The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-20

WILL pIdCllCdlly no knOWieQSe O z
 the routine to be followed each
 day. Since only portion of my
 time can be devoted to actual housework, and since I am anxious to get and keep my house in order durins that time will some of the good house mothers be kind enough to give, from their experience. the daily order of work to be followed2 With a definite plan I shall feel more confident of my success. In making this request know that many besides myself will be greatly helped by the advice of those whose work is 8 regulated by system that it has become pleasure. and not drudgery. L. K."
 This letter interests me because I am always desirous that young housekeep- CTS should appreciate the value of sys- tenn in Tightening their toll. Without casting the least reflection upon the abil- ity of the Cornerites to outline such routine as l.. K. requests, am yet moved by her appeal to offer my own counsel. not oniy for her benefit but for that Of others placed like her.
 From her letter 1t is evident she in- tends to do her own work. While this plan has it's drawbacks, like every other, IL alSO possesses IIdIhGQ dQNdHLd5 GSs kollS can follow her system without having it interfered with by an untrained maid or even a trained one-who will have ways of her own which will not coincide with those of the mistress When the latter arranges her possessions in a cer- tain manner, she can be sure that this will not be disturbed or changed. She is positive of what she has in the house and can scheme with certainty impos- sible to the housekeeper with the most competent of helpers.
 The plan for a days work should be made tho day before. The housekeeper should know what work is to be done what cleaning is decided for that day, what provisions will be needed, how the meals are to be conducted. Such think ing out in advance is wonderful aid in simplify ing labor, and in bringing it te the desired system.
 The hcusekeeper should arise in plenty of tirnc to get herself and her breakfast ready without hurrying. She can have laid the breakfast table the night be fore, should she so desire, and have a light cloth to throw over the dishes, t, protect them from dust. When the milk man or the alarm clock arouses the housekeeper it will be but an instant's work to get into the wrapper and slip pers that lie at hand before she goes to the kitchen to fill the kettle, light the gas stove, Q, touch match to the ready IaiI fire If she has kept the fire in all night as is wise plan with the user of coal she can open the drafts. shake the grate put on 8 little fresh coal. and leave this to Iilgdle while she goes back to her bath a1s4 dressing.
 A word as to the garb to be worn abont ones housework. Instead of following the plan of some housewives anu using leftover afternoon frocks for houaework, 1t is better to make costume. especially for this. A one piece frock or a shirt waist and skirt of wash goods or of light woolen is excellent and this dress may be protected by large gingharn apron that can be slipped on or removed quickly and easily.
 By the time the house mistress is dressed the fire will be burning or the kettle boiling. If a cooked cereal is used it should have been put into the saucepan the night before and the water in this started at the same time as thai for the coffee. The work of getting breakfast will not be lengthy or diff cult, except in those households where a hearty meal of meat potatoes, and hot bread is demanded.
 The coffee can be ground. the bread cut and toasted, the bacon sliced and the eggs broken and cooked in a few minutes, and the transfer of the dishes to the table will take lfttle time. The windows of the dining room should have been opened by the housekeeper when she first came down, in order that there may be fresh air to stimulate the morn ing appetite