Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1882-03-29
Springs Work for Housekeepers.


Almost every paper brings weekly in
struction In respect to farm labor in the
spring, and good advice in regard 10 the
labors and care of the barnhold and its
occupants; but no. one word about the
duties of the household. to assist 10 the
manifold labors and duties Of the mistress
of the house. It is hardly fair, unless it is
an accepted truth. known and believed,
that the ladies know better how to man.
age their department, and do not need as
much counsel as men. After all, there
are many things in housewifery that might
be rendered much easier, if tho subject
was deliberated upon and discussed as
much as the arrangement OF out door
work, in order to accomplish 1t with ease
and in due season.
March and April are, comparatively
speaking, leisure months, and by improv-
ing the hours very much might be done to
tighten the labors of the summer months.
The days are longer, and 1t is well to look
over the summer wardrobes and have
them ready for use against the warm
weather. It is Il very uncomfortable
fashion. to say the least of it, to let chill
dren, or grown folks either, be obliged to
wear their winter clothing through the
first of the summer because their summer
clothes are not in order. The early spring
gives ample time to alter. remodel and
repair garments that are to be used the
coming season, so rs to have them in
readiness when the weather requires them
for comfort.
Another item of labor can be done in
March and April, that will prove great
help. Bedding. such rs quilts and com.
fortables may be made the easiest now of
any time in the year. Rugs are comfort
able articles for use, and are nice things
| in every family, and it is good plan to
work up cast oil garments into rugs,
selecting what can he made useful. and
sell of the refuse to the rag man, SO rs 10
have no moth breeding articles accumu-
lating in the closets and chests. Those
who have time will find spring well
adapted TO the manufacture of rag carpets,
and the little busy fingers of the children
(who are at home now, can be made use
ful in sewing and braiding rags. 1t is q
question that remains undecided, whether
rag carpets are an economical institution
but they are very comfortable article
and when help is plenty in family they
can be made as well as not, with very little
expense, and the children are taught les
sons Of industry that will be a benefit tC
them through life.
Habits formed in children are tho mos
enduring, and therefore it is expedent L
see that they are taught lessons of indus
try and economy at home. There is worl
in teaching children how to do variou
kinds of labor, and it is the mothers dut.
to see that they are SO instructed, and
does take both time and patience to instil
1 these lessons so that they shall never b
s forgotten. 1t is often more tiresome t
show child how to do piece of wor
than it would be to do it ones own self
but if mother cannot teach her children
y who will? If she cannot be patient wit
; their ignorance, who can beP The hes
: way to keep children happy and out {
n mschicfis to furnish them with somethin
7 to do-something thatisuseful, and durin
e the spring vacation there is ample time t
= give them lessons in practical knowledg
. that will be of use to them through life
u Farmers Wife, in NctO ENGLAND Farnlc1