Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1844-11-07
TO FARMERS DAUGHTERS.

Ii has been some time since | talked Il
the girls. This evening will give ;hen
few lines, letting them know think o
them yet. AS usual, am dwelling or
the common, every day affairs of life
and feeling more the importance ofyoung
females icing wei. acquainted with all the
minutia thereof. The reason for my
writing as ! do at present, ! will give
you.
A few days since; | heard a gentleman.
who wished domestic, industrious, and
contented wife, speaking ola pretty, inter.
esting girl, ptaising her modest deport-
ment and engaging manners. but at last
wound up with, fShe does not know how
10 DO uny thing useful; she could not
make her own dresses she would be o.
very little use in this world of hard work"
Now, had nearly the same opinion my
self, though would not tell him, you
know but | thought | would tell you,
and let you profit by it, if you choose.
He spoke also Of some young ladies who
studied mental and moral philosophy,
chemistry and other branches, and wanted
to know what use It would finally be-
He was certain from his own observation.
they did not have enough Of philosophy
to govern their tempers and general con-
duct aad as to chemistry, oil their stu
dy had not given them a knowledge Of
bread breaking, which no Considered a
very important item, his mother having
been successful in that line of business,
and he had been accustomed % the best
sor, Of bread. He thought tina, if their
studies were not Of some practical utility,
they might as well be let alone.
| was really amused TO hear views so
much in opposition to the prevailing no.
tons of the day and, to tell the truth,
/ thought there was some good common
sense in them, though | informed him the
girls would laugh mos, heartily at such
nonsenscal stuff, IN these days, of i'm.
provement, when many consider it polite
and sensible to be perfectly ignorant Of
common affairs. My advice was, that he
should 90 away out in the country, and
look for the daughter Of some good far
mer, who had taught his family it is hon.
orable to engage in all the useful employ.
ments in which the greater part Of the
duty Of woman consists--one who could
sit down happily at home, and study
household goods, without signing for the
excitement of fine dress, fashionable fur.
niture, fashionable visiting, and all those
fashionable things that disturb the peace
of young house-keepers, and render home
scene of misery and strife, instead Of
the gathering place of the hearth best
affections. girls had any idea Of what
would promote happiness, their precious
time would be spent in the acquisition Of
useful and necessary knowledge, rather
than frit,ering II away to gain few lgeE-
orally useless) accomplishments. The
first IS Of grea: Importance; in every sit
ua,ion in lie: the latter are almost al
ways given up. as soon as their possessor
takes her station at the head of a family.
| was led TO consider what should be the
character of lady who has finished her
education, or who at least had left school,
and slso of the training necessary to form
tina, character. Nothing preventing, !
will tell you my cog tation al some future
time although some Of you will think | am
sltogether too old fashioned to be writing
in these DAYS OF light and knowledge
Tennessee AgricaAurist.