The Advocate and news., 1898-04-06
Systematlzlng Household Duties.

A recent writer asks experienced
housewives how one pair of hands can
do the work on a farm for three men
and three children, the oldest of which is
just years old. 'Tis cOnundrum that
many women have tried to solve Some
have been successful to degree, others
have ruined health, temper and peace Of
home in the attempt.
The drain upon a woman physically
who has borne three babies in that time
can scarcely be estimated, to say moth
ing Of the wakeful nights necessitated
in caring for the little ones. How can
she cope with such task Cd Because
impelled and sustained by the greatest
power on earth, love. (2) BY learning
to live one minute, one hour and one
day az time; that is, by not worrying
for fear we shall not accomplish a given
amount OF labor in given time. 90
By simplifying and systematizlng, until
we can accomplish maximum amount
OF labor with minimum of strength.
l was once in circumstances similar to
this, and suffered much physical i'll and
veXatiOn Of spirit through lack of sys-
tenn in my work and lack of ability to
discriminate between necessary and un-
necessary duties. At last / decided to
write out program each evening for
the following days work, that which
was absolutely necessary first, then as
much more as time and strength would
admit Often there were unlooked-for
Interruptions and hindrances, but surely,
II slowly order and cleanliness were
brought out Of chaos, and wholesome
food temptingly served.
Monday forenoon I replenished the
depleted laTder, preparing such food as
could be served on Tuesday with the
least labor possible, the house was put
in order, garments worn on Sunday were
brushed, and If any repairing was needed
it was done right then Dinner over,
wash water was heated, the clothes
sorted, stains removed from table linen,
and soap melted to add to the water.
When sufficiently warm 1t was poured
over the clothes, which were allowed to
soak one to three hours, or until even
ing If man could rock the washing
machine and turn the wringer. The
clothes were then put in a clean warm
suds prepared the same as the first, and
left till morning.
After breakfast and the most urgent
duties are out Of the way Tuesday, the
white clothes can be got out ON the line;
the colored ones soaked for fifteen min
ntes in the second suds, which had been
warmed, then washed, rinsed blued and
hung to dry. Some cleansing soap or
washing powder will materially lessen
the hardest part of washing, but be sure
you choose one which does not injure
the fabric Ironing can be minimiZed by
dressing the wee ones In outing flannel,
flannellette or seersucker, which can be
procured in very pretty shades and fast
cOlors. Fold all clothes smoothly as they
are taken from the line Flannels an0
knit underwear are sweerer and fresher
II untouched by hot iron.
Wednesday is baking day. Avoid all
pastries and made dishes requiring
great amount of time and labor to pre-
pare. Plenty of fruit in its natural state,
or preserved, is more healthful for both
the partaker and the cook. Thursdays
the clothes are sorted, mended and put
away. Friday is for thorough sweeping,
dusting and bread-making. Saturday we
bake cake and pastry and do any left
over" tasks.
There are some labor-saving utensils
which should be in every home. A wash
ing machine and wringer, an oil stove,
revolving ehurn and refrigerator are as
necessary for the farmers wife as the
plOw, harrow, mower and harvester are
for the farmer. BY rising early summer
mornings to care for the poultry and
milk before the heat becomes oppressive,
thu nftnpnnOno 70 tRVyoIxr Hraa
from housework and can spend them in
sewing taking care of the children, etc.
Much that is needed for the evening meal
is prepared while dinner Is cooking
Alma Cole Pickering, In Orange Judd
Farmer.
Huhitn,Anrn prnn hartarn 1ng Hnn 49,