Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1869-09-30
A Talk with Girls about House Keep
ing.

Ny dear girls will you listen TO a little ad-
vice on house keeping, even if it is given by
an old woman? May be you don't have as
many odd thoughts about such things as had
waen child. 1t seemed to me there was
great mystery about it, that a knowledge Of it
was gradually impaired to Us as we grew older.
without any effort on the part Of the receiver;
and, as NY childish memory was so poor, |
often wondered how it was that our dear moth
er should always keep supply OF bread just
as we wanted it tand such good bread too y;
how she could think to Gil the cake jar that we
cmptied so often, besides making great varie-
ty Of preserves, and other good things that
suited our appetites so well. 1t seemed to ar
que so much forethought and knowledge on her
part that we often wondered how il would seem
to be grown, keep house, and have so much to
do, plan out, and think about. have had to
learn life's lessons step by step, and to wade
through its cares and troubles. advise you
to learn as much as possible while you are still
under mothers eye, so that when you assume
the care of a house, it may be with perfect
knowledge Of all its requirements.
In these days of personal independence, it is
so difficult to get servants who are really help,
that it is very important for the mistress of the
house to know how all its work should be done.
In uiue cases out of ten, she must do it her
self if she wants it properly done. These re-
sponsibilities fall with crushing weight on
an inexperienced head, while one who has been
accustomed always to attend to such things
regards them only in the light of pleasant du-
ties. You will probably all be hOuse-keeper5
if You live, and you must begin now, and sec
how the plain work is done. 1t all seemsslm-
ple. while your mother, or may be Bridget, is
doing it, but take hold and sec how you can do
it yourself. All the fine theories in the world
will not perfect you without practice.
You will find that there are many things that
YOU think you know all about, but when you
try to do them, you viii have to ask dear
mother" | think there Is two-fold blessing
that attends our early efforts to learn, and help
others. In the first place we tighten the bur
dens of a parent perhaps overtasked, and,
secondly. we acquire knowledge that will be
benefit in all aftcr-life. One Of the brightest
memories of my early home is, that my be-
loved father long since called to a heavenly
rest, whenever he wanted garment mended,
used always to ask me to doit for him, although
was not an only daughter. And many times
since, when have had a great deal to do, !
have thanked dear mother for early teaching
me.
SO remember all the small things, as well as
the large; mending is just as important as
making; aud good bread, good butter aud
well cooked meats and vegetables, are more
important than an extra fine dinner ora splen-
did supper on great occasions. ! certainly
wish you to have a good education, as regards
book learning, yet am desirous that You may
also know all about housekeeping, so that you
may understand how to do, in the best and
easiest way, everything you may be called to
do as wife. If you profit by the few hints ]
have given, you will thank me at some future
day, when your household knowledge will
enable you to direct with ease a family who
will rise up and call you blessed.-American
A1ricuIfurdlid