This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1907. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXII THE END OF IT ALL E smack of age, the relish of the saltness of time; it is this which is so delightfully asso A ciated with the old. The love for things of the past has in all ages exerted its appeal; the fascination of the old is perennial and imperishable. The attraction of the "fine last-century face" appealed to Charles Lamb, just as things of his own time appeal to us. Savage old Bajazet loved, in his moments of relaxation, to examine tapestry depicting ancient history. Generals, statesmen, artists, the average man and the average woman, all alike are susceptible to the allurement of bygone days. And in no respect is a love for things of the past more justified than in the desire to possess stately and beautiful and charming furniture of the olden, long-past time. Stately and beautiful and charming--in this lies the important point. The furniture which one is to gather should have grace or beauty or dignity, or all three. Age alone is always sufficient to arouse interest; but age alone is not enough to justify permanent possession. Naturally, the older a piece is, the less does it positively demand other attractions. Henry James has somewhere remarked that the very old can never look quite vulgar. Yet Methuselah pieces, notable for years alone and with no other justification for being, should be avoided. Gather things which it will be a restful delight to look upon. Gather, too, for use. Each article of furniture should be both charming and indispensable. And, so far as possible, strive for harmony of effect. Let each piece be in the fit and proper place to add to the general impression. It is upon the heedful observance of points such as these; points which seem to be of self-evident importance but which are far too often unheeded; that the g...