the sake of the good mental and moral effects which industry produces, and because it is the will of God concerning us, rather than because of its emoluments. These last are not indeed to be despised, even, by the housewife; but it is less safe to overlook them wholly, than to overrate them.

It will be seen by the foregoing remarks, that while industry from proper motives is commended, it is not considered as necessarily a virtue. The adversary of mankind, the devil, is represented in Holy Writ as industrious; none more so, unless it be those friends of man, the seraphs, represented to us flying through the midst of heaven to preach the everlasting gospel. And yet it is presumed no one ever thought of regarding the untiring efforts of a demon, in endeavoring to destroy and devour, as praiseworthy. And yet, must they not be so regarded, if industry is a virtue, independent of the motive which dictates it? It is industry in well doing which is commendable-not industry in doing wrong, or even in the performance of anything at hap-hazard.

To conclude. Our young housewife will do well to study the character of some of the excellent women of old, whose lives are recorded in sacred and profane history. Solomon's description of a virtuous woman includes, as a prominent trait, untiring industry. I wish it were more read and

studied. Let females be industrious as she was, for the sake of pleasing God and promoting the happiness of their husbands and families, and let their industry be directed by wisdom, and we need not fear for the results. The following chapter will, it is believed, afford her many useful hints and directions.

CHAPTER XIX.

DOMESTIC ECONOMY.

Economy a word of broad meaning. Much of this chapter anticipated. Servants—their general employment to be regretted. Spirit of the times-illustrated by an anecdote. American nobles. Servants cannot always be dispensed with. Seven reasons for avoiding them, if possible. 1. They are unnecessary. 2. Costly. 3. Break in upon the order of families. 4. Create distinctions in society. 5. Are bad teachers. 6. Practice anti-republican. 7. It is unchristian. Waste of time in cookery. What useful cookery is. Other wasteful practices. Morning calls. General remarks. An anecdote.

THE word economy is one of very extensive meaning, and in its largest sense, would comprise a wide range of female duty. It not only includes the judicious management of pecuniary matters, but the management, regulation and government of a family, or the concerns of a household. It might include, too, a due regard to the health; but of the latter I shall treat in another place. At present, I shall endeavor to confine my remarks to what is usually and more appropriately called domestic economy, or the general management of household concerns.

Much of what should otherwise have been presented under this head, has been anticipated in the chapters on Early Rising, Punctuality, Order and Method, and Industry. She who rises late cannot possibly be a good domestic economist, however excellent her management may be in all other respects. A defect so glaring as this cannot be compatible at all with female duty.

Similar remarks might be made in reference to punctuality, industry, order and method. So far as these things are duly regarded by a wife, she is truly economical. But without these virtues and habits, she must fall greatly short of that point, even though she should possess many of the highest excellencies. But as these traits of character have been already considered, the range of my remarks under the head of economy will be somewhat limited.

One of the first things which sound economy demands in a young house-keeper is, to dispense, if possible, with domestics, or servants. I am well aware that there are many difficulties in the way of doing this; nor indeed will it always be practicable, at least in the present state of society. There was a time, in the early history of New England, when the mass of the people-excepting, of course, those who kept boarders, &c.-had no servants from other families. Each family, if in

health, performed its own household labor. But those happy days have gone by, and with them, much of the republican spirit and manners which then prevailed. We are beginning, strongly, to imitate foreign manners and customs, not only in city but in country-in the foreground of which is the fashion of having a troop of domestics around

us.

I know of many a family, even in some of the country towns of Massachusetts, who constantly employ from one to three hired females, when I am fully confident there is not the least necessity in the world for any. Had such families employed but a single servant, sixty or eighty years ago, they would probably have been laughed at. What then but a servile imitation of and devotion to Fashion, the reigning goddess, has produced a change so universal and so lamentable?

This change has not only affected the wealthier portion of our once frugal, and economical, and happy community, but those in middling and even low circumstances. You will often find the same spirit prevailing among those who are not fairly able to employ a servant regularly, as well as among those who employ fully half a dozen. The same, did I say? I recall the expression. It is a spirit far worse. It is a tone and spirit and manner as much more lordly and haughty than that of those