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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, A Treatise on Domestic Economy, by Catherine
+Esther Beecher
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: A Treatise on Domestic Economy
+       For the Use of Young Ladies at Home and at School
+
+
+Author: Catherine Esther Beecher
+
+
+
+Release Date: June 14, 2007  [eBook #21829]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A TREATISE ON DOMESTIC ECONOMY***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Jason Isbell, Karen Dalrymple, and the Project
+Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net)
+
+
+
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+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+      Page numbers 10 and 370 were skipped in the original text;
+      they are not missing. There were two pages 355 and 356 in
+      the original; the two between page 354 and the first page
+      355 have been renumbered 354a and 345b and references to
+      them in the text changed accordingly.
+
+      Printer errors were corrected silently and hyphenation was
+      made consistent, but variant spellings have been preserved.
+
+
+
+
+
+A TREATISE ON DOMESTIC ECONOMY,
+
+For the Use of Young Ladies at Home, and at School.
+
+by
+
+MISS CATHERINE E. BEECHER.
+
+Revised Edition,
+With Numerous Additions and Illustrative Engravings.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+New-York:
+Harper & Brothers, 82 Cliff Street.
+1845.
+
+Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1842, by
+Thomas H. Webb, & Co.,
+in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts.
+
+
+
+
+TO
+
+AMERICAN MOTHERS,
+
+whose intelligence and virtues have inspired admiration and respect,
+whose experience has furnished many valuable suggestions, in this work,
+whose approbation will be highly valued, and whose influence, in
+promoting the object aimed at, is respectfully solicited, this work is
+dedicated, by their friend and countrywoman,
+
+THE AUTHOR.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+TO THE THIRD EDITION.
+
+
+The author of this work was led to attempt it, by discovering, in her
+extensive travels, the deplorable sufferings of multitudes of young
+wives and mothers, from the combined influence of _poor health_, _poor
+domestics_, _and a defective domestic education_. The number of young
+women whose health is crushed, ere the first few years of married life
+are past, would seem incredible to one who has not investigated this
+subject, and it would be vain to attempt to depict the sorrow,
+discouragement, and distress experienced in most families where the wife
+and mother is a perpetual invalid.
+
+The writer became early convinced that this evil results mainly from the
+fact, that young girls, especially in the more wealthy classes, _are not
+trained for their profession_. In early life, they go through a course
+of school training which results in great debility of constitution,
+while, at the same time, their physical and domestic education is almost
+wholly neglected. Thus they enter on their most arduous and sacred
+duties so inexperienced and uninformed, and with so little muscular and
+nervous strength, that probably there is not _one chance in ten_, that
+young women of the present day, will pass through the first years of
+married life without such prostration of health and spirits as makes
+life a burden to themselves, and, it is to be feared, such as seriously
+interrupts the confidence and happiness of married life.
+
+The measure which, more than any other, would tend to remedy this evil,
+would be to place _domestic economy_ on an equality with the other
+sciences in female schools. This should be done because it _can_ be
+properly and systematically taught (not _practically_, but as a
+_science_), as much so as _political economy_ or _moral science_, or any
+other branch of study; because it embraces knowledge, which will be
+needed by young women at all times and in all places; because this
+science can never be _properly_ taught until it is made a branch of
+_study_; and because this method will secure a dignity and importance in
+the estimation of young girls, which can never be accorded while they
+perceive their teachers and parents practically attaching more value to
+every other department of science than this. When young ladies are
+taught the construction of their own bodies, and all the causes in
+domestic life which tend to weaken the constitution; when they are
+taught rightly to appreciate and learn the most convenient and
+economical modes of performing all family duties, and of employing time
+and money; and when they perceive the true estimate accorded to these
+things by teachers and friends, the grand cause of this evil will be
+removed. Women will be trained to secure, as of first importance, a
+strong and healthy constitution, and all those rules of thrift and
+economy that will make domestic duty easy and pleasant.
+
+To promote this object, the writer prepared this volume as a _text-book_
+for female schools. It has been examined by the Massachusetts Board of
+Education, and been deemed worthy by them to be admitted as a part of
+the Massachusetts School Library.
+
+It has also been adopted as a text-book in some of our largest and most
+popular female schools, both at the East and West.
+
+The following, from the pen of Mr. George B. Emmerson, one of the most
+popular and successful teachers in our country, who has introduced this
+work as a text-book in his own school, will exhibit the opinion of one
+who has formed his judgment from experience in the use of the work:
+
+"It may be objected that such things cannot be taught by books. Why not?
+Why may not the structure of the human body, and the laws of health
+deduced therefrom, be as well taught as the laws of natural philosophy?
+Why are not the application of these laws to the management of infants
+and young children as important to a woman as the application of the
+rules of arithmetic to the extraction of the cube root? Why may not the
+properties of the atmosphere be explained, in reference to the proper
+ventilation of rooms, or exercise in the open air, as properly as to the
+burning of steel or sodium? Why is not the human skeleton as curious and
+interesting as the air-pump; and the action of the brain, as the action
+of a steam-engine? Why may not the healthiness of different kinds of
+food and drink, the proper modes of cooking, and the rules in reference
+to the modes and times of taking them, be discussed as properly as rules
+of grammar, or facts in history? Are not the principles that should
+regulate clothing, the rules of cleanliness, the advantages of early
+rising and domestic exercise, as readily communicated as the principles
+of mineralogy, or rules of syntax? Are not the rules of Jesus Christ,
+applied to refine _domestic manners_ and preserve a _good temper_, as
+important as the abstract principles of ethics, as taught by Paley,
+Wayland, or Jouffroy? May not the advantages of neatness, system, and
+order, be as well illustrated in showing how they contribute to the
+happiness of a family, as by showing how they add beauty to a copy-book,
+or a portfolio of drawings? Would not a teacher be as well employed in
+teaching the rules of economy, in regard to time and expenses, or in
+regard to dispensing charity, as in teaching double, or single entry in
+bookkeeping? Are not the principles that should guide in constructing a
+house, and in warming and ventilating it properly, as important to young
+girls as the principles of the Athenian Commonwealth, or the rules of
+Roman tactics? Is it not as important that children should be taught the
+dangers to the mental faculties, when over-excited on the one hand, or
+left unoccupied on the other, as to teach them the conflicting theories
+of political economy, or the speculations of metaphysicians? For
+ourselves, we have always found children, especially girls, peculiarly
+ready to listen to what they saw would prepare them for future duties.
+The truth, that education should be _a preparation for actual, real
+life_, has the greatest force with children. The constantly-recurring
+inquiry, 'What will be _the use_ of this study?' is always satisfied by
+showing, that it will prepare for any duty, relation, or office which,
+in the natural course of things, will be likely to come.
+
+"We think this book extremely well suited to be used as a text-book in
+schools for young ladies, and many chapters are well adapted for a
+reading book for children of both sexes."
+
+To this the writer would add the testimony of a lady who has used this
+work with several classes of young girls and young ladies. She remarked
+that she had never known a school-book that awakened more interest, and
+that some young girls would learn a lesson in this when they would study
+nothing else. She remarked, also, that when reciting the chapter on the
+construction of houses, they became greatly interested in inventing
+plans of their own, which gave an opportunity to the teacher to point
+out difficulties and defects. Had this part of domestic economy been
+taught in schools, our land would not be so defaced with awkward,
+misshapen, inconvenient, and, at the same time, needlessly expensive
+houses, as it now is.
+
+Although the writer was trained to the care of children, and to perform
+all branches of domestic duty, by some of the best of housekeepers, much
+in these pages is offered, not as the result of her own experience, but
+as what has obtained the approbation of some of the most judicious
+mothers and housekeepers in the nation. The articles on Physiology and
+Hygiene, and those on horticulture, were derived from standard works on
+these subjects, and are sanctioned by the highest authorities.
+
+_The American Housekeeper's Receipt Book_ is another work prepared by
+the author of the Domestic Economy, in connexion with several
+experienced housekeepers, and is designed for a supplement to this work.
+On pages 354a and 354b will be found the Preface and Analysis of
+that work, the two books being designed for a complete course of
+instructions on every department of Domestic Economy.
+
+The copyright interest in these two works is held by a board of
+gentlemen appointed for the purpose, who, after paying a moderate
+compensation to the author for the time and labour spent in preparing
+these works, will employ all the remainder paid over by the publishers,
+to aid in educating and locating such female teachers as wish to be
+employed in those portions of our country, which are most destitute of
+schools.
+
+The contract with the publisher provides that the publisher shall
+guaranty the sales and thus secure against any losses for bad debts, for
+which he shall receive five _per cent_. He shall charge twenty per cent.
+for commissions paid to retailers, and also the expenses of printing,
+paper, and binding, at the current market prices, and make no other
+charges. The net profits thus determined are then to be divided equally,
+the publishers taking one half, and paying the other half to the board
+above mentioned.
+
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+PREFACE,                                                              7
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+PECULIAR RESPONSIBILITIES OF AMERICAN WOMEN.
+
+American Women should feel a peculiar Interest in Democratic
+Institutions. The Maxim of our Civil Institutions. Its Identity
+with the main Principle of Christianity. Relations involving
+Subordination; why they are needful. Examples. How these Relations
+are decided in a Democracy. What decides the Equity of any Law or
+Institution. The Principle of Aristocracy. The Tendency of
+Democracy in Respect to the Interests of Women. Illustrated in the
+United States. Testimony of De Tocqueville. Miss Martineau's
+Misrepresentations. In what Respects are Women subordinate? and
+why? Wherein are they equal or superior in Influence? and how are
+they placed by Courtesy? How can American Women rectify any real
+Disadvantages involved in our Civil Institutions? Opinion of De
+Tocqueville as to the Influence and Example of American Democracy.
+Responsibilities involved in this View, especially those of
+American Women,                                                       25
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+DIFFICULTIES PECULIAR TO AMERICAN WOMEN.
+
+A Law of Moral Action to be noted. Its Application. Considerations
+to be borne in Mind, in appreciating peculiar Trials. Application
+to American Women. Difference between this and Aristocratic
+Countries. How this affects the Interests of American Women. Effect
+of Wealth, in this Country, on Domestic Service. Effects on the
+Domestic Comfort of Women. Second peculiar Trial of American Women.
+Extent of this Evil. The Writer's Observation on this Point.
+Effects on the Anticipations of Mothers and Daughters. Infrequency
+of Healthful Women in the Wealthy Classes. Causes which operate to
+undermine the Female Constitution. Excitement of Mind. Course of
+Intellectual Training. Taxation, in Domestic Life, of American
+Mothers and Housekeepers. Exercise and Fresh Air needful to
+balance Mental Excitement. Defect in American, compared with
+English, Customs, in this Respect. Difference in the Health and
+Youthfulness of Appearance between English and American Mothers.
+Liabilities of American Women to the uncommon Exposures of a New
+Country. Remarks of De Tocqueville and the Writer on this Point,      38
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+REMEDIES FOR THE PRECEDING DIFFICULTIES.
+
+First Remedy suggested. Obligations of Wealthy Ladies on this
+Point. How a Dearth of Domestics may prove a Blessing. Second
+Remedy. Domestic Economy should be taught in Schools. Third Remedy.
+Reasons for endowing Colleges and Professional Schools. Similar
+Reasons exist for endowing Female Institutions. Present Evils in
+conducting Female Education. A Sketch of a Model Female
+Institution. Accommodations provided. Mode of securing Exercise to
+Pupils. Objections to this answered. Calisthenics. Course of
+Intellectual Discipline adopted. Mode of Division of Labor adopted.
+Example of Illinois in Regard to Female Education. Economy of
+Health and Time secured by such Institutions. Plan suggested for
+the Early Education of Young Girls. Last Remedy suggested,            48
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+ON DOMESTIC ECONOMY AS A BRANCH OF STUDY.
+
+Impediment to making Domestic Economy a Study at School. First
+Reason why it should be so made. State of Domestic Service
+precarious. Second Reason. Examples illustrating. Third Reason.
+Questions asked. First Objection; how answered. Next Objection; how
+answered. Next Objection; how answered. Last Reason,                  63
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+ON THE CARE OF HEALTH.
+
+Importance of a Knowledge of the Laws of Health, and of the Human
+System, to Females. Construction of the Human Frame. BONES;
+their Structure, Design, and Use. Engraving and Description. Spinal
+Column. Engravings of Vertebrae. Exercise of the Bones. MUSCLES;
+their Constitution, Use, and Connection with the Bones. Engraving and
+Description. Operation of Muscles. NERVES; their Use. Spinal
+Column. Engravings and Descriptions. Distortions of the Spine.
+Engravings and Descriptions. BLOOD-VESSELS; their Object.
+Engravings and Descriptions. The Heart, and its Connection with the
+System. Engravings and Descriptions. ORGANS OF DIGESTION AND
+RESPIRATION. Engraving and Description. Process of Digestion.
+Circulation of the Blood. Process of Respiration. Necessity of Pure
+Air. THE SKIN. Process of Perspiration. Insensible Perspiration.
+Heat of the Body. Absorbents. Importance of frequent Ablutions and
+Change of Garments. Follicles of Oily Matter in the Skin. Nerves of
+Feeling,                                                              68
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+ON HEALTHFUL FOOD.
+
+Responsibility of a Housekeeper in Regard to Health and Food. The
+most fruitful Cause of Disease. Gastric Juice; how proportioned.
+Hunger the Natural Guide as to Quantity of Food. A Benevolent
+Provision; how perverted, and its Effects. A Morbid Appetite, how
+caused. Effects of too much Food in the Stomach. Duty of a
+Housekeeper in Reference to this. Proper Time for taking Food.
+Peristaltic Motion. Need of Rest to the Muscles of the Stomach.
+Time necessary between each Meal. Exceptions of hard Laborers and
+active Children. Exercise; its Effect on all parts of the Body. How
+it produces Hunger. What is to be done by those who have lost the
+Guidance of Hunger in regulating the Amount of Food. On Quality of
+Food. Difference as to Risk from bad Food, between Healthy Persons
+who exercise, and those of Delicate and Sedentary Habits.
+Stimulating Food; its Effects. Condiments needed only for Medicine,
+and to be avoided as Food. Difference between Animal and Vegetable
+Food. Opinion of some Medical Men. Medical Men agree as to the
+Excess of Animal Food in American Diet. Extracts from Medical
+Writers on this Point. Articles most easily digested. The most
+Unhealthful Articles result from bad cooking. Caution as to Mode of
+Eating. Reason why Mental and Bodily Exertions are injurious after
+a full Meal. Changes in Diet should be gradual; and why. Drink most
+needed at Breakfast; and why. Dinner should be the heartiest Meal;
+and why. Little Drink to be taken while eating; and why. Extremes
+of Heat or Cold; why injurious in Food. Fluids immediately absorbed
+from the Stomach. Why Soups are hard of Digestion. Case of Alexis
+St. Martin. Why highly-concentrated Nourishment is not good for
+Health. Beneficial Effects of using Unbolted Flour. Scarcity of
+Wheat under William Pitt's Administration, and its Effects. Causes
+of a Debilitated Constitution from the Misuse of Food,                94
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+ON HEALTHFUL DRINKS.
+
+Responsibility of a Housekeeper in this Respect. Stimulating Drinks
+not required for the Perfection of the Human System. Therefore
+they are needless. First Evil in using them. Second Evil. Five
+Kinds of Stimulating Articles in Use in this Country. First
+Argument in Favor of Stimulants, and how answered. Second Argument;
+how answered. The Writer's View of the Effects of Tea and Coffee on
+American Females. Duty in Reference to Children. Black Tea the most
+harmless Stimulant. Warm Drinks not needful. Hot Drinks injurious.
+Effect of Hot Drinks on Teeth. Mexican Customs and their Effects
+illustrating this. Opinion of Dr. Combe on this subject. Difference
+between the Stimulus of Animal Food and the Stimulating Drinks
+used. Common Habit of Drinking freely of Cold Water debilitating.
+Persons taking but little Exercise require but little Drink,         106
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+ON CLOTHING.
+
+Calculations made from Bills of Mortality; and Inference from them.
+Causes of Infant Mortality. Of the Circulation in Infancy. Warm
+Dress for Infants; and why. Investigations in France, and Results.
+Dangers from the opposite Extreme. Effects of too much Clothing.
+Rule of Safety. Featherbeds; why unhealthy in Warm Weather. Best
+Nightgowns for Young Children. Clothing; how to be proportioned.
+Irrational Dress of Women. Use of Flannel next the Skin. Evils of
+Tight Dresses to Women. False Taste in our Prints of Fashions.
+Modes in which Tight Dresses operate to weaken the Constitution.
+Rule of Safety as to Looseness of Dress. Example of English Ladies
+in Appropriateness of Dress,                                         112
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+ON CLEANLINESS.
+
+Importance of Cleanliness not realized, without a Knowledge of the
+Nature of the Skin. Foundation of the Maxim respecting the
+Healthfulness of Dirt. Office of the Skin. Other Organs which
+perform similar Duties. Amount of Matter daily exhaled by the Skin.
+Effect of a Chill upon the Skin, when perspiring. Illustration of
+this. Effect of closing the Pores of the Skin, with Dirt or other
+Matter. The Skin absorbs Matter into the Blood. Reasons for a Daily
+Ablution of the whole Body. Effects of Fresh Air on Clothing worn
+next the Skin. Americans compared with other Nations as to Care of
+the Skin. Cautions in Regard to a Use of the Bath. How to decide
+when Cold Bathing is useful. Warm Bath tends to prevent Colds; and
+why. When a Bath should be taken. Advantages of General Ablutions
+to Children. Care of the Teeth,                                      118
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+ON EARLY RISING.
+
+Universal Impression in Respect to this Practice. Why it should be
+regarded as American and Democratic. Practice in Aristocratic
+Circles in England. Appeal to American Women. First Consideration
+in Favor of Early Rising. Another Physiological Reason in its
+Favor. Another Reason. Time necessary for Sleep. Proper Hours for
+Rising and Retiring. Evils of protracted Sleep. Testimony of Sir
+John Sinclair. Another Reason for Early Rising. Responsibility of
+Parents for the Health and Industry of a Family. Effects of Early
+Rising on General Society,                                           122
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+ON DOMESTIC EXERCISE.
+
+Causes which produce Delicacy and Decay of the Female Constitution.
+Want of Exercise. Neglect of the Laws of Health. Want of Pure Air.
+Objectionable Amusements. Sleeping by Day. Want of Exercise a
+greater Cause of these Evils, than all the Others combined.
+Importance of understanding the Influence of the Neglect or Abuse
+of the Muscular System. Nerves of Sensation and of Motion. Both
+need Exercise. Rules for Exercise. Importance of a Feeling of
+Interest in taking Exercise. Walks merely for Exercise. Exercise
+most proper for Young Girls. Exercise, more than any Thing else,
+imparts fresh Strength and Vitality to all Parts of the Body.
+Mistakes of Mothers and Teachers on this Subject. Effects of
+neglecting to use the Muscles; Effects of excessive Use of them.
+Effect of School Confinement and Seats. Extract from the Young
+Lady's Friend. Lady Montagu. Daughter of a French Nobleman,          128
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+ON DOMESTIC MANNERS.
+
+What are Good-manners. Defect in American Manners. Coldness and
+Reserve of the Descendants of the Puritans accounted for. Cause of
+the Want of Courtesy in American Manners. Want of Discrimination.
+Difference of Principles regulating Aristocratic and Democratic
+Manners. Rules for regulating the Courtesies founded on Precedence
+of Age, Office, and Station, in a Democracy. Manners appropriate to
+Superiors and Subordinates. Miss Martineau's Remarks on the
+Universal Practice of Americans to give Precedence to Woman.
+Peculiar Defect of Americans in this Respect. This to be remedied
+in the Domestic Circle, alone. Rules of Precedence to be enforced
+in the Family. Manners and Tones towards Superiors to be regulated
+in the Family. Treatment of grown Brothers and Sisters by Young
+Children. Acknowledgement of Favors by Children to be required.
+Children to ask leave or apologize in certain Cases. Rules for
+avoiding Remarks that wound the Feelings of Others. Rules of
+Hospitality. Conventional Rules. Rules for Table Manners. Caution
+as to teaching these Rules to Children. Caution as to Allowances to
+be made for those deficient in Good-manners. Comparison of English
+and American Manners, by De Tocqueville. America may hope to excel
+all Nations in Refinement, Taste, and Good-breeding; and why.
+Effects of Wealth and Equalisation of Labor. Allusion to the
+Manners of Courts in the past Century,                               136
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+ON THE PRESERVATION OF A GOOD TEMPER IN A HOUSEKEEPER.
+
+Influence of a Housekeeper on Domestic Happiness. Contrasts to
+illustrate. Sympathy. Influence of Tones. Allowances to be made for
+Housekeepers. Considerations to aid in regulating Temper and Tones.
+First; Her Duties to be regarded as Dignified, Important, and
+Difficult. Second; She should feel that she really has Great
+Difficulties to meet and overcome. Third; She should deliberately
+calculate upon having her Plans interfered with, and be prepared
+for the Emergency. Fourth; All her Plans should be formed
+consistently with the Means at Command. Fifth; System, Economy, and
+Neatness, only valuable when they tend to promote the Comfort and
+Well-being of the Family. Sixth; Government of Tones of Voice. Some
+Persons think Angry Tones needful. They mistake. Illustration.
+Scolding, Unlady-like, and in Bad Taste. A Forgiving Spirit
+necessary. Seventh and Last Consideration offered; Right View of a
+Superintending Providence. Fretfulness and Complaining sinful,       148
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+ON HABITS OF SYSTEM AND ORDER.
+
+Question of the Equality of the Sexes, frivolous and useless.
+Relative Importance and Difficulty of the Duties a Woman is called
+to perform. Her Duties not trivial. More difficult than those of
+the Queen of a great Nation. A Habit of System and Order necessary.
+Right Apportionment of Time, General Principles. Christianity to be
+the Foundation. Intellectual and Social Interests to be preferred
+to Gratification of Taste or Appetite. The Latter to be last in our
+Estimation. No Sacrifice of Health allowable. Neglect of Health a
+Sin in the Sight of God. Regular Season of Rest appointed by the
+Creator. Divisions of Time. Systematic Arrangement of House
+Articles and other Conveniences. Regular Employment for each Member
+of a Family. Children can be of great Service. Boys should be
+taught Family Work. Advantage to them in Afterlife. Older Children
+to take Care of Infants of a Family,                                 155
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+ON GIVING IN CHARITY.
+
+No Point of Duty more difficult to fix by Rule, than Charity. First
+Consideration;--Object for which we are placed in this World. How to
+be perfectly happy. Self-denying Benevolence. Important Distinction.
+Second Consideration;--Natural Principles not to be exterminated,
+but regulated and controlled. All Constitutional Propensities good,
+and designed to be gratified. Their Abuses to be guarded against.
+Third Consideration;--Superfluities sometimes proper, and sometimes
+not. Fourth Consideration;--No Rule of Duty right for One and not
+for All. The Opposite of this Principle tested. Some Use of
+Superfluities necessary. Physical Gratifications should always be
+subordinate to Social, Intellectual, and Moral Advantages.
+Difficulties in the Way. Remarks upon them. Plan for Keeping an
+Account of Necessaries and Superfluities. Untoward Results of our
+Actions do not always prove that we deserve Blame. Examples of
+Conformity to the Rules here laid down. General Principles to guide
+in deciding upon Objects of Charity. Parable of Good Samaritan. Who
+are our Neighbors. Those most in Need to be first relieved.
+Intellectual and Moral Wants more necessary to be supplied than
+Physical. Not much Need of Charity in supplying Physical Wants in
+this Country. System of Associated Charities, in which many small
+Sums are combined. Indiscriminate Charity--Very injurious to
+Society, as a General Rule. Exceptions. Impropriety of judging of
+the Charities of Others,                                             167
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+ON ECONOMY OF TIME AND EXPENSES.
+
+_Economy of Time._ Value of Time. Right Apportionment of Time. Laws
+appointed by God for the Jews. Proportions of Property and Time the
+Jews were required to devote to Intellectual, Benevolent, and
+Religious Purposes. The Levites. The weekly Sabbath. The Sabbatical
+Year. Three sevenths of the Time of the Jews devoted to God's
+Service. Christianity removes the Restrictions laid on the Jews,
+but demands all our Time to be devoted to our own best Interests
+and the Good of our Fellow-men. Some Practical Good to be the
+Ultimate End of all our Pursuits. Enjoyment connected with the
+Performance of every Duty. Great Mistake of Mankind. A Final
+Account to be given of the Apportionment of our Time. Various Modes
+of economizing Time. System and Order. Uniting several Objects in
+one Employment. Employment of Odd Intervals of Time. We are bound
+to aid Others in economizing Time. _Economy in Expenses._ Necessity
+of Information on this Point. Contradictory Notions. General
+Principles in which all agree. Knowledge of Income and Expenses.
+Every One bound to do as much as she can to secure System and
+Order. Examples. Evils of Want of System and Forethought. Young
+Ladies should early learn to be systematic and economical.
+Articles of Dress and Furniture should be in Keeping with each
+other, and with the Circumstances of the Family. Mistaken Economy.
+Education of Daughters away from Home injudicious. Nice Sewing
+should be done at Home. Cheap Articles not always most economical.
+Buying by wholesale economical only in special cases. Penurious
+Savings made by getting the Poor to work cheap. Relative
+Obligations of the Poor and the Rich in Regard to Economy. Economy
+of Providence in the Unequal Distribution of Property. Carelessness
+of Expense not a Mark of Gentility. Beating down Prices improper in
+Wealthy People. Inconsistency in American would-be Fashionables,     180
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+ON HEALTH OF MIND.
+
+Intimate Connection between the Body and Mind. Brain excited by
+improper Stimulants taken into the Stomach. Mental Faculties then
+affected. Example of a Person having lost a Portion of his Skull.
+Causes of Mental Diseases. Want of Oxygenized Blood. Fresh Air
+absolutely necessary. Excessive Exercise of the Intellect or
+Feelings a Cause of Derangement. Such Attention to Religion, as
+prevents the Performance of other Duties, wrong. Teachers and
+Parents should look to this. Unusual Precocity in Children usually
+the Result of a Diseased Brain. Parents generally add Fuel to this
+Fever. Idiocy often the Result, or the Precocious Child sinks below
+the Average of Mankind. This Evil yet prevalent in Colleges and
+other Seminaries. A Medical Man necessary in every Seminary. Some
+Pupils always needing Restraint in Regard to Study. A Third Cause
+of Mental Disease, the Want of Appropriate Exercise of the Various
+Faculties of the Mind. Extract from Dr. Combe. Examples of Wealthy
+Ladies. Beneficial Results of active Intellectual Employments.
+Indications of a Diseased Mind,                                      195
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+ON THE CARE OF DOMESTICS.
+
+No Subject on which American Women need more Wisdom, Patience,
+Principle, and Self-control. Its Difficulties. Necessary Evils.
+Miseries of Aristocratic Lands. Wisdom of Conforming to Actual
+Circumstances. How to judge correctly respecting Domestics. They
+should be treated as we would expect to be under similar
+Circumstances. When Labor is scarce, its Value is increased.
+Instability of Domestics; how it may be remedied. Pride and
+Insubordination; how remedied. Abhorrence of Servitude a National
+Trait of Character. Domestics easily convinced of the Appropriateness
+of different Degrees of Subordination. Example. Domestics may be
+easily induced to be respectful in their Deportment, and appropriate
+in their Dress. Deficiencies of Qualifications for the Performance
+of their Duties; how remedied. Forewarning, better than Chiding.
+Preventing, better than finding Fault. Faults should be pointed
+out in a Kind Manner. Some Employers think it their Office and Duty
+to find Fault. Domestics should be regarded with Sympathy and
+Forbearance,                                                         204
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+ON THE CARE OF INFANTS.
+
+Necessity of a Knowledge of this Subject, to every Young Lady.
+Examples. Extracts from Doctors Combe, Bell, and Eberle. Half the
+Deaths of Infants owing to Mismanagement, and Errors in Diet.
+Errors of Parents and Nurses. Error of administering Medicines to
+Children, unnecessarily. Need of Fresh Air, Attention to Food,
+Cleanliness, Dress, and Bathing. Cholera Infantum not cured by
+Nostrums. Formation of Good Habits in Children,                      213
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+ON THE MANAGEMENT OF YOUNG CHILDREN.
+
+Physical Education of Children. Remark of Dr. Clark, and Opinion of
+other Medical Men. Many Popular Notions relating to Animal Food for
+Children, erroneous. The Formation of the Human Teeth and Stomach
+does not indicate that Man was designed to live on Flesh. Opinions
+of Linnaeus and Cuvier. Stimulus of Animal Food not necessary to
+Full Developement of the Physical and Intellectual Powers.
+Examples. Of Laplanders, Kamtschatkadales, Scotch Highlanders,
+Siberian Exiles, Africans, Arabs. Popular Notion that Animal Food
+is more Nourishing than Vegetable. Different Opinions on this
+Subject. Experiments. Opinions of Dr. Combe and others. Examples of
+Men who lived to a great Age. Dr. Franklin's Testimony. Sir Isaac
+Newton and others. Albany Orphan Asylum. Deleterious Practice of
+allowing Children to eat at short Intervals. Intellectual Training.
+Schoolrooms. Moral Character. Submission, Self-denial, and
+Benevolence, the three most important Habits to be formed in Early
+Life. Extremes to be guarded against. Medium Course. Adults
+sometimes forget the Value which Children set on Trifles. Example.
+Impossible to govern Children, properly, without appreciating the
+Value they attach to their Pursuits and Enjoyments. Those who
+govern Children should join in their Sports. This the best way to
+gain their Confidence and Affection. But Older Persons should never
+lose the Attitude of Superiors. Unsteadiness in Government.
+Illustrations. Punishment from unsteady Governors, does little
+Good. Over-Government. Want of Patience and Self-control in Parents
+and Governors. Example of Parents more effectual than their
+Precepts. Formation of Habits of Self-denial in Early Life. Denying
+Ourselves to promote the Happiness of Others. Habits of Honesty and
+Veracity. Habits of Modesty. Delicacy studiously to be cherished.
+Licentious and Impure Books to be banished. Bulwer a Licentious
+Writer, and to be discountenanced,                                   220
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+ON THE CARE OF THE SICK.
+
+Women frequently called upon to direct in Cases of Indisposition.
+Extremes to be avoided. Grand Cause of most Diseases, Excess in
+Eating and Drinking. Fasting useful. Extracts from Doctors Burne
+and Combe. Necessity of a Woman's Understanding the Nature and
+Operation of Common Medicines. Simple Electuary. Discretion
+required. Useful Directions in Regard to Nursing the Sick. Fresh
+Air absolutely necessary. Frequent Ablutions important. Dressing a
+Blister. Arrangements to be made beforehand, when practicable.
+Importance of Cleanliness; Nothing more annoying to the Sick, than
+a want of it. Necessity of a proper Preparation of Food, for the
+Sick. Physicians' Directions to be well understood and implicitly
+followed. Kindness, Patience, and Sympathy, towards the Sick,
+important. Impositions of Apothecaries. Drugs to be locked up from
+the Access of Children,                                              234
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+ON ACCIDENTS AND ANTIDOTES.
+
+Medical Aid should be promptly resorted to. Suffocation, from
+Substances in the Throat. Common Cuts. Wounds of Arteries, and
+other severe Cuts. Bruises. Sprains. Broken Limbs. Falls. Blows on
+the Head. Burns. Drowning. Poisons:--Corrosive Sublimate; Arsenic,
+or Cobalt; Opium; Acids; Alkalies. Stupefaction from Fumes of
+Charcoal, or from entering a Well, Limekiln, or Coalmine.
+Hemorrhage of the Lungs, Stomach, or Throat. Bleeding of the Nose.
+Dangers from Lightning,                                              240
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+ON DOMESTIC AMUSEMENTS AND SOCIAL DUTIES.
+
+Indefiniteness of Opinion on this Subject. Every Person needs some
+Recreation. General Rules. How much Time to be given. What
+Amusements proper. Those should always be avoided, which cause Pain,
+or injure the Health, or endanger Life, or interfere with important
+Duties, or are pernicious in their Tendency. Horse-racing,
+Circus-riding, Theatres, and Gambling. Dancing, as now conducted,
+does not conduce to Health of Body or Mind, but the contrary.
+Dancing in the Open Air beneficial. Social Benefits of Dancing
+considered. Ease and Grace of Manners better secured by a System of
+Calisthenics. The Writer's Experience. Balls going out of Fashion,
+among the more refined Circles. Novel-reading. Necessity for
+Discrimination. Young Persons should be guarded from Novels. Proper
+Amusements for Young Persons. Cultivation of Flowers and Fruits.
+Benefits of the Practice. Music. Children enjoy it. Collections of
+Shells, Plants, Minerals, &c. Children's Games and Sports. Parents
+should join in them. Mechanical Skill of Children to be encouraged.
+Other Enjoyments. Social Enjoyments not always considered in the
+List of Duties. Main Object of Life to form Character. Family
+Friendship should be preserved. Plan adopted by Families of the
+Writer's Acquaintance. Kindness to Strangers. Hospitality. Change of
+Character of Communities in Relation to Hospitality. Hospitality
+should be prompt. Strangers should be made to feel at their Ease,    244
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSES.
+
+Importance to Family Comfort of well-constructed Houses. Rules for
+constructing them. Economy of Labor. Large Houses. Arrangement of
+Rooms. Wells and Cisterns. Economy of Money. Shape and Arrangement
+of Houses. Porticoes, Piazzas, and other Ornaments. Simplicity to
+be preferred. Fireplaces. Economy of Health. Outdoor Conveniences.
+Doors and Windows. Ventilation. Economy of Comfort. Domestics.
+Spare Chambers. Good Taste. Proportions. Color and Ornaments.
+_Plans of Houses and Domestic Conveniences._ Receipts for
+Whitewash,                                                           258
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+ON FIRES AND LIGHTS.
+
+Wood Fires. Construction of Fireplaces. Firesets. Building a Fire.
+Wood. Cautions. Stoves and Grates. Cautions. Stovepipes. Anthracite
+Coal. Bituminous Coal. Proper Grates. Coal Stoves. _On Lights._
+Lamps. Oil. Candles. Lard. Pearlash and Water for cleansing Lamps.
+Care of Lamps. Difficulty. Articles needed in trimming Lamps.
+Astral Lamps. Wicks. Dipping Wicks in Vinegar. Shades. Weak Eyes.
+Entry Lamps. Night Lamps. Tapers. Wax Tapers for Use in Sealing
+Letters. To make Candles. Moulds. Dipped Candles. Rush Lights,       280
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+ON WASHING.
+
+All needful Accommodations should be provided. Plenty of Water,
+easily accessible, necessary. Articles to be provided for Washing.
+Substitutes for Soft Water. Common Mode of Washing. Assorting
+Clothes. To Wash Bedding. Feathers. Calicoes. Bran-water.
+Potato-water. Soda Washing. Soda Soap. Mode of Soda Washing.
+Cautions in Regard to Colored Clothes, and Flannels. To Wash Brown
+Linen, Muslins, Nankeen, Woollen Table-Covers and Shawls, Woollen
+Yarn, Worsted and Woollen Hose. To Cleanse Gentlemen's Broadcloths.
+To make Ley, Soft Soap, Hard Soap, White Soap, Starch, and other
+Articles used in Washing,                                            284
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+ON STARCHING, IRONING, AND CLEANSING.
+
+To prepare Starch. Glue and Gum Starch. Beef's or Ox-Gall.
+Starching Muslins and Laces. To Cleanse or Whiten Silk Lace, or
+Blond, and White Lace Veils. _On Ironing._ Articles to be provided
+for Ironing. Sprinkling, Folding, and Ironing,                       292
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+ON WHITENING, CLEANSING, AND DYEING.
+
+To Whiten Articles and Remove Stains from them. Mixtures to Remove
+Stains and Grease. To Cleanse Silk Handkerchiefs and Ribands; Silk
+Hose or Gloves; Down and Feathers; Straw and Leghorn Hats. _On
+Coloring._ Pink, Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, Salmon, Buff, Dove,
+Slate, Brown, Black, and Olive Colors,                               296
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+ON THE CARE OF PARLORS.
+
+Proper Arrangement of Rooms. Shades and Colors. Carpets, Curtains,
+and other Furniture, should be selected with Reference to each
+other. Laying down Carpets. Blocks to prevent Sofas and Tables from
+rubbing against Walls, and to hold Doors open. Footstools. Sweeping
+Carpets. Tealeaves. Wet Indian Meal. Taking up and cleansing
+Carpets. Washing Carpets. Straw Matting. Pictures and Glasses.
+Curtains and Sofas. Mahogany Furniture. Unvarnished Furniture;
+Mixtures for. Hearths and Jambs. Sweeping and Dusting Parlors,       302
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+ON THE CARE OF BREAKFAST AND DINING-ROOMS.
+
+Large Closet necessary. Dumb Waiter, or Sliding Closet. Furniture
+for a Table. On Setting a Table. Rules for doing it properly;--for
+Breakfast and Tea; for Dinner. On Waiting at Table. On Carving and
+Helping at Table,                                                    306
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+ON THE CARE OF CHAMBERS AND BEDROOMS.
+
+Importance of well-ventilated Sleeping-rooms. Debility and
+Ill-health caused by a Want of Pure Air. Chamber Furniture. Cheap
+Couch. Bedding. Feathers, Straw, or Hair, Mattresses. To Make a
+Bed. Domestics should be provided with Single Beds, and Washing
+Conveniences. On Packing and Storing Articles. To Fold a
+Gentleman's Coat and Shirt, and a Frock. Packing Trunks. Carpet
+Bags. Bonnet Covers. Packing Household Furniture for Moving,         311
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+ON THE CARE OF THE KITCHEN, CELLAR, AND STOREROOM.
+
+Importance of a Convenient Kitchen. Floor should be painted. Sink
+and Drain. Washing Dishes. Conveniences needed. Rules. Kitchen
+Furniture. Crockery. Iron Ware. Tin Ware. Wooden Ware. Basket Ware.
+Other Articles. On the Care of the Cellar. Storeroom. Modes of
+Destroying Insects and Vermin,                                       317
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+ON SEWING, CUTTING, AND MENDING.
+
+Importance of Young Girls being taught various Kinds of Stitching.
+Directions for doing various Kinds of Work. Work-Baskets, and their
+Contents. On Cutting and Fitting Garments. Silks. Cotton and Linen.
+Old Silk Dresses quilted for Skirts. Flannel; White should be
+colored. Children's Flannels. Nightgowns. Wrappers. Bedding.
+Mending,                                                             324
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+
+ON THE CARE OF YARDS AND GARDENS.
+
+On the Preparation of Soil. For Pot-Plants. On the Preparation of a
+Hot-Bed. Planting Flower-Seeds. To plant Garden-Seeds. Transplanting.
+To Re-pot House-Plants. On laying out Yards. Gardens. Flower-Beds.
+Bulbs and Tuberous Roots. List of Various Kinds of Flowers, in
+Reference to Color, and Height. Annuals. Climbing Plants. Perennials.
+Herbaceous Roots. Shrubs; List of those most suitable for adorning
+a Yard. Roses; Varieties of. Shade-Trees. Time for Transplanting.
+Trees. Care of House Plants,                                         331
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV.
+
+ON THE PROPAGATION OF PLANTS.
+
+Different Modes of Propagation;--By Offsets; Cuttings; Layers;
+Budding, or Inoculating; Ingrafting;--Whip-Grafting; Split-Grafting;
+Stock-Grafting. Pruning. Thinning,                                   341
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI.
+
+ON THE CULTIVATION OF FRUIT.
+
+Value of Attention to this Subject. Preparation of Soil. Planting
+of Seeds. Budding, Grafting, and Transplanting. Training the Limbs.
+Attention to the Soil. Manuring. Filberts. Figs. Currants.
+Gooseberries. Raspberries. Strawberries. Grapes. To Preserve Fruit;
+Modes of Preserving Fruit-Trees. Fire Blight. Worms,                 347
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII.
+
+MISCELLANEOUS DIRECTIONS.
+
+Women should know how to take proper Care of Domestic Animals. Care
+of a Horse. Care of a Cow. Poultry. Cautions for Winter. Smoky
+Chimneys. House-Cleaning. Parties. Invitations. Comfort of Guests.
+Flower-Baskets. Fire-Boards. Water-proof Shoes. Earthen Ware.
+Cements, &c. &c.                                                     351
+
+
+NOTE.--Cooking,                                                      354
+
+
+GLOSSARY,                                                            355
+
+
+INDEX,                                                               371
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ENGRAVINGS.
+
+
+1. The Human Skeleton, showing the Connection of the Bones
+of the System,                                                        70
+
+2, 3, 4. The Cervical, Dorsal, and Lumbar, Vertebrae,                  72
+
+5. Muscles of the Arm,                                                74
+
+6. Vertical Section of the Skull and Spinal Column, side view,        77
+
+7. View of the same as seen from behind,                              77
+
+8. Ramifications of the Nerves,                                       79
+
+9, 10, 11. Natural and Distorted Spines,                              81
+
+12. Vascular System, or Blood-Vessels,                                82
+
+13. The Two Sides of the Heart, separated,                            85
+
+14. The Heart, with its two Sides united, as in Nature,               86
+
+15. The Heart, with the great Blood-Vessels, on a larger scale,       87
+
+16. Organs of Digestion and Respiration,                              88
+
+17. Elevation of a Cottage of Fine Proportions,                      262
+
+18. Ground-plan of the same,                                         262
+
+19. Arrangement of one Side of a Room                                263
+
+20. Fireplace and Mantelpiece,                                       265
+
+21. Elevation of a Cottage on a different Plan from the former,      265
+
+22. Ground-plan of the same,                                         266
+
+23, 24. Ground-plan and Second Story of a two-story Cottage,         267
+
+25. Front Elevation of the latter Cottage,                           268
+
+26. Front Elevation, on a different Plan,                            268
+
+27, 28. Plans of First and Second Stories of the latter Elevation,   269
+
+29, 30. Plans of First and Second Stories of a larger House,         270
+
+31. Front Elevation of a very convenient Cottage,                    271
+
+32. Ground-plan of the same,                                         272
+
+33. Cottage of Daniel Wadsworth, Esq., near Hartford, Conn.,         274
+
+34. Accommodations for securing Water with the least Labor,          275
+
+35. Back-door Accommodations,                                        276
+
+36. Latticed Portico,                                                277
+
+37. Sliding Closet, or Dumb Waiter,                                  278
+
+38. Cheap Couch,                                                     312
+
+39. Plan of a Flower-Bed,                                            334
+
+40. Budding,                                                         343
+
+41. Grafting,                                                        344
+
+42. Stock-Grafting,                                                  345
+
+
+
+
+DOMESTIC ECONOMY.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE PECULIAR RESPONSIBILITIES OF AMERICAN WOMEN.
+
+
+There are some reasons, why American women should feel an interest in
+the support of the democratic institutions of their Country, which it is
+important that they should consider. The great maxim, which is the basis
+of all our civil and political institutions, is, that "all men are
+created equal," and that they are equally entitled to "life, liberty,
+and the pursuit of happiness."
+
+But it can readily be seen, that this is only another mode of expressing
+the fundamental principle which the Great Ruler of the Universe has
+established, as the law of His eternal government. "Thou shalt love thy
+neighbor as thyself;" and "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to
+you, do ye even so to them," are the Scripture forms, by which the
+Supreme Lawgiver requires that each individual of our race shall regard
+the happiness of others, as of the same value as his own; and which
+forbid any institution, in private or civil life, which secures
+advantages to one class, by sacrificing the interests of another.
+
+The principles of democracy, then, are identical with the principles of
+Christianity.
+
+But, in order that each individual may pursue and secure the highest
+degree of happiness within his reach, unimpeded by the selfish interests
+of others, a system of laws must be established, which sustain certain
+relations and dependencies in social and civil life. What these
+relations and their attending obligations shall be, are to be
+determined, not with reference to the wishes and interests of a few, but
+solely with reference to the general good of all; so that each
+individual shall have his own interest, as well as the public benefit,
+secured by them.
+
+For this purpose, it is needful that certain relations be sustained,
+which involve the duties of subordination. There must be the magistrate
+and the subject, one of whom is the superior, and the other the
+inferior. There must be the relations of husband and wife, parent and
+child, teacher and pupil, employer and employed, each involving the
+relative duties of subordination. The superior, in certain particulars,
+is to direct, and the inferior is to yield obedience. Society could
+never go forward, harmoniously, nor could any craft or profession be
+successfully pursued, unless these superior and subordinate relations be
+instituted and sustained.
+
+But who shall take the higher, and who the subordinate, stations in
+social and civil life? This matter, in the case of parents and children,
+is decided by the Creator. He has given children to the control of
+parents, as their superiors, and to them they remain subordinate, to a
+certain age, or so long as they are members of their household. And
+parents can delegate such a portion of their authority to teachers and
+employers, as the interests of their children require.
+
+In most other cases, in a truly democratic state, each individual is
+allowed to choose for himself, who shall take the position of his
+superior. No woman is forced to obey any husband but the one she chooses
+for herself; nor is she obliged to take a husband, if she prefers to
+remain single. So every domestic, and every artisan or laborer, after
+passing from parental control, can choose the employer to whom he is to
+accord obedience, or, if he prefers to relinquish certain advantages, he
+can remain without taking a subordinate place to any employer.
+
+Each subject, also, has equal power with every other, to decide who
+shall be his superior as a ruler. The weakest, the poorest, the most
+illiterate, has the same opportunity to determine this question, as the
+richest, the most learned, and the most exalted.
+
+And the various privileges that wealth secures, are equally open to all
+classes. Every man may aim at riches, unimpeded by any law or
+institution which secures peculiar privileges to a favored class, at the
+expense of another. Every law, and every institution, is tested by
+examining whether it secures equal advantages to all; and, if the people
+become convinced that any regulation sacrifices the good of the majority
+to the interests of the smaller number, they have power to abolish it.
+
+The institutions of monarchical and aristocratic nations are based on
+precisely opposite principles. They secure, to certain small and favored
+classes, advantages, which can be maintained, only by sacrificing the
+interests of the great mass of the people. Thus, the throne and
+aristocracy of England are supported by laws and customs, which burden
+the lower classes with taxes, so enormous, as to deprive them of all the
+luxuries, and of most of the comforts, of life. Poor dwellings, scanty
+food, unhealthy employments, excessive labor, and entire destitution of
+the means and time for education, are appointed for the lower classes,
+that a few may live in palaces, and riot in every indulgence.
+
+The tendencies of democratic institutions, in reference to the rights
+and interests of the female sex, have been fully developed in the United
+States; and it is in this aspect, that the subject is one of peculiar
+interest to American women. In this Country, it is established, both by
+opinion and by practice, that woman has an equal interest in all social
+and civil concerns; and that no domestic, civil, or political,
+institution, is right, which sacrifices her interest to promote that of
+the other sex. But in order to secure her the more firmly in all these
+privileges, it is decided, that, in the domestic relation, she take a
+subordinate station, and that, in civil and political concerns, her
+interests be intrusted to the other sex, without her taking any part in
+voting, or in making and administering laws. The result of this order of
+things has been fairly tested, and is thus portrayed by M. De
+Tocqueville, a writer, who, for intelligence, fidelity, and ability,
+ranks second to none.
+
+"There are people in Europe, who, confounding together the different
+characteristics of the sexes, would make of man and woman, beings not
+only equal, but alike. They would give to both the same functions,
+impose on both the same duties, and grant to both the same rights. They
+would mix them in all things,--their business, their occupations, their
+pleasures. It may readily be conceived, that, by _thus_ attempting to
+make one sex equal to the other, both are degraded; and, from so
+preposterous a medley of the works of Nature, nothing could ever result,
+but weak men and disorderly women.
+
+"It is not thus that the Americans understand the species of democratic
+equality, which may be established between the sexes. They admit, that,
+as Nature has appointed such wide differences between the physical and
+moral constitutions of man and woman, her manifest design was, to give a
+distinct employment to their various faculties; and they hold, that
+improvement does not consist in making beings so dissimilar do pretty
+nearly the same things, but in getting each of them to fulfil their
+respective tasks, in the best possible manner. The Americans have
+applied to the sexes the great principle of political economy, which
+governs the manufactories of our age, by carefully dividing the duties
+of man from those of woman, in order that the great work of society may
+be the better carried on.
+
+"In no country has such constant care been taken, as in America, to
+trace two clearly distinct lines of action for the two sexes, and to
+make them keep pace one with the other, but in two pathways which are
+always different. American women never manage the outward concerns of
+the family, or conduct a business, or take a part in political life; nor
+are they, on the other hand, ever compelled to perform the rough labor
+of the fields, or to make any of those laborious exertions, which
+demand the exertion of physical strength. No families are so poor, as to
+form an exception to this rule.
+
+"If, on the one hand, an American woman cannot escape from the quiet
+circle of domestic employments, on the other hand, she is never forced
+to go beyond it. Hence it is, that the women of America, who often
+exhibit a masculine strength of understanding, and a manly energy,
+generally preserve great delicacy of personal appearance, and always
+retain the manners of women, although they sometimes show that they have
+the hearts and minds of men.
+
+"Nor have the Americans ever supposed, that one consequence of
+democratic principles, is, the subversion of marital power, or the
+confusion of the natural authorities in families. They hold, that every
+association must have a head, in order to accomplish its object; and
+that the natural head of the conjugal association is man. They do not,
+therefore, deny him the right of directing his partner; and they
+maintain, that, in the smaller association of husband and wife, as well
+as in the great social community, the object of democracy is, to
+regulate and legalize the powers which are necessary, not to subvert all
+power.
+
+"This opinion is not peculiar to one sex, and contested by the other. I
+never observed, that the women of America considered conjugal authority
+as a fortunate usurpation of their rights, nor that they thought
+themselves degraded by submitting to it. It appears to me, on the
+contrary, that they attach a sort of pride to the voluntary surrender of
+their own will, and make it their boast to bend themselves to the yoke,
+not to shake it off. Such, at least, is the feeling expressed by the
+most virtuous of their sex; the others are silent; and in the United
+States it is not the practice for a guilty wife to clamor for the rights
+of woman, while she is trampling on her holiest duties."
+
+"Although the travellers, who have visited North America, differ on a
+great number of points, they agree in remarking, that morals are far
+more strict, there, than elsewhere.[A] It is evident that, on this
+point, the Americans are very superior to their progenitors, the
+English." "In England, as in all other Countries of Europe, public
+malice is constantly attacking the frailties of women. Philosophers and
+statesmen are heard to deplore, that morals are not sufficiently strict;
+and the literary productions of the Country constantly lead one to
+suppose so. In America, all books, novels not excepted, suppose women to
+be chaste; and no one thinks of relating affairs of gallantry."
+
+"It has often been remarked, that, in Europe, a certain degree of
+contempt lurks, even in the flattery which men lavish upon women.
+Although a European frequently affects to be the slave of woman, it may
+be seen, that he never sincerely thinks her his equal. In the United
+States, men seldom compliment women, but they daily show how much they
+esteem them. They constantly display an entire confidence in the
+understanding of a wife, and a profound respect for her freedom."
+
+They have decided that her mind is just as fitted as that of a man to
+discover the plain truth, and her heart as firm to embrace it, and they
+have never sought to place her virtue, any more than his, under the
+shelter of prejudice, ignorance, and fear.
+
+"It would seem, that in Europe, where man so easily submits to the
+despotic sway of woman, they are nevertheless curtailed of some of the
+greatest qualities of the human species, and considered as seductive,
+but imperfect beings, and (what may well provoke astonishment) women
+ultimately look upon themselves in the same light, and almost consider
+it as a privilege that they are entitled to show themselves futile,
+feeble, and timid. The women of America claim no such privileges."
+
+"It is true, that the Americans rarely lavish upon women those eager
+attentions which are commonly paid them in Europe. But their conduct to
+women always implies, that they suppose them to be virtuous and refined;
+and such is the respect entertained for the moral freedom of the sex,
+that, in the presence of a woman, the most guarded language is used,
+lest her ear should be offended by an expression. In America, a young
+unmarried woman may, alone, and without fear, undertake a long journey."
+
+"Thus the Americans do not think that man and woman have either the
+duty, or the right, to perform the same offices, but they show an equal
+regard for both their respective parts; and, though their lot is
+different, they consider both of them, as beings of equal value. They do
+not give to the courage of woman the same form, or the same direction,
+as to that of man; but they never doubt her courage: and if they hold
+that man and his partner ought not always to exercise their intellect
+and understanding in the same manner, they at least believe the
+understanding of the one to be as sound as that of the other, and her
+intellect to be as clear. Thus, then, while they have allowed the social
+inferiority of woman to subsist, they have done all they could to raise
+her, morally and intellectually, to the level of man; and, in this
+respect, they appear to me to have excellently understood the true
+principle of democratic improvement.
+
+"As for myself, I do not hesitate to avow, that, although the women of
+the United States are confined within the narrow circle of domestic
+life, and their situation is, in some respects, one of extreme
+dependence, I have nowhere seen women occupying a loftier position; and
+if I were asked, now I am drawing to the close of this work, in which I
+have spoken of so many important things done by the Americans, to what
+the singular prosperity and growing strength of that people ought mainly
+to be attributed, I should reply,--_to the superiority of their women_."
+
+This testimony of a foreigner, who has had abundant opportunities of
+making a comparison, is sanctioned by the assent of all candid and
+intelligent men, who have enjoyed similar opportunities.
+
+It appears, then, that it is in America, alone, that women are raised to
+an equality with the other sex; and that, both in theory and practice,
+their interests are regarded as of equal value. They are made
+subordinate in station, only where a regard to their best interests
+demands it, while, as if in compensation for this, by custom and
+courtesy, they are always treated as superiors. Universally, in this
+Country, through every class of society, precedence is given to woman,
+in all the comforts, conveniences, and courtesies, of life.
+
+In civil and political affairs, American women take no interest or
+concern, except so far as they sympathize with their family and personal
+friends; but in all cases, in which they do feel a concern, their
+opinions and feelings have a consideration, equal, or even superior, to
+that of the other sex.
+
+In matters pertaining to the education of their children, in the
+selection and support of a clergyman, in all benevolent enterprises, and
+in all questions relating to morals or manners, they have a superior
+influence. In such concerns, it would be impossible to carry a point,
+contrary to their judgement and feelings; while an enterprise, sustained
+by them, will seldom fail of success.
+
+If those who are bewailing themselves over the fancied wrongs and
+injuries of women in this Nation, could only see things as they are,
+they would know, that, whatever remnants of a barbarous or aristocratic
+age may remain in our civil institutions, in reference to the interests
+of women, it is only because they are ignorant of them, or do not use
+their influence to have them rectified; for it is very certain that
+there is nothing reasonable, which American women would unite in asking,
+that would not readily be bestowed.
+
+The preceding remarks, then, illustrate the position, that the
+democratic institutions of this Country are in reality no other than
+the principles of Christianity carried into operation, and that they
+tend to place woman in her true position in society, as having equal
+rights with the other sex; and that, in fact, they have secured to
+American women a lofty and fortunate position, which, as yet, has been
+attained by the women of no other nation.
+
+There is another topic, presented in the work of the above author, which
+demands the profound attention of American women.
+
+The following is taken from that part of the Introduction to the work,
+illustrating the position, that, for ages, there has been a constant
+progress, in all civilized nations, towards the democratic equality
+attained in this Country.
+
+"The various occurrences of national existence have every where turned
+to the advantage of democracy; all men have aided it by their exertions;
+those who have intentionally labored in its cause, and those who have
+served it unwittingly; those who have fought for it, and those who have
+declared themselves its opponents, have all been driven along in the
+same track, have all labored to one end;" "all have been blind
+instruments in the hands of God."
+
+"The gradual developement of the equality of conditions, is, therefore,
+a Providential fact; and it possesses all the characteristics of a
+Divine decree: it is universal, it is durable, it constantly eludes all
+human interference, and all events, as well as all men, contribute to
+its progress."
+
+"The whole book, which is here offered to the public, has been written
+under the impression of a kind of religious dread, produced in the
+author's mind, by the contemplation of so irresistible a revolution,
+which has advanced for centuries, in spite of such amazing obstacles,
+and which is still proceeding in the midst of the ruins it has made.
+
+"It is not necessary that God Himself should speak, in order to
+disclose to us the unquestionable signs of His will. We can discern them
+in the habitual course of Nature, and in the invariable tendency of
+events."
+
+"If the men of our time were led, by attentive observation, and by
+sincere reflection, to acknowledge that the gradual and progressive
+developement of social equality is at once the past and future of their
+history, this solitary truth would confer the sacred character of a
+Divine decree upon the change. To attempt to check democracy, would be,
+in that case, to resist the will of God; and the nations would then be
+constrained to make the best of the social lot awarded to them by
+Providence."
+
+"It is not, then, merely to satisfy a legitimate curiosity, that I have
+examined America; my wish has been to find instruction by which we may
+ourselves profit." "I have not even affected to discuss whether the
+social revolution, which I believe to be irresistible, is advantageous
+or prejudicial to mankind. I have acknowledged this revolution, as a
+fact already accomplished, or on the eve of its accomplishment; and I
+have selected the nation, from among those which have undergone it, in
+which its developement has been the most peaceful and the most complete,
+in order to discern its natural consequences, and, if it be possible, to
+distinguish the means by which it may be rendered profitable. I confess,
+that in America I saw more than America; I sought the image of democracy
+itself, with its inclinations, its character, its prejudices, and its
+passions, in order to learn what we have to fear, or to hope, from its
+progress."
+
+It thus appears, that the sublime and elevating anticipations which have
+filled the mind and heart of the religious world, have become so far
+developed, that philosophers and statesmen are perceiving the signs, and
+are predicting the approach, of the same grand consummation. There is a
+day advancing, "by seers predicted, and by poets sung," when the curse
+of selfishness shall be removed; when "scenes surpassing fable, and yet
+true," shall be realized; when all nations shall rejoice and be made
+blessed, under those benevolent influences, which the Messiah came to
+establish on earth.
+
+And this is the Country, which the Disposer of events designs shall go
+forth as the cynosure of nations, to guide them to the light and
+blessedness of that day. To us is committed the grand, the responsible
+privilege, of exhibiting to the world, the beneficent influences of
+Christianity, when carried into every social, civil, and political
+institution; and, though we have, as yet, made such imperfect advances,
+already the light is streaming into the dark prison-house of despotic
+lands, while startled kings and sages, philosophers and statesmen, are
+watching us with that interest, which a career so illustrious, and so
+involving their own destiny, is calculated to excite. They are studying
+our institutions, scrutinizing our experience, and watching for our
+mistakes, that they may learn whether "a social revolution, so
+irresistible, be advantageous or prejudicial to mankind."
+
+There are persons, who regard these interesting truths merely as food
+for national vanity; but every reflecting and Christian mind, must
+consider it as an occasion for solemn and anxious reflection. Are we,
+then, a spectacle to the world? Has the Eternal Lawgiver appointed us to
+work out a problem, involving the destiny of the whole earth? Are such
+momentous interests to be advanced or retarded, just in proportion as we
+are faithful to our high trust? "What manner of persons, then, ought we
+to be," in attempting to sustain so solemn, so glorious a
+responsibility?
+
+But the part to be enacted by American women, in this great moral
+enterprise, is the point to which special attention should here be
+directed.
+
+The success of democratic institutions, as is conceded by all, depends
+upon the intellectual and moral character of the mass of the people. If
+they are intelligent and virtuous, democracy is a blessing; but if they
+are ignorant and wicked, it is only a curse, and as much more dreadful
+than any other form of civil government, as a thousand tyrants are more
+to be dreaded than one. It is equally conceded, that the formation of
+the moral and intellectual character of the young is committed mainly to
+the female hand. The mother forms the character of the future man; the
+sister bends the fibres that are hereafter to be the forest tree; the
+wife sways the heart, whose energies may turn for good or for evil the
+destinies of a nation. Let the women of a country be made virtuous and
+intelligent, and the men will certainly be the same. The proper
+education of a man decides the welfare of an individual; but educate a
+woman, and the interests of a whole family are secured.
+
+If this be so, as none will deny, then to American women, more than to
+any others on earth, is committed the exalted privilege of extending
+over the world those blessed influences, which are to renovate degraded
+man, and "clothe all climes with beauty."
+
+No American woman, then, has any occasion for feeling that hers is an
+humble or insignificant lot. The value of what an individual
+accomplishes, is to be estimated by the importance of the enterprise
+achieved, and not by the particular position of the laborer. The drops
+of heaven which freshen the earth, are each of equal value, whether they
+fall in the lowland meadow, or the princely parterre. The builders of a
+temple are of equal importance, whether they labor on the foundations,
+or toil upon the dome.
+
+Thus, also, with those labors which are to be made effectual in the
+regeneration of the Earth. And it is by forming a habit of regarding the
+apparently insignificant efforts of each isolated laborer, in a
+comprehensive manner, as indispensable portions of a grand result, that
+the minds of all, however humble their sphere of service, can be
+invigorated and cheered. The woman, who is rearing a family of
+children; the woman, who labors in the schoolroom; the woman, who, in
+her retired chamber, earns, with her needle, the mite, which contributes
+to the intellectual and moral elevation of her Country; even the humble
+domestic, whose example and influence may be moulding and forming young
+minds, while her faithful services sustain a prosperous domestic
+state;--each and all may be animated by the consciousness, that they are
+agents in accomplishing the greatest work that ever was committed to
+human responsibility. It is the building of a glorious temple, whose
+base shall be coextensive with the bounds of the earth, whose summit
+shall pierce the skies, whose splendor shall beam on all lands; and
+those who hew the lowliest stone, as much as those who carve the highest
+capital, will be equally honored, when its top-stone shall be laid, with
+new rejoicings of the morning stars, and shoutings of the sons of God.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[A] Miss Martineau is a singular exception to this remark. After
+receiving unexampled hospitalities and kindnesses, she gives the
+following picture of her entertainers. Having in other places spoken of
+the American woman as having "her intellect confined," and "her morals
+crushed," and as deficient in education, because she has "none of the
+objects in life for which an enlarged education is considered
+requisite," she says,--"It is assumed, in America, particularly in New
+England, that the morals of society there are peculiarly pure. I am
+grieved to doubt the fact; but I do doubt it." "The Auld-Robin-Gray
+story is a frequently-enacted tragedy here; and one of the worst
+symptoms that struck me, was, that there was usually a demand upon my
+sympathy in such cases."--"The unavoidable consequence of such a mode of
+marrying, is, that the sanctity of marriage is impaired, and that vice
+succeeds. There are sad tales in country villages, here and there, that
+attest this; and yet more in towns, in a rank of society where such
+things are seldom or never heard of in England."--"I unavoidably knew of
+more cases of lapse in highly respectable families in one State, than
+ever came to my knowledge at home; and they were got over with a
+disgrace far more temporary and superficial than they could have been
+visited with in England."--"The vacuity of mind of many women, is, I
+conclude, the cause of a vice, which it is painful to allude to, but
+which cannot honestly be passed over.--It is no secret on the spot, that
+the habit of intemperance is not infrequent among women of station and
+education in the most enlightened parts of the Country. I witnessed some
+instances, and heard of more. It does not seem to me to be regarded with
+all the dismay which such a symptom ought to excite. To the stranger, a
+novelty so horrible, a spectacle so fearful, suggests wide and deep
+subjects of investigation."
+
+It is not possible for language to give representations more false in
+every item. In evidence of this, the writer would mention, that, within
+the last few years, she has travelled almost the entire route taken by
+Miss Martineau, except the lower tier of the Southern States; and,
+though not meeting the same individuals, has mingled in the very same
+circles. Moreover, she has _resided_ from several months to several
+years in _eight_ of the different Northern and Western States, and spent
+several weeks at a time in five other States. She has also had pupils
+from every State in the Union, but two, and has visited extensively at
+their houses. But in her whole life, and in all these different
+positions, the writer has never, to her knowledge, seen even _one_
+woman, of the classes with which she has associated, who had lapsed in
+the manner indicated by Miss Martineau; nor does she believe that such a
+woman could find admission in such circles any where in the Country. As
+to intemperate women, _five_ cases are all of whom the writer has ever
+heard, in such circles, and two of these many believed to be
+unwarrantably suspected. After following in Miss Martineau's track, and
+discovering all the falsehood, twaddle, gossip, old saws, and almanac
+stories, which have been strung together in her books, no charitable
+mode of accounting for the medley remains, but to suppose her the
+pitiable dupe of that love of hoaxing so often found in our Country.
+
+Again, Miss Martineau says, "We passed an unshaded meadow, where the
+grass had caught fire, _every day_, at _eleven o'clock_, the preceding
+Summer. This demonstrates the necessity of shade"! A woman, with so
+little common sense, as to swallow such an absurdity for truth, and then
+tack to it such an astute deduction, must be a tempting subject for the
+abovementioned mischievous propensity.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+DIFFICULTIES PECULIAR TO AMERICAN WOMEN.
+
+
+In the preceding chapter, were presented those views, which are
+calculated to inspire American women with a sense of their high
+responsibilities to their Country, and to the world; and of the
+excellence and grandeur of the object to which their energies may be
+consecrated.
+
+But it will be found to be the law of moral action, that whatever
+involves great results and great benefits, is always attended with great
+hazards and difficulties. And as it has been shown, that American women
+have a loftier position, and a more elevated object of enterprise, than
+the females of any other nation, so it will appear, that they have
+greater trials and difficulties to overcome, than any other women are
+called to encounter.
+
+Properly to appreciate the nature of these trials, it must be borne in
+mind, that the estimate of evils and privations depends, not so much on
+their positive nature, as on the character and habits of the person who
+meets them. A woman, educated in the savage state, finds it no trial to
+be destitute of many conveniences, which a woman, even of the lowest
+condition, in this Country, would deem indispensable to existence. So a
+woman, educated with the tastes and habits of the best New England or
+Virginia housekeepers, would encounter many deprivations and trials,
+which would never occur to one reared in the log cabin of a new
+settlement. So, also, a woman, who has been accustomed to carry forward
+her arrangements with well-trained domestics, would meet a thousand
+trials to her feelings and temper, by the substitution of ignorant
+foreigners, or shiftless slaves, which would be of little account to one
+who had never enjoyed any better service.
+
+Now, the larger portion of American women are the descendants of English
+progenitors, who, as a nation, are distinguished for systematic
+housekeeping, and for a great love of order, cleanliness, and comfort.
+And American women, to a greater or less extent, have inherited similar
+tastes and habits. But the prosperity and democratic tendencies of this
+Country produce results, materially affecting the comfort of
+housekeepers, which the females of monarchical and aristocratic lands
+are not called to meet. In such countries, all ranks and classes are
+fixed in a given position, and each person is educated for a particular
+sphere and style of living. And the dwellings, conveniences, and customs
+of life, remain very nearly the same, from generation to generation.
+This secures the preparation of all classes for their particular
+station, and makes the lower orders more dependent, and more subservient
+to employers.
+
+But how different is the state of things in this Country. Every thing
+is moving and changing. Persons in poverty, are rising to opulence, and
+persons of wealth, are sinking to poverty. The children of common
+laborers, by their talents and enterprise, are becoming nobles in
+intellect, or wealth, or office; while the children of the wealthy,
+enervated by indulgence, are sinking to humbler stations. The sons of
+the wealthy are leaving the rich mansions of their fathers, to dwell in
+the log cabins of the forest, where very soon they bear away the
+daughters of ease and refinement, to share the privations of a new
+settlement. Meantime, even in the more stationary portions of the
+community, there is a mingling of all grades of wealth, intellect, and
+education. There are no distinct classes, as in aristocratic lands,
+whose bounds are protected by distinct and impassable lines, but all are
+thrown into promiscuous masses. Thus, persons of humble means are
+brought into contact with those of vast wealth, while all intervening
+grades are placed side by side. Thus, too, there is a constant
+comparison of conditions, among equals, and a constant temptation
+presented to imitate the customs, and to strive for the enjoyments, of
+those who possess larger means.
+
+In addition to this, the flow of wealth, among all classes, is
+constantly increasing the number of those who live in a style demanding
+much hired service, while the number of those, who are compelled to go
+to service, is constantly diminishing. Our manufactories, also, are
+making increased demands for female labor, and offering larger
+compensation. In consequence of these things, there is such a
+disproportion between those who wish to hire, and those who are willing
+to go to domestic service, that, in the non-slaveholding States, were it
+not for the supply of poverty-stricken foreigners, there would not be a
+domestic for each family who demands one. And this resort to foreigners,
+poor as it is, scarcely meets the demand; while the disproportion must
+every year increase, especially if our prosperity increases. For, just
+in proportion as wealth rolls in upon us, the number of those, who will
+give up their own independent homes to serve strangers, will be
+diminished.
+
+The difficulties and sufferings, which have accrued to American women,
+from this cause, are almost incalculable. There is nothing, which so
+much demands system and regularity, as the affairs of a housekeeper,
+made up, as they are, of ten thousand desultory and minute items; and
+yet, this perpetually fluctuating state of society seems forever to bar
+any such system and regularity. The anxieties, vexations, perplexities,
+and even hard labor, which come upon American women, from this state of
+domestic service, are endless; and many a woman has, in consequence,
+been disheartened, discouraged, and ruined in health. The only wonder
+is, that, amid so many real difficulties, American women are still able
+to maintain such a character for energy, fortitude, and amiableness, as
+is universally allowed to be their due.
+
+But the second, and still greater difficulty, peculiar to American
+women, is, a delicacy of constitution, which renders them early victims
+to disease and decay.
+
+The fact that the women of this Country are unusually subject to
+disease, and that their beauty and youthfulness are of shorter
+continuance than those of the women of other nations, is one which
+always attracts the attention of foreigners; while medical men and
+philanthropists are constantly giving fearful monitions as to the extent
+and alarming increase of this evil. Investigations make it evident, that
+a large proportion of young ladies, from the wealthier classes, have the
+incipient stages of curvature of the spine, one of the most sure and
+fruitful causes of future disease and decay. The writer has heard
+medical men, who have made extensive inquiries, say, that a very large
+proportion of the young women at boarding schools, are affected in this
+way, while many other indications of disease and debility exist, in
+cases where this particular evil cannot be detected.
+
+In consequence of this enfeebled state of their constitutions, induced
+by a neglect of their physical education, as soon as they are called to
+the responsibilities and trials of domestic life, their constitution
+fails, and their whole existence is rendered a burden. For no woman can
+enjoy existence, when disease throws a dark cloud over the mind, and
+incapacitates her for the proper discharge of every duty.
+
+The writer, who for some ten years has had the charge of an institution,
+consisting of young ladies from almost every State in the Union, since
+relinquishing that charge, has travelled and visited extensively in most
+of the non-slaveholding States. In these circuits, she has learned the
+domestic history, not merely of her pupils, but of many other young
+wives and mothers, whose sorrowful experience has come to her knowledge.
+And the impression, produced by the dreadful extent of this evil, has at
+times been almost overwhelming.
+
+It would seem as if the primeval curse, which has written the doom of
+pain and sorrow on one period of a young mother's life, in this Country
+had been extended over all; so that the hour seldom arrives, when "she
+forgetteth her sorrow for joy that a man is born into the world." Many a
+mother will testify, with shuddering, that the most exquisite sufferings
+she ever endured, were not those appointed by Nature, but those, which,
+for week after week, have worn down health and spirits, when nourishing
+her child. And medical men teach us, that this, in most cases, results
+from a debility of constitution, consequent on the mismanagement of
+early life. And so frequent and so mournful are these, and the other
+distresses that result from the delicacy of the female constitution,
+that the writer has repeatedly heard mothers say, that they had wept
+tears of bitterness over their infant daughters, at the thought of the
+sufferings which they were destined to undergo; while they cherished
+the decided wish, that these daughters should never marry. At the same
+time, many a reflecting young woman is looking to her future prospects,
+with very different feelings and hopes from those which Providence
+designed.
+
+A perfectly healthy woman, especially a perfectly healthy mother, is so
+unfrequent, in some of the wealthier classes, that those, who are so,
+may be regarded as the exceptions, and not as the general rule. The
+writer has heard some of her friends declare, that they would ride fifty
+miles, to see a perfectly healthy and vigorous woman, out of the
+laboring classes. This, although somewhat jocose, was not an entirely
+unfair picture of the true state of female health in the wealthier
+classes.
+
+There are many causes operating, which serve to perpetuate and increase
+this evil. It is a well-known fact, that mental excitement tends to
+weaken the physical system, unless it is counterbalanced by a
+corresponding increase of exercise and fresh air. Now, the people of
+this Country are under the influence of high commercial, political, and
+religious stimulus, altogether greater than was ever known by any other
+nation; and in all this, women are made the sympathizing companions of
+the other sex. At the same time, young girls, in pursuing an education,
+have ten times greater an amount of intellectual taxation demanded, than
+was ever before exacted. Let any daughter, educated in our best schools
+at this day, compare the course of her study with that pursued in her
+mother's early life, and it will be seen that this estimate of the
+increase of mental taxation probably falls below the truth. Though, in
+some countries, there are small classes of females, in the higher
+circles, who pursue literature and science to a far greater extent than
+in any corresponding circles in this Country, yet, in no nation in the
+world are the advantages of a good intellectual education enjoyed, by so
+large a proportion of the females. And this education has consisted far
+less of accomplishments, and far more of those solid studies which
+demand the exercise of the various powers of mind, than the education
+of the women of other lands.
+
+And when American women are called to the responsibilities of domestic
+life, the degree in which their minds and feelings are taxed, is
+altogether greater than it is in any other nation.
+
+No women on earth have a higher sense of their moral and religious
+responsibilities, or better understand, not only what is demanded of
+them, as housekeepers, but all the claims that rest upon them as wives,
+mothers, and members of a social community. An American woman, who is
+the mistress of a family, feels her obligations, in reference to her
+influence over her husband, and a still greater responsibility in
+rearing and educating her children. She feels, too, the claims which the
+moral interests of her domestics have on her watchful care. In social
+life, she recognises the claims of hospitality, and the demands of
+friendly visiting. Her responsibility, in reference to the institutions
+of benevolence and religion, is deeply realized. The regular worship of
+the Lord's day, and all the various religious meetings and benevolent
+societies which place so much dependence on female influence and
+example, she feels obligated to sustain. Add to these multiplied
+responsibilities, the perplexities and evils which have been pointed
+out, resulting from the fluctuating state of society, and the deficiency
+of domestic service, and no one can deny that American women are exposed
+to a far greater amount of intellectual and moral excitement, than those
+of any other land. Of course, in order to escape the danger resulting
+from this, a greater amount of exercise in the fresh air, and all those
+methods which strengthen the constitution, are imperiously required.
+
+But, instead of this, it will be found, that, owing to the climate and
+customs of this Nation, there are no women who secure so little of this
+healthful and protecting regimen, as ours. Walking and riding and
+gardening, in the open air, are practised by the women of other lands,
+to a far greater extent, than by American females. Most English women,
+in the wealthier classes, are able to walk six and eight miles, without
+oppressive fatigue; and when they visit this Country, always express
+their surprise at the inactive habits of American ladies. In England,
+regular exercise, in the open air, is very commonly required by the
+mother, as a part of daily duty, and is sought by young women, as an
+enjoyment. In consequence of a different physical training, English
+women, in those circles which enjoy competency, present an appearance
+which always strikes American gentlemen as a contrast to what they see
+at home. An English mother, at thirty, or thirty-five, is in the full
+bloom of perfected womanhood; as fresh and healthful as her daughters.
+But where are the American mothers, who can reach this period unfaded
+and unworn? In America, young ladies of the wealthier classes are sent
+to school from early childhood; and neither parents nor teachers make it
+a definite object to secure a proper amount of fresh air and exercise,
+to counterbalance this intellectual taxation. As soon as their school
+days are over, dressing, visiting, evening parties, and stimulating
+amusements, take the place of study, while the most unhealthful modes of
+dress add to the physical exposures. To make morning calls, or do a
+little shopping, is all that can be termed their exercise in the fresh
+air; and this, compared to what is needed, is absolutely nothing, and on
+some accounts is worse than nothing.[B] In consequence of these, and
+other evils, which will be pointed out more at large in the following
+pages, the young women of America grow up with such a delicacy of
+constitution, that probably eight out of ten become subjects of disease,
+either before or as soon as they are called to the responsibilities of
+domestic life.
+
+But there is one peculiarity of situation, in regard to American women,
+which makes this delicacy of constitution still more disastrous. It is
+the liability to the exposures and hardships of a newly-settled country.
+
+One more extract from De Tocqueville will give a view of this part of
+the subject, which any one, familiar with Western life, will admire for
+its verisimilitude.
+
+"The same strength of purpose which the young wives of America display
+in bending themselves, at once, and without repining, to the austere
+duties of their new condition, is no less manifest in all the great
+trials of their lives. In no country in the world, are private fortunes
+more precarious, than in the United States. It is not uncommon for the
+same man, in the course of his life, to rise and sink again through all
+the grades which lead from opulence to poverty. American women support
+these vicissitudes with a calm and unquenchable energy. It would seem
+that their desires contract, as easily as they expand, with their
+fortunes. The greater part of the adventurers, who migrate, every year,
+to people the Western wilds, belong" "to the old Anglo-American race of
+the Northern States. Many of these men, who rush so boldly onward in
+pursuit of wealth, were already in the enjoyment of a competency in
+their own part of the Country. They take their wives along with them,
+and make them share the countless perils and privations, which always
+attend the commencement of these expeditions. I have often met, even on
+the verge of the wilderness, with young women, who, after having been
+brought up amid all the comforts of the large towns of New England, had
+passed, almost without any intermediate stage, from the wealthy abode of
+their parents, to a comfortless hovel in a forest. Fever, solitude, and
+a tedious life, had not broken the springs of their courage. Their
+features were impaired and faded, but their looks were firm: they
+appeared to be, at once, sad and resolute."
+
+In another passage, he gives this picturesque sketch: "By the side of
+the hearth, sits a woman, with a baby on her lap. She nods to us,
+without disturbing herself. Like the pioneer, this woman is in the prime
+of life; her appearance would seem superior to her condition: and her
+apparel even betrays a lingering taste for dress. But her delicate limbs
+appear shrunken; her features are drawn in; her eye is mild and
+melancholy; her whole physiognomy bears marks of a degree of religious
+resignation, a deep quiet of all passion, and some sort of natural and
+tranquil firmness, ready to meet all the ills of life, without fearing
+and without braving them. Her children cluster about her, full of
+health, turbulence, and energy; they are true children of the
+wilderness: their mother watches them, from time to time, with mingled
+melancholy and joy. To look at their strength, and her languor, one
+might imagine that the life she had given them had exhausted her own;
+and still she regrets not what they have cost her. The house, inhabited
+by these emigrants, has no internal partition or loft. In the one
+chamber of which it consists, the whole family is gathered for the
+night. The dwelling is itself a little world; an ark of civilization
+amid an ocean of foliage. A hundred steps beyond it, the primeval forest
+spreads its shades, and solitude resumes its sway."
+
+Such scenes, and such women, the writer has met, and few persons realize
+how many refined and lovely women are scattered over the broad prairies
+and deep forests of the West; and none, but the Father above,
+appreciates the extent of those sacrifices and sufferings, and the value
+of that firm faith and religious hope, which live, in perennial bloom,
+amid those vast solitudes. If the American women of the East merit the
+palm, for their skill and success as accomplished housekeepers, still
+more is due to the heroines of the West, who, with such unyielding
+fortitude and cheerful endurance, attempt similar duties, amid so many
+disadvantages and deprivations.
+
+But, though American women have those elevated principles and feelings,
+which enable them to meet such trials in so exemplary a manner, their
+physical energies are not equal to the exertions demanded. Though the
+mind may be bright and firm, the casket is shivered; though the spirit
+may be willing, the flesh is weak. A woman of firm health, with the hope
+and elasticity of youth, may be envied rather than pitied, as she shares
+with her young husband the hopes and enterprises of pioneer life. But,
+when the body fails, then the eye of hope grows dim, the heart sickens,
+the courage dies; and, in solitude, weariness, and suffering, the
+wanderer pines for the dear voices and the tender sympathies of a far
+distant home. Then it is, that the darkest shade is presented, which
+marks the peculiar trials and liabilities of American women, and which
+exhibits still more forcibly the disastrous results of that delicacy of
+constitution which has been pointed out. For, though all American women,
+or even the greater part of them, are not called to encounter such
+trials, yet no mother, who rears a family of daughters, can say, that
+such a lot will not fall to one of her flock; nor can she know which
+will escape. The reverses of fortune, and the chances of matrimony,
+expose every woman in the Nation to such liabilities, for which she
+needs to be prepared.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[B] So little idea have most ladies, in the wealthier classes, of what
+is a proper amount of exercise, that, if they should succeed in walking
+a mile or so, at a moderate pace, three or four times a week, they would
+call it taking a great deal of exercise.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+REMEDIES FOR THE PRECEDING DIFFICULTIES.
+
+
+Having pointed out the peculiar responsibilities of American women, and
+the peculiar embarrassments which they are called to encounter, the
+following suggestions are offered, as remedies for such difficulties.
+
+In the first place, the physical and domestic education of daughters
+should occupy the principal attention of mothers, in childhood; and the
+stimulation of the intellect should be very much reduced. As a general
+rule, daughters should not be sent to school before they are six years
+old; and, when they are sent, far more attention should be paid to their
+physical developement, than is usually done. They should never be
+confined, at any employment, more than an hour at a time; and this
+confinement should be followed by sports in the open air. Such
+accommodations should be secured, that, at all seasons, and in all
+weathers, the teacher can every half hour send out a portion of her
+school, for sports. And still more care should be given to preserve pure
+air in the schoolroom. The close stoves, crowded condition, and
+poisonous air, of most schoolrooms, act as constant drains on the health
+and strength of young children.
+
+In addition to this, much less time should be given to school, and much
+more to domestic employments, especially in the wealthier classes. A
+little girl may begin, at five or six years of age, to assist her
+mother; and, if properly trained, by the time she is ten, she can render
+essential aid. From this time, until she is fourteen or fifteen, it
+should be the principal object of her education to secure a strong and
+healthy constitution, and a thorough practical knowledge of all kinds of
+domestic employments. During this period, though some attention ought to
+be paid to intellectual culture, it ought to be made altogether
+secondary in importance; and such a measure of study and intellectual
+excitement, as is now demanded in our best female seminaries, ought
+never to be allowed, until a young lady has passed the most critical
+period of her youth, and has a vigorous and healthful constitution fully
+established. The plan might be adopted, of having schools for young
+girls kept only in the afternoon; that their mornings might be occupied
+in domestic exercise, without interfering with school employments. Where
+a proper supply of domestic exercise cannot be afforded, the cultivation
+of flowers and fruits might be resorted to, as a delightful and
+unfailing promotive of pleasure and health.
