The Republican journal., 1883-05-03
VOLUME 55.
Housekeeping.

Among the many qualifications indis-
pensable to the good housekeeper, stands
pre- eminent that Of good cook because
that, more than all else, affects the health
and spirits Of the entire family A grow
ing family is no small responsibility, as
every mothers heart will own, and in
order that the children may become
strong and robust, their food should be
as carefully selected and prepared as a
doctors prescription. 1t should be reg
ularly served at stated hours and placed
on the table in an attractive form at all
times, as outward appearance forms 10
small part in the enjoyment of the meal
The viands served in each household are
so various no rules can or should be
given, except that in all eases simple,
wholesome food is far preferable and
really more palatable than the indigest-
ible dainties so often placed on the table.
Therefore, mothers should teach their
daughters that great and truly beautiful
accomplishment, the secret of being
good cook.
Order and cleanliness may well come
on the housekeeping list, for they also
have no small part to play in the har
mony of the family and the enjoyment
of the household. Every cupboard,
pantry and drawer should be subject to
a frequent cleansing and straightening-
up process, sufficient to keep them in
perpetual order, otherwise, by a little
neglect, the housekeeper will find her
burdens doubled and her work sadly dis
arranged. Only by extreme care, where
there is but one pair of hands at the
helm, can the management of a house
hold be sustained with comfort, allowing
a few hours for rest and reading. In such
a household everything should be done
as simply as possible; no extra tucks on
the pilloW-sh or cases, fewer rutfles to
flute, tables painted to avoid securing,
etc. Ruttes tucks and fancy work may
look we'll, but not halls0 well as happy,
cOntentod mother, whose face is not
marked with lines of care and WCarineSs.
Little will the babies care how many
tuckS were in their tiny dresses, when
they become men and women Better a
thousand fold viii be the sight Of a
bright mothers face than one wearied
and trettul, grown cross and mor0se, or.
it may be, gone forever, with quiet, folded
hands resting at last.
Too many women WHO have been
bright, merry maidens, sink into duh.
stupid tault-timding wives and mothers
Why is it ? Some may fancy because
their duties are beyond their weak bodies
And SO they are. Sometimes the husband
is responsible in driving his business and
work. and paying no heed to his wife's
help and conNenlenceS bGt in larger
number of cases the " te herself is really
at fault. In nearly every household the
work can be cut down and simpliGed
that is, can be, if we but overcome some
Of the old housewives notions in regard
to work. ii they would only realize that
a house can be kept, and neatly and
prettily, too, without such an immense
load Of quilts as requires months. and
even years, to accumulate Cheap
spreads that are easily washed, nice new
comforts and blankets are far preferable
and What d gain for hours Of reading.
rest and Improvement; and this is only
one instance; there are many more
The poem that delighted the maiden
should DO less please the matron: the
flowers that were gathered npon her
native bills in girlhood should be pucked
as joyOusly when accompanied by her
own children. England's queen is noted
for her simplicity Of dress and manners,
also for the sensible way in which she
reared her children. How many American
wives and mothers fall below her high
standard of a WOman's true duties Take
the lesson to heart. Aunt Nora, in
Household.