Studying Toys

A writer in the New York Commercial Advertiser points out that one can study international architecture and continental customs in a delightful way from the Christmas toys. Most of these come from Germany and they bear the stamp of the country so plainly that the custom of mark'ng each toy "Made in Germany" is quite superfluous. For example, the dolls' houses are made in exact imitations of the snug villas of a Germán town. No cottages with tjueen Anne vagar i es and unexpected turrets and cupolas of painted wood, but stone and stuoco elaborately ornamented and balconied, the sort of houses that must give tlie Germán governesses who bring thsir charges to see the toys poignant "heimweh." Then there are the shops. Grocers in America do not sell drugs, nor do chemists dispense wine with their pills and powders. But in these toy groceries and chemist shops all manner of things are sold by a dapper young man with red cheeks, a black coat and checked trousers. Elegauce of habiliment is essential to success in trade in Europe. Even the table articles are European. The appetizing wax chicken, on its cress-garnished platter, does not seem unfamiliar, but would not the average American child De puzziea oy üisnes of lentils, cabbage stuffed with chestnuts, bologna sausages, Brie cheese, fresh figs and other delicacles dear to Frenen and Germán epicúrea?