+
+And it is to that class of mothers, who have the best means of securing
+hired service, and who are the most tempted to allow their daughters to
+grow up with inactive habits, that their Country and the world must
+look for a reformation, in this respect. Whatever ladies in the
+wealthier classes decide shall be fashionable, will be followed by all
+the rest; but, while they persist in the aristocratic habits, now so
+common, and bring up their daughters to feel as if labor was degrading
+and unbecoming, the evils pointed out will never find a remedy. It is,
+therefore, the peculiar duty of ladies, who have wealth, to set a proper
+example, in this particular, and make it their first aim to secure a
+strong and healthful constitution for their daughters, by active
+domestic employments. All the sweeping, dusting, care of furniture and
+beds, the clear starching, and the nice cooking, should be done by the
+daughters of a family, and not by hired servants. It may cost the mother
+more care, and she may find it needful to hire a person for the express
+purpose of instructing and superintending her daughters, in these
+employments; but it should be regarded as indispensable to be secured,
+either by the mother's agency, or by a substitute.
+
+It is in this point of view, that the dearth of good domestics in this
+Country may, in its results, prove a substantial blessing. If all
+housekeepers, who have the means, could secure good servants, there
+would be little hope that so important a revolution, in the domestic
+customs of the wealthy classes, could be effected. And so great is the
+natural indolence of mankind, that the amount of exercise, needful for
+health, will never be secured by those who are led to it through no
+necessity, but merely from rational considerations. Yet the pressure of
+domestic troubles, from the want of good domestics, has already
+determined many a mother, in the wealthy classes, to train her daughters
+to aid her in domestic service; and thus necessity is compelling mothers
+to do what abstract principles of expediency could never secure.
+
+A second method of promoting the same object, is, to raise the science
+and practice of Domestic Economy to its appropriate place, as a regular
+study in female seminaries. The succeeding chapter will present the
+reasons for this, more at large. But it is to the mothers of our
+Country, that the community must look for this change. It cannot be
+expected, that teachers, who have their attention chiefly absorbed by
+the intellectual and moral interests of their pupils, should properly
+realize the importance of this department of education. But if mothers
+generally become convinced of this, their judgement and wishes will meet
+the respectful consideration they deserve, and the object will be
+accomplished.
+
+The third method of securing a remedy for the evils pointed out, is, the
+endowment of female institutions, under the care of suitable trustees,
+who shall secure a proper course of education. The importance of this
+measure cannot be realized by those, who have not turned their attention
+to this subject; and for such, the following considerations are
+presented.
+
+The endowment of colleges, and of law, medical, and divinity, schools,
+for the other sex, is designed to secure a thorough and proper
+education, for those who have the most important duties of society to
+perform. The men who are to expound the laws, the men who have the care
+of the public health, and the men who are to communicate religious
+instruction, should have well-disciplined and well-informed minds; and
+it is mainly for this object that collegiate and professional
+institutions are established. Liberal and wealthy individuals contribute
+funds, and the legislatures of the States also lend assistance, so that
+every State in this Nation has from one to twenty such endowed
+institutions, supplied with buildings, apparatus, a library, and a
+faculty of learned men to carry forward a superior course of
+instruction. And the use of all these advantages is secured, in many
+cases, at an expense, no greater than is required to send a boy to a
+common school and pay his board there. No private school could offer
+these advantages, without charging such a sum, as would forbid all but
+the rich from securing its benefits. By furnishing such superior
+advantages, on low terms, multitudes are properly educated, who would
+otherwise remain in ignorance; and thus the professions are supplied,
+by men properly qualified for them.
+
+Were there no such institutions, and no regular and appropriate course
+of study demanded for admission to the bar, the pulpit, and to medical
+practice, the education of most professional men would be desultory,
+imperfect, and deficient. Parents and children would regulate the course
+of study according to their own crude notions; and, instead of having
+institutions which agree in carrying on a similar course of study, each
+school would have its own peculiar system, and compete and conflict with
+every other. Meantime, the public would have no means of deciding which
+was best, nor any opportunity for learning when a professional man was
+properly qualified for his duties. But as it is, the diploma of a
+college, and the license of an appointed body of judges, must both be
+secured, before a young man feels that he has entered the most promising
+path to success in his profession.
+
+Our Country, then, is most abundantly supplied with endowed
+institutions, which secure a liberal education, on such low terms as
+make them accessible to all classes, and in which the interests of
+education are watched over, sustained, and made permanent, by an
+appropriate board of trustees.
+
+But are not the most responsible of all duties committed to the charge
+of woman? Is it not her profession to take care of mind, body, and soul?
+and that, too, at the most critical of all periods of existence? And is
+it not as much a matter of public concern, that she should be properly
+qualified for her duties, as that ministers, lawyers, and physicians,
+should be prepared for theirs? And is it not as important, to endow
+institutions which shall make a superior education accessible to all
+classes,--for females, as for the other sex? And is it not equally
+important, that institutions for females be under the supervision of
+intelligent and responsible trustees, whose duty it shall be to secure a
+uniform and appropriate education for one sex as much as for the other?
+It would seem as if every mind must accord an affirmative reply, as soon
+as the matter is fairly considered.
+
+As the education of females is now conducted, any man or woman who
+pleases, can establish a female seminary, and secure recommendations
+which will attract pupils. But whose business is it to see that these
+young females are not huddled into crowded rooms? or that they do not
+sleep in ill-ventilated chambers? or that they have healthful food? or
+that they have the requisite amount of fresh air and exercise? or that
+they pursue an appropriate and systematic course of study? or that their
+manners, principles, and morals, are properly regulated? Parents either
+have not the means, or else are not qualified to judge; or, if they are
+furnished with means and capacity, they are often restricted to a choice
+of the best school within reach, even when it is known to be exceedingly
+objectionable.
+
+If the writer were to disclose all that can truly be told of
+boarding-school life, and its influence on health, manners, disposition,
+intellect, and morals, the disclosure would both astonish and shock
+every rational mind. And yet she believes that such institutions are far
+better managed in this Country, than in any other; and that the number
+of those, which are subject to imputations in these respects, is much
+less than could reasonably be expected. But it is most surely the case,
+that much remains to be done, in order to supply such institutions as
+are needed for the proper education of American women.
+
+In attempting a sketch of the kind of institutions which are demanded,
+it is very fortunate that there is no necessity for presenting a theory,
+which may, or may not, be approved by experience. It is the greatest
+honor of one of our newest Western States, that it can boast of such an
+Institution, endowed, too, wholly by the munificence of a single
+individual. A slight sketch of this Institution, which the writer has
+examined in all its details, will give an idea of what can be done, by
+showing what has actually been accomplished.
+
+This Institution[C] is under the supervision of a Board of Trustees, who
+hold the property in trust for the object to which it is devoted, and
+who have the power to fill their own vacancies. It is furnished with a
+noble and tasteful building, of stone, so liberal in dimensions and
+arrangement, that it can accommodate ninety pupils and teachers, giving
+one room to every two pupils, and all being so arranged, as to admit of
+thorough ventilation. This building is surrounded by extensive grounds,
+enclosed with handsome fences, where remains of the primeval forest
+still offer refreshing shade for juvenile sports.
+
+To secure adequate exercise for the pupils, two methods are adopted. By
+the first, each young lady is required to spend a certain portion of
+time in domestic employments, either in sweeping, dusting, setting and
+clearing tables, washing and ironing, or other household concerns.
+
+Let not the aristocratic mother and daughter express their dislike of
+such an arrangement, till they can learn how well it succeeds. Let them
+walk, as the writer has done, through the large airy halls, kept clean
+and in order by their fair occupants, to the washing and ironing-rooms.
+There they will see a long hall, conveniently fitted up with some thirty
+neatly-painted tubs, with a clean floor, and water conducted so as to
+save both labor and slopping. Let them see some thirty or forty merry
+girls, superintended by a motherly lady, chatting and singing, washing
+and starching, while every convenience is at hand, and every thing
+around is clean and comfortable. Two hours, thus employed, enable each
+young lady to wash the articles she used during the previous week, which
+is all that is demanded, while thus they are all practically initiated
+into the arts and mysteries of the wash-tub. The Superintendent remarked
+to the writer, that, after a few weeks of probation, most of her young
+washers succeeded quite as well as those whom she could hire, and who
+made it their business. Adjacent to the washing-room, is the ironing
+establishment; where another class are arranged, on the ironing-day,
+around long, extended tables, with heating-furnaces, clothes-frames, and
+all needful appliances.
+
+By a systematic arrangement of school and domestic duties, a moderate
+portion of time, usually not exceeding two hours a day, from each of the
+pupils, accomplished all the domestic labor of a family of ninety,
+except the cooking, which was done by two hired domestics. This part of
+domestic labor it was deemed inexpedient to incorporate as a portion of
+the business of the pupils, inasmuch as it could not be accommodated to
+the arrangements of the school, and was in other respects objectionable.
+
+Is it asked, how can young ladies paint, play the piano, and study, when
+their hands and dresses must be unfitted by such drudgery? The woman who
+asks this question, has yet to learn that a pure and delicate skin is
+better secured by healthful exercise, than by any other method; and that
+a young lady, who will spend two hours a day at the wash-tub, or with a
+broom, is far more likely to have rosy cheeks, a finely-moulded form,
+and a delicate skin, than one who lolls all day in her parlor or
+chamber, or only leaves it, girt in tight dresses, to make fashionable
+calls. It is true, that long-protracted daily labor hardens the hand,
+and unfits it for delicate employments; but the amount of labor needful
+for health produces no such effect. As to dress, and appearance, if neat
+and convenient accommodations are furnished, there is no occasion for
+the exposures which demand shabby dresses. A dark calico, genteelly
+made, with an oiled-silk apron, and wide cuffs of the same material,
+secures both good looks and good service. This plan of domestic
+employments for the pupils in this Institution, not only secures regular
+healthful exercise, but also aids to reduce the expenses of education,
+so that, with the help of the endowments, it is brought within the reach
+of many, who otherwise could never gain such advantages.
+
+In addition to this, a system of Calisthenic[D] exercises is introduced,
+which secures all the advantages which dancing is supposed to effect,
+and which is free from the dangerous tendencies of that fascinating and
+fashionable amusement. This system is so combined with music, and
+constantly varying evolutions, as to serve as an amusement, and also as
+a mode of curing distortions, particularly all tendencies to curvature
+of the spine; while, at the same time, it tends to promote grace of
+movement, and easy manners.
+
+Another advantage of this Institution, is, an elevated and invigorating
+course of mental discipline. Many persons seem to suppose, that the
+chief object of an intellectual education is the acquisition of
+knowledge. But it will be found, that this is only a secondary object.
+The formation of habits of investigation, of correct reasoning, of
+persevering attention, of regular system, of accurate analysis, and of
+vigorous mental action, is the primary object to be sought in preparing
+American women for their arduous duties; duties which will demand not
+only quickness of perception, but steadiness of purpose, regularity of
+system, and perseverance in action.
+
+It is for such purposes, that the discipline of the Mathematics is so
+important an element in female education; and it is in this aspect,
+that the mere acquisition of facts, and the attainment of
+accomplishments, should be made of altogether secondary account.
+
+In the Institution here described, a systematic course of study is
+adopted, as in our colleges; designed to occupy three years. The
+following slight outline of the course, will exhibit the liberal plan
+adopted in this respect.
+
+In Mathematics, the whole of Arithmetic contained in the larger works
+used in schools, the whole of Euclid, and such portions from Day's
+Mathematics as are requisite to enable the pupils to demonstrate the
+various problems in Olmsted's larger work on Natural Philosophy. In
+Language, besides English Grammar, a short course in Latin is required,
+sufficient to secure an understanding of the philosophy of the language,
+and that kind of mental discipline which the exercise of translating
+affords. In Philosophy, Chemistry, Astronomy, Botany, Geology and
+Mineralogy, Intellectual and Moral Philosophy, Political Economy, and
+the Evidences of Christianity, the same textbooks are used as are
+required at our best colleges. In Geography, the most thorough course is
+adopted; and in History, a more complete knowledge is secured, by means
+of charts and textbooks, than most of our colleges offer. To these
+branches, are added Griscom's Physiology,[E] Bigelow's Technology, and
+Jahn's Archaeology, together with a course of instruction in polite
+literature, for which Chambers's English Literature is employed as the
+text-book, each recitation being attended with selections and
+criticisms, from teacher or pupils, on the various authors brought into
+notice. Vocal Music, on the plan of the Boston Academy, is a part of the
+daily instructions. Linear drawing, and pencilling, are designed also
+to be a part of the course. Instrumental Music is taught, but not as a
+part of the regular course of study.
+
+To secure the proper instruction in all these branches, the division of
+labor, adopted in colleges, is pursued. Each teacher has distinct
+branches as her department, for which she is responsible, and in which
+she is independent. One teacher performs the duties of a _governess_, in
+maintaining rules, and attending to the habits and manners of the
+pupils. By this method, the teachers have sufficient time, both to
+prepare themselves, and to impart instruction and illustration in the
+class-room. In this Institution it is made a direct object of effort _to
+cure defects_ of _character and habits_. At the frequent meetings of the
+Principal and teachers, the peculiarities of each pupil are made the
+subjects of inquiry; and methods are devised for remedying defects
+through the personal influence of the several teachers. This, when thus
+made a direct object of combined effort, often secures results most
+gratifying and encouraging.
+
+One peculiarity of this Institution demands consideration. By the method
+adopted here, the exclusive business of educating their own sex is, as
+it ever ought to be, confined to females. The Principal of the
+Institution, indeed, is a gentleman; but, while he takes the position of
+a father of the family, and responsible head of the whole concern, the
+entire charge of instruction, and most of the responsibilities in regard
+to health, morals, and manners, rest upon the female teachers, in their
+several departments. The Principal is the chaplain and religious
+teacher; and is a member of the board of instructors, so far as to have
+a right to advise, and an equal vote, in every question pertaining to
+the concerns of the School; and thus he acts as a sort of regulator and
+mainspring in all the various departments. But no one person in the
+Institution is loaded with the excessive responsibilities, which rest
+upon one, where a large institution of this kind has a Principal, who
+employs and directs all the subordinate assistants. The writer has
+never before seen the principle of the division of labor and
+responsibility so perfectly carried out in any female institution; and
+she believes that experience will prove that this is the true model for
+combining, in appropriate proportions, the agency of both sexes in
+carrying forward such an institution. There are cases where females are
+well qualified, and feel willing to take the place occupied by the
+Principal; but such cases are rare.
+
+One thing more should be noticed, to the credit of the rising State
+where this Institution is located. A female association has been formed,
+embracing a large portion of the ladies of standing and wealth, the
+design of which, is, to educate, gratuitously, at this, and other
+similar, institutions, such females as are anxious to obtain a good
+education, and are destitute of the means. If this enterprise is
+continued, with the same energy and perseverance as has been manifested
+during the last few years, that State will take the lead of her sister
+States in well-educated women; and if the views in the preceding pages
+are correct, this will give her precedence in every intellectual and
+moral advantage.
+
+Many, who are not aware of the great economy secured by a proper
+division of labor, will not understand how so extensive a course can be
+properly completed in three years. But in this Institution, none are
+received under fourteen; and a certain amount of previous acquisition is
+required, in order to admission, as is done in our colleges. This
+secures a diminution of classes, so that but few studies are pursued at
+one time; while the number of well-qualified teachers is so adequate,
+that full time is afforded for all needful instruction and illustration.
+Where teachers have so many classes, that they merely have time to find
+out what the pupils learn from books, without any aid from their
+teachers, the acquisitions of the pupils are vague and imperfect, and
+soon pass away; so that an immense amount of expense, time, and labor,
+is spent in acquiring or recalling what is lost about as fast as it is
+gained.
+
+Parents are little aware of the immense waste incurred by the present
+mode of conducting female education. In the wealthy classes, young girls
+are sent to school, as a matter of course, year after year, confined,
+for six hours a day, to the schoolhouse, and required to add some time
+out of school to learning their lessons. Thus, during the most critical
+period of life, they are for a long time immured in a room, filled with
+an atmosphere vitiated by many breaths, and are constantly kept under
+some sort of responsibility in regard to mental effort. Their studies
+are pursued at random, often changed with changing schools, while book
+after book (heavily taxing the parent's purse) is conned awhile, and
+then supplanted by others. Teachers have usually so many pupils, and
+such a variety of branches to teach, that little time can be afforded to
+each pupil; while scholars, at this thoughtless period of life, feeling
+sure of going to school as long as they please, manifest little interest
+in their pursuits.
+
+The writer believes that the actual amount of education, permanently
+secured by most young ladies from the age of ten to fourteen, could all
+be acquired in one year, at the Institution described, by a young lady
+at the age of fifteen or sixteen.
+
+Instead of such a course as the common one, if mothers would keep their
+daughters as their domestic assistants, until they are fourteen,
+requiring them to study one lesson, and go out, once a day, to recite it
+to a teacher, it would abundantly prepare them, after their
+constitutions are firmly established, to enter such an institution,
+where, in three years, they could secure more, than almost any young
+lady in the Country now gains by giving the whole of her youth to school
+pursuits.
+
+In the early years of female life, reading, writing, needlework,
+drawing, and music, should alternate with domestic duties; and one hour
+a day, devoted to some study, in addition to the above pursuits, would
+be all that is needful to prepare them for a thorough education after
+growth is attained, and the constitution established. This is the time
+when young women would feel the value of an education, and pursue their
+studies with that maturity of mind, and vividness of interest, which
+would double the perpetuity and value of all their acquisitions.
+
+The great difficulty, which opposes such a plan, is, the want of
+institutions that would enable a young lady to complete, in three years,
+the liberal course of study, here described. But if American mothers
+become convinced of the importance of such advantages for their
+daughters, and will use their influence appropriately and efficiently,
+they will certainly be furnished. There are other men of liberality and
+wealth, besides the individual referred to, who can be made to feel that
+a fortune, expended in securing an appropriate education to American
+women, is as wisely bestowed, as in founding colleges for the other sex,
+who are already so abundantly supplied. We ought to have institutions,
+similar to the one described, in every part of this Nation; and funds
+should be provided, for educating young women destitute of means: and if
+American women think and feel, that, by such a method, their own trials
+will be lightened, and their daughters will secure a healthful
+constitution and a thorough domestic and intellectual education, the
+appropriate expression of their wishes will secure the necessary funds.
+The tide of charity, which has been so long flowing from the female hand
+to provide a liberal education for young men, will flow back with
+abundant remuneration.
+
+The last method suggested for lessening the evils peculiar to American
+women, is, a decided effort to oppose the aristocratic feeling, that
+labor is degrading; and to bring about the impression, that it is
+refined and lady-like to engage in domestic pursuits. In past ages, and
+in aristocratic countries, leisure and indolence and frivolous pursuits
+have been deemed lady-like and refined, because those classes, which
+were most refined, countenanced such an opinion. But whenever ladies of
+refinement, as a general custom, patronise domestic pursuits, then
+these employments will be deemed lady-like. It may be urged, however,
+that it is impossible for a woman who cooks, washes, and sweeps, to
+appear in the dress, or acquire the habits and manners, of a lady; that
+the drudgery of the kitchen is dirty work, and that no one can appear
+delicate and refined, while engaged in it. Now all this depends on
+circumstances. If a woman has a house, destitute of neat and convenient
+facilities; if she has no habits of order and system; if she is remiss
+and careless in person and dress;--then all this may be true. But, if a
+woman will make some sacrifices of costly ornaments in her parlor, in
+order to make her kitchen neat and tasteful; if she will sacrifice
+expensive dishes, in order to secure such conveniences for labor as
+protect from exposures; if she will take pains to have the dresses, in
+which she works, made of suitable materials, and in good taste; if she
+will rise early, and systematize and oversee the work of her family, so
+as to have it done thoroughly, neatly, and in the early part of the day;
+she will find no necessity for any such apprehensions. It is because
+such work has generally been done by vulgar people, and in a vulgar way,
+that we have such associations; and when ladies manage such things, as
+ladies should, then such associations will be removed. There are
+pursuits, deemed very refined and genteel, which involve quite as much
+exposure as kitchen employments. For example, to draw a large landscape,
+in colored crayons, would be deemed very lady-like; but the writer can
+testify, from sad experience, that no cooking, washing, sweeping, or any
+other domestic duty, ever left such deplorable traces on hands, face,
+and dress, as this same lady-like pursuit. Such things depend entirely
+on custom and associations; and every American woman, who values the
+institutions of her Country, and wishes to lend her influence in
+extending and perpetuating such blessings, may feel that she is doing
+this, whenever, by her example and influence, she destroys the
+aristocratic association, which would render domestic labor degrading.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[C] The writer omits the name of this Institution, lest an inference
+should be drawn which would be unjust to other institutions. There are
+others equally worthy of notice, and the writer selects this only
+because her attention was especially directed to it as being in a new
+State, and endowed wholly by an individual.
+
+[D] From two Greek words,--[Greek: kalos], _kalos_, beauty, and [Greek:
+sthenos], _sthenos_, strength, being the union of both. The writer is
+now preparing for the press, an improved system, of her own invention,
+which, in _some_ of its parts, has been successfully introduced into
+several female seminaries, with advantage. This plan combines singing
+with a great variety of amusing and graceful evolutions, designed to
+promote both health and easy manners.
+
+[E] This work, which has gone through numerous editions, and been
+received by the public with great favour, forms No. lxxxv. of the
+"Family Library," and No. lvii. of the "School District Library," issued
+by the publishers of this volume. It is abundantly illustrated by
+engravings, and has been extensively introduced as a school text-book.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+ON DOMESTIC ECONOMY AS A BRANCH OF STUDY.
+
+
+The greatest impediment to making Domestic Economy a branch of study,
+is, the fact, that neither parents nor teachers realize the importance,
+or the practicability of constituting it a regular part of school
+education.
+
+It is with reference to this, that the first aim of the writer will be,
+to point out some of the reasons for introducing Domestic Economy as a
+branch of female education, to be studied at school.
+
+The first reason, is, that there is no period, in a young lady's life,
+when she will not find such knowledge useful to herself and to others.
+The state of domestic service, in this Country, is so precarious, that
+there is scarcely a family, in the free States, of whom it can be
+affirmed, that neither sickness, discontent, nor love of change, will
+deprive them of all their domestics, so that every female member of the
+family will be required to lend some aid, in providing food and the
+conveniences of living; and the better she is qualified to render it,
+the happier she will be, and the more she will contribute to the
+enjoyment of others.
+
+A second reason, is, that every young lady, at the close of her
+schooldays, and even before they are closed, is liable to be placed in a
+situation, in which she will need to do, herself, or to teach others to
+do, all the various processes and duties detailed in this work. That
+this may be more fully realized, the writer will detail some instances,
+which have come under her own observation.
+
+The eldest daughter of a family returned from school, on a visit, at
+sixteen years of age. Before her vacation had closed, her mother was
+laid in the grave; and such were her father's circumstances, that she
+was obliged to assume the cares and duties of her lost parent. The care
+of an infant, the management of young children, the superintendence of
+domestics, the charge of family expenses, the responsibility of
+entertaining company, and the many other cares of the family state, all
+at once came upon this young and inexperienced schoolgirl.
+
+Again; a young lady went to reside with a married sister, in a distant
+State. While on this visit, the elder sister died, and there was no one
+but this young lady to fill the vacant place, and assume all the cares
+of the nursery, parlor, and kitchen.
+
+Again; a pupil of the writer, at the end of her schooldays, married, and
+removed to the West. She was an entire novice in all domestic matters;
+an utter stranger in the place to which she removed. In a year, she
+became a mother, and _her health failed_; while, for most of the time,
+she had no domestics, at all, or only Irish or Germans, who scarcely
+knew even the names, or the uses, of many cooking utensils. She was
+treated with politeness by her neighbors, and wished to return their
+civilities; but how could this young and delicate creature, who had
+spent all her life at school, or in visiting and amusement, take care of
+her infant, attend to her cooking, washing, ironing, and baking, the
+concerns of her parlor, chambers, kitchen, and cellar, and yet visit and
+receive company? If there is any thing that would make a kindly heart
+ache, with sorrow and sympathy, it would be to see so young, so amiable,
+so helpless a martyr to the mistaken system of female education now
+prevalent. "I have the kindest of husbands," said the young wife, after
+her narrative of sufferings, "and I never regretted my marriage; but,
+since this babe was born, I have never had a single waking hour of
+freedom from anxiety and care. O! how little young girls know what is
+before them, when they enter married life!" Let the mother or teacher,
+whose eye may rest on these lines, ask herself, if there is no cause for
+fear that the young objects of her care may be thrown into similar
+emergencies, where they may need a kind of preparation, which as yet has
+been withheld.
+
+Another reason for introducing such a subject, as a distinct branch of
+school education, is, that, as a general fact, young ladies _will not_
+be taught these things in any other way. In reply to the
+thousand-times-repeated remark, that girls must be taught their domestic
+duties by their mothers, at home, it may be inquired, in the first
+place, What proportion of mothers are qualified to teach a _proper_ and
+_complete_ system of Domestic Economy? When this is answered, it may be
+asked, What proportion of those who are qualified, have that sense of
+the importance of such instructions, and that energy and perseverance
+which would enable them actually to teach their daughters, in all the
+branches of Domestic Economy presented in this work?
+
+It may then be asked, How many mothers _actually do_ give their
+daughters instruction in the various branches of Domestic Economy? Is it
+not the case, that, owing to ill health, deficiency of domestics, and
+multiplied cares and perplexities, a large portion of the most
+intelligent mothers, and those, too, who most realize the importance of
+this instruction, actually cannot find the time, and have not the
+energy, necessary to properly perform the duty? They are taxed to the
+full amount of both their mental and physical energies, and cannot
+attempt any thing more. Almost every woman knows, that it is easier to
+do the work, herself, than it is to teach an awkward and careless
+novice; and the great majority of women, in this Country, are obliged to
+do almost every thing in the shortest and easiest way. This is one
+reason why the daughters of very energetic and accomplished housekeepers
+are often the most deficient in these respects; while the daughters of
+ignorant or inefficient mothers, driven to the exercise of their own
+energies, often become the most systematic and expert.
+
+It may be objected, that such things cannot be taught by books. This
+position may fairly be questioned. Do not young ladies learn, from
+books, how to make hydrogen and oxygen? Do they not have pictures of
+furnaces, alembics, and the various utensils employed in _cooking_ the
+chemical agents? Do they not study the various processes of mechanics,
+and learn to understand and to do many as difficult operations, as any
+that belong to housekeeping? All these things are explained, studied,
+and recited in classes, when every one knows that little practical use
+can ever be made of this knowledge. Why, then, should not that science
+and art, which a woman is to practise during her whole life, be studied
+and recited?
+
+It may be urged, that, even if it is studied, it will soon be forgotten.
+And so will much of every thing studied at school. But why should that
+knowledge, most needful for daily comfort, most liable to be in demand,
+be the only study omitted, because it may be forgotten?
+
+It may also be objected, that young ladies can get such books, and
+attend to them out of school. And so they can get books on Chemistry and
+Philosophy, and study them out of school; but _will_ they do it? And why
+ought we not to make sure of the most necessary knowledge, and let the
+less needful be omitted? If young ladies study such a work as this, in
+school, they will remember a great part of it; and, when they forget, in
+any emergency, they will know where to resort for instruction. But if
+such books are not put into schools, probably not one in twenty will see
+or hear of them, especially in those retired places where they are most
+needed. And is it at all probable, that a branch, which is so lightly
+esteemed as to be deemed unworthy a place in the list of female studies,
+will be sought for and learned by young girls, who so seldom look into
+works of solid instruction after they leave school? So deeply is the
+writer impressed with the importance of this, as a branch of female
+education, at school, that she would deem it far safer and wiser to omit
+any other, rather than this.
+
+Another reason, for introducing such a branch of study into female
+schools, is, the influence it would exert, in leading young ladies more
+correctly to estimate the importance and dignity of domestic knowledge.
+It is now often the case, that young ladies rather pride themselves on
+their ignorance of such subjects; and seem to imagine that it is vulgar
+and ungenteel to know how to work. This is one of the relics of an
+aristocratic state of society, which is fast passing away. Here, the
+tendency of every thing is to the equalisation of labor, so that all
+classes are feeling, more and more, that indolence is disreputable. And
+there are many mothers, among the best educated and most wealthy
+classes, who are bringing up their daughters, not only to know how to
+do, but actually to do, all kinds of domestic work. The writer knows
+young ladies, who are daughters of men of wealth and standing, and who
+are among the most accomplished in their sphere, who have for months
+been sent to work with a mantuamaker, to acquire a practical knowledge
+of her occupation, and who have at home learned to perform all kinds of
+domestic labor.
+
+And let the young women of this Nation find, that Domestic Economy is
+placed, in schools, on equal or superior ground to Chemistry,
+Philosophy, and Mathematics, and they will blush to be found ignorant of
+its first principles, as much as they will to hesitate respecting the
+laws of gravity, or the composition of the atmosphere. But, as matters
+are now conducted, many young ladies know how to make oxygen and
+hydrogen, and to discuss questions of Philosophy or Political Economy,
+far better than they know how to make a bed and sweep a room properly;
+and they can "construct a diagram" in Geometry, with far more skill than
+they can make the simplest article of female dress.
+
+It may be urged, that the plan suggested by the writer, in the previous
+pages, would make such a book as this needless; for young ladies would
+learn all these things at home, before they go to school. But it must be
+remembered, that the plan suggested cannot fully be carried into effect,
+till such endowed institutions, as the one described, are universally
+furnished. This probably will not be done, till at least one generation
+of young women are educated. It is only on the supposition that a young
+lady can, at fourteen or fifteen years of age, enter such an
+institution, and continue there three years, that it would be easy to
+induce her to remain, during all the previous period, at home, in the
+practice of Domestic Economy, and the limited course of study pointed
+out. In the present imperfect, desultory, varying, mode of female
+education, where studies are begun, changed, partially learned, and
+forgotten, it requires nearly all the years of a woman's youth, to
+acquire the intellectual education now demanded. While this state of
+things continues, the only remedy is, to introduce Domestic Economy as a
+study at school.
+
+It is hoped that these considerations will have weight, not only with
+parents and teachers, but with young ladies themselves, and that all
+will unite their influence to introduce this, as a popular and universal
+branch of education, into every female school.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+ON THE CARE OF HEALTH.
+
+
+There is no point, where a woman is more liable to suffer from a want of
+knowledge and experience, than in reference to the health of a family
+committed to her care. Many a young lady, who never had any charge of
+the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained
+information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of
+others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the
+principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble
+infant, and the responsible guardian of the health of a whole family.
+
+The care, the fear, the perplexity, of a woman, suddenly called to
+these unwonted duties, none can realize, till they themselves feel it,
+or till they see some young and anxious novice first attempting to meet
+such responsibilities. To a woman of age and experience, these duties
+often involve a measure of trial and difficulty, at times deemed almost
+insupportable; how hard, then, must they press on the heart of the young
+and inexperienced!
+
+There is no really efficacious mode of preparing a woman to take a
+_rational_ care of the health of a family, except by communicating that
+knowledge, in regard to the construction of the body, and the laws of
+health, which is the basis of the medical profession. Not that a woman
+should undertake the minute and extensive investigation requisite for a
+physician; but she should gain a general knowledge of first principles,
+as a guide to her judgement in emergencies when she can rely on no other
+aid. Therefore, before attempting to give any specific directions on the
+subject of this chapter, a short sketch of the construction of the human
+frame will be given, with a notice of some of the general principles, on
+which specific rules in regard to health are based. This description
+will be arranged under the general heads of BONES, MUSCLES, NERVES,
+BLOOD-VESSELS, ORGANS OF DIGESTION AND RESPIRATION, and THE SKIN.
+
+
+BONES.
+
+The bones are the most solid parts of the body. They are designed to
+protect and sustain it, and also to secure voluntary motion. They are
+about two hundred and fifty in number, (there being sometimes a few more
+or less,) and are fastened together by cartilage, or gristle, a
+substance like the bones, but softer, and more elastic.
+
+In order to convey a more clear and correct idea of the form, relative
+position, and connection, of the bones constituting the human framework,
+the engraving on page 70, (Fig. 1,) is given.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 1.]
+
+By the preceding engraving, it will be seen, that the _cranium_, or
+_skull_, consists of several distinct pieces, which are united by
+sutures, (or seams,) as represented by the zigzag lines; _a_, being the
+_frontal bone_; _b_, the _parietal bone_; _c_, the _temporal bone_; and
+_d_, the place of the _occipital bone_, which forms the back part of the
+head, and therefore is not seen in the engraving. The _nasal bones_, or
+bones of the nose, are shown at _e_; _f_, is the _cheek bone_; _g_, the
+_upper_, and _h_, the _lower, jaw bones_; _i_, _i_, the _spinal column_,
+or back bone, consisting of numerous small bones, called _vertebrae_;
+_j_, _j_, the seven _true ribs_, which are fastened to the spine,
+behind, and by the _cartilages_, _k_, _k_, to the _sternum_, or _breast
+bone_, _l_, in front; _m_, _m_, are the first three _false ribs_, which
+are so called, because they are not united directly to the breast bone,
+but by cartilages to the seventh true rib; _n_, _n_, are the lower two
+_false_, which are also called _floating, ribs_, because they are not
+connected with the breast bone, nor the other ribs, in front; _o_, _o_,
+_p_, _q_, are the bones of the _pelvis_, which is the foundation on
+which the spine rests; _r_, _r_, are the _collar bones_; _s_, _s_, the
+_shoulder blades_; _t_, _t_, the bones of the _upper arm_; _u_, _u_, the
+_elbow joints_, where the bones of the upper arm and fore arm are united
+in such a way that they can move like a hinge; _v_ _w_, _v_ _w_, are the
+bones of the _fore arm_; _x_, _x_, those of the _wrists_; _y_, _y_,
+those of the _fingers_; _z_, _z_, are the round heads of the thigh
+bones, where they are inserted into the sockets of the bones of the
+pelvis, giving motion in every direction, and forming the _hip joint_; a
+b, a b, are the _thigh bones_; c, c, the _knee joints_; d e, d e, the
+_leg bones_; f, f, the _ankle joints_; g, g, the _bones of the foot_.
+
+The bones are composed of two substances,--one animal, and the other
+mineral. The animal part is a very fine network, called the _cellular
+membrane_. In this, are deposited the harder mineral substances, which
+are composed principally of carbonate and phosphate of lime. In very
+early life, the bones consist chiefly of the animal part, and are then
+soft and pliant. As the child advances in age, the bones grow harder, by
+the gradual deposition of the phosphate of lime, which is supplied by
+the food, and carried to the bones by the blood. In old age, the hardest
+material preponderates; making the bones more brittle than in earlier
+life.
+
+As we shall soon have occasion to refer, particularly, to the spinal, or
+vertebral column, and the derangement to which it is liable, we give, on
+page 72, representations of the different classes of vertebrae; viz. the
+_cervical_, (from the Latin, _cervix_, the neck,) the _dorsal_, (from
+_dorsum_, the back,) and _lumbar_, (from _lumbus_, the loins.)
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 2.]
+
+Fig. 2, represents one of the _cervical vertebrae_. Seven of these,
+placed one above another, constitute that part of the spine which is in
+the neck.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 3.]
+
+Fig. 3, is one of the _dorsal vertebrae_, twelve of which, form the
+central part of the spine.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 4.]
+
+Fig. 4, represents one of the _lumbar vertebrae_, (five in number,)
+which are immediately above the sacrum. These vertebrae are so fastened,
+that the spine can bend, in any direction; and the muscles of the trunk
+are used in holding it erect, or in varying its movements.
+
+By the drawings here presented, it will be seen, that the vertebrae of
+the neck, back, and loins, differ somewhat in size and shape, although
+they all possess the same constituent parts; thus, A, in each,
+represents the body of the vertebrae; B, the articulating processes, by
+which each is joined to its fellow, above and below it; C, the spinous
+process, or that part of the vertebrae, which forms the ridge to be felt,
+on pressure, the whole length of the centre of the back. The back bone
+receives its name, _spine_, or _spinal column_, from these spinous
+processes.
+
+It is the universal law of the human frame, that _exercise_ is
+indispensable to the health of the several parts. Thus, if a
+blood-vessel be tied up, so as not to be used, it shrinks, and becomes a
+useless string; if a muscle be condemned to inaction, it shrinks in
+size, and diminishes in power; and thus it is also with the bones.
+Inactivity produces softness, debility, and unfitness for the functions
+they are designed to perform. This is one of the causes of the curvature
+of the spine, that common and pernicious defect in the females of
+America. From inactivity, the bones of the spine become soft and
+yielding; and then, if the person is often placed, for a length of time,
+in positions that throw the weight of the body unequally on certain
+portions of the spine, they yield to this frequent compression, and a
+distortion ensues. The positions taken by young persons, when learning
+to write or draw, or to play on the guitar, harp, or piano, and the
+position of the body when sleeping on one side, on high pillows, all
+tend to produce this effect, by throwing the weight of the body
+unequally, and for a length of time, on particular parts of the spine.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 5.]
+
+
+MUSCLES.
+
+The muscles are the chief organs of motion, and consist of collections
+of fine fibres or strings, united in casings of membrane or thin skin.
+They possess an elastic power, like India rubber, which enables them to
+extend and contract. The red meat in animals consists of muscles. Every
+muscle has connected with it nerves, veins, and arteries; and those
+designed to move the bones, are fastened to them by tendons at their
+extremities. The muscles are laid over each other, and are separated by
+means of membranes and layers of fat, which enable them to move easily,
+without interfering with each other.
+
+The figure on page 74, represents the muscles of the arm, as they appear
+when the skin and fat are removed. The muscles _a_ and _b_ are attached,
+at their upper ends, to the bone of the arm, and by their lower ends to
+the upper part of the fore arm, near the elbow joint. When the fibres of
+these muscles contract, the middle part of them grows larger, and the
+arm is bent at the elbow. The muscle _c_, is, in like manner, fastened,
+by its upper end, to the shoulder blade and the upper part of the arm,
+and by its lower end to one of the bones of the fore arm, near the
+elbow. When the arm is bent, and we wish to straighten it, it is done by
+contracting this muscle. The muscles _d_, _d_, are fastened at one end
+near the elbow joint, and at the other near the ends of the fingers; and
+on the back of the hand are reduced in size, appearing like strong
+cords. These cords are called _tendons_. They are employed in
+straightening the fingers, when the hand is shut. These tendons are
+confined by the ligament or band, _e_, which binds them down, around the
+wrist, and thus enables them to act more efficiently, and secures beauty
+of form to the limb. The muscles at _f_, are those which enable us to
+turn the hand and arm outward. Every different motion of the arm has one
+muscle to produce it, and another to restore the limb to its natural
+position. Those muscles which bend the body are called _flexors_; those
+which straighten it, _extensors_. When the arm is thrown up, one set of
+muscles is used; to pull it down, another set: when it is thrown
+forward, a still different set is used; when it is thrown back,
+another, different from the former; when the arm turns in its socket,
+still another set is used; and thus every different motion of the body
+is made by a different set of muscles. All these muscles are compactly
+and skilfully arranged, so as to work with perfect ease. Among them, run
+the arteries, veins, and nerves, which supply each muscle with blood and
+nervous power, as will be hereafter described. The size and strength of
+the muscles depend greatly on their frequent exercise. If left inactive,
+they grow thin and weak, instead of giving the plumpness to the figure,
+designed by Nature. The delicate and feeble appearance of many American
+women, is chiefly owing to the little use they make of their muscles.
+Many a pale, puny, shad-shaped girl, would have become a plump, rosy,
+well-formed person, if half the exercise, afforded to her brothers in
+the open air, had been secured to her, during childhood and youth.
+
+
+NERVES.
+
+The nerves are the organs of sensation. They enable us to see, hear,
+feel, taste, and smell; and also combine with the bones and muscles in
+producing motion.
+
+The first engraving, on p. 77, (Fig. 6,) is a vertical section of the
+skull, and of the spinal column, or back bone, which supports the head,
+and through which runs the spinal cord, whence most of the nerves
+originate. It is a side view, and represents the head and spine, as they
+would appear, if they were cut through the middle, from front to back.
+Fig. 7, exhibits them as they would appear, if viewed from _behind_. In
+Fig. 6, _a_, represents the _cerebrum_, or great brain; _b_, the
+_cerebellum_, or little brain, which is situated directly under the
+great brain, at the back and lower part of the head; _c_, _d_, _e_, is
+the spinal marrow, which is connected with the brain at _c_, and runs
+through the whole length of the spinal column. This column consists, as
+has already been stated, of a large number of small bones, _f_, _f_,
+called _vertebrae_, laid one above another, and fastened together by
+_cartilage_, or _gristle_, _g_, between them.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 6.]
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 7.]
+
+Between each two vertebrae, or spinal bones, there issues from the
+spine, on each side, a pair of nerves. The lower broad part of the
+spine, (see _p_, Fig. 1, p. 70, and Fig. 7, p. 77,) is called the
+_sacrum_; in this, are eight holes, through which the lower pairs of
+nerves pass off.
+
+The nerves of the head and lungs run directly from the brain; those of
+all other parts of the body proceed from the spine, passing out in the
+manner already mentioned.
+
+The nerves which thus proceed from the spine, branch out, like the limbs
+and twigs of a tree, till they extend over the whole body; and, so
+minutely are they divided and arranged, that a point, destitute of a
+nerve, cannot be found on the skin.
+
+Some idea of the ramifications of the nerves, may be obtained by
+reference to the following engraving, (Fig. 8.) In this, A, A,
+represents the _cerebrum_, or great brain; B, B, the _cerebellum_, or
+little brain; (see also _a_, _b_, in Fig. 6;) C, C, represents the union
+of the fibres of the cerebrum; D, D, the union of the two sides of the
+cerebellum; E, E, E, the spinal marrow, which passes through the centre
+of the spine, (as seen at _c_, _d_, _e_, in Fig. 6;) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
+branches of the nerves going to different parts of the body. As the
+nerves are the organs of sensation, all _pain_ is an affection of some
+portion of the nerves. The health of the nerves depends very greatly on
+the exercise of the muscles, with which they are so intimately
+connected. This shows the reason why the _headache_, _tic douloureux_,
+diseases of the _spine_, and other nervous affections, are so common
+among American women. Their inactive habits, engender a debility of the
+nervous system, and these diseases follow, as the consequence.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 8.]
+
+It can be seen, by a reference to the side view, represented on page
+77, (Fig. 6,) that the spine is naturally curved back and forward.
+When, from want of exercise, its bones are softened, and the muscles
+weakened, the spine acquires an improper curve, and the person becomes
+what is called _crooked_, having the neck projected forward, and, in
+some cases, having the back convex, where it should be concave. Probably
+one half of the American women have the head thus projecting forward,
+instead of carrying it in the natural, erect position, which is both
+graceful and dignified.
+
+The curvature of the spine, spoken of in this work as so common, and as
+the cause of so many diseases among American women, is what is
+denominated the _lateral curvature_, and is much more dangerous than the
+other distortion. The indications of this evil, are, the projection of
+one shoulder blade more than the other, and, in bad cases, one shoulder
+being higher, and the hip on the opposite side more projecting, than the
+other. In this case, the spine, when viewed from behind, instead of
+running in a straight line, (as in Fig. 7 and 9,) is curved somewhat, as
+may be seen in Figures 10 and 11.
+
+This effect is occasioned by the softness of the bones, induced by want
+of exercise, together with tight dressing, which tends to weaken the
+muscles that are thus thrown out of use. Improper and long continued
+positions in drawing, writing, and sleeping, which throw the weight of
+the body on one part of the spine, induce the same evil. This distortion
+is usually accompanied with some consequent disease of the nervous
+system, or some disarrangement of the internal organs.
+
+By comparing Figures 9 and 11, the difference between a natural and
+distorted spine will be readily perceived. In Fig. 10, the curved line
+shows the course of the spine, occasioned by distortion; the
+perpendicular line, in this and Fig. 11, indicates the true direction of
+the spine; the horizontal lines show that one shoulder and hip are
+forced from their proper level.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 9.]
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 10.]
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 11.]
+
+
+BLOOD-VESSELS.
+
+The blood is the fluid into which our food is changed, and which is
+employed to minister nourishment to the whole body. For this purpose, it
+is carried to every part of the body, by the arteries; and, after it has
+given out its nourishment, returns to the heart, through the veins.
+
+The subjoined engraving, (Fig. 12,) which presents a rude outline of the
+vascular system, will more clearly illustrate this operation, as we
+shall presently show.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 12.]
+
+Before entering the heart, the blood receives a fresh supply of
+nourishment, by a duct which leads from the stomach. The arteries have
+their origin from the heart, in a great trunk, called the _aorta_, which
+is the parent of all the arteries, as the spinal marrow is the parent of
+the nerves which it sends out. When the arteries have branched out into
+myriads of minute vessels, the blood which is in them passes into as
+minute veins; and these run into each other, like the rills and branches
+of a river, until they are all united in two great veins, which run into
+the heart. One of these large receivers, called the _vena cava
+superior_, or _upper vena cava_, brings back the blood from the arms and
+head, the other, the _vena cava inferior_, or _lower vena cava_, brings
+back the blood from the body and lower limbs.
+
+In the preceding figure, H, is the heart, which is divided into four
+compartments; two, called _auricles_, used for receiving the blood, and
+two, called _ventricles_, used for sending out the blood. A, is the
+_aorta_, or great artery, which sends its branches to every part of the
+body. In the upper part, at _a_, _a_, _a_, are the main branches of the
+_aorta_, which go to the head and arms. Below, at _a_, _a_, are the
+branches which go to the lower limbs. The branches which set off at X,
+X, are those by which the intestines are supplied by vessels from the
+_aorta_. Every muscle in the whole body, all the organs of the body, and
+the skin, are supplied by branches sent off from this great _artery_.
+When the blood is thus dispersed through any organ, in minute vessels,
+it is received, at their terminations, by numerous minute veins, which
+gradually unite, forming larger branches, till they all meet in either
+the upper or lower _vena cava_, which returns the blood to the heart. V
+I, is the _vena cava inferior_, which receives the blood from the veins
+of the lower parts of the body, as seen at v, v. The blood, sent into
+the lower limbs from the _aorta_, is received by minute veins, which
+finally unite at v, v, and thus it is emptied through the lower _vena
+cava_ into the heart: _o_, _o_, represent the points of entrance of
+those tributaries of the _vena cava_, which receive that blood from the
+intestines, which is sent out by the _aorta_ at X, X. In the upper part,
+V S, is the _vena cava superior_, which receives the blood from the head
+and arms; v, v, v, are the tributaries of the upper _vena cava_, which
+bring the blood back from the head and arms; _d_, _d_, represents the
+course of the _thoracic duct_, a delicate tube by which the chyle is
+carried into the blood, as mentioned on page 89; _t_, shows the place
+where this duct empties into a branch of the _vena cava_.
+
+It thus appears, that wherever a branch of the _aorta_ goes to carry
+blood, there will be found a tributary of the upper or lower _vena
+cava_, to bring it back.
+
+The succeeding engravings, will enable the reader to form a more
+definite idea of this important function of the system,--the circulation
+of the blood. The heart, in man, and in all warm-blooded animals, is
+double, having two auricles and two ventricles. In animals with cold
+blood, (as fishes,) the heart is single, having but one auricle and one
+ventricle. Fig. 13, represents the double heart as it appears when the
+two sides are separated, and also the great blood-vessels; those on the
+left of the figure being on the right side of the body, and _vice
+versa_. The direction of the blood is represented by the arrows. A,
+represents the _lower vena cava_, returning the blood from the lower
+parts of the body, and L, the _upper vena cava_, returning the blood
+from the head and arms. B, is the _right sinus_, or _auricle_, into
+which the returned blood is poured. From this cavity of the heart, the
+blood is carried into the _right ventricle_, C; and from this ventricle,
+the _pulmonary arteries_, D, convey into the lungs the blood which is
+returned from the body. These five vessels, A, B, C, D, and L, belong to
+the right side of the heart, and contain the venous or dark-colored
+blood, which has been through the circulation, and is now unfit for the
+uses of the system, till it has passed through the lungs.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 13.]
+
+When the blood reaches the lungs, and is exposed to the action of the
+air which we breathe, it throws off its impurities, becomes bright in
+color, and is then called arterial blood. It then returns to the left
+side of the heart, (on the right of the engraving,) by the pulmonary
+veins E, E, (also seen at _m_, _m_, Fig. 15,) into the left auricle F,
+whence it is forced into the ventricle, G. From the left ventricle,
+proceeds the _aorta_, H, H, which is the great artery of the body, and
+conveys the blood to every part of the system. I, J, K, are branches of
+the aorta, going to the head and arms.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 14.]
+
+Fig. 14, represents the heart, with its two sides united as in nature;
+and will be understood from the description of Fig. 13.
+
+On the opposite page, Fig. 15, represents the heart, with the great
+blood-vessels, on a still larger scale; _a_, being the _left ventricle_;
+_b_, the _right ventricle_; _c_, _e_, _f_, the _aorta_, or great artery,
+rising out of the left ventricle; _g_, _h_, _i_, the branches of the
+aorta, going to the head and arms; _k_, _l_, _l_, the _pulmonary
+artery_, and its branches; _m_, _m_, _veins of the lungs_, which bring
+the blood back from the lungs to the heart; _n_, _right auricle_; _o_,
+_vena cava inferior_; _p_, veins returning blood from the liver and
+bowels; _q_, the _vena cava superior_; _r_, the _left auricle_; _s_, the
+left _coronary artery_, which distributes the blood exclusively to the
+substance of the heart.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 15.]
+
+
+ORGANS OF DIGESTION AND RESPIRATION.
+
+Digestion and respiration are the processes, by which the food is
+converted into blood for the nourishment of the body. The engraving on
+the next page (Fig. 16) shows the organs by which these operations are
+performed.
+
+In the lower part of the engraving, is the stomach, marked S, which
+receives the food through the _gullet_, marked G. The latter, though in
+the engraving it is cut off at G, in reality continues upwards to the
+throat. The stomach is a bag composed of muscles, nerves, and
+blood-vessels, united by a material similar to that which forms the
+skin. As soon as food enters the stomach, its nerves are excited to
+perform their proper function of stimulating the muscles. A muscular
+(called the _peristaltic_) motion immediately commences, by which the
+stomach propels its contents around the whole of its circumference, once
+in every three minutes.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 16.]
+
+This movement of the muscles attracts the blood from other parts of the
+system; for the blood always hastens to administer its supplies to any
+organ which is called to work. The blood-vessels of the stomach are soon
+distended with blood, from which the _gastric juice_ is secreted by
+minute vessels in the coat of the stomach. This mixes with the food,
+and reduces it to a soft pulpy mass, called chyme. It then passes
+through the lower end of the stomach, into the intestines, which are
+folded up in the abdomen, and the upper portion, only, of which, is
+shown in the engraving, at A, A. The organ marked L, L, is the liver,
+which, as the blood passes through its many vessels, secretes a
+substance called _bile_, which accumulates in the gall-bladder, marked
+B. After the food passes out of the stomach, it receives from the liver
+a portion of bile, and from the _pancreas_ the _pancreatic juice_. The
+pancreas does not appear in this drawing, being concealed behind the
+stomach. These two liquids separate the substance which has passed from
+the stomach, into two different portions. One is a light liquid, very
+much like cream in appearance, and called _chyle_, of which the blood is
+formed; the other is a more solid substance, which contains the refuse
+and useless matter, with a smaller portion of nourishment; and this,
+after being further separated from the nourishing matter which it
+contains, is thrown out of the body. There are multitudes of small
+vessels, called _lacteals_, which, as these two mixed substances pass
+through the long and winding folds of the intestines in the abdomen,
+absorb the chyle, and convey it to the _thoracic duct_, which runs up
+close by the spine, and carries the chyle, thus received, into a branch
+of the _vena cava superior_, at _t_, whence it is mingled with the blood
+going into the heart. In this engraving, the _lacteals_ and _thoracic
+duct_ are not shown; but their position is indicated by the dotted
+lines, marked X, Y; X, being the lacteals, and Y, the thoracic duct.
+
+In the upper half of the engraving, H represents the heart; _a_, the
+commencement of the _aorta_; _v c s_, the termination of the _vena cava
+superior_. On each side of the heart, are the lungs; _l l_, being the
+left lobe, and _r l_, the right lobe. They are composed of a network of
+air-vessels, blood-vessels, and nerves. W, represents the _trachea_, or
+_windpipe_, through which, the air we breathe is conducted to the lungs.
+It branches out into myriads of minute vessels, which are thus filled
+with air every time we breathe. From the heart, run the _pulmonary
+arteries_, marked _p a_. These enter the lungs and spread out along-side
+of the branches of the air-vessels, so that every air-vessel has a small
+artery running side by side with it. When the two _vena cavas_ empty the
+blood into the heart, the latter contracts, and sends this blood,
+through these pulmonary arteries, into the lungs.
+
+As the air and blood meander, side by side, through the lungs, the
+superabundant carbon and hydrogen of the blood combine with the oxygen
+of the air, forming carbonic acid gas, and water, which are thrown out
+of the lungs at every expiration. This is the process by which the chyle
+is converted into arterial blood, and the venous blood purified of its
+excess of carbon and hydrogen. When the blood is thus prepared, in the
+lungs, for its duties, it is received by the small _pulmonary veins_,
+which gradually unite, and bring the blood back to the heart, through
+the large _pulmonary veins_, marked _p v_, _p v_.
+
+On receiving this purified blood from the lungs, the heart contracts,
+and sends it out again, through the _aorta_, to all parts of the body.
+It then makes another circuit through every part, ministering to the
+wants of all, and is afterwards again brought back by the veins to
+receive the fresh chyle from the stomach, and to be purified by the
+lungs.
+
+The throbbing of the heart is caused by its alternate expansion and
+contraction, as it receives and expels the blood. With one throb, the
+blood is sent from the right ventricle into the lungs, and from the left
+ventricle into the aorta.
+
+Every time we inspire air, the process of purifying the blood is going
+on; and every time we expire the air, we throw out the redundant carbon
+and hydrogen, taken from a portion of the blood. If the waist is
+compressed by tight clothing, a portion of the lungs be compressed, so
+that the air-vessels cannot be filled. This prevents the perfect
+purification and preparation of the blood, so that a part returns back
+to the heart unfitted for its duties. This is a slow, but sure, method,
+by which the constitution of many a young lady is so undermined that she
+becomes an early victim to disease and to the decay of beauty and
+strength. The want of _pure air_ is another cause, of the debility of
+the female constitution. When air has been rendered impure, by the
+breath of several persons, or by close confinement, it does not purify
+the blood properly. Sleeping in close chambers, and sitting in crowded
+and unventilated schoolrooms, are frequent causes of debility in the
+constitution of young persons.
+
+
+OF THE SKIN.
+
+The skin is the covering of the body, and has very important functions
+to perform. It is more abundantly supplied with nerves and blood-vessels
+than any other part; and there is no spot of the skin where the point of
+the finest needle would not pierce a nerve and blood-vessel. Indeed, it
+may be considered as composed chiefly of an interlacing of minute nerves
+and blood-vessels, so that it is supposed there is more nervous matter
+in the skin, than in all the rest of the body united, and that the
+greater portion of the blood flows through the skin.
+
+The whole animal system is in a state of continual change and
+renovation. Food is constantly taken into the stomach, only a portion of
+which is fitted for the supply of the blood. All the rest has to be
+thrown out of the system, by various organs designed for this purpose.
+These organs are,--the lungs, which throw off a portion of useless
+matter when the blood is purified; the kidneys, which secrete liquids
+that pass into the bladder, and are thrown out from the body by that
+organ; and the intestines, which carry off the useless and more solid
+parts of the food, after the lacteals have drawn off the chyle. In
+addition to these organs, the skin has a similar duty to perform; and as
+it has so much larger a supply of blood, it is the chief organ in
+relieving the body of the useless and noxious parts of the materials
+which are taken for food.
+
+Various experiments show, that not less than a pound and four ounces of
+waste matter is thrown off by the skin every twenty-four hours. This is
+according to the lowest calculation. Most of those, who have made
+experiments to ascertain the quantity, represent it as much greater; and
+all agree, that the skin throws off more redundant matter from the body,
+than the whole of the other organs together. In the ordinary state of
+the skin, even when there is no apparent perspiration, it is constantly
+exhaling waste matter, in a form which is called _insensible
+perspiration_, because it cannot be perceived by the senses. A very cool
+mirror, brought suddenly near to the skin, will be covered, in that
+part, with a moisture, which is this effluvium thus made visible. When
+heat or exercise excites the skin, this perspiration is increased, so as
+to be apparent to the senses. This shows the reason why it is so
+important frequently to wash the entire surface of the body. If this be
+neglected, the pores of the skin are closed by the waste matter thrown
+from the body, and by small particles of the thin scarfskin, so that it
+cannot properly perform its duties. In this way, the other organs are
+made to work harder, in order to perform the labor the skin would
+otherwise accomplish, and thus the lungs and bowels are often
+essentially weakened.
+
+Another office of the skin, is, to regulate the heat of the body. The
+action of the internal organs is constantly generating heat; and the
+faster the blood circulates, the greater is the heat evolved. The
+perspiration of the skin serves to reduce and regulate this heat. For,
+whenever any liquid changes to a vapor, it absorbs heat from whatever is
+nearest to it. The faster the blood flows, the more perspiration is
+evolved. This bedews the skin with a liquid, which the heat of the body
+turns to a vapor; and in this change, that heat is absorbed. When a
+fever takes place, this perspiration ceases, and the body is afflicted
+with heat. Insensible perspiration is most abundant during sleep, after
+eating, and when friction is applied to the skin. Perspiration is
+performed by the terminations of minute arteries in every part of the
+skin, which exude the perspiration from the blood.
+
+The skin also performs another function. It is provided with a set of
+small vessels, called _absorbents_, which are exceedingly abundant and
+minute. When particular substances are brought in contact with the skin,
+these absorbents take up some portions and carry them into the blood. It
+is owing to this, that opium, applied on the skin, acts in a manner
+similar to its operation when taken into the stomach. The power of
+absorption is increased by friction; and this is the reason that
+liniments are employed, with much rubbing, to bruises and sprains. The
+substance applied is thus introduced into the injured part, through the
+absorbents. This shows another reason for frequent washing of the skin,
+and for the frequent changes of the garment next the skin. Otherwise
+portions of the noxious matter, thrown out by the skin, are reabsorbed
+into the blood, and are slow but sure causes of a decay of the strength
+of the system.
+
+The skin is also provided with small follicles, or bags, which are
+filled with an oily substance. This, by gradually exuding over the skin,
+prevents water from penetrating and injuring its texture.
+
+The skin is also the organ of touch. This office is performed through
+the instrumentality of the nerves of feeling, which are spread over all
+parts of the skin.
+
+This general outline of the construction of the human frame is given,
+with reference to the practical application of this knowledge in the
+various cases where a woman will be called upon to exercise her own
+unaided judgement. The application will be further pointed out, in the
+chapters on Food, Dress, Cleanliness, Care of the Sick, and Care of
+Infants.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+ON HEALTHFUL FOOD.
+
+
+The person who decides what shall be the food and drink of a family, and
+the modes of preparation, is the one who decides, to a greater or less
+extent, what shall be the health of that family. It is the opinion of
+most medical men, that intemperance in eating is the most fruitful of
+all causes of disease and death. If this be so, the woman who wisely
+adapts the food and cooking of her family to the laws of health, removes
+the greatest risk which threatens the lives of those under her care.
+
+To exhibit this subject clearly, it will be needful to refer, more
+minutely, to the organization and operation of the digestive organs.
+
+It is found, by experiment, that the supply of gastric juice, furnished
+from the blood, by the arteries of the stomach, is proportioned, not to
+the amount of food put into the stomach, but to the wants of the body;
+so that it is possible to put much more into the stomach than can be
+digested. To guide and regulate in this matter, the sensation called
+_hunger_ is provided. In a healthy state of the body, as soon as the
+blood has lost its nutritive supplies, the craving of hunger is felt,
+and then, if the food is suitable, and is taken in the proper manner,
+this sensation ceases, as soon as the stomach has received enough to
+supply the wants of the system. But our benevolent Creator, in this, as
+in our other duties, has connected enjoyment with the operation needful
+to sustain our bodies. In addition to the allaying of hunger, the
+gratification of the palate is secured, by the immense variety of food,
+some articles of which are far more agreeable than others.
+
+This arrangement of Providence, designed for our happiness, has become,
+either through ignorance, or want of self-control, the chief cause of
+the various diseases and sufferings, which afflict those classes who
+have the means of seeking a variety to gratify the palate. If mankind
+had only one article of food, and only water to drink, though they would
+have less enjoyment in eating, they would never be tempted to put any
+more into the stomach, than the calls of hunger required. But the
+customs of society, which present an incessant change, and a great
+variety of food, with those various condiments which stimulate appetite,
+lead almost every person very frequently to eat merely to gratify the
+palate, after the stomach has been abundantly supplied, so that hunger
+has ceased.
+
+When too great a supply of food is put into the stomach, the gastric
+juice dissolves only that portion which the wants of the system demand.
+The remainder is ejected, in an unprepared state; the absorbents take
+portions of it into the system; and all the various functions of the
+body, which depend on the ministries of the blood, are thus gradually
+and imperceptibly injured. Very often, intemperance in eating produces
+immediate results, such as colic, headaches, pains of indigestion, and
+vertigo. But the more general result, is, a gradual undermining of all
+parts of the human frame; thus imperceptibly shortening life, by so
+weakening the constitution, that it is ready to yield, at every point,
+to any uncommon risk or exposure. Thousands and thousands are passing
+out of the world, from diseases occasioned by exposures, which a healthy
+constitution could meet without any danger. It is owing to these
+considerations, that it becomes the duty of every woman, who has the
+responsibility of providing food for a family, to avoid a variety of
+tempting dishes. It is a much safer rule, to have only one kind of
+healthy food, for each meal, than the abundant variety which is usually
+met at the tables of almost all classes in this Country. When there is
+to be any variety of dishes, they ought not to be successive, but so
+arranged, as to give the opportunity of selection. How often is it the
+case, that persons, by the appearance of a favorite article, are tempted
+to eat, merely to gratify the palate, when the stomach is already
+adequately supplied. All such intemperance wears on the constitution,
+and shortens life. It not unfrequently happens, that excess in eating
+produces a morbid appetite, which must constantly be denied.
+
+But the organization of the digestive organs demands, not only that food
+be taken in proper quantities, but that it be taken at proper times.
+
+It has before been shown, that, as soon as the food enters the stomach,
+the muscles are excited by the nerves, and the _peristaltic motion_
+commences. This is a powerful and constant exercise of the muscles of
+the stomach, which continues until the process of digestion is complete.
+During this time, the blood is withdrawn from other parts of the system,
+to supply the demands of the stomach, which is laboring hard with all
+its muscles. When this motion ceases, and the digested food has
+gradually passed out of the stomach, Nature requires that it should have
+a period of repose. And if another meal be eaten, immediately after one
+is digested, the stomach is set to work again, before it has had time to
+rest, and before a sufficient supply of gastric juice is provided.
+
+The general rule, then, is, that three hours be given to the stomach for
+labor, and two for rest; and in obedience to this, five hours, at least,
+ought to elapse between every two regular meals. In cases where exercise
+produces a flow of perspiration, more food is needed to supply the loss;
+and strong laboring men may safely eat as often as they feel the want of
+food. So, young and healthy children, who gambol and exercise much, and
+whose bodies grow fast, may have a more frequent supply of food. But, as
+a general rule, meals should be five hours apart, and eating between
+meals avoided. There is nothing more unsafe, and wearing to the
+constitution, than a habit of eating at any time, merely to gratify the
+palate. When a tempting article is presented, every person should
+exercise sufficient self-denial, to wait till the proper time for eating
+arrives. Children, as well as grown persons, are often injured, by
+eating between their regular meals, thus weakening the stomach, by not
+affording it any time for rest.
+
+In deciding as to _quantity_ of food, there is one great difficulty to
+be met by a large portion of the community. It has been shown, that the
+exercise of every part of the body is indispensable to its health and
+perfection. The bones, the muscles, the nerves, the organs of digestion
+and respiration, and the skin, all demand exercise, in order properly to
+perform their functions. When the muscles of the body are called into
+action, all the blood-vessels entwined among them are frequently
+compressed. As the arteries are so contrived, that the blood cannot run
+back, this compression hastens it forward, through the veins, towards
+that organ. The heart is immediately put in quicker motion, to send it
+into the lungs; and they, also, are thus stimulated to more rapid
+action, which is the cause of that panting which active exercise always
+occasions. The blood thus courses with greater celerity through the
+body, and sooner loses its nourishing properties. Then the stomach
+issues its mandate of hunger, and a new supply of food must be
+furnished. Thus it appears, as a general rule, that the quantity of
+food, actually needed by the body, depends on the amount of muscular
+exercise taken. A laboring man, in the open fields, probably throws off
+from his skin ten times the amount of perspirable matter, which is
+evolved from the skin of a person of sedentary pursuits. In consequence
+of this, he demands a far greater amount of food and drink.
+
+Those persons, who keep their bodies in a state of health, by sufficient
+exercise, can always be guided by the calls of hunger. They can eat when
+they feel hungry, and stop when hunger ceases; and then they will
+calculate exactly right. But the difficulty is, that a large part of
+the community, especially women, are so inactive in their habits, that
+they seldom feel the calls of hunger. They habitually eat, merely to
+gratify the palate. This produces such a state of the system, that they
+have lost the guide which Nature has provided. They are not called to
+eat, by hunger, nor admonished, by its cessation, when to stop. In
+consequence of this, such persons eat what pleases the palate, till they
+feel no more inclination for the article. It is probable, that three
+fourths of the women, in the wealthier circles, sit down to each meal
+without any feeling of hunger, and eat merely on account of the
+gratification thus afforded them. Such persons find their appetite to
+depend almost solely upon the kind of food on the table. This is not the
+case with those, who take the exercise which Nature demands. They
+approach their meals in such a state that almost any kind of food is
+acceptable.
+
+The question then arises, how are persons, who have lost the guide which
+Nature has provided, to determine as to the proper amount of food they
+shall take?
+
+The only rules they can adopt, are of a general nature; founded on the
+principles already developed. They should endeavor to proportion their
+food to the amount of the exercise they ordinarily take. If they take
+but little exercise, they should eat but little food in comparison with
+those who are much in the open air and take much exercise; and their
+food should be chiefly vegetable, and not animal. But how often is it
+seen, that a student, or a man who sits all day in an office, or a lady
+who spends the day in her parlor and chamber, will sit down to a loaded
+table, and, by continuing to partake of the tempting varieties, in the
+end load the stomach with a supply, which a stout farmer could scarcely
+digest.
+
+But the health of a family depends, not merely on the _quantity_ of food
+taken; but very much, also, on the _quality_. Some kinds of food are
+very pernicious in their nature, and some healthful articles are
+rendered very injurious by the mode of cooking. Persons who have a
+strong constitution, and take much exercise, may eat almost any thing,
+with apparent impunity; but young children, who are forming their
+constitutions, and persons who are delicate, and who take but little
+exercise, are very dependent for health, on a proper selection of food.
+
+There are some general principles, which may aid in regulating the
+judgement on this subject.
+
+It is found, that there are some kinds of food which afford nutriment to
+the blood, and do not produce any other effect on the system. There are
+other kinds, which are not only nourishing, but _stimulating_, so that
+they quicken the functions of the organs on which they operate. The
+condiments used in cookery, such as pepper, mustard, and spices, are of
+this nature. There are certain states of the system, when these
+stimulants are beneficial; but it is only in cases where there is some
+debility. Such cases can only be pointed out by medical men. But persons
+in perfect health, and especially young children, never receive any
+benefit from such kind of food; and just in proportion as condiments
+operate to quicken the labors of the internal organs, they tend to wear
+down their powers. A person who thus keeps the body working under an
+unnatural excitement, _lives faster_ than Nature designed, and the
+sooner the constitution is worn out. A woman, therefore, should provide
+dishes for her family, which are free from these stimulating condiments,
+and as much as possible prevent their use. It is also found, by
+experience, that animal food is more stimulating than vegetable. This is
+the reason why, in cases of fevers, or inflammations, medical men forbid
+the use of meat and butter. Animal food supplies chyle much more
+abundantly than vegetable food does; and this chyle is more stimulating
+in its nature. Of course, a person who lives chiefly on animal food, is
+under a higher degree of stimulus than if his food was chiefly composed
+of vegetable substances. His blood will flow faster, and all the
+functions of his body will be quickened.
+
+This makes it important to secure a proper proportion of animal and
+vegetable diet. Some medical men suppose, that an exclusively vegetable
+diet is proved, by the experience of many individuals, to be fully
+sufficient to nourish the body; and bring, as evidence, the fact, that
+some of the strongest and most robust men in the world, are those, who
+are trained, from infancy, exclusively on vegetable food. From this,
+they infer, that life will be shortened, just in proportion as the diet
+is changed to more stimulating articles; and that, all other things
+being equal, children will have a better chance of health and long life,
+if they are brought up solely on vegetable food.
+
+But, though this is not the common opinion of medical men, they all
+agree, that, in America, far too large a portion of the diet consists of
+animal food. As a nation, the Americans are proverbial for the gross and
+luxurious diet with which they load their tables; and there can be no
+doubt that the general health of the Nation would be increased, by a
+change in our customs in this respect. To take meat but once a day, and
+this in small quantities, compared with the common practice, is a rule,
+the observance of which would probably greatly reduce the amount of
+fevers, eruptions, headaches, bilious attacks, and the many other
+ailments which are produced or aggravated by too gross a diet.
+
+The celebrated Roman physician, Baglivi, (who, from practising
+extensively among Roman Catholics, had ample opportunities to observe,)
+mentions, that, in Italy, an unusual number of people recover their
+health in the forty days of Lent, in consequence of the lower diet which
+is required as a religious duty. An American physician remarks, "For
+every reeling drunkard that disgraces our Country, it contains one
+hundred gluttons;--persons, I mean, who eat to excess, and suffer in
+consequence." Another distinguished physician says, "I believe that
+every stomach, not actually impaired by organic disease, will perform
+its functions, if it receives reasonable attention; and when we perceive
+the manner in which diet is generally conducted, both in regard to
+_quantity_ and _variety_ of articles of food and drink, which are mixed
+up in one heterogeneous mass,--instead of being astonished at the
+prevalence of indigestion, our wonder must rather be, that, in such
+circumstances, any stomach is capable of digesting at all."
+
+In regard to articles which are the most easily digested, only general
+rules can be given. Tender meats are digested more readily than those
+which are tough, or than many kinds of vegetable food. The farinaceous
+articles, such as rice, flour, corn, potatoes, and the like, are the
+most nutritious, and most easily digested. The popular notion, that meat
+is more nourishing than bread, is a great mistake. Good bread contains
+one third more nourishment than butcher's meat. The meat is more
+_stimulating_, and for this reason is more readily digested. A perfectly
+healthy stomach can digest almost any healthful food; but when the
+digestive powers are weak, every stomach has its peculiarities, and what
+is good for one, is hurtful to another. In such cases, experiment,
+alone, can decide, which are the most digestible articles of food. A
+person, whose food troubles him, must deduct one article after another,
+till he learns, by experience, which is the best for digestion. Much
+evil has been done, by assuming that the powers of one stomach are to be
+made the rule in regulating every other.
+
+The most unhealthful kinds of food, are those, which are made so by bad
+cooking; such as sour and heavy bread, cakes, pie-crust, and other
+dishes consisting of fat, mixed and cooked with flour; also rancid
+butter, and high-seasoned food. The fewer mixtures there are in cooking,
+the more healthful is the food likely to be.
+
+There is one caution, as to the _mode_ of eating, which seems peculiarly
+needful to Americans. It is indispensable to good digestion, that food
+be well chewed and taken slowly. It needs to be thoroughly chewed, in
+order to prepare it for the action of the gastric juice, which, by the
+_peristaltic motion_, will be thus brought into universal contact with
+the minute portions. It has been found, that a solid lump of food
+requires much more time and labor of the stomach, than divided
+substances. It has also been found, that, as each bolus, or mouthful,
+enters the stomach, the latter closes, until the portion received has
+had some time to move around and combine with the gastric juice; and
+that the orifice of the stomach resists the entrance of any more, till
+this is accomplished. But, if the eater persists in swallowing fast, the
+stomach yields; the food is then poured in more rapidly than the organ
+can perform its duty of digestion; and evil results are sooner or later
+developed. This exhibits the folly of those hasty meals, so common to
+travellers, and to men of business, and shows why children should be
+taught to eat slowly.
+
+After taking a full meal, it is very important to health, that no great
+bodily or mental exertion be made, till the labor of the stomach is
+over. Intense mental effort draws the blood to the head, and muscular
+exertions draw it to the muscles; and in consequence of this, the
+stomach loses the supply which it requires when performing its office.
+When the blood is thus withdrawn, the adequate supply of gastric juice
+is not afforded, and indigestion is the result. The heaviness which
+follows a full meal, is the indication which Nature gives of the need of
+quiet. When the meal is moderate, a sufficient quantity of gastric juice
+is exuded in an hour, or an hour and a half; after which, labor of body
+and mind may safely be resumed.
+
+When undigested food remains in the stomach, and is at last thrown out
+into the bowels, it proves an irritating substance, producing an
+inflamed state in the lining of the stomach and other organs. The same
+effect is produced by alcoholic drinks.
+
+It is found, that the stomach has the power of gradually accommodating
+its digestive powers to the food it habitually receives. Thus, animals,
+which live on vegetables, can gradually become accustomed to animal
+food; and the reverse is equally true. Thus, too, the human stomach can
+eventually accomplish the digestion of some kinds of food, which, at
+first, were indigestible.
+
+But any changes of this sort should be gradual; as those which are
+_sudden_, are trying to the powers of the stomach, by furnishing matter
+for which its gastric juice is not prepared.
+
+In regard to the nature of the meals prepared, the breakfast should
+furnish a supply of liquids, because the body has been exhausted by the
+exhalations of the night, and demands them more than at any other
+period. It should not be the heartiest meal, because the organs of
+digestion are weakened by long fasting, and the exhalations. Dinner
+should be the heartiest meal, because then the powers of digestion are
+strengthened, by the supplies of the morning meal. Light and amusing
+employments should occupy mind and body for an hour or more after a full
+meal.
+
+But little drink should be taken, while eating, as it dilutes the
+gastric juice which is apportioned to each quantity of food as it enters
+the stomach. It is better to take drink after the meal is past.
+
+Extremes of heat or cold are injurious to the process of digestion.
+Taking hot food or drink, habitually, tends to debilitate all the organs
+thus needlessly excited. In using cold substances, it is found that a
+certain degree of warmth in the stomach is indispensable to their
+digestion; so that, when the gastric juice is cooled below this
+temperature, it ceases to act. Indulging in large quantities of cold
+drinks, or eating ice-creams, after a meal, tends to reduce the
+temperature of the stomach, and thus to stop digestion. This shows the
+folly of those refreshments, in convivial meetings, where the guests are
+tempted to load the stomach with a variety, such as would require the
+stomach of a stout farmer to digest, and then to wind up with
+ice-creams, thus destroying whatever ability might otherwise have
+existed, to digest the heavy load. The fittest temperature for drinks,
+if taken when the food is in the digesting process, is blood heat. Cool
+drinks, and even ice, can be safely taken at other times, if not in
+excessive quantity. When the thirst is excessive, or the body weakened
+by fatigue, or when in a state of perspiration, cold drinks are
+injurious. When the body is perspiring freely, taking a large quantity
+of cold drink has often produced instant death.
+
+Fluids taken into the stomach are not subject to the slow process of
+digestion, but are immediately absorbed and carried into the blood. This
+is the reason why drink, more speedily than food, restores from
+exhaustion. The minute vessels of the stomach inhale or absorb its
+fluids, which are carried into the blood, just as the minute extremities
+of the arteries open upon the inner surface of the stomach, and there
+exude the gastric juice from the blood.
+
+When food is chiefly liquid, (soup, for example,) the fluid part is
+rapidly absorbed. The solid parts remain, to be acted on by the gastric
+juice. In the case of St. Martin,[F] in fifty minutes after taking soup,
+the fluids were absorbed, and the remainder was even thicker than is
+usual after eating solid food. This is the reason why soups are deemed
+bad for weak stomachs; as this residuum is more difficult of digestion
+than ordinary food. In recovering from sickness, beef-tea and broths are
+good, because the system then demands fluids to supply its loss of
+blood.
+
+Highly-concentrated food, having much nourishment in a small bulk, is
+not favorable to digestion, because it cannot be properly acted on by
+the muscular contractions of the stomach, and is not so minutely
+divided, as to enable the gastric juice to act properly. This is the
+reason, why a certain _bulk_ of food is needful to good digestion; and
+why those people, who live on whale oil, and other highly-nourishing
+food, in cold climates, mix vegetables and even sawdust with it, to make
+it more acceptable and digestible. So, in civilized lands, bread,
+potatoes, and vegetables, are mixed with more highly-concentrated
+nourishment. This explains why coarse bread, of unbolted wheat, so often
+proves beneficial. Where, from inactive habits, or other causes, the
+bowels become constipated and sluggish, this kind of food proves the
+appropriate remedy. One fact on this subject is worthy of notice. Under
+the administration of William Pitt, for two years or more, there was
+such a scarcity of wheat, that, to make it hold out longer, Parliament
+passed a law, that the army should have all their bread made of unbolted
+flour. The result was, that the health of the soldiers improved so much,
+as to be a subject of surprise to themselves, the officers, and the
+physicians. These last came out publicly, and declared, that the
+soldiers never before were so robust and healthy; and that disease had
+nearly disappeared from the army. The civic physicians joined and
+pronounced it the healthiest bread; and, for a time, schools, families,
+and public institutions, used it almost exclusively. Even the nobility,
+convinced by these facts, adopted it for their common diet; and the
+fashion continued a long time after the scarcity ceased, until more
+luxurious habits resumed their sway. For this reason, also, soups,
+gellies, and arrow-root, should have bread or crackers mixed with them.
+We thus see why children should not have cakes and candies allowed them
+between meals. These are highly-concentrated nourishments, and should be
+eaten with more bulky and less nourishing substances. The most
+indigestible of all kinds of food, are fatty and oily substances;
+especially if heated. It is on this account, that pie-crust, and
+articles boiled and fried in fat or butter, are deemed not so healthful
+as other food.
+
+The following, then, may be put down as the causes of a debilitated
+constitution, from the misuse of food. Eating _too much_, eating _too
+often_, eating _too fast_, eating food and condiments that are _too
+stimulating_, eating food that is _too warm_ or _too cold_, eating food
+that is _highly-concentrated_, without a proper admixture of less
+nourishing matter, and eating food that is _difficult of digestion_.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[F] The individual here referred to,--Alexis St. Martin,--was a young
+Canadian, of eighteen years of age, of a good constitution, and robust
+health, who, in 1822, was accidentally wounded by the discharge of a
+musket, which carried away a part of the ribs, lacerated one of the
+lobes of the lungs, and perforated the stomach, making a large aperture,
+which never closed; and which enabled Dr. Beaumont, (a surgeon of the
+American army, stationed at Michilimackinac, under whose care the
+patient was placed,) to witness all the processes of digestion and other
+functions of the body, for several years. The published account of the
+experiments made by Dr. B., is highly interesting and instructive.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+ON HEALTHFUL DRINKS.
+
+
+Although intemperance in eating is probably the most prolific cause of
+the diseases of mankind, intemperance in drink has produced more guilt,
+misery, and crime, than any other one cause. And the responsibilities of
+a woman, in this particular, are very great; for the habits and
+liabilities of those under her care, will very much depend on her
+opinions and practice.
+
+It is a point fully established by experience, that the full
+developement of the human body, and the vigorous exercise of all its
+functions, can be secured without the use of stimulating drinks. It is,
+therefore, perfectly safe, to bring up children never to use them; no
+hazard being incurred, by such a course.
+
+It is also found, by experience, that there are two evils incurred, by
+the use of stimulating drinks. The first, is, their positive effect on
+the human system. Their peculiarity consists in so exciting the nervous
+system, that all the functions of the body are accelerated, and the
+fluids are caused to move quicker than at their natural speed. This
+increased motion of the animal fluids, always produces an agreeable
+effect on the mind. The intellect is invigorated, the imagination is
+excited, the spirits are enlivened; and these effects are so agreeable,
+that all mankind, after having once experienced them, feel a great
+desire for their repetition.
+
+But this temporary invigoration of the system, is always followed by a
+diminution of the powers of the stimulated organs; so that, though in
+all cases this reaction may not be perceptible, it is invariably the
+result. It may be set down as the unchangeable rule of physiology, that
+stimulating drinks (except in cases of disease) deduct from the powers
+of the constitution, in exactly the proportion in which they operate to
+produce temporary invigoration.
+
+The second evil, is, the temptation which always attends the use of
+stimulants. Their effect on the system is so agreeable, and the evils
+resulting are so imperceptible and distant, that there is a constant
+tendency to increase such excitement, both in frequency and power. And
+the more the system is thus reduced in strength, the more craving is the
+desire for that which imparts a temporary invigoration. This process of
+increasing debility and increasing craving for the stimulus that removes
+it, often goes to such an extreme, that the passion is perfectly
+uncontrollable, and mind and body perish under this baleful habit.
+
+In this Country, there are five forms in which the use of such
+stimulants is common; namely, _alcoholic drinks_, _tea_, _coffee_,
+_opium mixtures_, and _tobacco_. These are all alike, in the main
+peculiarity of imparting that extra stimulus to the system, which tends
+to exhaust its powers.
+
+Multitudes in this Nation are in the habitual use of some one of these
+stimulants; and each person defends the indulgence by these arguments:
+
+First, that the desire for stimulants is a natural propensity, implanted
+in man's nature, as is manifest from the universal tendency to such
+indulgences, in every nation. From this, it is inferred, that it is an
+innocent desire, which ought to be gratified, to some extent, and that
+the aim should be, to keep it within the limits of temperance, instead
+of attempting to exterminate a natural propensity.
