The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1905-03-18
NEW FIELD FOR WOMEN.
Domestic Science Opening Up Pro-
fession to Which Many Are
Flocking.

Among all the professions now open
few attract a larger number of women
than the teaching of domestic science.
says a writer in the Pilgrim. All the
training schools are crowded with stu
dents, and for every vacancy in the pro-
fession there are numberless applicants,
yet it is difficult to meet with really good
teachers.
This is largely due to the very preva-
lent idea that anyone can take up cook
cry or dressmaking, and girls are sent
to be trained on the same principle
which actuated the man who put his
son into the church because he was too
stupid for anything else. This is a
great mistake. Not only must teach
er be possessed of robust health and
quick intelligence, but she must be deft
with her fingers. She must acquire the
art of managing and interesting a class
OF children, and also be able to adapt
herself to classes OF adults of all grades
of society; she must first become a prac-
tical cook. laundress or dressmaker and
then learn how to teach others.
For example. In cookery demonstra-
ton the teacher has both to do the work
In given time methodically and we'll,
and at the same time to keep her audi
ence interested by explaining the why
and the wherefore of each process, and,
in the case Of children, to keep order be-
sides.
A few facts as to the training to be un-
dergone, and the nature of the work.
may be helpful in deterring the unfit and
guiding those who, after due considera-
ton, wish to take up the work.
First, then, as to the training. The SUBJ
jects included under the general term
domestic economy" embrace cookery,
laundry work. plain sewing, dressmak-
ing and housewifery, supplementary
subjects often taken being millinery,
hygiene and sick nursing.
OF these. cookery and dressmaking are
the most important. On commencing
her training, student should select at
least three of these. of which one should
be cookery, as otherwise she will have
no chance of obtaining good post.
In some schools several subjects are
taken simultaneously, in others they
must be taken separately. In any case
the minimum time for training In three
or four subjects is two years.
As cookery is ranked as chief sub
ject, takes the longest training and IS
the most difficult and physically trying.
few particulars as to the training will
give an idea of what is required.
The student, of course, begins by
learning to cook, three hours each
morning being devoted to practical
work. In the afternoon she must at
tend demonstration lessons and classes
for children given by qualified teachers,
and later on she will have first to assist
and then take classes for practice under
critical supervision; evening classes
have sometimes to be attended for the
same purpose. Scullery work and mar
keting also form part of the course. In
addition to this good deal of theory
has to be learned. the subjects for ex-
animation including "a the principles
of cookery, ca the chemistry of food
and cookery, CD the theory and prac-
tice of teaching. Candidates are some
times required to hold science and art
certificates for elementary hygiene anc
the special Introductory course.