With regard to both the stout and thin, it may be said that while the quantity and kind of food which is put into the body is unquestionably the greatest factor in maintaining a proper balance between its waste and repair, its income and outgo of energy, it is necessary to take a common-sense view of all the circumstances of each individual case: to make sure that there is no organ of the body whose functions are improperly performed; to avoid alike the temptation, on the one hand, to decreased activity, and, on the other, the tendency to over-exertion; to lead a well-balanced and hygienic life; and to practise, not only with regard to the pleasures of the table, but in everything that pertains to both physical and mental health, that wise choice and accustomed self control that are the mark of the highest type of humanity. * * * * * When thou dost tell another's jest, therein Omit the oaths, which true wit cannot need: Pick out of tales the mirth, but not the sin. He pares his apple that will cleanly feed. --_George Herbert._ HOME IDEAS AND ECONOMIES Contributions to this department will be gladly received. Accepted items will be paid for at reasonable rates. A Handy Laundry Bag A convenient laundry bag for use in each sleeping apartment is easily made of a square piece of stout material of desired size, hemmed round the edge, and having a two-inch strap of the material securely sewed to each corner. When the four straps are slipped over a closet hook, a handy bag is formed, easily accessible at four different places, and easily emptied of every article by simply dropping one of the corners. Such bags are pretty, made in colors to correspond with the room in which they are used. When desiring to carry the soiled clothes to the laundry in the receptacle in which they are gathered, these square bags will be found much easier to handle than the long ones. Assisting Memory One of the great helps in my housekeeping is a small blackboard on my kitchen wall. Any special plan, anything about the house that I discover requires attention, or any list of materials desired, are noted on this board. I then dismiss the matter from my mind. Each morning I look it over carefully, erasing anything that has been disposed of or passed by, place on it any new record necessary, and note the special duties of the day or week. In this way I am reminded of the many duties of my housekeeping without being unduly burdened with them. If more conscientious housewives would try this plan, I think there would be fewer nervous women. It is the carrying of the multitudinous duties of housekeeping in the memory long before they are actually performed that proves so burdensome. An Improvised Coat Closet