+
+This is an argument, which, if true, makes it equally proper to use
+opium, brandy, tea, or tobacco, as stimulating principles, provided they
+are used temperately. But, if it be granted that perfect health and
+strength can be gained and secured without these stimulants, and that
+their peculiar effect is to diminish the power of the system, in exactly
+the same proportion as they stimulate it, then there is no such thing as
+a temperate use, unless they are so diluted, as to destroy any
+stimulating power; and in this form, they are seldom desired.
+
+The other argument for their use, is, that they are among the good
+things provided by the Creator, for our gratification; that, like all
+other blessings, they are exposed to abuse and excess; and that we
+should rather seek to regulate their use, than to banish them entirely.
+
+This argument is based on the assumption, that they are, like healthful
+foods and drinks, necessary to life and health, and injurious only by
+excess. But this is not true; for, whenever they are used in any such
+strength as to be a gratification, they operate, to a greater or less
+extent, as stimulants; and, to just such extent, they wear out the
+powers of the constitution; and it is abundantly proved, that they are
+not, like food and drink, necessary to health. Such articles are
+designed for medicine, and not for common use. There can be no argument
+framed to defend the use of one of them, which will not equally defend
+all. That men have a love for being stimulated, after they have once
+felt the pleasurable excitement, and that Providence has provided the
+means for securing it, are arguments as much in favor of alcohol, opium,
+and tobacco, as of coffee and tea. All that can be said in favor of the
+last-mentioned favorite beverages, is, that the danger in their use is
+not so great. Let any one, who defends one kind of stimulating drink,
+remember, then, that he uses an argument, which, if it be allowed that
+stimulants are not needed, and are injurious, will equally defend all
+kinds; and that all which can be said in defence of tea and coffee, is,
+that they _may_ be used, so weak, as to do no harm, and that they
+actually have done less harm than some of the other stimulating
+narcotics.
+
+The writer is of opinion, that tea and coffee are a most extensive cause
+of much of the nervous debility and suffering endured by American women;
+and that relinquishing such drinks would save an immense amount of such
+suffering. But there is little probability that the present generation
+will make so decided a change in their habits, as to give up these
+beverages; and the subject is presented rather in reference to forming
+the habits of children.
+
+It is a fact, that tea and coffee are, at first, seldom or never
+agreeable to children. It is the mixture of milk, sugar, and water, that
+reconciles them to a taste, which in this manner gradually becomes
+agreeable. Now, suppose that those who provide for a family conclude
+that it is not _their_ duty to give up entirely the use of stimulating
+drinks, may not the case appear different, in regard to teaching their
+children to love such drinks? Let the matter be regarded thus:--The
+experiments of physiologists all prove, that stimulants are not needful
+to health, and that, as the general rule, they tend to debilitate the
+constitution. Is it right, then, for a parent to tempt a child to drink
+what is not needful, when there is a probability that it will prove, to
+some extent, an undermining drain on the constitution? Some
+constitutions can bear much less excitement than others; and, in every
+family of children, there is usually one, or more, of delicate
+organization, and consequently peculiarly exposed to dangers from this
+source. It is this child who ordinarily becomes the victim to
+stimulating drinks. The tea and coffee which the parents and the
+healthier children can use without immediate injury, gradually sap the
+energies of the feebler child, who proves either an early victim, or a
+living martyr to all the sufferings that debilitated nerves inflict. Can
+it be right, to lead children, where all allow that there is some
+danger, and where, in many cases, disease and death are met, when
+another path is known to be perfectly safe?
+
+Of the stimulating drinks in common use, _black tea_ is least injurious,
+because its flavor is so strong, in comparison with its narcotic
+principle, that one who uses it, is much less liable to excess. Children
+can be trained to love milk and water sweetened with sugar, so that it
+will always be a pleasant beverage; or, if there are exceptions to the
+rule, they will be few. Water is an unfailing resort. Every one loves
+it, and it is perfectly healthful.
+
+The impression, common in this Country, that _warm drinks_, especially
+in Winter, are more healthful than cold, is not warranted by any
+experience, nor by the laws of the physical system. At dinner, cold
+drinks are universal, and no one deems them injurious. It is only at the
+other two meals that they are supposed to be hurtful.
+
+There is no doubt that _warm_ drinks are healthful, and more agreeable
+than cold, at certain times and seasons; but it is equally true, that
+drinks above blood heat are not healthful. If any person should hold a
+finger in hot water, for a considerable time, twice every day, it would
+be found that the finger would gradually grow weaker. The frequent
+application of the stimulus of heat, like all other stimulants,
+eventually causes debility. If, therefore, a person is in the habit of
+drinking hot drinks, twice a day, the teeth, throat, and stomach are
+gradually debilitated. This, most probably, is one of the causes of an
+early decay of the teeth, which is observed to be much more common among
+American ladies, than among those in European countries.
+
+It has been stated to the writer, by an intelligent traveller, who had
+visited Mexico, that it was rare to meet an individual with even a
+tolerable set of teeth; and that almost every grown person, he met in
+the street, had merely remnants of teeth. On inquiry into the customs
+of the Country, it was found, that it was the universal practice to take
+their usual beverage at almost the boiling point; and this, doubtless,
+was the chief cause of the almost entire want of teeth in that Country.
+In the United States, it cannot be doubted that much evil is done, in
+this way, by hot drinks. Most tea-drinkers consider tea as ruined, if it
+stands until it reaches the healthful temperature for drink.
+
+The following extract from Dr. Andrew Combe, presents the opinion of
+most intelligent medical men on this subject.[G]
+
+"_Water_ is a safe drink for all constitutions, provided it be resorted
+to in obedience to the dictates of natural thirst, only, and not of
+habit. Unless the desire for it is felt, there is no occasion for its
+use during a meal."
+
+"The primary effect of all distilled and fermented liquors, is, to
+_stimulate the nervous system and quicken the circulation_. In infancy
+and childhood, the circulation is rapid, and easily excited; and the
+nervous system is strongly acted upon, even by the slightest external
+impressions. Hence slight causes of irritation readily excite febrile
+and convulsive disorders. In youth, the natural tendency of the
+constitution is still to excitement; and consequently, as a general
+rule, the stimulus of fermented liquors is injurious."
+
+These remarks show, that parents, who find that stimulating drinks are
+not injurious to themselves, may mistake in inferring, from this, that
+they will not be injurious to their children.
+
+Dr. Combe continues thus: "In mature age, when digestion is good and the
+system in full vigor, if the mode of life be not too exhausting, the
+nervous functions and general circulation are in their best condition,
+and require no stimulus for their support. The bodily energy is then
+easily sustained, by nutritious food and a regular regimen, and
+consequently artificial excitement only increases the wasting of the
+natural strength. In old age, when the powers of life begin to fail,
+moderate stimulus may be used with evident advantage."
+
+It may be asked, in this connection, why the stimulus of animal food is
+not to be regarded in the same light, as that of stimulating drinks. In
+reply, a very essential difference may be pointed out. Animal food
+furnishes nutriment to the organs which it stimulates, but stimulating
+drinks excite the organs to quickened action, without affording any
+nourishment.
+
+It has been supposed, by some, that tea and coffee have, at least, a
+degree of nourishing power. But it is proved, that it is the milk and
+sugar, and not the main portion of the drink, which imparts the
+nourishment. Tea has not one particle of nourishing properties; and what
+little exists in the coffee-berry, is lost by roasting it in the usual
+mode. All that these articles do, is simply _to stimulate, without
+nourishing_.
+
+It is very common, especially in schools, for children to form a habit
+of drinking freely of cold water. This is a debilitating habit, and
+should be corrected. Very often, chewing a bit of cracker will stop a
+craving for drink, better than taking water; and when teachers are
+troubled with very thirsty scholars, they should direct them to this
+remedy. A person who exercises but little, requires no drink, between
+meals, for health; and the craving for it is unhealthful. Spices, wines,
+fermented liquors, and all stimulating condiments, produce unhealthful
+thirst.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[G] The writer would here remark, in reference to extracts made from
+various authors, that, for the sake of abridging, she has often left out
+parts of a paragraph, but never so as to modify the meaning of the
+author. Some ideas, not connected with the subject in hand, are omitted,
+but none are altered.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+ON CLOTHING.
+
+
+It appears, by calculations made from bills of mortality, that one
+quarter of the human race perishes in infancy. This is a fact not in
+accordance with the analogy of Nature. No such mortality prevails among
+the young of animals; it does not appear to be the design of the
+Creator; and it must be owing to causes which can be removed. Medical
+men agree in the opinion, that a great portion of this mortality, is
+owing to mismanagement, in reference to fresh air, food, and clothing.
+
+At birth, the circulation is chiefly in the vessels of the skin; for the
+liver and stomach, being feeble in action, demand less blood, and it
+resorts to the surface. If, therefore, an infant be exposed to cold, the
+blood is driven inward, by the contracting of the blood-vessels in the
+skin: and, the internal organs being thus over-stimulated, bowel
+complaints, croup, convulsions, or some other evil, ensues. This shows
+the sad mistake of parents, who plunge infants in cold water to
+strengthen their constitution; and teaches, that infants should be
+washed in warm water, and in a warm room. Some have constitutions strong
+enough to bear mismanagement in these respects; but many fail in
+consequence of it.
+
+Hence we see the importance of dressing infants warmly, and protecting
+them from exposure to a cold temperature. It is for this purpose, that
+mothers, now, very generally, cover the arms and necks of infants,
+especially in Winter. Fathers and mothers, if they were obliged to go
+with bare arms and necks, even in moderate weather, would often shiver
+with cold; and yet they have a power of constitution which would subject
+them to far less hazard and discomfort, than a delicate infant must
+experience from a similar exposure. This mode of dressing infants, with
+bare necks and arms, has arisen from the common impression, that they
+have a power of resisting cold superior to older persons. This is a
+mistake; for the experiments of medical men have established the fact,
+that the power of producing heat is least in the period of infancy.
+
+Extensive investigations have been made in France, in reference to this
+point. It is there required, in some districts, that every infant, at
+birth, be carried to the office of the _maire_, [_mayor_,] to be
+registered. It is found, in these districts, that the deaths of
+newly-born infants, are much more numerous in the cold, than in the
+warm, months; and that a much greater proportion of such deaths occurs
+among those who reside at a distance from the office of the _maire_,
+than among those in its vicinity. This proves, that exposure to cold has
+much to do with the continuance of infant life.
+
+But it is as dangerous to go to the other extreme, and keep the body too
+warm. The skin, when kept at too high a temperature, is relaxed and
+weakened by too profuse perspiration, and becomes more sensitive, and
+more readily affected by every change of temperature. This increases the
+liabilities to sudden colds; and it frequently happens, that the
+children, who are most carefully guarded from cold, are the ones most
+liable to take sudden and dangerous chills. The reason is, that, by the
+too great accumulation of clothing, the skin is too much excited, and
+the blood is withdrawn from the internal organs, thus weakening them,
+while the skin itself is debilitated by the same process.
+
+The rule of safety, is, so to cover the body, as to keep it entirely
+warm, but not so as to induce perspiration in any part. The perspiration
+induced by exercise is healthful, because it increases the appetite; but
+the perspiration produced by excess of clothing is debilitating. This
+shows the importance of adjusting beds and their covering to the season.
+Featherbeds are unhealthful in warm weather, because they induce
+perspiration; and in all cases, those, who have the care of children,
+should proportion their covering by night to the season of the year.
+Infants and children should never be so clothed, as either to feel
+chilly, or to induce perspiration.
+
+The greatest trouble, in this respect, to those who have the care of
+children, is owing to their throwing off their covering in the night.
+The best guard, against such exposures, is a nightgown, of the warmest
+and thickest flannel, made like pantaloons at the lower part, and the
+legs long, so that they can be tied over the feet. This makes less
+covering needful, and saves the child from excessive cold when it is
+thrown off.
+
+The clothing ought always to be proportioned to the constitution and
+habits. A person of strong constitution, who takes much exercise, needs
+less clothing than one of delicate and sedentary habits. According to
+this rule, women need much thicker and warmer clothing, when they go
+out, than men. But how different are our customs, from what sound wisdom
+dictates! Women go out with thin stockings, thin shoes, and open necks,
+when men are protected by thick woollen hose and boots, and their whole
+body encased in many folds of flannel and broadcloth.
+
+Flannel, worn next the skin, is useful, for several reasons. It is a bad
+conductor of heat, so that it protects the body from _sudden_ chills
+when in a state of perspiration. It also produces a kind of friction on
+the skin, which aids it in its functions, while its texture, being
+loose, enables it to receive and retain much matter, thrown off from the
+body, which would otherwise accumulate on its surface. This is the
+reason, why medical men direct, that young children wear flannel next
+the body, and woollen hose, the first two years of life. They are thus
+protected from sudden exposures. For the same reason, laboring men
+should thus wear flannels, which are also considered as preservatives
+from infection, in unhealthy atmospheres. They give a healthy action to
+the skin, and thus enable it to resist the operation of unhealthy
+miasms. On this account, persons residing in a new country should wear
+such clothing next the skin, to guard them from the noxious miasms
+caused by extensive vegetable decompositions. It is stated, that the
+fatal influence of the malaria, or noxious exhalations around Rome, has
+been much diminished by this practice. But those who thus wear flannel,
+through the day, ought to take it off, at night, when it is not needed.
+It should be hung so that it can be well aired, during the night.
+
+But the practice, by which females probably suffer most, is, the use of
+_tight dresses_. Much has been said against the use of corsets by
+ladies. But these may be worn with perfect safety, and be left off, and
+still injury, such as they often produce, be equally felt. It is the
+_constriction_ of dress, that is to be feared, and not any particular
+article that produces it. A frock, or a belt, may be so tight, as to be
+even worse than a corset, which would more equally divide the
+compression.
+
+So long as it is the fashion to admire, as models of elegance, the
+wasp-like figures which are presented at the rooms of mantuamakers and
+milliners, there will be hundreds of foolish women, who will risk their
+lives and health to secure some resemblance to these deformities of the
+human frame. But it is believed, that all sensible women, when they
+fairly understand the evils which result from tight dressing, and learn
+the _real_ model of taste and beauty for a perfect female form, will
+never risk their own health, or the health of their daughters, in
+efforts to secure one which is as much at variance with good taste, as
+it is with good health.
+
+Such female figures as our print-shops present, are made, not by the
+hand of the Author of all grace and beauty, but by the murderous
+contrivances of the corset-shop; and the more a woman learns the true
+rules of grace and beauty for the female form, the more her taste will
+revolt from such ridiculous distortions. The folly of the Chinese belle,
+who totters on two useless deformities, is nothing, compared to that of
+the American belle, who impedes all the internal organs in the discharge
+of their functions, that she may have a slender waist.
+
+It was shown, in the article on the bones and muscles, that exercise was
+indispensable to their growth and strength. If any muscles are left
+unemployed, they diminish in size and strength. The girding of tight
+dresses operates thus on the muscles of the body. If an article, like
+corsets, is made to hold up the body, then those muscles, which are
+designed for this purpose, are released from duty, and grow weak; so
+that, after this has been continued for some time, leaving off the
+unnatural support produces a feeling of weakness. Thus a person will
+complain of feeling so weak and unsupported, without corsets, as to be
+uncomfortable. This is entirely owing to the disuse of those muscles,
+which corsets throw out of employ.
+
+Another effect of tight dress, is, to stop or impede the office of the
+lungs. Unless the chest can expand, fully, and with perfect ease, a
+portion of the lungs is not filled with air, and thus the full
+purification of the blood is prevented. This movement of the lungs, when
+they are fully inflated, increases the peristaltic movement of the
+stomach and bowels, and promotes digestion; any constriction of the
+waist tends to impede this important operation, and indigestion, with
+all its attendant evils, is often the result.
+
+The rule of safety, in regard to the tightness of dress, is this. Every
+person should be dressed so loosely, that, _when sitting in the posture
+used in sewing, reading, or study_ THE LUNGS _can be as fully
+and as easily inflated, as they are without clothing_. Many a woman
+thinks she dresses loosely, because, when she stands up, her clothing
+does not confine her chest. This is not a fair test. It is in the
+position most used when engaged in common employments, that we are to
+judge of the constriction of dress. Let every woman, then, bear in mind,
+that, just so long as her dress and position oppose any resistance to
+the motion of her chest, in just such proportion her blood is
+unpurified, and her vital organs are debilitated.
+
+The English ladies set our countrywomen a good example, in accommodating
+their dress to times and seasons. The richest and noblest among them
+wear warm cotton hose and thick shoes, when they walk for exercise; and
+would deem it vulgar to appear, as many of our ladies do, with thin hose
+and shoes, in damp or cold weather. Any mode of dress, not suited to the
+employment, the age, the season, or the means of the wearer, is in bad
+taste.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+ON CLEANLINESS.
+
+
+The importance of cleanliness, in person and dress, can never be fully
+realized, by persons who are ignorant of the construction of the skin,
+and of the influence which its treatment has on the health of the body.
+Persons deficient in such knowledge, frequently sneer at what they deem
+the foolish and fidgety particularity of others, whose frequent
+ablutions and changes of clothing, exceed their own measure of
+importance.
+
+The popular maxim, that "dirt is healthy," has probably arisen from the
+fact, that playing in the open air is very beneficial to the health of
+children, who thus get dirt on their persons and clothes. But it is the
+fresh air and exercise, and not the dirt, which promotes the health.
+
+In a previous article, it was shown, that the lungs, bowels, kidneys,
+and skin, were the organs employed in throwing off those waste and
+noxious parts of the food not employed in nourishing the body. Of this,
+the skin has the largest duty to perform; throwing off, at least, twenty
+ounces every twenty-four hours, by means of insensible perspiration.
+When exercise sets the blood in quicker motion, it ministers its
+supplies faster, and there is consequently a greater residuum to be
+thrown off by the skin; and then the perspiration becomes so abundant as
+to be perceptible. In this state, if a sudden chill take place, the
+blood-vessels of the skin contract, the blood is driven from the
+surface, and the internal organs are taxed with a double duty. If the
+constitution be a strong one, these organs march on and perform the
+labor exacted. But if any of these organs be debilitated, the weakest
+one generally gives way, and some disease ensues.
+
+One of the most frequent illustrations of this reciprocated action, is
+afforded by a convivial meeting in cold weather. The heat of the room,
+the food, and the excitement, quicken the circulation, and perspiration
+is evolved. When the company passes into the cold air, a sudden
+revulsion takes place. The increased circulation continues, for some
+time after; but the skin being cooled, the blood retreats, and the
+internal organs are obliged to perform the duties of the skin as well as
+their own. Then, in case the lungs are the weakest organ, the mucous
+secretion becomes excessive; so that it would fill up the cells, and
+stop the breathing, were it not for the spasmodic effort called
+coughing, by which this substance is thrown out. In case the nerves are
+the weakest part of the system, such an exposure would result in pains
+in the head or teeth, or in some other nervous ailment. If the muscles
+be the weakest part, rheumatic affections will ensue; and if the bowels
+or kidneys be weakest, some disorder in their functions will result.
+
+But it is found, that the closing of the pores of the skin with other
+substances, tends to a similar result on the internal organs. In this
+situation, the skin is unable perfectly to perform its functions, and
+either the blood remains to a certain extent unpurified, or else the
+internal organs have an unnatural duty to perform. Either of these
+results tends to produce disease, and the gradual decay of the vital
+powers.
+
+Moreover, it has been shown, that the skin has the power of absorbing
+into the blood particles retained on its surface. In consequence of
+these peculiarities, the skin of the whole body needs to be washed,
+every day. This process removes from the pores the matter exhaled from
+the blood, and also that collected from the atmosphere and other bodies.
+If this process be not often performed, the pores of the skin fill up
+with the redundant matter expelled, and being pressed, by the clothing,
+to the surface of the body, the skin is both interrupted in its exhaling
+process, and its absorbents take back into the system portions of the
+noxious matter. Thus the blood is not relieved to the extent designed,
+while it receives back noxious particles, which are thus carried to the
+lungs, liver, and every part of the system.
+
+This is the reason why the articles worn next to the skin should often
+be changed; and why it is recommended that persons should not sleep in
+the article they wear next the skin through the day. The alternate
+change and airing of the articles worn next the body by day or night, is
+a practice very favorable to the health of the skin. The fresh air has
+the power of removing much of the noxious effluvia received from the
+body by the clothing. It is with reference to this, that on leaving a
+bed, its covering should be thrown open and exposed to the fresh air.
+
+The benefit arising from a proper care of the skin, is the reason why
+bathing has been so extensively practised by civilized nations. The
+Greeks and Romans considered bathing as indispensable to daily comfort,
+as much so, as their meals; and public baths were provided for all
+classes. In European countries, this practice is very prevalent, but
+there is no civilized nation which pays so little regard to the rules of
+health, on this subject, as our own. To wash the face, feet, hands, and
+neck, is the extent of the ablutions practised by perhaps the majority
+of our people.
+
+In regard to the use of the bath, there is need of some information, in
+order to prevent danger from its misuse. Persons in good health, and
+with strong constitutions, can use the cold bath, and the shower-bath,
+with entire safety and benefit. But if the constitution be feeble, cold
+bathing is injurious. If it is useful, it can be known by an invigorated
+feeling, and a warm glow on the skin; but if, instead of this, there be
+a feeling of debility, and the hands and feet become cold, it is a
+certain sign, that this kind of bathing is injurious. A bath at
+ninety-five degrees of Fahrenheit, is about the right temperature. A
+bath, blood warm, or a little cooler than the skin, is safe for all
+constitutions, if not protracted over half an hour. After bathing, the
+body should be rubbed with a brush or coarse towel, to remove the light
+scales of scarfskin, which adhere to it, and also to promote a healthful
+excitement.
+
+A bath should never be taken, till three hours after eating, as it
+interrupts the process of digestion, by withdrawing the blood from the
+stomach to the surface. Neither should it be taken, when the body is
+weary with exercise, nor be immediately followed by severe exercise.
+Many suppose that a warm bath exposes a person more readily to take
+cold; and that it tends to debilitate the system. This is not the case,
+unless it be protracted too long. If it be used so as to cleanse the
+skin, and give it a gentle stimulus, it is better able to resist cold
+than before the process. This is the reason why the Swedes and Russians
+can rush, reeking, out of their steam baths, and throw themselves into
+the snow, and not only escape injury, but feel invigorated. It is for a
+similar reason, that we suffer less in going into the cold, from a warm
+room, with our body entirely warm, than when we go out somewhat chilled.
+When the skin is warm, the circulation is active on the surface, and the
+cold does not so reduce its temperature, but that increased exercise
+will keep up its warmth.
+
+When families have no bathing establishment, every member should wash
+the whole person, on rising or going to bed, either in cold or warm
+water, according to the constitution. It is especially important, that
+children have the perspiration and other impurities, which their
+exercise and sports have occasioned, removed from their skin before
+going to bed. The hours of sleep are those when the body most freely
+exhales the waste matter of the system, and all the pores should be
+properly freed from impediments to this healthful operation. For this
+purpose, a large tin wash-pan should be kept for children, just large
+enough, at bottom, for them to stand in, and flaring outward, so as to
+be very broad at top. A child can then be placed in it, standing, and
+washed with a sponge, without wetting the floor. Being small at bottom,
+it is better than a tub; it is not only smaller, but lighter, and
+requires less water.
+
+These remarks indicate the wisdom of those parents, who habitually wash
+their children, all over, before they go to bed. The chance of life and
+health, to such children, is greatly increased by this practice; and no
+doubt much of the suffering of childhood, from cutaneous eruptions, weak
+eyes, earache, colds, and fevers, is owing to a neglect of the skin.
+
+The care of the teeth should be made habitual to children, not merely as
+promoting an agreeable appearance, but as a needful preservative. The
+saliva contains tartar, an earthy substance, which is deposited on the
+teeth, and destroys both their beauty and health. This can be prevented,
+by the use of the brush, night and morning. But, if this be neglected,
+the deposite becomes hard, and can be removed only by the dentist. If
+suffered to remain, it tends to destroy the health of the gums; they
+gradually decay, and thus the roots of the teeth become bare, and they
+often drop out.
+
+When children are shedding their first set of teeth, care should be
+taken, to remove them as soon as they become loose; otherwise the new
+teeth will grow awry. When persons have defective teeth, they can often
+be saved, by having them filled by a dentist. This also will frequently
+prevent the toothache.
+
+Children should be taught to take proper care of their nails. Long and
+dirty nails have a disagreeable appearance. When children wash, in the
+morning, they should be supplied with an instrument to clean the nails,
+and be required to use it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+ON EARLY RISING.
+
+
+There is no practice, which has been more extensively eulogized, in all
+ages, than early rising; and this universal impression, is an indication
+that it is founded on true philosophy. For, it is rarely the case, that
+the common sense of mankind fastens on a practice, as really beneficial,
+especially one that demands self-denial, without some substantial
+reason.
+
+This practice, which may justly be called a domestic virtue, is one,
+which has a peculiar claim to be styled American and democratic. The
+distinctive mark of aristocratic nations, is, a disregard of the great
+mass, and a disproportionate regard for the interests of certain
+privileged orders. All the customs and habits of such a nation, are, to
+a greater or less extent, regulated by this principle. Now the mass of
+any nation must always consist of persons who labor at occupations which
+demand the light of day. But in aristocratic countries, especially in
+England, labor is regarded as the mark of the lower classes, and
+indolence is considered as one mark of a gentleman. This impression has
+gradually and imperceptibly, to a great extent, regulated their customs,
+so that, even in their hours of meals and repose, the higher orders aim
+at being different and distinct from those, who, by laborious pursuits,
+are placed below them. From this circumstance, while the lower orders
+labor by day, and sleep at night, the rich, the noble, and the honored,
+sleep by day, and follow their pursuits and pleasures by night. It will
+be found, that the aristocracy of London breakfast near mid-day, dine
+after dark, visit and go to Parliament between ten and twelve at night,
+and retire to sleep towards morning. In consequence of this, the
+subordinate classes, who aim at gentility, gradually fall into the same
+practice. The influence of this custom extends across the ocean, and
+here, in this democratic land, we find many, who measure their grade of
+gentility by the late hour at which they arrive at a party. And this
+aristocratic tendency is growing upon us, so that, throughout the
+Nation, the hours for visiting and retiring are constantly becoming
+later, while the hours for rising correspond in lateness.
+
+The question, then, is one which appeals to American women, as a matter
+of patriotism; as having a bearing on those great principles of
+democracy, which we conceive to be equally the principles of
+Christianity. Shall we form our customs on the principle that labor is
+degrading, and indolence genteel? Shall we assume, by our practice, that
+the interests of the great mass are to be sacrificed for the pleasures
+and honors of a privileged few? Shall we ape the customs of aristocratic
+lands, in those very practices which result from principles and
+institutions that we condemn? Shall we not rather take the place to
+which we are entitled, as the leaders, rather than the followers, in the
+customs of society, turn back the tide of aristocratic inroads, and
+carry through the whole, not only of civil and political, but of social
+and domestic, life, the true principles of democratic freedom and
+equality? The following considerations may serve to strengthen an
+affirmative decision.
+
+The first, relates to the health of a family. It is a universal law of
+physiology, that all living things flourish best in the light.
+Vegetables, in a dark cellar, grow pale and spindling,[H] and children,
+brought up in mines, are wan and stinted. This universal law, indicates
+the folly of turning day into night, thus losing the genial influence,
+which the light of day produces on all animated creation.
+
+There is another phenomenon in the physiology of Nature, which equally
+condemns this practice. It has been shown, that the purification of the
+blood, in the lungs, is secured, by the oxygen of the atmosphere
+absorbing its carbon and hydrogen. This combination forms carbonic acid
+and water, which are expired from our lungs into the atmosphere. Now all
+the vegetable world undergoes a similar process. In the light of day,
+all the leaves of vegetables absorb carbon and expire oxygen, thus
+supplying the air with its vital principle, and withdrawing the more
+deleterious element. But, when the light is withdrawn, this process is
+reversed, and all vegetables exhale carbonic acid, and inspire the
+oxygen of the air. Thus it appears, that the atmosphere of day is much
+more healthful than that of the night, especially out of doors.
+
+Moreover, when the body is fatigued, it is much more liable to
+deleterious influences, from noxious particles in the atmosphere, which
+may be absorbed by the skin or the lungs. In consequence of this, the
+last hours of daily labor are more likely to be those of risk,
+especially to delicate constitutions. This is a proper reason for
+retiring to the house and to slumber, at an early hour, that the body
+may not be exposed to the most risk, when, after the exertions of the
+day, it is least able to bear it.
+
+The observations of medical men, whose inquiries have been directed to
+this point, have decided, that from six to eight hours, is the amount of
+sleep demanded by persons in health. Some constitutions require as much
+as eight, and others no more than six, hours of repose. But eight hours
+is the maximum for all persons in ordinary health, with ordinary
+occupations. In cases of extra physical exertions, or the debility of
+disease, or a decayed constitution, more than this is required. Let
+eight hours, then, be regarded as the ordinary period required for
+sleep, by an industrious people, like the Americans. According to this,
+the practice of rising between four and five, and retiring between nine
+and ten, in Summer, would secure most of the sunlight, and expose us the
+least to that period of the atmosphere, when it is most noxious. In
+Winter, the night air is less deleterious, because the frost binds
+noxious exhalations, and vegetation ceases its inspiring and expiring
+process; and, moreover, as the constitution is more tried, in cold, than
+in warm, weather, and as in cold weather the body exhales less during
+the hours of sleep, it is not so injurious to protract our slumbers
+beyond the proper period, as it is in the warm months. But in Winter, it
+is best for grown persons, in health, to rise as soon as they can see to
+dress, and retire so as not to allow more than eight hours for sleep.
+
+It thus appears, that the laws of our political condition, the laws of
+the natural world, and the constitution of our bodies, alike demand that
+we rise with the light of day to prosecute our employments, and that we
+retire within doors, when this light is withdrawn.
+
+In regard to the effects of protracting the time spent in repose, many
+extensive and satisfactory investigations have been made. It has been
+shown, that, during sleep, the body perspires most freely, while yet
+neither food nor exercise are ministering to its wants. Of course, if we
+continue our slumbers, beyond the time required to restore the body to
+its usual vigor, there is an unperceived undermining of the
+constitution, by this protracted and debilitating exhalation. This
+process, in a course of years, renders the body delicate, and less able
+to withstand disease; and in the result shortens life. Sir John
+Sinclair, who has written a large work on the Causes of Longevity,
+states, as one result of his extensive investigations, that he has never
+yet heard or read of a single case of great longevity, where the
+individual was not an early riser. He says, that he has found cases, in
+which the individual has violated some one of all the other laws of
+health, and yet lived to great age; but never a single instance, in
+which any constitution has withstood that undermining, consequent on
+protracting the hours of repose beyond the demands of the system.
+
+Another reason for early rising, is, that it is indispensable to a
+systematic and well-regulated family. At whatever hour the parents
+retire, children and domestics, wearied by play or labor, must retire
+early. Children usually awake with the dawn of light, and commence their
+play, while domestics usually prefer the freshness of morning for their
+labors. If, then, the parents rise at a late hour, they either induce a
+habit of protracting sleep in their children and domestics, or else the
+family is up, and at their pursuits, while their supervisors are in
+bed. Any woman, who asserts that her children and domestics, in the
+first hours of day, when their spirits are freshest, will be as well
+regulated without her presence, as with it, confesses that, which surely
+is little for her credit. It is believed, that any candid woman,
+whatever may be her excuse for late rising, will concede, that, if she
+could rise early, it would be for the advantage of her family. A late
+breakfast puts back the work, through the whole day, for every member of
+a family; and, if the parents thus occasion the loss of an hour or two,
+to each individual, who, but for their delay in the morning, would be
+usefully employed, they, alone, are responsible for all this waste of
+time. Is it said, that those, who wish to rise early, can go to their
+employments before breakfast? it may be replied, that, in most cases, it
+is not safe to use the eyes or the muscles in the morning, till the
+losses of the night have been repaired by food. In addition to this, it
+may be urged, that, where the parents set an example of the violation of
+the rules of health and industry, their influence tends in the wrong
+direction; so that whatever waste of time is induced, by a practice
+which they thus uphold, must be set down to their account.
+
+But the practice of early rising has a relation to the general interests
+of the social community, as well as to that of each distinct family. All
+that great portion of the community, who are employed in business and
+labor, find it needful to rise early; and all their hours of meals, and
+their appointments for business or pleasure, must be accommodated to
+these arrangements. Now, if a small portion of the community establish
+very different hours, it makes a kind of jostling, in all the concerns
+and interests of society. The various appointments for the public, such
+as meetings, schools, and business hours, must be accommodated to the
+mass, and not to individuals. The few, then, who establish domestic
+habits at variance with the majority, are either constantly interrupted
+in their own arrangements, or else are interfering with the rights and
+interests of others. This is exemplified in the case of schools. In
+families where late rising is practised, either hurry, irregularity, and
+neglect, are engendered in the family, or else the interests of the
+school, and thus of the community, are sacrificed. In this, and many
+other concerns, it can be shown, that the wellbeing of the bulk of the
+people, is, to a greater or less extent, impaired by this aristocratic
+practice. Let any teacher select the unpunctual scholars,--a class who
+most seriously interfere with the interests of the school;--and let men
+of business select those who cause them most waste of time and vexation,
+by unpunctuality; and it will be found, that they are among the late
+risers, and rarely among those who rise early. Thus, it is manifest,
+that late rising not only injures the person and family which practise
+it, but interferes with the rights and convenience of the community.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[H] Shooting into a long, small, stalk or root.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+ON DOMESTIC EXERCISE.
+
+
+In the preceding chapters, we have noticed the various causes, which,
+one or all, operate to produce that melancholy delicacy and decay of the
+female constitution, which are the occasion of so much physical and
+mental suffering throughout this Country.
+
+These, in a more condensed form, may be enumerated thus:
+
+A want of exercise, inducing softness in the bones, weakness in the
+muscles, inactivity in the digestive organs, and general debility in the
+nervous system: A neglect of the care of the skin, whereby the blood has
+not been properly purified, and the internal organs have been weakened:
+A violation of the laws of health, in regard to food, by eating too
+much, too fast, and too often; by using stimulating food and drinks; by
+using them too warm or too cold; and by eating that which the power of
+the stomach is not sufficient to digest: A neglect of the laws of
+health, in regard to clothing, by dressing too tight, and by wearing too
+little covering, in cold and damp weather, and especially by not
+sufficiently protecting the feet: A neglect to gain a proper supply of
+pure air, in sleeping apartments and schoolrooms, and too great a
+confinement to the house: The pursuit of exciting amusements at
+unseasonable hours, and the many exposures involved at such times: And
+lastly, sleeping by day, instead of by night, and protracting the hours
+of sleep, beyond the period of repose demanded for rest; thus
+exhausting, instead of recruiting, the energies of the system.
+
+But all the other causes, combined, probably, do not produce one half
+the evils, which result from a want of proper exercise. A person who
+keeps all the functions of the system in full play, by the active and
+frequent use of every muscle, especially if it be in the open air, gains
+a power of constitution, which can resist many evils that would follow
+from the other neglects and risks detailed. This being the case, there
+can be no subject, more important for mothers and young ladies to
+understand, than the influence on the health, both of body and mind, of
+the neglect or abuse of the muscular system.
+
+It has been shown, in the previous pages, that all the muscles have
+nerves and blood-vessels, running in larger trunks, or minute branches,
+to every portion of the body. The experiments of Sir Charles Bell and
+others, have developed the curious fact, that each apparently single
+nerve, in reality consists of two distinct portions, running together in
+the same covering. One portion, is the nerve of _sensation_ or
+_feeling_, the other, the nerve of _motion_. The nerves of sensation are
+those which are affected by the emotions and volitions of the mind; and
+the nerves of motion are those which impart moving power to the muscles.
+Experiments show, that, where the nerves issue from the spine, the
+nerve of sensation may be cut off without severing the nerve of motion,
+and then the parts, to which this nerve extends, lose the power of
+feeling, while the power of motion continues; and so, on the other hand,
+the nerve of motion may be divided, and, the nerve of sensation
+remaining uninjured, the power of feeling is retained, and the power of
+motion is lost.
+
+In certain nervous diseases, sometimes a limb loses its power of
+feeling, and yet retains the power of motion; in other cases, the power
+of motion is lost, and the power of sensation is retained; and in other
+cases, still, when a limb is _paralysed_, both the power of motion and
+of sensation are lost.
+
+Now, the nerves, like all other parts of the body, gain and lose
+strength, according as they are exercised. If they have too much, or too
+little, exercise, they lose strength; if they are exercised to a proper
+degree, they gain strength. When the mind is continuously excited, by
+business, study, or the imagination, the nerves of feeling are kept in
+constant action, while the nerves of motion are unemployed. If this is
+continued, for a long time, the nerves of sensation lose their strength,
+from over action, and the nerves of motion lose their power, from
+inactivity. In consequence, there is a morbid excitability of the
+nervous, and a debility of the muscular, system, which make all exertion
+irksome and wearisome. The only mode of preserving the health of these
+systems, is, to keep up in them an equilibrium of action. For this
+purpose, occupations must be sought, which exercise the muscles, and
+interest the mind; and thus the equal action of both kinds of nerves is
+secured. This shows why exercise is so much more healthful and
+invigorating, when the mind is interested, than when it is not. As an
+illustration, let a person go a shopping, with a friend, and have
+nothing to do, but look on; how soon do the continuous walking and
+standing weary! But suppose one, thus wearied, hears of the arrival of a
+very dear friend: she can instantly walk off a mile or two, to meet
+her, without the least feeling of fatigue. By this is shown the
+importance of furnishing, for young persons, exercise in which they will
+take an interest. Long and formal walks, merely for exercise, though
+they do some good, in securing fresh air and some exercise of the
+muscles, would be of triple benefit, if changed to amusing sports, or to
+the cultivation of fruits and flowers, in which it is impossible to
+engage, without acquiring a great interest. It shows, also, why it is
+far better to trust to useful domestic exercise, at home, than to send a
+young person out to walk, for the mere purpose of exercise. Young girls
+can seldom be made to realize the value of health, and the need of
+exercise to secure it, so as to feel much interest in walking abroad,
+when they have no other object. But, if they are brought up to minister
+to the comfort and enjoyment of themselves and others, by performing
+domestic duties, they will constantly be interested and cheered in their
+exercise, by the feeling of usefulness, and the consciousness of having
+performed their duty.
+
+There are few young persons, it is hoped, who are brought up with such
+miserable habits of selfishness and indolence, that they cannot be made
+to feel happier, by the consciousness of being usefully employed. And
+those who have never been accustomed to think or care for any one but
+themselves, and who seem to feel little pleasure in making themselves
+useful, by wise and proper influences, can often be gradually awakened
+to the new pleasure of benevolent exertion to promote the comfort and
+enjoyment of others. And the more this sacred and elevating kind of
+enjoyment is tasted, the greater is the relish induced. Other
+enjoyments, often cloy; but the heavenly pleasure, secured by virtuous
+industry and benevolence, while it satisfies, at the time, awakens fresh
+desires for so ennobling a good.
+
+But, besides the favorable influence on the nervous and muscular system,
+thus gained, it has been shown, that exercise imparts fresh strength and
+vitality to all parts of the body. The exertion of the muscles quickens
+the flow of the blood, which thus ministers its supplies faster to
+every part of the body, and, of course, loses a portion of its
+nourishing qualities. When this is the case, the stomach issues its
+mandate of _hunger_, calling for new supplies. When these are furnished,
+the action of the muscles again hastens a full supply to every organ,
+and thus the nerves, the muscles, the bones, the skin, and all the
+internal organs, are invigorated, and the whole body developes its
+powers, in fair proportions, fresh strength and full beauty. All the
+cosmetics of trade, all the labors of mantuamakers, milliners, makers of
+corsets, shoemakers, and hairdressers, could never confer so clear and
+pure a skin, so fresh a color, so finely moulded a form, and such
+cheerful health and spirits, as would be secured by training a child to
+obey the laws of the benevolent Creator, in the appropriate employment
+of body and mind in useful domestic exercise. And the present habits of
+the wealthy, and even of those without wealth, which condemn young girls
+so exclusively to books or sedentary pursuits, are as destructive to
+beauty and grace, as they are to health and happiness.
+
+Every allowance should be made for the mistakes of mothers and teachers,
+to whom the knowledge which would have saved them from the evils of such
+a course has never been furnished; but as information, on these matters,
+is every year becoming more abundant, it is to be hoped, that the next
+generation, at least, may be saved from the evils which afflict those
+now on the stage. What a change would be made in the happiness of this
+Country, if all the pale and delicate young girls should become
+blooming, healthful, and active, and all the enfeebled and care-worn
+mothers should be transformed into such fresh, active, healthful, and
+energetic matrons, as are so frequently found in our mother land!
+
+It has been stated, that the excessive use of the muscles, as much as
+their inactivity, tends to weaken them. Nothing is more painful, than
+the keeping a muscle constantly on the stretch, without any relaxation
+or change. This can be realized, by holding out an arm, perpendicularly
+to the body, for ten or fifteen minutes, if any one can so long bear the
+pain. Of course, confinement to one position, for a great length of
+time, tends to weaken the muscles thus strained.
+
+This shows the evil of confining young children to their seats, in the
+schoolroom, so much and so long as is often done. Having no backs to
+their seats, as is generally the case, the muscles, which are employed
+in holding up the body, are kept in a state of constant tension, till
+they grow feeble from overworking. Then, the child begins to grow
+crooked, and the parents, to remedy the evil, sometimes put on bracers
+or corsets. These, instead of doing any good, serve to prevent the use
+of those muscles, which, if properly exercised, would hold the body
+straight; and thus they grow still weaker, from entire inactivity. If a
+parent perceives that a child is growing crooked, the proper remedy is,
+to withdraw it from all pursuits which tax one particular set of
+muscles, and turn it out to exercise in sports, or in gardening, in the
+fresh air, when all the muscles will be used, and the whole system
+strengthened. Or, if this cannot be done, sweeping, dusting, running of
+errands, and many household employments, which involve lifting,
+stooping, bending, and walking, are quite as good, and, on some
+accounts, better, provided the house is properly supplied with fresh
+air.
+
+Where persons have formed habits of inactivity, some caution is
+necessary, in attempting a change; this must be made gradually; and the
+muscles must never be excessively fatigued at any time. If this change
+be not thus gradually made, the weakness, at first caused by inactivity,
+will be increased by excessive exertion. A distinguished medical
+gentleman gives this rule, to direct us in regard to the amount of
+fatigue, which is safe and useful. A person is never too much fatigued,
+if one night of repose gives sufficient rest, and restores the usual
+strength. But, if the sleep is disturbed, and the person wakes with a
+feeling of weariness and languor, it is a sure indication that the
+exercise has been excessive. No more fatigue, then, should be allowed,
+than one night's rest will remedy.
+
+Some persons object to sweeping, on account of the dust inhaled. But
+free ventilation, frequent sweeping, and the use of damp sand, or damp
+Indian meal, or damp tea leaves, for carpets, will secure a more clear
+atmosphere than is often found in the streets of cities. And the mother,
+who will hire domestics, to take away this and other domestic
+employments, which would secure to her daughters, health, grace, beauty,
+and domestic virtues, and the young ladies, who consent to be deprived
+of these advantages, will probably live to mourn over the languor,
+discouragement, pain, and sorrow, which will come with ill health, as
+the almost inevitable result.
+
+The following are extracts from 'The Young Ladies' Friend,' on this
+subject:--
+
+"Whether rich or poor, young or old, married or single, a woman is
+always liable to be called to the performance of every kind of domestic
+duty, as well as to be placed at the head of a family; and nothing,
+short of a _practical_ knowledge of the details of housekeeping, can
+ever make those duties easy, or render her competent to direct others in
+the performance of them.
+
+"All moral writers on female character, treat of Domestic Economy as an
+indispensable part of female education; and this, too, in the old
+countries of Europe, where an abundant population, and the institutions
+of society, render it easy to secure the services of faithful
+domestics."
+
+"All female characters that are held up to admiration, whether in
+fiction or biography, will be found to possess these domestic
+accomplishments; and, if they are considered indispensable in the Old
+World, how much more are they needed, in this land of independence,
+where riches cannot exempt the mistress of a family from the difficulty
+of procuring efficient aid, and where perpetual change of domestics,
+renders perpetual instruction and superintendence necessary.
+
+"Since, then, the details of good housekeeping must be included in a
+good female education, it is very desirable that they should be acquired
+when young, and so practised as to become easy, and to be performed
+dexterously and expeditiously."
+
+"The elegant and accomplished Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, who figured in
+the fashionable, as well as the literary, circles of her time, has said,
+that 'the most minute details of household economy become elegant and
+refined, when they are ennobled by sentiment;' and they are truly
+ennobled, when we do them either from a sense of duty, or consideration
+for a parent, or love to a husband. 'To furnish a room,' continues this
+lady, 'is no longer a commonplace affair, shared with upholsterers and
+cabinet-makers; it is decorating the place where I am to meet a friend
+or lover. To order dinner is not merely arranging a meal with my cook;
+it is preparing refreshment for him whom I love. These necessary
+occupations, viewed in this light, by a person capable of strong
+attachment, are so many pleasures, and afford her far more delight, than
+the games and shows which constitute the amusements of the world.'
+
+"Such is the testimony of a titled lady of the last century, to the
+sentiment that may be made to mingle in the most homely occupations. I
+will now quote that of a modern female writer and traveller, who, in her
+pleasant book, called 'Six Weeks on the Loire,' has thus described the
+housewifery of the daughter of a French nobleman, residing in a superb
+chateau on that river. The travellers had just arrived, and been
+introduced, when the following scene took place.
+
+"'The bill of fare for dinner was discussed in my presence, and settled,
+_sans facon_,[I] with that delightful frankness and gayety, which, in
+the French character, gives a charm to the most trifling occurrence.
+Mademoiselle Louise then begged me to excuse her for half an hour, as
+she was going to make some creams, and some _pastilles_.[J] I requested
+that I might accompany her, and also render myself useful; we
+accordingly went together to the dairy. I made tarts _a l'Anglaise_,[K]
+whilst she made confections and _bonbons_,[L] and all manner of pretty
+things, with as much ease as if she had never done any thing else, and
+as much grace as she displayed in the saloon. I could not help thinking,
+as I looked at her, with her servants about her, all cheerful,
+respectful, and anxious to attend upon her, how much better it would be
+for the young ladies in England, if they would occasionally return to
+the habits of their grandmammas, and mingle the animated and endearing
+occupations of domestic life, and the modest manners and social
+amusements of home, with the perpetual practising on harps and pianos,
+and the incessant efforts at display, and search after gayety, which, at
+the present day, render them any thing but what an amiable man, of a
+reflecting mind and delicate sentiments, would desire in the woman he
+might wish to select as the companion of his life.'"
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[I] Without formality, or useless ceremony.
+
+[J] Rolls of paste, or pastry, or sugarplums.
+
+[K] According to the English fashion.
+
+[L] Nice things or dainties, such as sweetmeats.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+ON DOMESTIC MANNERS.
+
+
+Good-manners are the expressions of benevolence in personal intercourse,
+by which we endeavor to promote the comfort and enjoyment of others, and
+to avoid all that gives needless uneasiness. It is the exterior
+exhibition of the Divine precept, which requires us to do to others, as
+we would that they should do to us. It is saying, by our deportment, to
+all around, that we consider their feelings, tastes, and convenience, as
+equal in value to our own.
+
+Good-manners lead us to avoid all practices which offend the taste of
+others; all violations of the conventional rules of propriety; all rude
+and disrespectful language and deportment; and all remarks, which would
+tend to wound the feelings of another.
+
+There is a serious defect, in the manners of the American people,
+especially in the free States, which can never be efficiently remedied,
+except in the domestic circle, and during early life. It is a deficiency
+in the free expression of kindly feelings and sympathetic emotions, and
+a want of courtesy in deportment. The causes, which have led to this
+result, may easily be traced.
+
+The forefathers of this Nation, to a wide extent, were men who were
+driven from their native land, by laws and customs which they believed
+to be opposed both to civil and religious freedom. The sufferings they
+were called to endure, the subduing of those gentler feelings which bind
+us to country, kindred, and home, and the constant subordination of the
+passions to stern principle, induced characters of great firmness and
+self-control. They gave up the comforts and refinements of a civilized
+country, and came, as pilgrims, to a hard soil, a cold clime, and a
+heathen shore. They were continually forced to encounter danger,
+privations, sickness, loneliness, and death; and all these, their
+religion taught them to meet with calmness, fortitude, and submission.
+And thus it became the custom and habit of the whole mass, to repress,
+rather than to encourage, the expression of feeling.
+
+Persons who are called to constant and protracted suffering and
+privation, are forced to subdue and conceal emotion; for the free
+expression of it would double their own suffering, and increase the
+sufferings of others. Those, only, who are free from care and anxiety,
+and whose minds are mainly occupied by cheerful emotions, are at full
+liberty to unveil their feelings.
+
+It was under such stern and rigorous discipline, that the first children
+in New England were reared; and the manners and habits of parents are
+usually, to a great extent, transmitted to children. Thus it comes to
+pass, that the descendants of the Puritans, now scattered over every
+part of the Nation, are predisposed to conceal the gentler emotions,
+while their manners are calm, decided, and cold, rather than free and
+impulsive. Of course, there are very many exceptions to these
+predominating results.
+
+The causes, to which we may attribute a general want of courtesy in
+manners, are certain incidental results of our democratic institutions.
+Our ancestors, and their descendants, have constantly been combating the
+aristocratic principle, which would exalt one class of men at the
+expense of another. They have had to contend with this principle, not
+only in civil, but in social, life. Almost every American, in his own
+person, as well as in behalf of his class, has had to assume and defend
+the main principle of democracy,--that every man's feelings and
+interests are equal in value to those of every other man. But, in doing
+this, there has been some want of clear discrimination. Because claims,
+based on distinctions of mere birth, fortune, or position, were found to
+be injurious, many have gone to the extreme of inferring that all
+distinctions, involving subordination, are useless. Such, would regard
+children as equals to parents, pupils to teachers, domestics to their
+employers, and subjects to magistrates; and that, too, in all respects.
+
+The fact, that certain grades of superiority and subordination are
+needful, both for individual and public benefit, has not been clearly
+discerned; and there has been a gradual tendency to an extreme, which
+has sensibly affected our manners. All the proprieties and courtesies,
+which depend on the recognition of the relative duties of superior and
+subordinate, have been warred upon; and thus we see, to an increasing
+extent, disrespectful treatment of parents, from children; of teachers,
+from pupils; of employers, from domestics; and of the aged, from the
+young. In all classes and circles, there is a gradual decay in courtesy
+of address.
+
+In cases, too, where kindness is rendered, it is often accompanied with
+a cold, unsympathizing manner, which greatly lessens its value, while
+kindness or politeness is received in a similar style of coolness, as if
+it were but the payment of a just due.
+
+It is owing to these causes, that the American people, especially the
+inhabitants of New England, do not do themselves justice. For, while
+those, who are near enough to learn their real character and feelings,
+can discern the most generous impulses, and the most kindly sympathies,
+they are so veiled, in a composed and indifferent demeanor, as to be
+almost entirely concealed from strangers.
+
+These defects in our national manners, it especially falls to the care
+of mothers, and all who have charge of the young, to rectify; and if
+they seriously undertake the matter, and wisely adapt means to ends,
+these defects will be remedied. With reference to this object, the
+following ideas are suggested.
+
+The law of Christianity and of democracy, which teaches that all men are
+born equal, and that their interests and feelings should be regarded as
+of equal value, seems to be adopted in aristocratic circles, with
+exclusive reference to the class in which the individual moves. The
+courtly gentleman, addresses all of his own class with politeness and
+respect; and, in all his actions, seems to allow that the feelings and
+convenience of others are to be regarded, the same as his own. But his
+demeanor to those of inferior station, is not based on the same rule.
+
+Among those, who make up aristocratic circles, such as are above them,
+are deemed of superior, and such as are below, of inferior, value. Thus,
+if a young, ignorant, and vicious coxcomb, happens to be born a lord,
+the aged, the virtuous, the learned, and the wellbred, of another class,
+must give his convenience the precedence, and must address him in terms
+of respect. So, when a man of noble birth is thrown among the lower
+classes, he demeans himself in a style, which, to persons of his own
+class, would be deemed the height of assumption and rudeness.
+
+Now, the principles of democracy require, that the same courtesy, which
+we accord to our own circle, shall be extended to every class and
+condition; and that distinctions, of superiority and subordination,
+shall depend, not on accidents of birth, fortune, or occupation, but
+solely on those relations, which the good of all classes equally
+require. The distinctions demanded, in a democratic state, are simply
+those, which result from relations, that are common to every class, and
+are for the benefit of all.
+
+It is for the benefit of every class, that children be subordinate to
+parents, pupils to teachers, the employed to their employers, and
+subjects to magistrates. In addition to this, it is for the general
+wellbeing, that the comfort or convenience of the delicate and feeble,
+should be preferred to that of the strong and healthy, who would suffer
+less by any deprivation, and that precedence should be given to their
+elders, by the young, and that reverence should be given to the hoary
+head.
+
+The rules of good-breeding, in a democratic state, must be founded on
+these principles. It is, indeed, assumed, that the value of the
+happiness of each individual, is the same as that of every other; but,
+as there must be occasions, where there are advantages which all cannot
+enjoy, there must be general rules for regulating a selection.
+Otherwise, there would be constant scrambling, among those of equal
+claims, and brute force must be the final resort; in which case the
+strongest would have the best of every thing. The democratic rule, then,
+is, that superiors, in age, station, or office, have precedence of
+subordinates; age and feebleness, of youth and strength; and the feebler
+sex, of more vigorous man.[M]
+
+There is, also, a style of deportment and address, which is appropriate
+to these different relations. It is suitable for a superior to secure
+compliance with his wishes, from those subordinate to him, by commands;
+but a subordinate must secure compliance with his wishes, from a
+superior, by requests. It is suitable for a parent, teacher, or
+employer, to admonish for neglect of duty; but not for an inferior to
+adopt such a course towards a superior. It is suitable for a superior to
+take precedence of a subordinate, without any remark; but not for an
+inferior, without previously asking leave, or offering an apology. It is
+proper for a superior to use language and manners of freedom and
+familiarity, which would be improper from a subordinate to a superior.
+
+The want of due regard to these proprieties, occasions the chief defect
+in American manners. It is very common to hear children talk to their
+parents, in a style proper only between companions and equals; so, also,
+the young address their elders, those employed, their employers, and
+domestics, the members of the family and their visiters, in a style,
+which is inappropriate to their relative positions. A respectful address
+is required not merely towards superiors; every person desires to be
+treated with courtesy and respect, and therefore, the law of benevolence
+demands such demeanor, towards all whom we meet in the social
+intercourse of life. "Be ye courteous," is the direction of the Apostle
+in reference to our treatment of _all_.
+
+Good-manners can be successfully cultivated, only in early life, and in
+the domestic circle. There is nothing which depends so much upon
+_habit_, as the constantly recurring proprieties of good-breeding; and,
+if a child grows up without forming such habits, it is very rarely the
+case that they can be formed at a later period. The feeling, that it is
+of little consequence how we behave at home, if we conduct properly
+abroad, is a very fallacious one. Persons, who are careless and ill bred
+at home, may imagine that they can assume good-manners abroad; but they
+mistake. Fixed habits of tone, manner, language, and movements, cannot
+be suddenly altered; and those who are illbred at home, even when they
+try to hide their bad habits, are sure to violate many of the obvious
+rules of propriety, and yet be unconscious of it.
+
+And there is nothing, which would so effectually remove prejudice
+against our democratic institutions, as the general cultivation of
+good-breeding in the domestic circle. Good-manners are the exterior of
+benevolence, the minute and often recurring exhibitions of "peace and
+good-will;" and the nation, as well as the individual, which most excels
+in the external, as well as the internal, principle, will be most
+respected and beloved.
+
+The following are the leading points, which claim attention from those
+who have the care of the young.
+
+In the first place, in the family, there should be required, a strict
+attention to the rules of precedence, and those modes of address
+appropriate to the various relations to be sustained. Children should
+always be required to offer their superiors, in age or station, the
+precedence in all comforts and conveniences, and always address them in
+a respectful tone and manner. The custom of adding "Sir," or "Ma'am," to
+"Yes," or "No," is valuable, as a perpetual indication of a respectful
+recognition of superiority. It is now going out of fashion, even among
+the most wellbred people; probably from a want of consideration of its
+importance. Every remnant of courtesy of address, in our customs, should
+be carefully cherished, by all who feel a value for the proprieties of
+good-breeding.
+
+If parents allow their children to talk to them, and to the grown
+persons in the family, in the same style in which they address each
+other, it will be vain to hope for the courtesy of manner and tone,
+which good-breeding demands in the general intercourse of society. In a
+large family, where the elder children are grown up, and the younger are
+small, it is important to require the latter to treat the elder as
+superiors. There are none, so ready as young children to assume airs of
+equality; and, if they are allowed to treat one class of superiors in
+age and character disrespectfully, they will soon use the privilege
+universally. This is the reason, why the youngest children of a family
+are most apt to be pert, forward, and unmannerly.
+
+Another point to be aimed at, is, to require children always to
+acknowledge every act of kindness and attention, either by words or
+manner. If they are so trained as always to make grateful
+acknowledgements, when receiving favors, one of the objectionable
+features in American manners will be avoided.
+
+Again, children should be required to ask leave, whenever they wish to
+gratify curiosity, or use an article which belongs to another. And if
+cases occur, when they cannot comply with the rules of good-breeding,
+as, for instance, when they must step between a person and the fire, or
+take the chair of an older person, they should be required either to ask
+leave, or to offer an apology.
+
+There is another point of good-breeding, which cannot, in all cases, be
+understood and applied by children, in its widest extent. It is that,
+which requires us to avoid all remarks which tend to embarrass, vex,
+mortify, or in any way wound the feelings, of another. To notice
+personal defects; to allude to others' faults, or the faults of their
+friends; to speak disparagingly of the sect or party to which a person
+belongs; to be inattentive, when addressed in conversation; to
+contradict flatly; to speak in contemptuous tones of opinions expressed
+by another;--all these, are violations of the rules of good-breeding,
+which children should be taught to regard. Under this head, comes the
+practice of whispering, and staring about, when a teacher, or lecturer,
+or clergyman, is addressing a class or audience. Such inattention, is
+practically saying, that what the person is uttering is not worth
+attending to; and persons of real good-breeding always avoid it. Loud
+talking and laughing, in a large assembly, even when no exercises are
+going on; yawning and gaping in company; and not looking in the face a
+person who is addressing you, are deemed marks of ill-breeding.
+
+Another branch of good-manners, relates to the duties of hospitality.
+Politeness requires us to welcome visiters with cordiality; to offer
+them the best accommodations; to address conversation to them; and to
+express, by tone and manner, kindness and respect. Offering the hand to
+all visiters, at one's own house, is a courteous and hospitable custom;
+and a cordial shake of the hand, when friends meet, would abate much of
+the coldness of manner ascribed to Americans.
+
+The last point of good-breeding, to be noticed, refers to the
+conventional rules of propriety and good taste. Of these, the first
+class relates to the avoidance of all disgusting or offensive personal
+habits, such as fingering the hair; cleaning the teeth or nails; picking
+the nose; spitting on carpets; snuffing, instead of using a
+handkerchief, or using the article in an offensive manner; lifting up
+the boots or shoes, as some men do, to tend them on the knee, or to
+finger them;--all these tricks, either at home or in society, children
+should be taught to avoid.
+
+Another branch, under this head, may be called _table manners_. To
+persons of good-breeding, nothing is more annoying, than violating the
+conventional proprieties of the table. Reaching over another person's
+plate; standing up, to reach distant articles, instead of asking to have
+them passed; using one's own knife, and spoon, for butter, salt, or
+sugar, when it is the custom of the family to provide separate utensils
+for the purpose; setting cups, with tea dripping from them, on the
+tablecloth, instead of the mats or small plates furnished; using the
+tablecloth, instead of the napkins; eating fast, and in a noisy manner;
+putting large pieces in the mouth; looking and eating as if very hungry,
+or as if anxious to get at certain dishes; sitting at too great a
+distance from the table, and dropping food; laying the knife and fork on
+the tablecloth, instead of on the bread, or the edge of the plate;--all
+these particulars, children should be taught to avoid. It is always
+desirable, too, to require children, when at table with grown persons,
+to be silent, except when addressed by others; or else their chattering
+will interrupt the conversation and comfort of their elders. They should
+always be required, too, to wait, _in silence_, till all the older
+persons are helped.
+
+All these things should be taught to children, gradually, and with great
+patience and gentleness. Some parents, with whom good-manners is a great
+object, are in danger of making their children perpetually
+uncomfortable, by suddenly surrounding them with so many rules, that
+they must inevitably violate some one or other, a great part of the
+time. It is much better to begin with a few rules, and be steady and
+persevering with these, till a habit is formed, and then take a few
+more, thus making the process easy and gradual. Otherwise, the temper of
+children will be injured; or, hopeless of fulfilling so many
+requisitions, they will become reckless and indifferent to all.
+
+But, in reference to those who have enjoyed advantages for the
+cultivation of good-manners, and who duly estimate its importance, one
+caution is necessary. Those, who never have had such habits formed in
+youth, are under disadvantages, which no benevolence of temper can
+remedy. They may often violate the tastes and feelings of others, not
+from a want of proper regard for them, but from ignorance of custom, or
+want of habit, or abstraction of mind, or from other causes, which
+demand forbearance and sympathy, rather than displeasure. An ability to
+bear patiently with defects in manners, and to make candid and
+considerate allowance for a want of advantages, or for peculiarities in
+mental habits, is one mark of the benevolence of real good-breeding.
+
+The advocates of monarchical and aristocratic institutions, have always
+had great plausibility given to their views, by the seeming tendencies
+to insubordination and bad-manners, of our institutions. And it has been
+too indiscriminately conceded, by the defenders of the latter, that such
+are these tendencies, and that the offensive points, in American
+manners, are the necessary result of democratic principles.
+
+But it is believed, that both facts and reasoning are in opposition to
+this opinion. The following extract from the work of De Tocqueville,
+exhibits the opinion of an impartial observer, when comparing American
+manners with those of the English, who are confessedly the most
+aristocratic of all people.
+
+He previously remarks on the tendency of aristocracy to make men more
+sympathizing with persons of their own peculiar class, and less so
+towards those of lower degree; and he then contrasts American manners
+with the English, claiming that the Americans are much the most affable,
+mild, and social. "In America, where the privileges of birth never
+existed, and where riches confer no peculiar rights on their possessors,
+men acquainted with each other are very ready to frequent the same
+places, and find neither peril nor advantage in the free interchange of
+their thoughts. If they meet, by accident, they neither seek nor avoid
+intercourse; their manner is therefore natural, frank, and open." "If
+their demeanor is often cold and serious, it is never haughty or
+constrained." But an "aristocratic pride is still extremely great among
+the English; and, as the limits of aristocracy are ill-defined, every
+body lives in constant dread, lest advantage should be taken of his
+familiarity. Unable to judge, at once, of the social position of those
+he meets, an Englishman prudently avoids all contact with them. Men are
+afraid, lest some slight service rendered should draw them into an
+unsuitable acquaintance; they dread civilities, and they avoid the
+obtrusive gratitude of a stranger, as much as his hatred."
+
+Thus, _facts_ seem to show that when the most aristocratic nation in the
+world is compared, as to manners, with the most democratic, the
+judgement of strangers is in favor of the latter.
+
+And if good-manners are the outward exhibition of the democratic
+principle of impartial benevolence and equal rights, surely the nation
+which adopts this rule, both in social and civil life, is the most
+likely to secure the desirable exterior. The aristocrat, by his
+principles, extends the exterior of impartial benevolence to his own
+class, only; the democratic principle, requires it to be extended _to
+all_.
+
+There is reason, therefore, to hope and expect more refined and polished
+manners in America, than in any other land; while all the developements
+of taste and refinement, such as poetry, music, painting, sculpture, and
+architecture, it may be expected, will come to a higher state of
+perfection, here, than in any other nation.
+
+If this Country increases in virtue and intelligence, as it may, there
+is no end to the wealth which will pour in as the result of our
+resources of climate, soil, and navigation, and the skill, industry,
+energy, and enterprise, of our countrymen. This wealth, if used as
+intelligence and virtue dictate, will furnish the means for a superior
+education to all classes, and every facility for the refinement of
+taste, intellect, and feeling.
+
+Moreover, in this Country, labor is ceasing to be the badge of a lower
+class; so that already it is disreputable for a man to be "a lazy
+gentleman." And this feeling must increase, till there is such an
+equalisation of labor, as will afford all the time needful for every
+class to improve the many advantages offered to them. Already, in
+Boston, through the munificence of some of her citizens, there are
+literary and scientific advantages, offered to all classes, rarely
+enjoyed elsewhere. In Cincinnati, too, the advantages of education, now
+offered to the poorest classes, without charge, surpass what, some years
+ago, most wealthy men could purchase, for any price. And it is believed,
+that a time will come, when the poorest boy in America can secure
+advantages, which will equal what the heir of the proudest peerage can
+now command.
+
+The records of the courts of France and Germany, (as detailed by the
+Duchess of Orleans,) in and succeeding the brilliant reign of Louis the
+Fourteenth,--a period which was deemed the acme of elegance and
+refinement,--exhibit a grossness, a vulgarity, and a coarseness, not to
+be found among the lowest of our respectable poor. And the biography of
+Beau Nash, who attempted to reform the manners of the gentry, in the
+times of Queen Anne, exhibits violations of the rules of decency among
+the aristocracy, which the commonest yeoman of this Land would feel
+disgraced in perpetrating.
+
+This shows, that our lowest classes, at this period, are more refined,
+than were the highest in aristocratic lands, a hundred years ago; and
+another century may show the lowest classes, in wealth, in this Country,
+attaining as high a polish, as adorns those who now are leaders of
+good-manners in the courts of kings.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[M] The universal practice of this Nation, in thus giving precedence to
+woman, has been severely commented on by Miss Martineau and some others,
+who would transfer all the business of the other sex to women, and then
+have them treated like men. May this evidence of our superior
+civilisation and Christianity increase, rather than diminish!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+ON THE PRESERVATION OF A GOOD TEMPER IN A HOUSEKEEPER.
+
+
+There is nothing, which has a more abiding influence on the happiness of
+a family, than the preservation of equable and cheerful temper and tones
+in the housekeeper. A woman, who is habitually gentle, sympathizing,
+forbearing, and cheerful, carries an atmosphere about her, which
+imparts a soothing and sustaining influence, and renders it easier for
+all to do right, under her administration, than in any other situation.
+
+The writer has known families, where the mother's presence seemed the
+sunshine of the circle around her; imparting a cheering and vivifying
+power, scarcely realized, till it was withdrawn. Every one, without
+thinking of it, or knowing why it was so, experienced a peaceful and
+invigorating influence, as soon as he entered the sphere illumined by
+her smile, and sustained by her cheering kindness and sympathy. On the
+contrary, many a good housekeeper, (good in every respect but this,) by
+wearing a countenance of anxiety and dissatisfaction, and by indulging
+in the frequent use of sharp and reprehensive tones, more than destroys
+all the comfort which otherwise would result from her system, neatness,
+and economy.
+
+There is a secret, social sympathy, which every mind, to a greater or
+less degree, experiences with the feelings of those around, as they are
+manifested by the countenance and voice. A sorrowful, a discontented, or
+an angry, countenance, produces a silent, sympathetic influence,
+imparting a sombre shade to the mind, while tones of anger or complaint
+still more effectually jar the spirits.
+
+No person can maintain a quiet and cheerful frame of mind, while tones
+of discontent and displeasure are sounding on the ear. We may gradually
+accustom ourselves to the evil, till it is partially diminished; but it
+always is an evil, which greatly interferes with the enjoyment of the
+family state. There are sometimes cases, where the entrance of the
+mistress of a family seems to awaken a slight apprehension, in every
+mind around, as if each felt in danger of a reproof, for something
+either perpetrated or neglected. A woman, who should go around her house
+with a small stinging snapper, which she habitually applied to those
+whom she met, would be encountered with feelings very much like to
+those which are experienced by the inmates of a family, where the
+mistress often uses her countenance and voice, to inflict similar
+penalties for duties neglected.
+
+Yet, there are many allowances to be made for housekeepers, who
+sometimes imperceptibly and unconsciously fall into such habits. A
+woman, who attempts to carry out any plans of system, order, and
+economy, and who has her feelings and habits conformed to certain rules,
+is constantly liable to have her plans crossed, and her taste violated,
+by the inexperience or inattention of those about her. And no
+housekeeper, whatever may be her habits, can escape the frequent
+recurrence of negligence or mistake, which interferes with her plans. It
+is probable, that there is no class of persons, in the world, who have
+such incessant trials of temper, and temptations to be fretful, as
+American housekeepers. For a housekeeper's business is not, like that of
+the other sex, limited to a particular department, for which previous
+preparation is made. It consists of ten thousand little disconnected
+items, which can never be so systematically arranged, that there is no
+daily jostling, somewhere. And in the best-regulated families, it is not
+unfrequently the case, that some act of forgetfulness or carelessness,
+from some member, will disarrange the business of the whole day, so that
+every hour will bring renewed occasion for annoyance. And the more
+strongly a woman realizes the value of time, and the importance of
+system and order, the more will she be tempted to irritability and
+complaint.
+
+The following considerations, may aid in preparing a woman to meet such
+daily crosses, with even a cheerful temper and tones.
+
+In the first place, a woman, who has charge of a large household, should
+regard her duties as dignified, important, and difficult. The mind is so
+made, as to be elevated and cheered by a sense of far-reaching influence
+and usefulness. A woman, who feels that she is a cipher, and that it
+makes little difference how she performs her duties, has far less to
+sustain and invigorate her, than one, who truly estimates the
+importance of her station. A man, who feels that the destinies of a
+nation are turning on the judgement and skill with which he plans and
+executes, has a pressure of motive, and an elevation of feeling, which
+are great safeguards from all that is low, trivial, and degrading.
+
+So, an American mother and housekeeper, who looks at her position in the
+aspect presented in the previous pages, and who rightly estimates the
+long train of influences which will pass down to thousands, whose
+destinies, from generation to generation, will be modified by those
+decisions of her will, which regulated the temper, principles, and
+habits, of her family, must be elevated above petty temptations, which
+would otherwise assail her.
+
+Again, a housekeeper should feel that she really has great difficulties
+to meet and overcome. A person, who wrongly thinks there is little
+danger, can never maintain so faithful a guard, as one who rightly
+estimates the temptations which beset her. Nor can one, who thinks that
+they are trifling difficulties which she has to encounter, and trivial
+temptations, to which she must yield, so much enjoy the just reward of
+conscious virtue and self-control, as one who takes an opposite view of
+the subject.
+
+A third method, is, for a woman deliberately to calculate on having her
+best-arranged plans interfered with, very often; and to be in such a
+state of preparation, that the evil will not come unawares. So
+complicated are the pursuits, and so diverse the habits of the various
+members of a family, that it is almost impossible for every one to avoid
+interfering with the plans and taste of a housekeeper, in some one point
+or another. It is, therefore, most wise, for a woman to keep the loins
+of her mind ever girt, to meet such collisions with a cheerful and quiet
+spirit.
+
+Another important rule, is, to form all plans and arrangements in
+consistency with the means at command, and the character of those
+around. A woman, who has a heedless husband, and young children, and
+incompetent domestics, ought not to make such plans, as one may properly
+form, who will not, in so many directions, meet embarrassment. She must
+aim at just so much as she can probably secure, and no more; and thus
+she will usually escape much temptation, and much of the irritation of
+disappointment.
+
+The fifth, and a very important, consideration, is, that _system_,
+_economy_, and _neatness_, are valuable, only so far as they tend to
+promote the comfort and wellbeing of those affected. Some women seem to
+act under the impression, that these advantages _must_ be secured, at
+all events, even if the comfort of the family be the sacrifice. True, it
+is very important that children grow up in habits of system, neatness,
+and order; and it is very desirable that the mother give them every
+incentive, both by precept and example: but it is still more important,
+that they grow up with amiable tempers, that they learn to meet the
+crosses of life with patience and cheerfulness; and nothing has a
+greater influence to secure this, than a mother's example. Whenever,
+therefore, a woman cannot accomplish her plans of neatness and order,
+without injury to her own temper, or to the temper of others, she ought
+to modify and reduce them, until she can.
+
+The sixth method, relates to the government of the tones of voice. In
+many cases, when a woman's domestic arrangements are suddenly and
+seriously crossed, it is impossible not to feel some irritation. But it
+_is_ always possible to refrain from angry tones. A woman can resolve,
+that, whatever happens, she will not speak, till she can do it in a calm
+and gentle manner. _Perfect silence_ is a safe resort, when such control
+cannot be attained, as enables a person to speak calmly; and this
+determination, persevered in, will eventually be crowned with success.
+
+Many persons seem to imagine, that tones of anger are needful, in order
+to secure prompt obedience. But observation has convinced the writer
+that they are _never_ necessary; that _in all cases_, reproof,
+administered in calm tones, would be better. A case will be given in
+illustration.
+
+A young girl had been repeatedly charged to avoid a certain arrangement
+in cooking. On one day, when company was invited to dine, the direction
+was forgotten, and the consequence was, an accident, which disarranged
+every thing, seriously injured the principal dish, and delayed dinner
+for an hour. The mistress of the family entered the kitchen, just as it
+occurred, and, at a glance, saw the extent of the mischief. For a
+moment, her eyes flashed, and her cheeks glowed; but she held her peace.
+After a minute or so, she gave directions, in a calm voice, as to the
+best mode of retrieving the evil, and then left, without a word said to
+the offender.
+
+After the company left, she sent for the girl, alone, and in a calm and
+kind manner pointed out the aggravations of the case, and described the
+trouble which had been caused to her husband, her visiters, and herself.
+She then portrayed the future evils which would result from such habits
+of neglect and inattention, and the modes of attempting to overcome
+them; and then offered a reward for the future, if, in a given time, she
+succeeded in improving in this respect. Not a tone of anger was uttered;
+and yet the severest scolding of a practised Xantippe could not have
+secured such contrition, and determination to reform, as was gained by
+this method.
+
+But similar negligence is often visited by a continuous stream of
+complaint and reproof, which, in most cases, is met, either by sullen
+silence, or impertinent retort, while anger prevents any contrition, or
+any resolution of future amendment.
+
+It is very certain, that some ladies do carry forward a most efficient
+government, both of children and domestics, without employing tones of
+anger; and therefore they are not indispensable, nor on any account
+desirable.
+
+Though some ladies, of intelligence and refinement, do fall
+unconsciously into such a practice, it is certainly very unlady-like,
+and in very bad taste, to _scold_; and the further a woman departs from
+all approach to it, the more perfectly she sustains her character as a
+lady.
+
+Another method of securing equanimity, amid the trials of domestic life,
+is, to cultivate a habit of making allowances for the difficulties,
+ignorance, or temptations, of those who violate rule or neglect duty. It
+is vain, and most unreasonable, to expect the consideration and care of
+a mature mind, in childhood and youth; or that persons, of such limited
+advantages as most domestics have enjoyed, should practise proper
+self-control, and possess proper habits and principles.
+
+Every parent, and every employer, needs daily to cultivate the spirit
+expressed in the Divine prayer, "forgive us our trespasses, as we
+forgive those who trespass against us." The same allowances and
+forbearance, which we supplicate from our Heavenly Father, and desire
+from our fellow-men, in reference to our own deficiencies, we should
+constantly aim to extend to all, who cross our feelings and interfere
+with our plans.
+
+The last, and most important, mode of securing a placid and cheerful
+temper and tones, is, by a right view of the doctrine of a
+superintending Providence. All persons are too much in the habit of
+regarding the more important events of life, as exclusively under the
+control of Perfect Wisdom. But the fall of a sparrow, or the loss of a
+hair, they do not feel to be equally the result of His directing agency.
+In consequence of this, Christian persons, who aim at perfect and
+cheerful submission to heavy afflictions, and who succeed, to the
+edification of all about them, are sometimes sadly deficient under petty
+crosses. If a beloved child be laid in the grave, even if its death
+resulted from the carelessness of a domestic, or of a physician, the eye
+is turned from the subordinate agent, to the Supreme Guardian of all,
+and to Him they bow, without murmur or complaint. But if a pudding be
+burnt, or a room badly swept, or an errand forgotten, then vexation and
+complaint are allowed, just as if these events were not appointed by
+Perfect Wisdom, as much as the sorer chastisement.
+
+A woman, therefore, needs to cultivate the _habitual_ feeling, that all
+the events of her nursery and kitchen, are brought about by the
+permission of our Heavenly Father, and that fretfulness or complaint, in
+regard to these, is, in fact, complaining and disputing at the
+appointments of God, and is really as sinful, as unsubmissive murmurs
+amid the sorer chastisements of His hand. And a woman, who cultivates
+this habit of referring all the minor trials of life to the wise and
+benevolent agency of a Heavenly Parent, and daily seeks His sympathy and
+aid, to enable her to meet them with a quiet and cheerful spirit, will
+soon find it the perennial spring of abiding peace and content.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+ON HABITS OF SYSTEM AND ORDER.
+
+
+The discussion of the question of the equality of the sexes, in
+intellectual capacity, seems frivolous and useless, both because it can
+never be decided, and because there would be no possible advantage in
+the decision. But one topic, which is often drawn into this discussion,
+is of far more consequence; and that is, the relative importance and
+difficulty of the duties a woman is called to perform.
+
+It is generally assumed, and almost as generally conceded, that woman's
+business and cares are contracted and trivial; and that the proper
+discharge of her duties, demands far less expansion of mind and vigor of
+intellect, than the pursuits of the other sex. This idea has prevailed,
+because women, as a mass, have never been educated with reference to
+their most important duties; while that portion of their employments,
+which is of least value, has been regarded as the chief, if not the
+sole, concern of a woman. The covering of the body, the conveniences of
+residences, and the gratification of the appetite, have been too much
+regarded as the sole objects, on which her intellectual powers are to be
+exercised.
+
+But, as society gradually shakes off the remnants of barbarism, and the
+intellectual and moral interests of man rise, in estimation, above the
+merely sensual, a truer estimate is formed of woman's duties, and of the
+measure of intellect requisite for the proper discharge of them. Let any
+man, of sense and discernment, become the member of a large household,
+in which, a well-educated and pious woman is endeavoring systematically
+to discharge her multiform duties; let him fully comprehend all her
+cares, difficulties, and perplexities; and it is probable he would
+coincide in the opinion, that no statesman, at the head of a nation's
+affairs, had more frequent calls for wisdom, firmness, tact,
+discrimination, prudence, and versatility of talent, than such a woman.
+
+She has a husband, to whose peculiar tastes and habits she must
+accommodate herself; she has children, whose health she must guard,
+whose physical constitutions she must study and develope, whose temper
+and habits she must regulate, whose principles she must form, whose
+pursuits she must direct. She has constantly changing domestics, with
+all varieties of temper and habits, whom she must govern, instruct, and
+direct; she is required to regulate the finances of the domestic state,
+and constantly to adapt expenditures to the means and to the relative
+claims of each department. She has the direction of the kitchen, where
+ignorance, forgetfulness, and awkwardness, are to be so regulated, that
+the various operations shall each start at the right time, and all be in
+completeness at the same given hour. She has the claims of society to
+meet, calls to receive and return, and the duties of hospitality to
+sustain. She has the poor to relieve; benevolent societies to aid; the
+schools of her children to inquire and decide about; the care of the
+sick; the nursing of infancy; and the endless miscellany of odd items,
+constantly recurring in a large family.
+
+Surely, it is a pernicious and mistaken idea, that the duties, which tax
+a woman's mind, are petty, trivial, or unworthy of the highest grade of
+intellect and moral worth. Instead of allowing this feeling, every woman
+should imbibe, from early youth, the impression, that she is training
+for the discharge of the most important, the most difficult, and the
+most sacred and interesting duties that can possibly employ the highest
+intellect. She ought to feel, that her station and responsibilities, in
+the great drama of life, are second to none, either as viewed by her
+Maker, or in the estimation of all minds whose judgement is most worthy
+of respect.
+
+She, who is the mother and housekeeper in a large family, is the
+sovereign of an empire, demanding more varied cares, and involving more
+difficult duties, than are really exacted of her, who, while she wears
+the crown, and professedly regulates the interests of the greatest
+nation on earth, finds abundant leisure for theatres, balls, horseraces,
+and every gay pursuit.
+
+There is no one thing, more necessary to a housekeeper, in performing
+her varied duties, than _a habit of system and order_; and yet, the
+peculiarly desultory nature of women's pursuits, and the embarrassments
+resulting from the state of domestic service in this Country, render it
+very difficult to form such a habit. But it is sometimes the case, that
+women, who could and would carry forward a systematic plan of domestic
+economy, do not attempt it, simply from a want of knowledge of the
+various modes of introducing it. It is with reference to such, that
+various modes of securing system and order, which the writer has seen
+adopted, will be pointed out.
+
+A wise economy is nowhere more conspicuous, than in the right
+_apportionment of time_ to different pursuits. There are duties of a
+religious, intellectual, social, and domestic, nature, each having
+different relative claims on attention. Unless a person has some general
+plan of apportioning these claims, some will intrench on others, and
+some, it is probable, will be entirely excluded. Thus, some find
+religious, social, and domestic, duties, so numerous, that no time is
+given to intellectual improvement. Others, find either social, or
+benevolent, or religious, interests, excluded by the extent and variety
+of other engagements.
+
+It is wise, therefore, for all persons to devise a general plan, which
+they will at least keep in view, and aim to accomplish, and by which, a
+proper proportion of time shall be secured, for all the duties of life.
