There is little difference between the enameled iron, vitreous china and porcelain or marble as far as the retention of heat is concerned, or the feeling from bodily contact. There are in every kiln some fixtures that are not quite perfect; they are called "seconds," and catalogued as "Class B" goods, with a lower price.
The weight of massive plumbing in a frame dwelling is considerable and will cause a settlement of the floors unless carefully supported.
The fashions in tubs are many. The usual shape is square at the foot and round at the head-at the foot are the waste and supply pipes which are made in several combinations. The double bath cock, which gives hot or cold water or a mixture of both, is advisable for tubs-the small cup between the faucets is a ring tray and can be replaced with a soap dish if desired. Most shower-baths have a shampoo attachment or body spray that can be used instead of the overhead shower, so that the head and hair are kept dry if desired, and if a shower is not to be installed this can be provided in the tub.
The bathroom to-day finds great need of such built-in conveniences as wall chests and cupboards. These should be arranged for at the time the house is built
A tub incased in tile is a perfectly sanitary treatment, and in some cases the tub has been sunk into the floor a foot and then incased to avoid the high step necessary to get into the tub. The plunge—sunk in the floor—is an unusual treatment that permits more freedom of movement than the tub; but the tile, when wet, is slippery, and I should expect one might carelessly slip in with fatal results. Roman tubs are alike at each end—with fixtures in the middle of one side of the rim. Solid porcelain tubs rest on the floor, set into the tile. The ideal position for the tub, if there is available room, is with the foot against a wall and ample room on either side to get in or out of it. Tubs are made in lengths ranging from 4 ft. to 6 feet, and about 30 inches in width over rims.
This room contains the desirable articles and fixtures for the modern bathroom in a very satisfactory arrangement. There is the latest thing in nickel plumbing and modern equipment, but at the same time there is an attractiveness that is so lacking in the cold, hospital type of room
