand-power machine is driven by turning a handle. Thirty-five turns a minute is the right speed. It can be converted any time into a belt-driven machine and attached to the washing machine or anything else that goes by motor. The saving in health of operator whether wife or servant and the saving of the life of linens, etc., is beyond computation. The best type of ironer has (1) the stationary ironing shoe under which the felt padded cylinder revolves. This insures evenly distributed heat and avoids the chance of scorching clothes. In some machines this shoe can be set back in case of accident and prevents the clothes on roller from being burnt. (2) Feed board instead of lever. This gives more rapid control and is more responsive to the touch. (3) Electric switch instead of lever or feed board. A FEW PERTINENT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS How long would it take to iron a table cloth by the machine? About three or four minutes in comparison to twenty-five or thirty by the expert laundress using an electric iron. A saving in current and time. What about handsome linens with heavy initials? “The pad on the roller should be plenty soft enough to imbed not only the initials but carry buttons and not break them!” “What things can’t you iron with it?” “Only fancy waists and skirts. Laces can be beautifully done and, of course, all the table and bed linens, trousers, etc., etc., etc.” “How big are these machines?”