The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1839-04-30
MISCELLANEOUS.
MATERNAL EFFORTS.
BY MRS. sIGoURNEY.

1t is the duty of mothers TO instruct tEeil
daughters how to sustain themselves against re.
verses of fortune. Frequent and sudden as these
nave been to our own country, it is important
that young females should possess some employ
meut, by which they might obtain livelihood
in case they should be reduced necessity oi
supporting themselves. When families are red,i-
ccd from atlluence to poverty how pitifn. and
Acontemptible is it, TO see the mother Responding
fhe'p'ess an permitting her daughters to
embarrass those whom it is their duty TO assist
and cheer
81 have lost my whole fortune" said mer-
chant as he returned one evening TO his home.
ave can no longer keep our carriage. We
must leave this large mouse. The children can
no more 60 to expensive schools. What we
shall do fora living, know not-Yes,erdny,
was rich 10 day there is nothing l can
call nv own"
"Dear husband" said the wife, "we are still
rich in each other and our children.-Money
may pass away, but God has given us "A better
treasure in those active hands and loving hearts,
Dear father" said the children, ado not
look so sober. We will help you to get living"
"What can you do, poor things" said he
cheerful voices. 1T is pity five have been to
school for nothing. How can the father of eight
healthy children be poor?-We will work aud
make you rich again.
81 shall help, said the youngest girl hardly
four years old. Il will not have any new frock
heart of the husband and father, which had
sank within his bosom like stone was lifted
up. The sweet enthusiasm of the scene cheer
ed him, aud his nightly prayer was like song
ofpraise.
He left the stately house. The servants were
dismissed. Pictures and plates, rich carpets and
furniture were sold, and she who had so long
been mistress of the mansion, she'd no tear. Pay
every debt, said she, 'et no one suffer through
us, and we may yet be happy
He took neat cottage and small piece OF
ground, few miles from the city. With the
aid of his sons he cultivated vegetables tor the
market. He viewed with delight and astonish-
ment the economy of his wife, nutufed as she
had been, in wealth, and the efficiency which
his daughters soon acquir ed under her training
The eldest one assisted her in the work OF
the household, and instructed the younger chill.
dren. Besides, they executed various works,
which they had learned accomplishments,
but which they found could be disposed of to adj
vantage. They embroidered, with taste, some
the ornamental parts of female apparel
which were readily sold to the merchants in the
city.
They cultivated flowers, and sent bouquets
to market in the cart they conveyed their veget
abes; they plated straw, they painted maps,
they executed plain needle work. Every one
was at his post, busy and cheerful. The cottage
was like bee hive.
Il never enjoyed such health BEFORE said the
father and never was happy BEFORE"
said the mother. sWe never knew how many
things we could do, when we lived in the great
house, said the children, land we love each 9TH
er great deal better here. You call us your
little bees yes replied the father and you
make lust such honey as the heart loves to feed
on.
Economy as we'll as industry, was strictly OBJ
served. Nothing was wasted. Nothing nnnec-
cssary was purchased. The eldest daughter be-
came assistant teacher in distinguished semina-
ry and the second took her place as instructress
to the family. .
The little house which had always been kept
neat, they were soon able to Deautify-its con-
suction was improved, and vines and towering
trees were planted around it, The merchant
was happier under his woodbine-covered porch
in summers evening, than he had been in his
| show drawing room t.-.
we are now thriving and prosperous said he
shall we return to the city? ooh! no, noV was
the unanimous reply. Let us remain here SAID