+
+In forming such a plan, every woman must accommodate herself to the
+peculiarities of her situation. If she has a large family, and a small
+income, she must devote far more time to the simple duty of providing
+food and raiment, than would be right were she in affluence, and with a
+small family. It is impossible, therefore, to draw out any general plan,
+which all can adopt. But there are some _general principles_, which
+ought to be the guiding rules, when a woman arranges her domestic
+employments. These principles are to be based on Christianity, which
+teaches us to "seek first the kingdom of God," and to deem food,
+raiment, and the conveniences of life, as of secondary account. Every
+woman, then, ought to start with the assumption, that religion is of
+more consequence than any worldly concern, and that, whatever else may
+be sacrificed, this, shall be the leading object, in all her
+arrangements, in respect to time, money, and attention. It is also one
+of the plainest requisitions of Christianity, that we devote some of our
+time and efforts, to the comfort and improvement of others. There is no
+duty, so constantly enforced, both in the Old and New Testament, as the
+duty of charity, in dispensing to those, who are destitute of the
+blessings we enjoy. In selecting objects of charity, the same rule
+applies to others, as to ourselves; their moral and religious interests
+are of the highest moment, and for them, as well as for ourselves, we
+are to "seek first the kingdom of God."
+
+Another general principle, is, that our intellectual and social
+interests are to be preferred, to the mere gratification of taste or
+appetite. A portion of time, therefore, must be devoted to the
+cultivation of the intellect and the social affections.
+
+Another, is, that the mere gratification of appetite, is to be placed
+_last_ in our estimate; so that, when a question arises, as to which
+shall be sacrificed, some intellectual, moral, or social, advantage, or
+some gratification of sense, we should invariably sacrifice the last.
+
+Another, is, that, as health is indispensable to the discharge of every
+duty, nothing, which sacrifices that blessing, is to be allowed, in
+order to gain any other advantage or enjoyment. There are emergencies,
+when it is right to risk health and life, to save ourselves and others
+from greater evils; but these are exceptions, which do not militate
+against the general rule. Many persons imagine, that, if they violate
+the laws of health, in performing religious or domestic duties, they are
+guiltless before God. But such greatly mistake. We as directly violate
+the law, "thou shalt not kill," when we do what tends to risk or shorten
+our own life, as if we should intentionally run a dagger into a
+neighbor. True, we may escape any fatal or permanently injurious
+effects, and so may a dagger or bullet miss the mark, or do only
+transient injury. But this, in either case, makes the sin none the less.
+The life and happiness of all His creatures are dear to our Creator; and
+He is as much displeased, when we injure our own interests, as when we
+injure those of others. The idea, therefore, that we are excusable, if
+we harm no one but ourselves, is false and pernicious. These, then, are
+the general principles, to guide a woman in systematizing her duties and
+pursuits.
+
+The Creator of all things, is a Being of perfect system and order; and,
+to aid us in our duty, in this respect, He has divided our time, by a
+regularly returning day of rest from worldly business. In following
+this example, the intervening six days may be subdivided to secure
+similar benefits. In doing this, a certain portion of time must be given
+to procure the means of livelihood, and for preparing food, raiment, and
+dwellings. To these objects, some must devote more, and others less,
+attention. The remainder of time not necessarily thus employed, might be
+divided somewhat in this manner: The leisure of two afternoons and
+evenings, could be devoted to religious and benevolent objects, such as
+religious meetings, charitable associations, school visiting, and
+attention to the sick and poor. The leisure of two other days, might be
+devoted to intellectual improvement, and the pursuits of taste. The
+leisure of another day, might be devoted to social enjoyments, in making
+or receiving visits; and that of another, to miscellaneous domestic
+pursuits, not included in the other particulars.
+
+It is probable, that few persons could carry out such an arrangement,
+very strictly; but every one can make a systematic apportionment of
+time, and at least _aim_ at accomplishing it; and they can also compare
+the time which they actually devote to these different objects, with
+such a general outline, for the purpose of modifying any mistaken
+proportions.
+
+Without attempting any such systematic employment of time, and carrying
+it out, so far as they can control circumstances, most women are rather
+driven along, by the daily occurrences of life, so that, instead of
+being the intelligent regulators of their own time, they are the mere
+sport of circumstances. There is nothing, which so distinctly marks the
+difference between weak and strong minds, as the fact, whether they
+control circumstances, or circumstances control them.
+
+It is very much to be feared, that the apportionment of time, actually
+made by most women, exactly inverts the order, required by reason and
+Christianity. Thus, the furnishing a needless variety of food, the
+conveniences of dwellings, and the adornments of dress, often take a
+larger portion of time, than is given to any other object. Next after
+this, comes intellectual improvement; and, last of all, benevolence and
+religion.
+
+It may be urged, that it is indispensable for most persons to give more
+time to earn a livelihood, and to prepare food, raiment, and dwellings,
+than to any other object. But it may be asked, how much of the time,
+devoted to these objects, is employed in preparing varieties of food,
+not necessary, but rather injurious, and how much is spent for those
+parts of dress and furniture not indispensable, and merely ornamental?
+Let a woman subtract from her domestic employments, all the time, given
+to pursuits which are of no use, except as they gratify a taste for
+ornament, or minister increased varieties, to tempt the appetite, and
+she will find, that much, which she calls "domestic duties," and which
+prevent her attention to intellectual, benevolent, and religious,
+objects, should be called by a very different name. No woman has a right
+to give up attention to the higher interests of herself and others, for
+the ornaments of taste, or the gratification of the palate. To a certain
+extent, these lower objects are lawful and desirable; but, when they
+intrude on nobler interests, they become selfish and degrading. Every
+woman, then, when employing her hands, in ornamenting her person, her
+children, or her house, ought to calculate, whether she has devoted _as
+much_ time, to the intellectual and moral wants of herself and others.
+If she has not, she may know that she is doing wrong, and that her
+system, for apportioning her time and pursuits, should be altered.
+
+Some persons, endeavor to systematize their pursuits, by apportioning
+them to particular hours of each day. For example, a certain period
+before breakfast, is given to devotional duties; after breakfast,
+certain hours are devoted to exercise and domestic employments; other
+hours, to sewing, or reading, or visiting; and others, to benevolent
+duties. But, in most cases, it is more difficult to systematize the
+hours of each day, than it is to secure some regular division of the
+week.
+
+In regard to the minutiae of domestic arrangements, the writer has known
+the following methods to be adopted. _Monday_, with some of the best
+housekeepers, is devoted to preparing for the labors of the week. Any
+extra cooking, the purchasing of articles to be used during the week,
+the assorting of clothes for the wash, and mending such as would be
+injured without;--these, and similar items, belong to this day.
+_Tuesday_ is devoted to washing, and _Wednesday_ to ironing. On
+_Thursday_, the ironing is finished off, the clothes are folded and put
+away, and all articles, which need mending, are put in the mending
+basket, and attended to. _Friday_ is devoted to sweeping and
+housecleaning. On _Saturday_, and especially the last Saturday of every
+month, every department is put in order; the castors and table furniture
+are regulated, the pantry and cellar inspected, the trunks, drawers, and
+closets arranged, and every thing about the house, put in order for
+_Sunday_. All the cooking, needed for Sunday, is also prepared. By this
+regular recurrence of a particular time, for inspecting every thing,
+nothing is forgotten till ruined by neglect.
+
+Another mode of systematizing, relates to providing proper supplies of
+conveniences, and proper places in which to keep them. Thus, some ladies
+keep a large closet, in which are placed the tubs, pails, dippers,
+soap-dishes, starch, bluing, clothes-line, clothes-pins, and every other
+article used in washing; and in the same, or another, place, are kept
+every convenience for ironing. In the sewing department, a trunk, with
+suitable partitions, is provided, in which are placed, each in its
+proper place, white thread of all sizes, colored thread, yarns for
+mending, colored and black sewing-silks and twist, tapes and bobbins of
+all sizes, white and colored welting-cords, silk braids and cords,
+needles of all sizes, papers of pins, remnants of linen and colored
+cambric, a supply of all kinds of buttons used in the family, black and
+white hooks and eyes, a yard measure, and all the patterns used in
+cutting and fitting. These are done up in separate parcels, and
+labelled. In another trunk, are kept all pieces used in mending,
+arranged in order, so that any article can be found, without loss of
+time. A trunk, like the first mentioned, will save many steps, and often
+much time and perplexity; while by purchasing articles thus by the
+quantity, they come much cheaper, than if bought in little portions as
+they are wanted. Such a trunk should be kept locked, and a smaller
+supply, for current use, retained in a workbasket.
+
+A full supply of all conveniences in the kitchen and cellar, and a place
+appointed for each article, very much facilitates domestic labor. For
+want of this, much vexation and loss of time is occasioned, while
+seeking vessels in use, or in cleansing those employed by different
+persons, for various purposes. It would be far better, for a lady to
+give up some expensive article, in the parlor, and apply the money, thus
+saved, for kitchen conveniences, than to have a stinted supply, where
+the most labor is to be performed. If our Countrywomen would devote more
+to comfort and convenience, and less to show, it would be a great
+improvement. Expensive mirrors and pier-tables in the parlor, and an
+unpainted, gloomy, ill-furnished kitchen, not unfrequently are found
+under the same roof.
+
+Another important item, in systematic economy, is, the apportioning of
+_regular_ employment to the various members of a family. If a
+housekeeper can secure the cooperation of _all_ her family, she will
+find, that "many hands make light work." There is no greater mistake,
+than in bringing up children to feel that they must be taken care of,
+and waited on, by others, without any corresponding obligations on their
+part. The extent, to which young children can be made useful, in a
+family, would seem surprising, to those who have never seen a
+_systematic_ and _regular_ plan for securing their services. The writer
+has been in a family, where a little girl, of eight or nine years of
+age, washed and dressed herself and young brother, and made their small
+beds, before breakfast, set and cleared all the tables, at meals, with a
+little help from a grown person in moving tables and spreading cloths,
+while all the dusting of parlors and chambers was also neatly performed
+by her. A brother, of ten years old, brought in and piled all the wood,
+used in the kitchen and parlor, brushed the boots and shoes, neatly,
+went on errands, and took all the care of the poultry. They were
+children, whose parents could afford to hire servants to do this, but
+who chose to have their children grow up healthy and industrious, while
+proper instruction, system, and encouragement, made these services
+rather a pleasure, than otherwise, to the children.
+
+Some parents pay their children for such services; but this is
+hazardous, as tending to make them feel that they are not bound to be
+helpful without pay, and also as tending to produce a hoarding,
+money-making spirit. But, where children have no hoarding propensities,
+and need to acquire a sense of the value of property, it may be well to
+let them earn money, for some extra services, rather as a favor. When
+this is done, they should be taught to spend it for others, as well as
+for themselves; and in this way, a generous and liberal spirit will be
+cultivated.
+
+There are some mothers, who take pains to teach their boys most of the
+domestic arts, which their sisters learn. The writer has seen boys,
+mending their own garments, and aiding their mother or sisters in the
+kitchen, with great skill and adroitness; and at an early age, they
+usually very much relish joining in such occupations. The sons of such
+mothers, in their college life, or in roaming about the world, or in
+nursing a sick wife or infant, find occasion to bless the forethought
+and kindness, which prepared them for such emergencies. Few things are
+in worse taste, than for a man needlessly to busy himself in women's
+work; and yet a man never appears in a more interesting attitude, than
+when, by skill in such matters, he can save a mother or wife from care
+and suffering. The more a boy is taught to use his hands, in every
+variety of domestic employment, the more his faculties, both of mind and
+body, are developed; for mechanical pursuits exercise the intellect, as
+well as the hands. The early training of New-England boys, in which they
+turn their hand to almost every thing, is one great reason of the quick
+perceptions, versatility of mind, and mechanical skill, for which that
+portion of our Countrymen is distinguished.
+
+The writer has known one mode of systematizing the aid of the older
+children in a family, which, in some cases of very large families, it
+may be well to imitate. In the case referred to, when the oldest
+daughter was eight or nine years old, an infant sister was given to her,
+as her special charge. She tended it, made and mended its clothes,
+taught it to read, and was its nurse and guardian, through all its
+childhood. Another infant was given to the next daughter, and thus the
+children were all paired in this interesting relation. In addition to
+the relief thus afforded to the mother, the elder children were in this
+way qualified for their future domestic relations, and both older and
+younger bound to each other by peculiar ties of tenderness and
+gratitude.
+
+In offering these examples, of various modes of systematizing, one
+suggestion may be worthy of attention. It is not unfrequently the case,
+that ladies, who find themselves cumbered with oppressive cares, after
+reading remarks on the benefits of system, immediately commence the task
+of arranging their pursuits, with great vigor and hope. They divide the
+day into regular periods, and give each hour its duty; they systematize
+their work, and endeavor to bring every thing into a regular routine.
+But, in a short time, they find themselves baffled, discouraged, and
+disheartened, and finally relapse into their former desultory ways, in
+a sort of resigned despair. The difficulty, in such cases, is, that they
+attempt too much at a time. There is nothing, which so much depends upon
+_habit_, as a systematic mode of performing duty; and, where no such
+habit has been formed, it is impossible for a novice to start, at once,
+into a universal mode of systematizing, which none but an adept could
+carry through. The only way for such persons, is, to begin with a little
+at a time. Let them select some three or four things, and resolutely
+attempt to conquer at these points. In time, a habit will be formed, of
+doing a few things at regular periods, and in a systematic way. Then it
+will be easy to add a few more; and thus, by a gradual process, the
+object can be secured, which it would be vain to attempt, by a more
+summary course. Early rising is almost an indispensable condition to
+success, in such an effort; but, where a woman lacks either the health
+or the energy to secure a period for devotional duties before breakfast,
+let her select that hour of the day, in which she will be least liable
+to interruption, and let her then seek strength and wisdom from the only
+true Source. At this time, let her take a pen, and make a list of all
+the things which she considers as duties. Then, let a calculation be
+made, whether there be time enough, in the day or the week, for all
+these duties. If there be not, let the least important be stricken from
+the list, as not being duties, and which must be omitted. In doing this,
+let a woman remember, that, though "what we shall eat, and what we shall
+drink, and wherewithal we shall be clothed," are matters requiring due
+attention, they are very apt to obtain a wrong relative importance,
+while social, intellectual, and moral, interests, receive too little
+regard.
+
+In this Country, eating, dressing, and household furniture and
+ornaments, take far too large a place in the estimate of relative
+importance; and it is probable, that most women could modify their views
+and practice, so as to come nearer to the Saviour's requirements. No
+woman has a right to put a stitch of ornament on any article of dress
+or furniture, or to provide one superfluity in food, until she is sure
+she can secure time for all her social, intellectual, benevolent, and
+religious, duties. If a woman will take the trouble to make such a
+calculation as this, she will usually find that she has time enough, to
+perform all her duties easily and well.
+
+It is impossible, for a conscientious woman to secure that peaceful
+mind, and cheerful enjoyment of life, which all should seek, who is
+constantly finding her duties jarring with each other, and much
+remaining undone, which she feels that she ought to do. In consequence
+of this, there will be a secret uneasiness, which will throw a shade
+over the whole current of life, never to be removed, till she so
+efficiently defines and regulates her duties, that she can fulfil them
+all.
+
+And here the writer would urge upon young ladies, the importance of
+forming habits of system, while unembarrassed with those multiplied
+cares, which will make the task so much more difficult and hopeless.
+Every young lady can systematize her pursuits, to a certain extent. She
+can have a particular day for mending her wardrobe, and for arranging
+her trunks, closets, and drawers. She can keep her workbasket, her desk
+at school, and all her other conveniences, in their proper places, and
+in regular order. She can have regular periods for reading, walking,
+visiting, study, and domestic pursuits. And, by following this method,
+in youth, she will form a taste for regularity, and a habit of system,
+which will prove a blessing to her, through life.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+ON GIVING IN CHARITY.
+
+
+It is probable, that there is no point of duty, where conscientious
+persons differ more in opinion, or where they find it more difficult to
+form discriminating and decided views, than on the matter of charity.
+That we are bound to give _some_ of our time, money, and efforts, to
+relieve the destitute, all allow. But, as to how much we are to give,
+and on whom our charities shall be bestowed, many a reflecting mind has
+been at a loss. Yet it seems very desirable, that, in reference to a
+duty so constantly and so strenuously urged by the Supreme Ruler, we
+should be able so to fix metes and bounds, as to keep a conscience void
+of offence, and to free the mind from disquieting fears of deficiency.
+
+The writer has found no other topic of investigation so beset with
+difficulty, and so absolutely without the range of definite rules, which
+can apply to all, in all circumstances. But on this, as on a previous
+topic, there seem to be _general principles_, by the aid of which, any
+candid mind, sincerely desirous of obeying the commands of Christ,
+however much self-denial may be involved, can arrive at definite
+conclusions, as to its own individual obligations, so that, when these
+are fulfilled, the mind may be at peace.
+
+But, for a mind that is worldly, living mainly to seek its own
+pleasures, instead of living to please God, no principles can be so
+fixed, as not to leave a ready escape from all obligation. Such minds,
+either by indolence (and consequent ignorance) or by sophistry, will
+convince themselves, that a life of engrossing self-indulgence, with
+perhaps the gift of a few dollars, and a few hours of time, may suffice,
+to fulfil the requisitions of the Eternal Judge.
+
+For such minds, no reasonings will avail, till the heart is so changed,
+that, to learn the will and follow the example of Jesus Christ, become
+the leading objects of interest and effort. It is to aid those, who
+profess to possess this temper of mind, that the following suggestions
+are offered.
+
+The first consideration, which gives definiteness to this subject, is, a
+correct view of the object for which we are placed in this world. A
+great many even of professed Christians, seem to be acting on the
+supposition, that the object of life is to secure as much as possible
+of all the various enjoyments placed within reach. Not so, teaches
+reason or revelation. From these, we learn, that, though the happiness
+of His creatures, is the end for which God created and sustains them,
+yet, that this happiness depends, not on the various modes of
+gratification put within our reach, but mainly on _character_. A man may
+possess all the resources for enjoyment which this world can afford, and
+yet feel that "all is vanity and vexation of spirit," and that he is
+supremely wretched. Another, may be in want of all things, and yet
+possess that living spring of benevolence, faith, and hope, which will
+make an Eden of the darkest prison.
+
+In order to be perfectly happy, man must attain that character, which
+Christ exhibited; and the nearer he approaches it, the more will
+happiness reign in his breast.
+
+But what was the grand peculiarity of the character of Christ? It was
+_self-denying benevolence_. He came not to "seek His own;" He "went
+about doing good," and this was His "meat and drink;" that is, it was
+this which sustained the health and life of His mind, as food and drink
+sustain the health and life of the body. Now, the mind of man is so
+made, that it can gradually be transformed into the same likeness. A
+selfish being, who, for a whole life, has been nourishing habits of
+indolent self-indulgence, can, by taking Christ as his example, by
+communion with Him, and by daily striving to imitate His character and
+conduct, form such a temper of mind, that "doing good" will become the
+chief and highest source of enjoyment. And this heavenly principle will
+grow stronger and stronger, until self-denial loses the more painful
+part of its character, and then, _living to make happiness_, will be so
+delightful and absorbing a pursuit, that all exertions, regarded as the
+means to this end, will be like the joyous efforts of men, when they
+strive for a prize or a crown, with the full hope of success.
+
+In this view of the subject, efforts and self-denial, for the good of
+others, are to be regarded, not merely as duties enjoined for the
+benefit of others, but as the moral training indispensable to the
+formation of that character, on which depends our own happiness. This
+view, exhibits the full meaning of the Saviour's declaration, "how
+hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!" He
+had before taught, that the kingdom of Heaven consisted, not in such
+enjoyments as the worldly seek, but, in the temper of self-denying
+benevolence, like His own; and, as the rich have far greater temptations
+to indolent self-indulgence, they are far less likely to acquire this
+temper, than those, who, by limited means, are inured to some degree of
+self-denial.
+
+But, on this point, one important distinction needs to be made; and that
+is, between the self-denial, which has no other aim than mere
+self-mortification, and that, which is exercised to secure greater good
+to ourselves and others. The first is the foundation of monasticism,
+penances, and all other forms of asceticism; the latter, only, is that
+which Christianity requires.
+
+A second consideration, which may give definiteness to this subject, is,
+that the formation of a perfect character, involves, not the
+extermination of any principles of our nature, but rather the regulating
+of them, according to the rules of reason and religion; so that the
+lower propensities shall always be kept subordinate to nobler
+principles. Thus, we are not to aim at destroying our appetites, or at
+needlessly denying them, but rather so to regulate them, that they shall
+best secure the objects for which they were implanted. We are not to
+annihilate the love of praise and admiration; but so to control it, that
+the favor of God shall be regarded more than the estimation of men. We
+are not to extirpate the principle of curiosity, which leads us to
+acquire knowledge; but so to direct it, that all our acquisitions shall
+be useful and not frivolous or injurious. And thus, with all the
+principles of the mind, God has implanted no desires in our
+constitution, which are evil and pernicious. On the contrary, all our
+constitutional propensities, either of mind or body, He designed we
+should gratify, whenever no evils would thence result, either to
+ourselves or others. Such passions as envy, ambition, pride, revenge,
+and hatred, are to be exterminated; for they are either excesses or
+excrescences: not created by God, but rather the result of our own
+neglect to form habits of benevolence and self-control.
+
+In deciding the rules of our conduct, therefore, we are ever to bear in
+mind, that the developement of the nobler principles, and the
+subjugation of inferior propensities to them, is to be the main object
+of effort, both for ourselves and for others. And, in conformity with
+this, in all our plans, we are to place religious and moral interests as
+first in estimation, our social and intellectual interests, next, and
+our physical gratifications, as subordinate to all.
+
+A third consideration, is, that, though the means for sustaining life
+and health are to be regarded as necessaries, without which no other
+duties can be performed, yet, that a very large portion of the time,
+spent by most persons, in easy circumstances, for food, raiment, and
+dwellings, are for mere _superfluities_, which _are right, when they do
+not involve the sacrifice of higher interests_, and _wrong, when they
+do_. Life and health can be sustained in the humblest dwellings, with
+the plainest dress, and the simplest food; and, after taking from our
+means, what is necessary for life and health, the remainder is to be so
+divided, that the larger portion shall be given to supply the moral and
+intellectual wants of ourselves and others, and the smaller share to
+procure those additional gratifications, of taste and appetite, which
+are desirable, but not indispensable. Mankind, thus far, have never made
+this apportionment of their means; yet, just as fast as they have risen
+from a savage state, mere physical wants have been made, to an
+increasing extent, subordinate to higher objects.
+
+Another very important consideration, is, that, in urging the duty of
+charity, and the prior claims of moral and religious objects, no rule of
+duty should be maintained, which it would not be right and wise for
+_all_ to follow. And we are to test the wisdom of any general rule, by
+inquiring what would be the result, if all mankind should practise
+according to it. In view of this, we are enabled to judge of the
+correctness of those, who maintain, that, to be consistent, men
+believing in the eternal destruction of all those of our race who are
+not brought under the influence of the Christian system, should give up,
+not merely the elegances, but all the superfluities, of life, and devote
+the whole of their means, not indispensable to life and health, for the
+propagation of Christianity. But, if this is the duty of any, it is the
+duty of all; and we are to inquire what would be the result, if all
+conscientious persons gave up the use of all superfluities. Suppose,
+that two millions of the people in the United States, were conscientious
+persons, and relinquished the use of every thing not absolutely
+necessary to life and health. It would instantly throw out of employment
+one half of the whole community. The manufacturers, mechanics,
+merchants, agriculturists, and all the agencies they employ, would be
+beggared, and one half of those not reduced to poverty, would be obliged
+to spend all their extra means, in simply supplying necessaries to the
+other half. The use of superfluities, therefore, to a certain extent, is
+as indispensable to promote industry, virtue, and religion, as any
+direct giving of money or time; and it is owing entirely to a want of
+reflection, and of comprehensive views, that any men ever make so great
+a mistake, as is here exhibited.
+
+Instead, then, of urging a rule of duty which is at once irrational and
+impracticable, there is another course, which commends itself to the
+understandings of all. For whatever may be the _practice_, of
+intelligent men, they universally concede the _principle_, that our
+physical gratifications should always be made subordinate to social,
+intellectual, and moral, advantages. And all that is required, for the
+advancement of our whole race to the most perfect state of society, is,
+simply, that men should act in agreement with this principle. And, if
+only a very small portion, of the most intelligent of our race, should
+act according to this rule, under the control of Christian benevolence,
+the immense supplies, furnished, for the general good, would be far
+beyond what any would imagine, who had never made any calculations on
+the subject. In this Nation, alone, suppose the one million and more, of
+professed followers of Christ, should give a larger portion of their
+means, for the social, intellectual, and moral, wants of mankind, than
+for the superfluities that minister to taste, convenience, and appetite;
+it would be enough to furnish all the schools, colleges, Bibles,
+ministers, and missionaries, that the whole world could demand; or, at
+least, it would be far more, than properly qualified agents to
+administer it, could employ.
+
+But, it may be objected, that, though this view is one, which, in the
+abstract, looks plausible and rational, not one in a thousand, can
+practically adopt it. How few keep any account, at all, of their current
+expenses! How impossible it is, to determine, exactly, what are
+necessaries, and what are superfluities! And in regard to women, how few
+have the control of an income, so as not to be bound by the wishes of a
+parent or a husband!
+
+In reference to these difficulties, the first remark is, that we are
+never under obligations to do, what is entirely out of our power, so
+that those persons, who have no power to regulate their expenses or
+their charities, are under no sort of obligation to attempt it. The
+second remark is, that, when a rule of duty is discovered, we are bound
+to _aim_ at it, and to fulfil it, just so far as we can. We have no
+right to throw it aside, because we shall find some difficult cases,
+when we come to apply it. The third remark is, that no person can tell
+how much can be done, till a faithful trial has been made. If a woman
+has never kept any accounts, nor attempted to regulate her expenditures
+by the right rule, nor used her influence with those that control her
+plans, to secure this object, she has no right to say how much she can,
+or cannot, do, till after a fair trial has been made.
+
+In attempting such a trial, the following method can be taken. Let a
+woman keep an account of all she spends, for herself and her family, for
+a year, arranging the items under three general heads. Under the first,
+put all articles for food, raiment, rent, wages, and all conveniences.
+Under the second, place all sums paid in securing an education, and
+books, and other intellectual advantages. Under the third head, place
+all that is spent for benevolence and religion. At the end of the year,
+the first and largest account will show the mixed items of necessaries
+and superfluities, which can be arranged, so as to gain some sort of
+idea how much has been spent for superfluities, and how much for
+necessaries. Then, by comparing what is spent for superfluities, with
+what is spent for intellectual and moral advantages, data will be
+gained, for judging of the past, and regulating the future.
+
+Does a woman say she cannot do this? let her inquire, whether the offer
+of a thousand dollars, as a reward for attempting it one year, would not
+make her undertake to do it; and, if so, let her decide, in her own
+mind, which is most valuable, a clear conscience, and the approbation of
+God, in this effort to do His will, or one thousand dollars. And let her
+do it, with this warning of the Saviour before her eyes,--"No man can
+serve two masters." "Ye cannot serve God and Mammon."
+
+Is it objected, How can we decide between superfluities and necessaries,
+in this list? it is replied, that we are not required to judge exactly,
+in all cases. Our duty is, to use the means in our power to assist us in
+forming a correct judgement; to seek the Divine aid in freeing our minds
+from indolence and selfishness; and then to judge as well as we can, in
+our endeavors rightly to apportion and regulate our expenses. Many
+persons seem to feel that they are bound to do better than they know
+how. But God is not so hard a Master; and, after we have used all proper
+means to learn the right way, if we then follow it, according to our
+ability, we do wrong to feel misgivings, or to blame ourselves, if
+results come out differently from what seems desirable. The results of
+our actions, alone, can never prove us deserving of blame. For men are
+often so placed, that, owing to lack of intellect or means, it is
+impossible for them to decide correctly. To use all the means of
+knowledge within our reach, and then to judge, with a candid and
+conscientious spirit, is all that God requires; and, when we have done
+this, and the event seems to come out wrong, we should never wish that
+we had decided otherwise. For it is the same as wishing that we had not
+followed the dictates of judgement and conscience. As this is a world
+designed for discipline and trial, untoward events are never to be
+construed as indications of the obliquity of our past decisions.
+
+But it is probable, that a great portion of the women of this Nation,
+cannot secure any such systematic mode of regulating their expenses. To
+such, the writer would propose one inquiry; cannot you calculate how
+much _time_ and _money_ you spend for what is merely ornamental, and not
+necessary, for yourself, your children, and your house? Cannot you
+compare this with the time and money you spend for intellectual and
+benevolent purposes? and will not this show the need of some change? In
+making this examination, is not this brief rule, deducible from the
+principles before laid down, the one which should regulate you? Every
+person does right, in spending _some_ portion of time and means in
+securing the conveniences and adornments of taste; but the amount should
+never exceed what is spent in securing our own moral and intellectual
+improvement, nor exceed what is spent in benevolent efforts to supply
+the physical and moral wants of our fellow-men.
+
+In making an examination on this subject, it is sometimes the case, that
+a woman will count among the _necessaries_ of life, all the various
+modes of adorning the person or house, practised in the circle in which
+she moves; and, after enumerating the many _duties_ which demand
+attention, counting these as a part, she will come to the conclusion,
+that she has no time, and but little money, to devote to personal
+improvement, or to benevolent enterprises. This surely is not in
+agreement with the requirements of the Saviour, who calls on us to seek
+for others, as well as ourselves, _first of all_, "the kingdom of God,
+and His righteousness."
+
+In order to act in accordance with the rule here presented, it is true,
+that many would be obliged to give up the idea of conforming to the
+notions and customs of those, with whom they associate, and compelled to
+adopt the maxim, "be not conformed to this world." In many cases, it
+would involve an entire change in the style of living. And the writer
+has the happiness of knowing more cases than one, where persons, who
+have come to similar views, on this subject, have given up large and
+expensive establishments, disposed of their carriages, dismissed a
+portion of their domestics, and modified all their expenditures, that
+they might keep a pure conscience, and regulate their charities more
+according to the requirements of Christianity. And there are persons,
+well known in the religious world, who save themselves all labor of
+minute calculation, by devoting so large a portion of their time and
+means to benevolent objects, that they find no difficulty in knowing
+that they give more for religious, benevolent, and intellectual,
+purposes, than for superfluities.
+
+In deciding what particular objects shall receive our benefactions,
+there are also general principles to guide us. The first, is that
+presented by our Saviour, when, after urging the great law of
+benevolence, He was asked, "and who is my neighbor?" His reply, in the
+parable of 'the Good Samaritan,' teaches us, that any human being, whose
+wants are brought to our knowledge, is our neighbor. The wounded man was
+not only a stranger, but he belonged to a foreign nation, peculiarly
+hated; and he had no claim, except that his wants were brought to the
+knowledge of the wayfaring man. From this, we learn, that the destitute,
+of all nations, become our neighbors, as soon as their wants are brought
+to our knowledge.
+
+Another general principle, is this, that those who are most in need,
+must be relieved, in preference to those who are less destitute. On this
+principle, it is, that we think the followers of Christ should give more
+to supply those who are suffering for want of the bread of eternal life,
+than for those who are deprived of physical enjoyments. And another
+reason for this preference, is, the fact, that many, who give in
+charity, have made such imperfect advances in civilization and
+Christianity, that the intellectual and moral wants of our race make but
+a feeble impression on the mind. Relate a pitiful tale of a family,
+reduced to live, for weeks, on potatoes, only, and many a mind would
+awake to deep sympathy, and stretch forth the hand of charity. But
+describe cases, where the immortal mind is pining in stupidity and
+ignorance, or racked with the fever of baleful passions, and how small
+the number, so elevated in sentiment, and so enlarged in their views, as
+to appreciate and sympathize in these far greater misfortunes! The
+intellectual and moral wants of our fellow-men, therefore, should claim
+the first place in our attention, both because they are most important,
+and because they are most neglected.
+
+Another consideration, to be borne in mind, is, that, in this Country,
+there is much less real need of charity, in supplying physical
+necessities, than is generally supposed, by those who have not learned
+the more excellent way. This Land is so abundant in supplies, and labor
+is in such demand, that every healthy person can earn a comfortable
+support. And if all the poor were instantly made virtuous, it is
+probable that there would be no physical wants, which could not readily
+be supplied by the immediate friends of each sufferer. The sick, the
+aged, and the orphan, would be the only objects of charity. In this
+view of the case, the primary effort, in relieving the poor, should be,
+to furnish them the means of earning their own support, and to supply
+them with those moral influences, which are most effectual in securing
+virtue and industry.
+
+Another point to be attended to, is, the importance of maintaining a
+system of _associated_ charities. There is no point, in which the
+economy of charity has more improved, than in the present mode of
+combining many small contributions, for sustaining enlarged and
+systematic plans of charity. If all the half-dollars, which are now
+contributed to aid in organized systems of charity, were returned to the
+donors, to be applied by the agency and discretion of each, thousands
+and thousands of the treasures, now employed to promote the moral and
+intellectual wants of mankind, would become entirely useless. In a
+democracy, like ours, where few are very rich, and the majority are in
+comfortable circumstances, this collecting and dispensing of drops and
+rills, is the mode, by which, in imitation of Nature, the dews and
+showers are to distil on parched and desert lands. And every person,
+while earning a pittance to unite with many more, may be cheered with
+the consciousness of sustaining a grand system of operations, which must
+have the most decided influence, in raising all mankind to that perfect
+state of society, which Christianity is designed to secure.
+
+Another consideration, relates to the indiscriminate bestowal of
+charity. Persons, who have taken pains to inform themselves, and who
+devote their whole time to dispensing charities, unite in declaring,
+that this is one of the most fruitful sources of indolence, vice, and
+poverty. From several of these, the writer has learned, that, by their
+own personal investigations, they have ascertained, that there are large
+establishments of idle and wicked persons, in most of our cities, who
+associate together, to support themselves by every species of
+imposition. They hire large houses, and live in constant rioting, on the
+means thus obtained. Among them, are women who have, or who hire the
+use of, infant children; others, who are blind, or maimed, or deformed,
+or who can adroitly feign such infirmities, and, by these means of
+exciting pity, and by artful tales of wo, they collect alms, both in
+city and country, to spend in all manner of gross and guilty
+indulgences. Meantime, many persons, finding themselves often duped by
+impostors, refuse to give at all; and thus many benefactions are
+withdrawn, which a wise economy in charity would have secured. For this,
+and other reasons, it is wise and merciful, to adopt the general rule,
+never to give alms, till we have had some opportunity of knowing how
+they will be spent. There are exceptions to this, as to every general
+rule, which a person of discretion can determine. But the practice, so
+common among benevolent persons, of giving, at least a trifle, to all
+who ask, lest, perchance, they may turn away some, who are really
+sufferers, is one, which causes more sin and misery than it cures.
+
+The writer has never known any system for dispensing charity, so
+successful, as the one which, in many places, has been adopted in
+connection with the distribution of tracts. By this method, a town or
+city is divided into districts; and each district is committed to the
+care of two ladies, whose duty it is, to call on each family and leave a
+tract, and make that the occasion for entering into conversation, and
+learning the situation of all residents in the district. By this method,
+the ignorant, the vicious, and the poor, are discovered, and their
+physical, intellectual, and moral, wants, are investigated. In some
+places, where the writer has resided or visited, each person retained
+the same district, year after year, so that every poor family in the
+place was under the watch and care of some intelligent and benevolent
+lady, who used all her influence to secure a proper education for the
+children, to furnish them with suitable reading, to encourage habits of
+industry and economy, and to secure regular attendance on public
+religious instruction. Thus, the rich and the poor were brought in
+contact, in a way advantageous to both parties; and, if such a system
+could be universally adopted, more would be done for the prevention of
+poverty and vice, than all the wealth of the Nation could avail for
+their relief. But this plan cannot be successfully carried out, in this
+manner, unless there is a large proportion of intelligent, benevolent,
+and self-denying, persons; and the mere distribution of tracts, without
+the other parts of the plan, is of very little avail.
+
+But there is one species of charity, which needs especial consideration.
+It is that, which induces us to refrain from judging of the means and
+the relative charities of other persons. There have been such indistinct
+notions, and so many different standards of duty, on this subject, that
+it is rare for two persons to think exactly alike, in regard to the rule
+of duty. Each person is bound to inquire and judge for himself, as to
+his own duty or deficiencies; but as both the resources, and the amount
+of the actual charities, of other men are beyond our ken, it is as
+indecorous, as it is uncharitable, to sit in judgement on their
+decisions.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+ON ECONOMY OF TIME AND EXPENSES.
+
+
+_On Economy of Time._
+
+The value of time, and our obligation to spend every hour for some
+useful end, are what few minds properly realize. And those, who have the
+highest sense of their obligations in this respect, sometimes greatly
+misjudge in their estimate of what are useful and proper modes of
+employing time. This arises from limited views of the importance of some
+pursuits, which they would deem frivolous and useless, but which are,
+in reality, necessary to preserve the health of body and mind, and those
+social affections, which it is very important to cherish. Christianity
+teaches, that, for all the time afforded us, we must give account to
+God; and that we have no right to waste a single hour. But time, which
+is spent in rest or amusement, is often as usefully employed, as if it
+were devoted to labor or devotion. In employing our time, we are to make
+suitable allowance for sleep, for preparing and taking food, for
+securing the means of a livelihood, for intellectual improvement, for
+exercise and amusement, for social enjoyments, and for benevolent and
+religious duties. And it is the _right apportionment_ of time, to these
+various duties, which constitutes its true economy.
+
+In making this apportionment, we are bound by the same rules, as relate
+to the use of property. We are to employ whatever portion is necessary
+to sustain life and health, as the first duty; and the remainder we are
+so to apportion, that our highest interests, shall receive the greatest
+allotment, and our physical gratifications, the least.
+
+The laws of the Supreme Ruler, when He became the civil as well as the
+religious Head of the Jewish theocracy, furnish an example, which it
+would be well for all attentively to consider, when forming plans for
+the apportionment of time and property. To properly estimate this
+example, it must be borne in mind, that the main object of God, was, to
+preserve His religion among the Jewish nation; and that they were not
+required to take any means to propagate it among other nations, as
+Christians are now required to extend Christianity. So low were they, in
+the scale of civilization and mental developement, that a system, which
+confined them to one spot, as an agricultural people, and prevented
+their growing very rich, or having extensive commerce with other
+nations, was indispensable to prevent their relapsing into the low
+idolatries and vices of the nations around them.
+
+The proportion of time and property, which every Jew was required to
+devote to intellectual, benevolent, and religious purposes, was as
+follows:
+
+In regard to property, they were required to give one tenth of all their
+yearly income, to support the Levites, the priests, and the religious
+service. Next, they were required to give the first fruits of all their
+corn, wine, oil, and fruits, and the first-born of all their cattle, for
+the Lord's treasury, to be employed for the priests, the widow, the
+fatherless, and the stranger. The first-born, also, of their children,
+were the Lord's, and were to be redeemed by a specified sum, paid into
+the sacred treasury. Besides this, they were required to bring a
+freewill offering to God, every time they went up to the three great
+yearly festivals. In addition to this, regular yearly sacrifices, of
+cattle and fowls, were required of each family, and occasional
+sacrifices for certain sins or ceremonial impurities. In reaping their
+fields, they were required to leave unreaped, for the poor, the corners;
+not to glean their fields, olive-yards, or vineyards; and, if a sheaf
+was left, by mistake, they were not to return for it, but leave it for
+the poor. When a man sent away a servant, he was thus charged: "Furnish
+him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy
+wine-press." When a poor man came to borrow money, they were forbidden
+to deny him, or to take any interest; and if, at the sabbatical, or
+seventh, year, he could not pay, the debt was to be cancelled. And to
+this command, is added the significant caution, "Beware that there be
+not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, the seventh year, the year of
+release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and
+thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the Lord against thee, and it be
+sin unto thee. Thou shalt surely give him," "because that for this thing
+the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou
+puttest thine hand unto." Besides this, the Levites were distributed
+through the land, with the intention that they should be instructors and
+priests in every part of the nation. Thus, one twelfth of the people
+were set apart, having no landed property, to be priests and teachers;
+and the other tribes were required to support them liberally.
+
+In regard to the time taken from secular pursuits, for the support of
+religion, an equally liberal amount was demanded. In the first place,
+one seventh part of their time was taken for the weekly sabbath, when no
+kind of work was to be done. Then the whole nation were required to
+meet, at the appointed place, three times a year, which, including their
+journeys, and stay there, occupied eight weeks, or another seventh part
+of their time. Then the sabbatical year, when no agricultural labor was
+to be done, took another seventh of their time from their regular
+pursuits, as they were an agricultural people. This was the amount of
+time and property demanded by God, simply to sustain religion and
+morality within the bounds of that nation. Christianity demands the
+spread of its blessings to all mankind, and so the restrictions laid on
+the Jews are withheld, and all our wealth and time, not needful for our
+own best interest, is to be employed in improving the condition of our
+fellow-men.
+
+In deciding respecting the rectitude of our pursuits, we are bound to
+aim at some practical good, as the ultimate object. With every duty of
+this life, our benevolent Creator has connected some species of
+enjoyment, to draw us to perform it. Thus, the palate is gratified, by
+performing the duty of nourishing our bodies; the principle of curiosity
+is gratified, in pursuing useful knowledge; the desire of approbation is
+gratified, when we perform benevolent and social duties; and every other
+duty has an alluring enjoyment connected with it. But the great mistake
+of mankind has consisted in seeking the pleasures, connected with these
+duties, as the sole aim, without reference to the main end that should
+be held in view, and to which the enjoyment should be made subservient.
+Thus, men seek to gratify the palate, without reference to the question
+whether the body is properly nourished; and follow after knowledge,
+without inquiring whether it ministers to good or evil.
+
+But, in gratifying the implanted desires of our nature, we are bound so
+to restrain ourselves, by reason and conscience, as always to seek the
+main objects of existence--the highest good of ourselves and others; and
+never to sacrifice this, for the mere gratification of our sensual
+desires. We are to gratify appetite, just so far as is consistent with
+health and usefulness; and the desire for knowledge, just so far as will
+enable us to do most good by our influence and efforts; and no farther.
+We are to seek social intercourse, to that extent, which will best
+promote domestic enjoyment and kindly feelings among neighbors and
+friends; and we are to pursue exercise and amusement, only so far as
+will best sustain the vigor of body and mind. For the right
+apportionment of time, to these and various other duties, we are to give
+an account to our Creator and final Judge.
+
+Instead of attempting to give any very specific rules on this subject,
+some modes of economizing time will be suggested. The most powerful of
+all agencies, in this matter, is, that habit of system and order, in all
+our pursuits, which has been already pointed out. It is probable, that a
+regular and systematic employment of time, will enable a person to
+accomplish thrice the amount of labor, that could otherwise be
+performed.
+
+Another mode of economizing time, is, by uniting several objects in one
+employment. Thus, exercise, or charitable efforts, can be united with
+social enjoyments, as is done in associations for sewing, or visiting
+the poor. Instruction and amusement can also be combined. Pursuits like
+music, gardening, drawing, botany, and the like, unite intellectual
+improvement with amusement, social enjoyment, and exercise.
+
+With housekeepers, and others whose employments are various and
+desultory, much time can be saved by preparing employments for little
+intervals of leisure. Thus, some ladies make ready, and keep in the
+parlor, light work, to take up when detained there; some keep a book at
+hand, in the nursery, to read while holding or sitting by a sleeping
+infant. One of the most popular female poets of our Country very often
+shows her friends, at their calls, that the thread of the knitting,
+never need interfere with the thread of agreeable discourse.
+
+It would be astonishing, to one who had never tried the experiment, how
+much can be accomplished, by a little planning and forethought, in thus
+finding employment for odd intervals of time.
+
+But, besides economizing our own time, we are bound to use our influence
+and example to promote the discharge of the same duty by others. A woman
+is under obligations so to arrange the hours and pursuits of her family,
+as to promote systematic and habitual industry; and if, by late
+breakfasts, irregular hours for meals, and other hinderances of this
+kind, she interferes with, or refrains from promoting regular industry
+in, others, she is accountable to God for all the waste of time
+consequent on her negligence. The mere example of system and industry,
+in a housekeeper, has a wonderful influence in promoting the same
+virtuous habit in others.
+
+
+_On Economy in Expenses._
+
+It is impossible for a woman to practise a wise economy in expenditures,
+unless she is taught how to do it, either by a course of experiments, or
+by the instruction of those who have had experience. It is amusing to
+notice the various, and oftentimes contradictory, notions of economy,
+among judicious and experienced housekeepers; for there is probably no
+economist, who would not be deemed lavish or wasteful, in some respects,
+by another and equally experienced and judicious person, who, in some
+different points, would herself be as much condemned by the other. These
+diversities are occasioned by dissimilar early habits, and by the
+different relative value assigned, by each, to the various modes of
+enjoyment, for which money is expended.
+
+But, though there may be much disagreement in minor matters, there are
+certain general principles, which all unite in sanctioning. The first,
+is, that care be taken to know the amount of income and of current
+expenses, so that the proper relative proportion be preserved, and the
+expenditures never exceed the means. Few women can do this, thoroughly,
+without keeping regular accounts. The habits of this Nation, especially
+among business-men, are so desultory, and the current expenses of a
+family, in many points, are so much more under the control of the man
+than of the woman, that many women, who are disposed to be systematic in
+this matter, cannot follow their wishes. But there are often cases, when
+much is left undone in this particular, simply because no effort is
+made. Yet every woman is bound to do as much as is in her power, to
+accomplish a systematic mode of expenditure, and the regulation of it by
+Christian principles.
+
+The following are examples of different methods which have been adopted,
+for securing a proper adjustment of expenses to the means.
+
+The first, is that of a lady, who kept a large boarding-house, in one of
+our cities. Every evening, before retiring, she took an account of the
+expenses of the day; and this usually occupied her not more than fifteen
+minutes, at a time. On each Saturday, she made an inventory of the
+stores on hand, and of the daily expenses, and also of what was due to
+her; and then made an exact estimate of her expenditures and profits.
+This, after the first two or three weeks, never took more than an hour,
+at the close of the week. Thus, by a very little time, regularly devoted
+to this object, she knew, accurately, her income, expenditures, and
+profits.
+
+Another friend of the writer, lives on a regular salary. The method
+adopted, in this case, is to calculate to what the salary amounts, each
+week. Then an account is kept, of what is paid out, each week, for
+rent, fuel, wages, and food. This amount of each week is deducted from
+the weekly income. The remainders of each week are added, at the close
+of a month, as the stock from which is to be taken, the dress,
+furniture, books, travelling expenses, charities, and all other
+expenditures.
+
+Another lady, whose husband is a lawyer, divides the year into four
+quarters, and the income into four equal parts. She then makes her
+plans, so that the expenses of one quarter shall never infringe on the
+income of another. So resolute is she, in carrying out this
+determination, that if, by any mischance, she is in want of articles
+before the close of a quarter, which she has not the means for
+providing, she will subject herself to temporary inconvenience, by
+waiting, rather than violate her rule.
+
+Another lady, whose husband is engaged in a business, which he thinks
+makes it impossible for him to know what his yearly income will be, took
+this method:--She kept an account of all her disbursements, for one
+year. This she submitted to her husband, and obtained his consent, that
+the same sum should be under her control, the coming year, for similar
+purposes, with the understanding, that she might modify future
+apportionments, in any way her judgement and conscience might approve.
+
+A great deal of uneasiness and discomfort is caused, to both husband and
+wife, in many cases, by an entire want of system and forethought, in
+arranging expenses. Both keep buying what they think they need, without
+any calculation as to how matters are coming out, and with a sort of
+dread of running in debt, all the time harassing them. Such never know
+the comfort of independence. But, if a man or woman will only calculate
+what their income is, and then plan so as to know that they are all the
+time living within it, they secure one of the greatest comforts, which
+wealth ever bestows, and what many of the rich, who live in a loose and
+careless way, never enjoy. It is not so much the amount of income, as
+the regular and correct apportionment of expenses, that makes a family
+truly comfortable. A man, with ten thousand a year, is often more
+harassed, for want of money, than the systematic economist, who supports
+a family on only six hundred a year. And the inspired command, "Owe no
+man any thing," can never be conscientiously observed, without a
+systematic adaptation of expenses to means.
+
+As it is very important that young ladies should learn systematic
+economy, in expenses, it will be a great benefit, for every young girl
+to begin, at twelve or thirteen years of age, to make her own purchases,
+and keep her accounts, under the guidance of her mother, or some other
+friend. And if parents would ascertain the actual expense of a
+daughter's clothing, for a year, and give the sum to her, in quarterly
+payments, requiring a regular account, it would be of great benefit in
+preparing her for future duties. How else are young ladies to learn to
+make purchases properly, and to be systematic and economical? The art of
+system and economy can no more come by intuition, than the art of
+watchmaking or bookkeeping; and how strange it appears, that so many
+young ladies take charge of a husband's establishment, without having
+had either instruction or experience in one of the most important duties
+of their station!
+
+The second general principle of economy, is, that, in apportioning an
+income, among various objects, the most important should receive the
+largest supply, and that all retrenchments be made in matters of less
+importance. In a previous chapter, some general principles have been
+presented, to guide in this duty. Some additional hints will here be
+added, on the same topic.
+
+In regard to dress and furniture, much want of judgement and good taste
+is often seen, in purchasing some expensive article, which is not at all
+in keeping with the other articles connected with it. Thus, a large
+sideboard, or elegant mirror, or sofa, which would be suitable only for
+a large establishment, with other rich furniture, is crowded into too
+small a room, with coarse and cheap articles around it. So, also,
+sometimes a parlor, and company-chamber, will be furnished in a style
+suitable only for the wealthy, while the table will be supplied with
+shabby linen, and imperfect crockery, and every other part of the house
+will look, in comparison with these fine rooms, mean and niggardly. It
+is not at all uncommon, to find very showy and expensive articles in the
+part of the house visible to strangers, when the children's rooms,
+kitchen, and other back portions, are on an entirely different scale.
+
+So in regard to dress, a lady will sometimes purchase an elegant and
+expensive article, which, instead of attracting admiration from the eye
+of taste, will merely serve as a decoy to the painful contrast of all
+other parts of the dress. A woman of real good taste and discretion,
+will strive to maintain a relative consistency between all departments,
+and not, in one quarter, live on a scale fitted only to the rich, and in
+another, on one appropriate only to the poor.
+
+Another mistake in economy, is often made, by some of the best-educated
+and most intelligent of mothers. Such will often be found spending day
+after day at needlework, when, with a comparatively small sum, this
+labor could be obtained of those who need the money, which such work
+would procure for them. Meantime, the daughters of the family, whom the
+mother is qualified to educate, or so nearly qualified, that she could
+readily keep ahead of her children, are sent to expensive
+boarding-schools, where their delicate frames, their pliant minds, and
+their moral and religious interests, are relinquished to the hands of
+strangers. And the expense, thus incurred, would serve to pay the hire
+of every thing the mother can do in sewing, four or five times over. The
+same want of economy is shown in communities, where, instead of
+establishing a good female school in their vicinity, the men of wealth
+send their daughters abroad, at double the expense, to be either
+educated or spoiled, as the case may be.
+
+Another species of poor economy, is manifested in neglecting to acquire
+and apply mechanical skill, which, in consequence, has to be hired from
+others. Thus, all the plain sewing will be done by the mother and
+daughters, while all that requires skill will be hired. Instead of this,
+others take pains to have their daughters instructed in mantuamaking,
+and the simpler parts of millinery, so that the plain work is given to
+the poor, who need it, and the more expensive and tasteful operations
+are performed in the family. The writer knows ladies, who not only make
+their own dresses, but also their caps, bonnets, and artificial flowers.
+
+Some persons make miscalculations in economy, by habitually looking up
+cheap articles, while others go to the opposite extreme, and always buy
+the best of every thing. Those ladies, who are considered the best
+economists, do not adopt either method. In regard to cheap goods, the
+fading colors, the damages discovered in use, the poorness of material,
+and the extra sewing demanded to replace articles lost by such causes,
+usually render them very dear, in the end. On the other hand, though
+some articles, of the most expensive kind, wear longest and best, yet,
+as a general rule, articles at medium prices do the best service. This
+is true of table and bed linens, broadcloths, shirtings, and the like;
+though, even in these cases, it is often found, that the coarsest and
+cheapest last the longest.
+
+Buying by wholesale, and keeping a large supply on hand, are economical
+only in large families, where the mistress is careful; but in other
+cases, the hazards of accident, and the temptation to a lavish use, will
+make the loss outrun the profits.
+
+There is one mode of economizing, which, it is hoped, will every year
+grow more rare; and that is, making penurious savings, by getting the
+poor to work as cheap as possible. Many amiable and benevolent women
+have done this, on principle, without reflecting on the want of
+Christian charity thus displayed. Let every woman, in making bargains
+with the poor, conceive herself placed in the same circumstances,
+toiling hour after hour, and day after day, for a small sum, and then
+deal with others as she would be dealt by in such a situation. _Liberal
+prices_, and _prompt payment_, should be an invariable maxim, in dealing
+with the poor.
+
+The third general principle of economy, is, that all articles should be
+so used, and taken care of, as to secure the longest service, with the
+least waste. Under this head, come many particulars in regard to the use
+and preservation of articles, which will be found more in detail in
+succeeding chapters. It may be proper, however, here to refer to one
+very common impression, as to the relative obligation of the poor and
+the rich in regard to economy. Many seem to suppose, that those who are
+wealthy, have a right to be lavish and negligent in the care of
+expenses. But this surely is a great mistake. Property is a talent,
+given by God, to spend for the welfare of mankind; and the needless
+waste of it, is as wrong in the rich, as it is in the poor. The rich are
+under obligations to apportion their income, to the various objects
+demanding attention, by the same rule as all others; and if this will
+allow them to spend more for superfluities than those of smaller means,
+it never makes it right to misuse or waste any of the bounties of
+Providence. Whatever is no longer wanted for their own enjoyment, should
+be carefully saved, to add to the enjoyment of others.
+
+It is not always that men understand the economy of Providence, in that
+unequal distribution of property, which, even under the most perfect
+form of government, will always exist. Many, looking at the present
+state of things, imagine that the rich, if they acted in strict
+conformity to the law of benevolence, would share all their property
+with their suffering fellow-men. But such do not take into account, the
+inspired declaration, that "a man's life consisteth not in the
+abundance of the things which he possesseth," or, in other words, life
+is made valuable, not by great possessions, but by such a character as
+prepares a man to enjoy what he holds. God perceives that human
+character can be most improved, by that kind of discipline, which
+exists, when there is something valuable to be gained by industrious
+efforts. This stimulus to industry could never exist, in a community
+where all are just alike, as it does in a state of society where every
+man sees, possessed by others, enjoyments, which he desires, and may
+secure by effort and industry. So, in a community where all are alike as
+to property, there would be no chance to gain that noblest of all
+attainments, a habit of self-denying benevolence, which toils for the
+good of others, and takes from one's own store, to increase the
+enjoyments of another.
+
+Instead, then, of the stagnation, both of industry and of benevolence,
+which would follow the universal and equable distribution of property,
+one class of men, by superior advantages of birth, or intellect, or
+patronage, come into possession of a great amount of capital. With these
+means, they are enabled, by study, reading, and travel, to secure
+expansion of mind, and just views of the relative advantages of moral,
+intellectual, and physical enjoyments. At the same time, Christianity
+imposes obligations, corresponding with the increase of advantages and
+means. The rich are not at liberty to spend their treasures for
+themselves, alone. Their wealth is given, by God, to be employed for the
+best good of mankind; and their intellectual advantages are designed,
+primarily, to enable them to judge correctly, in employing their means
+most wisely for the general good.
+
+Now, suppose a man of wealth inherits ten thousand acres of real estate:
+it is not his duty to divide it among his poor neighbors and tenants. If
+he took this course, it is probable, that most of them would spend all
+in thriftless waste and indolence, or in mere physical enjoyments.
+Instead, then, of thus putting his capital out of his hands, he is bound
+to retain, and so to employ, it, as to raise his neighbors and tenants
+to such a state of virtue and intelligence, that they can secure far
+more, by their own efforts and industry, than he, by dividing his
+capital, could bestow upon them.
+
+In this view of the subject, it is manifest, that the unequal
+distribution of property is no evil. The great difficulty is, that so
+large a portion of those who hold much capital, instead of using their
+various advantages for the greatest good of those around them, employ
+the chief of them for mere selfish indulgences; thus inflicting as much
+mischief on themselves, as results to others from their culpable
+neglect. A great portion of the rich seem to be acting on the principle,
+that the more God bestows on them, the less are they under obligation to
+practise any self-denial, in fulfilling his benevolent plan of raising
+our race to intelligence and holiness.
+
+There are not a few, who seem to imagine that it is a mark of gentility
+to be careless of expenses. But this notion, is owing to a want of
+knowledge of the world. As a general fact, it will be found, that
+persons of rank and wealth, abroad, are much more likely to be
+systematic and economical, than persons of inferior standing in these
+respects. Even the most frivolous, among the rich and great, are often
+found practising a rigid economy, in certain respects, in order to
+secure gratifications in another direction. And it will be found so
+common, among persons of vulgar minds, and little education, and less
+sense, to make a display of profusion and indifference to expense, as a
+mark of their claims to gentility, that the really genteel look upon it
+rather as a mark of low breeding. So that the sort of feeling, which
+some persons cherish, as if it were a degradation to be careful of small
+sums, and to be attentive to relative prices, in making purchases, is
+founded on mistaken notions of gentility and propriety.
+
+But one caution is needful, in regard to another extreme. When a lady
+of wealth, is seen roaming about in search of cheaper articles, or
+trying to beat down a shopkeeper, or making a close bargain with those
+she employs, the impropriety is glaring to all minds. A person of wealth
+has no occasion to spend time in looking for extra cheap articles; her
+time could be more profitably employed in distributing to the wants of
+others. And the practice of beating down tradespeople, is vulgar and
+degrading, in any one. A woman, after a little inquiry, can ascertain
+what is the fair and common price of things; and if she is charged an
+exorbitant sum, she can decline taking the article. If the price be a
+fair one, it is not becoming in her to search for another article which
+is below the regular charge. If a woman finds that she is in a store
+where they charge high prices, expecting to be beat down, she can
+mention, that she wishes to know the lowest price, as it is contrary to
+her principles to beat down charges.
+
+There is one inconsistency, worthy of notice, which is found among that
+class, who are ambitious of being ranked among the aristocracy of
+society. It has been remarked, that, in the real aristocracy of other
+lands, it is much more common, than with us, to practise systematic
+economy. And such do not hesitate to say so, when they cannot afford
+certain indulgences. This practice descends to subordinate grades; so
+that foreign ladies, when they come to reside among us, seldom hesitate
+in assigning the true reason, when they cannot afford any gratification.
+But in this Country, it will be found, that many, who are most fond of
+copying aristocratic examples, are, on this point, rather with the
+vulgar. Not a few of those young persons, who begin life with parlors
+and dresses in a style fitting only to established wealth, go into
+expenses, which they can ill afford; and are ashamed even to allow, that
+they are restrained from any expense, by motives of economy. Such a
+confession is never extorted, except by some call of benevolence; and
+then, they are very ready to declare that they cannot afford to bestow
+even a pittance. In such cases, it would seem as if the direct opposite
+of Christianity had gained possession of their tastes and opinions. They
+are ashamed to appear to deny themselves; but are very far from having
+any shame in denying the calls of benevolence.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+ON HEALTH OF MIND.
+
+
+There is such an intimate connection between the body and mind, that the
+health of one, cannot be preserved, without a proper care of the other.
+And it is from a neglect of this principle, that some of the most
+exemplary and conscientious persons in the world, suffer a thousand
+mental agonies, from a diseased state of body, while others ruin the
+health of the body, by neglecting the proper care of the mind. When the
+brain is excited, by stimulating drinks taken into the stomach, it
+produces a corresponding excitement of the mental faculties. The reason,
+the imagination, and all the powers, are stimulated to preternatural
+vigor and activity. In like manner, when the mind is excited by earnest
+intellectual effort, or by strong passions, the brain is equally
+excited, and the blood rushes to the head. Sir Astley Cooper records,
+that, in examining the brain of a young man who had lost a portion of
+his skull, whenever "he was agitated, by some opposition to his wishes,"
+"the blood was sent, with increased force, to his brain," and the
+pulsations "became frequent and violent." The same effect was produced
+by any intellectual effort; and the flushed countenance, which attends
+earnest study or strong emotions of fear, shame, or anger, is an
+external indication of the suffused state of the brain from such causes.
+
+In exhibiting the causes, which injure the health of the mind, they
+will be found to be partly physical, partly intellectual, and partly
+moral.
+
+The first cause of mental disease and suffering, is not unfrequently
+found in the want of a proper supply of duly oxygenized blood. It has
+been shown, that the blood, in passing through the lungs, is purified,
+by the oxygen of the air combining with the superabundant hydrogen and
+carbon of the venous blood, thus forming carbonic acid and water, which
+are expired into the atmosphere. Every pair of lungs is constantly
+withdrawing from the surrounding atmosphere its healthful principle, and
+returning one, which is injurious to human life.
+
+When, by confinement, and this process, the atmosphere is deprived of
+its appropriate supply of oxygen, the purification of the blood is
+interrupted, and it passes, without being properly prepared, into the
+brain, producing languor, restlessness, and inability to exercise the
+intellect and feelings. Whenever, therefore, persons sleep in a close
+apartment, or remain, for a length of time, in a crowded or
+ill-ventilated room, a most pernicious influence is exerted on the
+brain, and, through this, on the mind. A person, who is often exposed to
+such influences, can never enjoy that elasticity and vigor of mind,
+which is one of the chief indications of its health. This is the reason,
+why all rooms for religious meetings, and all schoolrooms, and sleeping
+apartments, should be so contrived, as to secure a constant supply of
+fresh air from without. The minister, who preaches in a crowded and
+ill-ventilated apartment, loses much of his power to feel and to speak,
+while the audience are equally reduced, in their capability of
+attending. The teacher, who confines children in a close apartment,
+diminishes their ability to study, or to attend to his instructions. And
+the person, who habitually sleeps in a close room, impairs his mental
+energies, in a similar degree. It is not unfrequently the case, that
+depression of spirits, and stupor of intellect, are occasioned solely by
+inattention to this subject.
+
+Another cause of mental disease, is, the excessive exercise of the
+intellect or feelings. If the eye is taxed, beyond its strength, by
+protracted use, its blood-vessels become gorged, and the bloodshot
+appearance warns of the excess and the need of rest. The brain is
+affected, in a similar manner, by excessive use, though the suffering
+and inflamed organ cannot make its appeal to the eye. But there are some
+indications, which ought never to be misunderstood or disregarded. In
+cases of pupils, at school or at college, a diseased state, from over
+action, is often manifested by increased clearness of mind, and ease and
+vigor of mental action. In one instance, known to the writer, a most
+exemplary and industrious pupil, anxious to improve every hour, and
+ignorant or unmindful of the laws of health, first manifested the
+diseased state of her brain and mind, by demands for more studies, and a
+sudden and earnest activity in planning modes of improvement for herself
+and others. When warned of her danger, she protested that she never was
+better, in her life; that she took regular exercise, in the open air,
+went to bed in season, slept soundly, and felt perfectly well; that her
+mind was never before so bright and clear, and study never so easy and
+delightful. And at this time, she was on the verge of derangement, from
+which she was saved only by an entire cessation of all her intellectual
+efforts.
+
+A similar case occurred, under the eye of the writer, from over-excited
+feelings. It was during a time of unusual religious interest in the
+community, and the mental disease was first manifested, by the pupil
+bringing her Hymn-book or Bible to the class-room, and making it her
+constant resort, in every interval of school duty. It finally became
+impossible to convince her, that it was her duty to attend to any thing
+else; her conscience became morbidly sensitive, her perceptions
+indistinct, her deductions unreasonable, and nothing, but entire change
+of scene, exercise, and amusement, saved her. When the health of the
+brain was restored, she found that she could attend to the "one thing
+needful," not only without interruption of duty, or injury of health,
+but rather so as to promote both. Clergymen and teachers need most
+carefully to notice and guard against the danger here alluded to.
+
+Any such attention to religion, as prevents the performance of daily
+duties and needful relaxation, is dangerous, as tending to produce such
+a state of the brain, as makes it impossible to feel or judge correctly.
+And when any morbid and unreasonable pertinacity appears, much exercise,
+and engagement in other interesting pursuits, should be urged, as the
+only mode of securing the religious benefits aimed at. And whenever any
+mind is oppressed with care, anxiety, or sorrow, the amount of active
+exercise in the fresh air should be greatly increased, that the action
+of the muscles may withdraw the blood, which, in such seasons, is
+constantly tending too much to the brain.
+
+There has been a most appalling amount of suffering, derangement,
+disease, and death, occasioned by a want of attention to this subject,
+in teachers and parents. Uncommon precocity in children is usually the
+result of an unhealthy state of the brain; and, in such cases, medical
+men would now direct, that the wonderful child should be deprived of all
+books and study, and turned to play or work in the fresh air. Instead of
+this, parents frequently add fuel to the fever of the brain, by
+supplying constant mental stimulus, until the victim finds refuge in
+idiocy or an early grave. Where such fatal results do not occur, the
+brain, in many cases, is so weakened, that the prodigy of infancy sinks
+below the medium of intellectual powers in afterlife. In our colleges,
+too, many of the most promising minds sink to an early grave, or drag
+out a miserable existence, from this same cause. And it is an evil, as
+yet little alleviated by the increase of physiological knowledge. Every
+college and professional school, and every seminary for young ladies,
+needs a medical man, not only to lecture on physiology and the laws of
+health, but empowered, in his official capacity, to investigate the
+case of every pupil, and, by authority, to restrain him to such a course
+of study, exercise, and repose, as his physical system requires. The
+writer has found, by experience, that, in a large institution, there is
+one class of pupils who need to be restrained, by penalties, from late
+hours and excessive study, as much as another class need stimulus to
+industry.
+
+Under the head of excessive mental action, must be placed the indulgence
+of the imagination in _novel reading_ and _castle building_. This kind
+of stimulus, unless counterbalanced by physical exercise, not only
+wastes time and energies, but undermines the vigor of the nervous
+system. The imagination was designed, by our kind Creator, as the charm
+and stimulus to animate to benevolent activity; and its perverted
+exercise seldom fails to bring the appropriate penalty.
+
+A third cause of mental disease, is, the want of the appropriate
+exercise of the various faculties of the mind. On this point, Dr. Combe
+remarks, "We have seen, that, by disuse, muscle becomes emaciated, bone
+softens, blood-vessels are obliterated, and nerves lose their
+characteristic structure. The brain is no exception to this general
+rule. Of it, also, the tone is impaired by permanent inactivity, and it
+becomes less fit to manifest the mental powers with readiness and
+energy." It is "the withdrawal of the stimulus necessary for its healthy
+exercise, which renders solitary confinement so severe a punishment,
+even to the most daring minds. It is a lower degree of the same cause,
+which renders continuous seclusion from society so injurious, to both
+mental and bodily health."
+
+"_Inactivity of intellect and of feeling_ is a very frequent
+predisposing cause of every form of nervous disease. For demonstrative
+evidence of this position, we have only to look at the numerous victims
+to be found, among persons who have no call to exertion in gaining the
+means of subsistence, and no objects of interest on which to exercise
+their mental faculties and who consequently sink into a state of mental
+sloth and nervous weakness." "If we look abroad upon society, we shall
+find innumerable examples of mental and nervous debility from this
+cause. When a person of some mental capacity is confined, for a long
+time, to an unvarying round of employment, which affords neither scope
+nor stimulus for one half of his faculties, and, from want of education
+or society, has no external resources; his mental powers, for want of
+exercise, become blunted, and his perceptions slow and dull." "The
+intellect and feelings, not being provided with interests external to
+themselves, must either become inactive and weak, or work upon
+themselves and become diseased."
+
+"The most frequent victims of this kind of predisposition, are females
+of the middle and higher ranks, especially those of a nervous
+constitution and _good natural abilities_; but who, from an ill-directed
+education, possess nothing more solid than mere accomplishments, and
+have no materials of thought," and no "occupation to excite interest or
+_demand_ attention." "The liability of such persons to melancholy,
+hysteria, hypochondriasis, and other varieties of mental distress,
+really depends on a state of irritability of brain, induced by imperfect
+exercise."
+
+These remarks, of a medical man, illustrate the principles before
+indicated;--namely, that the demand of Christianity, that we live to
+promote the general happiness, and not merely for selfish indulgence,
+has for its aim, not only the general good, but the highest happiness,
+of the individual of whom it is required.
+
+A person possessed of wealth, who has nothing more noble to engage his
+attention, than seeking his own personal enjoyment, subjects his mental
+powers and moral feelings to a degree of inactivity, utterly at war with
+health of mind. And the greater the capacities, the greater are the
+sufferings which result from this cause. Any one, who has read the
+misanthropic wailings of Lord Byron, has seen the necessary result of
+great and noble powers bereft of their appropriate exercise, and, in
+consequence, becoming sources of the keenest suffering.
+
+It is this view of the subject, which has often awakened feelings of
+sorrow and anxiety in the mind of the writer, while aiding in the
+developement and education of superior female minds, in the wealthier
+circles. Not because there are not noble objects for interest and
+effort, abundant, and within reach of such minds; but because
+long-established custom has made it seem so Quixotic, to the majority,
+even of the professed followers of Christ, for a woman of wealth to
+practise any great self-denial, that few have independence of mind and
+Christian principle sufficient to overcome such an influence. The more a
+mind has its powers developed, the more does it aspire and pine after
+some object worthy of its energies and affections; and they are
+commonplace and phlegmatic characters, who are most free from such
+deep-seated wants. Many a young woman, of fine genius and elevated
+sentiment, finds a charm in Lord Byron's writings, because they present
+a glowing picture of what, to a certain extent, must be felt by every
+well-developed mind, which has no nobler object in life, than the
+pursuit of its own gratification.
+
+If young ladies of wealth could pursue their education, under the full
+conviction that the increase of their powers and advantages increased
+their obligations to use all for the good of society, and with some plan
+of benevolent enterprise in view, what new motives of interest would be
+added to their daily pursuits! And what blessed results would follow, to
+our beloved Country, if all well-educated females carried out the
+principles of Christianity, in the exercise of their developed powers!
+
+It is cheering to know, that there are women, among the most intelligent
+and wealthy, who can be presented as examples of what may be done, when
+there is a heart to do. A pupil of the writer is among this number,
+who, though a rich heiress, immediately, on the close of her
+school-life, commenced a course of self-denying benevolence, in the
+cause of education. She determined to secure a superior female
+institution, in her native place, which should extend the benefits of
+the best education to all in that vicinity, at a moderate charge.
+Finding no teacher on the ground, prepared to take the lead, and though
+herself a timid and retiring character, she began, with the aid of the
+governess in her mother's family, a daily school, superintending all,
+and teaching six hours a day. The liberal-minded and intelligent mother
+cooperated, and the result is a flourishing female seminary, with a
+large and beautiful and well-furnished building; the greater part of the
+means being supplied by the mother, and almost all by the members of
+that family connection. And both these ladies will testify, that no time
+or money, spent for any other object, has ever secured to them more real
+and abiding enjoyment, than witnessing the results of this successful
+and benevolent enterprise, which, for years to come, will pour forth
+blessings on society.
+
+Another lady could be pointed out, who, possessing some property, went
+into a new western village, built and furnished her schoolhouse, and
+established herself there, to aid in raising a community from ignorance
+and gross worldliness, to intelligence and virtue. And in repeated
+instances, among the friends and pupils of the writer, young ladies have
+left wealthy homes, and affectionate friends, to find nobler enjoyments,
+in benevolent and active exertions to extend intelligence and virtue,
+where such disinterested laborers were needed. In other cases, where it
+was not practicable to leave home, well-educated young ladies have
+interested themselves in common schools in the vicinity, aiding the
+teachers, by their sympathy, counsel, and personal assistance.
+
+Other ladies, of property and standing, having families to educate, and
+being well qualified for such duties, have relinquished a large portion
+of domestic labor and superintendence, which humbler minds could be
+hired to perform, devoted themselves to the education of their children,
+and received others, less fortunate, to share with their own these
+superior advantages. But, so long as the feeling widely exists, that the
+increase of God's bounties diminishes the obligations of self-denying
+service for the good of mankind, so long will well-educated women, in
+easy circumstances, shrink from such confinement and exertion.
+
+It is believed, however, that there are many benevolent and intelligent
+women, in this Country, who would gladly engage in such enterprises,
+were there any appropriate way within their reach. And it is a question,
+well deserving consideration, among those who guide the public mind in
+benevolent enterprises, whether some organization is not demanded, which
+shall bring the whole community to act systematically, in voluntary
+associations, to extend a proper education to every child in this
+Nation, and to bring into activity all the female enterprise and
+benevolence now lying dormant, for want of proper facilities to exercise
+them. There are hundreds of villages, which need teachers, and that
+would support them, if they were on the spot, but which never will send
+for them. And there are hundreds of females, now unemployed, who would
+teach, if a proper place, and home, and support, and escort, were
+provided for them. And there needs to be some enlarged and systematic
+plan, conducted by wise and efficient men, to secure these objects.
+
+Could such a plan, as the one suggested, be carried out, it is believed
+that many female minds, now suffering, from diseases occasioned by want
+of appropriate objects for their energies, would be relieved. The duties
+of a teacher exercise every intellectual faculty, to its full extent;
+while, in this benevolent service, all the social, moral, and
+benevolent, emotions, are kept in full play. The happiest persons the
+writer has ever known,--those who could say that they were as happy as
+they wished to be, in this world, (and she has seen such,)--were persons
+engaged in this employment.
+
+The indications of a diseased mind, owing to a want of the proper
+exercise of its powers, are, apathy, discontent, a restless longing for
+excitement, a craving for unattainable good, a diseased and morbid
+action of the imagination, dissatisfaction with the world, and
+factitious interest in trifles which the mind feels to be unworthy of
+its powers. Such minds sometimes seek alleviation in exciting
+amusements; others resort to the grosser enjoyments of sense. Oppressed
+with the extremes of languor, or over-excitement, or apathy, the body
+fails under the wearing process, and adds new causes of suffering to the
+mind. Such, the compassionate Saviour calls to his service, in these
+appropriate terms: "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden,
+and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me," "and
+ye shall find rest unto your souls."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+ON THE CARE OF DOMESTICS.
+
+
+There is no point, where the women of this Country need more wisdom,
+patience, principle, and self-control, than in relation to those whom
+they employ in domestic service. The subject is attended with many
+difficulties, which powerfully influence the happiness of families; and
+the following suggestions are offered, to aid in securing right opinions
+and practice.
+
+One consideration, which it would be well to bear in mind, on this
+subject, is, that a large portion of the peculiar trials, which American
+women suffer from this source, are the necessary evils connected with
+our most valuable civil blessings. Every blessing of this life involves
+some attendant liability to evil, from the same source; and, in this
+case, while we rejoice at a state of society, which so much raises the
+condition and advantages of our sex, the evils involved should be
+regarded as more than repaid, by the compensating benefits. If we
+cannot secure the cringing, submissive, well-trained, servants of
+aristocratic lands, let us be consoled that we thus escape from the
+untold miseries and oppression, which always attend that state of
+society.
+
+Instead, then, of complaining that we cannot have our own peculiar
+advantages, and those of other nations, too, or imagining how much
+better off we should be, if things were different from what they are, it
+is much wiser and more Christianlike to strive cheerfully to conform to
+actual circumstances; and, after remedying all that we can control,
+patiently to submit to what is beyond our power. If domestics are found
+to be incompetent, unstable, and unconformed to their station, it is
+Perfect Wisdom which appoints these trials, to teach us patience,
+fortitude, and self-control; and, if the discipline is met, in a proper
+spirit, it will prove a blessing, rather than an evil.
+
+But, to judge correctly in regard to some of the evils involved in the
+state of domestic service, in this Country, we should endeavor to
+conceive ourselves placed in the situation of those, of whom complaint
+is made, that we may not expect, from them, any more than it would seem
+right should be exacted from us, in similar circumstances.
+
+It is sometimes urged, against domestics, that they exact exorbitant
+wages. But what is the rule of rectitude, on this subject? Is it not the
+universal law of labor and of trade, that an article is to be valued,
+according to its scarcity and the demand? When wheat is scarce, the
+farmer raises his price; and when a mechanic offers services, difficult
+to be obtained, he makes a corresponding increase of price. And why is
+it not right, for domestics to act according to a rule, allowed to be
+correct in reference to all other trades and professions? It is a fact,
+that really good domestic service must continue to increase in value,
+just in proportion as this Country waxes rich and prosperous; thus
+making the proportion of those, who wish to hire labor, relatively
+greater, and the number of those, willing to go to service, less.
+
+Money enables the rich to gain many advantages, which those of more
+limited circumstances cannot secure. One of these, is, securing good
+domestics, by offering high wages; and this, as the scarcity of this
+class increases, will serve constantly to raise the price of service. It
+is right for domestics to charge the market value, and this value is
+always decided by the scarcity of the article and the amount of demand.
+Right views of this subject, will sometimes serve to diminish hard
+feelings towards those, who would otherwise be wrongfully regarded as
+unreasonable and exacting.
+
+Another complaint against domestics, is, that of instability and
+discontent, leading to perpetual change. But in reference to this, let a
+mother or daughter conceive of their own circumstances as so changed,
+that the daughter must go out to service. Suppose a place is engaged,
+and it is then found that she must sleep in a comfortless garret; and
+that, when a new domestic comes, perhaps a coarse and dirty foreigner,
+she must share her bed with her. Another place is offered, where she can
+have a comfortable room, and an agreeable room-mate; in such a case,
+would not both mother and daughter think it right to change?
+
+Or, suppose, on trial, it was found that the lady of the house was
+fretful, or exacting, and hard to please; or, that her children were so
+ungoverned, as to be perpetual vexations; or, that the work was so
+heavy, that no time was allowed for relaxation and the care of a
+wardrobe;--and another place offers, where these evils can be escaped:
+would not mother and daughter here think it right to change? And is it
+not right for domestics, as well as their employers, to seek places,
+where they can be most comfortable?
+
+In some cases, this instability and love of change would be remedied, if
+employers would take more pains to make a residence with them agreeable;
+and to attach domestics to the family, by feelings of gratitude and
+affection. There are ladies, even where well-qualified domestics are
+most rare, who seldom find any trouble in keeping good and steady ones.
+And the reason is, that their domestics know they cannot better their
+condition, by any change within reach. It is not merely by giving them
+comfortable rooms, and good food, and presents, and privileges, that the
+attachment of domestics is secured; it is by the manifestation of a
+friendly and benevolent interest in their comfort and improvement. This
+is exhibited, in bearing patiently with their faults; in kindly teaching
+them how to improve; in showing them how to make and take proper care of
+their clothes; in guarding their health; in teaching them to read, if
+necessary, and supplying them with proper books; and, in short, by
+endeavoring, so far as may be, to supply the place of parents. It is
+seldom that such a course would fail to secure steady service, and such
+affection and gratitude, that even higher wages would be ineffectual to
+tempt them away. There would probably be some cases of ungrateful
+returns; but there is no doubt that the course indicated, if generally
+pursued, would very much lessen the evil in question.
+
+Another subject of complaint, in regard to domestics, is, their pride,
+insubordination, and spirit not conformed to their condition. They are
+not willing to be called _servants_; in some places, they claim a seat,
+at meals, with the family; they imitate a style of dress unbecoming
+their condition; and their manners and address are rude and
+disrespectful. That these evils are very common, among this class of
+persons, cannot be denied; the only question is, how can they best be
+met and remedied.
+
+In regard to the common feeling among domestics, which is pained and
+offended by being called "servants," there is need of some consideration
+and allowance. It should be remembered, that, in this Country, children,
+from their earliest years, are trained to abhor slavery, in reference
+to themselves, as the greatest of all possible shame and degradation.
+They are perpetually hearing orations, songs, and compositions of all
+sorts, which set forth the honor and dignity of freemen, and heap scorn
+and contempt on all who would be so mean as to be slaves. Now the term
+servant, and the duties it involves, are, in the minds of many persons,
+nearly the same as those of slave. And there are few minds, entirely
+free from associations which make servitude a degradation. It is not
+always pride, then, which makes this term so offensive. It is a
+consequence of that noble and generous spirit of freedom, which every
+American draws from his mother's breast, and which ought to be
+respected, rather than despised. In order to be respected, by others, we
+must respect ourselves; and sometimes the ruder classes of society make
+claims, deemed forward and offensive, when, with their views, such a
+position seems indispensable to preserve a proper self-respect.
+
+Where an excessive sensibility on this subject exists, and forward and
+disrespectful manners result from it, the best remedy is, a kind attempt
+to give correct views, such as better-educated minds are best able to
+attain. It should be shown to them, that, in this Country, labor has
+ceased to be degrading, in any class; that, in all classes, different
+grades of subordination must exist; and that it is no more degrading,
+for a domestic to regard the heads of a family as superiors in station,
+and treat them with becoming respect, than it is for children to do the
+same, or for men to treat their rulers with respect and deference. They
+should be taught, that domestics use a different entrance to the house,
+and sit at a distinct table, not because they are inferior beings, but
+because this is the best method of securing neatness, order, and
+convenience. They can be shown, if it is attempted in a proper spirit
+and manner, that these very regulations really tend to their own ease
+and comfort, as well as to that of the family.
+
+The writer has known a case, where the lady of the family, for the sake
+of convincing her domestic of the truth of these views, allowed her to
+follow her own notions, for a short time, and join the family at meals.
+It was merely required, as a condition, that she should always dress her
+hair as the other ladies did, and appear in a clean dress, and abide by
+all the rules of propriety at table, which the rest were required to
+practise, and which were duly detailed. The experiment was tried, two or
+three times; and, although the domestic was treated with studious
+politeness and kindness, she soon felt that she should be much more
+comfortable in the kitchen, where she could talk, eat, and dress, as she
+pleased. A reasonable domestic can also be made to feel the propriety of
+allowing opportunity for the family to talk freely of their private
+affairs, when they meet at meals, as they never could do, if restrained
+by the constant presence of a stranger. Such views, presented in a kind
+and considerate manner, will often entirely change the views of a
+domestic, who is sensitive on such subjects.
+
+When a domestic is forward and bold in manners, and disrespectful in
+address, a similar course can be pursued. It can be shown, that those,
+who are among the best-bred and genteel, have courteous and respectful
+manners and language to all they meet, while many, who have wealth, are
+regarded as vulgar, because they exhibit rude and disrespectful manners.
+The very term, _gentle_man, indicates the refinement and delicacy of
+address, which distinguishes the high-bred from the coarse and vulgar.
