Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-08-21
svstem In Housekeeping.

The most independent woman Is she
who can dispense with servants tempo
rarily, preparing good meals with her
own hands during "the transit OF Venus"
or the periodic debauch of 1.-THE pro-
fessed" Molly.
The chafing-dish and the gas-stove
meet the vexed question of "help" half
way. The parlor can take care of itself,
in times of emergency; but the kitchen,
the larder, the table, are of vital neces-
sity and the young housekeepers must
acquaint themselves with tho secrets OF
happy housekeeping from these homely
standpoints.
Judicious catering is rare talent, and
systematic ordering is virtue to be
cultivated. Both are above rubies In
value, in the household executive, be she
mistress or maid. Enforce . habit OF
keeping in stock the necessities Of good
living. Replenish before any supply is
exhausted. When inspired to make
cake, there will then be no lack OF ma
terials.
Condiment and spices, when wanted at
all, are very much wanted.
Rice, tapioca, hominy, farina, and the
common cereals, are more enjoyable II
served at appetizing intervals.
You will be comfortably reinforced fol
chance visitors if you keep on hand
soups and vegetables canned 1.-THE best oil
each), glass jars of jam, jellies and
pickles, the reserve that is appreciated
when accident or blizzard raises siege
for the commissary. Do not make a
/ h,, nhaor nf frV a nav
recipe when entertaining. The 'dish OF
Welcome" is of first importance, and
hostess unembarrassed by experimental
work is at ease with her satisfied guests.
One of the requisites for domestic
harmony is full understanding between
the one who furnishes the money, ano
the one who bothers her brain in efforts
to spend wisely, whether the partnership
be temporary or perpetual. "a feast Of
q famine" describes some housekeeping
failures.
| Expenses from week to week may bt
equalized by looking over the stock wher
weeks account seems running below
the average and ordering then some
thing desirable, though not immediatel!
needed. Cultivate knack of serving
an inexpensive dessert with q compare
lively costly dinner; or plain Dime,
with some better dessert. Fruit ant
vegetables vary in cost and may be chosel
relatively, keeping an average so agree
ably that those who enjoy your ta6l'
may not suspect that your secret OF ca
tering involves the penny saved"
System in expenditure of time ant
labor is consideration while trying Z
save money-do not attempt two diffi
cult things in one day. That men hav'
made women's accounts" q matter o
Jest is no wonder. Usually everything
that can be furnished by the obligini
grocer is set down as groceries" In
spection of one account revealed tn
charge of moth-balls, brOoms, toilet pa
per, soaps, ammonia, stove-polish, silver
polish and fly-paper, the while the i'm
patient Griselda was bemoaning the un
precedented consumption of groceries
Butcher and grocer should have thei
well-defined lines of edibles; a thirt
class, of household etcetera, would fre
our accounts from suspicion of harbor
ing goats to devour papers and brooms
Delightful as it is for young man t
feel his bank account growing, his vile
satisfaction should increase in fair pro
portion in her accumulation of house
hold goods.
When there is an easy time buy
tablecloth or napkins, or towels, t
Istrengthen the stock before those il
daily wear fail. Mercerized cotto
for table cloths can be bought at half tn
price of linen; it wears and washes we'll
with little starching, passes for goo
linen. :,
Let household treasures come slowl
but surely. When the necessaries ar
comfortably assured, reasonable luxurie
will be added naturally. The youn
housekeeper has an honest pride in sue
possessiOns-an affection for them whic
| is not felt or understood by those VIII
are able to furnish an establishment
sight, regardless of cost.-Ex.