In the case of the stationary cleaner, the mechanism is larger and the air producer and dust collector are in the cellar or basement, and the dust conduit impartially spreads itself throughout the house through walls and ceilings and politely connects at convenient intervals with the cleaning tool, via the agency of the vents in baseboards. With this cleaner the only thing that is manipulated by the worker is the cleaning tool which “bites the dust.” [Illustration: _Courtesy of American Radiator Co._ LOOKING FOR THE DUST WHICH WAS SUCKED DOWN FROM ABOVE STAIRS!] PROS AND CONS But why should you have the installed cleaner? Why not have the portable? The fact is that neither of these cleaners is in competition very directly. But let us quote an expert who has given most of his time to the subject of air cleaning: “There is unquestionably a legitimate field for both types of cleaners, but the stationary type more nearly reaches the ideal.” The next statement of his will explain that: “If we observe the action of the wind in an open field, we find that a gentle breeze will move light material.... If the breeze changes to a hurricane, we find that the moving air has the power ... to move anything in its path, including fences, trees, houses, etc.” Therefore in considering purchasing a cleaner you must ask yourself first: “Do I want a gentle breeze or a little hurricane in my home? That’s the first and foremost question! Is my home large enough to afford the much more expensive plant which makes the hurricane, at a higher running cost; or isn’t the portable just the thing I need because of its various adaptabilities and small running and installation costs?” It has been held against the installed vacuum cleaner that it is-- 1. Expensive. 2. Unusual skill must be employed in installation. 3. Suction is altered by length of pipe. 4. Cost of operation is high. 5. Wear and tear on the house too great. 6. It must be installed when the house is built. Of course the stationary type is more expensive than the portables, because of the larger machine, the indefinitely long pipe system and the larger motor. The motor has from six to twelve times and upwards the horsepower of the portable machine. It is, therefore, more costly to run because it eats up more electricity, but it can do heavier work and quicker. Great skill must be employed in the installation of all machinery. Not long ago mistakes were made when putting in the air system, but now engineers know this department of work as well as they know gas and electric installations, and with the length of hose used there is no lessening of suction because of the construction of the entire pipeage.