+
+In regard to appropriate dress, in most cases it is difficult for an
+employer to interfere, _directly_, with comments or advice. The most
+successful mode, is, to offer some service in mending or making a
+wardrobe, and when a confidence in the kindness of feeling is thus
+gained, remarks and suggestions will generally be properly received, and
+new views of propriety and economy can be imparted. In some cases, it
+may be well for an employer,--who, from appearances, anticipates
+difficulty of this kind,--in making the agreement, to state that she
+wishes to have the room, person, and dress of her domestics kept neat,
+and in order, and that she expects to remind them of their duty, in this
+particular, if it is neglected. Domestics are very apt to neglect the
+care of their own chambers and clothing; and such habits have a most
+pernicious influence on their wellbeing, and on that of their children
+in future domestic life. An employer, then, is bound to exercise a
+parental care over them, in these respects.
+
+In regard to the great deficiencies of domestics, in qualifications for
+their duties, much patience and benevolence are required. Multitudes
+have never been taught to do their work properly; and, in such cases,
+how unreasonable it would be to expect it of them! Most persons, of this
+class, depend, for their knowledge in domestic affairs, not on their
+parents, who are usually unqualified to instruct them, but on their
+employers; and if they live in a family where nothing is done neatly and
+properly, they have no chance to learn how to perform their duties well.
+When a lady finds that she must employ a domestic who is ignorant,
+awkward, and careless, her first effort should be, to make all proper
+allowance for past want of instruction, and the next, to remedy the
+evil, by kind and patient teaching. In doing this, it should ever be
+borne in mind, that nothing is more difficult, than to change old
+habits, and to learn to be thoughtful and considerate. And a woman must
+make up her mind to tell the same thing "over and over again," and yet
+not lose her patience. It will often save much vexation, if, on the
+arrival of a new domestic, the mistress of the family, or a daughter,
+will, for two or three days, go round with the novice, and show the
+exact manner in which it is expected the work will be done. And this,
+also, it may be well to specify in the agreement, as some domestics
+would otherwise resent such a supervision.
+
+But it is often remarked, that, after a woman has taken all this pains
+to instruct a domestic, and make her a good one, some other person will
+offer higher wages, and she will leave. This, doubtless, is a sore
+trial; but, if such efforts were made in the true spirit of benevolence,
+the lady will still have her reward, in the consciousness that she has
+contributed to the welfare of society, by making one more good domestic,
+and one more comfortable family where that domestic is employed; and if
+the latter becomes the mother of a family, a whole circle of children
+will share in the benefit.
+
+There is one great mistake, not unfrequently made, in the management
+both of domestics and of children; and that is, in supposing that the
+way to cure defects, is by finding fault as each failing occurs. But,
+instead of this being true, in many cases the directly opposite course
+is the best; while, in all instances, much good judgement is required,
+in order to decide when to notice faults, and when to let them pass
+unnoticed. There are some minds, very sensitive, easily discouraged, and
+infirm of purpose. Such persons, when they have formed habits of
+negligence, haste, and awkwardness, often need expressions of sympathy
+and encouragement, rather than reproof. They have usually been found
+fault with, so much, that they have become either hardened or
+desponding; and it is often the case, that a few words of commendation
+will awaken fresh efforts and renewed hope. In almost every case, words
+of kindness, confidence, and encouragement, should be mingled with the
+needful admonitions or reproof.
+
+It is a good rule, in reference to this point, to _forewarn_, instead of
+finding fault. Thus, when a thing has been done wrong, let it pass
+unnoticed, till it is to be done again; and then, a simple request, to
+have it done in the right way, will secure quite as much, and probably
+more, willing effort, than a reproof administered for neglect. Some
+persons seem to take it for granted, that young and inexperienced minds
+are bound to have all the forethought and discretion of mature persons;
+and freely express wonder and disgust, when mishaps occur for want of
+these traits. But it would be far better to save from mistake or
+forgetfulness, by previous caution and care on the part of those who
+have gained experience and forethought; and thus many occasions of
+complaint and ill-humor will be avoided.
+
+Those, who fill the places of heads of families, are not very apt to
+think how painful it is, to be chided for neglect of duty, or for faults
+of character. If they would sometimes imagine themselves in the place of
+those whom they control, with some person daily administering reproof to
+them, in the same _tone and style_ as they employ to those who are under
+them, it might serve as a useful check to their chidings. It is often
+the case, that persons, who are most strict and exacting, and least able
+to make allowances and receive palliations, are themselves peculiarly
+sensitive to any thing which implies that they are in fault. By such,
+the spirit implied in the Divine petition, "forgive us our trespasses as
+we forgive those who trespass against us," needs especially to be
+cherished.
+
+One other consideration, is very important. There is no duty, more
+binding on Christians, than that of patience and meekness under
+provocations and disappointment. Now, the tendency of every sensitive
+mind, when thwarted in its wishes, is, to complain and find fault, and
+that often in tones of fretfulness or anger. But there are few
+domestics, who have not heard enough of the Bible, to know that angry or
+fretful fault-finding, from the mistress of a family, when her work is
+not done to suit her, is not in agreement with the precepts of Christ.
+They notice and feel the inconsistency; and every woman, when she gives
+way to feelings of anger and impatience, at the faults of those around
+her, lowers herself in their respect, while her own conscience, unless
+very much blinded, cannot but suffer a wound.
+
+There are some women, who, in the main, are amiable, who seem impressed
+with the idea, that it is their office and duty to find fault with their
+domestics, whenever any thing is not exactly right, and follow their
+fancied calling without the least appearance of tenderness or sympathy,
+as if the objects of their discipline were stocks or stones. The writer
+once heard a domestic, describing her situation in a family which she
+had left, make this remark of her past employer: "She was a very good
+housekeeper, allowed good wages, and gave us many privileges and
+presents; but if we ever did any thing wrong, she always _talked to us
+just as if she thought we had no feelings_, and I never was so unhappy
+in my life, as while living with her." And this was said of a
+kind-hearted and conscientious woman, by a very reasonable and amiable
+domestic.
+
+Every woman, who has the care of domestics, should cultivate a habit of
+regarding them with that sympathy and forbearance, which she would wish
+for herself or her daughters, if deprived of parents, fortune, and home.
+The fewer advantages they have enjoyed, and the greater difficulties of
+temper or of habit they have to contend with, the more claims they have
+on compassionate forbearance. They ought ever to be looked upon, not as
+the mere ministers to our comfort and convenience, but as the humbler
+and more neglected children of our Heavenly Father, whom He has sent to
+claim our sympathy and aid.[N]
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[N] The excellent little work of Miss Sedgwick, entitled 'Live, and Let
+Live,' contains many valuable and useful hints, conveyed in a most
+pleasing narrative form, which every housekeeper would do well to read.
+The writer also begs leave to mention a work of her own, entitled,
+'Letters to Persons engaged in Domestic Service.'
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+ON THE CARE OF INFANTS.
+
+
+Every young lady ought to learn how to take proper care of an infant;
+for, even if she is never to become the responsible guardian of a
+nursery, she will often be in situations where she can render
+benevolent aid to others, in this most fatiguing and anxious duty.
+
+The writer has known instances, in which young ladies, who, having been
+trained, by their mothers, properly to perform this duty, were, in some
+cases, the means of saving the lives of infants, and in others, of
+relieving, by their benevolent aid, sick mothers, from intolerable care
+and anguish.
+
+On this point, Dr. Combe remarks, "All women are not destined, in the
+course of Nature, to become mothers; but how very small is the number of
+those, who are unconnected, by family ties, friendship, or sympathy,
+with the children of others! How very few are there, who, at some time
+or other of their lives, would not find their usefulness and happiness
+increased, by the possession of a kind of knowledge, intimately allied
+to their best feelings and affections! And how important is it, to the
+mother herself, that her efforts should be seconded by intelligent,
+instead of ignorant, assistants!"
+
+In order to be prepared for such benevolent ministries, every young lady
+should improve the opportunity, whenever it is afforded her, for
+learning how to wash, dress, and tend, a young infant; and whenever she
+meets with such a work as Dr. Combe's, on the management of infants, she
+ought to read it, and _remember_ its contents.
+
+It was the design of the author, to fill this chapter chiefly with
+extracts from various medical writers, giving some of the most important
+directions on this subject; but finding these extracts too prolix for a
+work of this kind, she has condensed them into a shorter compass. Some
+are quoted verbatim, and some are abridged, chiefly from the writings of
+Doctors Combe, Bell, and Eberle, who are among the most approved writers
+on this subject.
+
+"Nearly one half of the deaths, occurring during the first two years of
+existence, are ascribable to mismanagement, and to errors in diet. At
+birth, the stomach is feeble, and as yet unaccustomed to food; its
+cravings are consequently easily satisfied, and frequently renewed."
+"At that early age, there ought to be no fixed time for giving
+nourishment. The stomach cannot be thus satisfied." "The active call of
+the infant, is a sign, which needs never be mistaken."
+
+But care must be taken to determine between the crying of pain or
+uneasiness, and the call for food; and the practice of giving an infant
+food, to stop its cries, is often the means of increasing its
+sufferings. After a child has satisfied its hunger, from two to four
+hours should intervene, before another supply is given.
+
+"At birth, the stomach and bowels, never having been used, contain a
+quantity of mucous secretion, which requires to be removed. To effect
+this, Nature has rendered the first portions of the mother's milk
+purposely watery and laxative. Nurses, however, distrusting Nature,
+often hasten to administer some active purgative; and the consequence
+often is, irritation in the stomach and bowels, not easily subdued." It
+is only where the child is deprived of its mother's milk, as the first
+food, that some gentle laxative should be given.
+
+"It is a common mistake, to suppose, that, because a woman is nursing,
+she ought to live very fully, and to add an allowance of wine, porter,
+or other fermented liquor, to her usual diet. The only result of this
+plan, is, to cause an unnatural fulness in the system, which places the
+nurse on the brink of disease, and retards, rather than increases, the
+food of the infant. More will be gained by the observance of the
+ordinary laws of health, than by any foolish deviation, founded on
+ignorance."
+
+There is no point, on which medical men so emphatically lift the voice
+of warning, as in reference to administering medicines to infants. It is
+so difficult to discover what is the matter with an infant, its frame is
+so delicate and so susceptible, and slight causes have such a powerful
+influence, that it requires the utmost skill and judgement to ascertain
+what would be proper medicines, and the proper quantity to be given.
+
+Says Dr. Combe, "That there are cases, in which active means must be
+promptly used, to save the child, is perfectly true. But it is not less
+certain, that these are cases, of which no mother or nurse ought to
+attempt the treatment. As a general rule, where the child is well
+managed, medicine, of any kind, is very rarely required; and if disease
+were more generally regarded in its true light, not as something thrust
+into the system, which requires to be expelled by force, but as an
+aberration from a natural mode of action, produced by some external
+cause, we should be in less haste to attack it by medicine, and more
+watchful in its prevention. Accordingly, where a constant demand for
+medicine exists in a nursery, the mother may rest assured, that there is
+something essentially wrong in the treatment of her children.
+
+"Much havoc is made among infants, by the abuse of calomel and other
+medicines, which procure momentary relief, but end by producing
+incurable disease; and it has often excited my astonishment, to see how
+recklessly remedies of this kind are had recourse to, on the most
+trifling occasions, by mothers and nurses, who would be horrified, if
+they knew the nature of the power they are wielding, and the extent of
+injury they are inflicting."
+
+Instead, then, of depending on medicine, for the preservation of the
+health and life of an infant, the following precautions and preventives
+should be adopted.
+
+Take particular care of the _food_ of an infant. If it is nourished by
+the mother, her own diet should be simple, nourishing, and temperate. If
+the child be brought up by hand, the milk of a new-milch cow, mixed with
+one third water, and sweetened a little with _white_ sugar, should be
+the only food given, until the teeth come. This is more suitable, than
+any preparations of flour or arrow-root, the nourishment of which is too
+highly concentrated. Never give a child _bread_, _cake_, or _meat_,
+before the teeth appear. If the food appear to distress the child, after
+eating, first ascertain if the milk be really from a new-milch cow, as
+it may otherwise be too old. Learn, also, whether the cow lives on
+proper food. Cows that are fed on _still-slops_, as is often the case in
+cities, furnish milk which is very unhealthful.
+
+Be sure and keep a good supply of pure and fresh air, in the nursery. On
+this point, Dr. Bell remarks, respecting rooms constructed without
+fireplaces, and without doors or windows to let in pure air, from
+without, "The sufferings of children of feeble constitutions, are
+increased, beyond measure, by such lodgings as these. _An action,
+brought by the Commonwealth_, ought to lie against those persons, who
+build houses for sale or rent, in which rooms are so constructed as not
+to allow of free ventilation; and _a writ of lunacy_ taken out against
+those, who, with the common-sense experience which all have on this
+head, should spend any portion of their time, still more, should sleep,
+in rooms thus nearly air-tight."
+
+After it is a month or two old, take an infant out to walk, or ride, in
+a little wagon, every fair and warm day; but be very careful that its
+feet, and every part of its body, are kept warm: and be sure that its
+eyes are well protected from the light. Weak eyes, and sometimes
+blindness, are caused by neglecting this precaution. Keep the head of an
+infant cool, never allowing too warm bonnets, nor permitting it to sink
+into soft pillows, when asleep. Keeping an infant's head too warm, very
+much increases nervous irritability; and this is the reason why medical
+men forbid the use of caps for infants. But the head of an infant
+should, especially while sleeping, be protected from draughts of air,
+and from getting cold.
+
+Be very careful of the skin of an infant, as nothing tends so
+effectually to prevent disease. For this end, it should be washed all
+over, every morning, and then gentle friction should be applied, with
+the hand, to the back, stomach, bowels, and limbs. The head should be
+thoroughly washed, every day, and then brushed with a soft hair-brush,
+or combed with a fine comb. If, by neglect, dirt accumulates under the
+hair, apply, with the finger, the yolk of an egg, and then the fine comb
+will remove it all, without any trouble.
+
+Dress the infant, so that it will be always warm, but not so as to cause
+perspiration. Be sure and keep its feet _always_ warm; and, for this
+end, often warm them at a fire, and use long dresses. Keep the neck and
+arms covered. For this purpose, wrappers, open in front, made high in
+the neck, with long sleeves, to put on over the frock, are now very
+fashionable.
+
+It is better for both mother and child, that it should not sleep on the
+mother's arm, at night, unless the weather be extremely cold. This
+practice keeps the child too warm, and leads it to seek food too
+frequently. A child should ordinarily take nourishment but twice in the
+night. A crib beside the mother, with a plenty of warm and light
+covering, is best for the child; but the mother must be sure that it is
+always kept warm. Never cover a child's head, so that it will inhale the
+air of its own lungs. In very warm weather, especially in cities, great
+pains should be taken, to find fresh and cool air, by rides and sailing.
+Walks in a public square, in the cool of the morning, and frequent
+excursions in ferry or steam-boats, would often save a long bill for
+medical attendance. In hot nights, the windows should be kept open, and
+the infant laid on a mattress, or on folded blankets. A bit of straw
+matting, laid over a featherbed, and covered with the under sheet, makes
+a very cool bed for an infant.
+
+Cool bathing, in hot weather, is very useful; but the water should be
+very little cooler than the skin of the child. When the constitution is
+delicate, the water should be slightly warmed. Simply sponging the body,
+freely, in a tub, answers the same purpose as a regular bath. In very
+warm weather, this should be done two or three times a day, always
+waiting two or three hours after food has been given.
+
+"When the stomach is peculiarly irritable, (from teething,) it is of
+paramount necessity to withhold all the nostrums which have been so
+falsely lauded as 'sovereign cures for _cholera infantum_.' The true
+restoratives, to a child threatened with disease, are, cool air, cool
+bathing, and cool drinks of simple water, in addition to _proper_ food,
+at stated intervals." Do not take the advice of mothers, who tell of
+this, that, and the other thing, which have proved excellent remedies in
+their experience. Children have different constitutions, and there are
+multitudes of different causes for their sickness; and what might cure
+one child, might kill another, which _appeared_ to have the same
+complaint. A mother should go on the general rule, of giving an infant
+very little medicine, and then only by the direction of a discreet and
+experienced physician. And there are cases, when, according to the views
+of the most distinguished and competent practitioners, physicians
+themselves are much too free in using medicines, instead of adopting
+_preventive_ measures.
+
+Do not allow a child to form such habits, that it will not be quiet,
+unless tended and amused. A healthy child should be accustomed to lie or
+sit in its cradle, much of the time; but it should occasionally be taken
+up, and tossed, or carried about, for exercise and amusement. An infant
+should be encouraged to _creep_, as an exercise very strengthening and
+useful. If the mother fears the soiling of its nice dresses, she can
+keep a long slip or apron, which will entirely cover the dress, and can
+be removed, when the child is taken in the arms. A child should not be
+allowed, when quite young, to bear its weight on its feet, very long at
+a time, as this tends to weaken and distort the limbs.
+
+Many mothers, with a little painstaking, succeed in putting their
+infants, while awake, into their cradle, at regular hours, for sleep,
+and induce regularity in other habits, which saves much trouble. In
+doing this, a child may cry, at first, a great deal; but for a healthy
+child, this use of the lungs does no harm, and tends rather to
+strengthen, than to injure, them. A child who is trained to lie or sit,
+and amuse itself, is happier than one who is carried and tended a great
+deal, and thus rendered restless and uneasy when not so indulged.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+ON THE MANAGEMENT OF YOUNG CHILDREN.
+
+
+In regard to the physical education of children, Dr. Clarke, Physician
+in Ordinary to the Queen of England, expresses views, on one point, in
+which most physicians would coincide. He says, "There is no greater
+error in the management of children, than that of giving them animal
+diet very early. By persevering in the use of an overstimulating diet,
+the digestive organs become irritated, and the various secretions,
+immediately connected with, and necessary to, digestion, are diminished,
+especially the _biliary secretion_. Children, so fed, become very liable
+to attacks of fever, and of inflammation, affecting, particularly, the
+mucous membranes; and measles, and the other diseases incident to
+childhood, are generally severe in their attack."
+
+There are some popular notions on the subject of the use of animal food,
+which need to be corrected.
+
+One mistake, is, in supposing that the formation of the human teeth and
+stomach indicate that man was designed to feed on flesh. Linnaeus says,
+that the organization of man, when compared with other animals, shows,
+that "fruits and esculent vegetables constitute his most suitable food."
+Baron Cuvier, the highest authority on comparative anatomy, says, "the
+natural food of man, _judging from his structure_, appears to consist of
+fruits, roots, and other succulent parts of vegetables."
+
+Another common mistake, is, that the stimulus of animal food is
+necessary for the full developement of the physical and intellectual
+powers. This notion is disproved by facts. The inhabitants of Lapland
+and Kamtschatka, who live altogether on animal food, are among the
+smallest, weakest, and most timid, of races. But the Scotch Highlanders,
+who, in a very cold climate, live almost exclusively on milk and
+vegetable diet, are among the bravest, largest, and most athletic, of
+men. The South-Sea Islanders, who live almost exclusively on fruits and
+vegetables, are said to be altogether superior to English sailors, in
+strength and agility. An intelligent gentleman, who spent many months in
+Siberia, testifies, that no exiles endure the climate better than those,
+who have all their lives been accustomed to a vegetable diet. The
+stoutest and largest tribes in Africa, live solely on vegetable diet,
+and the bright, intelligent, and active Arabs, live entirely on milk and
+vegetables.
+
+The popular notion is, that animal food is more nourishing than
+vegetable; but on this point, scientific men hold different opinions.
+Experiments, repeatedly made by some chemists, seem to prove the
+contrary. Tables have been prepared, showing the amount of nutriment in
+each kind of food, by which it would appear, that, while beef contains
+thirty-five per cent. of nutritious matter, wheat-bread and rice contain
+from eighty to ninety-five per cent. The supposed mistake is attributed
+to the fact, that, on account of the stimulating nature of animal food,
+it digests easier and more quickly than vegetables. Many physicians,
+however, among them, Dr. Combe,[O] are of opinion, that animal food
+"contains a greater quantity of nutriment in a given bulk, than either
+herbaceous or farinaceous food." In some diseases, too, meat is better
+for the stomach than vegetables.
+
+The largest proportion of those, who have been remarkable for having
+lived to the greatest age, were persons, whose diet was almost
+exclusively vegetables; and it is a well-known fact, that the pulse of a
+hardy and robust man, who lives on simple vegetable diet, is from ten
+to twenty beats less in a minute, than that of men who live on a mixed
+diet.
+
+In regard to the intellect, Dr. Franklin asserted, from experience, that
+an exclusively vegetable diet "promotes clearness of ideas and quickness
+of perception; and is to be preferred, by all who labor with the mind."
+The mightiest efforts of Sir Isaac Newton, were performed, while
+nourished only by bread and water. Many other men, distinguished by
+intellectual vigor, give similar testimony. These facts show that animal
+food is not needful, to secure the perfect developement of mind or
+body.[P]
+
+The result of the treatment of the inmates of the Orphan Asylum, at
+Albany, is one, upon which all, who have the care of young children,
+should deeply ponder. During the first six years of the existence of
+this Institution, its average number of children was eighty. For the
+first three years, their diet was meat once a day, fine bread, rice,
+Indian puddings, vegetables, fruit, and milk. Considerable attention was
+given to clothing, fresh air, and exercise; and they were bathed once in
+three weeks. During these three years, from four to six children, and
+sometimes more, were continually on the sick-list; one or two assistant
+nurses were necessary; a physician was called, two or three times a
+week; and, in this time, there were between thirty and forty deaths. At
+the end of this period, the management was changed, in these
+respects:--daily ablutions of the whole body were practised; bread of
+unbolted flour was substituted for that of fine wheat; and all animal
+food was banished. More attention also was paid to clothing, bedding,
+fresh air, and exercise. The result was, that the nursery was vacated;
+the nurse and physician were no longer needed; and, for two years, not a
+single case of sickness or death occurred. The third year, also, there
+were no deaths, except those of two idiots and one other child, all of
+whom were new inmates, who had not been subjected to this treatment. The
+teachers of the children also testified, that there was a manifest
+increase of intellectual vigor and activity, while there was much less
+irritability of temper.
+
+Let parents, nurses, and teachers, reflect on the above statement, and
+bear in mind, that stupidity of intellect, and irritability of temper,
+as well as ill health, are often caused by the mismanagement of the
+nursery, in regard to the physical training of children. There is
+probably no practice, more deleterious, than that of allowing children
+to eat at short intervals, through the day. As the stomach is thus kept
+constantly at work, with no time for repose, its functions are deranged,
+and a weak or disordered stomach is the frequent result. Children should
+be required to keep cakes, nuts, and other good things which they may
+have to eat, till just before a meal, and then they will form a part of
+their regular supply. This is better, than to wait till after their
+hunger is satisfied by food, when they will eat their niceties merely to
+gratify the palate, and thus overload the stomach.
+
+In regard to the intellectual training of young children, some
+modification in the common practice is necessary, with reference to
+their physical wellbeing. More care is needful, in providing
+_well-ventilated_ schoolrooms, and in securing more time for sports in
+the open air, during school hours. It is very important, to most
+mothers, that their young children should be removed from their care,
+during the six school hours; and it is very useful, to quite young
+children, to be subjected to the discipline of a school, and to
+intercourse with other children of their own age. And, with a suitable
+teacher, it is no matter how early children are sent to school, provided
+their health is not endangered, by impure air, too much confinement, and
+too great mental stimulus.
+
+In regard to the formation of the moral character, it has been too much
+the case, that the discipline of the nursery has consisted of
+disconnected efforts to make children either do, or refrain from doing,
+certain particular acts. Do this, and be rewarded; do that, and be
+punished; is the ordinary routine of family government.
+
+But children can be very early taught, that their happiness, both now
+and hereafter, depends on the formation of _habits of submission,
+self-denial_, and _benevolence_. And all the discipline of the nursery
+can be conducted by the parents, not only with this general aim in their
+own minds, but also with the same object daily set before the minds of
+the children. Whenever their wishes are crossed, or their wills subdued,
+they can be taught, that all this is done, not merely to please the
+parent, or to secure some good to themselves or to others; but as a part
+of that merciful training, which is designed to form such a character,
+and such habits, that they can hereafter find their chief happiness in
+giving up their will to God, and in living to do good to others, instead
+of living merely to please themselves.
+
+It can be pointed out to them, that they must always submit their will
+to the will of God, or else be continually miserable. It can be shown,
+how in the nursery, and in the school, and through all future days, a
+child must practise the giving up of his will and wishes, when they
+interfere with the rights and comfort of others; and how important it
+is, early to learn to do this, so that it will, by habit, become easy
+and agreeable. It can be shown, how children, who are indulged in all
+their wishes, and who are never accustomed to any self-denial, always
+find it hard to refrain from what injures themselves and others. It can
+be shown, also, how important it is, for every person, to form such
+habits of benevolence, towards others, that self-denial, in doing good,
+will become easy.
+
+Parents have learned, by experience, that children can be constrained,
+by authority and penalties, to exercise self-denial, for _their own_
+good, till a habit is formed, which makes the duty comparatively easy.
+For example, well-trained children can be accustomed to deny themselves
+tempting articles of food, which are injurious, until the practice
+ceases to be painful and difficult. Whereas, an indulged child would be
+thrown into fits of anger or discontent, when its wishes were crossed,
+by restraints of this kind.
+
+But it has not been so readily discerned, that the same method is
+needful, in order to form a habit of self-denial, in doing good to
+others. It has been supposed, that, while children must be forced, by
+_authority_, to be self-denying and prudent, in regard to their own
+happiness, it may properly be left to their own discretion, whether they
+will practise any self-denial in doing good to others. But the more
+difficult a duty is, the greater is the need of parental authority, in
+forming a habit, which will make that duty easy.
+
+In order to secure this, some parents turn their earliest efforts to
+this object. They require the young child always to offer to others a
+part of every thing which it receives; always to comply with all
+reasonable requests of others for service; and often to practise little
+acts of self-denial, in order to secure some enjoyment for others. If
+one child receives a present of some nicety, he is required to share it
+with all his brothers and sisters. If one asks his brother to help him
+in some sport, and is met with a denial, the parent requires the
+unwilling child to act benevolently, and give up some of his time to
+increase his brother's enjoyment. Of course, in such an effort as this,
+discretion must be used, as to the frequency and extent of the exercise
+of authority, to induce a habit of benevolence. But, where parents
+deliberately aim at such an object, and wisely conduct their
+instructions and discipline to secure it, very much will be
+accomplished.
+
+Religious influence should be brought to bear directly upon this point.
+In the very beginning of religious instruction, Jesus Christ should be
+presented to the child, as that great and good Being, who came into
+this world to teach children how to be happy, both here and hereafter.
+He, who made it His meat and drink to do the will of His Heavenly
+Father; who, in the humblest station, and most destitute condition,
+denied Himself, daily, and went about doing good; should constantly be
+presented as the object of their imitation. And as nothing so strongly
+influences the minds of children, as the sympathy and example of a
+_present_ friend, all those, who believe Him to be an _ever-present
+Saviour_, should avail themselves of this powerful aid. Under such
+training, Jesus Christ should be constantly presented to them, as their
+ever-watchful, tender, and sympathizing friend. If the abstract idea of
+an unembodied Spirit with the majestic attributes of Deity, be difficult
+for the mind of infancy to grasp, the simple, the gentle, the lovely,
+character of Christ, is exactly adapted to the wants and comprehension
+of a child. In this view, how touching is the language of the Saviour,
+to His misjudging disciples, "Suffer _the little children_ to come unto
+me!"
+
+In regard to forming habits of obedience, there have been two extremes,
+both of which need to be shunned. One is, a stern and unsympathizing
+maintenance of parental authority, demanding perfect and constant
+obedience, without any attempt to convince a child of the propriety and
+benevolence of the requisitions, and without any manifestation of
+sympathy and tenderness for the pain and difficulties which are to be
+met. Under such discipline, children grow up to fear their parents,
+rather than to love and trust them; while some of the most valuable
+principles of character, are chilled, or forever blasted.
+
+In shunning this danger, other parents pass to the opposite extreme.
+They put themselves too much on the footing of equals with their
+children, as if little were due to superiority of relation, age, and
+experience. Nothing is exacted, without the implied concession that the
+child is to be a judge of the propriety of the requisition; and reason
+and persuasion are employed, where simple command and obedience would be
+far better. This system produces a most pernicious influence. Children
+soon perceive the position, thus allowed them, and take every advantage
+of it. They soon learn to dispute parental requirements, acquire habits
+of forwardness and conceit, assume disrespectful manners and address,
+maintain their views with pertinacity, and yield to authority with
+ill-humor and resentment, as if their rights were infringed.
+
+The medium course, is, for the parent to take the attitude of a
+superior, in age, knowledge, and relation, who has a perfect right to
+control every action of the child, and that, too, without giving any
+reason for the requisitions. "Obey, _because your parent commands_," is
+always a proper and sufficient reason.
+
+But care should be taken, to convince the child that the parent is
+conducting a course of discipline, designed to make him happy; and in
+forming habits of implicit obedience, self-denial, and benevolence, the
+child should have the reasons for most requisitions kindly stated;
+never, however, on the demand of it, from the child, as a right, but as
+an act of kindness from the parent.
+
+It is impossible to govern children properly, especially those of strong
+and sensitive feelings, without a constant effort to appreciate the
+value which they attach to their enjoyments and pursuits. A lady, of
+great strength of mind and sensibility, once told the writer, that one
+of the most acute periods of suffering, in her whole life, was
+occasioned by the burning up of some milkweed-silk, by her mother. The
+child had found, for the first time, some of this shining and beautiful
+substance; was filled with delight at her discovery; was arranging it in
+parcels; planning its future uses, and her pleasure in showing it to her
+companions,--when her mother, finding it strewed over the carpet,
+hastily swept it into the fire, and that, too, with so indifferent an
+air, that the child fled away, almost distracted with grief and
+disappointment. The mother little realized the pain she had inflicted,
+but the child felt the unkindness, so severely, that for several days
+her mother was an object almost of aversion.
+
+While, therefore, the parent needs to carry on a steady course, which
+will oblige the child always to give up its will, whenever its own good,
+or the greater claims of others, require it, this should be constantly
+connected with the expression of a tender sympathy, for the trials and
+disappointments thus inflicted. Those, who will join with children, and
+help them along in their sports, will learn, by this mode, to understand
+the feelings and interests of childhood; while, at the same time, they
+secure a degree of confidence and affection, which cannot be gained so
+easily, in any other way. And it is to be regretted, that parents so
+often relinquish this most powerful mode of influence, to domestics and
+playmates, who often use it in the most pernicious manner. In joining in
+such sports, older persons should never relinquish the attitude of
+superiors, or allow disrespectful manners or address. And respectful
+deportment is never more cheerfully accorded, than in seasons, when
+young hearts are pleased, and made grateful, by having their tastes and
+enjoyments so efficiently promoted.
+
+Next to the want of all government, the two most fruitful sources of evil
+to children, are, _unsteadiness_ in government, and _over-government_.
+Most of the cases, in which the children of sensible and conscientious
+parents turn out badly, result from one or the other of these causes. In
+cases of unsteady government, either one parent is very strict, severe,
+and unbending, and the other excessively indulgent, or else the parents
+are sometimes very strict and decided, and at other times allow
+disobedience to go unpunished. In such cases, children, never knowing
+exactly when they can escape with impunity, are constantly tempted to
+make the trial.
+
+The bad effects of this, can be better appreciated, by reference to one
+important principle of the mind. It is found to be universally true,
+that, when any object of desire is put entirely beyond the reach of hope
+or expectation, the mind very soon ceases to long for it, and turns to
+other objects of pursuit. But, so long as the mind is hoping for some
+good, and making efforts to obtain it, any opposition excites irritable
+feelings. Let the object be put entirely beyond all hope, and this
+irritation soon ceases. In consequence of this principle, those
+children, who are under the care of persons of steady and decided
+government, know, that whenever a thing is forbidden or denied, it is
+out of the reach of hope; the desire, therefore, soon ceases, and they
+turn to other objects. But the children of undecided, or of
+over-indulgent parents, never enjoy this preserving aid. When a thing is
+denied, they never know but either coaxing may win it, or disobedience
+secure it without any penalty, and so they are kept in that state of
+hope and anxiety, which produces irritation, and tempts to
+insubordination. The children of very indulgent parents, and of those
+who are undecided and unsteady in government, are very apt to become
+fretful, irritable, and fractious.
+
+Another class of persons, in shunning this evil, go to the other
+extreme, and are very strict and pertinacious, in regard to every
+requisition. With them, fault-finding and penalties abound, until the
+children are either hardened into indifference of feeling, and
+obtuseness of conscience, or else become excessively irritable, or
+misanthropic.
+
+It demands great wisdom, patience, and self-control, to escape these two
+extremes. In aiming at this, there are parents, who have found the
+following maxims of very great value. First, Avoid, as much as possible,
+the multiplication of rules and absolute commands. Instead of this, take
+the attitude of advisers. "My child, this is improper, I wish you would
+remember not to do it." This mode of address answers for all the little
+acts of heedlessness, awkwardness, or ill-manners, so frequently
+occurring, with children. There are cases, when direct and distinct
+commands are needful; and, in such cases, a penalty for disobedience
+should be as steady and sure as the laws of Nature. Where such
+steadiness, and certainty of penalty, attend disobedience, children no
+more think of disobeying, than they do of putting their fingers in a
+burning candle.
+
+The next maxim, is, Govern by rewards, more than by penalties. Such
+faults as wilful disobedience, lying, dishonesty, and indecent or
+profane language, should be punished with severe penalties, after a
+child has been fully instructed in the evil of such practices. But all
+the constantly-recurring faults of the nursery, such as ill-humor,
+quarrelling, carelessness, and ill-manners, may, in a great many cases,
+be regulated by gentle and kind remonstrances, and by the offer of some
+reward for persevering efforts to form a good habit. It is very
+injurious and degrading to any mind, to be kept under the constant fear
+of penalties. _Love_ and _hope_ are the principles that should be mainly
+relied on, in forming the habits of childhood.
+
+Another maxim, and perhaps the most difficult, is, Do not govern by the
+aid of severe and angry tones. A single example will be given to
+illustrate this maxim. A child is disposed to talk and amuse itself, at
+table. The mother requests it to be silent, except when needing to ask
+for food, or when spoken to by its older friends. It constantly forgets.
+The mother, instead of rebuking, in an impatient tone, says, "My child,
+you must remember not to talk. I will remind you of it four times more,
+and after that, whenever you forget, you must leave the table, and wait
+till we are done." If the mother is steady in her government, it is not
+probable that she will have to apply this slight penalty more than once
+or twice. This method is far more effectual, than the use of sharp and
+severe tones, to secure attention and recollection, and often answers
+the purpose, as well as offering some reward.
+
+The writer has been in some families, where the most efficient and
+steady government has been sustained, without the use of a cross or
+angry tone; and in others, where a far less efficient discipline was
+kept up, by frequent severe rebukes and angry remonstrances. In the
+first case, the children followed the example set them, and seldom used
+severe tones to each other; in the latter, the method employed by the
+parents, was imitated by the children; and cross words and angry tones
+resounded from morning till night, in every portion of the household.
+
+Another important maxim, is, Try to keep children in a happy state of
+mind. Every one knows, by experience, that it is easier to do right, and
+submit to rule, when cheerful and happy, than when irritated. This is
+peculiarly true of children; and a wise mother, when she finds her child
+fretful and impatient, and thus constantly doing wrong, will often
+remedy the whole difficulty, by telling some amusing story, or by
+getting the child engaged in some amusing sport. This strongly shows the
+importance of learning to govern children without the employment of
+angry tones, which always produce irritation.
+
+Children of active, heedless temperament, or those who are odd, awkward,
+or unsuitable, in their remarks and deportment, are often essentially
+injured, by a want of patience and self-control in those who govern
+them. Such children, often possess a morbid sensibility, which they
+strive to conceal, or a desire of love and approbation, which preys like
+a famine on the soul. And yet, they become objects of ridicule and
+rebuke, to almost every member of the family, until their sensibilities
+are tortured into obtuseness or misanthropy. Such children, above all
+others, need tenderness and sympathy. A thousand instances of mistake or
+forgetfulness should be passed over, in silence, while opportunities for
+commendation and encouragement should be diligently sought.
+
+In regard to the formation of habits of self-denial, in childhood, it is
+astonishing to see how parents, who are very sensible, often seem to
+regard this matter. Instead of inuring their children to this duty, in
+early life, so that by habit it may be made easy in after-days, they
+seem to be studiously seeking to cut them off, from every chance to
+secure such a preparation. Every wish of the child is studiously
+gratified; and, where a necessity exists, of crossing its wishes, some
+compensating pleasure is offered, in return. Such parents, often
+maintain that nothing shall be put on their table, which their children
+may not join them in eating. But where, so easily and surely as at the
+daily meal, can that habit of self-denial be formed, which is so needful
+in governing the appetites, and which children must acquire, or be
+ruined? The food which is proper for grown persons, is often unsuitable
+for children; and this is a sufficient reason for accustoming them to
+see others partake of delicacies, which they must not share. Requiring
+children to wait till others are helped, and to refrain from
+conversation at table, except when addressed by their elders, is another
+mode of forming habits of self-denial and self-control. Requiring them
+to help others, first, and to offer the best to others, has a similar
+influence.
+
+In forming the moral habits of children, it is wise to take into account
+the peculiar temptations to which they are to be exposed. The people of
+this Nation are eminently a trafficking people; and the present standard
+of honesty, as to trade and debts, is very low, and every year seems
+sinking still lower. It is, therefore, pre-eminently important, that
+children should be trained to strict _honesty_, both in word and deed.
+It is not merely teaching children to avoid absolute lying, which is
+needed. _All kinds of deceit_ should be guarded against; and all kinds
+of little dishonest practices be strenuously opposed. A child should be
+brought up with the determined principle, never to _run in debt_, but to
+be content to live in an humbler way, in order to secure that true
+independence, which should be the noblest distinction of an American
+citizen.
+
+There is no more important duty, devolving upon a mother, than the
+cultivation of habits of modesty and propriety in young children. All
+indecorous words or deportment, should be carefully restrained; and
+delicacy and reserve studiously cherished. It is a common notion, that
+it is important to secure these virtues to one sex, more than to the
+other; and, by a strange inconsistency, the sex most exposed to danger,
+is the one selected as least needing care. But a wise mother will be
+especially careful, that her sons are trained to modesty and purity of
+mind.
+
+But few mothers are sufficiently aware of the dreadful penalties which
+often result from indulged impurity of thought. If children, in _future_
+life, can be preserved from licentious associates, it is supposed that
+their safety is secured. But the records of our insane retreats, and the
+pages of medical writers, teach, that even in solitude, and without
+being aware of the sin or the danger, children may inflict evils on
+themselves, which not unfrequently terminate in disease, delirium, and
+death. Every mother and every teacher, therefore, carefully avoiding all
+explanation of the mystery, should teach the young, that the indulgence
+of impure thoughts and actions, is visited by the most awful and
+terrific penalties. Disclosing the details of vice, in order to awaken
+dread of its penalties, is a most dangerous experiment, and often leads
+to the very evils feared. The attempts made, in late years, to guard
+children from future dangers, by circulating papers, and books of
+warning and information, have led to such frightful results, that it is
+hoped the experiment will never again be pursued. The safest course, is,
+to cultivate habits of modesty and delicacy, and to teach, that all
+impure thoughts, words, and actions, are forbidden by God, and are often
+visited by the most dreadful punishment. At the same time, it is
+important for mothers to protect the young mind from false notions of
+delicacy. It should be shown, that whatever is necessary, to save from
+suffering or danger, must be met, without shame or aversion; and that
+all, which God has instituted, is wise, and right, and pure.
+
+It is in reference to these dangers, that mothers and teachers should
+carefully guard the young from those highly-wrought fictions, which lead
+the imagination astray; and especially from that class of licentious
+works, made interesting by genius and taste, which have flooded this
+Country, and which are often found on the parlor table, even of moral
+and Christian people. Of this class, the writings of Bulwer stand
+conspicuous. The only difference, between some of his works and the
+obscene prints, for vending which men suffer the penalties of the law,
+is, that the last are so gross, as to revolt the taste and startle the
+mind to resistance, while Bulwer presents the same ideas, so clothed in
+the fascinations of taste and genius, as most insidiously to seduce the
+unwary. It seems to be the chief aim of this licentious writer, to make
+thieves, murderers, and adulterers, appear beautiful, refined, and
+interesting. It is time that all virtuous persons in the community
+should rise in indignation, not only against the writers, but the
+venders of such poison.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[O] See his 'Physiology of Digestion considered with relation to the
+Principles of Dietetics,' issued by the Publishers of this work.
+
+[P] The writer is not an advocate for _total_ abstinence from animal
+food. She coincides with the best authorities, in thinking that adults
+eat too much; that children, while growing, should eat very little, and
+quite young children, none at all.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+ON THE CARE OF THE SICK.
+
+
+Every woman who has the care of young children, or of a large family, is
+frequently called upon, to advise what shall be done, for some one who
+is indisposed; and often, in circumstances where she must trust solely
+to her own judgement. In such cases, some err, by neglecting to do any
+thing at all, till the patient is quite sick; but a still greater number
+err, from excessive and injurious dosing.
+
+The two great causes of the ordinary slight attacks of illness, in a
+family, are, sudden chills, which close the pores of the skin, and thus
+affect the throat, lungs, or bowels; and the excessive or improper use
+of food. In most cases, of illness from the first cause, bathing the
+feet, and some aperient drink to induce perspiration, are suitable
+remedies. A slight cathartic, also, is often serviceable. In case of
+illness from improper food, or excess in eating, _fasting_, for one or
+two meals, to give the system time and chance to relieve itself, is the
+safest remedy. Sometimes, a gentle cathartic may be needful; but it is
+best first to try fasting.
+
+The following extract from a discourse of Dr. Burne, before the London
+Medical Society, contains important information. "In civilized life, the
+causes, which are most generally and continually operating in the
+production of diseases, are, affections of the mind, improper diet, and
+retention of the intestinal excretions. The undue retention of
+excrementitious matter, allows of the absorption of its more liquid
+parts, which is a cause of great impurity to the blood, and the
+excretions, thus rendered hard and knotty, act more or less as
+extraneous substances, and, by their irritation, produce a determination
+of blood to the intestines and to the neighboring viscera, which
+ultimately ends in inflammation. It also has a great effect on the whole
+system; causes a determination of blood to the head, which oppresses the
+brain and dejects the mind; deranges the functions of the stomach;
+causes flatulency; and produces a general state of discomfort."
+
+Dr. Combe remarks, on this subject, "In the natural and healthy state,
+under a proper system of diet, and with sufficient exercise, the bowels
+are relieved regularly, once every day." _Habit_ "is powerful in
+modifying the result, and in sustaining healthy action when once fairly
+established. Hence the obvious advantage of observing as much
+regularity, in relieving the system, as in taking our meals." It is
+often the case that soliciting Nature at a regular period, once a day,
+will remedy constipation, without medicine, and induce a regular and
+healthy state of the bowels. "When, however, as most frequently
+happens, the constipation arises from the absence of all assistance from
+the abdominal and respiratory muscles, the first step to be taken, is,
+again to solicit their aid; first, by removing all impediments to free
+respiration, such as stays, waistbands and belts; secondly, by resorting
+to such active exercises, as shall call the muscles into full and
+regular action; and, lastly, by proportioning the quantity of food to
+the wants of the system, and the condition of the digestive organs. If
+we employ these means, systematically and perseveringly, we shall rarely
+fail in at last restoring the healthy action of the bowels, with little
+aid from medicine. But if we neglect these modes, we may go on, for
+years, adding pill to pill, and dose to dose, without ever attaining the
+end at which we aim." There is no point, in which a woman needs more
+knowledge and discretion, than in administering remedies for what seem
+slight attacks, which are not supposed to require the attention of a
+physician. It is little realized, that purgative drugs are unnatural
+modes of stimulating the internal organs, tending to exhaust them of
+their secretions, and to debilitate and disturb the animal economy. For
+this reason, they should be used as little as possible; and fasting, and
+perspiration, and the other methods pointed out, should always be first
+resorted to. When medicine must be given, it should be borne in mind,
+that there are various classes of purgatives, which produce very diverse
+effects. Some, like salts, operate to thin the blood, and reduce the
+system; others are stimulating; and others have a peculiar operation on
+certain organs. Of course, great discrimination and knowledge is needed,
+in order to select the kind, which is suitable to the particular
+disease, or to the particular constitution of the invalid. This shows
+the folly of using the many kinds of pills, and other quack medicines,
+where no knowledge can be had of their composition. Pills which are good
+for one kind of disease, might operate as poison in another state of the
+system. It is wise to keep always on hand some simple cathartic, for
+family use, in slight attacks; and always to resort to medical advice,
+whenever powerful remedies seem to be demanded.[Q] It is very common, in
+cases of colds which affect the lungs or throat, to continue to try one
+dose after another, for relief. It will be well to bear in mind, at such
+times, that all which goes into the stomach, must be first absorbed into
+the blood, before it can reach the diseased part; and that there is some
+danger of injuring the stomach, or other parts of the system, by such a
+variety of doses, many of which, it is probable, will be directly
+contradictory in their nature, and thus neutralize any supposed benefit
+they might separately impart.
+
+It is very unwise, to tempt the appetite of a person who is indisposed.
+The cessation of appetite is the warning of Nature, that the system is
+in such a state, that food cannot be digested.
+
+The following suggestions may be found useful, in regard to nursing the
+sick. As nothing contributes more to the restoration of health, than
+pure air, it should be a primary object, to keep a sick-room well
+ventilated. At least twice in the twenty-four hours, the patient should
+be well covered, and fresh air freely admitted from out of doors. After
+this, if need be, the room should be restored to a proper temperature,
+by the aid of a fire. Bedding and clothing should also be well aired,
+and frequently changed; as the exhalations from the body, in sickness,
+are peculiarly deleterious. Frequent ablutions, of the whole body, if
+possible, are very useful; and for these, warm water may be employed.
+
+The following, are useful directions for dressing a blister. Spread
+thinly, on a linen cloth, an ointment, composed of one third of beeswax
+to two thirds of tallow; lay this upon a linen cloth, folded many times.
+With a sharp pair of scissors, make an aperture in the lower part of the
+bag of water, with a little hole, above, to give it vent. Break the
+raised skin as little as possible. Lay on the cloth, spread as directed.
+The blister, at first, should be dressed as often as three times in a
+day, and the dressing renewed each time.
+
+A sick-room should always be kept very neat, and in perfect order; and
+all haste, noise, and bustle, should be avoided. In order to secure
+neatness, order, and quiet, in case of long illness, the following
+arrangements should be made. Keep a large box for fuel, which will need
+to be filled only twice in twenty-four hours. Provide, also, and keep in
+the room, or an adjacent closet, a small teakettle, a saucepan, a pail
+of water, for drinks and ablutions, a pitcher, a covered porringer, two
+pint bowls, two tumblers, two cups and saucers, two wine glasses, two
+large and two small spoons; also, a dish in which to wash these
+articles; a good supply of towels, and a broom. Keep a slop-bucket, near
+by, to receive the wash of the room. Procuring all these articles at
+once, will save much noise and confusion.
+
+Whenever medicine or food is given, spread a clean towel over the person
+or bedclothing, and get a clean handkerchief, as nothing is more
+annoying to a weak stomach, than the stickiness and soiling produced by
+medicine and food. Keep the fireplace neat, and always wash all
+articles, and put them in order, as soon as they are out of use.
+
+A sick person has nothing to do, but look about the room; and when every
+thing is neat and in order, a feeling of comfort is induced, while
+disorder, filth, and neglect, are constant objects of annoyance, which,
+if not complained of, are yet felt.
+
+Always prepare food for the sick, in the neatest and most careful
+manner. It is in sickness, that the senses of smell and taste are most
+susceptible of annoyance; and often, little mistakes or negligences, in
+preparing food, will take away all appetite.
+
+Food for the sick, should be cooked on coals, that no smoke may have
+access to it; and great care must be taken, to prevent any adherence to
+the bottom, as this always gives a disagreeable taste.
+
+Keeping clean handkerchiefs and towels at hand, cooling the pillows,
+sponging the hands with water, swabbing the mouth with a clean linen
+rag, on the end of a stick, are modes of increasing the comfort of the
+sick. Always throw a shawl over a sick person, when raised up.
+
+Be careful to understand a physician's directions, and _to obey them
+implicitly_. If it be supposed that any other person knows better about
+the case, than the physician, dismiss the physician, and employ that
+person in his stead.
+
+In nursing the sick, always speak gently and cheeringly; and, while you
+express sympathy for their pain and trials, stimulate them to bear all
+with fortitude, and with resignation to Him who has appointed the trial.
+Offer to read the Bible, or other devotional books, whenever it is
+suitable, and will not be deemed obtrusive.
+
+It is always best to consult the physician, as to where medicines shall
+be purchased, and to show the articles to him before using them, as
+great impositions are practised in selling old, useless, and adulterated
+drugs. Always put labels on vials of medicine, and keep them out of the
+reach of children.
+
+Be careful to label all powders, and particularly all _white powders_;
+as many poisonous medicines, in this form, are easily mistaken for
+others which are harmless.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[Q] The following electuary, by a distinguished physician, is used by
+many friends of the writer, as a standing resort, in cases of
+constipation, or where a gentle cathartic is needed. One recommendation
+of it, is, that children always love it, and eat the pills as "good
+plums."
+
+Two ounces of powdered Senna; one ounce of Cream of Tartar; one ounce of
+Sulphur; mixed with sufficient Confection of Senna, to form an
+electuary. Make this into pills, of the size of peas, and give a young
+child two or three, as the case may be. Taking three pills, every night,
+will generally relieve constipation in an adult.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+ON ACCIDENTS AND ANTIDOTES.
+
+
+When serious accidents occur, medical aid should be immediately
+procured. Till that can be done, the following directions may be useful.
+
+When a child has any thing in its throat, first try, with the finger, to
+get the article up. If this cannot be done, push it down into the
+stomach, with a smooth elastic stick. If the article be a pin, sharp
+bone, glass, or other cutting substance, give an emetic which will
+immediately operate.
+
+In the case of a common cut, bind the lips of the wound together, with a
+rag, and put nothing else on. If the cut be large, and so situated that
+rags will not bind it together, use sticking plaster, cut in strips and
+laid obliquely across the cut. Sometimes it is needful to take a stitch,
+with a needle and thread, on each lip of the wound, and draw the two
+sides together.
+
+If an artery be cut, it must be immediately tied up, or the person will
+bleed to death. The blood from an artery is of a bright red color, and
+spirts out, in regular jets, at each beat of the heart. Take up the
+bleeding end of the artery, and hold it, or tie it up, till a surgeon
+comes. When the artery cannot be found, and in all cases of bad cuts on
+any of the limbs, apply compression; when it can be done, tie a very
+tight bandage above the wound, if it be below the heart, and _below_ if
+the wound be above the heart. Put a stick into the band, and twist it as
+tight as can be borne, till surgical aid be obtained.
+
+Bathe bad bruises in hot water, or hot spirits, or a decoction of bitter
+herbs. _Entire rest_, is the remedy for sprains. Bathing in warm water,
+or warm whiskey is very useful. A sprained leg should be kept in a
+horizontal position, on a bed or sofa.
+
+When a leg is broken, tie it to the other leg, to keep it still; and,
+if possible, get a surgeon, before the limb swells. Bind a broken arm to
+a piece of shingle, and keep it still, till it is set.
+
+In case of a blow on the head, or a fall, causing insensibility, use a
+mustard paste on the back of the neck and pit of the stomach, and rub
+the body with spirits. After the circulation is restored, bleeding is
+often necessary; but it is very dangerous to attempt it before.
+
+In cases of bad burns, where the skin is taken off, the great aim should
+be, _to keep the injured part from the air_. For this purpose, sprinkle
+on flour, or apply a liniment, made of linseed oil and lime-water, in
+equal quantities. Sweet-oil, on cotton, is good, and with laudanum,
+alleviates pain: but many skins cannot bear the application of raw
+cotton, which is sometimes very good. When a dressing is put on, do not
+remove it, as it will be sure to protract the cure, by admitting the
+air.
+
+In case of drowning, lay the person in a warm bed, or on blankets, on
+the right side, with the head raised, and a little inclined forward.
+Clear the mouth with the fingers, and cautiously apply hartshorn to the
+nose. Raise the heat of the body, by bottles of warm water, applied to
+the pit of the stomach, armpits, groins, and soles of the feet. Apply
+friction to the whole body, with warm hands and cloths dipped in warm
+spirits of camphor. Endeavor to produce the natural action of the lungs,
+by introducing the nose of a bellows into one nostril and closing the
+other, at the same time pressing on the throat, to close the gullet.
+When the lungs are thus inflated, press gently on the breast and belly,
+and continue the process, for a long time. Cases have been known, where
+efforts have been protracted eight or ten hours, without effect, and
+then have proved successful. Rolling the body on a barrel, suspending it
+by the heels, giving injections of tobacco, and many other practices,
+which have been common, are highly injurious. After signs of life
+appear, give small quantities of wine, or spirits and water.
+
+In cases of poisoning, from _corrosive sublimate_, beat up the whites
+of twelve eggs, mix them in two quarts of water, and give a tumbler full
+every three minutes, till vomiting is produced. This is the surest
+remedy. When this is not at hand, fill the stomach, in like manner, with
+any mucilaginous substance, such as gum and water, flaxseed, or
+slippery-elm-bark tea. Flour and water, or sugar and water, in great
+quantities, are next best; and if none of these be at hand, give copious
+draughts of water alone.
+
+In case of poisoning from _arsenic_, _cobalt_, or any such mineral,
+administer, as soon as possible, large quantities of lime-water and
+sugared-water, of warm, or even of cold water, or of flaxseed tea, or
+some other mucilaginous drink, to distend the stomach and produce
+immediate vomiting, and thereby eject the poison.
+
+If opium, or any of its preparations, has been taken, in dangerous
+quantities, induce vomiting, without a moment's unnecessary delay, by
+giving, immediately, in _a small quantity_ of water, ten grains of
+ipecac, and ten grains of sulphate of zinc, (white vitriol, which is the
+most prompt emetic known,) and repeat the dose every fifteen minutes,
+till the stomach is entirely emptied. Where white vitriol is not at
+hand, substitute three or four grains of blue vitriol, (sulphate of
+copper.) When the stomach is emptied, but not before, give, every ten
+minutes, alternately, a cup of acid drink, and a cup of very strong
+coffee, made by pouring a pint of boiling water on a quarter of a pound
+of ground burnt coffee, and letting it stand ten minutes, and then
+straining it. Continue these drinks, till the danger is over. Dash cold
+water on the head, apply friction to the body, and keep the person in
+constant motion, to prevent sleep.
+
+If any kind of acid be taken, in poisonous quantities, give strong
+pearlash-water. If ley, or pearlash, or any alkali be taken, give
+sweet-oil; or, if this be wanting, lamp-oil; or, if neither be at hand,
+give vinegar, freely.
+
+In case of stupefaction, from the fumes of charcoal, or from entering a
+well, limekiln, or coal mine, expose the person to cold air, lying on
+his back, dash cold water on the head and breast, and rub the body with
+spirits of camphor, vinegar, or Cologne water. Apply mustard paste to
+the pit of the stomach, and use friction on the hands, feet, and whole
+length of the back bone. Give some acid drink, and, when the person
+revives, place him in a warm bed, in fresh air. Be prompt and
+persevering.
+
+In case of bleeding at the lungs, or stomach, or throat, give a
+teaspoonful of dry salt, and repeat it often. For bleeding at the nose,
+pour cold water on the back of the neck, keeping the head elevated.
+
+If a person be struck with lightning, throw pailfuls of cold water on
+the head and body, and apply mustard poultices on the stomach, with
+friction of the whole body, and inflation of the lungs. When no other
+emetic can be found, pounded mustard seed, taken a teaspoonful at a
+time, will answer. The ground mustard is not so effectual, but will do.
+
+In case of fire, wrap a woollen blanket about you, to protect from the
+fire. If the staircases are on fire, tie the corners of the sheets
+together, very firmly, fasten one end to the bedstead, draw it to the
+window, and let yourself down. Never read in bed, lest you fall asleep,
+and the bed be set on fire. If your clothes get on fire, never run, but
+lie down, and roll about till you can reach a bed or carpet to wrap
+yourself in, and thus put out the fire. Keep young children in woollen
+dresses, to save them from the risk of fire.
+
+In thunderstorms, shut the doors and windows. The safest part of a room,
+is its centre; and where there is a featherbed in the apartment, that
+will be found the most secure resting-place.
+
+A lightning rod, if it be well pointed, and run deep into the earth, is
+a certain protection to a circle around it, whose diameter equals the
+height of the rod above the highest chimney. But it protects _no
+further_ than this extent.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+ON DOMESTIC AMUSEMENTS AND SOCIAL DUTIES.
+
+
+Whenever the laws of body and mind are properly understood, it will be
+allowed, that every person needs some kind of recreation; and that, by
+seeking it, the body is strengthened, the mind is invigorated, and all
+our duties are more cheerfully and successfully performed.
+
+Children, whose bodies are rapidly growing, and whose nervous system is
+tender and excitable, need much more amusement, than persons of mature
+age. Persons, also, who are oppressed with great responsibilities and
+duties, or who are taxed by great intellectual or moral excitement, need
+recreations which secure physical exercise, and draw off the mind from
+absorbing interests. Unfortunately, such persons are those who least
+resort to amusements, while the idle, gay, and thoughtless, seek those
+which are needless, and for which useful occupation would be a most
+beneficial substitute.
+
+As the only legitimate object of amusements, is, to prepare mind and
+body for the proper discharge of duty, any protracting of such as
+interfere with regular employments, or induce excessive fatigue, or
+weary the mind, or invade the proper hours for repose, must be sinful.
+
+In deciding what should be selected, and what avoided, the following
+rules are binding. In the first place, no amusements, which inflict
+needless pain, should ever be allowed. All tricks which cause fright, or
+vexation, and all sports, which involve suffering to animals, should be
+utterly forbidden. Hunting and fishing, for mere sport, can never be
+justified. If a man can convince his children, that he follows these
+pursuits to gain food or health, and not for amusement, his example may
+not be very injurious. But, when children see grown persons kill and
+frighten animals, for sport, habits of cruelty, rather than feelings of
+tenderness and benevolence, are induced.
+
+In the next place, we should seek no recreations, which endanger life,
+or interfere with important duties. As the only legitimate object of
+amusements, is to promote health, and prepare for more serious duties,
+selecting those which have a directly opposite tendency, cannot be
+justified. Of course, if a person feel that the previous day's
+diversions have shortened the hours of needful repose, or induced a
+lassitude of mind or body, instead of invigorating them, it is certain
+that an evil has been done, which should never be repeated.
+
+A third rule, is, to avoid those amusements, which experience has shown
+to be so exciting, and connected with so many temptations, as to be
+pernicious in tendency, both to the individual and to the community. It
+is on this ground, that horse-racing and circus-riding are excluded. Not
+because there is any thing positively wrong, in having men and horses
+run, and perform feats of agility, or in persons looking on for the
+diversion; but because experience has shown so many evils connected with
+these recreations, that they should be relinquished. So with theatres.
+The enacting of characters, and the amusement thus afforded, in itself
+may be harmless; and possibly, in certain cases, might be useful: but
+experience has shown so many evils to result from this source, that it
+is deemed wrong to patronize it. So, also, with those exciting games of
+chance, which are employed in gambling.
+
+Under the same head, comes _dancing_, in the estimation of the great
+majority of the religious world. Still, there are many intelligent,
+excellent, and conscientious persons, who hold a contrary opinion. Such
+maintain, that it is an innocent and healthful amusement, tending to
+promote ease of manners, cheerfulness, social affection, and health of
+mind and body; that evils are involved only in its excess; that, like
+food, study, or religious excitement, it is only wrong, when not
+properly regulated; and that, if serious and intelligent people would
+strive to regulate, rather than banish, this amusement, much more good
+would be secured.
+
+On the other side, it is objected, not that dancing is a sin, in itself
+considered, for it was once a part of sacred worship; not that it would
+be objectionable, if it were properly regulated; not that it does not
+tend, when used in a proper manner, to health of body and mind, to grace
+of manners, and to social enjoyment: all these things are conceded. But
+it is objected to, on the same ground as horse-racing, card-playing, and
+theatrical entertainments; that we are to look at amusements as they
+_are_, and not as they _might_ be. Horseraces might be so managed, as
+not to involve cruelty, gambling, drunkenness, and every other vice. And
+so might theatres and cards. And if serious and intelligent persons,
+undertook to patronize these, in order to regulate them, perhaps they
+would be somewhat raised from the depths, to which they are now sunk.
+But such persons, know, that, with the weak sense of moral obligation
+existing in the mass of society, and the imperfect ideas mankind have of
+the proper use of amusements, and the little self-control, which men, or
+women, or children, practise, these will not, in fact, be
+thus-regulated. And they believe dancing to be liable to the same
+objections.
+
+As this recreation is actually conducted, it does not tend to produce
+health of body or mind, but directly the contrary. If young and old went
+out to dance together, in the open air, as the French peasants do, it
+would be a very different sort of amusement, from that which is
+witnessed, in a room, furnished with many lights, and filled with
+guests, both expending the healthful part of the atmosphere, where the
+young collect, in their tightest dresses, to protract, for several
+hours, a kind of physical exertion, which is not habitual to them.
+During this process, the blood is made to circulate more swiftly than
+ordinary, in circumstances where it is less perfectly oxygenized than
+health requires; the pores of the skin are excited by heat and
+exercise; the stomach is loaded with indigestible articles, and the
+quiet, needful to digestion, withheld; the diversion is protracted
+beyond the usual hour for repose; and then, when the skin is made the
+most highly susceptible to damps and miasms, the company pass from a
+warm room to the cold night-air. It is probable, that no single
+amusement can be pointed out, combining so many injurious particulars,
+as this, which is so often defended as a healthful one. Even if parents,
+who train their children to dance, can keep them from public balls,
+(which is seldom the case,) dancing in private parlors is subject to
+nearly all the same mischievous influences.
+
+As to the claim of social benefits,--when a dancing-party occupies the
+parlors, and the music begins, most of the conversation ceases; while
+the young prepare themselves for future sickness, and the old look
+smilingly on.
+
+As to the claim for ease and grace of manners,--all that is gained, by
+this practice, can be better secured, by Calisthenics, which, in all its
+parts, embraces a much more perfect system, both of healthful exercise,
+graceful movement, and pleasing carriage.
+
+The writer was once inclined to the common opinion, that dancing was
+harmless, and might be properly regulated; and she allowed a fair trial
+to be made, under her auspices, by its advocates. The result was, a full
+conviction, that it secured no good effect, which could not be better
+gained another way; that it involved the most pernicious evils to
+health, character, and happiness; and that those parents were wise, who
+brought up their children with the full understanding that they were
+neither to learn nor to practise the art. In the fifteen years, during
+which she has had the care of young ladies, she has never known any
+case, where learning this art, and following the amusement, did not have
+a bad effect, either on the habits, the intellect, the feelings, or the
+health. Those young ladies, who are brought up with less exciting
+recreations, are uniformly likely to be the most contented and most
+useful, while those, who enter the path to which this diversion leads,
+acquire a relish and desire for high excitement, which make the more
+steady and quiet pursuits and enjoyments of home, comparatively
+tasteless. This, the writer believes to be generally the case, though
+not invariably so; for there are exceptions to all general rules.
+
+In reference to these exciting amusements, so liable to danger and
+excess, parents are bound to regard the principle, which is involved in
+the petition, "Lead us not into temptation." Would it not be
+inconsistent, to teach this prayer, to the lisping tongue of childhood,
+and then send it to the dancing-master, to acquire a love for a
+diversion, which leads to constant temptations that so few find strength
+to resist?
+
+It is encouraging, to those who take this view of the subject, to find
+how fast the most serious and intelligent portion of the community is
+coming to a similar result. Twenty-five years ago, dancing was
+universally practised by the young, as a matter of course, in every part
+of the Nation. Now, in those parts of the Country, where religion and
+intelligence are most extensively diffused, it is almost impossible to
+get up a ball, among the more refined classes of the community. The
+amusement is fast leaving this rank in society, to remain as a resource
+for those, whose grade of intelligence and refinement does not relish
+more elevated recreations. Still, as there is great diversity of
+opinion, among persons of equal worth and intelligence, a spirit of
+candor and courtesy should be practised, on both sides. The sneer at
+bigotry and narrowness of views, on one side, and the uncharitable
+implication of want of piety, or sense, on the other, are equally
+illbred and unchristian. Truth, on this subject, is best promoted, not
+by ill-natured crimination and rebuke, but by calm reason, generous
+candor, forbearance, and kindness.
+
+There is another species of amusement, which a large portion of the
+religious world have been accustomed to put under the same condemnation
+as the preceding. This is novel-reading. The confusion and difference of
+opinion on this subject, have arisen from a want of clear and definite
+distinctions. Now, as it is impossible to define what are novels and
+what are not, so as to include one class of fictitious writings and
+exclude every other, it is impossible to lay down any rule respecting
+them. The discussion, in fact, turns on the use of those works of
+imagination, which belong to the class of narratives. That this species
+of reading, is not only lawful, but necessary and useful, is settled by
+Divine examples, in the parables and allegories of Scripture. Of course,
+the question must be, what kind of fabulous writings must be avoided,
+and what allowed. In deciding this, no specific rules can be given; but
+it must be a matter to be regulated by the nature and circumstances of
+each case. No works of fiction, which tend to throw the allurements of
+taste and genius around vice and crime, should ever be tolerated; and
+all that tend to give false views of life and duty, should also be
+banished. Of those, which are written for mere amusement, presenting
+scenes and events that are interesting and exciting, and having no bad
+moral influence, much must depend on character and circumstances. Some
+minds are torpid and phlegmatic, and need to have the imagination
+stimulated: such would be benefitted by this kind of reading. Others
+have quick and active imaginations, and would be as much injured. Some
+persons are often so engaged in absorbing interests, that any thing
+innocent, which will for a short time draw off the mind, is of the
+nature of a medicine; and, in such cases, this kind of reading is
+useful.
+
+There is need, also, that some men should keep a supervision of the
+current literature of the day, as guardians, to warn others of danger.
+For this purpose, it is more suitable for _editors_, _clergymen_, and
+_teachers_, to read indiscriminately, than for any other class of
+persons; for they are the guardians of the public weal, in matters of
+literature, and should be prepared to advise parents and young persons
+of the evils in one direction and the good in another. In doing this,
+however, they are bound to go on the same principles which regulate
+physicians, when they visit infected districts,--using every precaution
+to prevent injury to themselves; having as little to do with pernicious
+exposures, as a benevolent regard to others will allow; and faithfully
+employing all the knowledge and opportunities, thus gained, for warning
+and preserving others. There is much danger, in taking this course, that
+men will seek the excitement of the imagination, for the mere pleasure
+it affords, under the plea of preparing to serve the public, when this
+is neither the aim nor the result.
+
+In regard to the use of such works, by the young, as a general rule,
+they ought not to be allowed to any, except those of a dull and
+phlegmatic temperament, until the solid parts of education are secured,
+and a taste for more elevated reading is acquired. If these stimulating
+condiments in literature be freely used, in youth, all relish for more
+solid reading, will, in a majority of cases, be destroyed. If parents
+succeed in securing habits of cheerful and implicit obedience, it will
+be very easy to regulate this matter, by prohibiting the reading of any
+story-book, until the consent of the parent is obtained.
+
+It is not unfrequently the case, that advocates for dancing, and the
+other more exciting amusements, speak as if those, who were more strict
+in these matters, were aiming to deprive the young of all diversions;
+just as if, when cards, theatres, and dancing, are cut off, nothing
+remains but serious and severe duties. Perhaps there has been some just
+ground of objection to the course often pursued by parents, in
+neglecting to provide agreeable and suitable substitutes, for the
+amusements denied; but, there is a great abundance of safe, healthful,
+and delightful, recreations, which all parents may secure for their
+children. Some of these will here be pointed out.
+
+One of the most useful and important, is, the cultivation of flowers and
+fruits. This, especially for the daughters of a family, is greatly
+promotive of health and amusement. It is with the hope, that many young
+ladies, whose habits are now so formed, that they can never be induced
+to a course of active domestic exercise, so long as their parents are
+able to hire domestics, may yet be led to an employment, which will tend
+to secure health and vigor of constitution, that so much space is given,
+in this work, to directions for the cultivation of fruits and flowers.
+It would be a most desirable improvement, if all female schools could be
+furnished with suitable grounds, and instruments, for the cultivation of
+fruits and flowers, and every inducement offered, to engage the young
+ladies in this pursuit. No father, who wishes to have his daughters grow
+up to be healthful women, can take a surer method to secure this end.
+Let him set apart a portion of his yard and garden, for fruits and
+flowers, and see that the soil is well prepared and dug over, and all
+the rest may be committed to the care of the children. These would need
+to be provided with a light hoe and rake, a dibble, or garden trowel, a
+watering-pot, and means and opportunities for securing seeds, roots,
+buds, and grafts, all which might be done at a trifling expense. Then,
+with proper encouragement, and by the aid of such directions as are
+contained in this work, every man, who has even half an acre, could
+secure a small Eden around his premises.
+
+In pursuing this amusement, children can also be led to acquire many
+useful habits. Early rising would, in many cases, be thus secured; and
+if they were required to keep their walks and borders free from weeds
+and rubbish, habits of order and neatness would be induced. Benevolent
+and social feelings could also be cultivated, by influencing children to
+share their fruits and flowers with friends and neighbors, as well as
+to distribute roots and seeds to those, who have not the means of
+procuring them. A woman or a child, by giving seeds, or slips, or roots,
+to a washerwoman, or a farmer's boy, thus exciting them to love and
+cultivate fruits and flowers, awakens a new and refining source of
+enjoyment in minds, which have few resources more elevated than mere
+physical enjoyments. Our Saviour directs, in making feasts, to call, not
+the rich, who can recompense again, but the poor, who can make no
+returns. So children should be taught to dispense their little
+treasures, not alone to companions and friends, who will probably return
+similar favors; but to those who have no means of making any return. If
+the rich, who acquire a love for the enjoyments of taste, and have the
+means to gratify it, would aim to extend, among the poor, the cheap and
+simple enjoyment of fruits and flowers, our Country would soon literally
+"blossom as the rose."
+
+If the ladies of a neighborhood would unite small contributions, and
+send a list of flower-seeds and roots to some respectable and honest
+florist, who would not be likely to turn them off with trash, they could
+divide these among themselves, so as to secure an abundant variety, at a
+very small expense. A bag of flower-seeds, which can be obtained, at
+wholesale, for four cents, would abundantly supply a whole neighborhood;
+and, by the gathering of seeds, in the Autumn, could be perpetuated.
+
+Another very elevating and delightful recreation, for the young, is
+found in _music_. Here, the writer would protest against the common
+practice, in many families, of having the daughters learn to play on the
+piano, whether they have a taste and an ear for music, or not. A young
+lady, who cannot sing, and has no great fondness for music, does nothing
+but waste time, money, and patience, in learning to play on the piano.
+But all children can be taught to sing, in early childhood, if the
+scientific mode of teaching music, in schools, could be introduced, as
+it is in Prussia, Germany, and Switzerland. Then, young children could
+read and sing music, as easily as they can read language; and might take
+any tune, dividing themselves into bands, and sing off, at sight, the
+endless variety of music which is prepared. And if parents of wealth
+would take pains to have teachers qualified for the purpose, as they may
+be at the Boston Academy, and other similar institutions, who should
+teach all the young children in the community, much would be done for
+the happiness and elevation of the rising generation. This is an
+amusement, which children relish, in the highest degree; and which they
+can enjoy, at home, in the fields, and in visits abroad.
+
+Another domestic amusement, is, the collecting of shells, plants, and
+specimens in geology and mineralogy, for the formation of cabinets. If
+intelligent parents would procure the simpler works which have been
+prepared for the young, and study them, with their children, a _taste_
+for such recreations would soon be developed. The writer has seen young
+boys, of eight and ten years of age, gathering and cleaning shells from
+rivers, and collecting plants, and mineralogical specimens, with a
+delight, bordering on ecstasy; and there are few, if any, who, by proper
+influences, would not find this a source of ceaseless delight and
+improvement.
+
+Another resource, for family diversion, is to be found in the various
+games played by children, and in which the joining of older members of
+the family is always a great advantage to both parties. All medical men
+unite, in declaring that nothing is more beneficial to health, than
+hearty laughter; and surely our benevolent Creator would not have
+provided risibles, and made it a source of health and enjoyment to use
+them, if it were a sin so to do. There has been a tendency to
+asceticism, on this subject, which needs to be removed. Such commands,
+as forbid _foolish_ laughing and jesting, "_which are not convenient_;"
+and which forbid all idle words, and vain conversation, cannot apply to
+any thing, except what is foolish, vain, and useless. But jokes,
+laughter, and sports, when used in such a degree as tends only to
+promote health, social feelings, and happiness, are neither vain,
+foolish, nor "not convenient." It is the excess of these things, and not
+the moderate use of them, which Scripture forbids. The prevailing temper
+of the mind, should be cheerful, yet serious; but there are times, when
+relaxation and laughter are proper for all. There is nothing better for
+this end, than that parents and older persons should join in the sports
+of childhood. Mature minds can always make such diversions more
+entertaining to children, and can exert a healthful moral influence over
+their minds; and, at the same time, can gain exercise and amusement for
+themselves. How lamentable, that so many fathers, who could be thus
+useful and happy with their children, throw away such opportunities, and
+wear out soul and body, in the pursuit of gain or fame!
+
+Another resource for children, is in the exercise of mechanical skill.
+Fathers, by providing tools for their boys, and showing them how to make
+wheelbarrows, carts, sleds, and various other articles, contribute both
+to the physical, moral, and social, improvement of their children. And
+in regard to little daughters, much more can be done, in this way, than
+many would imagine. The writer, blessed with the example of a most
+ingenious and industrious mother, had not only learned, before the age
+of twelve, to make dolls, of various sorts and sizes, but to cut and fit
+and sew every article, that belongs to a doll's wardrobe. This, which
+was done for mere amusement, secured such a facility in mechanical
+pursuits, that, ever afterward, the cutting and fitting of any article
+of dress, for either sex, was accomplished with entire ease.
+
+When a little girl first begins to sew, her mother can promise her a
+small bed and pillows, as soon as she has sewed a patch quilt for them;
+and then a bedstead, as soon as she has sewed the sheets and cases for
+pillows; and then a large doll to dress, as soon as she has made the
+under garments; and thus go on, till the whole contents of the
+baby-house are earned by the needle and skill of its little owner. Thus,
+the task of learning to sew, will become a pleasure; and every new toy
+will be earned by useful exertion. A little girl can be taught, by the
+aid of patterns prepared for the purpose, to cut and fit all articles
+necessary for her doll. She can also be provided with a little wash-tub,
+and irons, to wash and iron, and thus keep in proper order a complete
+miniature domestic establishment.
+
+Besides these recreations, there are the enjoyments secured in walking,
+riding, visiting, and many others which need not be recounted. Children,
+if trained to be healthful and industrious, will never fail to discover
+resources of amusement; while their guardians should lend their aid to
+guide and restrain them from excess.
+
+There is need of a very great change of opinion and practice, in this
+Nation, in regard to the subject of social and domestic duties. Many
+sensible and conscientious men, spend all their time, abroad, in
+business, except, perhaps, an hour or so at night, when they are so
+fatigued, as to be unfitted for any social or intellectual enjoyment.
+And some of the most conscientious men in the Country, will add, to
+their professional business, public or benevolent enterprises, which
+demand time, effort, and money; and then excuse themselves for
+neglecting all care of their children, and efforts for their own
+intellectual improvement, or for the improvement of their families, by
+the plea, that they have no time for it. All this, arises from the want
+of correct notions of the binding obligation of our social and domestic
+duties. The main object of life, is not to secure the various
+gratifications of appetite or taste, but to _form such a character_, for
+ourselves and others, as will secure the greatest amount of present and
+future happiness. It is of far more consequence, then, that parents
+should be intelligent, social, affectionate, and agreeable, at home, and
+to their friends, than that they should earn money enough to live in a
+large house, and have handsome furniture. It is far more needful, for
+children, that a father should attend to the formation of their
+character and habits, and aid in developing their social, intellectual,
+and moral nature, than it is, that he should earn money to furnish them
+with handsome clothes, and a variety of tempting food.
+
+It will be wise for those parents, who find little time to attend to
+their children, or to seek amusement and enjoyment in the domestic and
+social circle, because their time is so much occupied with public cares
+or benevolent objects, to inquire, whether their first duty is not to
+train up their own families, to be useful members of society. A man, who
+neglects the mind and morals of his children, to take care of the
+public, is in great danger of coming under a similar condemnation, to
+that of him, who, neglecting to provide for his own household, has
+"denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."
+
+There are husbands and fathers, who conscientiously subtract time from
+their business, to spend at home, in reading with their wives and
+children, and in domestic amusements which at once refresh and improve.
+The children of such parents will grow up with a love of home and
+kindred, which will be the greatest safeguard against future
+temptations, as well as the purest source of earthly enjoyment.
+
+There are families, also, who make it a definite object to keep up
+family attachments, after the children are scattered abroad; and, in
+some cases, secure the means for doing this, by saving money, which
+would otherwise have been spent for superfluities of food or dress. Some
+families have adopted, for this end, a practice, which if widely
+imitated, would be productive of extensive benefit. The method is this.
+On the first day of each month, some member of the family, at each
+extreme point of dispersion, takes a folio sheet, and fills a part of a
+page. This is sealed and mailed to the next family, who read it, add
+another contribution, and then mail it to the next. Thus the family
+circular, once a month, goes from each extreme, to all the members of a
+widely-dispersed family, and each member becomes a sharer in the joys,
+sorrows, plans, and pursuits, of all the rest. At the same time,
+frequent family meetings are sought; and the expense, thus incurred, is
+cheerfully met by retrenchments in other directions. The sacrifice of
+some unnecessary physical indulgence, (such, for instance, as the use of
+tea and coffee,) will often purchase many social and domestic
+enjoyments, a thousand times more elevating and delightful, than the
+retrenched luxury.
+
+There is no social duty, which the Supreme Lawgiver more strenuously
+urges, than hospitality and kindness to strangers, who are classed with
+the widow and the fatherless, as the special objects of Divine
+tenderness. There are some reasons, why this duty peculiarly demands
+attention from the American people.
+
+Reverses of fortune, in this land, are so frequent and unexpected, and
+the habits of the people are so migratory, that there are very many in
+every part of the Country, who, having seen all their temporal plans and
+hopes crushed, are now pining among strangers, bereft of wonted
+comforts, without friends, and without the sympathy and society, so
+needful to wounded spirits. Such, too frequently, sojourn long and
+lonely, with no comforter but Him who "knoweth the heart of a stranger."
+
+Whenever, therefore, new comers enter a community, inquiry should
+immediately be made, whether they have friends and associates, to render
+sympathy and kind attentions; and, when there is any need for it, the
+ministries of kind neighborhood should immediately be offered. And it
+should be remembered, that the first days of a stranger's sojourn, are
+the most dreary, and that civility and kindness are doubled in value, by
+being offered at an early period.
+
+In social gatherings, the claims of the stranger are too apt to be
+forgotten; especially, in cases where there are no peculiar attractions
+of personal appearance, or talents, or high standing. Such a one should
+be treated with attention, _because he is a stranger_; and when
+communities learn to act more from principle, and less from selfish
+impulse, on this subject, the sacred claims of the stranger will be less
+frequently forgotten.
+
+The most agreeable hospitality, to visiters, who become inmates of a
+family, is, that which puts them entirely at ease. This can never be the
+case, where the guest perceives that the order of family arrangements is
+essentially altered, and that time, comfort, and convenience are
+sacrificed, for his accommodation.
+
+Offering the best to visiters, showing a polite regard to every wish
+expressed, and giving precedence to them, in all matters of comfort and
+convenience, can be easily combined with the easy freedom which makes
+the stranger feel at home; and this is the perfection of hospitable
+entertainment.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSES.
+
+
+There is no point of domestic economy, which more seriously involves the
+health and daily comfort of American women, than the proper construction
+of houses. There are five particulars, to which attention should be
+given, in building a house; namely, economy of labor, economy of money,
+economy of health, economy of comfort, and good taste. Some particulars
+will here be pointed out, under each of these heads.
+
+The first, respects _economy of labor_. In deciding upon the size and
+style of a house, the health and capacity of the housekeeper, and the
+probabilities of securing proper domestics, ought to be the very first
+consideration. If a man be uncertain as to his means for hiring service,
+or if he have a feeble wife, and be where properly-qualified domestics
+are scarce, it is very poor economy to build a large house, or to live
+in a style which demands much labor. Every room in a house adds to the
+expense involved in finishing and furnishing it, and to the amount of
+labor spent in sweeping, dusting, cleaning floors, paint, and windows,
+and taking care of, and repairing, its furniture. Double the size of a
+house, and you double the labor of taking care of it, and so, _vice
+versa_. There is, in this Country, a very great want of calculation and
+economy, in this matter.
+
+The arrangement of rooms, and the proper supply of conveniences, are
+other points, in which, economy of labor and comfort is often
+disregarded. For example, a kitchen will be in one story, a sitting-room
+in another, and the nursery in a third. Nothing is more injurious, to a
+feeble woman, than going up and down stairs; and yet, in order to gain
+two large parlors, to show to a few friends, or to strangers, immense
+sacrifices of health, comfort, and money, are made. If it be possible,
+the nursery, sitting-parlor, and kitchen, ought always to be on the same
+floor.
+
+The position of wells and cisterns, and the modes of raising and
+carrying water, are other particulars, in which, economy of labor and
+comfort is sadly neglected. With half the expense usually devoted to a
+sideboard or sofa, the water used from a well or cistern can be so
+conducted, as that, by simply turning a cock, it will flow to the place
+where it is to be used.
+
+A want of economy, in labor and in money, is often seen in the shape and
+arrangement of houses, and in the style of ornaments and furniture. A
+_perfect square_, encloses more rooms, at less expense, than any other
+shape; while it has less surface exposed to external cold, and can be
+most easily warmed and ventilated. And the farther a house is removed
+from this shape, the more the expense is increased. Wings and kitchens
+built out, beyond a house, very much increase expense, both in building
+and warming them.
+
+Piazzas and porticoes are very expensive; and their cost would secure
+far more comfort, if devoted to additional nursery or kitchen
+conveniences. Many kinds of porticoes cost as much as one additional
+room in the house. Houses can be so constructed, that one staircase will
+answer for both kitchen and parlour use, as may be seen in the engraving
+on page 269, (Fig. 27.) This saves the expense and labor usually devoted
+to a large hall and front staircase.
+
+Much money is often worse than wasted, by finical ornaments, which are
+fast going out of fashion. One of the largest, most beautiful, and
+agreeable, houses, the writer was ever in, was finished with doors,
+windows, and fireplaces, in even a plainer style than any given in the
+subsequent drawings.
+
+The position of fireplaces has much to do with economy of expense in
+warming a house. Where the fireplace is in an outer wall, one third of
+the heat passes out of doors, which would be retained in the house, if
+the chimney were within the rooms. A house, contrived like the one
+represented in the engraving on page 272, (Fig. 32,) which can be heated
+by a stove or chimney at X, may be warmed with less fuel than one of any
+other construction.[R]
+
+_Economy of health_ is often disregarded, by placing wells, cisterns,
+and privies, so that persons, in the perspiration of labor, or the
+debility of disease, are obliged to go out of doors in all weathers.
+Figure 35, on page 276, shows the proper arrangement of such
+conveniences. The placing of an outside door, for common use, in a
+sitting-room, as is frequent at the West and South, is detrimental to
+health. In such cases, children, in their sports, or persons who labor,
+are thrown into perspiration, by exercise, the door is thrown open, a
+chill ensues, and fever, bowel complaints, or bilious attacks, are the
+result. A long window, extending down to the floor, which can be used as
+a door, in Summer, and be tightly closed, at the bottom, in Winter,
+secures all the benefits, without the evils, of an outside door.
+
+Constructing houses, without open fireplaces in chambers, or any other
+mode of ventilation, is another sad violation of the economy of health.
+Feeble constitutions in children, and ill health to domestics, are often
+caused by this folly.
+
+The _economy of comfort_ is often violated, by arrangements made for
+domestics. Many a woman has been left to endure much hard labor and
+perplexity, because she chose to have money spent on handsome parlors
+and chambers, for company, which should have been devoted to providing a
+comfortable kitchen and chambers for domestics. Cramping the
+conveniences and comfort of a family, in order to secure elegant rooms,
+to show to company, is a weakness and folly, which it is hoped will
+every year become less common.
+
+The construction of houses with reference to _good taste_, is a
+desirable, though less important, item. The beauty of a house depends
+very much upon propriety of proportions, color, and ornament. And it is
+always as cheap, and generally cheaper, to build a house in agreement
+with the rules of good taste, than to build an awkward and
+ill-proportioned one.
+
+
+_Plans of Houses and Domestic Conveniences._
+
+The following plans are designed chiefly for persons in moderate
+circumstances, and have especial reference to young housekeepers.
+
+Every year, as the prosperity of this Nation increases, good domestics
+will decrease, and young mothers are hereafter to be called to
+superintend and perform all branches of domestic business, to nurse
+children, direct ignorant domestics, attend the sick, entertain company,
+and fulfil all other family duties; and this, too, in a majority of
+cases, with delicate constitutions, or impaired health. Every man,
+therefore, in forming plans for a future residence, and every woman who
+has any influence in deciding such matters, ought to make these
+probabilities the chief basis of their calculations.[S]
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 17.]
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 18.
+
+Ground-plan.
+
+_a_, Porch.
+_b_, Parlor, 15 by 16 feet.
+_c_, Dining-room, 15 by 16 feet.
+_d, d_, Small Bedrooms.
+_e_, Stairs.
+_f, f, f_, Closets.
+_g_, Pantry.
+_h_, Store-closet.
+_i, i, i_, Fireplaces.
+_j_, Kitchen.
+_k_, Bedpress.
+_z_, Cellar door.
+
+Scale of Feet.]
+
+The plan, exhibited in Figures 17, and 18, is that of a cottage, whose
+chief exterior beauty is its fine proportions. It should be painted
+white.
+
+Fig. 17, is the _elevation_, or the front view of the exterior. Fig. 18,
+is the ground-plan, in which, an entire break in the wall, represents a
+door, and a break with a line across it, a window. When a cross x is put
+by a door, it indicates into which room the door swings, and where the
+hinges should be put, as the comfort of a fireside very much depends on
+the way in which the doors are hung. A scale of measurement is given at
+the bottom of the drawings, by which, the size of all parts can be
+measured. The ten small divisions, are each one foot. The longest
+divisions are ten feet each.
+
+In the ground-plan, (Fig. 18,) _a_, is the porch, which projects enough
+to afford an entrance to the two adjacent rooms, and thus avoids the
+evil of an outside door to a sitting-room. If a door be wanted in these
+rooms, the front windows can be made to extend down to the floor, so as
+to serve as doors in Summer, and be tightly closed in Winter. The
+parlor, _b_, has the bedpress, _k_, and the closet, _f_, adjoining it.
+Figure 19 is intended to represent this side of the room.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 19.
+
+Scale of Feet for the Doors.]
+
+The two large doors, in the centre, open into the bedpress, and one of
+the smaller ones into the closet, _f_. The other, can either be a false
+door, in order to secure symmetry, or else a real one, opening into the
+kitchen, _j_.
+
+A room, thus arranged, can be made to serve as a genteel parlor, for
+company, during the day, when all these doors can be closed. At night,
+the doors of the bedpress being opened, it is changed to an airy
+bedroom, while the closets, _f, f_, serve to conceal all accommodations
+pertaining to a bedroom. The bedpress is just large enough to receive a
+bed; and under it, if need be, might be placed a trucklebed, for young
+children. The eating-room, _c_, has the small bedroom, _d_, adjoining
+it, which, by leaving the door open, at night, will be sufficiently airy
+for a sleeping-room. The kitchen, _j_, has a smaller bedroom, _d_,
+attached to it, which will hold a narrow single bed for a domestic; and,
+if need be, a narrow trucklebed under it, for a child. The staircase to
+the garret, can either be placed in the eating-room, or in the small
+entry. A plan for back accommodations is shown in Fig. 35, (page 276.)
+These should be placed in the rear of the kitchen, so as not to cover
+the window.
+
+A house like this, will conveniently accommodate a family of six or
+eight persons; but some economy and contrivance will be needed, in
+storing away articles of dress and bedclothing. For this end, in the
+bedpress, _k_, of the parlor, _b_, (Fig. 18,) a wide shelf may be
+placed, two feet from the ceiling, where winter bedding, or folded
+clothing, can be stowed, while a short curtain in front, hung from the
+wall, will give a tidy look, and keep out dust. Under this shelf, if
+need be, pegs can be placed, to hold other articles; and a curtain be
+hung from the edge of the shelf, to conceal and protect them. Both the
+closets, _f, f_, should have shelves and drawers. The garret can have a
+window inserted in the roof, and thus be made serviceable for storage.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 20.]
+
+Figure 20 represents a fireplace and mantelpiece, in a style
+corresponding with the doors.
+
+Such a cottage as this, could be built for from five hundred to nine
+hundred dollars, according as the expense of labor in the place, and the
+excellence of the materials and labor, may vary.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 21.]
+
+Figures 21 and 22, show the elevation and ground-plan of a cottage, in
+which the rooms are rather more agreeably arranged, than in the former
+plan. The elevation, (Fig. 21,) has a piazza, running across the whole
+front. This would cost nearly two hundred dollars; and, for this sum,
+another story might be added. An architect told the writer, that he
+could build the two-story house, (Fig. 23 and 24,) without a piazza,
+for the same sum, as this cottage, _with_ one. This shows the poor
+economy of these appendages.
+
+The ground-plan, (Fig. 22,) will be understood, from the explanation
+appended to it.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 22.
+
+Scale of Feet.
+
+_a_, Porch.
+_b_, Entry.
+_c_, Stairs.
+_d_, Parlor, 16 by 20 feet.
+_e_, Dining-room, 16 by 16 feet.
+_f_, Kitchen.
+_g, g, g_, Bedpresses.
+_h, h, h, h_, Closets.
+_i_, Store-closet.
+_j_, Back entry and Sink.
+_p_, Cellar stairs.
+_o, o, o_, Fireplaces.]
+
+The parlor, _d_, is designed to have the doors (shown in Fig. 19) placed
+at the end, where is the bedpress, _g_. This will make it a handsome
+parlor, by day, and yet allow it to be used as a bedroom, at night. The
+bedpresses, in the other rooms, can have less expensive doors. A window
+is put in each bedpress, to secure proper ventilation. These should be
+opened, to air the bed, on leaving it. These can be fitted up with
+shelves, pegs, and curtains, as before described. If the elevation of
+the first cottage be preferred to this, as being less expensive, it can
+be used, by altering it a little; thus, instead of the projection for
+the entry, make a slight projection, of the width of one brick, to
+preserve the same general outside appearance. Let the windows extend
+down to the floor, and the beauty of symmetry will also be preserved.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 23.
+
+Ground-plan.
+
+_a_, Entry.
+_b_, Stairs.
+_c_, Parlor, 16 by 20 feet.
+_d_, Kitchen, 14 by 14 feet.
+_e_, Store-closet.
+_f_, Pantry.
+_g_, Sinkroom.
+_h_, Closet.
+_i, i_, Fireplaces.
+_n_, Cellar door.
+_o_, Oven.
+_y_, Furnace.
+_z_, Sink.
+
+Scale of Feet.]
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 24.
+
+Second Story.
+
+_a_, Stairs.
+_b_, Passage.
+_c, c, c_, Bedrooms.
+_d, d, d, d_, Closets.
+_e, e_, Fireplaces.
+_f_, Nursery.
+_g_, Room for young children.]
+
+The plans, shown in Fig. 23 and 24, are designed for families, where
+most domestic labor is to be done without the aid of domestics. The
+parlor, _c_, is for a sitting-room, and for company. The room, _d_, is
+the eating-room; where, also, the ironing and other nicer family work
+can be done. In the small room, _g_, either an oven and boiler, or a
+cooking-stove, can be placed. The elevation, shown in Fig. 25, is
+designed for the front of this house.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 25.]
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 26.]
+
+Figures 27 and 28, are plans of a two-story house, on a larger scale,
+with a concealed staircase, for front and back use. The elevation, Fig.
+26, is designed for this plan.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 27.
+
+Ground-plan.
+
+_b, b_, Entry.
+_c_, Stairs.
+_d_, Parlor, 16 by 20 feet.
+_e_, Dining-room, 15 by 16 feet.
+_f_, Kitchen, 15 by 16 feet.
+_g, g, g_, Closets.
+_h_, Store-closet.
+_i_, Back entry.
+_j_, Pantry.
+_k, k, k_, Fireplaces.
+_x_, Cellar stairs.]
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 28.
+
+Second Story.
+
+_a, a, a, a_, Bedrooms.
+_b_, Stairs.
+_c, c, c_, Closets.
+_d_, Passage.
+_e, e, e_, Fireplaces.
+_y_, Garret stairs.]
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 29.
+
+Ground-floor.
+
+_b_, Entry.
+_c_, Parlor, 17 by 17 feet.
+_d_, Dining-room, 13 by 15 feet.
+_e_, Parlor or Bedroom, 17 by 17 feet.
+_f_, Kitchen, 19 by 17 feet.
+_g_, Stairs.
+_h_, Store-closet.
+_i, i, i_, Closets.
+_n, n, n, n_, Fireplaces.
+_o_, Folding-doors.
+_p_, Pegs for over-garments.
+_z_, Cellar stairs.]
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 30.
+
+Second Story.
+
+_a, a, a, a, a_, Bedrooms.
+_b_, Stairs.
+_c_, Passage.
+_d, d, d, d_, Closets.
+_e, e, e, e_, Fireplaces.]
+
+Figures 29 and 30, are plans for a larger house, which can have either
+of the elevations, Fig. 25 or 26, adapted to it. These also have a
+concealed staircase, for front and back use. If a nursery, or bedroom,
+is wished, on the ground-floor, the back parlor, _e_, can be taken; in
+which case, the closets, _i_, _i_, are very useful. To prevent noise
+from reaching the front parlor, two sets of folding-doors, each side of
+the passage, _o_, could be placed. With this arrangement, these rooms
+could be used, sometimes as two parlors, opening into each other, by
+folding doors, and at other times, as a nursery and parlor. In this
+plan, the storeroom, _h_, and china-closet, _i_, between the kitchen and
+eating-room, are a great convenience.
+
+Figures 31 and 32, present the plan of a Gothic cottage, which secures
+the most economy of _labor_ and _expense_, with the greatest amount of
+_convenience and comfort_, which the writer has ever seen.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 31.]
+
+The elevation, (Fig. 31,) exhibits the front view. It has a recess in
+the central part, under which, is the door, with a window on each side
+of it. This forms a piazza; and into this, and a similar one at the back
+of the house, the two centre parlors open.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 32.]
+
+In the centre of the house, (see Fig. 32,) are the two parlors, _b_ and
+_c_; the back one to be used as an eating-room. At X, can be placed,
+either a chimney, with doors on each side of the fireplace, or, (which
+is the most agreeable,) folding-doors, which can be thrown open in
+Summer, thus making a large saloon, through the house, from one piazza
+to the other. In this case, the parlors are warmed by a large stove, set
+near the folding-doors, which would easily warm both parlors and one or
+two adjacent rooms. In Winter, the outside doors, opening to the
+piazzas, should be fastened and calked, and the side entry, at _d_, be
+used. At _e_, is the nursery, with the bedpress, _g_, which, being
+closed by day, makes a retired parlor for the mother. At _n_, is the
+children's playroom and sleeping-room, adjoining the mother's room. At
+_k_, is the kitchen, adjacent to the eating-room, with the storeroom,
+_e_, and the closets, _m_, _m_, one for the eating-room, and one for the
+kitchen utensils. At _i_, is a parlor, which can be used for a study or
+library, by the master of the family; while the adjacent bedpress, _j_,
+renders it a convenient lodging-room, for guests. Another lodging-room,
+is at _h_; and in the attic, is space enough for several comfortable
+lodging-rooms. A window in the roof, on the front and back, like the one
+on Wadsworth's Cottage, (Fig. 33,) could be placed over the front door,
+to light the chambers in the attic. A double roof in the attic, with a
+current of air between, secures cool chambers. The closets are marked
+_o_, and the fireplaces _p_. The stairs to the attic are at _q_. By this
+arrangement, the housekeeper has her parlor, sleeping-room, nursery, and
+kitchen, on the same floor, while the rooms with bedpresses, enable her
+to increase either parlors or lodging-rooms, at pleasure, without
+involving the care of a very large and expensive house.
+
+Figure 33, is the representation of a cottage, built by Daniel
+Wadsworth, Esq., in the vicinity of Hartford, Connecticut; and is on a
+plan, which, though much smaller, is very similar to the plan
+represented in Fig. 32. It serves to show the manner in which the
+_roofs_ should be arranged, in Fig. 31, which, being seen exactly in
+front, does not give any idea of the mode of this arrangement. The
+elevation of Wadsworth's cottage, could be taken for the ground-plan
+shown in Fig. 32, if it be preferred to the other.
+
+Both this cottage, and all the other plans, require a woodhouse, and the
+conveniences connected with it, which are represented in Fig. 35, (page
+276.) For these Gothic cottages, an appendage of this sort should be in
+keeping with the rest, having windows, like those in the little
+Summer-house in the drawing, and battlements, as on the top of the wings
+of the barn. The ornaments on the front of the cottage, and the pillars
+of the portico, made simply of the trunks of small trees, give a
+beautiful rural finish, and their expense is trifling. In this picture,
+the trees could not be placed as they are in reality, because they would
+hide the buildings.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 33.]
+
+In arranging yards and grounds, the house should be set back, as in the
+drawing of Wadsworth's cottage; and, instead of planting shade-trees in
+straight lines, or scattering them about, as single trees, they should
+be arranged in clusters, with large openings for turf, flowers, and
+shrubbery, which never flourish well under the shade and dropping of
+trees. This also secures spots of dark and cool shade, even when trees
+are young.
+
+In arranging shade-trees tastefully around such a place, a large cluster
+might be placed on each side of the gate; another on the circular
+grass-plot, at the side of the house; another at a front corner; and
+another at a back corner. Shrubbery, along the walks, and on the
+circular plot, in front, and flowers close to the house, would look
+well. The barn, also, should have clusters of trees near it; and
+occasional single trees, on the lawn, would give the graceful ease and
+variety seen in nature.
+
+Figure 34, represents the accommodations for securing water with the
+least labor. It is designed for a well or cistern under ground. The
+reservoir, R, may be a half hogshead, or something larger, which may be
+filled once a day, from the pump, by a man, or boy.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 34.
+
+_P_, Pump. _L_, Steps to use when pumping. _R_, Reservoir. _G_,
+Brickwork to raise the Reservoir. _B_, A large Boiler. _F_, Furnace,
+beneath the Boiler. _C_, Conductor of cold water. _H_, Conductor of hot
+water. _K_, Cock for letting cold water into the Boiler. _S_, Pipe to
+conduct cold water to a cock over the kitchen sink. _T_, Bathing-tub,
+which receives cold water from the Conductor, _C_, and hot water from
+the Conductor, _H_. _W_, Partition separating the Bathing-room from the
+Wash-room. _Y_, Cock to draw off hot water. _Z_, Plug to let off the
+water from the Bathing-tub into a drain.]
+
+The conductor, C, should be a lead pipe, which, instead of going over
+the boiler, should be bent along behind it. From S, a branch sets off,
+which conducts the cold water to the sink in the kitchen, where it
+discharges with a cock. H, is a conductor from the lower part of the
+boiler, made of copper, or some metal not melted by great heat; and at
+Y, a cock is placed, to draw off hot water. Then the conductor passes to
+the bathing-tub, where is another cock. At Z, the water is let off from
+the bathing-tub. By this arrangement, great quantities of hot and cold
+water can be used, with no labor in carrying, and with very little labor
+in raising it.
+
+In case a cistern is built above ground, it can be placed as the
+reservoir is, and then all the labor of pumping is saved.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 35.
+
+_A_, Boiler and furnace.
+_B_, Bathing-room.
+_C_, Reservoir.
+_D_, Pump.
+_E_, Wash-form.
+_F_, Sink.
+_G_, Kitchen.
+_H_, Woodpile.
+_I_, Large doors.
+_i_,_i_, Bins for coal and ashes.
+_O_, Window.
+_P_, _P_, Privies.
+_T_, Bathing-tub.
+_V_, Door.]
+
+Fig. 35, is the plan of a building for back-door accommodations. At _A_,
+_C_, _D_, _E_, are accommodations shown in Fig. 34. The bathing-room is
+adjacent to the boiler and reservoir, to receive the water. The privy,
+_P_, _P_, should have two apartments, as indispensable to healthful
+habits in a family. A window should be placed at _O_, and a door, with
+springs or a weight to keep it shut, should be at _V_. Keeping the
+window open, and the door shut, will prevent any disagreeable effects in
+the house. At _G_, is the kitchen, and at _F_, the sink, which should
+have a conductor and cock from the reservoir. _H_, is the place for
+wood, where it should in Summer be stored for Winter. A bin, for coal,
+and also a brick receiver, for ashes, should be in this part. Every
+woman should use her influence to secure all these conveniences; even if
+it involves the sacrifice of the piazza, or "the best parlor."
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 36.
+
+Front View.
+
+Side View.]
+
+Fig. 36, is a latticed portico, which is cheap, and answers all the
+purposes of a more expensive one. It should be solid, overhead, to turn
+off the rain, and creepers should be trained over it. A simple latticed
+arch, over a door, covered with creepers, is very cheap, and serves
+instead of an expensive portico.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 37.
+
+_C_, Parlor ceiling.
+_K_, Kitchen ceiling.]
+
+Fig. 37, represents a _sliding closet_, or _dumb waiter_, a convenience
+which saves much labor, when the kitchen is in the basement. The two
+closets should be made wide, and broad enough to receive a common
+waiter. The chain, or rope, which passes over the wheels, should branch,
+at _X_, so as to keep the closet from rubbing in its movements, when the
+dishes are not set exactly in the middle, or are of unequal weights. By
+this method, almost every thing needed to pass between the kitchen and
+parlor can be sent up and down, without any steps. If the kitchen is not
+directly under the eating-room, the sliding closet can be placed in the
+vicinity of one or both. Where the place is not wide enough for two
+closets like these, they can be made wider than they are long, say one
+foot and six inches long, and three feet wide. A strip of wood, an inch
+broad, should be fastened on the front and back of the shelves, to
+prevent the dishes from being broken when they are set on carelessly.
+
+There is nothing, which so much improves the appearance of a house and
+the premises, as painting or whitewashing the tenements and fences. The
+following receipts for whitewashing, answer the same purpose for wood,
+brick, and stone, as oil-paint, and are much cheaper. The first, is the
+receipt used for the President's house, at Washington, improved by
+further experiments. The second, is a cheaper one, which the writer has
+known to succeed, in a variety of cases, lasting as long, and looking as
+well, as white oil-paint.
+
+
+_Receipt._
+
+Take half a bushel of unslacked lime, and slack it with boiling water,
+covering it, during the process. Strain it, and add a peck of salt,
+dissolved in warm water; three pounds of ground rice, boiled to a thin
+paste, put in boiling hot; half a pound of powdered Spanish whiting; and
+a pound of clear glue, dissolved in warm water. Mix, and let it stand
+several days. Heat it in a kettle, on a portable furnace, and apply it
+as hot as possible, with a painter's or whitewash-brush.
+
+
+_Another._
+
+Make whitewash, in the usual way, except that the water used should be
+hot, and nearly saturated with salt. Then stir in four handfuls of fine
+sand, to make it thick like cream. Coloring matter can be added to
+both, making a light stone-color, a cream-color, or a light buff, which
+are most suitable for buildings.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[R] Many houses are now heated, by a furnace in the cellar, which
+receives pure air from out of doors, heats it, and sends it into several
+rooms, while water is evaporated to prevent the air from becoming dry.
+The most perfect one the writer has seen, is constructed by Mr. Fowler,
+of Hartford. This method secures well-ventilated rooms, and is very
+economical, where several rooms are to be warmed.
+
+[S] Those, who are amateurs in architecture, in judging of these
+designs, must take into consideration, that this is a work on domestic
+_economy_, and that matters of taste, have necessarily been made
+subordinate to points, involving economy of health, comfort, and
+expense. Still, it is believed, that good taste has been essentially
+preserved, in most of these designs.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+ON FIRES AND LIGHTS.
+
+
+A shallow fireplace saves wood, and gives out more heat than a deeper
+one. A false back, of brick, may be put up in a deep fireplace. Hooks,
+for holding up the shovel and tongs, a hearth-brush and bellows, and
+brass knobs to hang them on, should be furnished to every fireplace. An
+iron bar, across the andirons, aids in keeping the fire safe, and in
+good order. Steel furniture is more genteel, and more easily kept in
+order, than that made of brass.
+
+Use green wood, for logs, and mix green and dry wood for the fire; and
+then the woodpile will last much longer. Walnut, maple, hickory, and
+oak, wood, are best, chestnut or hemlock is bad, because it snaps. Do
+not buy a load, in which there are many crooked sticks. Learn how to
+measure and calculate the solid contents of a load, so as not to be
+cheated. Have all your wood split, and piled under cover, for Winter.
+Have the green wood logs in one pile, dry wood in another, oven-wood in
+another, kindlings and chips in another, and a supply of charcoal to use
+for broiling and ironing, in another place. Have a brick bin, for ashes,
+and never allow them to be put in wood. When quitting fires, at night,
+never leave a burning stick across the andirons, nor on its end, without
+quenching it. See that no fire adheres to the broom or brush; remove all
+articles from the fire, and have two pails, filled with water, in the
+kitchen, where they will not freeze.
+
+
+
+_Stoves and Grates._
+
+Rooms, heated by stoves, should always have some opening for the
+admission of fresh air, or they will be injurious to health. The dryness
+of the air, which they occasion, should be remedied, either by placing a
+vessel, filled with water, on the stove, or by hooking a long and narrow
+pan, filled with water, in front of the grate; otherwise, the lungs or
+eyes may be injured. A large number of plants in a room, prevents this
+dryness of the air. Openings for pipes, through floors, partitions, or
+fireboards, should be surrounded by tin, to prevent their taking fire.
+Lengthening a pipe, will increase its draught.
+
+For those, who use _anthracite coal_, that which is broken or screened,
+is best for grates, and the nut-coal, for small stoves. Three tons are
+sufficient, in the Middle States, and four tons in the Northern, to keep
+one fire through the Winter. That which is bright, hard, and clean, is
+best; and that which is soft, porous, and covered with damp dust, is
+poor. It will be well to provide two barrels of charcoal, for kindling,
+to every ton of anthracite coal. Grates, for _bituminous_ coal, should
+have a flue nearly as deep as the grate; and the bars should be round,
+and not close together. The better draught there is, the less coal-dust
+is made. Every grate should be furnished with a poker, shovel, tongs,
+blower, coal-scuttle, and holder for the blower. The latter may be made
+of woollen, covered with old silk, and hung near the fire.
+
+Coal-stoves should be carefully put up, as cracks, in the pipe,
+especially in sleeping rooms, are dangerous.
+
+
+_On Lights._
+
+Lamps are better than candles, as they give a steadier light, and do not
+scatter grease, like tallow candles. The best oil, is clear, and nearly
+colorless. Winter-strained oil should be used in cold weather. Lard is a
+good substitute for oil, for astral and other large lamps. It is
+cheaper, burns clearer, and has a less disagreeable smell. It will not
+burn so well in small lamps, as in large ones. Melt it every morning, in
+an old pitcher, kept for the purpose. Oil, long kept, grows thick, and
+does not burn well. It is therefore best not to buy it in large
+quantities. It should never be left standing in lamps, for several days,
+as this spoils it, and often injures the lamps. Camphine is a kind of
+oil manufactured in New York, which does not smell disagreeably, nor
+make grease-spots, and gives a brighter light than the best oil. Cleanse
+the insides of lamps and oil-cans, with pearlash-water. Be careful to
+drain them well, and not to let any gilding, or bronze, be injured by
+the pearlash-water coming in contact with it. Put one tablespoonful of
+pearlash to one quart of water.
+
+The care of lamps requires so much attention and discretion, that many
+ladies choose to do this work, themselves, rather than trust it with
+domestics. To do it properly, provide the following things:--An old
+waiter, to hold all the articles used; a lamp-filler, with a spout,
+small at the end, and turned up to prevent oil from dripping; a ball of
+wickyarn, and a basket to hold it; a lamp-trimmer, made for the purpose,
+or a pair of _sharp_ scissors; a small soap-cup and soap; some pearlash,
+in a broad-mouthed bottle; and several soft cloths, to wash the
+articles, and towels, to wipe them. If every thing, after being used, is
+cleansed from oil, and then kept neatly, it will not be so unpleasant a
+task, as it usually is, to take care of lamps.
+
+Wash the shade of an astral lamp, once a week, and the glass chimney
+oftener. Take the lamp to pieces, and cleanse it, once a month. Keep dry
+fingers, in trimming lamps. To raise the wick of an astral lamp, turn it
+to the right; to lower it, turn it to the left. Trim it, after it has
+been once used; and, in lighting it, raise it to the proper height, as
+soon as may be, or it will either smoke, or form a crust. Renew the
+wick, when only an inch and a half long. Close-woven wicks are better
+than those which are loose. Dipping wicks in vinegar, makes them burn
+clearer than they otherwise would. Plain shades do not injure the eyes,
+like cut ones; and prints and pictures appear better by them, than by
+the others. Lamps should be lighted with a strip of folded or rolled
+paper, kept on the mantelpiece. Weak eyes should always be shaded from
+the lights. Small screens, made for the purpose, should be kept at hand.
+A person with weak eyes, can use them, safely, much longer, when they
+are shaded from the glare of the light, than if they are not so. Fill
+the entry-lamp, every day, and cleanse and fill night-lanterns, twice a
+week, if used often. Provide small, one-wicked lamps, to carry about;
+and broad-bottomed lamps, for the kitchen, as these are not easily
+upset.
+
+A good night-lamp is made, with a small one-wicked lamp and a roll of
+tin to set over it. Have some holes made in the bottom of this cover,
+and it can then be used to heat articles. Very cheap floating tapers,
+can be bought, to burn in a teacup of oil through the night.
+
+Wickyarn, drawn repeatedly through melted wax, till stiff and smooth,
+makes a good taper, for use in sealing letters. It can be twined in
+fanciful forms, and kept on the writing-table.
+
+
+_To make Candles._
+
+The nicest candles, are run in moulds. For this purpose, melt together
+one quarter of a pound of white wax, one quarter of an ounce of camphor,
+two ounces of alum, and ten ounces of suet or mutton tallow. Soak the
+wicks, in lime-water and saltpetre, and, when dry, fix them in the
+moulds, and pour in the melted tallow. Let them remain one night, to
+cool, then warm them, a little, to loosen them, draw them out, and, when
+hard, put them in a box, in a dry and cool place.
+
+To make dipped candles, cut the wicks of the right length, double them
+over rods, and twist them. They should first be dipped in lime-water, or
+vinegar, and dried. Melt the tallow in a large kettle, filling it to
+the top with hot water, when the tallow is melted. Put in wax, and
+powdered alum, to harden them. Keep the tallow hot, over a portable
+furnace, and fill up the kettle, with hot water, as fast as the tallow
+is used up. Lay two long strips of narrow board, on which to hang the
+rods; and set flat pans under, on the floor, to catch the grease. Take
+several rods at once, and wet the wicks in the tallow; and, when cool,
+straighten and smooth them. Then dip them, as fast as they cool, until
+they become of the proper size. Plunge them obliquely, and not
+perpendicularly; and when the bottoms are too large, hold them in the
+hot grease, till a part melts off. Let them remain one night, to cool;
+then cut off the bottoms, and keep them in a dry, cool place. Cheap
+lights are made, by dipping rushes in tallow.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+ON WASHING.
+
+
+There is nothing, which tends more effectually to secure good washing,
+than a full supply of all conveniences; and among these, none is more
+important, than an abundance of warm and cold water: but, if this be
+obtained, and heated, at a great expense of time and labor, it will be
+used in stinted measure. The accommodations described on page 275, (Fig.
+34,) are very convenient in this respect.
+
+
+_Articles to be provided for Washing._
+
+A plenty of soft water is a very important item. When this cannot be
+had, ley or soda can be put in hard water, to soften it; care being used
+not to put in so much, as to injure the hands and clothes. Two
+wash-forms are needed; one for the two tubs in which to put the suds,
+and the other for blueing and starching-tubs. Four tubs, of different
+sizes, are necessary; also, a large _wooden_ dipper, (as metal is apt
+to rust;) two or three pails; a grooved wash-board; a clothes-line,
+(sea-grass, or horse-hair is best;) a wash-stick to move clothes, when
+boiling, and a wooden fork to take them out. Soap-dishes, made to hook
+on the tubs, save soap and time. Provide, also, a clothes-bag, in which
+to boil clothes; an indigo-bag, of double flannel; a starch-strainer, of
+coarse linen; a bottle of ox-gall for calicoes; a supply of starch,
+neither sour nor musty; several dozens of clothes-pins, which are cleft
+sticks, used to fasten clothes on the line; a bottle of dissolved gum
+Arabic; two clothes-baskets; and a brass or copper kettle, for boiling
+clothes, as iron is apt to rust. A closet, for keeping all these things,
+is a great convenience. It may be made six feet high, three feet deep,
+and four feet wide. The tubs and pails can be set on the bottom of this,
+on their sides, one within another. Four feet from the bottom, have a
+shelf placed, on which to put the basket of clothes-pins, the line,
+soap-dishes, dipper, and clothes-fork. Above this, have another shelf,
+for the bottles, boxes, &c. The shelves should reach out only half way
+from the back, and nails should be put at the sides, for hanging the
+wash-stick, clothes-bag, starch-bag, and indigo-bag. The
+ironing-conveniences might be kept in the same closet, by having the
+lower shelf raised a little, and putting a deep drawer under it, to hold
+the ironing-sheets, holders, &c. A lock and key should be put on the
+closet. If the mistress of the family requests the washerwoman to notify
+her, when she is through, and then ascertains if all these articles are
+put in their places, it will prove useful. Tubs, pails, and all hooped
+wooden ware, should be kept out of the sun, and in a cool place, or they
+will fall to pieces.
+
+
+_Common Mode of Washing._
+
+Assort the clothes, and put them in soak, the night before. Never pour
+hot water on them, as it sets the dirt. In assorting clothes, put the
+flannels in one lot, the colored clothes in another, the coarse white
+ones in a third, and the fine clothes in a fourth lot. Wash the fine
+clothes in one tub of suds; and throw them, when wrung, into another.
+Then wash them, in the second suds, turning them wrong side out. Put
+them in the boiling-bag, and boil them in strong suds, for half an hour,
+and not much more. Move them, while boiling, with the clothes-stick.
+Take them out of the boiling-bag, and put them into a tub of water, and
+rub the dirtiest places, again, if need be. Throw them into the
+rinsing-water, and then wring them out, and put them into the
+blueing-water. Put the articles to be stiffened, into a clothes-basket,
+by themselves, and, just before hanging out, dip them in starch,
+clapping it in, so as to have them equally stiff, in all parts. Hang
+white clothes in the sun, and colored ones, (wrong side out,) in the
+shade. Fasten them with clothes-pins. Then wash the coarser white
+articles, in the same manner. Then wash the colored clothes. These must
+not be soaked, nor have ley or soda put in the water, and they ought not
+to lie wet long before hanging out, as it injures their colors.
+Beef's-gall, one spoonful to two pailfuls of suds, improves calicoes.
+Lastly, wash the flannels, in suds as hot as the hand can bear. Never
+rub on soap, as this shrinks them in spots. Wring them out of the first
+suds, and throw them into another tub of hot suds, turning them wrong
+side out. Then throw them into hot blueing-water. Do not put blueing
+into suds, as it makes specks in the flannel. Never leave flannels long
+in water, nor put them in cold or lukewarm water. Before hanging them
+out, shake and stretch them. Some housekeepers have a close closet, made
+with slats across the top. On these slats, they put their flannels, when
+ready to hang out, and then burn brimstone under them, for ten minutes.
+It is but little trouble, and keeps the flannels as white as new. Wash
+the colored flannels, and hose, after the white, adding more hot water.
+Some persons dry woollen hose on stocking-boards, shaped like a foot and
+leg, with strings to tie them on the line. This keeps them from
+shrinking, and makes them look better than if ironed. It is also less
+work, than to iron them properly.
+
+Bedding should be washed in long days, and in hot weather. Pound
+blankets in two different tubs or barrels of hot suds, first well mixing
+the soap and water. Rinse in hot suds; and, after wringing, let two
+persons shake them thoroughly, and then hang them out. If not dry, at
+night, fold them, and hang them out the next morning. Bedquilts should
+be pounded in warm suds; and, after rinsing, be wrung as dry as
+possible. Bolsters and pillows can be pounded in hot suds, without
+taking out the feathers, rinsing them in fair water. It is usually best,
+however, for nice feathers, to take them out, wash them, and dry them on
+a garret floor. Cotton comforters should have the cases taken off and
+washed. Wash bedticks, after the feathers are removed, like other
+things. Empty straw beds once a year.
+
+The following cautions, in regard to calicoes, are useful. Never wash
+them in very warm water; and change the water, when it appears dingy, or
+the light parts will look dirty. Never rub on soap; but remove grease
+with French chalk, starch, magnesia, or Wilmington clay. Make starch for
+them, with coffee-water, to prevent any whitish appearance. Glue is good
+for stiffening calicoes. When laid aside, not to be used, all stiffening
+should be washed out, or they will often be injured. Never let calicoes
+freeze, in drying. Some persons use bran-water, (four quarts of
+wheat-bran to two pails of water,) and no soap, for calicoes; washing
+and rinsing in the bran-water. Potato-water is equally good. Take eight
+peeled and grated potatoes to one gallon of water.
+
+
+_Soda-Washing._
+
+A very great saving in labor is secured, by _soda-washing_. There have
+been mistakes made in receipts, and in modes of doing it, which have
+caused a prejudice against it; but if the soap be rightly made, and
+rightly used, _it certainly saves one half the labor and time of
+ordinary washing_.
+
+
+_Receipt for Soda-Soap._
+
+Take eight pounds of bar-soap, eight pounds of coarse soda, (the
+sub-carbonate,) ten gallons of soft water, boiled two hours, stirring it
+often. This is to be cooled, and set away for use. In washing, take a
+pound of this soap, to the largest pail of water, and heat till it
+boils. Having previously soaked the white clothes, in _warm_, not _hot_,
+water, put them in this boiling mixture, and let them boil _one hour and
+no more_. Take them out, draining them well, and put them in a tub, half
+full of soft water. Turn them wrong side out; rub the soiled places,
+till they look clean; then put them into blue rinsing-water, and wring
+them out. They are then ready to hang out. Some persons use another
+rinsing-water. The colored clothes and flannels must not be washed in
+this way. The fine clothes may be first boiled in this water; it may
+then be used for coarser clothes; and afterward, the brown towels, and
+other articles of that nature, may be boiled in the same water. After
+this, the water which remains, is still useful, for washing floors; and
+then, the suds is a good manure to put around plants.
+
+It is best to prepare, at once, the whole quantity of water to be used.
+Take out about one third, and set it by; and every time a fresh supply
+of clothes is put in, use a portion of this, to supply the waste of a
+former boiling.
+
+
+_Modes of Washing Various Articles._
+
+_Brown Linens_, or _Muslins_, of tea, drab, or olive, colors, look best,
+washed in hay-water. Put in hay enough, to color the water like new
+brown linen. Wash them first in lukewarm, fair water, without soap,
+(removing grease with French chalk,) then wash and rinse them in the
+hay-water.
+
+_Nankeens_ look best, washed in suds, with a teacup of ley added for
+each pailful. Iron on the wrong side. Soak new nankeens in ley, for one
+night, and it sets the color perfectly.
+
+_Woollen Table-Covers_ and _Woollen Shawls_, may be washed thus: Remove
+grease as before directed. If there be stains in the articles, take them
+out with spirits of hartshorn. Wash the things in two portions of hot
+suds, made of white soap. Do not wring them, but fold them and press the
+water out, catching it in a tub, under a table. Shake, stretch, and dry,
+neither by the sun nor a fire, and do not let them freeze, in drying.
+Sprinkle them three hours before ironing, and fold and roll them tight.
+Iron them heavily on the wrong side. _Woollen yarn_, should be washed in
+very hot water, putting in a teacupful of ley, and no soap, to half a
+pailful of water. Rinse till the water comes off clear.
+
+_New Black Worsted and Woollen Hose_, should be soaked all night, and
+washed in hot suds, with beef's-gall, a tablespoonful to half a pail of
+water. Rinse till no color comes out. Iron on the wrong side.
+
+_To Cleanse Gentlemen's Broadcloths._ The common mode, is, to shake, and
+brush the articles, and rip out linings and pockets; then to wash them
+in strong suds, adding a teacupful of ley, using white soap for light
+cloth; rolling and then pressing, instead of wringing, them; when dry,
+sprinkling them, and letting them lie all night; and ironing on the
+wrong side, or with a thin dark cloth over the article, until
+_perfectly_ dry. But a far better way, which the writer has repeatedly
+tried, with unfailing success, is the following: Take one beef's-gall,
+half a pound of salaeratus, and four gallons of warm water. Lay the
+article on a table, and scour it thoroughly, in every part, with a
+clothes-brush, dipped in this mixture. The collar of a coat, and the
+grease-spots, (previously marked by stitches of white thread,) must be
+repeatedly brushed. Then, take the article, and rinse it up and down in
+the mixture. Then, rinse it up and down in a tub of soft cold water.
+Then, without wringing or pressing, hang it to drain and dry. Fasten a
+coat up by the collar. When perfectly dry, it is sometimes the case,
+with coats, that nothing more is needed. In other cases, it is necessary
+to dampen the parts, which look wrinkled, with a sponge, and either pull
+them smooth, with the fingers, or press them with an iron, having a
+piece of bombazine, or thin woollen cloth, between the iron and the
+article.
+
+
+_To manufacture Ley, Soap, Starch, and other Articles used in Washing._
+
+_To make Ley._ Provide a large tub, made of pine or ash, and set it on a
+form, so high, that a tub can stand under it. Make a hole, an inch in
+diameter, near the bottom, on one side. Lay bricks, inside, about this
+hole, and straw over them. To every seven bushels of ashes, add two
+gallons of unslacked lime, and throw in the ashes and lime in alternate
+layers. While putting in the ashes and lime, pour on boiling water,
+using three or four pailfuls. After this, add a pailful of cold soft
+water, once an hour, till all the ashes appear to be well soaked. Catch
+the drippings, in a tub, and try its strength with an egg. If the egg
+rise so as to show a circle as large as a ten cent piece, the strength
+is right; if it rise higher, the ley must be weakened by water; if not
+so high, the ashes are not good, and the whole process must be repeated,
+putting in fresh ashes, and running the weak ley through the new ashes,
+with some additional water. _Quick-ley_ is made by pouring one gallon of
+boiling soft water on three quarts of ashes, and straining it. Oak ashes
+are best.
+
+_To make Soft-Soap._ Save all drippings and fat, melt them, and set them
+away, in cakes. Some persons keep, for soap-grease, a half barrel, with
+weak ley in it, and a cover over it. To make soft-soap, take the
+proportion of one pailful of ley to three pounds of fat. Melt the fat,
+and pour in the ley, by degrees. Boil it steadily, through the day, till
+it is ropy. If not boiled enough, on cooling, it will turn to ley and
+sediment. While boiling, there should always be a little oil on the
+surface. If this does not appear, add more grease. If there is too much
+grease, on cooling, it will rise, and can be skimmed off. Try it, by
+cooling a small quantity. When it appears like gelly, on becoming cold,
+it is done. It must then be put in a cool place and often stirred.
+
+_To make cold Soft-Soap_, melt thirty pounds of grease, put it in a
+barrel, add four pailfuls of strong ley, and stir it up thoroughly. Then
+gradually add more ley, till the barrel is nearly full, and the soap
+looks _about right_.
+
+_To make Potash-Soap_, melt thirty-nine pounds of grease, and put it in
+a barrel. Take twenty-nine pounds of light ash-colored potash, (the
+_reddish_-colored will spoil the soap,) and pour hot water on it; then
+pour it off into the grease, stirring it well. Continue thus, till all
+the potash is melted. Add one pailful of cold water, stirring it a great
+deal, every day, till the barrel be full, and then it is done. This is
+the cheapest and best kind of soap. It is best to sell ashes and buy
+potash. The soap is better, if it stand a year before it is used;
+therefore make two barrels at once.
+
+_To make Hard White Soap_, take fifteen pounds of lard, or suet; and,
+when boiling, add, slowly, five gallons of ley, mixed with one gallon of
+water. Cool a small portion; and, if no grease rise, it is done: if
+grease do rise, add ley, and boil till no grease rises. Then add three
+quarts of fine salt, and boil it; if this do not harden well, on
+cooling, add more salt. Cool it, and if it is to be perfumed, melt it
+next day, put in the perfume, and then run it in moulds, or cut it in
+cakes. _Common Hard Soap_, is made in the same way, by using common fat.
+
+_To manufacture Starch_, cleanse a peck of unground wheat, and soak it,
+for several days, in soft water. When quite soft, remove the husks, with
+the hand, and the soft parts will settle. Pour off the water, and
+replace it, every day, with that which is fresh, stirring it well. When,
+after stirring and settling, the water is clear, it is done. Then
+strain off the water, and dry the starch, for several days, in the sun.
+If the water be permitted to remain too long, it sours, and the starch
+is poor. If the starch be not well dried, it grows musty.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+ON STARCHING, IRONING, AND CLEANSING.
+
+
+_To prepare Starch._ Take four tablespoonfuls of starch; put in as much
+water; and rub it, till all lumps are removed. Then, add half a cup of
+cold water. Pour this into a quart of boiling water, and boil it for
+half an hour, adding a piece of spermaceti, or a lump of salt, or sugar,
+as large as a hazelnut. Strain it, and put in a very little blueing.
+Thin it with hot water.
+
+_Glue and Gum-Starch._ Put a piece of glue, four inches square, into
+three quarts of water, boil it, and keep it in a bottle, corked up.
+Dissolve four ounces of gum Arabic, in a quart of hot water, and set it
+away, in a bottle, corked. Use the glue for calicoes, and the gum for
+silks and muslins, both to be mixed with water, at discretion.
+
+_Beef's-Gall._ Send a junk-bottle to the butcher, and have several
+gall-bladders emptied into it. Keep it salted, and in a cool place. Some
+persons perfume it; but fresh air removes the unpleasant smell which it
+gives, when used for clothes.
+
+
+_Directions for Starching Muslins and Laces._
+
+Many ladies clap muslins, then dry them, and afterwards sprinkle them.
+This saves time. Others clap them, till nearly dry, then fold and cover,
+and then iron them. Iron wrought muslins on soft flannel, and on the
+wrong side.
+
+_To do up Laces, nicely_, sew a clean piece of muslin around a long
+bottle, and roll the lace on it; pulling out the edge, and rolling it
+so that the edge will turn in, and be covered, as you roll. Fill the
+bottle with water, and then boil it, for an hour, in a suds made with
+white soap. Rinse it in fair water, a little blued; dry it in the sun;
+and, if any stiffening is wished, use thin starch, or gum Arabic. When
+dry, fold and press it, between white papers, in a large book. It
+improves the lace, to wet it with sweet-oil, after it is rolled on the
+bottle, and before boiling in the suds. _Blond laces_ can be whitened,
+by rolling them on a bottle, in this way, and then setting the bottle in
+the sun, in a dish of cold suds made with white soap, wetting it
+thoroughly, and changing the suds, every day. Do this, for a week or
+more; then rinse, in fair water; dry it on the bottle, in the sun; and
+stiffen it with white gum Arabic. Lay it away in loose folds. _Lace
+veils_ can be whitened, by laying them in flat dishes, in suds made with
+white soap; then rinsing, and stiffening them with gum Arabic,
+stretching them, and pinning them on a sheet, to dry.
+
+
+ON IRONING.
+
+
+_Articles to be provided for Ironing._
+
+A settee, or settle, made so that it can be used for an ironing-table,
+is a great convenience. It may be made of pine, and of the following
+dimensions: length, five feet and six inches; width of the seat, one
+foot and nine inches; height of the seat, one foot and three inches;
+height of the sides, (or arms of the seat,) two feet and four inches;
+height of the back, five feet and three inches. The back should be made
+with hinges, of the height of the sides or arms, so that it can be
+turned down, and rest on them, and thus become an ironing-table. The
+back is to be fastened up, behind, with long iron hooks and staples. The
+seat should be made with two lids, opening into two boxes, or
+partitions, in one of which, can be kept the ironing-sheets and holders,
+and in the other, the other articles used in ironing. It can be stained
+of a cherry-color; put on casters, so as to move easily; and be
+provided with two cushions, stuffed with hay and covered with dark
+woollen. It thus serves as a comfortable seat, for Winter, protecting
+the back from cold.
+
+Where a settee, of this description, is not provided, a large
+ironing-board, made so as not to warp, should be kept, and used only for
+this purpose, to be laid, when used, on a table. Provide, also, the
+following articles: A woollen ironing-blanket, and a linen or cotton
+sheet, to spread over it; a large fire, of charcoal and hard wood,
+(unless furnaces or stoves are used;) a hearth, free from cinders and
+ashes, a piece of sheet-iron, in front of the fire, on which to set the
+irons, while heating; (this last saves many black spots from careless
+ironers;) three or four holders, made of woollen, and covered with old
+silk, as these do not easily take fire; two iron rings, or iron-stands,
+on which to set the irons, and small pieces of board to put under them,
+to prevent scorching the sheet; linen or cotton wipers; and a piece of
+beeswax, to rub on the irons when they are smoked. There should be, at
+least, three irons for each person ironing, and a small and large
+clothes-frame, on which to air the fine and coarse clothes.
+
+A bosom-board, on which to iron shirt-bosoms, should be made, one foot
+and a half long, and nine inches wide, and covered with white flannel. A
+skirt-board on which to iron frock-skirts, should be made, five feet
+long, and two feet wide at one end, tapering to one foot and three
+inches wide, at the other end. This should be covered with flannel; and
+will save much trouble, in ironing nice dresses. The large end may be
+put on the table, and the other, on the back of a chair. Both these
+boards should have cotton covers, made to fit them; and these should be
+changed and washed, when dirty. These boards are often useful, when
+articles are to be ironed or pressed, in a chamber or parlor. Provide,
+also, a press-board, for broadcloth, two feet long, and four inches wide
+at one end, tapering to three inches wide, at the other.
+
+A fluting-iron, called, also, a patent Italian iron, saves much labor,
+in ironing ruffles neatly. A crimping-iron, will crimp ruffles
+beautifully, with very little time or trouble. Care must be used, with
+the latter, or it will cut the ruffles. A trial should be made, with old
+muslins; and, when the iron is screwed in the right place, it must be so
+kept, and not altered without leave from the housekeeper. If the lady of
+the house will provide all these articles, see that the fires are
+properly made, the ironing-sheets evenly put on and properly pinned, the
+clothes-frames dusted, and all articles kept in their places, she will
+do much towards securing good ironing.
+
+
+_On Sprinkling, Folding, and Ironing._
+
+Wipe the dust from the ironing-board, and lay it down, to receive the
+clothes, which should be sprinkled with clear water, and laid in
+separate piles, one of colored, one of common, and one of fine articles,
+and one of flannels. Fold the fine things, and roll them in a towel, and
+then fold the rest, turning them all right side outward. The colored
+clothes should be laid separate from the rest, and ought not to lie long
+damp, as it injures the colors. The sheets and table linen should be
+shaken, stretched, and folded, by two persons. Iron lace and needlework
+on the wrong side, and carry them away, as soon as dry. Iron calicoes
+with irons which are not very hot, and generally on the right side, as
+they thus keep clean for a longer time. In ironing a frock, first do the
+waist, then the sleeves, then the skirt. Keep the skirt rolled, while
+ironing the other parts, and set a chair, to hold the sleeves, while
+ironing the skirt, unless a skirt-board be used. In ironing a shirt,
+first do the back, then the sleeves, then the collar and bosom, and then
+the front. Iron silk on the wrong side, when quite damp, with an iron
+which is not very hot. Light colors are apt to change and fade. Iron
+velvet, by turning up the face of the iron, and after dampening the
+wrong side of the velvet, draw it over the face of the iron, holding it
+straight, and not biased.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+ON WHITENING, CLEANSING, AND DYEING.
+
+
+_To Whiten Articles, and Remove Stains from them._
+
+Wet white clothes in suds, and lay them on the grass, in the sun. Lay
+muslins in suds made with white soap, in a flat dish; set this in the
+sun, changing the suds, every day. Whiten tow-cloth, or brown linen, by
+keeping it in ley, through the night, laying it out in the sun, and
+wetting it with fair water, as fast as it dries.
+
+Scorched articles can often be whitened again, by laying them in the
+sun, wet with suds. Where this does not answer, put a pound of white
+soap in a gallon of milk, and boil the article in it. Another method,
+is, to chop and extract the juice from two onions, and boil this with
+half a pint of vinegar, an ounce of white soap, and two ounces of
+fuller's earth. Spread this, when cool, on the scorched part, and, when
+dry, wash it off, in fair water. _Mildew_ may be removed, by dipping the
+article in sour buttermilk, laying it in the sun, and, after it is
+white, rinsing it in fair water. Soap and chalk are also good; also,
+soap and starch, adding half as much salt as there is starch, together
+with the juice of a lemon. Stains in linen can often be removed, by
+rubbing on soft soap, then putting on a starch paste, and drying in the
+sun, renewing it several times. Wash off all the soap and starch, in
+cold, fair water.
+
+
+_Mixtures for Removing Stains and Grease._
+
+_Stain-Mixture._ Half an ounce of oxalic acid, in a pint of soft water.
+This can be kept in a corked bottle, and is infallible in removing
+iron-rust, and ink-stains. It is very poisonous. The article must be
+spread with this mixture over the steam of hot water, and wet several
+times. This will also remove indelible ink. The article must be washed,
+or the mixture will injure it.
+
+_Another Stain-Mixture_ is made, by mixing one ounce of sal ammoniac,
+one ounce of salt of tartar, and one pint of soft water.
+
+_To remove Grease._ Mix four ounces of fuller's earth, half an ounce of
+pearlash, and lemon-juice enough to make a stiff paste, which can be
+dried in balls, and kept for use. Wet the greased spot with cold water,
+rub it with the ball, dry it, and then rinse it with fair cold water.
+This is for _white_ articles. For silks, and worsteds, use French chalk,
+which can be procured of the apothecaries. That which is soft and white,
+is best. Scrape it on the greased spot, and let it lie for a day and
+night. Then renew it, till the spot disappears. Wilmington clay-balls,
+are equally good. Ink-spots can often be removed from white clothes, by
+rubbing on common tallow, leaving it for a day or two, and then washing,
+as usual. Grease can be taken out of wall-paper, by making a paste of
+potter's clay, water and ox-gall, and spreading it on the paper. When
+dry, renew it, till the spot disappears.
+
+Stains on floors, from _soot_, or _stove-pipes_, can be removed, by
+washing the spot in sulphuric acid and water. Stains, in colored silk
+dresses, can often be removed, by pure water. Those made by acids, tea,
+wine, and fruits, can often be removed, by spirits of hartshorn, diluted
+with an equal quantity of water. Sometimes, it must be repeated, several
+times.
+
+_Tar_, _Pitch_, and _Turpentine_, can be removed, by putting the spot in
+sweet-oil, or by spreading tallow on it, and letting it remain for
+twenty-four hours. Then, if the article be linen or cotton, wash it, as
+usual; if it be silk or worsted, rub it with ether, or spirits of wine.
+
+_Lamp-Oil_ can be removed, from floors, carpets, and other articles, by
+spreading upon the stain a paste, made of fuller's earth or potter's
+clay, and renewing it, when dry, till the stain is removed. If gall be
+put into the paste, it will preserve the colors from injury. When the
+stain has been removed, carefully brush off the paste, with a soft
+brush.
+
+_Oil-Paint_ can be removed, by rubbing it with _very pure_ spirits of
+turpentine. The impure spirit leaves a grease-spot. _Wax_ can be
+removed, by scraping it off, and then holding a red-hot poker near the
+spot. _Spermaceti_ may be removed by scraping it off, then putting a
+paper over the spot, and applying a warm iron. If this does not answer,
+rub on spirits of wine.
+
+_Ink-Stains_, in carpets and woollen table-covers, can be removed, by
+washing the spot in a liquid, composed of one teaspoonful of oxalic acid
+dissolved in a teacupful of warm (not hot) water, and then rinsing in
+cold water.
+
+_Stains on Varnished Articles_, which are caused by cups of hot water,
+can be removed, by rubbing them with lamp-oil, and then with alcohol.
+Ink-stains can be taken out of mahogany, by one teaspoonful of oil of
+vitriol mixed with one tablespoonful of water, or by oxalic acid and
+water. These must be brushed over quickly, and then washed off with
+milk.
+
+
+_Modes of Cleansing Various Articles._
+
+_Silk Handkerchiefs_ and _Ribands_ can be cleansed, by using French
+chalk to take out the grease, and then sponging them, on both sides,
+with lukewarm fair water. Stiffen them with gum Arabic, and press them
+between white paper, with an iron not very hot. A tablespoonful of
+spirits of wine to three quarts of water, improves it.
+
+_Silk Hose_, or _Silk Gloves_, should be washed in warm suds made with
+white soap, and rinsed in cold water; they should then be stretched and
+rubbed, with a hard-rolled flannel, till they are quite dry. Ironing
+them, very much injures their looks. _Washleather_ articles should have
+the grease removed from them, by French chalk, or magnesia; they should
+then be washed in warm suds, and rinsed in cold water. _White Kid
+Gloves_ should have the grease removed from them, as above directed.
+They should then be brushed, with a soft brush, and a mixture of
+fuller's earth and magnesia. In an hour after, rub them with flannel,
+dipped in bran and powdered whiting. _Colored or Hoskin's gloves_ can be
+cleansed, very nicely, by _pure_ spirits of turpentine, put on with a
+woollen cloth, and rubbed from wrist to fingers. Hang them for several
+days in the air, and all the unpleasant smell will be removed.
+_Gentlemen's white gloves_ should be washed with a sponge, in
+white-soapsuds; then wiped, and dried on the hands. _Swan's-down
+tippets, and capes_, should be washed in white-soapsuds, squeezing, and
+not rubbing them; then rinse them in two waters, and shake and stretch
+them while drying. _Ostrich feathers_ can also be thus washed. Stiffen
+them, with starch, wet in cold water and not boiled. Shake them in the
+air, till nearly dry, then hold them before the fire, and curl them with
+dull scissors, giving each fibre a twitch, turning it inward, and
+holding it so for a moment.
+
+_Straw and Leghorn Hats_, can be cleansed, by simply washing them in
+white-soapsuds. Remove grease, by French chalk, and stains, by diluted
+oxalic acid, or cream of tartar. The oxalic acid is best, but must be
+instantly washed off. _To whiten them_, drive nails in a barrel, near
+its bottom, so that cords can be stretched across. On these cords, tie
+the bonnet, wet with suds, (having first removed the grease, stains, and
+dirt.) Then invert the barrel, over a dish of coals, on which roll
+brimstone is slowly burning. Put a chip under one side of the barrel, to
+admit the air. Continue this, till the bonnet is white; then hang it in
+the air, (when the weather is not damp,) till the smell is removed. Then
+stiffen it with a solution of isinglass or gum Arabic, put on the
+inside, with a sponge. Press the crown, on a block, and the rest on a
+board, on the right side, putting muslin between the iron and straw, and
+pressing hard. Be careful not to make it too stiff. First, stiffen a
+small piece, for trial.
+
+
+ON COLORING.
+
+_Precautions and Preparations._
+
+All the articles must be entirely free from grease or oil, and also, in
+most cases, from soapsuds. Make light dyes in brass, and dark ones in
+iron, vessels. Always wet the articles, in fair water, before dyeing.
+Always carefully strain the dye. If the color be too light, dry and then
+dip the article again. Stir the article well in the dye, lifting it up
+often. Remove any previous color, by boiling in suds, or, what is
+better, in the soda mixture used for washing.
+
+_Pink Dye._ Buy a saucer of carmine, at an apothecary's. With it, you
+will find directions for its use. This is cheap, easy to use, and
+beautiful. _Balm blossoms_ and _Bergamot blossoms_, with a little cream
+of tartar in the water, make a pretty pink.
+
+_Red Dye._ Take half a pound of wheat bran, three ounces of powdered
+alum, and two gallons of soft water. Boil these in a brass vessel, and
+add an ounce of cream of tartar, and an ounce of cochineal, tied up
+together in a bag. Boil the mixture for fifteen minutes, then strain it,
+and dip the articles. Brazil wood, set with alum, makes another red dye.
+
+_Yellow Dye._ Fustic, turmeric powder, saffron, barberry-bush,
+peach-leaves, or marigold flowers, make a yellow dye. Set the dye with
+alum, putting a piece the size of a large hazelnut to each quart of
+water.
+
+_Light Blue Dye_, for silks and woollens, is made with the 'blue
+composition,' to be procured of the hat-makers; fifteen drops to a quart
+of water. Articles dipped in this, must be thoroughly rinsed. For a
+_dark blue_, boil four ounces of copperas in two gallons of water. Dip
+the articles in this, and then in a strong decoction of logwood, boiled
+and strained. Then wash them thoroughly in soapsuds.
+
+_Green Dye._ First color the article yellow; and then, if it be silk or
+woollen, dip it in 'blue composition.' Instead of ironing, rub it with
+flannel, while drying.
+
+_Salmon Color_ is made by boiling arnotto or anotta in soapsuds.
+
+_Buff Color_ is made by putting one teacupful of potash, tied in a bag,
+in two gallons of hot (not boiling) water, and adding an ounce of
+arnotto, also in a bag, keeping it in for half an hour. First, wet the
+article in strong potash-water. Dry and then rinse in soapsuds. Birch
+bark and alum also make a buff. Black alder, set with ley, makes an
+orange color.
+
+_Dove and Slate Colors_, of all shades, are made by boiling, in an iron
+vessel, a teacupful of black tea, with a teaspoonful of copperas. Dilute
+this, till you get the shade wanted. Purple sugar-paper, boiled, and set
+with alum, makes a similar color.
+
+_Brown Dye._ Boil half a pound of camwood (in a bag) in two gallons of
+water, for fifteen minutes. Wet the articles, and boil them for a few
+minutes in the dye. White-walnut bark, the bark of sour sumach, or of
+white maple, set with alum, make a brown color.
+
+_Black Dye._ Let one pound of chopped logwood remain all night in one
+gallon of vinegar. Then boil them, and put in a piece of copperas, as
+large as a hen's egg. Wet the articles in warm water, and put them in
+the dye, boiling and stirring them for fifteen minutes. Dry them, then
+wet them in warm water, and dip them again. Repeat the process, till the
+articles are black enough. Wash them in suds, and rinse them till the
+water comes off clear. Iron nails, boiled in vinegar, make a black dye,
+which is good for restoring rusty black silks.
+
+_Olive Color._ Boil fustic and yellow-oak bark together. The more
+fustic, the brighter the olive; the more oak bark, the darker the shade.
+Set the light shade with a few drops of oil of vitriol, and the dark
+shade with copperas.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+ON THE CARE OF PARLORS.
+
+
+In selecting the furniture of parlors, some reference should be had to
+correspondence of shades and colors. Curtains should be darker than the
+walls; and, if the walls and carpets be light, the chairs should be
+dark, and _vice versa_. Pictures always look best on light walls.
+
+In selecting carpets, for rooms much used, it is poor economy to buy
+cheap ones. _Ingrain_ carpets, of close texture, and the _three-ply_
+carpets, are best for common use. _Brussels_ carpets do not wear so long
+as the three-ply ones, because they cannot be turned. _Wilton_ carpets
+wear badly, and _Venetians_ are good only for halls and stairs.
+
+In selecting colors, avoid those in which there are any black threads;
+as they are always rotten. The most tasteful carpets, are those, which
+are made of various shades of the same color, or of all shades of only
+two colors; such as brown and yellow, or blue and buff, or salmon and
+green, or all shades of green, or of brown. All very dark shades should
+be brown or green, but not black.
+
+In laying down carpets, it is a bad practice to put straw under them, as
+this makes them wear out in spots. Straw matting, laid under carpets,
+makes them last much longer, as it is smooth and even, and the dust
+sifts through it. In buying carpets, always get a few yards over, to
+allow for waste in matching figures.
+
+In cutting carpets, make them three or four inches shorter than the
+room, to allow for stretching. Begin to cut _in the middle_ of a figure,
+and it will usually match better. Many carpets match in two different
+ways, and care must be taken to get the right one. Sew a carpet on the
+wrong side, with double waxed thread, and with the _ball-stitch_. This
+is done by taking a stitch on the breadth next you, pointing the needle
+towards you; and then taking a stitch on the other breadth, pointing the
+needle from you. Draw the thread tightly, but not so as to pucker. In
+fitting a breadth to the hearth, cut slits in the right place, and turn
+the piece under. Bind _the whole_ of the carpet, with carpet-binding,
+nail it with tacks, having bits of leather under the heads. To stretch
+the carpet, use a carpet-fork, which is a long stick, ending with
+notched tin, like saw-teeth. This is put in the edge of the carpet, and
+pushed by one person, while the nail is driven by another. Cover blocks,
+or bricks, with carpeting, like that of the room, and put them behind
+tables, doors, sofas, &c., to preserve the walls from injury, by
+knocking, or by the dusting-cloth.
+
+Cheap footstools, made of a square plank, covered with tow-cloth,
+stuffed, and then covered with carpeting, with worsted handles, look
+very well. Sweep carpets as seldom as possible, as it wears them out. To
+shake them often, is good economy. In cleaning carpets, use damp tea
+leaves, or wet Indian meal, throwing it about, and rubbing it over with
+the broom. The latter, is very good for cleansing carpets made dingy by
+coal-dust. In brushing carpets in ordinary use, it will be found very
+convenient to use a large flat dust-pan, with a perpendicular handle a
+yard high, put on so that the pan will stand alone. This can be carried
+about, and used without stooping, brushing dust into it with a common
+broom. The pan must be very large, or it will be upset.
+
+When carpets are taken up, they should be hung on a line, or laid on
+long grass, and whipped, first on one side, and then on the other, with
+pliant whips. If laid aside, they should be sewed up tight, in linen,
+having snuff or tobacco put along all the crevices where moths could
+enter. Shaking pepper, from a pepper-box, round the edge of the floor,
+under a carpet, prevents the access of moths.
+
+Carpets can be best washed on the floor, thus: First shake them; and
+then, after cleaning the floor, stretch and nail them upon it. Then
+scrub them in cold soapsuds, having half a teacupful of ox-gall to a
+bucket of water. Then wash off the suds, with a cloth, in fair water.
+Set open the doors and windows, for two days or more. Imperial Brussels,
+Venetian, ingrain, and three-ply, carpets, can be washed thus; but
+Wilton, and other plush-carpets, cannot. Before washing them, take out
+grease, with a paste, made of potter's clay, ox-gall, and water.
+
+Straw matting is best for chambers and Summer parlors. The checked, of
+two colors, is not so good to wear. The best, is the cheapest in the
+end. When washed, it should be done with salt water, wiping it dry; but
+frequent washing injures it. Bind matting with cotton binding. Sew
+breadths together like carpeting. In joining the ends of pieces, ravel
+out a part, and tie the threads together, turning under a little of each
+piece, and then, laying the ends close, nail them down, with nails
+having kid under their heads.
+
+In hanging pictures, put them so that the lower part shall be opposite
+the eye. Cleanse the glass of pictures with whiting, as water endangers
+the pictures. Gilt frames can be much better preserved by putting on a
+coat of copal varnish, which, with proper brushes, can be bought of
+carriage or cabinet-makers. When dry, it can be washed with fair water.
+Wash the brush in spirits of turpentine.
+
+Curtains, ottomans, and sofas covered with worsted, can be cleansed, by
+wheat-bran, rubbed on with flannel. Dust Venetian blinds with feather
+brushes. Buy light-colored ones, as the green are going out of fashion.
+Strips of linen or cotton, on rollers and pulleys, are much in use, to
+shut out the sun from curtains and carpets. Paper curtains, pasted on
+old cotton, are good for chambers. Put them on rollers, having cords
+nailed to them, so that when the curtain falls, the cord will be wound
+up. Then, by pulling the cord, the curtain will be rolled up.
+
+Mahogany furniture should be made in the Spring, and stand some months
+before it is used, or it will shrink and warp. Varnished furniture
+should be rubbed only with silk, except occasionally, when a little
+sweet-oil should be rubbed over, and wiped off carefully. For
+unvarnished furniture, use beeswax, a little softened with sweet-oil;
+rub it in with a hard brush, and polish with woollen and silk rags. Some
+persons rub in linseed-oil; others mix beeswax with a little spirits of
+turpentine and rosin, making it so that it can be put on with a sponge,
+and wiped off with a soft rag. Others, keep in a bottle the following
+mixture; two ounces of spirits of turpentine, four tablespoonfuls of
+sweet-oil, and one quart of milk. This is applied with a sponge, and
+wiped off with a linen rag.
+
+Hearths and jambs, of brick, look best painted over with blacklead,
+mixed with soft-soap. Wash the bricks which are nearest the fire with
+redding and milk, using a painter's brush. A sheet of zinc, covering the
+whole hearth, is cheap, saves work, and looks very well. A tinman can
+fit it properly.
+
+Stone hearths should be rubbed with a paste of powdered stone, (to be
+procured of the stonecutters,) and then brushed with a stiff brush.
+Kitchen-hearths, of stone, are improved by rubbing in lamp-oil.
+
+Stains can be removed from marble, by oxalic acid and water, or oil of
+vitriol and water, left on fifteen minutes, and then rubbed dry. Gray
+marble is improved by linseed-oil. Grease can be taken from marble, by
+ox-gall and potter's clay wet with soapsuds, (a gill of each.) It is
+better to add, also, a gill of spirits of turpentine. It improves the
+looks of marble, to cover it with this mixture, leaving it two days, and
+then rubbing it off.
+
+Unless a parlor is in constant use, it is best to sweep it only once a
+week, and at other times use a whisk-broom and dust-pan. When a parlor
+with handsome furniture is to be swept, cover the sofas, centre table,
+piano, books, and mantelpiece, with old cottons, kept for the purpose.
+Remove the rugs, and shake them, and clean the jambs, hearth, and
+fire-furniture. Then sweep the room, moving every article. Dust the
+furniture, with a dust-brush and a piece of old silk. A painter's brush
+should be kept, to remove dust from ledges and crevices. The dust-cloths
+should be often shaken and washed, or else they will soil the walls and
+furniture when they are used. Dust ornaments, and fine books, with
+feather brushes, kept for the purpose.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+ON THE CARE OF BREAKFAST AND DINING-ROOMS.
+
+
+An eating-room should have in it a large closet, with drawers and
+shelves, in which should be kept all the articles used at meals. This,
+if possible, should communicate with the kitchen, by a sliding window,
+or by a door, and have in it a window, and also a small sink, made of
+marble or lined with zinc, which will be a great convenience for washing
+nice articles. If there be a dumb-waiter, it is best to have it
+connected with such a closet. It may be so contrived, that, when it is
+down, it shall form part of the closet floor.
+
+A table-rug, or crumb-cloth, is useful to save carpets from injury.
+Bocking, or baize, is best. Always spread the same side up, or the
+carpet will be soiled by the rug. Table-mats are needful, to prevent
+injury to the table from the warm dishes. Teacup-mats, or small plates,
+are useful to save the table-cloths from dripping tea or coffee.
+Butter-knives, for the butter-plate, and salt-spoons, for salt-dishes,
+are designed to prevent those disgusting marks which are made, when
+persons use their own knives, to take salt or butter. A sugar-spoon
+should be kept in or by the sugar-dish, for the same purpose.
+Table-napkins, of diaper, are often laid by each person's plate, for
+use during the meal, to save the tablecloth and pocket-handkerchief. To
+preserve the same napkin for the same person, each member of the family
+has a given number, and the napkins are numbered to correspond, or else
+are slipped into ivory rings, which are numbered. A stranger has a clean
+one, at each meal. Tablecloths should be well starched, and ironed on
+the right side, and always, when taken off, folded in the ironed
+creases. _Doilies_ are colored napkins, which, when fruit is offered,
+should always be furnished, to prevent a person from staining a nice
+handkerchief, or permitting the fruit-juice to dry on the fingers.
+
+Casters and salt-stands should be put in order, every morning, when
+washing the breakfast things. Always, if possible, provide _fine_ and
+_dry_ table-salt, as many persons are much disgusted with that which is
+dark, damp, and coarse. Be careful to keep salad-oil closely corked, or
+it will grow rancid. Never leave the salt-spoons in the salt, nor the
+mustard-spoon in the mustard, as they are thereby injured. Wipe them,
+immediately after the meal.
+
+For table-furniture, French china is deemed the nicest, but it is liable
+to the objection of having plates, so made, that salt, butter, and
+similar articles, will not lodge on the edge, but slip into the centre.
+Select knives and forks, which have weights in the handles, so that,
+when laid down, they will not touch the table. Those with rivetted
+handles last longer than any others. Horn handles (except buckhorn) are
+very poor. The best are cheapest in the end. Knives should be sharpened
+once a month, unless they are kept sharp by the mode of scouring.
+
+
+_On Setting Tables._
+
+Neat housekeepers observe the manner in which a table is set more than
+any thing else; and to a person of good taste, few things are more
+annoying, than to see the table placed askew; the tablecloth soiled,
+rumpled, and put on awry; the plates, knives, and dishes thrown about,
+without any order; the pitchers soiled on the outside, and sometimes
+within; the tumblers dim; the caster out of order; the butter pitched on
+the plate, without any symmetry; the salt coarse, damp, and dark; the
+bread cut in a mixture of junks and slices; the dishes of food set on at
+random, and without mats; the knives dark or rusty, and their handles
+greasy; the tea-furniture all out of order, and every thing in similar
+style. And yet, many of these negligences will be met with, at the
+tables of persons who call themselves well bred, and who have wealth
+enough to make much outside show. One reason for this, is, the great
+difficulty of finding domestics, who will attend to these things in a
+proper manner, and who, after they have been repeatedly instructed, will
+not neglect nor forget what has been said to them. The writer has known
+cases, where much has been gained by placing the following rules in
+plain sight, in the place where the articles for setting tables are
+kept.
+
+
+_Rules for setting a Table._
+
+1. Lay the rug square with the room, and also smooth and even; then set
+the table also square with the room, and see that the _legs_ are in the
+right position to support the leaves.
+
+2. Lay the tablecloth square with the table, _right side up_, smooth,
+and even.
+
+3. Put on the teatray (for breakfast or tea) square with the table; set
+the cups and saucers at the front side of the teatray, and the sugar,
+slop-bowls, and cream-cup, at the back side. Lay the sugar-spoon or
+tongs on the sugar-bowl.
+
+4. Lay the plates around the table, at equal intervals, and the knives
+and forks at regular distances, each in the same particular manner, with
+a cup-mat, or cup-plate, to each, and a napkin at the right side of each
+person.
+
+5. If meat be used, set the caster and salt-cellars in the centre of the
+table; then lay mats for the dishes, and place the carving-knife and
+fork and steel by the master of the house. Set the butter on two plates,
+one on either side, with a butter-knife by each.
+
+6. Set the tea or coffee-pot on a mat, at the right hand of the teatray,
+(if there be not room upon it.) Then place the chairs around the table,
+and call the family.
+
+
+_For Dinner._
+
+1. Place the rug, table, tablecloth, plates, knives and forks, and
+napkins, as before directed, with a tumbler by each plate. In cold
+weather, set the plates where they will be warmed.
+
+2. Put the caster in the centre, and the salt-stands at two oblique
+corners, of the table, the latter between two large spoons crossed. If
+more spoons be needed, lay them on each side of the caster, crossed. Set
+the pitcher on a mat, either at a side-table, or, when there is no
+waiter, on the dining-table. Water looks best in glass decanters.
+
+3. Set the bread on the table, when there is no waiter. Some take a
+fork, and lay a piece on the napkin or tumbler by each plate. Others
+keep it in a tray, covered with a white napkin to keep off flies. Bread
+for dinner is often cut in small junks, and not in slices.
+
+4. Set the principal dish before the master of the house, and the other
+dishes in a regular manner. Put the carving-knife, fork, and steel, by
+the principal dish, and also a knife-rest, if one be used.
+
+5. Put a small knife and fork by the pickles, and also by any other
+dishes which need them. Then place the chairs.
+
+
+_On Waiting at Table._
+
+A domestic, who waits on the table, should be required to keep the hair
+and hands in neat order, and have on a clean apron. A small teatray
+should be used to carry cups and plates. The waiter should announce the
+meal (when ready) to the mistress of the family, then stand by the
+eating-room door, till all are in, then close the door, and step to the
+left side of the lady of the house. When all are seated, the waiter
+should remove the covers, taking care first to invert them, so as not to
+drop the steam on the tablecloth or guests. In presenting articles, go
+to the left side of the person. In pouring water never entirely fill the
+tumbler. The waiter should notice when bread or water is wanting, and
+hand it without being called. When plates are changed, be careful not to
+drop knives or forks. Brush off crumbs, with a crumb-brush, into a small
+waiter.
+
+When there is no domestic waiter, a light table should be set at the
+left side of the mistress of the house, on which the bread, water, and
+other articles not in immediate use, can be placed.
+
+
+_On Carving and Helping at Table._
+
+It is considered an accomplishment for a lady to know how to carve well,
+at her own table. It is not proper to stand in carving. The
+carving-knife should be sharp and thin. To carve fowls, (which should
+always be laid with the breast uppermost,) place the fork in the breast,
+and take off the wings and legs without turning the fowl; then cut out
+the merry thought, cut slices from the breast, take out the collar bone,
+cut off the side pieces, and then cut the carcass in two. Divide the
+joints in the leg of a turkey.
+
+In helping the guests, when no choice is expressed, give a piece of both
+the white and dark meat, with some of the stuffing. Inquire whether the
+guest will be helped to each kind of vegetable, and put the gravy on the
+plate, and not on any article of food.
+
+In carving a sirloin, cut thin slices from the side next to you, (it
+must be put on the dish with the tenderloin underneath;) then turn it,
+and cut from the tenderloin Help the guest to both kinds.
+
+In carving a leg of mutton, or a ham, begin by cutting across the
+middle, to the bone. Cut a tongue across, and not lengthwise, and help
+from the middle part.
+
+Carve a forequarter of lamb, by separating the shoulder from the ribs,
+and then dividing the ribs. To carve a loin of veal, begin at the
+smaller end and separate the ribs. Help each one to a piece of the
+kidney and its fat. Carve pork and mutton in the same way.
+
+To carve a fillet of veal, begin at the top, and help to the stuffing
+with each slice. In a breast of veal, separate the breast and brisket,
+and then cut them up, asking which part is preferred. In carving a pig,
+it is customary to divide it, and take off the head, before it comes to
+the table; as, to many persons, the head is very revolting. Cut off the
+limbs, and divide the ribs. In carving venison, make a deep incision
+down to the bone, to let out the juices; then turn the broad end of the
+haunch towards you, cutting deep, in thin slices. For a saddle of
+venison, cut from the tail towards the other end, on each side, in thin
+slices. Warm plates are very necessary, with venison and mutton, and in
+Winter, are desirable for all meats.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+ON THE CARE OF CHAMBERS AND BEDROOMS.
+
+
+Every mistress of a family should see, not only that all sleeping-rooms
+in her house _can be_ well ventilated at night, but that they actually
+are so. Where there is no open fireplace to admit the pure air from the
+exterior, a door should be left open into an entry, or room where fresh
+air is admitted; or else a small opening should be made in a window,
+taking care not to allow a draught of air to cross the bed. The debility
+of childhood, the lassitude of domestics, and the ill-health of
+families, are often caused by neglecting to provide a supply of pure
+air. Straw matting is best for a chamber carpet, and strips of woollen
+carpeting may be laid by the side of the bed. Where chambers have no
+closets, a _wardrobe_ is indispensable. This is a moveable closet, with
+doors, divided, by a perpendicular partition, into two apartments. In
+one division, rows of hooks are placed, on which to hang dresses. The
+other division is fitted up with shelves, for other uses. Some are made
+with drawers at the bottom for shoes, and such like articles. A low
+square box, set on casters, with a cushion on the top, and a drawer on
+one side to put shoes in, is a great convenience in dressing the feet.
+An old champaigne basket, fitted up with a cushion on the lid, and a
+valance fastened to it to cover the sides, can be used for the same
+purpose.
+
+A comfortable couch, for chambers and sitting-rooms, can be made by a
+common carpenter, at a small expense. Have a frame made (like the
+annexed engraving, Fig. 38,) of common stuff, six feet long,
+twenty-eight inches wide, and twelve inches high. It must be made thus
+low, because the casters and cushions will raise it several inches. Have
+the sloping side-piece, _a_, and head-piece, _b_, sawed out of a board;
+nail brown linen on them, and stuff them with soft hay or hair. Let
+these be screwed to the frame, and covered with furniture patch. Then
+let slats be nailed across the bottom, as at _c_, _c_, four inches
+apart. This will cost two or three dollars. Then make a thick cushion,
+of hay or straw, with side strips, like a mattress, and lay this for the
+under-cushion. To put over this, make a thinner cushion, of hair, cover
+it with furniture-calico, and fasten to it a valance reaching to the
+floor. Then make two square pillows, and cover them with calico, like
+the rest. Both the cushions should be stitched through like mattresses.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 38.]
+
+The writer has seen a couch of this kind, in a common parlor, which
+cost less than eight dollars, was much admired, and was a constant
+comfort to the feeble mother, as well as many other members of the
+family.
+
+Another convenience, for a room where sewing is done in Summer, is a
+fancy-jar, set in one corner, to receive clippings, and any other
+rubbish. It can be covered with prints, or paintings, and varnished; and
+then looks very prettily.
+
+The trunks in a chamber can be improved in looks and comfort, by making
+cushions of the same size and shape, stuffed with hay and covered with
+chintz, with a frill reaching nearly to the floor.
+
+Every bedchamber should have a washstand, bowl, pitcher, and tumbler,
+with a washbucket under the stand, to receive slops. A light screen,
+made like a clothes-frame, and covered with paper or chintz, should be
+furnished for bedrooms occupied by two persons, so that ablutions can be
+performed in privacy. It can be ornamented, so as to look well anywhere.
+A little frame, or towel-horse, by the washstand, on which to dry
+towels, is a convenience. A washstand should be furnished with a sponge
+or washcloth, and a small towel, for wiping the basin after using it.
+This should be hung on the washstand or towel-horse, for constant use. A
+soap-dish, and a dish for toothbrushes, are neat and convenient, and
+each person should be furnished with two towels; one for the feet, and
+one for other purposes.
+
+It is in good taste to have the curtains, bedquilt, valance, and
+window-curtains, of similar materials. In making featherbeds,
+side-pieces should be put in, like those of mattresses, and the bed
+should be well filled, so that a person will not be buried in a hollow,
+which is not healthful, save in extremely cold weather. Featherbeds
+should never be used, except in cold weather. At other times, a thin
+mattress of hair, cotton and moss, or straw, should be put over them. A
+simple strip of broad straw matting, spread over a featherbed, answers
+the same purpose. Nothing is more debilitating, than, in warm weather,
+to sleep with a featherbed pressing round the greater part of the body.
+Pillows stuffed with papers an inch square, are good for Summer,
+especially for young children, whose heads should be kept cool. The
+cheapest and best covering of a bed, for Winter, is a _cotton
+comforter_, made to contain three or four pounds of cotton, laid in
+batts or sheets, between covers tacked together at regular intervals.
+They should be three yards square, and less cotton should be put at the
+sides that are tucked in. It is better to have two thin comforters, to
+each bed, than one thick one; as then the covering can be regulated
+according to the weather.
+
+Few domestics will make a bed properly, without much attention from the
+mistress of the family. The following directions should be given to
+those who do this work.
+
+Open the windows, and lay off the bed-covering, on two chairs, at the
+foot of the bed. After the bed is well aired, shake the feathers, from
+each corner to the middle; then take up the middle, and shake it well,
+and turn the bed over. Then push the feathers in place, making the head
+higher than the foot, and the sides even, and as high as the middle
+part. Then put on the bolster and the under sheet, so that the wrong
+side of the sheet shall go next the bed, and the _marking_ come at the
+head, tucking in all around. Then put on the pillows, even, so that the
+open ends shall come to the sides of the bed, and then spread on the
+upper sheet, so that the wrong side shall be next the blankets, and the
+marked end at the head. This arrangement of sheets is to prevent the
+part where the feet lie from being reversed, so as to come to the face,
+and also to prevent the parts soiled by the body from coming to the
+bedtick and blankets. Then put on the other covering, except the outer
+one, tucking in all around, and then turn over the upper sheet, at the
+head, so as to show a part of the pillows. When the pillow-cases are
+clean and smooth, they look best outside of the cover, but not
+otherwise. Then draw the hand along the side of the pillows, to make an
+even indentation, and then smooth and shape the whole outside. A nice
+housekeeper always notices the manner in which a bed is made; and in
+some parts of the Country, it is rare to see this work properly
+performed.
+
+The writer would here urge every mistress of a family, who keeps more
+than one domestic, to provide them with single beds, that they may not
+be obliged to sleep with all the changing domestics, who come and go so
+often. Where the room is too small for two beds, a narrow trucklebed
+under another, will answer. Domestics should be furnished with washing
+conveniences in their chambers, and be encouraged to keep their persons
+and rooms neat and in order.
+
+
+_On Packing and Storing Articles._
+
+Fold a gentleman's coat, thus:--Lay it on a table or bed, the inside
+downward, and unroll the collar. Double each sleeve once, making the
+crease at the elbow, and laying them so as to make the fewest wrinkles,
+and parallel with the skirts. Turn the fronts over the back and sleeves,
+and then turn up the skirts, making all as smooth as possible.
+
+Fold a shirt, thus:--One that has a bosom-piece inserted, lay on a bed,
+bosom downward. Fold each sleeve twice, and lay it parallel with the
+sides of the shirt. Turn the two sides, with the sleeves, over the
+middle part, and then turn up the bottom, with two folds. This makes the
+collar and bosom lie, unpressed, on the outside.
+
+Fold a frock thus:--Lay its front downward, so as to make the first
+creases in folding come in the side breadths. To do this, find the
+middle of the side breadths by first putting the middle of the front and
+back breadths together. Next, fold over the side creases so as just to
+meet the slit behind. Then fold the skirt again, so as to make the
+backs lie together within and the fronts without. Then arrange the
+waist and sleeves, and fold the skirt around them.
+
+In packing trunks, for travelling, put all heavy articles at the bottom,
+covered with paper, which should not be printed, as the ink rubs off.
+Put coats and pantaloons into linen cases, made for the purpose, and
+furnished with strings. Fill all crevices with small articles; as, if a
+trunk is not full, nor tightly packed, its contents will be shaken
+about, and get injured. A thin box, the exact size of the trunk, with a
+lid, and covered with brown linen, is a great convenience, to set
+inside, on the top of the trunk, to contain light articles which would
+be injured by tight packing. Have straps, with buckles, fastened to the
+inside, near the bottom, long enough to come up and buckle over this
+box. By this means, when a trunk is not quite full, this box can be
+strapped over so tight, as to keep the articles from rubbing.
+Under-clothing packs closer, by being rolled tightly, instead of being
+folded.
+
+Bonnet-boxes, made of light wood, with a lock and key, are better than
+the paper bandboxes so annoying to travellers. Carpet bags are very
+useful, to carry the articles to be used on a journey. The best ones
+have sides inserted, iron rims, and a lock and key. A large silk
+travelling-bag, with a double linen lining, in which are stitched
+receptacles for toothbrush, combs, and other small articles, is a very
+convenient article for use when travelling.
+
+A bonnet-cover, made of some thin material, like a large hood with a
+cape, is useful to draw over the bonnet and neck, to keep off dust, sun,
+and sparks from a steam engine. Green veils are very apt to stain
+bonnets, when damp.
+
+In packing household furniture, for moving, have each box numbered, and
+then have a book, in which, as each box is packed, note down the number
+of the box, and the order in which its contents are packed, as this will
+save much labor and perplexity when unpacking. In packing china and
+glass, wrap each article, separately, in paper, and put soft hay or
+straw at bottom and all around each. Put the heaviest articles at the
+bottom; and on the top of the box, write, "This side up."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+ON THE CARE OF THE KITCHEN, CELLAR, AND STOREROOM.
+
+
+If parents wish their daughters to grow up with good domestic habits,
+they should have, as one means of securing this result, a neat and
+cheerful kitchen. A kitchen should always, if possible, be entirely
+above ground, and well lighted. It should have a large sink, with a
+drain running under ground, so that all the premises may be kept sweet
+and clean. If flowers and shrubs be cultivated, around the doors and
+windows, and the yard near them be kept well turfed, it will add very
+much to their agreeable appearance. The walls should often be cleaned
+and whitewashed, to promote a neat look and pure air. The floor of a
+kitchen should be painted, or, which is better, covered with an
+oilcloth. To procure a kitchen oilcloth as cheaply as possible, buy
+cheap tow cloth, and fit it to the size and shape of the kitchen. Then
+have it stretched, and nailed to the south side of the barn, and, with a
+brush, cover it with a coat of thin rye paste. When this is dry, put on
+a coat of yellow paint, and let it dry for a fortnight. It is safest to
+first try the paint, and see if it dries well, as some paint never will
+dry. Then put on a second coat, and at the end of another fortnight, a
+third coat. Then let it hang two months, and it will last, uninjured,
+for many years. The longer the paint is left to dry, the better. If
+varnished, it will last much longer.
+
+A sink should be scalded out every day, and occasionally with hot ley.
+On nails, over the sink, should be hung three good dish-cloths, hemmed,
+and furnished with loops; one for dishes not greasy, one for greasy
+dishes, and one for washing pots and kettles. These should be put in the
+wash every week. The lady who insists upon this, will not be annoyed by
+having her dishes washed with dark, musty, and greasy, rags, as is too
+frequently the case.
+
+Under the sink should be kept a slop-pail; and, on a shelf by it, a
+soap-dish and two water-pails. A large boiler, of warm soft water,
+should always be kept over the fire, well covered, and a hearth-broom
+and bellows be hung near the fire. A clock is a very important article
+in the kitchen, in order to secure regularity at meals.
+
+
+_On Washing Dishes._
+
+No item of domestic labor is so frequently done in a negligent manner,
+by domestics, as this. A full supply of conveniences, will do much
+toward a remedy of this evil. A swab, made of strips of linen, tied to a
+stick, is useful to wash nice dishes, especially small, deep articles.
+Two or three towels, and three dish-cloths, should be used. Two large
+tin tubs, painted on the outside, should be provided; one for washing,
+and one for rinsing; also, a large old waiter, on which to drain the
+dishes. A soap-dish, with hard soap, and a fork, with which to use it, a
+slop-pail, and two pails for water, should also be furnished. Then, if
+there be danger of neglect, the following rules for washing dishes,
+legibly written, may be hung up by the sink, and it will aid in
+promoting the desired care and neatness.
+
+
+_Rules for Washing Dishes._
+
+1. Scrape the dishes, putting away any food which may remain on them,
+and which it may be proper to save for future use. Put grease into the
+grease-pot, and whatever else may be on the plates, into the slop-pail.
+Save tea-leaves, for sweeping. Set all the dishes, when scraped, in
+regular piles; the smallest at the top.
+
+2. Put the nicest articles in the wash-dish, and wash them in hot suds,
+with the swab or nicest dish-cloth. Wipe all metal articles, as soon as
+they are washed. Put all the rest into the rinsing-dish, which should
+be filled with hot water. When they are taken out, lay them to drain on
+the waiter. Then rinse the dish-cloth, and hang it up, wipe the articles
+washed, and put them in their places.
+
+3. Pour in more hot water, wash the greasy dishes with the dish-cloth
+made for them; rinse them, and set them to drain. Wipe them, and set
+them away. Wash the knives and forks, _being careful that the handles
+are never put in water_; wipe them, and then lay them in a knife-dish,
+to be scoured.
+
+4. Take a fresh supply of clean suds, in which, wash the milk-pans,
+buckets, and tins. Then rinse and hang up this dish-cloth, and take the
+other; with which, wash the roaster, gridiron, pots, and kettles. Then
+wash and rinse the dish-cloth, and hang it up. Empty the slop-bucket and
+scald it. Dry metal teapots and tins before the fire. Then put the
+fireplace in order, and sweep and dust the kitchen.
+
+Some persons keep a deep and narrow vessel, in which to wash knives with
+a swab, so that a careless domestic _cannot_ lay them in the water while
+washing them. This article can be carried into the eating-room, to
+receive the knives and forks, when they are taken from the table.
+
+
+_Kitchen Furniture._
+
+_Crockery._ Brown earthen pans are said to be best, for milk and for
+cooking. Tin pans are lighter, and more convenient, but are too cold for
+many purposes. Tall earthen jars, with covers, are good to hold butter,
+salt, lard, &c. Acids should never be put into the red earthen ware, as
+there is a poisonous ingredient in the glazing, which the acid takes
+off. Stone ware is better, and stronger, and safer, every way, than any
+other kind.
+
+_Iron Ware._ Many kitchens are very imperfectly supplied with the
+requisite conveniences for cooking. When a person has sufficient means,
+the following articles are all desirable. A nest of iron pots, of
+different sizes, (they should be slowly heated, when new;) a long iron
+fork, to take out articles from boiling water; an iron hook, with a
+handle, to lift pots from the crane; a large and small gridiron, with
+grooved bars, and a trench to catch the grease; a Dutch oven, called,
+also, a bakepan; two skillets, of different sizes, and a spider, or flat
+skillet, for frying; a griddle, a waffle-iron, tin and iron bake and
+bread-pans; two ladles, of different sizes; a skimmer; iron skewers; a
+toasting-iron; two teakettles, one small and one large one; two brass
+kettles, of different sizes, for soap-boiling, &c. Iron kettles, lined
+with porcelain, are better for preserves. The German are the best. Too
+hot a fire will crack them, but with care in this respect, they will
+last for many years.
+
+Portable furnaces, of iron or clay, are very useful, in Summer, in
+washing, ironing, and stewing, or making preserves. If used in the
+house, a strong draught must be made, to prevent the deleterious effects
+of the charcoal. A box and mill, for spice, pepper, and coffee, are
+needful to those who use these articles. Strong knives and forks, a
+sharp carving-knife, an iron cleaver and board, a fine saw, steelyards,
+chopping-tray and knife, an apple-parer, steel for sharpening knives,
+sugar-nippers, a dozen iron spoons, also a large iron one with a long
+handle, six or eight flatirons, one of them very small, two iron-stands,
+a ruffle-iron, a crimping-iron, are also desirable.
+
+_Tin Ware._ Bread-pans, large and small pattypans, cake-pans, with a
+centre tube to insure their baking well, pie-dishes, (of block-tin,) a
+covered butter-kettle, covered kettles to hold berries, two sauce-pans,
+a large oil-can, (with a cock,) a lamp-filler, a lantern, broad-bottomed
+candlesticks for the kitchen, a candle-box, a funnel or tunnel, a
+reflector, for baking warm cakes, an oven or tin-kitchen, an
+apple-corer, an apple-roaster, an egg-boiler, two sugar-scoops, and
+flour and meal-scoop, a set of mugs, three dippers, a pint, quart, and
+gallon measure, a set of scales and weights, three or four pails,
+painted on the outside, a slop-bucket, with a tight cover, painted on
+the outside, a milk-strainer, a gravy-strainer, a colander, a
+dredging-box, a pepper-box, a large and small grater, a box, in which to
+keep cheese, also a large one for cake, and a still larger one for
+bread, with tight covers. Bread, cake, and cheese, shut up in this way,
+will not grow dry as in the open air.
+
+_Wooden Ware._ A nest of tubs, a set of pails and bowls, a large and
+small sieve, a beetle for mashing potatoes, a spad or stick for stirring
+butter and sugar, a bread-board, for moulding bread and making
+pie-crust, a coffee-stick, a clothes-stick, a mush-stick, a meat-beetle
+to pound tough meat, an egg-beater, a ladle for working butter, a
+bread-trough, (for a large family,) flour-buckets, with lids to hold
+sifted flour and Indian meal, salt-boxes, sugar-boxes, starch and
+indigo-boxes, spice-boxes, a bosom-board, a skirt-board, a large
+ironing-board, two or three clothes-frames, and six dozen clothes-pins.
+
+_Basket Ware._ Baskets, of all sizes, for eggs, fruit, marketing,
+clothes, &c.; also chip-baskets. When often used, they should be washed
+in hot suds.
+
+_Other Articles._ Every kitchen needs a box containing balls of brown
+thread and twine, a large and small darning needle, rolls of waste-paper
+and old linen and cotton, and a supply of common holders. There should
+also be another box, containing a hammer, carpet-tacks, and nails of all
+sizes, a carpet-claw, screws and a screw-driver, pincers, gimlets of
+several sizes, a bed-screw, a small saw, two chisels, (one to use for
+buttonholes in broadcloth,) two awls, and two files.
+
+In a drawer, or cupboard, should be placed, cotton table-cloths, for
+kitchen use, nice crash towels, for tumblers, marked, T T; coarser
+towels, for dishes, marked, T; six large roller-towels; a dozen
+hand-towels, marked, H T; and a dozen hemmed dish-cloths, with loops.
+Also, two thick linen pudding or dumpling-cloths, a gelly-bag, made of
+white flannel, to strain gelly, a starch-strainer, and a bag for boiling
+clothes.
+
+In a closet, should be kept, arranged in order, the following articles:
+the dust-pan, dust-brush, and dusting-cloths, old flannel and cotton for
+scouring and rubbing, sponges for washing windows and looking-glasses, a
+long brush for cobwebs, and another for washing the outside of windows,
+whisk-brooms, common brooms, a coat-broom or brush, a whitewash-brush, a
+stove-brush, shoebrushes and blacking, articles for cleaning tin and
+silver, leather for cleaning metals, bottles containing stain-mixtures,
+and other articles used in cleansing.
+
+
+ON THE CARE OF THE CELLAR.
+
+A cellar should often be whitewashed, to keep it sweet. It should have a
+drain, to keep it perfectly dry, as standing water, in a cellar, is a
+sure cause of disease in a family. It is very dangerous to leave decayed
+vegetables in a cellar. Many a fever has been caused, by the poisonous
+miasm thus generated. The following articles are desirable in a cellar:
+a safe, or moveable closet, with sides of wire or perforated tin, in
+which cold meats, cream, and other articles should be kept; (if ants be
+troublesome, set the legs in tin cups of water;) a refrigerator, or
+large wooden box, on feet, with a lining of tin or zinc, and a space
+between the tin and wood filled with powdered charcoal, having at the
+bottom, a place for ice, a drain to carry off the water, and also
+moveable shelves and partitions. In this, articles are kept cool. It
+should be cleaned, once a week. Filtering jars, to purify water, should
+also be kept in the cellar. Fish and cabbages, in a cellar, are apt to
+scent a house, and give a bad taste to other articles.
+
+
+STOREROOM.
+
+Every house needs a storeroom, in which to keep tea, coffee, sugar,
+rice, candles, &c. It should be furnished with jars, having labels, a
+large spoon, a fork, sugar and flour-scoops, a towel, and a dish-cloth.
+
+
+_Modes of destroying Insects and Vermin._
+
+_Bed-bugs_ should be kept away, by filling every chink in the bedstead
+with putty, and, if it be old, painting it over. Of all the mixtures for
+killing them, _corrosive sublimate and alcohol_ is the surest. This is a
+strong poison.
+
+_Cockroaches_ may be destroyed, by pouring boiling water into their
+haunts, or setting a mixture of arsenic, mixed with Indian meal and
+molasses, where they are found. Chloride of lime and sweetened water
+will also poison them.
+
+_Fleas._ If a dog be infested with these insects, put him in a tub of
+warm soapsuds, and they will rise to the surface. Take them off, and
+burn them. Strong perfumes, about the person, diminish their attacks.
+When caught between the fingers, plunge them in water, or they will
+escape.
+
+_Crickets._ Scalding, and sprinkling Scotch snuff about the haunts of
+these insects, are remedies for the annoyance caused by them.
+
+_Flies_ can be killed, in great quantities, by placing about the house
+vessels, filled with sweetened water and _cobalt_. Six cents worth of
+cobalt is enough for a pint of water. It is very poisonous.
+
+_Musquitoes._ Close nets around a bed, are the only sure protection at
+night, against these insects. Spirit of hartshorn is the best antidote
+for their bite. Salt and water is good.
+
+_Red_ or _Black Ants_ may be driven away, by scalding their haunts, and
+putting Scotch snuff wherever they go for food. Set the legs of closets
+and safes in pans of water, and they cannot get at them.
+
+_Moths._ Airing clothes does not destroy moths, but laying them in a hot
+sun does. If articles be tightly sewed up in linen, and fine tobacco be
+put about them, it is a sure protection. This should be done in April.
+
+_Rats and Mice._ A good cat is the best remedy for these annoyances.
+Equal quantities of hemlock, (or _cicuta_,) and old cheese, will poison
+them, but this renders the house liable to the inconvenience of a bad
+smell. This evil, however, may be lessened, by placing a dish,
+containing oil of vitriol poured on saltpetre, where the smell is most
+annoying. Chloride of lime and water is also good.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+ON SEWING, CUTTING, AND MENDING.
+
+
+Every young girl should be taught to do the following kinds of stitch,
+with propriety. Over-stitch, hemming, running, felling, stitching,
+back-stitch and run, buttonhole-stitch, chain-stitch, whipping, darning,
+gathering, and cross-stitch.
+
+In doing over-stitch, the edges should always be first fitted, either
+with pins or basting, to prevent puckering. In turning wide hems, a
+paper measure should be used, to make them even. Tucks, also, should be
+regulated by a paper measure. A fell should be turned, before the edges
+are put together, and the seam should be over-sewed, before felling. All
+biased or goring seams should be felled. For stitching, draw a thread,
+and take up two or three threads at a stitch.
+
+In making buttonholes, it is best to have a pair of scissors, made for
+the purpose, which cut very neatly. For broadcloth, a chisel and board
+are better. The best stitch is made by putting in the needle, and then
+turning the thread around it, near the eye. This is better than to draw
+the needle through, and then take up a loop. A thread should first be
+put across each side of the buttonhole, and also a stay-thread, or bar,
+at each end, before working it. In working the buttonhole, keep the
+stay-thread as far from the edge as possible. A small bar should be
+worked at each end. Whipping is done better by sewing _over_, and not
+under. The roll should be as fine as possible, the stitches short, the
+thread strong, and in sewing, every gather should be taken up.
+
+The rule for _gathering_, in shirts, is, to draw a thread, and then take
+up two threads and skip four. In _darning_, after the perpendicular
+threads are run, the crossing threads should interlace, exactly, taking
+one thread and leaving one, like woven threads.
+
+The neatest sewers always fit and baste their work, before sewing; and
+they say they always save time in the end, by so doing, as they never
+have to pick out work, on account of mistakes.
+
+It is wise to sew closely and tightly all new garments, which will never
+be altered in shape; but some are more nice than wise, in sewing frocks,
+and old garments, in the same style. However, this is the least common
+extreme. It is much more frequently the case, that articles, which ought
+to be strongly and neatly made, are sewed so that a nice sewer would
+rather pick out the threads and sew over again, than to be annoyed with
+the sight of grinning stitches, and vexed with constant rips.
+
+_Workbaskets._ It is very important to neatness, comfort, and success in
+sewing, that a lady's workbasket should be properly fitted up. The
+following articles are needful to the mistress of a family: a large
+basket, to hold work; having in it, fastened, a smaller basket, or box,
+containing a needle-book, in which are needles of every size, both
+blunts and sharps, with a larger number of those sizes most used; also,
+small and large darning-needles, for woollen, cotton, and silk; two
+tape-needles, large and small; nice scissors, for fine work; buttonhole
+scissors; an emery-bag; two balls of white and yellow wax; and two
+thimbles, in case one should be mislaid. When a person is troubled with
+damp fingers, a lump of soft chalk, in a paper, is useful, to rub on the
+ends of the fingers.
+
+Besides this box, keep in the basket, common scissors; small shears; a
+bag containing tapes, of all colors and sizes, done up in rolls; bags,
+one, containing spools of white, and another of colored, cotton thread,
+and another for silks, wound on spools or papers; a box or bag for nice
+buttons, and another for more common ones; a bag containing silk braid,
+welting cords, and galloon binding. Small rolls of pieces of white and
+brown linen and cotton, are also often needed. A brick pincushion is a
+great convenience, in sewing, and better than screw-cushions. It is made
+by covering half a brick with cloth, putting a cushion on the top, and
+covering it tastefully. It is very useful to hold pins and needles,
+while sewing, and to fasten long seams when basting and sewing.
+
+_To make a Frock._ The best way for a novice, is, to get a dress fitted
+(not sewed) at the best mantuamaker's. Then take out a sleeve, rip it
+to pieces, and cut out a pattern. Then take out half of the waist, (it
+must have a seam in front,) and cut out a pattern of the back and
+fore-body, both lining and outer part. In cutting the patterns, iron the
+pieces, smooth, let the paper be stiff, and, with a pin, prick holes in
+the paper, to show the gore in front, and the depth of the seams. With a
+pen and ink, draw lines from each pinhole, to preserve this mark. Then
+baste the parts together again, in doing which, the unbasted half will
+serve as a pattern. When this is done, a lady of common ingenuity can
+cut and fit a dress, by these patterns. If the waist of a dress be too
+tight, the seam under the arm must be let out; and in cutting a dress,
+an allowance should be made, for letting it out, if needful, at this
+seam. The lining of the fore-body must be biased.
+
+The linings for the waists of dresses should be stiffened cotton or
+linen. In cutting bias-pieces, for trimming, they will not set well,
+unless they are exact. In cutting them, use a long rule, and a lead
+pencil or piece of chalk. Welting-cords should be covered with
+bias-pieces; and it saves time, in many cases, to baste on the
+welting-cord, at the same time that you cover it. The best way to put on
+hooks and eyes, is to sew them on double broad tape, and then sew this
+on the frock-lining. They can then be moved easily, and do not show
+where they are sewed on.
+
+In cutting a sleeve, double it biased. The skirts of dresses look badly,
+if not full; and in putting on lining, at the bottom, be careful to have
+it a very little fuller than the dress, or it will shrink, and look
+badly. All thin silks look much better with lining, and last much
+longer, as do aprons, also. In putting a lining to a dress, baste it on
+each separate breadth, and sew it in at the seams, and it looks much
+better than to have it fastened only at the bottom. Make notches in
+selvedge, to prevent it from drawing up the breadth. Dresses, which are
+to be washed, should not be lined.
+
+Figured silks do not generally wear well, if the figure be large and
+satin-like. Black and plain-colored silks can be tested, by procuring
+samples, and making creases in them; fold the creases in a bunch, and
+rub them against a rough surface, of moreen or carpeting. Those which
+are poor, will soon wear off, at the creases. Plaids look becoming, for
+tall women, as they shorten the appearance of the figure. Stripes look
+becoming, on a large person, as they reduce the apparent size. Pale
+persons should not wear blue or green, and brunettes should not wear
+light delicate colors, except shades of buff, fawn, or straw color.
+Pearl white is not good for any complexion. Dead white and black look
+becoming on almost all persons. It is best to try colors, by
+candle-light, for evening dresses; as some colors, which look very
+handsome in the daylight, are very homely when seen by candle-light.
+Never cut a dress low in the neck, as this shows that a woman is not
+properly instructed in the rules of modesty and decorum, or that she has
+not sense enough to regard them. Never be in haste to be first in a
+fashion, and never go to the extremes.
+
+In buying linen, seek for that which has a round close thread, and is
+perfectly white; for, if it be not white, at first, it will never
+afterwards become so. Much that is called linen, at the shops, is half
+cotton, and does not wear so well as cotton alone. Cheap linens are
+usually of this kind. It is difficult to discover which are all linen;
+but the best way, is, to find a lot, presumed to be good, take a sample,
+wash it, and ravel it. If this be good, the rest of the same lot will
+probably be so. If you cannot do this, draw a thread, each way, and if
+both appear equally strong, it is probably all linen. Linen and cotton
+must be put in clean water, and boiled, to get out the starch, and then
+ironed. A long piece of linen, a yard wide, will, with care and
+calculation, make eight shirts. In cutting it, take a shirt of the right
+size, as a guide, in fitting and basting. Bosom-pieces, false collars,
+&c. must be cut and fitted, by a pattern which suits the person for whom
+the articles are designed. Gentlemen's night-shirts are made like other
+shirts, except that they are longer. In cutting chemises, if the cotton
+or linen is a yard wide, cut off small half gores, at the top of the
+breadths, and set them on the bottom. Use a long rule and a pencil, in
+cutting gores. In cutting cotton, which is quite wide, a seam can be
+saved, by cutting out two at once, in this manner:--cut off three
+breadths, and, with a long rule and a pencil, mark and cut off the
+gores, thus: from one breadth, cut off two gores, the whole length, each
+gore one fourth of the breadth, at the bottom, and tapering off to a
+point, at the top. The other two breadths are to have a gore cut off
+from each, which is one fourth wide at top, and two fourths at bottom.
+Arrange these pieces right, and they will make two chemises, one having
+four seams, and the other three. This is a much easier way of cutting,
+than sewing the three breadths together, in bag-fashion, as is often
+done. The biased, or goring seams, must always be felled. The sleeves
+and neck can be cut according to the taste of the wearer, by another
+chemise for a pattern. There should be a lining around the armholes,
+and stays at all corners. Six yards, of yard width, will make two
+chemises.
+
+Old silk dresses, quilted for skirts, are very serviceable. White
+flannel is soiled so easily, and shrinks so much in washing, that it is
+a good plan to color it a light dove-color, according to the receipt
+given on page 301. Cotton flannel, dyed thus, is also good for common
+skirts. In making up flannel, back-stitch and run the seams, and then
+cross-stitch them open. Nice flannel, for infants, can be ornamented,
+with very little expense of time, by turning up the hem, on the right
+side, and making a little vine at the edge, with saddler's silk. The
+stitch of the vine is a modification of buttonhole-stitch.
+
+Long night gowns are best, cut a little goring. It requires five yards,
+for a long nightgown, and two and a half for a short one. Linen
+nightcaps wear longer than cotton ones, and do not, like them, turn
+yellow. They should be ruffled with linen, as cotton borders will not
+last so long as the cap. A double-quilted wrapper is a great comfort, in
+case of sickness. It may be made of two old dresses. It should not be
+cut full, but rather like a gentleman's study-gown, having no gathers or
+plaits, but large enough to slip off and on with ease. A double gown, of
+calico, is also very useful. Most articles of dress, for grown persons
+or children, require patterns.
+
+_Bedding._ The best beds, are thick hair mattresses, which, for persons
+in health, are good for Winter as well as Summer use. Mattresses may
+also be made of husks, dried and drawn into shreds; also, of alternate
+layers of cotton and moss. The most profitable sheeting, is the Russian,
+which will last three times as long as any other. It is never perfectly
+white. Unbleached cotton is good for Winter. It is poor economy to make
+narrow and short sheets, as children and domestics will always slip them
+off, and soil the bedtick and bolster. They should be three yards long,
+and two and a half wide, so that they can be tucked in all around. All
+bed-linen should be marked and numbered, so that a bed can always be
+made properly, and all missing articles be known.
+
+_Mending._ Silk dresses will last much longer, by ripping out the
+sleeves, when thin, and changing the arms, and also the breadths of the
+skirt. Tumbled black silk, which is old and rusty, should be dipped in
+water, then be drained for a few minutes, without squeezing or pressing,
+and then ironed. Cold tea is better than water. Sheets, when worn thin
+in the middle, should be ripped, and the other edges sewed together.
+Window-curtains last much longer, if lined, as the sun fades and rots
+them. Broadcloth should be cut with reference to the way the nap runs.
+When pantaloons are thin, it is best to newly seat them, cutting the
+piece inserted in a curve, as corners are difficult to fit. When the
+knees are thin, it is a case of domestic surgery, which demands
+_amputation_. This is performed, by cutting off both legs, some distance
+above the knees, and then changing the legs. Take care to cut them off
+exactly of the same length, or in the exchange they will not fit. This
+method brings the worn spot under the knees, and the seam looks much
+better than a patch and darn. Hose can be cut down, when the feet are
+worn. Take an old stocking, and cut it up for a pattern. Make the heel
+short. In sewing, turn each edge, and run it down, and then sew over the
+edges. This is better than to stitch and then cross-stitch. Run thin
+places in stockings, and it will save darning a hole. If shoes are worn
+through on the sides, in the upper-leather, slip pieces of broadcloth
+under, and sew them around the holes. If, in sewing, the thread kinks,
+break it off and begin at the other end. In using spool-cotton, thread
+the needle with the end which comes off first, and not the end where you
+break it off. This often prevents kinks.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+
+ON THE CARE OF YARDS AND GARDENS.
+
+
+The authorities consulted in the preparation of this and kindred
+chapters, are, Loudon's Encyclopaedia of Gardening, Bridgeman's Young
+Gardener, Hovey's Magazine of Horticulture, the writings of Judge
+Buel,[T] and Downing's Landscape Gardening.
+
+
+_On the Preparation of Soil._
+
+If the garden soil be clayey, and adhesive, put on a covering of sand,
+three inches thick, and the same depth of well-rotted manure. Spade it
+in, as deep as possible, and mix it well. If the soil be sandy and
+loose, spade in clay and ashes. Ashes are good for all kinds of soil, as
+they loosen those which are close, hold moisture in those which are
+sandy, and destroy insects. The best kind of soil, is that, which will
+hold water the longest, without becoming hard, when dry.
+
+_To prepare Soil for Pot-plants_, take one fourth part of common soil,
+one fourth part of well-decayed manure, and one half of vegetable mould,
+from the woods, or from a chip-yard. Break up the manure, fine, and sift
+it through a lime-screen, (or coarse wire sieve.) These materials must
+be thoroughly mixed. When the common soil which is used, is adhesive,
+and, indeed, in most other cases, it is necessary to add sand, the
+proportion of which, must depend on the nature of the soil.
+
+_On the Preparation of a Hot Bed._ Dig a pit, six feet long, five feet
+wide, and thirty inches deep. Make a frame, of the same size, with the
+back two feet high, the front fifteen inches, and the sides sloped from
+the back to the front. Make two sashes, each three feet by five, with
+the panes of glass lapping like shingles, instead of having cross bars.
+Set the frame over the pit, which should then be filled with fresh
+horse-dung, which has not lain long, nor been sodden by water. Tread it
+down, hard, then put into the frame, light, and very rich soil, ten or
+twelve inches deep, and cover it with the sashes, for two or three days.
+Then stir the soil, and sow the seeds in shallow drills, placing sticks
+by them, to mark the different kinds. Keep the frame covered with the
+glass, whenever it is cold enough to chill the plants; but at all other
+times, admit fresh air, which is indispensable to their health. When the
+sun is quite warm, raise the glasses, enough to admit air, and cover
+them with matting or blankets, or else the sun may kill the young
+plants. Water the bed at evening, with water which has stood all day,
+or, if it be fresh drawn, add a little warm water. If there be too much
+heat in the bed, so as to scorch or wither the plants, make deep holes,
+with stakes, and fill them up when the heat is reduced. In very cold
+nights, cover the box with straw.
+
+
+_On Planting Flower Seeds._
+
+Break up the soil, till it is very soft, and free from lumps. Rub that
+nearest the surface, between the hands, to make it fine. Make a circular
+drill, a foot in diameter. For seeds as large as sweet peas, it should
+be half an inch deep. The smallest seeds must be planted very near the
+surface, and a very little fine earth be sifted over them. Seeds are to
+be planted either deeper or nearer the surface, according to their size.
+After covering them with soil, beat them down with a trowel, so as to
+make the earth as compact as it is after a heavy shower. Set up a stick,
+in the middle of the circle, with the name of the plant heavily written
+upon it, with a dark lead pencil. This remains more permanent, if white
+lead be first rubbed over the surface. Never plant, when the soil is
+very wet. In very dry times, water the seeds at night. Never use very
+cold water. When the seeds are small, many should be planted together,
+that they may assist each other in breaking the soil. When the plants
+are an inch high, thin them out, leaving only one or two, if the plant
+be a large one, like the Balsam; five or six, when it is of a medium
+size; and eighteen or twenty of the smaller size. Transplanting, retards
+the growth of a plant about a fortnight. It is best to plant at two
+different times, lest the first planting should fail, owing to wet or
+cold weather.
+
+
+_To Plant Garden Seeds._
+
+Make the beds a yard wide; lay across them a board, a yard long and a
+foot wide, and, with a stick, make a furrow, on each side of it, one
+inch deep. Scatter the seeds in this furrow, and cover them. Then lay
+the board over them and step on it, to press down the earth. When the
+plants are an inch high, thin them out, leaving spaces proportioned to
+their sizes. Seeds of a similar species, such as melons and squashes,
+should not be planted very near to each other, as this causes them to
+degenerate. The same kinds of vegetables should not be planted in the
+same place, for two years in succession.
+
+
+_On Transplanting._
+
+Transplant at evening, or, which is better, just before a shower. Take a
+round stick, sharpened at the point, and make openings to receive the
+plants. Set them a very little deeper than they were before, and press
+the soil firmly round them. Then water them, and cover them for three or
+four days, taking care that sufficient air be admitted. If the plant can
+be removed, without disturbing the soil around the root, it will not be
+at all retarded, by transplanting. Never remove leaves and branches,
+unless a part of the roots be lost.
+
+
+_To Re-pot House-Plants._
+
+Renew the soil, every year, soon after the time of blossoming. Prepare
+soil, as previously directed. Loosen the earth from the pot, by passing
+a knife around the sides. Turn the plant upside down, and remove the
+pot. Then remove all the matted fibres at the bottom, and all the earth,
+except that which adheres to the roots. From woody plants, like roses,
+shake off all the earth. Take the new pot, and put a piece of broken
+earthen-ware over the hole at the bottom; and then, holding the plant in
+the proper position, shake in the earth, around it. Then pour in water,
+to settle the earth, and heap on fresh soil, till the pot is even full.
+Small pots are considered better than large ones, as the roots are not
+so likely to rot, from excess of moisture.
+
+
+_On the Laying out of Yards and Gardens._
+
+In planting trees, in a yard, they should be arranged in groups, and
+never planted in straight lines, nor sprinkled about, as solitary trees.
+The object of this arrangement, is, to imitate Nature, and secure some
+spots of dense shade and some of cleared turf. In yards which are
+covered with turf, beds can be cut out of it, and raised for flowers. A
+trench should be made around, to prevent the grass from running on them.
+These beds can be made in the shape of crescents, ovals, or other
+fanciful forms, of which, the figure below is one specimen.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 39.]
+
+In laying out beds, in gardens and yards, a very pretty bordering can be
+made, by planting them with common flax seed, in a line about three
+inches from the edge. This can be trimmed, with shears, when it grows
+too high.
+
+
+_On the Cultivation of Bulbs, and Tuberous Roots._
+
+For planting the _Amaryllis_, take one third part of leaf mould, half as
+much sand, and the remainder, earth from under fresh grass sods. Plant
+them in May. The bulb should not be set more than half its depth in the
+ground.
+
+The _Anemone_ and _Ranunculus_ are medium, or half-hardy, roots. They
+should be planted in soil which is enriched with cowdung, and the beds
+should be raised only an inch from the walk. They must be planted in
+October, in drills, two inches deep, the claws of the roots downward,
+and be shaded when they begin to bud.
+
+The _Crocus_ must be planted in October, two inches deep, and four
+inches apart. In measuring the depth, always calculate from the top of
+the bulb.
+
+_Crown Imperial._ This must be planted in September, three or four
+inches deep; and need not be taken up but once in three years.
+
+_Gladiolus._ Those who have greenhouses, or pits, plant the Gladiolus in
+October, and preserve it in pots through the Winter. Those who have not
+these conveniences, may plant these bulbs late in April. The earth must
+be composed of one half common soil, one fourth leaf mould, and one
+fourth sand. Plant them about an inch deep.
+
+_Hyacinths_ should be planted in October, eight inches apart, and three
+or four inches deep, in a rich soil.
+
+_Jonquilles_ should be planted in October, two inches deep, in a rich
+soil, and should not be taken up oftener than once in three years.
+
+_Narcissus._ This should be planted in October, four inches deep;
+covered, through the Winter, with straw and leaves, six inches thick;
+and uncovered in the middle of March.
+
+_Oxalis._ Plant this in September, in a soil, composed of two thirds
+common earth, and one third leaf mould. The old bulb dies after
+blossoming, and is succeeded by a new one.
+
+Plant _Tulips_, in rich soil, in October, three inches deep.
+
+Plant _Tuberoses_ late in April, in a rich, sandy soil. They are
+delicate plants, and should be covered, in case of frosts.
+
+_Daffodils_ should be planted two inches deep.
+
+When bulbs have done flowering, and their leaves begin to decay, they
+should be taken up and dried, and kept in a dry place, till October,
+when they are to be replanted, taking off the offsets, and putting them
+in a bed by themselves.
+
+Bulbs which blossom in water, or are in any other way forced to bloom
+out of season, are so much exhausted by it, that it takes them two or
+three years to recover their beauty.
+
+_Dahlias._ Dig a hole, a foot and a half deep; fill it with very light,
+loose, and rich, soil; and drive in a stake, a yard and a half high, to
+which, to tie the future plants. Then set in the root, so that it shall
+be an inch below the soil, where the sprout starts. When the plants are
+two feet high, tie them to the stakes, and take off some of the lower
+side-shoots. Continue to tie them, as their growth advances. If the
+roots are planted in the open borders, without any previous growth, it
+should be done as early as the first of May, and they should be covered
+from the frosts. When they are brought forward, in pots or hot-beds,
+they should be put out, in the middle of June. It is said, by gardeners,
+that late planting, is better than early, for producing perfect flowers.
+In the Autumn, after the frosts have destroyed the tops, let the roots
+remain awhile in the ground, to ripen; then dig them up, and pack them
+away, in some place where they will neither mould, from dampness, nor
+freeze. In the Spring, these roots will throw out sprouts, and must then
+be divided, so as to leave a good shoot, attached to a piece of the
+tuber or old stem, and each shoot will make a new plant. It is stated,
+that if the shoots themselves, without any root, be planted in light
+soil, covered with a bell-glass, or large tumbler, and carefully
+watered, they will produce plants superior to those with roots.
+
+
+_Annuals_
+
+These are flowers which last only one season. They should be so planted,
+that the tallest may be in the middle of a bed, and the shortest at the
+edges; and flowers of a similar color should not be planted adjacent to
+each other.
+
+The following is a list of some of the handsomest Annuals, arranged with
+reference to their color and height. Those with a star before them, do
+best when sowed in the Autumn. Those with _tr._ after them, are trailing
+plants.
+
+
+SIX INCHES TO ONE FOOT HIGH.
+
+_White._ Ice Plant, Sweet Alyssum, White Leptosiphon, Walker's
+Schizopetalon, Blumenbachia insignis, *Candytuft.
+
+_Yellow._ *Yellow Chryseis or Eschscholtzia, Sanvitalia procumbens,
+_tr._, Musk-flowered Mimulus.
+
+_Rose._ Many-flowered Catchfly, Rose-colored Verbena, _tr._
+
+_Red._ *Chinese Annual Pink, Virginian Stock, Calandrinia Speciosa.
+
+_Blue._ Graceful Lobelia, Nemophila insignis, Clintonia pulchella,
+Clintonia elegans, Nolana atriplicifolia, _tr._, Anagallis indica,
+Commelina coelestis, Grove Love, Pimpernel (blue.)
+
+_Varying Colors._ *Heart's Ease, or Pansy, Dwarf Love in a Mist, *Rose
+Campion.
+
+
+ONE FOOT TO EIGHTEEN INCHES HIGH.
+
+_White._ Venus's Looking Glass, Priest's Schizanthus, Sweet-scented
+Stevia, White Evening Primrose.
+
+_Yellow._ Drummond's Coreopsis, *New Dark Coreopsis, Golden Hawkweed,
+Dracopis amplexicaulis, Drummond's Primrose, Cladanthus arabicus,
+Peroffsky's Erysimum.
+
+_Rose._ Drummond's Phlox, Rodanthe, Rose-colored Nonea, Clarkia rosea,
+Silene Tenorei, Silene armeria.
+
+_Red._ Crimson Coxcomb, Silene pendula, Crimson Dew Plant, _tr._
+
+_Scarlet._ Cacalia coccinea, Flos Adonis, Scarlet Zinnia, Mexican
+Cuphea.
+
+_Lilac and Purple._ Clarkia elegans, Clarkia pulchella, *Purple
+Candytuft, *Purple Petunia, _tr._, *Crimson Candytuft, Double Purple
+Jacobaea, Leptosiphon androsaceus, all the varieties of Schizanthus,
+Veined Verbena, _tr._, *Purple eternal Flower.
+
+_Blue._ Ageratum Mexicanum, *Gilia capitata, Spanish Nigella, Blue
+Eutoca, Dwarf Convolvulus, Didiscus coeruleus.
+
+_Lilac, Purple_, or _Blue and White._ Collinsia bicolor, Gilia tricolor.
+
+_Very Dark._ Lotus Jacobaeus, Salpiglossis, Scabious.
+
+_Colors varying._ German Aster, Balsam, Rocket Larkspur, Ten-week Stock,
+Poppy.
+
+
+EIGHTEEN INCHES TO TWO FEET.
+
+_White._ *White Petunia, _tr._, White Clarkia, Double White Jacobaea,
+Love in a Mist.
+
+_Red._ *Lavatera trimestris, Red Zinnia, Malva miniata.
+
+_Lilac and Purple._ Globe Amaranthus, Purple Sweet Sultan, Sweet
+Scabious, Purple Zinnia, Prince's Feather, Large Blue Lupine, *Catchfly.
+
+
+TWO FEET AND UPWARDS.
+
+_White._ Winged Ammobium, *White Lavatera, White Sweet Sultan, *New
+White Eternal Flower, White Helicrysum, *White Larkspur.
+
+_Yellow._ Golden Bartonia, *Golden Coreopsis, Yellow Sweet Sultan,
+African Marigold, Yellow Argemone, French Marigold, Yellow Coxcomb,
+Yellow Hibiscus.
+
+The Malope grandiflora and the Cleome are fine tall annuals.
+
+
+_Climbing Plants._
+
+The following are the most beautiful _annual climbers_: Crimson, and
+White, Cypress Vine; White, and Buff, Thunbergia; Scarlet Flowering
+Bean; Hyacinth Bean Loasa; Morning Glory; Crimson, and Spotted,
+Nasturtium; Balloon Vine; Sweet Pea; Tangier Pea; Lord Anson's Pea;
+Climbing Cobaea; Pink, and White, Maurandia.
+
+The following are the most valuable _perennial climbers_: Sweet-scented
+Monthly Honeysuckle; Yellow, White, and Coral, Honeysuckles; Purple
+Glycine; Clematis; Bitter Sweet; Trumpet Creeper.
+
+The Everlasting Pea is a beautiful perennial climber. The Climbing
+Cobaea, and Passion Flower, are also beautiful perennials, but must be
+protected in Winter.
+
+
+_Perennials._
+
+Those who cannot afford every year to devote the time necessary to the
+raising of annuals, will do well to supply their borders with
+perennials. The following is a list of some of those generally
+preferred.
+
+Adonis, yellow; Columbine, all colors; Alyssum, yellow; Asclepias,
+orange and purple; Bee Larkspur, blue; Perennial Larkspur, all colors;
+Cardinal Flower, scarlet; Chinese Pink, various colors; Clove Pink;
+Foxglove, purple and white; Gentian, purple and yellow; Hollyhock,
+various colors; *Lily of the Valley; American Phlox, various colors;
+Scarlet Lychnis; Monkshood, white and blue; *Spirea, white, and pink;
+*Ragged Robin, pink; Rudbeckia, yellow, and purple; Sweet William, in
+variety. Those marked with a star cannot be obtained from seed, but must
+be propagated by roots, layers, &c.
+
+
+_Herbaceous Roots._
+
+These are such as die to the root, in the Fall, and come up again in the
+Spring, such as Paeonies, crimson, white, sweet-scented, and
+straw-colored; Artemisia, of many colors; White and Purple
+Fleur-de-lis; White, Tiger, Fire, and other Lilies; Little Blue Iris;
+Chrysanthemums, &c. These are propagated by dividing the roots.
+
+
+_Shrubs._
+
+The following are the finest _Shrubs for yards_: Lilacs, (which, by
+budding, can have white and purple on the same tree,) Double Syringas,
+Double Althaeas, Corchorus Japonicus, Snow-berry, Double-flowering
+Almond, Pyrus Japonica, Common Barberry, Burning Bush, Rose Acacia,
+Yellow Laburnum. The following are the finest Roses: Moss Rose, White,
+and Red; Double and Single Yellow Rose, (the last needs a gravelly soil
+and northern exposure;) Yellow Multiflora; La Belle Africana; Small
+Eglantine, for borders; Champney's Blush Rose; Noisette; Greville, (very
+fine;) Damask; Blush, White, and Cabbage Roses. Moss Roses, when budded
+on other rose bushes, last only three years.
+
+_Shade Trees._ The following are among the finest: Mountain Ash;
+Ailanthus, or Tree of Heaven, (grows very fast;) Tulip Tree; Linden;
+Elm; Locust; Maple; Dog Wood; Horse Chestnut; Catalpa; Hemlock; Silver
+Fir; and Cedar. These should be grouped, in such a manner that trees of
+different shades of green, and of different heights, should stand in the
+same group.
+
+The Autumn is the best time for transplanting trees. Take as much of the
+root, as possible, especially the little fibres, which should never
+become dry. If kept long, before they are set out, put wet moss around
+them, and water them. Dig holes, larger than the extent of the roots;
+let one person hold the tree in its former position, and another place
+the roots, carefully, as they were before, cutting off any broken or
+wounded root. _Be careful not to let the tree be more than an inch
+deeper than it was before._ Let the soil be soft, and well manured;
+shake the tree, as the soil is shaken in, that it may mix well among
+the small fibres. Do not tread the earth down, while filling the hole;
+but, when it is full, raise a slight mound, of, say, four inches, and
+then tread it down. Make a little basin, two inches deep, around the
+stem, to hold water, and fill it. Never cut off leaves nor branches,
+unless some of the roots are lost. Tie the trees to a stake, and they
+will be more likely to live. Water them often.
+
+
+_On the Care of House-Plants._
+
+The soil of house-plants should be renewed every year, as previously
+directed. In Winter, they should be kept as dry as they can be without
+wilting. Many house-plants are injured by giving them too much water,
+when they have little light and fresh air. This makes them grow
+spindling. The more fresh air, warmth, and light, they have, the more
+water is needed. They ought not to be kept very warm in Winter, nor
+exposed to great changes of atmosphere. Forty degrees is a proper
+temperature for plants in Winter, when they have little sun and air.
+When plants have become spindling, cut off their heads, entirely, and
+cover the pot in the earth, where it has the morning sun, only. A new
+and flourishing head will spring out. Few house-plants can bear the sun
+at noon. When insects infest plants, set them in a closet, or under a
+barrel, and burn tobacco. The smoke kills any insect enveloped in it.
+When plants are frozen, cold water, and a gradual restoration of warmth,
+are the best remedies. Never use very cold water for plants, at any
+season.
+
+
+FOOTNOTE:
+
+[T] His 'Farmers' Companion' was written expressly for the larger series
+of 'THE SCHOOL LIBRARY,' issued by the publishers of this volume.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV.
+
+ON THE PROPAGATION OF PLANTS.
+
+
+Bulbous roots are propagated by offsets; some growing on the top, others
+around the sides. Many plants are propagated by cutting off twigs, and
+setting them in earth, so that two or three eyes are covered. To do
+this, select a side shoot, ten inches long, two inches of it, being of
+the preceding year's growth, and the rest, the growth of the season when
+it is set out. Do this, when the sap is running, and put a piece of
+crockery at the bottom of the shoot, when it is buried. One eye, at
+least, must be under the soil. Water it, and shade it in hot weather.
+Plants are also propagated by layers. To do this, take a shoot, which
+comes up near the root, bend it down, so as to bring several eyes under
+the soil, leaving the top above ground. If the shoot be cut half
+through, in a slanting direction, at one of these eyes, before burying
+it, the result is more certain. Roses, honeysuckles, and many other
+shrubs, are readily propagated thus. They will generally take root, by
+being simply buried; but cutting them, as here directed, is the best
+method. Layers are more certain than cuttings. For all woody plants,
+budding and grafting are favorite methods of propagation. In all such
+plants, there is an outer and inner bark; the latter containing the sap
+vessels, in which the nourishment of the tree ascends.
+
+The success of grafting, or inoculating, consists in so placing the bud
+or graft, that the sap vessels of the inner bark shall exactly join
+those of the plant into which they are grafted, so that the sap may pass
+from one into the other.
+
+The following are directions for _budding_, which may be performed at
+any time from July to September.
+
+Select a smooth place, on the stock into which you are to insert the
+bud. Make a horizontal cut, across the rind, through to the firm wood;
+and from the middle of this, make a slit downward, perpendicularly, an
+inch or more long, through to the wood. Raise the bark of the stock, on
+each side of the perpendicular cut, for the admission of the bud, as is
+shown in the annexed engraving, (Fig. 40.) Then take a shoot of this
+year's growth, and slice from it a bud, taking an inch below and an
+inch above it, and some portion of the wood under it. Then carefully
+slip off the woody part, under the bud. Examine whether the eye or gem
+of the bud be perfect. If a little hole appears in that part, the bud
+has lost its root, and another must be selected. Insert the bud, so that
+_a_, of the bud, shall pass to a, of the stock; then _b_, of the bud,
+must be cut off, to match the cut, b, in the stock, and fitted exactly
+to it, as it is this alone which insures success. Bind the parts, with
+fresh bass, or woollen yarn, beginning a little below the bottom of the
+perpendicular slit, and winding it closely round every part, except just
+over the eye of the bud, until you arrive above the horizontal cut. Do
+not bind it too tightly, but just sufficient to exclude air, sun, and
+wet. This is to be removed, after the bud is firmly fixed, and begins to
+grow.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 40.]
+
+Seed-fruit can be budded into any other seed-fruit, and stone-fruit into
+any other stone-fruit; but stone and seed-fruits, cannot be thus
+mingled.
+
+Rose bushes can have a variety of kinds budded into the same stock.
+Hardy roots are the best stocks. The branch above the bud, must be cut
+off, the next March or April after the bud is put in. Apples and pears,
+are more easily propagated by ingrafting, than by budding.
+
+Ingrafting is a similar process to budding, with this advantage; that it
+can be performed on large trees, whereas budding can be applied only on
+small ones. The two common kinds of ingrafting, are whip-grafting, and
+split-grafting. The first kind is for young trees, and the other for
+large ones.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 41.]
+
+The time for ingrafting, is from May to October. The cuttings must be
+taken from horizontal shoots, between Christmas and March, and kept in a
+damp cellar. In performing the operation, cut off, in a sloping
+direction, (as seen in Fig. 41,) the tree or limb to be grafted. Then
+cut off, in a corresponding slant, the slip to be grafted on. Then put
+them together, so that the inner bark of each shall match, exactly, on
+one side, and tie them firmly together, with woollen yarn. It is not
+essential that both be of equal size; if the bark of each meet together
+exactly on _one_ side, it answers the purpose. But the two must not
+differ much, in size. The slope should be an inch and a half, or more,
+in length. After they are tied together, the place should be covered
+with a salve or composition of beeswax and rosin. A mixture of clay and
+cowdung will answer the same purpose. This last must be tied on with a
+cloth. Grafting is more convenient than budding, as grafts can be sent
+from a great distance; whereas buds must be taken in July or August,
+from a shoot of the present year's growth, and cannot be sent to any
+great distance.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 42.]
+
+This engraving, (Fig. 42,) exhibits the mode called stock-grafting; _a_,
+being the limb of a large tree which is sawed off and split, and is to
+be held open by a small wedge, till the grafts are put in. A graft,
+inserted in the limb, is shown at _b_, and at _c_, is one not inserted,
+but designed to be put in at _d_, as two grafts can be put into a large
+stock. In inserting the graft, be careful to make the edge of the inner
+bark of the graft meet exactly the edge of the inner bark of the stock;
+for on this, success depends. After the grafts are put in, the wedge
+must be withdrawn, and the whole of the stock be covered with the thick
+salve or composition before mentioned, reaching from where the grafts
+are inserted, to the bottom of the slit. Be careful not to knock or move
+the grafts, after they are put in.
+
+
+_Pruning._
+
+The following rules for pruning, are from a distinguished
+horticulturist. Prune off all dead wood, and all the little twigs on the
+main limbs. Retrench branches, so as to give light and ventilation to
+the interior of the tree. Select the straight and perpendicular shoots,
+which give little or no fruit, while those which are most nearly
+horizontal, and somewhat curving, give fruit abundantly, and of good
+quality. Superfluous and ill-placed buds may be rubbed off, at any time;
+and no buds, pushing out after Midsummer, should be spared. In choosing
+between shoots to be retained, preserve the lowest placed; and, on
+lateral shoots, those which are nearest the origin. When branches cross
+each other, so as to rub, remove one or the other. Remove all suckers
+from the roots of trees or shrubs. Prune after the sap is in full
+circulation, (except in the case of grapes,) as the wounds then heal
+best. Some think it best to prune before the sap begins to run.
+Pruning-shears, and a pruning-pole, with a chisel at the end, can be
+procured of those who deal in agricultural utensils.
+
+
+_Thinning._
+
+As it is the office of the leaves to absorb nourishment from the
+atmosphere, they should never be removed, except to mature the wood or
+fruit. In doing this, remove such leaves as shade the fruit, as soon as
+it is ready to ripen. To do it earlier, impairs the growth. Do it
+gradually, at two different times. Thinning the fruit is important, as
+tending to increase its size and flavor, and also to promote the
+longevity of the tree. If the fruit be thickly set, take off one half,
+at the time of setting. Revise in June, and then in July, taking off all
+that may be spared. One _very large_ apple to every square foot, is a
+rule that may be a sort of guide, in other cases. According to this, two
+hundred large apples would be allowed to a tree, whose extent is fifteen
+feet by twelve. If any person think this thinning excessive, let him try
+two similar trees, and thin one as directed, and leave the other
+unthinned. It will be found that the thinned tree will produce an equal
+weight, and fruit of much finer flavor.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI.
+
+ON THE CULTIVATION OF FRUIT.
+
+
+By a little attention to this matter, a lady, with the help of her
+children, can obtain a rich abundance of all kinds of fruit. The writer
+has resided in families, where little boys, of eight, ten, and twelve
+years old, amused themselves, under the direction of their mother, in
+planting walnuts, chestnuts, and hazelnuts, for future time; as well as
+in planting and inoculating young fruit-trees, of all descriptions. A
+mother, who will take pains to inspire a love for such pursuits, in her
+children, and who will aid and superintend them, will save them from
+many temptations; and, at a trifling expense, secure to them and herself
+a rich reward, in the choicest fruits. The information given in this
+work, on this subject, may be relied on, as sanctioned by the most
+experienced nursery-men.
+
+The soil, for a nursery, should be rich, well dug, dressed with
+well-decayed manure, free from weeds, and protected from cold winds.
+Fruit seeds should be planted in the Autumn, an inch and a half or two
+inches deep, in ridges four or five feet apart, pressing the earth
+firmly over the seeds. While growing, they should be thinned out,
+leaving the best ones a foot and a half apart. The soil should be kept
+loose, soft, and free from weeds. They should be inoculated or
+ingrafted, when of the size of a pipe stem; and in a year after this,
+may be transplanted to their permanent stand. Peach trees sometimes bear
+in two years from budding, and in four years from planting, if well
+kept.
+
+In a year after transplanting, take pains to train the head aright.
+Straight, upright branches, produce _gourmands_, or twigs bearing only
+leaves. The side branches, which are angular or curved, yield the most
+fruit. For this reason, the limbs should be trained in curves, and
+perpendicular twigs should be cut off, if there be need of pruning. The
+last of June is the time for this. Grass should never be allowed to grow
+within four feet of a large tree, and the soil should be kept loose, to
+admit air to the roots. Trees in orchards should be twenty-five feet
+apart. The soil _under_ the top soil, has much to do with the health of
+trees. If it be what is called _hard-pan_, the trees will deteriorate.
+Trees need to be manured, and to have the soil kept open and free from
+weeds.
+
+_Filberts_ can be raised in any part of this Country. _Figs_ can be
+raised in the Middle States. For this purpose, in the Autumn, loosen the
+roots, on one side, and bend the tree down to the earth, on the other;
+then cover it with a mound of straw, earth, and boards; and early in the
+Spring raise it up, and cover the roots. _Currants_ grow well in any but
+a wet soil. They are propagated by cuttings. The old wood should be
+thinned in the Fall, and manure be put on. They can be trained into
+small trees. _Gooseberries_ are propagated by layers and cuttings. They
+are best, when kept from suckers and trained like trees. One third of
+the old wood should be removed every Autumn. _Raspberries_ do best, when
+shaded during a part of the day. They are propagated by layers, slips,
+and suckers. There is one kind, which bears monthly. _Strawberries_
+require a light soil and vegetable manure. They should be transplanted
+in April or September, and be set eight inches apart, in rows nine
+inches asunder, and in beds which are two feet wide, with narrow alleys
+between them. A part of these plants are _non-bearers_. These have large
+flowers, with showy stamens and high black anthers. The _bearers_ have
+short stamens, a great number of pistils, and the flowers are every way
+less showy. In blossom-time, pull out all the non-bearers. Some think it
+best to leave one non-bearer to every twelve bearers; but others pull
+them all out. Many beds never produce any fruit, because all the plants
+in them are non-bearers. Weeds should be kept from the vines. When the
+vines are matted with young plants, the best way is to dig over the
+beds, in cross lines, so as to leave some of the plants standing in
+little squares, while the rest are turned under the soil. This should be
+done over a second time in the same year.
+
+_Grapes._ To raise this fruit, manure the soil, and keep it soft, and
+free from weeds. A gravelly or sandy soil, and a south exposure, are
+best. Transplant the vines in the early Spring, or, better, in the Fall.
+Prune them, the first year, so as to have only two main branches, taking
+off all other shoots, as fast as they come. In November, cut off all of
+these two branches, except four eyes. The second year, in the Spring,
+loosen the earth around the roots, and allow only two branches to grow,
+and every month, take off all side shoots. When they are very strong,
+preserve only a part, and cut off the rest in the Fall. In November, cut
+off all the two main stems, except eight eyes. After the second year no
+more pruning is needed, except to reduce the side shoots, for the
+purpose of increasing the fruit. All the pruning of grapes, (except
+nipping side shoots,) must be done when the sap is not running, or they
+will bleed to death. Train them on poles, or lattices, to expose them to
+the air and sun. Cover tender vines in the Autumn. Grapes are propagated
+by cuttings, layers, and seeds. For cuttings, select, in the Autumn,
+well-ripened wood, of the former year, and take five joints for each.
+Bury them, till April; then soak them, for some hours, and set them out,
+_aslant_, so that all the eyes but one shall be covered.
+
+
+_To Preserve Fruit._
+
+Raspberries and Strawberries can be preserved, in perfect flavor, in the
+following manner. Take a pound of nice sifted sugar for each pound of
+fruit. Put them in alternate layers, of fruit and sugar, till the jar is
+entirely full, then cork it, and seal it air tight.
+
+Currants and Gooseberries may be perfectly preserved thus. Gather them,
+when dry, selecting only the solid ones. Take off the stalks, and put
+them in dry junk-bottles. Set them, _uncorked_, in a kettle of water,
+and slowly raise it to boiling heat, in order to drive the air out of
+the bottles. Then take out the bottles, cork them, and seal them air
+tight. Keep them in a dry place, where they will not freeze. The success
+of this method depends on excluding air and water.
+
+Apples, Grapes, and such like fruit can be preserved, by packing them,
+when dry and solid, in dry sand or sawdust, putting alternate layers of
+fruit and sawdust or sand. Some sawdust gives a bad flavor to the fruit.
+
+
+_Modes of Preserving Fruit Trees._
+
+Heaps of ashes, or tanner's bark, around peach trees, prevent the attack
+of the worm. The _yellows_, is a disease of peach trees, which is spread
+by the pollen of the blossom. When a tree begins to turn yellow, take it
+away, with all its roots, before it blossoms again, or it will infect
+other trees. Planting tansy around the roots of fruit trees, is a sure
+protection against worms, as it prevents the moth from depositing her
+egg. Equal quantities of salt and saltpetre, put around the trunk of a
+peach tree, half a pound to a tree, improves the size and flavor of the
+fruit. Apply this about the first of April, and if any trees have worms
+already in them, put on half the quantity, in addition, in June. To
+young trees, just set out, apply one ounce, in April, and another in
+June, close to the stem. Sandy soil is best for peaches.
+
+Apple trees are preserved from insects, by a wash of strong ley to the
+body and limbs, which, if old, should be first scraped. Caterpillars
+should be removed, by cutting down their nests in a damp day. Boring a
+hole, in a tree infested with worms, and filling it with sulphur, will
+often drive them off immediately.
+
+The _fire-blight_, or _brulure_, in pear trees, can be stopped, by
+cutting off all the blighted branches. It is supposed, by some, to be
+owing to an excess of sap, which is remedied by diminishing the roots.
+
+The _curculio_, which destroys plums, and other stone fruit, can be
+checked only by gathering up all the fruit that falls, (which contains
+their eggs,) and destroying it. The _canker-worm_ can be checked, by
+applying a bandage around the body of the tree, and every evening
+smearing it with fresh tar.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII.
+
+MISCELLANEOUS DIRECTIONS.
+
+
+Every woman should know how to direct in regard to the proper care of
+domestic animals, as they often suffer from the negligence of domestics.
+
+The following information, in reference to the care of a horse and cow,
+may be useful. A stable should not be very light nor very dark; its
+floor should be either plank or soil, as brick or stone pavements injure
+the feet. It should be well cleaned, every morning. A horse, kept in a
+stable, should be rubbed and brushed every day. A stable-horse needs as
+much daily exercise as trotting three miles will give him. Food or drink
+should never be given, when a horse is very warm with exercise, as it
+causes disease. A horse should be fed, three times a day. Hay,
+sheaf-oats, shorts, corn-meal, and bran, are the best food for horses.
+When a horse is travelling, order six quarts of oats in the morning,
+four at noon, and six at night, and direct that neither food nor water
+be given till he is cool.
+
+Keep a horse's legs free from mud, or disease will often result from
+the neglect. A horse, much used, should be shod as often as once in two
+months. Fish-oil and strong perfumes, on the skin, keep flies from
+annoying a horse. Some horses are made fractious by having the
+check-rein so tight as to weary the muscles.
+
+A cow should be watered three times a day, and fed with hay, potatoes,
+carrots, and boiled corn. Turnips and cabbages give a bad taste to the
+milk. Give a handful of salt to a cow, twice a week, and occasionally
+give the same quantity to a horse. Let them drink _pure_ water. A
+well-fed cow gives double the milk that she will if not fed well. A cow
+should go unmilked, for two months before calving, and her milk should
+not be used till four days after. The calf must run with the cow for
+four days, and then be shut from her, except thrice a day, when it
+should take as much food as it wants, and then the cow should be milked
+clean.
+
+Hens sit twenty days, and should be well fed and watered, during this
+time. The first food for chickens should be coarse dry meal. Cold and
+damp weather is bad for all young fowls, and they should be well
+protected from it. Pepper-berries are good for fowls which have diseases
+caused by damp and cold weather.
+
+In Winter, much fuel may be saved, and comfort secured, by stuffing
+cotton into all cracks about the windows and the surbases of rooms, and
+by listing the doors. Cover strips of wood with baize, and nail them
+tight against a door, on the casing.
+
+The following are the causes of smoky chimneys. Short and broad flues,
+running up straight, as a narrow flue, with a bend in it, draws best.
+Large openings, at the top, draw the wind down, and should be remedied,
+by having the summits made tapering. A house higher than a chimney near
+it, sometimes makes the chimney smoke, and the evil should be remedied,
+by raising the chimney. Too large a throat to the fireplace, sometimes
+causes a chimney to smoke, and can be remedied, by a false back, or by
+lowering the front, with sheet iron. Shallow fireplaces give out more
+heat, and draw as well, as deep ones.
+
+_House-cleaning_ should be done in dry warm weather. Several friends of
+the writer maintain, that cleaning paint, and windows, and floors, in
+_hard_, _cold_ water, without any soap, using a flannel washcloth, is
+much better than using warm suds. It is worth trying. In cleaning in the
+common way, sponges are best for windows, and clean water only should be
+used. They should be first wiped with linen, and then with old silk. The
+outside of windows should be washed with a long brush, made for the
+purpose; and they should be rinsed, by throwing upon them water,
+containing a little saltpetre.
+
+When inviting company, mention, in the note, the day of the month and
+week, and the hour for coming. Provide a place for ladies to dress their
+hair, with a glass, pins, and combs. A pitcher of cold water, and a
+tumbler, should be added. When the company is small, it is becoming a
+common method for the table to be set at one end of the room, the lady
+of the house to pour out tea, and the gentlemen of the party to wait on
+the ladies and themselves. When tea is sent round, always send a teapot
+of hot water to weaken it, and a slop-bowl, or else many persons will
+drink their tea much stronger than they wish.
+
+Let it ever be remembered, that the burning of lights and the breath of
+guests, are constantly exhausting the air of its healthful principle;
+therefore avoid crowding many guests into one room. Do not tempt the
+palate by a great variety of unhealthful dainties. Have a warm room for
+departing guests, that they may not become chilled before they go out.
+
+A parlor should be furnished with candle and fire screens, for those who
+have weak eyes; and if, at table, a person sits with the back near the
+fire, a screen should be hung on the back of the chair, as it is very
+injurious to the whole system to have the back heated.
+
+Pretty baskets, for flowers or fruits, on centre tables, can be made
+thus. Knit, with coarse needles, all the various shades of green and
+brown, into a square piece. Press it with a hot iron, and then ravel it
+out. Buy a pretty shaped wicker basket, or make one of stiff millinet,
+or thin pasteboard, cut the worsted into bunches, and sew them on, to
+resemble moss. Then line the basket, and set a cup or dish of water in
+it, to hold flowers, or use it for a fruit-basket. Handsome fireboards
+are made, by nailing black foundation-muslin to a frame the size of the
+fireplace; and then cutting out flowers, from wall-paper, and pasting
+them on the muslin, according to the fancy.
+
+India rubber, melted in lamp-oil, and brushed over common shoes, keeps
+water out, perfectly. Keep small whisk brooms, wherever gentlemen hang
+their clothes, both up stairs and down, and get them to use them if you
+can.
+
+Boil new earthen in bran-water, putting the articles in, when cold. Do
+the same with porcelain kettles. Never leave wooden vessels out of
+doors, as they fall to pieces. In Winter, lift the handle of a pump, and
+cover it with blankets, to keep it from freezing.
+
+Broken earthen and china, can often be mended, by tying it up, and
+boiling it in milk. _Diamond cement_, when genuine, is very effectual
+for the same purpose. Old putty can be softened by muriatic acid. Nail
+slats across nursery windows. Scatter ashes on slippery ice, at the
+door; or rather, remove it. Clarify impure water with powdered alum, a
+teaspoonful to a barrel.
+
+
+
+
+NOTE.
+
+
+A volume, entitled the _American Housekeeper's Receipt Book_, prepared
+by the author of this work, under the supervision of several experienced
+housekeepers, is designed as a Supplement to this treatise on Domestic
+Economy. The following Preface and Analysis of the Contents will
+indicate its design more fully:
+
+
+_Preface (for the American Housekeeper's Receipt Book.)_
+
+The following objects are aimed at in this work:
+
+_First_, to furnish an _original_ collection of receipts, which shall
+embrace a great variety of simple and well-cooked dishes, designed for
+every-day comfort and enjoyment.
+
+_Second_, to include in the collection only such receipts as have been
+tested by superior housekeepers, and warranted to be _the best_. It is
+not a book made up in _any_ department by copying from other books, but
+entirely from the experience of the best practical housekeepers.
+
+_Third_, to express every receipt in language which is short, simple,
+and perspicuous, and yet to give all directions so minutely as that the
+book can be kept in the kitchen, and be used by any domestic who can
+read, as a guide in _every one_ of her employments in the kitchen.
+
+_Fourth_, to furnish such directions in regard to small dinner-parties
+and evening company as will enable any young housekeeper to perform her
+part, on such occasions, with ease, comfort, and success.
+
+_Fifth_, to present a good supply of the rich and elegant dishes
+demanded at such entertainments, and yet to set forth so large and
+tempting a variety of what is safe, healthful, and good, in connexion
+with such warnings and suggestions as it is hoped may avail to promote a
+more healthful fashion in regard both to entertainments and to daily
+table supplies. No book of this kind will sell without an adequate
+supply of the rich articles which custom requires, and in furnishing
+them, the writer has aimed to follow the example of Providence, which
+scatters profusely both good and ill, and combines therewith the caution
+alike of experience, revelation, and conscience, "choose ye that which
+is good, that ye and your seed may live."
+
+_Sixth_, in the work on Domestic Economy, together with this, to which
+it is a Supplement, the writer has attempted to secure, in a cheap and
+popular form, for American housekeepers, a work similar to an English
+work which she has examined, entitled the _Encyclopaedia of Domestic
+Economy, by Thomas Webster and Mrs. Parkes_, containing over twelve
+hundred octavo pages of closely-printed matter, treating on every
+department of Domestic Economy; a work which will be found much more
+useful to English women, who have a plenty of money and well-trained
+servants, than to American housekeepers. It is believed that most in
+that work which would be of any practical use to American housekeepers,
+will be found in this work and the Domestic Economy.
+
+_Lastly_, the writer has aimed to avoid the defects complained of by
+most housekeepers in regard to works of this description issued in this
+country, or sent from England, such as that, in some cases, the receipts
+are so rich as to be both expensive and unhealthful; in others, that
+they are so vaguely expressed as to be very imperfect guides; in
+others, that the processes are so elaborate and _fussing_ as to make
+double the work that is needful; and in others, that the topics are so
+limited that some departments are entirely omitted, and all are
+incomplete.
+
+In accomplishing these objects, the writer has received contributions of
+the pen, and verbal communications from some of the most judicious and
+practical housekeepers, in almost every section of this country, so that
+the work is fairly entitled to the name it bears of the _American_
+Housekeeper's Receipt Book.
+
+The following embraces most of the topics contained in this work.
+
+Suggestions to young housekeepers in regard to style, furniture, and
+domestic arrangements.
+
+Suggestions in regard to different modes to be pursued both with foreign
+and American domestics.
+
+On providing a proper supply of family stores, on the economical care
+and use of them, and on the furniture and arrangement of a store-closet.
+
+On providing a proper supply of utensils to be used in cooking, with
+drawings to illustrate.
+
+On the proper construction of ovens, and directions for heating and
+managing them.
+
+Directions for securing good yeast and good bread.
+
+Advice in regard to marketing, the purchase of wood, &c.
+
+Receipts for breakfast dishes, biscuits, warm cakes, tea cakes, &c.
+
+Receipts for puddings, cakes, pies, preserves, pickles, sauces, catsups,
+and also for cooking all the various kinds of meats, soups, and
+vegetables.
+
+The above receipts are arranged so that the more healthful and simple
+ones are put in one portion, and the richer ones in another.
+
+Healthful and favourite articles of food for young children.
+
+Receipts for a variety of temperance drinks.
+
+Directions for making tea, coffee, chocolate, and other warm drinks.
+
+Directions for cutting up meats, and for salting down, corning, curing,
+and smoking.
+
+Directions for making butter and cheese, as furnished by a practical and
+scientific manufacturer of the same, of Goshen, Conn., that land of rich
+butter and cheese.
+
+A guide to a selection of a regular course of family dishes, which will
+embrace _a successive variety_, and unite convenience with good taste
+and comfortable living.
+
+Receipts for articles for the sick, and drawings of conveniences for
+their comfort and relief.
+
+Receipts for articles for evening parties and dinner parties, with
+drawings to show the proper manner of setting tables, and of supplying
+and arranging dishes, both on these, and on ordinary occasions.
+
+An outline of arrangements for a family in moderate circumstances,
+embracing the systematic details of work for each domestic, and the
+proper mode of doing it, as furnished by an accomplished housekeeper.
+
+Remarks on the different nature of food and drinks, and their relation
+to the laws of health.
+
+Suggestions to the domestics of a family, designed to promote a proper
+appreciation of the dignity and importance of their station, and a
+cheerful and faithful performance of their duties.
+
+Miscellaneous suggestions and receipts.
+
+
+
+
+A GLOSSARY
+
+OF SUCH WORDS AND PHRASES AS MAY NOT EASILY BE UNDERSTOOD BY THE YOUNG
+READER.
+
+
+[Many words, not contained in this GLOSSARY, will be found
+explained in the body of the Work, in the places where they first occur.
+For these, see INDEX.]
+
+_Academy, the Boston_, an association in Boston, established for the
+purpose of promoting the study and culture of the art of music.
+
+_Action brought by the Commonwealth_, a prosecution conducted in the
+name of the public, or by the authority of the State.
+
+_Alcoholic_, made of, or containing, alcohol, an inflammable liquid,
+which is the basis of ardent spirits.
+
+_Alkali_, (plural _alkalies_,) a chemical substance, which has the
+property of combining with, and neutralizing the properties of, acids,
+producing salts by the combination. Alkalies change most of the
+vegetable blues and purples to green, red to purple, and yellow to
+brown. _Caustic alkali_, an alkali deprived of all impurities, being
+thereby rendered more caustic and violent in its operation. This term is
+usually applied to pure potash. _Fixed alkali_, an alkali that emits no
+characteristic smell, and cannot be volatilized or evaporated without
+great difficulty. Potash and soda are called the fixed alkalies. Soda is
+also called a _fossil_, or _mineral_, _alkali_, and potash, the
+_vegetable alkali_. _Volatile alkali_, an elastic, transparent,
+colorless, and consequently invisible gas, known by the name of ammonia,
+or ammoniacal gas. The odor of spirits of hartshorn is caused by this
+gas.
+
+_Anglo-American_, English-American, relating to Americans descended from
+English ancestors.
+
+_Anne, Queen_, a Queen of England, who reigned from A. D. 1702, to 1714.
+She was the daughter of James II., and succeeded to the throne on the
+death of William III. She died, August 1, 1714, in the fiftieth year of
+her age. She was not a woman of very great intellect; but was deservedly
+popular, throughout her reign, being a model of conjugal and maternal
+duty, and always intending to do good. She was honored with the title of
+'Good Queen Anne', which showed the opinion entertained of her virtues
+by the people.
+
+_Anotta_, _Annotto_, _Arnotta_, or _Rocou_, a soft, brownish-red
+substance, prepared from the reddish pulp surrounding the seeds of a
+tree, which grows in the West Indies, Guiana, and other parts of South
+America, called the _Bixa orellana_. It is used as a dye.
+
+_Anther_, that part of the stamen of a flower which contains the pollen
+or farina, a sort of mealy powder or dust, which is necessary to the
+production of the flower.
+
+_Anthracite_, one of the most valuable kinds of mineral coal, containing
+no bitumen. It is very abundant in the United States.
+
+_Aperient_, opening.
+
+_Apple-corer_, an instrument lately invented for the purpose of
+divesting apples of their cores.
+
+_Arabic, gum_, see _Gum Arabic_.
+
+_Archaeology_, a discourse or treatise on antiquities.
+
+_Arnotto_, see _Anotta_.
+
+_Arrow-root_, a white powder, obtained from the fecula or starch of
+several species of tuberous plants in the East and West Indies, Bermuda,
+and other places. That from Bermuda is most highly esteemed. It is used
+as an article for the table, in the form of puddings; and also as a
+highly-nutritive, easily-digested, and agreeable, food, for invalids. It
+derives its name from having been originally used by the Indians, as a
+remedy for the poison of their arrows, by mashing and applying it to the
+wound.
+
+_Articulating process_, the protuberance, or projecting part of a bone,
+by which it is so joined to another bone, as to enable the two to move
+upon each other.
+
+_Asceticism_, the state of an ascetic, or hermit, who flies from society
+and lives in retirement, or who practises a greater degree of
+mortification and austerity than others do, or who inflicts
+extraordinary severities upon himself.
+
+_Astral lamp_, a lamp, the principle of which was invented by Benjamin
+Thompson, (a native of Massachusetts, and afterwards Count Rumford,) in
+which the oil is contained in a large horizontal ring, having, at the
+centre, a burner, which communicates with the ring by tubes. The ring is
+placed a little below the level of the flame, and, from its large
+surface, affords a supply of oil for many hours.
+
+_Astute_, shrewd.
+
+_Auld Robin Gray_, a celebrated Scotch song, in which a young woman
+laments her having married an old rich man, whom she did not love, for
+the sake of providing for her poor parents.
+
+_Auricles_, (from a Latin word, signifying the ear,) the name given to
+two appendages of the heart, from their fancied resemblance to the ear.
+
+_Baglivi_, (George,) an eminent physician, who was born at Ragusa, in
+1668, and was educated at Naples and Paris. Pope Clement XIV., on the
+ground of his great merit, appointed him, while a very young man,
+Professor of Anatomy and Surgery in the College of Sapienza, at Rome. He
+wrote several works, and did much to promote the cause of medical
+science. He died, A. D. 1706.
+
+_Bass_, or bass wood, a large forest tree of America, sometimes called
+the lime-tree. The wood is white and soft, and the bark is sometimes
+used for bandages, as mentioned in page 343.
+
+_Beau Nash_, see _Nash_.
+
+_Bell, Sir Charles_, a celebrated surgeon, who was born in Edinburgh, in
+the year 1778. He commenced his career in London, in 1806, as a lecturer
+on Anatomy and Surgery. In 1830, he received the honors of knighthood,
+and in 1836 was appointed Professor of Surgery in the College of
+Edinburgh. He died near Worcester, in England, April 29, 1842. His
+writings are very numerous, and have been much celebrated. Among the
+most important of these, to general readers, are, his Illustrations of
+Paley's Natural Theology, (which work forms the second and third volumes
+of the larger series of 'THE SCHOOL LIBRARY,' issued by the
+Publishers of this volume,) and his treatise on 'The Hand, its
+Mechanism, and Vital Endowments, as evincing Design.'
+
+_Bergamot_, a fruit, which was originally produced by ingrafting a
+branch of a citron or lemon tree, upon the stock of a peculiar kind of
+pear, called the bergamot pear.
+
+_Biased_, cut diagonally from one corner to another of a square or
+rectangular piece of cloth. _Bias pieces_, triangular pieces cut as
+above mentioned.
+
+_Bituminous_, containing _bitumen_, which is an inflammable mineral
+substance, resembling tar or pitch in its properties and uses. Among
+different bituminous substances, the names _naphtha_ and _petroleum_
+have been given to those which are fluid; _maltha_, to that which has
+the consistence of pitch; and _asphaltum_, to that which is solid.
+
+_Blight_, a disease in plants, by which they are blasted, or prevented
+from producing fruit.
+
+_Blond lace_, lace made of silk.
+
+_Blood heat_, the temperature which the blood is always found to
+maintain, or ninety-eight degrees of Fahrenheit's thermometer.
+
+_Blue vitriol_, sulphate of copper. See _Sulphate_.
+
+_Blunts_, needles of a short and thick shape, distinguished from
+_Sharps_, which are long and slender.
+
+_Bocking_, a kind of thin carpeting, or coarse baize.
+
+_Boston Academy_, see _Academy_.
+
+_Botany_, (from a Greek word, signifying an herb,) a knowledge of
+plants; the science which treats of plants.
+
+_Brazil wood_, the central part, or heart, of a large tree which grows
+in Brazil, called the _Caesalpinia echinata_. It produces very lively and
+beautiful red tints, but they are not permanent.
+
+_Bronze_, a metallic composition, consisting of copper and tin.
+
+_Brulure_, a French term, denoting a burning or scalding; a blasting of
+plants.
+
+_Brussels_, (carpet,) a kind of carpeting, so called from the city of
+Brussels, in Europe. Its basis is composed of a warp and woof of strong
+linen threads, with the warp of which are intermixed about five times
+the quantity of woollen threads, of different colors.
+
+_Bulb_, a root with a round body, like the onion, turnip, or hyacinth.
+_Bulbous_, having a bulb.
+
+_Byron_, (George Gordon,) _Lord_, a celebrated Poet, who was born in
+London, January 22, 1788, and died in Missolonghi, in Greece, April 18,
+1824.
+
+_Calisthenics_, see page 56, note.
+
+_Camwood_, a dyewood, procured from a leguminous (or pod-bearing) tree,
+growing on the Western Coast of Africa, and called _Baphia nitida_.
+
+_Cankerworm_, a worm which is very destructive to trees and plants. It
+springs from an egg deposited by a miller that issues from the ground,
+and in some years destroys the leaves and fruit of apple and other
+trees.
+
+_Carbon_, a simple inflammable body, forming the principal part of wood
+and coal, and the whole of the diamond.
+
+_Carbonic acid_, a compound gas, consisting of carbon and oxygen. It has
+lately been obtained in a solid form.
+
+_Carmine_, a crimson color, the most beautiful of all the reds. It is
+prepared from a decoction of the powdered cochineal insect, to which
+alum and other substances are added.
+
+_Caster_, a small phial or vessel for the table, in which to put
+vinegar, mustard, pepper, &c.
+
+_Chancellor of the Exchequer_, the highest judge of the law; the
+principal financial minister of a government, and the one who manages
+its revenue.
+
+_Chateau_, a castle, a mansion.
+
+_Chemistry_, the science which treats of the elementary constituents of
+bodies.
+
+_Chinese belle_, deformities of. In China, it is the fashion to compress
+the feet of female infants, to prevent their growth; in consequence of
+which, the feet of all the females of China are distorted, and so small,
+that the individuals cannot walk with ease.
+
+_Chloride_, a compound of chlorine and some other substance. _Chlorine_
+is a simple substance, formerly called oxymuriatic acid. In its pure
+state, it is a gas, of green color, (hence its name, from a Greek word,
+signifying green.) Like oxygen, it supports the combustion of some
+inflammable substances. _Chloride of lime_ is a compound of chlorine and
+lime.
+
+_Cholera infantum_, a bowel complaint, to which infants are subject.
+
+_Chyle_, a white juice, formed from the chyme, and consisting of the
+finer and more nutritious parts of the food. It is afterwards converted
+into blood.
+
+_Chyme_, the result of the first process which food undergoes in the
+stomach, previously to its being converted into chyle.
+
+_Cicuta_, the common American Hemlock, an annual plant of four or five
+feet in height, and found commonly along walls and fences, and about old
+ruins and buildings. It is a virulent poison, as well as one of the most
+important and valuable medicinal vegetables. It is a very different
+plant from the Hemlock tree, or _Pinus Canadensis_.
+
+_Clarke_, (Sir Charles Mansfield,) _Dr._, a distinguished English
+physician and surgeon, who was born in London, May 28, 1782. He was
+appointed Physician to Queen Adelaide, wife of King William IV., in
+1830, and in 1831, he was created a baronet. He is the author of several
+valuable medical works.
+
+_Cobalt_, a brittle metal, of a reddish-gray color and weak metallic
+lustre, used in coloring glass. It is not easily melted nor oxidized in
+the air.
+
+_Cochineal_, a color procured from the cochineal insect, (or _Coccus
+cacti_,) which feeds upon the leaves of several species of the plant
+called cactus, and which is supposed to derive its coloring matter from
+its food. Its natural color is crimson; but by the addition of a
+preparation of potash, it yields a rich scarlet dye.
+
+_Cologne water_, a fragrant perfume, which derives its name from having
+been originally made in the city of Cologne, which is situated on the
+River Rhine, in Germany. The best kind is still procured from that city.
+
+_Comparative anatomy_, the science which has for its object a comparison
+of the anatomy, structure, and functions, of the various organs of
+animals, plants, &c., with those of the human body.
+
+_Confection_, a sweetmeat; a preparation of fruit with sugar; also a
+preparation of medicine with honey, sirup, or similar saccharine
+substance, for the purpose of disguising the unpleasant taste of the
+medicine.
+
+_Cooper, Sir Astley Paston_, a celebrated English surgeon, who was born
+at Brooke, in Norfolk county, England, August 23, 1768, and commenced
+the practice of Surgery in London, in 1792. He was appointed Surgeon to
+King George IV., in 1827, was created a baronet in 1821, and died
+February 12, 1841. He was the author of many valuable works.
+
+_Copal_, a hard, shining, transparent resin, of a light citron color,
+brought, originally, from Spanish America, and now almost wholly from
+the East Indies. It is principally employed in the preparation of _copal
+varnish_.
+
+_Copper, sulphate of_, see _Sulphate of copper_.
+
+_Copperas_, (sulphate of iron, or green vitriol,) a bright green mineral
+substance, formed by the decomposition of a peculiar ore of iron, called
+pyrites, which is a sulphuret of iron. It is first in the form of a
+greenish-white powder, or crust, which is dissolved in water, and
+beautiful green crystals of copperas are obtained by evaporation. It is
+principally used in dyeing, and in making black ink. Its solution, mixed
+with a decoction of oak bark, produces a black color.
+
+_Coronary_, relating to a crown or garland. In anatomy, it is applied to
+arteries which encompass the heart, in the manner, as it is fancied, of
+a garland.
+
+_Corrosive sublimate_, a poisonous substance, composed of chlorine and
+quicksilver.
+
+_Cosmetics_, preparations which some people foolishly think will
+preserve and beautify the skin.
+
+_Cream of tartar_, see _Tartar_.
+
+_Crimping-iron_, an instrument for crimping or curling ruffles, &c.
+
+_Curculio_, a weevil or worm, which affects the fruit of the plum tree,
+and sometimes that of the apple tree, causing the unripe fruit to fall
+to the ground.
+
+_Curvature of the spine_, see pages 80, 81.
+
+_Cuvier, Baron_, the most eminent naturalist of the present age, was
+born, A. D. 1769, and died, A. D. 1832. He was Professor of Natural
+History in the College of France, and held various important posts under
+the French Government, at different times. His works on Natural History
+are of the greatest value.
+
+_Cynosure_, the star near the North Pole, by which sailors steer. It is
+used, in a figurative sense, as synonymous with _pole-star_, or _guide_.
+
+_De Tocqueville_, see _Tocqueville_.
+
+_Diamond cement_, a cement sold in the shops, and used for mending
+broken glass, and similar articles.
+
+_Drab_, a thick woollen cloth, of a light brown or dun color. The name
+is sometimes used for the color itself.
+
+_Dredging-box_, a box with holes in the top, used to sift or scatter
+flour on meat, when roasting.
+
+_Drill_, (in husbandry,) to sow grain in rows, drills, or channels; the
+row of grain so sowed.
+
+_Duchess of Orleans_, see _Orleans_.
+
+The _East_, and the _Eastern States_, those of the United States
+situated in the north-east part of the Country, including Maine, New
+Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Vermont.
+
+_Electuary_, a mixture, consisting of medicinal substances, especially
+dry powders, combined with honey or sirup, in order to render them less
+unpleasant to the taste, and more convenient for internal use.
+
+_Elevation_, (of a house,) a plan, representing the upright view of a
+house, as a ground-plan shows its appearance on the ground.
+
+_Euclid_, a celebrated mathematician, who was born in Alexandria, in
+Egypt, about two hundred and eighty years before Christ. He
+distinguished himself by his writings on music and geometry. The most
+celebrated of his works, is his 'Elements of Geometry,' which is in use
+at the present day. He established a school at Alexandria, which became
+so famous, that, from his time to the conquest of Alexandria by the
+Saracens, (A. D. 646,) no mathematician was found, who had not studied
+at Alexandria. Ptolemy, King of Egypt, was one of his pupils; and it was
+to a question of this King, whether there were not a shorter way of
+coming at Geometry, than by the study of his Elements, that Euclid made
+the celebrated answer, "There is no royal way, or path, to Geometry."
+
+_Equator_, or _equinoctial line_, an imaginary line passing round the
+earth, from east to west, and directly under the sun, which always
+shines nearly perpendicularly down upon all countries situated near the
+equator.
+
+_Evolve_, to throw off, to discharge.
+
+_Exchequer_, a court in England, in which the Chancellor presides, and
+where the revenues of, and debts due to, the King are recovered. This
+court was originally established by King William, (called 'the
+Conqueror,') who died A. D. 1087; and its name is derived from a
+checkered cloth, (French _echiquier_, a chess-board, checker-work,) on
+the table.
+
+_Excretion_, something discharged from the body, a separation of animal
+matters.
+
+_Excrementitious_, consisting of matter excreted from the body;
+containing excrements.
+
+_Fahrenheit_, (Gabriel Daniel,) a celebrated natural philosopher, who
+was born at Dantzic, A. D. 1686. He made great improvements in the
+thermometer; and his name is sometimes used for that instrument.
+
+_Farinaceous_, mealy, tasting like meal.
+
+To _Fell_, to turn down, on the wrong side, the raw edges of a seam,
+after it has been stitched, run, or sewed, and then to hem or sew it to
+the cloth.
+
+_Festivals_, of the Jews, the three great annual. These were, the Feast
+of the Passover, that of Pentecost, and that of Tabernacles; on occasion
+of which, all the males of the Nation were required to visit the Temple
+at Jerusalem, in whatever part of the Country they might reside. See
+Exodus xxiii. 14, 17, xxxiv. 23, Leviticus xxiii. 4, Deuteronomy xvi.
+16. The Passover was kept in commemoration of the deliverance of the
+Israelites from Egypt, and was so named, because, the night before their
+departure, the destroying angel, who slew all the first-born of the
+Egyptians, _passed over_ the houses of the Israelites, without entering
+them. See Exodus xii. The Feast of Pentecost was so called, from a word
+meaning _the fiftieth_, because it was celebrated on the fiftieth day
+after the Passover, and was instituted in commemoration of the giving of
+the Law from Mount Sinai, on the fiftieth day from the departure out of
+Egypt. It is also called the Feast of Weeks, because it was kept seven
+weeks after the Passover. See Exodus xxxiv. 22, Leviticus xxiii. 15-21,
+Deuteronomy xvi. 9, 10. The Feast of Tabernacles, or Feast of Tents, was
+so called, because it was celebrated under tents or tabernacles of green
+boughs; and was designed to commemorate their dwelling in tents, during
+their passage through the wilderness. At this Feast, they also returned
+thanks to God, for the fruits of the earth, after they had been
+gathered. See Exodus xxiii. 16, Leviticus xxiii. 34-44, Deuteronomy xvi.
+13, and also St. John vii. 2.
+
+_Fire blight_, a disease in the pear, and some other fruit trees, in
+which they appear burnt, as if by fire. It is supposed, by some, to be
+caused by an insect, others suppose it to be caused by an overabundance
+of sap.
+
+_Fluting-iron_, an instrument for making flutes, channels, furrows, or
+hollows, in ruffles, &c.
+
+_Foundation muslin_, a nice kind of buckram, stiff and white, used for
+the foundation or basis of bonnets, &c.
+
+_Free States_, those States in which slavery is not allowed, as
+distinguished from Slave States, in which slavery does exist.
+
+_French chalk_, a variety of the mineral called talc, unctuous to the
+touch, of a greenish color, glossy, soft, and easily scratched, and
+leaving a silvery line, when drawn on paper. It is used for marking on
+cloth, and extracting grease-spots.
+
+_Fuller's earth_, a species of clay, remarkable for its property of
+absorbing oil; for which reason it is valuable for extracting grease
+from cloth, &c. It is used by fullers, in scouring and cleansing cloth,
+whence its name.
+
+_Fustic_, the wood of a tree which grows in the West Indies, called
+_Morus tinctoria_. It affords a durable, but not very brilliant, yellow
+dye, and is also used in producing some greens and drab colors.
+
+_Gastric_, (from the Greek [Greek: gastir], _gaster_, the belly,)
+belonging or relating to the belly, or stomach. _Gastric juice_, the
+fluid which dissolves the food in the stomach. It is limpid, like water,
+of a saltish taste, and without odor.
+
+_Geology_, the science which treats of the earth, as composed of rocks
+and stones.
+
+_Gore_, a triangular piece of cloth. _Goring_, cut in a triangular
+shape.
+
+_Gothic_, a peculiar and strongly-marked style of architecture,
+sometimes called the ecclesiastical style, because it is most frequently
+used in cathedrals, churches, abbeys, and other religious edifices. Its
+principle seems to have originated in the imitation of groves and
+bowers, under which the ancients performed their sacred rites; its
+clustered pillars and pointed arches very well representing the trunks
+of trees and their interlocking branches.
+
+_Gourmand_, or _Gormand_, a glutton, a greedy eater. In agriculture, it
+is applied to twigs which take up the sap, but bear only leaves.
+
+_Green vitriol_, see _Copperas_.
+
+_Griddle_, an iron pan, of a peculiarly broad and shallow construction,
+used for baking cakes.
+
+_Ground-plan_, the map or plan of the lower floor of any building, in
+which the various apartments, windows, doors, fireplaces, and other
+things, are represented, like the rivers, towns, mountains, roads, &c.,
+on a map.
+
+_Gum Arabic_, a vegetable juice which exudes through the bark of the
+_Acacia_, _Mimosa nilotica_, and some other similar trees, growing in
+Arabia, Egypt, Senegal, and Central Africa. It is the purest of all
+gums.
+
+_Hardpan_, the hard, unbroken layer of earth, below the mould or
+cultivated soil.
+
+_Hartshorn_, (spirits of,) a volatile alkali, originally prepared from
+the horns of the stag or hart, but now procured from various other
+substances. It is known by the name of ammonia, or spirits of ammonia.
+
+_Hemlock_, see _Cicuta_.
+
+_Horticulturist_, one skilled in horticulture, or the art of cultivating
+gardens; horticulture being to the garden, what agriculture is to the
+farm, the application of labor and science to a limited spot, for
+convenience, for profit, or for ornament,--though implying a higher
+state of cultivation, than is common in agriculture. It includes the
+cultivation of culinary vegetables and of fruits, and forcing or exotic
+gardening, as far as respects useful products.
+
+_Hoskin's gloves_, gloves made by a person named Hoskin, whose
+manufacture was formerly much celebrated.
+
+_Hydrogen_, a very light, inflammable gas, of which water is, in part,
+composed. It is used to inflate balloons.
+
+_Hypochondriasis_, melancholy, dejection, a disorder of the imagination,
+in which the person supposes he is afflicted with various diseases.
+
+_Hysteria_, or _hysterics_, a spasmodic, convulsive affection of the
+nerves, to which women are subject. It is somewhat similar to
+hypochondriasis in men.
+
+_Ingrain_, a kind of carpeting, in which the threads are dyed in the
+grain, or raw material, before manufacture.
+
+_Ipecac_, (an abbreviation of _ipecacuanha_,) an Indian medicinal plant,
+acting as an emetic.
+
+_Isinglass_, a fine kind of gelatin, or glue, prepared from the
+swimming-bladders of fishes, used as a cement, and also as an ingredient
+in food and medicine. The name is sometimes applied to a transparent
+mineral substance called mica.
+
+_Kamtschadales_, inhabitants of _Kamtschatka_, a large peninsula
+situated on the northeastern coast of Asia, having the North Pacific
+Ocean on the east. It is remarkable for its extreme cold, which is
+heightened by a range of very lofty mountains, extending the whole
+length of the peninsula, several of which are volcanic. It is very
+deficient in vegetable productions, but produces a great variety of
+animals, from which the richest and most valuable furs are procured. The
+inhabitants are in general below the common height, but have broad
+shoulders and large heads. It is under the dominion of Russia.
+
+_Kink_, a knotty twist in a thread or rope.
+
+_Lapland_, a country at the extreme north part of Europe, where it is
+very cold. It contains lofty mountains, some of which are covered with
+perpetual snow and ice.
+
+_Latin_, the language of the Latins, or inhabitants of Latium, the
+principal country of ancient Italy. After the building of Rome, that
+city became the capital of the whole country.
+
+_Leguminous_, pod-bearing.
+
+_Lent_, a fast of the Christian Church, (lasting forty days, from Ash
+Wednesday to Easter,) in commemoration of our Saviour's miraculous fast
+of forty days and forty nights, in the wilderness. The word Lent means
+spring; this fast always occurring at that season of the year.
+
+_Levite_, one of the tribe of Levi, the son of Jacob, which tribe was
+set apart from the others, to minister in the services of the
+Tabernacle, and the Temple at Jerusalem. The Priests were taken from
+this tribe. See Numbers i. 47-53.
+
+_Ley_, water which has percolated through ashes, earth, or other
+substances, dissolving and imbibing a part of their contents. It is
+generally spelled _lie_, or _lye_.
+
+_Linnaeus_, (Charles,) a native of Sweden, and the most celebrated
+naturalist of his age. He was born May 13, 1707, and died January 11,
+1778. His life was devoted to the study of natural history. The science
+of botany, in particular, is greatly indebted to his labors. His
+'_Amoenitates Academicae_' (Academical Recreations) is a collection of
+the dissertations of his pupils, edited by himself; a work rich in
+matters relating to the history and habits of plants. He was the first
+who arranged Natural History into a regular system, which has been
+generally called by his name. His proper name was Linne.
+
+_Lobe_, a division, a distinct part; generally applied to the two
+divisions of the lungs.
+
+_Log Cabin_, a cabin or house built of logs, as is generally the case in
+newly-settled countries.
+
+_Loire_, the largest river of France, being about five hundred and fifty
+miles in length. It rises in the mountains of Cevennes, and empties into
+the Atlantic Ocean, about forty miles below the city of Nantes. It
+divides France into two almost equal parts.
+
+_London Medical Society_, a distinguished association, formed in 1773.
+It has published some valuable volumes of its Transactions. It has a
+library, of about 40,000 volumes, which is kept in a house presented to
+the Society, in 1788, by the celebrated Dr. Lettsom, who was one of its
+first members.
+
+_Louis XIV._, a celebrated King of France and Navarre, who was born
+Sept. 5, 1638, and died Sept. 1, 1715. His mother having before had no
+children, though she had been married twenty-two years, his birth was
+considered as a particular favor from heaven, and he was called the
+'Gift of God.' He is sometimes styled 'Louis the Great,' and his reign
+is celebrated as an era of magnificence and learning, and is notorious
+as a period of licentiousness. He left behind him monuments of
+unprecedented splendor and expense, consisting of palaces, gardens, and
+other like works.
+
+_Lumbar_, (from the Latin _lumbus_, the loin,) relating or pertaining to
+the loins.
+
+_Lunacy, writ of_, a judicial proceeding, to ascertain whether a person
+be a lunatic.
+
+_Mademoiselle_, the French word for Miss, a young girl.
+
+_Magnesia_, a light and white alkaline earth, which enters into the
+composition of many rocks, communicating to them a greasy or soapy
+feeling, and a striped texture, with sometimes a greenish color.
+
+_Malaria_, (Italian, _mal'aria, bad air_,) a noxious vapor or
+exhalation; a state of the atmosphere or soil, or both, which, in
+certain regions, and in warm weather, produces fever, sometimes of great
+violence.
+
+_Mammon_, riches, the Syrian god of riches. See St. Luke, xvi. 11, 13,
+St. Matthew, vi. 24.
+
+_Martineau_, (Harriet,) a woman who has become somewhat celebrated by
+her book of travels in the United States, and by other works.
+
+_Mexico_, a country situated southwest of the United States, and
+extending to the Pacific Ocean.
+
+_Miasms_, such particles or atoms, as are supposed to arise from
+distempered, putrefying, or poisonous bodies.
+
+_Michilimackinac_, or _Mackinac_, (now frequently corrupted into
+_Mackinaw_, which is the usual pronunciation of the name,) a military
+post in the State of Michigan, situated upon an island about nine miles
+in circuit, in the strait which connects Lakes Michigan and Huron. It is
+much resorted to by Indians and fur traders. The highest summit of the
+island is about three hundred feet above the lakes, and commands an
+extensive view of them.
+
+_Midsummer_, with us, the time when the sun arrives at his greatest
+distance from the equator, or about the twenty-first of June, called,
+also, the summer solstice, (from the Latin _sol_, _the sun_, and _sto_,
+_to stop_ or _stand still_,) because, when the sun reaches this point,
+he seems to stand still for some time, and then appears to retrace his
+steps. The days are then longer than at any other time.
+
+_Migrate_, to remove from one place to another; to change residence.
+
+_Mildew_, a disease of plants; a mould, spot, or stain, in paper,
+cloths, &c., caused by moisture.
+
+_Militate_, to oppose, to operate against.
+
+_Millinet_, a coarse kind of stiff muslin, formerly used for the
+foundation or basis of bonnets, &c.
+
+_Mineralogy_, a science which treats of the inorganic natural substances
+found upon or in the earth, such as earths, salts, metals, &c., and
+which are called by the general name of minerals.
+
+_Minutiae_, the smallest particulars.
+
+_Monasticism_, monastic life; religiously recluse life, in a monastery,
+or house of religious retirement.
+
+_Montagu, Lady Mary Wortley_, one of the most celebrated among the
+female literary characters of England. She was daughter of Evelyn, Duke
+of Kingston, and was born about 1690, at Thoresby, in England. She
+displayed uncommon abilities, at a very early age, and was educated by
+the best masters in the English, Latin, Greek, and French, languages.
+She accompanied her husband (Edward Wortley Montagu) on an embassy to
+Constantinople, and her correspondence with her friends was published
+and much admired. She introduced the practice of inoculation for the
+smallpox into England, which proved of great benefit to millions. She
+died at the age of seventy-two, A. D. 1762.
+
+_Moral Philosophy_, the science which treats of the motives and rules of
+human actions, and of the ends to which they ought to be directed.
+
+_Moreen_, a kind of woollen stuff used for curtains, covers of cushions,
+bed hangings, &c.
+
+_Mucous_, having the nature of _mucus_, a glutinous, sticky, thready,
+transparent fluid, of a salt savor, produced by different membranes of
+the body, and serving to protect the membranes and other internal parts
+against the action of the air, food, &c. The fluid of the mouth and nose
+is mucus.
+
+_Mucous membrane_, that membrane which lines the mouth, nose,
+intestines, and other open cavities of the body.
+
+_Muriatic acid_, an acid, composed of chlorine and hydrogen, called,
+also, hydrochloric acid, and spirit of salt.
+
+_Mush-stick_, a stick to use in stirring _mush_, which is corn meal
+boiled in water.
+
+_Nankeen_, or _Nankin_, a light cotton cloth, originally brought from
+Nankin, in China, whence its name.
+
+_Nash_, (Richard,) commonly called _Beau Nash_, or King of Bath, a
+celebrated leader of the fashions in England. He was born at Swansea, in
+South Wales, October 8, 1674, and died in the city of Bath, (England,)
+February 3, 1761.
+
+_Natural History_, the history of animals, plants, and minerals.
+
+_Natural Philosophy_, the science which treats of the powers of Nature,
+the properties of natural bodies, and their action one upon another. It
+is sometimes called _physics_.
+
+_New-milch cow_, a cow which has recently calved.
+
+_Newton_, (Sir Isaac,) an eminent English philosopher and mathematician,
+who was born on Christmas day, 1642, and died March 20, 1727. He was
+much distinguished for his very important discoveries in Optics and
+other branches of Natural Philosophy. See the first volume of 'Pursuit
+of Knowledge under Difficulties,' forming the fourteenth volume of
+'THE SCHOOL LIBRARY,' Larger Series.
+
+_Non-bearers_, plants which bear no flowers nor fruit.
+
+_Northern States_, those of the United States situated in the Northern
+and Eastern part of the Country.
+
+_Ordinary_, see _Physician in Ordinary_.
+
+_Oil of Vitriol_, (sulphuric acid, or vitriolic acid,) an acid composed
+of oxygen and sulphur.
+
+_Orleans_, (Elizabeth Charlotte de Baviere,) _Duchess of_, second wife
+of Philippe, the brother of Louis XIV., was born at Heidelberg, May 26,
+1652, and died at the palace of St. Cloud, in Paris, December 8, 1722.
+She was author of several works; among which were, Memoirs, and
+Anecdotes, of the Court of Louis XIV.
+
+_Ottoman_, a kind of hassock, or thick mat, for kneeling upon; so
+called, from being used by the Ottomans or Turks.
+
+_Oxalic acid_, a vegetable acid, which exists in sorrel.
+
+_Oxide_, a compound (which is not acid) of a substance with oxygen; for
+example, oxide of iron, or rust of metals.
+
+_Oxidize_, to combine oxygen with a body without producing acidity.
+
+_Oxygen_, vital air, a simple and very important substance, which exists
+in the atmosphere, and supports the breathing of animals and the burning
+of combustibles. It was called oxygen, from two Greek words, signifying
+to produce acid, from its power of giving acidity to many compounds in
+which it predominates.
+
+_Oxygenized_, combined with oxygen.
+
+_Pancreas_, a gland within the abdomen, just below and behind the
+stomach, and providing a fluid to assist digestion. In animals, it is
+called the sweet-bread. _Pancreatic_, belonging to the pancreas.
+
+_Parterre_, a level division of ground, a flower garden.
+
+_Pearlash_, the common name for impure carbonate of potash, which, in a
+purer form, is called _Sal aeratus_.
+
+_Peristaltic_, worm-like.
+
+_Philosophy_, see _Intellectual_, _Moral_, and _Natural_.
+
+_Physician in Ordinary to the Queen_, the Physician who attends the
+Queen in ordinary cases of illness.
+
+_Pistil_, that part of a flower, generally in the centre, composed of
+the germ, style, and stigma, which receives the pollen or fertilizing
+dust of the stamens.
+
+_Pitt, William_, a celebrated English statesman, son of the Earl of
+Chatham. He was born, May 28, 1759, and at the age of twenty-three, was
+made Chancellor of the Exchequer, and soon afterward, Prime Minister. He
+died, January 23, 1806.
+
+_Political Economy_, the science which treats of the general causes
+affecting the production, distribution, and consumption, of articles of
+exchangeable value, in reference to their effects upon national wealth
+and welfare.
+
+_Pollen_, the fertilizing dust of flowers, produced by the stamens, and
+falling upon the pistils, in order to render a flower capable of
+producing fruit or seed.
+
+_Potter's clay_, the clay used in making articles of pottery.
+
+_Prairie_, a French word, signifying _meadow_. In the United States, it
+is applied to the remarkable natural meadows, or plains, which are found
+in the Western States. In some of these vast and nearly level plains,
+the traveller may wander for days, without meeting with wood or water,
+and see no object rising above the plane of the horizon. They are very
+fertile.
+
+_Prime Minister_, the person appointed by the ruler of a nation to have
+the chief direction and management of the public affairs.
+
+_Process_, a protuberance, or projecting part of a bone.
+
+_Pulmonary_, belonging to, or affecting, the lungs. _Pulmonary artery_,
+an artery which passes through the lungs, being divided into several
+branches, which form a beautiful network over the air-vessels, and
+finally empty themselves into the left auricle of the heart.
+
+_Puritans_, a sect, which professed to follow the pure word of God, in
+opposition to traditions, human constitutions, and other authorities. In
+the reign of Queen Elizabeth, part of the Protestants were desirous of
+introducing a simpler, and, as they considered it, a _purer_, form of
+church government and worship, than that established by law; from which
+circumstance, they were called _Puritans_. In process of time, this
+party increased in numbers, and openly broke off from the Church, laying
+aside the English liturgy, and adopting a service-book published at
+Geneva, by the disciples of Calvin. They were treated with great rigor
+by the Government, and many of them left the kingdom and settled in
+Holland. Finding themselves not so eligibly situated in that Country, as
+they had expected to be, a portion of them embarked for America, and
+were the first settlers of New England.
+
+_Quixotic_, absurd, romantic, ridiculous; from _Don Quixote_, the hero
+of a celebrated fictitious work, written by Cervantes, a distinguished
+Spanish writer, and intended to reform the tastes and opinions of his
+countrymen.
+
+_Reeking_, smoking, emitting vapor.
+
+_Residuum_, the remainder, or part which remains.
+
+_Routine_, a round, or course of engagements, business, pleasure, &c.
+
+To _Run_ a seam, to lay the two edges of a seam together, and pass the
+threaded needle out and in, with small stitches, a few threads below the
+edge, and on a line with it.
+
+To _Run_ a stocking, to pass a thread of yarn, with a needle, straight
+along each row of the stocking, as far as is desired, taking up one loop
+and missing two or three, until the row is completed, so as to double
+the thickness at the part which is run.
+
+_Sabbatical year_, every seventh year, among the Jews, which was a year
+of rest for the land, when it was to be left without culture. In this
+year, all debts were to be remitted, and slaves set at liberty. See
+Exodus xxi. 2, xxiii. 10, Leviticus xxv. 2, 3, &c., Deuteronomy xv. 12,
+and other similar passages.
+
+_Sal aeratus_, see _Pearlash_.
+
+_Sal ammoniac_, a salt, called also muriate of ammonia, which derives
+its name from a district in Libya, Egypt, where there was a temple of
+Jupiter Ammon, and where this salt was found.
+
+_Scotch Highlanders_, inhabitants of the Highlands of Scotland.
+
+_Selvedge_, the edge of cloth, a border. Improperly written _selvage_.
+
+_Service-book_, a book prescribing the order of public services in a
+church or congregation.
+
+_Sharps_, see _Blunts_.
+
+_Shorts_, the coarser part of wheat bran.
+
+_Shrubbery_, a plantation of shrubs.
+
+_Siberia_, a large country in the extreme northern part of Asia, having
+the Frozen Ocean on the north, and the Pacific Ocean on the east, and
+forming a part of the Russian empire. The northern part is extremely
+cold, almost uncultivated, and contains but few inhabitants. It
+furnishes fine skins, and some of the most valuable furs in the world.
+It also contains rich mines of iron and copper, and several kinds of
+precious stones.
+
+_Sinclair, Sir John_, of whom it was said, "There is no greater name in
+the annals of agriculture, than his," was born in Caithness, Scotland,
+May 10, 1754, and became a member of the British Parliament in 1780. He
+was strongly opposed to the measures of the British Government towards
+America, which produced the American Revolution. He was author of many
+valuable publications, on various subjects. He died December 21, 1835.
+
+_Sirloin_, the loin of beef. The appellation 'Sir' is the title of a
+knight, or baronet; and has been added to the word 'loin,' when applied
+to beef, because a King of England, in a freak of good humor, once
+conferred the honor of knighthood upon a loin of beef.
+
+_Slack_, to loosen, to relax, to deprive of cohesion.
+
+_Soda_, an alkali, usually obtained from the ashes of marine plants.
+
+To _Spade_, to throw out earth with a spade.
+
+_Spermaceti_, an oily substance, found in the head of a species of
+whale, called the spermaceti whale.
+
+_Spindling_, see page 124.
+
+_Spinous process_, a process or bony protuberance, resembling a spine or
+thorn, whence it derives its name.
+
+_Spool_, a piece of cane or reed, or a hollow cylinder of wood, with a
+ridge at each end, used to wind yarn and thread upon.
+
+_Stamen_, (plural _stamens_ and _stamina_,) in _weaving_, the warp, the
+thread, any thing made of threads. In _botany_, that part of a flower,
+on which the artificial classification is founded, consisting of the
+filament or stalk, and the anther, which contains the pollen, or
+fructifying powder.
+
+_Stigma_, (plural _stigmas_ and _stigmata_,) the summit or top of the
+pistil of a flower.
+
+_Style_, or _Stile_, the part of the pistil between the germ and the
+stigma.
+
+_Sub-carbonate_, an imperfect carbonate.
+
+_Sulphates_, _Sulphats_, _Sulphites_, salts formed by the combination of
+some base with sulphuric acid, as _Sulphate of copper_, (blue vitriol,
+or blue stone,) a combination of sulphuric acid with copper. _Sulphate
+of iron_, copperas, or green vitriol. _Sulphate of lime_, gypsum, or
+plaster of Paris. _Sulphate of magnesia_, Epsom salts. _Sulphate of
+potash_, a chemical salt, composed of sulphuric acid and potash.
+_Sulphate of soda_, Glauber's salts. _Sulphate of zinc_, white vitriol.
+
+_Sulphuret_, a combination of an alkaline earth or metal with sulphur
+as, _Sulphuret of iron_, a combination of iron and sulphur.
+
+_Sulphuric acid_, oil of vitriol, vitriolic acid.
+
+_Suture_, a sewing; the uniting of parts by stitching; the seam or joint
+which unites the flat bones of the skull, which are notched like the
+teeth of a saw, and the notches, being united together, present the
+appearance of a seam.
+
+_Tartar_, a substance, deposited on the inside of wine casks, consisting
+chiefly of tartaric acid and potash. _Cream of tartar_, the crude tartar
+separated from all its impurities, by being dissolved in water and then
+crystallized, when it becomes a perfectly white powder.
+
+_Tartaric acid_, a vegetable acid which exists in the grape.
+
+_Technology_, a description of the arts, considered generally, in their
+theory and practice, as connected with moral, political, and physical
+science.
+
+_Three great Jewish yearly festivals_, see _Festivals_.
+
+_Three-ply_, or triple ingrain, a kind of carpeting, in which the
+threads are woven in such a manner as to make three thicknesses of the
+cloth.
+
+_Tic douloureux_, a painful affection of the nerves, mostly those of the
+face.
+
+_Tocqueville_, (Alexis de,) a celebrated living statesman and writer of
+France, and author of volumes on the Political Condition, and the
+Penitentiaries, of the United States, and other works.
+
+_Trachea_, the windpipe, so named (from a Greek word signifying _rough_)
+from the roughness, or inequalities, of the cartilages of which it is
+formed.
+
+_Truckle-bed_, or _trundle-bed_, a bed that runs on wheels.
+
+_Tuber_, a solid, fleshy, roundish root, like the potato. _Tuberous_,
+thick and fleshy; composed of, or having, tubers.
+
+_Tucks_, (improperly tacks,) folds in garments.
+
+_Turmeric_, the root of a plant called _Curcuma longa_, a native of the
+East Indies, used as a yellow dye.
+
+_Twaddle_, idle, foolish talk, or conversation.
+
+_Unbolted_, unsifted.
+
+_Unslacked_, not loosened, or deprived of cohesion. Lime, when it has
+been slacked, crumbles to powder, from being deprived of cohesion.
+
+_Valance_, the drapery or fringe hanging round the cover of a bed,
+couch, or other similar article.
+
+_Vascular_, relating to, or full of, vessels.
+
+_Venetian_, a kind of carpeting, composed of a striped woollen warp on a
+thick woof of linen thread.
+
+_Verisimilitude_, probability, resemblance to truth.
+
+_Verbatim_, word for word.
+
+_Vice versa_, the side being changed, or the question reversed, or the
+terms being exchanged.
+
+_Viscera_, (plural of _viscus_,) organs contained in the abdomen and in
+the chest.
+
+_Vitriol_, a compound mineral salt, of a very caustic taste. _Blue
+vitriol_, sulphate of copper. _Green vitriol_, see _Copperas_. _Oil of
+vitriol_, sulphuric acid. _White vitriol_, sulphate of zinc.
+
+_Waffle-iron_, an iron utensil for the purpose of baking waffles, which
+are thin and soft cakes indented by the iron in which they are baked.
+
+_Washleather_, a soft, pliable leather, dressed with oil, and in such a
+way, that it may be washed, without shrinking. It is used for various
+articles of dress, as under-shirts, drawers, &c., and also for rubbing
+silver, and other articles having a high polish. The article known, in
+commerce, as chamois, or shammy, leather, is also called wash-leather.
+
+_Welting cord_, a cord sewed into the welt or border of a garment.
+
+The _West_, or _Western World_. When used in Europe, or in distinction
+from the Eastern World, it means America. When used in this Country, the
+West refers to the Western States of the Union. _Western Wilds_, the
+wild, thinly-settled lands of the Western States.
+
+_White vitriol_, see _Zinc_.
+
+_Wilton carpet_, a kind of carpets, made in England, and so called from
+the place which is the chief seat of their manufacture. They are woollen
+velvets, with variegated colors.
+
+_Writ of lunacy_, see _Lunacy_.
+
+_Xantippe_, the wife of Socrates, noted for her violent temper and
+scolding propensities. The name is frequently applied to a shrew, or
+peevish, turbulent, scolding woman.
+
+_Zinc_, a blueish-white metal, which is used as a constituent of brass,
+and some other alloys. _Sulphate of zinc_, or _White vitriol_, a
+combination of zinc with sulphuric acid.
+
+
+
+
+INDEX.
+
+
+A.
+
+Absorbents of the skin, 93, 119.
+
+Accidents and antidotes, 240.
+
+Accounts, 174, 186.
+  By girls, 188.
+
+Acids, 319.
+
+Africans, diet of, 221.
+
+Air, evils of the want of pure, 91, 129, 196, 311.
+  Exercise in the, 129, 133.
+  For infants, 217, 218.
+  Of sick-rooms, 237.
+  Dancing in the, 246.
+  _See_ Ventilation.
+
+Albany Orphan Asylum, 222.
+
+Alcoholic drinks, 107.
+  _See_ Stimulating.
+
+Alton, account of the Monticello Female Seminary at, 54.
+
+Amaryllis, 335.
+
+America, anticipations as to, 36.
+  Conspicuous station of, 36.
+  Changeableness in the conditions in, 40, 46, 48, 257.
+  Labor in, 147.
+
+American women, peculiar responsibilities of, 25.
+  Rights and privileges of, 27.
+  Their distinct line of duty, 28, 32, 33.
+  Influence of, on America, 32, 33.
+  Their equality, 33.
+  Fancied wrongs of, 33.
+  Part to be acted by, 36.
+  Influence of, in the world, 37, 38.
+  Difficulties peculiar to, 38;
+    as housekeepers, 39, 151, 204;
+    from delicacy of constitution, 41, 45, 47, 128.
+  Few perfectly healthy, 43.
+  Causes of unhealthy, 43, 128;
+    mental excitement, 43;
+    their sense of their responsibilities, 44;
+    too little outdoor exercise, 44.
+  Bad early training of, 45.
+  Exposures of, in newly-settled countries, 46.
+  De Tocqueville describes, in the West, 46.
+  In the East and in the West, compared, 47.
+  Should oppose the feeling that labor is degrading, 61.
+  Precedence given to, by the other sex, 141.
+  Housekeeping by, 151.
+  Time and money spent by, for the ornamental, 175.
+  _See_ Daughters, Females, Mothers, _and_ Women.
+
+Amusements, 244, 250.
+
+Anemone, 335.
+
+Anger, on silence in, 152.
+  _See_ Temper, _and_ Tones.
+
+Animal food, 99, 100.
+  For young children, 220.
+  Nourishment of, 221.
+  _See_ Food.
+
+Animals, cruelty to, in sport, 244, 246.
+
+Annual flowers, 337.
+
+Anthracite coal, 281.
+
+Ants, red and black, 323.
+
+Anxiety, a countenance of, 149.
+
+Appetites, gratification of the, 159, 171, 172.
+  Rule as to, 184.
+
+Apple trees, preserving from insects, 350.
+
+Apportionment of time, 157, 160, 181.
+  By regular division of work, 162.
+  Jewish, 181.
+
+Aristocracy, English, 27, 123.
+  The prejudice of, as to labor, 61, 123.
+  Distinguishing mark of, 123.
+  On aping the, 124.
+  Courtesy of, limited, 139.
+  Manners of democracy and, 146.
+  On economy among the, 194.
+  Domestics of, 205.
+
+Arm, muscles of the, 74, 75.
+
+Arsenic, poisoning from, 242.
+
+Arteries, tying up, 240.
+
+Associated charities, 178.
+
+Association, in Illinois, for educating poor females, 59.
+  For education at large, 203.
+
+Astral lamps, 282.
+
+
+B.
+
+Back-door accommodations, 276.
+
+Baglivi, on health during Lent, 100.
+
+Balls, 247, 248.
+
+Bargains, on making, 190, 194.
+
+Baskets, 321.
+  For centre tables, 354.
+
+Bath, on using the, 120.
+
+Bathing infants, 217.
+  _See_ Washing.
+
+Bathing-rooms, 276.
+
+Beating down prices, 190, 194.
+
+Beaumont, Dr., experiments by, on the digestibility of food, 104, _note_.
+
+Beauty, effect of exercise on, 132.
+
+Bed-bugs, 323.
+
+Bedrooms, care of, 311.
+
+Beds and bedding, 114, 313, 329.
+  Washing, 287.
+  On making, 314.
+
+Beef's-gall, uses of, 286, 289.
+  To prepare, 292.
+
+Bell, Sir Charles, on nerves, 129.
+
+Benevolence, happiness of, 131.
+  _See_ Charity.
+
+Bile, 89.
+
+Bituminous coal, 281.
+
+Black ants, 323.
+
+Black tea, 110.
+
+Bleeding at the lungs, 243.
+
+Blindness, guarding against, 217, 283.
+
+Blisters, on dressing, 238.
+
+Blood, details as to the circulation of the, 83.
+  Effect of daylight on the, 124;
+    of exercise, 132.
+  Crowded to the brain, when one is excited, 195.
+  When a cause of mental disease, 196.
+  Stopping, 240, 243.
+  When dancing, 246.
+  _See_ Circulation.
+
+Blood-vessels, 81.
+
+Blows on the head, 241.
+
+Boarding-houses, plan as to expenses of, 186.
+
+Boarding schools, curvature of the spine common at, 41.
+  _See_ Female seminaries.
+
+Boards for ironing, 294.
+
+Body, change and renovation of the, 91.
+  Connection of mind and, 195.
+  _See_ Mind.
+
+Boldness in domestics, 209.
+
+Bones, described, 69.
+
+Books, on teaching domestic economy from, 65.
+
+Bosom-boards, 294.
+
+Boston, scientific and literary advantages in, 147.
+
+Bowels, 235, 237, _note_.
+
+Boys, small, made useful, 164.
+  Domestic arts taught to, 164.
+  _See_ Children.
+
+Brain, excitement of the, 195.
+  Over-action of the, 197.
+
+Breakfast, 103.
+  On late, 127.
+  On the care of, and of dining-rooms, 306.
+
+Broadcloths, cleansing, 289.
+
+Broken limbs, 240.
+
+Brown linens, washing, 288.
+
+Bruises, 240.
+
+Budding, hints on, 342.
+
+Bulbs, 335.
+
+Bulwer's novels, 234.
+
+Burne, Dr., cited, 235.
+
+Burns, treatment of, 241.
+
+Buttonholes, 324.
+
+Byron, Lord, 200, 201.
+
+
+C.
+
+Cakes, keeping till meal time, 223.
+
+Calicoes, washing, 286, 287.
+  Ironing, 295.
+
+Calisthenics, 56, 247.
+
+Candles, 281.
+  To make, 283.
+
+Caps for infants, 217.
+
+Carpets, hints as to, 302.
+
+Carving, 310.
+
+Castle building, 199.
+
+Cathartics, 235, 237.
+
+Catholics, health of, during Lent, 100.
+
+Cellars, vegetables in dark, 124.
+  On the care of, 322.
+
+Chambers, care of, 311.
+  Couches for, 312.
+  Furniture for, 313.
+
+Character, attention to, at school, 58.
+  Dependence of happiness on, 169.
+  Self-denying benevolence of Christ's, 169.
+
+Charcoal, 242, 281.
+
+Charity, 131.
+  On giving in, 158.
+  Difficulty respecting, 167.
+  General principles respecting, 168.
+  Objects for receiving, 176.
+  For souls of men, 177.
+  By furnishing the poor with means of earning support, 178.
+  Associations for, 178.
+  Indiscriminate bestowal of, 178.
+  Benefit of tracts in distributing, 179.
+  On judging of other people's, 180.
+  Union of, with social enjoyments, 184.
+
+Cheap articles, hints on, 190, 194.
+
+Children, washing, 121, 122.
+  Living in the dark, 124.
+  Early retiring and rising of, 126.
+  Cultivation of good manners in, 141, 142.
+  Too great familiarity with, 143, 226.
+  Should acknowledge acts of kindness, 143;
+    ask leave to use others' articles, 143;
+    avoid wounding others' feelings, 143.
+  To be taught to keep silence, 145, 230.
+  Do not surround with too many rules, 145.
+  On making allowances for, 154.
+  Waiting on, 163.
+  On making useful, 163, 252.
+  On paying, for services, 164, 230.
+  On giving younger, to older, 165.
+  Precocity in, 198.
+  Eating too often, 223.
+  To be guarded as to honesty, deceit, and running in debt, 232.
+  Sharing fruits and flowers, 251.
+  _See_ Boys, Female, Girls, _and_ Young children.
+
+Chimneys, smoky, 352.
+
+Christ's character, 169.
+
+Christianity, principles of, identical with democratic, 25, 34.
+
+Churches, ill-ventilated, 196.
+
+Chyle, 89.
+  Converted into arterial blood, 90.
+  From animal and other food, 99.
+
+Cincinnati, education in, 148.
+
+Circulation, in the skin of infants, 113.
+  Effect of cold on, 113, 118, 119.
+  _See_ Blood.
+
+Clark, Dr., on animal diet for very young children, 220.
+
+Cleaning carpets, 303.
+
+Cleanliness, on realizing the importance of, 118.
+  Of the sick, 238.
+
+Cleansing articles, 298.
+
+Climbing plants, 339.
+
+Closets, of conveniences, 162.
+  Sliding, 278.
+  For washing utensils, 285.
+  In eating-rooms, 306.
+  In kitchens, 322.
+
+Clothing and clothes, 112.
+  Deficiency of, 113, 129.
+  Excess of, 114.
+  Rule as to, 114.
+  Flannel, 114, 115.
+  Of men and women, compared, 115.
+  Example of English women as to, 117.
+  On changing, next to the body, 120.
+  Girls buying their own, 188.
+  On inconsistent, 189.
+  On washing, 285.
+  Ironing, 295.
+  Whitening, 296.
+  Cleansing, 298.
+  Coloring, 300.
+  _See_ Dress, _and_ Tight dressing.
+
+Coal, 281.
+
+Coats, on folding, 315.
+
+Cobalt, poisoning from, 242.
+
+Cockroaches, 323.
+
+Coffee, _see_ Tea.
+
+Cold, on exposure to, 113, 118.
+  Effect of, on infants, 114.
+
+Cold and hot, food, 103.
+  Drinks, 110.
+
+Collecting of specimens, 253.
+
+Colleges, on the endowment of, 51.
+  On physicians in, 198.
+
+Colors, coloring and, 300.
+  For different complexions, 327.
+
+Combe, Andrew, on drinks, 111.
+  On exercising the brain, 199.
+  On infants, 214.
+  On animal food, 221.
+
+Complexions, colors for the different, 327.
+
+Condiments in food, 99.
+
+Constipation, 235, 237, _note_.
+
+Constitution, delicacy of, in American females, 41, 45, 47;
+    causes of it, 45, 128.
+  On early attention to the, 49.
+  Duties of wealthy mothers, respecting their children's, 50.
+  Effect of stimulating drinks on the, 107.
+
+Conveniences, on providing, 162.
+  For cooking, 319.
+  _See_ Closets.
+
+Convivial meetings, on exposures after, 119, 247.
+
+Cooking, food made unhealthy by, 99, 101.
+  Conveniences wanted for, 319.
+
+Cooper, Sir Astley, cited, 195.
+
+Corrosive sublimate, poisoning from, 241.
+
+Corsets, 116.
+
+Couches, cheap, 312.
+
+Courtesy, want of, 137, 141;
+  causes of it, 138, 148.
+  _See_ Democracy.
+
+Cows, to take care of, 352.
+
+Creeping of infants, 219.
+
+Cribs for infants, 218.
+
+Crickets, 323.
+
+Crockery, 319.
+
+Crocus, 335.
+
+Crown Imperial, 335.
+
+Cruelty in amusements, 244, 246.
+
+Crying of infants, 219.
+
+Curculios, 351.
+
+Currants, 348, 350.
+
+Curtains, 302, 304.
+
+Curvature, _see_ Spine.
+
+Cuts, remedies for, 240.
+
+Cutting and sewing, 324, 328.
+
+Cuvier, cited, 220.
+
+
+D.
+
+Daffodils, 336.
+
+Dahlias, 336.
+
+Dancing, 245, 246.
+
+Daughters, on schooling, 48.
+  On keeping, as domestic assistants, 60.
+  Educated to domestic work, 67.
+  _See_ Female, _and_ Girls.
+
+Day, on converting into night, 123.
+  Influence of, on vegetables and blood, 124.
+
+Debt, on running into, 232.
+
+Democracy, principles of, identical with Christian, 25, 34.
+  Tendencies of, as to the female sex, 27.
+  On progress towards, 34.
+  On what the success of, depends, 36.
+  Of early rising, 123.
+  Courtesy of manners and, 138, 140, 146.
+
+Derangement, from over-excitement, 197.
+
+Diet, _see_ Food.
+
+Difficulties, peculiar to American women, 38.
+  On estimating them justly, 39, 151.
+  Remedies for, 48, 151.
+
+Digestion, organs of respiration and, 87.
+  Details respecting, 94.
+  Articles easiest for, 101, 104.
+  Experiments respecting, 104.
+  _Bulk_ of food necessary to, 105.
+  Impeded by bathing, 121.
+
+Dining-rooms, care of, 306.
+
+Dinner, setting table for, 309.
+
+Dirt not healthy, 118.
+
+Dish-cloths, 317.
+
+Dishes, on washing, 318.
+
+Dolls, benefits from, 254.
+
+Domestic amusements, 244.
+
+Domestic exercise, 128.
+
+Domestic Economy, on raising, as a science, 50, 67.
+  Reasons for introducing, into school, 63.
+  On teaching, from books, 65.
+  Indispensable part of education, 134.
+
+Domestic education, importance of, in childhood, 48.
+  On early training in, 49, 60, 67.
+  On giving mornings to, 49.
+  In the Monticello Female Seminary, 54.
+  Should alternate with studies, 60.
+  Sufferings for want of, 63.
+  Many mothers unqualified to teach, 65.
+  Dignity of, 67, 135.
+
+Domestics, peculiar difficulties as to, in America, 40, 204.
+  Duties to be done by daughters, and not by, 50.
+  Blessing of a dearth of, 50.
+  Without, 64.
+  On making allowances for, 154, 210, 212.
+  Care of, 204.
+  Of aristocratic lands, 205.
+  Placing ourselves in their situation, 205, 206.
+  Exorbitant wages of, 205.
+  Instability and discontent of, and the remedy, 206.
+  Pride and insubordination of, and the remedy, 207, 208.
+  On calling them _servants_, 207.
+  Admitted to the table, 209.
+  Bold and forward, 209.
+  Dress and rooms of, 209, 210.
+  Deficiencies of, and the remedies, 210.
+  Getting away, 211.
+  Finding fault with, 211.
+  Patience with, 212.
+  Regard to, in construction of houses, 261.
+  Beds for, 315.
+
+Doors, outside, 260, 263.
+
+Dress, too much attention to, 166.
+  Inconsistency in, 189.
+  Of domestics, 209.
+  _See_ Clothing.
+
+Dresses, for the domestic duties of school girls, 55.
+  Colors for, 327.
+  _See_ Clothing.
+
+Drink, during meal-time, 103.
+
+Drinks, on healthful, 106.
+
+Drowning, 241.
+
+Dumb-waiters, 278, 306.
+
+Dusting, 304, 306.
+
+Duties, enjoyments connected with, 183.
+
+
+E.
+
+Early rising, 122.
+  Democratic, 123.
+  Reasons for, 124.
+  Time for, 126.
+  Longevity and, 126.
+  Effects of, on a family, 126;
+    on the community, 127;
+    on systematic duty, 166.
+
+Earthen ware, 319.
+
+Eating, intemperance in, 94, 95.
+  At any time, 96.
+  Too fast, 101.
+  Should not be followed by exercise, 102;
+    nor bathing, 121.
+  _See_ Food.
+
+Eating-rooms, care of, 306.
+
+Economy, on domestic, 152.
+  Extravagance changed for, 176.
+  Contradictory ideas as to, 185.
+  General principles as to, 186.
+  Relative obligations of rich and poor as to, 191.
+  Neglect as to, 193.
+  Of the aristocracy, 194.
+
+Education in America, 147.
+  Associations for, 203.
+  _See_ Female, _and_ Monticello.
+
+Employment, for the different divisions of a week, 162.
+  On regular, for all the family, 163.
+
+Enjoyments, _see_ Amusements, _and_ Happiness.
+
+Equality, on democratic, 25.
+  _See_ Democracy, Sexes, _and_ Women.
+
+Establishments, expensive, given up, 176.
+
+Exercise, comparative, of American women and others, 44.
+  Neglect of, 50, 244.
+  Method for securing, at the Monticello Female Seminary, 54.
+  Indispensable to the health of the several parts of the
+     human frame, 73, 97.
+  Of the muscles, 76, 78, 97, 116, 128, 129.
+  Effect of want of, on the spine, 78, 80.
+  Food to be graduated by, 97.
+  After eating, bad, 102.
+  Evils of want of, 129.
+  On furnishing interesting, 131.
+  Walking for, 131.
+  In useful employments, 131.
+  Excessive, 132.
+  Rule as to, 133.
+  On excessive, of the mind and feelings, 197.
+  Of the brain, 199.
+
+Exhalations from the skin, 92.
+
+Expenses, on keeping account of, 173, 174.
+  Economy in, 185, 193.
+  On graduating, by the income, 186.
+  On gentility in being careless of, 193.
+  On extravagance in, 194.
+  _See_ Economy.
+
+Eyes, screening, from light, 217, 283.
+
+
+F.
+
+Family, on early rising in the, 126.
+  Fathers neglecting the, 255.
+  On attachments of, 256.
+
+Fasting in sickness, 235.
+
+Fathers neglecting home, 255.
+
+Fault-finding, 211.
+
+Featherbeds, 114, 313.
+
+Feelings, inactivity of the, 199.
+
+Feet, on protecting the, 115, 117, 129.
+  Keeping those of infants, warm, 217.
+  Bathing, for a cold, 235.
+
+Female association for educating poor females, 59.
+
+Female education, advantages for, in America, 43.
+  Objects to be attended to, in, 48, 49.
+  Importance of mathematics in, 56.
+  Should be conducted by females, 58.
+  Present waste in conducting, 60.
+  _See_ School.
+
+Female seminaries, on the endowment of, 51.
+  Importance of, 52.
+  Defects of, 53.
+  Suitable, 53.
+  Monticello Female Seminary, described, 54.
+  Division of labor and responsibility in, 58.
+  Requirement for admission to the Monticello, 59.
+  On providing, 61, 68.
+  Reasons for introducing the study of domestic economy into, 63.
+  Establishment of, by a wealthy female, 202.
+  Should have gardens, 251.
+
+Females, influence of, on the character of the young, 37.
+  Building schoolhouses, 202.
+  _See_ American women, Girls, _and_ Women.
+
+Filberts, 348.
+
+Finding fault, 211.
+
+Finger nails, 122, 144.
+
+Fire, escaping from, 243.
+
+Fireplaces and fires, 260, 265, 280, 311.
+
+Fishing, 244.
+
+Flannel, 114.
+  Utility of, 115.
+  On washing, 285, 286.
+
+Fleas, 323.
+
+Flies, on destroying, 323.
+
+Flower baskets, 354.
+
+Flower seeds, on planting, 332.
+
+Flowers, 251, 335.
+  Arranging, 337.
+
+Fluids, on taking, 103, 104.
+
+Folding articles, 315.
+
+Follicles of the skin, 93.
+
+Food, on the conversion of, into nourishment, 87.
+  Responsibility as to, in a family, 94.
+  On taking too much, 94, 95, 128.
+  On one kind of, for each meal, 95.
+  Should be taken at proper times, 96.
+  Strong laboring men need most, 96.
+  Quantity of, to be graduated by exercise, 97.
+  On the quality of, 98.
+  Stimulating, 99.
+  Animal and vegetable, 99, 100, 220, 221.
+  Kinds of, most easily digested, 101, 104, 105.
+  Injurious, from bad cooking, 101.
+  On eating, too fast, 101, 128.
+  On exercise after taking, 102.
+  On hot and cold, 103.
+  Highly concentrated, 104.
+  Certain _bulk_ of, necessary to digestion, 105.
+  For infants, 214, 216.
+  For nurses, 215.
+  Sickness from improper, 235.
+  Preparing, for the sick, 239.
+
+Footstools, 303.
+
+Foreigners, employed as domestics, 40.
+
+Forewarning domestics, 211.
+
+Forwardness of domestics, 209.
+
+Franklin, Benjamin, diet of, 222.
+
+Frocks, to make, 326.
+
+Fruit, on the cultivation of, 251, 347.
+  To preserve, 350.
+
+Fuel, hints as to, 280.
+
+Furnaces, 260, _note_.
+
+Furniture, on costly, 163, 167.
+  On inconsistent, 188.
+  On selecting, 302.
+  Packing of, for moving, 316.
+  Kitchen, 319.
+
+
+G.
+
+Games of children, 253.
+
+Garden seeds, to plant, 333.
+
+Gardening, 331.
+
+Gardens, at female institutions, 251.
+  On laying out, 334.
+
+Gas, antidote for, 242.
+
+Gastric juice, 88, 94.
+
+Gathering, in shirts, 325.
+
+Girls, on sending, to school, 48, 60.
+  Should assist their mothers early, 49.
+  Education of, at the Monticello Female Seminary, 54.
+  Confinement of, in school, 133.
+  Small, made useful, 164.
+  Forming habits of system, 167;
+    of making purchases and keeping accounts, 188.
+  Effects of excitement on, 197.
+  Taking care of infants by, 214.
+  _See_ Daughters, _and_ Females.
+
+Gladiolus, 335.
+
+Gloves, cleansing, 298.
+
+Godfrey, Benjamin, Female Seminary endowed by, 54.
+
+Gooseberries, 348, 350.
+
+Gothic cottage, 271.
+
+Government of children, 226.
+  Unsteadiness in, and over-government, 228.
+  Maxims on, 229.
+  _See_ Children, Subordination, _and_ Young children.
+
+Grafting, 344.
+
+Grapes, 349, 350.
+
+Grates, 281.
+
+Gratifications, on physical, 159, 171, 172.
+
+Grease-spots, 289, 297, 298.
+  In carpets, 304.
+
+Greeks and Romans, bathing by, 120.
+
+
+H.
+
+Habit, in a system of duty, 166.
+
+Handkerchiefs, cleansing, 298.
+
+Happiness, dependence of, on character, 169.
+  On living to make, 169, 200.
+  Connected with duties, 183.
+
+Hard-soap, to make, 291.
+
+Head, blows on the, 241.
+
+Headache, 78, 95.
+
+Health, delicacy and infrequency of, in American women, 41, 45.
+  Effect of mental excitement on 43;
+    of a high sense of responsibility, &c., 44;
+    of want of outdoor exercise, 44;
+    of bad early training, 45;
+    of exposures in newly-settled countries, 46.
+  On preparation for a _rational_ care of, in a family, 68, 69.
+  Connection of exercise and, 73, 76, 78, 97, 133;
+    of the quantity of food and, 94, 95, 100;
+    of the quality, 98.
+  Of Catholics during Lent, 100.
+  Not from dirt, 118.
+  Effect of early rising on, 125.
+  On the duty of sacrificing, 159.
+  Causes which injure the mind's, 196.
+  Amusements and, 245.
+  Laughter and, 253.
+  Regard to, in constructing houses, 260.
+  Ventilation and, 311.
+  Connection of, with cellars, 322.
+  _See_ Air, Exercise, _and_ Sickness.
+
+Hearths, 305.
+
+Hearts, different, 84.
+  Cause of their throbbing, 90.
+
+Heat of the body, regulated by the skin, 92.
+
+Heating houses, 260.
+
+Help, _see_ Domestics.
+
+Helping at table, 310.
+
+Herbaceous roots, 339.
+
+Horse-racing, 245, 246.
+
+Horses, care of, 351.
+
+Hose, on washing, 286, 289.
+
+Hospitality, on manifesting, 144.
+  To strangers, 257.
+
+Hot and cold food and drinks, 103, 110.
+
+Hot-beds, 331.
+
+House-cleaning, 353.
+
+Housekeepers, difficulties peculiar to American women as, 30.
+  Preservation of good temper in, 148, 150.
+  Allowances to be made for, 150.
+  Necessity of a habit of system and order in, 157.
+  General principles for, 158.
+  Plans by, for saving time, 184.
+  _See_ American women.
+
+Housekeeping, on a knowledge of, 134.
+  Dignity and difficulty of, 150, 157.
+  _See_ Labor.
+
+House-plants, to repot, 333.
+  Care of, 341.
+
+Houses, on the construction of, 258.
+  Regard to economy of labor in, 258;
+    to water, 259, 275;
+    to heating, 260;
+    to economy of health, 260;
+    to domestics, 261;
+    to good taste, 261.
+  Plans of, and of domestic conveniences, 261.
+  Shade-trees around, 275.
+  Back-door accommodations to, 276.
+
+Hunger, 94, 132.
+  As a guide for taking food, 97.
+
+Hunting, 244.
+
+Hyacinths, 335.
+
+
+I.
+
+Illinois, female association in, for educating poor females, 59.
+  _See_ Alton.
+
+Imagination, 199.
+  Works of, 249.
+  _See_ Novel reading.
+
+Impostors, soliciting charity, 178.
+
+Impurity of thought, 233.
+
+Income, _see_ Expenses.
+
+Indigestion, 101.
+  _See_ Health.
+
+Infants, mortality among, 112, 114, 214.
+  Too cold, 113.
+  Plunging, in cold water, 113.
+  Registrations of, 113.
+  On giving, to the older children, 165.
+  Use of, to elicit charity, 179.
+  Importance of knowing how to take care of, 213.
+  Combe, Bell, and Eberle on, cited, 214.
+  Food for, 214, 216, 218.
+  Medicines for, 215, 216, 218, 219.
+  Pure air for, 217, 218.
+  Keeping warm, 217, 218.
+  Keeping their heads cool, 217.
+  Bathing, 217, 218.
+  Nostrums for, 219.
+  Unquiet, 219.
+  To creep, 219.
+  Standing, 219.
+  Crying, 219.
+  _See_ Children, _and_ Mortality.
+
+Ingrafting, 344.
+
+Ink-stains, 298.
+
+Insects, on destroying, 323.
+  Preserving apple trees from, 350.
+
+Institutions, _see_ Female seminaries, _and_ School.
+
+Intelligence, dependence of democracy on, 36.
+
+Intemperance, H. Martineau on, criticized, 30, _note_.
+  In eating, 94, 95.
+  In drinking, 106.
+  Female responsibility as to, 106.
+
+Invitations, 353.
+
+Ironing, articles to be provided for, 293.
+  Settee for, 293.
+  Boards for, 294.
+  Hints on, 295.
+
+Iron-ware, 319.
+
+
+J.
+
+Jewish use of time, 182.
+
+Jokes, 253.
+
+Jonquilles, 335.
+
+
+K.
+
+Kitchens, 163, 259.
+  On taking care of, 317.
+  Floors of, 317.
+  Oilcloths for, 317.
+  Furniture for, 319.
+
+Knitting, to employ time, 185.
+
+Knives and forks, 307.
+
+
+L.
+
+Labelling powders, 239.
+
+Labor, nobility of, 55, 147.
+  On opposing the idea of the degradation of, 61, 123, 124.
+  Not inconsistent with delicacy, 62.
+  On economy of, in houses, 258.
+
+Laces, doing up of, 292.
+
+Lamps, 281.
+  Care of, 282.
+
+Laplanders and their food, 220.
+
+Lard, used for oil, 281.
+
+Latticed portico, 277.
+
+Laughter, 253.
+
+Laws, necessity of a system of, 25.
+
+Leghorn hats, 299.
+
+Lent, health during, 100.
+
+Ley, to make, 290.
+
+Life, object of, 168.
+
+Light, effects of, 124.
+  Screening eyes from, 217, 283.
+
+Lightning, 243.
+
+Lightning rods, 243.
+
+Lights, 281.
+
+Limbs of trees, on training, 348.
+
+Linens, 288, 328.
+
+Linnaeus, cited, 220.
+
+Liquids, on taking, 103, 104.
+
+Literature, guarding, 249.
+
+Longevity, Sinclair on, 126.
+  From vegetable diet, 221.
+
+Louis XIV., manners of his age, 148.
+
+Lungs, 89.
+  Effects of tight-dressing on the, 90, 117.
+  Bleeding at the, 243.
+
+Luxuries, _see_ Superfluities.
+
+
+M.
+
+Mahogany furniture, 305.
+
+Manners, good, 136.
+  American defect in, and cause of it, 137.
+  Of the Puritans and their posterity, 137.
+  Principles respecting, 140.
+  Proprieties in, 141.
+  On cultivation of, 141.
+  At home, 142.
+  Leading points as to, claiming attention, 142.
+  Children to be taught, 143.
+  On conventional, 144.
+  At table, 144.
+  Charity for bad, 145.
+  Of the age of Louis XIV., 148.
+  _See_ Children.
+
+Marble, stains on, 305.
+
+Martineau, Harriet, criticized, 30, _note_, 141, _note_.
+
+Mathematics, importance of, in a female education, 56.
+
+Mattresses, 312, 329.
+
+Meals, should be five hours apart, 96.
+  On the nature of the, 103.
+  Time of English, 123.
+
+Meat, on eating, 99, 100.
+  _See_ Animal food, _and_ Food.
+
+Mechanical amusements, 254.
+
+Medical men needed in literary institutions, 198.
+
+Medicines, on giving, to infants, 215.
+  On administering, 236, 238.
+  Different effects of different, 236.
+  On purchasing, 239.
+  Labelling, 239.
+
+Men, engaged in women's work, 164, 165.
+
+Mending, 330.
+
+Mental excitement, effect of, on health, 43.
+  On reducing youthful, 48, 49.
+  On invigorating, 56.
+  Effect of, on the mind, 197.
+  _See_ Mind.
+
+Mexicans, teeth of, 110.
+
+Mice, 323.
+
+Mildew, removing, 296.
+
+Milk, for infants, 216, 217.
+
+Milkweed-silk, 227.
+
+Mind, connection of body and, 195.
+  Causes which injure the health of the, 196.
+  On inactivity of, 199.
+  Indications of diseased, 204.
+  _See_ Health, _and_ Mental excitement.
+
+Mineralogical collections, 253.
+
+Modesty in children, 233.
+
+Money, children's earning, 164.
+
+Montagu, Lady Mary Wortley, cited, 135.
+
+Monticello Female Seminary, account of, 54.
+  System of studies there, 57.
+  Effort made there to cure defects of character and habits, 58.
+
+Morals, American, 29.
+  Dependence of democracy on, 36.
+  Attention to, in the Monticello Female Seminary, 58.
+  In children, 233.
+  _See_ Children, _and_ Young children.
+
+Mortality, among infants, 112, 114.
+  Causes of it, 214.
+  At the Albany Orphan Asylum, 222.
+  _See_ Infants.
+
+Mothers, sufferings of American, 42.
+  The great objects for, in educating their daughters, 48.
+  Influence of wealthy, 50.
+  Should raise the science of domestic economy, 51.
+  Few, qualified to teach domestic economy, 65.
+  Influence of, 149, 151.
+  Teaching boys domestic arts, 164.
+  _See_ American women, _and_ Women.
+
+Moths, 323.
+
+Muscles, 74.
+  Exercise of the, 76, 78, 97, 116, 129.
+  Excessive exercise of, 132.
+
+Music, 58, 252.
+
+Muslins, on washing, 288.
+  Starching, 292.
+
+Musquitoes, 323.
+
+
+N.
+
+Nails, cleaning, 122, 144.
+
+Nankeens, on washing, 288.
+
+Napkins, table, 307.
+
+Narcissus, 335.
+
+Nash, Beau, biography of, 148.
+
+Neatness, in housekeeping, 152.
+  Of sick-rooms, 238.
+  _See_ Cleanliness.
+
+Needle-work, bad economy in, 189.
+
+Nerves, 76.
+  Ramifications of the, 78.
+  Health of, dependent on muscular exercise, 78, 130.
+  Function of, in the stomach, 87.
+  Excited by stimulating drinks, 106, 111.
+  Two kinds of, 129.
+  On cutting off, 130.
+  Exercise and inactivity of, 130.
+  Debility of, 130, 199.
+
+New Englanders, one cause of their tact, 165.
+
+Newton, Sir Isaac, diet of, 222.
+
+Night, converting, into day, 123.
+
+Nightgowns, 114, 329.
+
+Night-lamps, 283.
+
+Novel reading, 199, 234, 249.
+
+Nursery, discipline of the, 224, 230.
+
+Nursery, soil for a, 347.
+
+Nursing, on food while, 215.
+  Of the sick, 237.
+
+
+O.
+
+Obedience of children, 226.
+  _See_ Children, _and_ Government.
+
+Objects of charity, 176.
+
+Oil, 281.
+  Taking out, 297.
+
+Oilcloths, for kitchens, 317.
+
+Opium, absorbed by the skin, 93.
+  Antidote for, 242.
+
+Order, on a habit of, 157.
+
+Ornaments, 166.
+  Time and money spent for, 175, 259.
+
+Orphan Asylum at Albany, 222.
+
+Ostrich feathers, washing, 299.
+
+Outhouses, 276.
+
+Over-government, 228, 229.
+  _See_ Children, _and_ Government.
+
+
+P.
+
+Packing, of trunks, 316.
+  Of furniture for moving, 316.
+
+Pain, amusements causing, 244.
+
+Paint-spots, 298.
+
+Pantaloons, on mending, 330.
+
+Parents, exercising of authority by, 226.
+  Should provide amusements, 250.
+  Joining in children's sports, 254.
+
+Parlors, kitchens and, 163, 259.
+  Light work in, to save time, 184.
+  Inconsistently furnished, 189.
+  On the care of, 302.
+  On selecting furniture for, 302.
+  Sweeping, 305.
+  Screens in, 353.
+
+Parties, invitations to, 353.
+
+Passions, the, 170.
+  _See_ Temper.
+
+Peach trees, 350.
+
+Perennial plants, 339.
+
+Peristaltic motion, 87, 96, 102.
+
+Perspiration, 92, 93.
+  Demands supply of food, 96.
+  From exercise, healthful, 114.
+  During sleep, 126.
+  On inducing, 235, 236.
+
+Physical education, _see_ Exercise, _and_ Health.
+
+Physicians, obeying, 239.
+
+Piano, playing on the, 252.
+
+Pictures, 302, 304.
+
+Pills, 236, 237, _note_.
+
+Pitch, on removing, 297.
+
+Plans, for apportioning time, 158, 160.
+  For duties, 162, 166, 167.
+  For saving time, 184.
+  For expenses, 186.
+  Of houses, 261.
+
+Planting flower seeds, 332.
+
+Plants, collecting, 253.
+  In rooms with stoves, 281.
+  Soil for, 331.
+  Propagation of, 341.
+  _See_ Flowers, _and_ Seeds.
+
+Poisoning, 241.
+
+Politeness, _see_ Courtesy, _and_ Manners.
+
+Poor, Mosaic laws as to the, 182.
+  On work for the, 189, 190.
+  Liberal prices and prompt payment to the, 191.
+  _See_ Charity.
+
+Pores, closing the, 119.
+  _See_ Skin.
+
+Portico, latticed, 277.
+
+Positions, effects of, 73, 80.
+
+Potash-soap, 291.
+
+Pot-plants, soil for, 331.
+
+Pots, transplanting from, 333.
+
+Powders, labelling, 239.
+
+Precocity in children, 198.
+
+Privies, 276.
+
+Propagation of plants, 341.
+
+Propensities, 170.
+
+Property, Jews' use of, 182.
+  Unequal distribution of, 191.
+  On sharing, 191.
+  On using, properly, 193.
+
+Pruning, 346.
+
+Pumps, 275.
+
+Punctuality, and want of it, 128.
+  In paying the poor, 191.
+
+Purchases, on making, 193, 194.
+
+Puritans, manners of the, 137.
+
+
+Q.
+
+Quality of food, 98.
+
+Quantity of food, _see_ Food.
+
+
+R.
+
+Ranunculus, 335.
+
+Rats, 323
+
+Red ants, 323.
+
+Registrations of births, 113.
+
+Religion, perversion of, 198.
+
+Religious excitement, 197.
+
+Respect, American want of, 139, 141.
+  Should be required at home, 142.
+  _See_ Courtesy.
+
+Respiration, organs of, 87.
+
+Rewards, governing by, 230.
+
+Roman Catholics, health of, during Lent, 100.
+
+Romans, _see_ Greeks.
+
+Rooms, arrangement of, 259.
+
+Running into debt, 232.
+
+
+S.
+
+St. Martin, Alexis, experiments on, respecting food, 104.
+
+Salary, plan as to using, 186.
+
+Salt, for bleeding, 243.
+
+Salts, 236.
+
+School, hints on, 48, 223.
+  Too much required in, 49.
+  On keeping, only in the afternoon, 49.
+  On sending young children to, 223.
+
+Schoolrooms and schoolhouses, 133.
+  Not ventilated, 196, 223.
+  Built by a lady in the West, 202.
+  _See_ Female.
+
+Scolds, 149, 154.
+
+Scotch Highlanders, 221.
+
+Screens, in parlors, 353.
+  _See_ Eyes.
+
+Secret vice, 233.
+
+Sedgwick, Miss, her Live and Let Live, 213, _note_.
+
+Seeds, on planting, 332, 333.
+  Of fruit, on planting, 347.
+
+Self-denial, happiness of, 169.
+  Distinction as to, 170.
+  Of wealthy women, 201, 202.
+  In children, 224, 232.
+
+Servants, on calling domestics, 207.
+  _See_ Domestics.
+
+Services, paying children for, 164.
+
+Settees for ironing, 293.
+
+Setting tables, 307.
+  Rules for, 308.
+
+Sewing, by girls, 254.
+  Hints on. 324.
+
+Sewing-trunks, 162.
+
+Sexes, M. De Tocqueville on the, 28.
+  Distinct lines of action for the, 28, 32, 33.
+  American equality of, 33.
+
+Shade-trees, 275, 340.
+
+Shells, collecting, 253.
+
+Shirts, folding, 315.
+  Making, 328.
+
+Shrubs, for yards, 340.
+
+Sickness, on ignorance and inexperience in time of, 68.
+  On nursing in, 237.
+  From chills and food, 239.
+  Remedies for slight, 240.
+  _See_ Health.
+
+Sick-rooms, hints on, 237.
+  Furniture for, 238.
+
+Silence, children to keep, 145, 230.
+  When in anger, 152.
+
+Silks, on cleansing, 298.
+
+Sinclair, Sir John, on longevity and early rising, 126.
+
+Sinks, 277, 317.
+
+Six Weeks on the Loire, cited, 135.
+
+Skeleton, cut of the, 70.
+
+Skin, described, 91.
+  Function of the, 91.
+  Waste matter from the, 92, 118.
+  Regulates the heat of the body, 92.
+  Absorbent vessels of the, 93, 119.
+  Follicles of the, 93.
+  The organ of touch, 93.
+  Circulation in the, in infants, 113.
+  Effect of cold on the circulation in the, 113, 118, 119.
+  Bathing infants', 217.
+
+Sleep, amount of, required, 125.
+  On protracting, 126.
+  In close apartments, 196, 217, 311.
+  _See_ Ventilation.
+
+Sliding closets, 278.
+
+Smoky chimneys, 352.
+
+Snow, bathing in, 121.
+
+Soap, soda, 288.
+  Soft, 290.
+  Potash, 291.
+  Hard, 291.
+
+Social intercourse, 184.
+
+Soda-soap, 288.
+
+Soda-washing, 287.
+
+Soil, on the preparation of, 331.
+  For a nursery, 347.
+
+Soups, 104, 105.
+
+South-Sea Islanders, 221.
+
+Specimens, collecting, 253.
+
+Spine, frequency of the disease of the, 41;
+    causes, 73, 133.
+  Cut of the, 77.
+  Curvature of the, 80.
+  Difference between a natural and distorted, 80.
+
+Spitting on carpets, 144.
+
+Spots, removing, 289, 297, 298.
+
+Sprains, 240.
+
+Stain-mixture, 296.
+
+Stains, removing, from clothes, 296;
+    from marble, 305.
+
+Starch, to make, 291.
+  To prepare, 292.
+
+Starching, hints on, 292.
+
+Stimulating drinks, no need of, 106, 109, 111.
+  Excite the nervous system, 106, 109, 111.
+  Debilitate the constitution, 107.
+  Temptation from using, 107.
+  Five forms of using, 107.
+  Reasons for using, considered, 107.
+  Dr. Combe on, 111.
+  If good for parents, may not be for children, 111.
+  Compared with animal food, 112.
+
+Stimulating food, 99.
+  _See_ Animal food, _and_ Food.
+
+Stock-grafting, 345.
+
+Stockings, on washing, 286, 289.
+
+Stomach, 87.
+  Peristaltic motion of the, 87, 96, 102.
+  Effects on, of too much food, 94, 95.
+  Rule for the labor and repose of the, 96.
+  Power of accommodation in the, 102.
+  Wants rest, 223.
+
+Storerooms, 271, 322.
+
+Stoves, 281.
+
+Strangers, hospitality to, 257.
+
+Strawberries, 348.
+
+Straw hats, 299.
+
+Straw matting, 304, 311.
+
+Studies, at the Monticello Female Seminary, 57.
+  Pursued at random, 60, 68.
+
+Subordination, social, 26.
+  Female, in America, 27, 29, 32.
+  Of children and others, 140, 224.
+  _See_ Government.
+
+Superfluities, 163.
+  Duty as to, 171-173.
+  On determining respecting, 173.
+
+Sweeping, 134.
+  Of carpets, 303.
+  Of parlors, 305.
+
+Sympathy, on silent social, 149.
+
+System, continual change and renovation of the human, 91.
+  In housekeeping, 152.
+  On habits of, 155.
+  By dividing the week, 162.
+  In proper conveniences, 162.
+  On attempting too much, at once, 166.
+  On commencing, while young, 167.
+  In time, 184.
+
+
+T.
+
+Table, furniture for a, 306.
+  On setting, 307;
+  rules for, 308.
+  Carving and helping at, 310.
+
+Table manners, 144.
+
+Table-mats, 306.
+
+Tapers, 283.
+
+Tar, on removing, 297.
+
+Tea, coffee and, on the use of, 107, 108.
+  Cause nervous debility, 109.
+  Love of, not natural, 109.
+  If good for adults, may not be for children, 109.
+  Black, least injurious, 110.
+  No nourishment in, 112.
+  _See_ Stimulating.
+
+Teachers, 202, 203.
+
+Teeth, effects of hot drink on, 110.
+  Care of, 122, 144.
+
+Teething of infants, 219.
+
+Temper, on the preservation of good, in a housekeeper, 148;
+    hints for it, 150.
+  Making allowances for, in others, 154.
+  _See_ Passions.
+
+Temptations, amusements with, 245, 248.
+
+Tendons, 75.
+
+Theatres, 245.
+
+Thinning plants, 346.
+
+Thoughts, on pure, 233.
+
+Throat, things in the, 240.
+
+Thunderstorms, 243.
+
+Tic douloureux, 78.
+
+Tight dressing, 80, 90, 129.
+  Evils of, 116.
+  Rule as to, 117.
+
+Time, on apportioning, 157, 160, 181, 184.
+  On saving, 161, 184.
+  Errors as to employing, 180.
+  Devoted by Jews to religion, 183.
+
+Tin ware, 320.
+
+Tocqueville, M. De, on the sexes in America, 28.
+  On progress in nations towards democracy, 34.
+  On female hardships in the West, 46.
+  On aristocratic and democratic manners, 146.
+
+Tones of voice, 148.
+  On governing the, 152.
+  Governing by angry, 230.
+  Effects of angry, on children, 231.
+
+Towels, 321.
+
+Tracts and charity, 179.
+
+Transplanting, 333, 340.
+
+Travelling-bags, 316.
+
+Trees, about houses, 275.
+  On planting, 334.
+  Shade, 340.
+  On transplanting, 340.
+  Pruning and thinning, 346.
+
+Trials, _see_ Difficulties.
+
+Trunks, sewing, 162.
+  In chambers, 313.
+  Packing of, 316.
+
+Tuberous roots, 335.
+
+Tulips, 336.
+
+Turpentine, on removing, 297.
+
+
+U.
+
+Unbolted flour, 105.
+
+
+V.
+
+Vegetable food, 99, 100, 220, 221.
+  _See_ Animal food, _and_ Food.
+
+Vegetables, effect of light and darkness on, 124.
+
+Veils, whitening, 293.
+
+Ventilation, importance of, 49, 196, 217, 311.
+  Of sleeping-rooms, 129, 196, 311.
+  Of schoolrooms, 223.
+  Of sick-rooms, 237.
+  In construction of houses, 261, 264.
+  Where stoves are used, 281.
+  _See_ Air.
+
+Vermin, on destroying, 323.
+
+Vertebrae, 72.
+
+Virtue, _see_ Morals.
+
+Vulgar habits, 144.
+
+
+W.
+
+Wadsworth's cottage, 273, 274.
+
+Wages, exorbitant, of domestics, 205.
+  Offering higher, 211.
+
+Waiting at table, 309.
+
+Walking for exercise, 131.
+
+Wardrobes, 312.
+
+Washing, of clothes done by pupils, 55.
+  Of the body, 92, 93, 119, 121.
+  Of children, 121, 122.
+  Water for, 284.
+  Articles to be provided for, 284.
+  Common mode of, 285.
+  Of calicoes, 287.
+  Soda-washing, 287.
+  Of various articles, 288.
+  Of carpets, 304.
+  Of dishes, 318.
+  _See_ Bathing.
+
+Wash-pans for children, 121.
+
+Waste matter, from the skin 92, 118.
+
+Water, protection against, in the skin, 93.
+  On drinking, 111.
+  Drinking too much, 112.
+  Plunging infants in cold, 113.
+  _See_ Drinks, _and_ Stimulating.
+
+Wealthy mothers, influence of their example, 49.
+
+Wells, remedy for air in, 242.
+  Remarks on, 259, 275.
+
+West, on female hardships in the, 46.
+
+Wheat, unbolted, 105.
+
+Whitening, of lace veils, 293.
+  Of other articles, 296.
+
+Whitewashing, 279.
+
+Wicks, 282.
+
+Winter, air and sleep in, 125.
+
+Women, European contempt for, 30.
+  American esteem for, 30.
+  Influence of, on individuals and nations, 37.
+  Exercise taken by English, 45.
+  Responsibleness of, 52.
+  Eating without being hungry, 98.
+  Responsibility of, as to intemperance, 106.
+  Precedence given to, in America, 141.
+  Importance and difficulty of their duties, 155.
+  General principles for, 158;
+  frequent inversion of them, 160.
+  Men engaged in their work, 164, 165.
+  On their keeping accounts of expenditures, 173, 174.
+  Imagining themselves domestics, 205.
+  _See_ American women.
+
+Wood, for fuel, 280.
+
+Wooden ware, 321.
+
+Woodhouses, 273, 276, 277.
+
+Woollens, on washing, 289.
+
+Workbaskets, 325.
+
+
+Y.
+
+Yellows, the, 350.
+
+Young children, female influence on their character, 37.
+  Mismanagement of, 43.
+  Management of, 42, 220.
+  Animal food for, 220.
+  At the Albany Orphan Asylum, 222.
+  Intellectual and moral training of, 223.
+  Three habits for, 224.
+  On distancing, 226.
+  On appreciating their enjoyments and pursuits, 227.
+  Keeping them happy, 231.
+  On ridiculing, 231.
+  Modesty and propriety in, 233.
+  Impurity of thought in, 233.
+
+Young Ladies' Friend, cited, 134.
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A TREATISE ON DOMESTIC ECONOMY***
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