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A TREATISE ON DOMESTIC ECONOMY,
A TREATISE ON DOMESTIC ECONOMY,
whose intelligence and virtues have inspired admiration and respect, whose experience has furnished many valuable suggestions, in this work, whose approbation will be highly valued, and whose influence, in promoting the object aimed at, is respectfully solicited, this work is dedicated, by their friend and countrywoman,...
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PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION.
PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION.
The author of this work was led to attempt it, by discovering, in her extensive travels, the deplorable sufferings of multitudes of young wives and mothers, from the combined influence of poor health , poor domestics , and a defective domestic education . The number of young women whose health is crushed, ere the first few years of married life are past, would seem incredible to one who has not investigated this subject, and it would be vain to attempt to depict the sorrow, discouragement, and d
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CHAPTER I. THE PECULIAR RESPONSIBILITIES OF AMERICAN WOMEN.
CHAPTER I. THE PECULIAR RESPONSIBILITIES OF AMERICAN WOMEN.
There are some reasons, why American women should feel an interest in the support of the democratic institutions of their Country, which it is important that they should consider. The great maxim, which is the basis of all our civil and political institutions, is, that "all men are created equal," and that they are equally entitled to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." But it can readily be seen, that this is only another mode of expressing the fundamental principle which the Great R
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CHAPTER II. DIFFICULTIES PECULIAR TO AMERICAN WOMEN.
CHAPTER II. DIFFICULTIES PECULIAR TO AMERICAN WOMEN.
In the preceding chapter, were presented those views, which are calculated to inspire American women with a sense of their high responsibilities to their Country, and to the world; and of the excellence and grandeur of the object to which their energies may be consecrated. But it will be found to be the law of moral action, that whatever involves great results and great benefits, is always attended with great hazards and difficulties. And as it has been shown, that American women have a loftier
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CHAPTER III. REMEDIES FOR THE PRECEDING DIFFICULTIES.
CHAPTER III. REMEDIES FOR THE PRECEDING DIFFICULTIES.
Having pointed out the peculiar responsibilities of American women, and the peculiar embarrassments which they are called to encounter, the following suggestions are offered, as remedies for such difficulties. In the first place, the physical and domestic education of daughters should occupy the principal attention of mothers, in childhood; and the stimulation of the intellect should be very much reduced. As a general rule, daughters should not be sent to school before they are six years old; an
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CHAPTER IV. ON DOMESTIC ECONOMY AS A BRANCH OF STUDY.
CHAPTER IV. ON DOMESTIC ECONOMY AS A BRANCH OF STUDY.
The greatest impediment to making Domestic Economy a branch of study, is, the fact, that neither parents nor teachers realize the importance, or the practicability of constituting it a regular part of school education. It is with reference to this, that the first aim of the writer will be, to point out some of the reasons for introducing Domestic Economy as a branch of female education, to be studied at school. The first reason, is, that there is no period, in a young lady's life, when she will
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CHAPTER V. ON THE CARE OF HEALTH.
CHAPTER V. ON THE CARE OF HEALTH.
There is no point, where a woman is more liable to suffer from a want of knowledge and experience, than in reference to the health of a family committed to her care. Many a young lady, who never had any charge of the sick; who never took any care of an infant; who never obtained information on these subjects from books, or from the experience of others; in short, with little or no preparation; has found herself the principal attendant in dangerous sickness, the chief nurse of a feeble infant, an
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CHAPTER VI. ON HEALTHFUL FOOD.
CHAPTER VI. ON HEALTHFUL FOOD.
The person who decides what shall be the food and drink of a family, and the modes of preparation, is the one who decides, to a greater or less extent, what shall be the health of that family. It is the opinion of most medical men, that intemperance in eating is the most fruitful of all causes of disease and death. If this be so, the woman who wisely adapts the food and cooking of her family to the laws of health, removes the greatest risk which threatens the lives of those under her care. To ex
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CHAPTER VII. ON HEALTHFUL DRINKS.
CHAPTER VII. ON HEALTHFUL DRINKS.
Although intemperance in eating is probably the most prolific cause of the diseases of mankind, intemperance in drink has produced more guilt, misery, and crime, than any other one cause. And the responsibilities of a woman, in this particular, are very great; for the habits and liabilities of those under her care, will very much depend on her opinions and practice. It is a point fully established by experience, that the full developement of the human body, and the vigorous exercise of all its f
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CHAPTER VIII. ON CLOTHING.
CHAPTER VIII. ON CLOTHING.
It appears, by calculations made from bills of mortality, that one quarter of the human race perishes in infancy. This is a fact not in accordance with the analogy of Nature. No such mortality prevails among the young of animals; it does not appear to be the design of the Creator; and it must be owing to causes which can be removed. Medical men agree in the opinion, that a great portion of this mortality, is owing to mismanagement, in reference to fresh air, food, and clothing. At birth, the cir
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CHAPTER IX. ON CLEANLINESS.
CHAPTER IX. ON CLEANLINESS.
The importance of cleanliness, in person and dress, can never be fully realized, by persons who are ignorant of the construction of the skin, and of the influence which its treatment has on the health of the body. Persons deficient in such knowledge, frequently sneer at what they deem the foolish and fidgety particularity of others, whose frequent ablutions and changes of clothing, exceed their own measure of importance. The popular maxim, that "dirt is healthy," has probably arisen from the fac
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CHAPTER X. ON EARLY RISING.
CHAPTER X. ON EARLY RISING.
There is no practice, which has been more extensively eulogized, in all ages, than early rising; and this universal impression, is an indication that it is founded on true philosophy. For, it is rarely the case, that the common sense of mankind fastens on a practice, as really beneficial, especially one that demands self-denial, without some substantial reason. This practice, which may justly be called a domestic virtue, is one, which has a peculiar claim to be styled American and democratic. Th
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CHAPTER XI. ON DOMESTIC EXERCISE.
CHAPTER XI. ON DOMESTIC EXERCISE.
In the preceding chapters, we have noticed the various causes, which, one or all, operate to produce that melancholy delicacy and decay of the female constitution, which are the occasion of so much physical and mental suffering throughout this Country. These, in a more condensed form, may be enumerated thus: A want of exercise, inducing softness in the bones, weakness in the muscles, inactivity in the digestive organs, and general debility in the nervous system: A neglect of the care of the skin
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CHAPTER XII. ON DOMESTIC MANNERS.
CHAPTER XII. ON DOMESTIC MANNERS.
Good-manners are the expressions of benevolence in personal intercourse, by which we endeavor to promote the comfort and enjoyment of others, and to avoid all that gives needless uneasiness. It is the exterior exhibition of the Divine precept, which requires us to do to others, as we would that they should do to us. It is saying, by our deportment, to all around, that we consider their feelings, tastes, and convenience, as equal in value to our own. Good-manners lead us to avoid all practices wh
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CHAPTER XIII. ON THE PRESERVATION OF A GOOD TEMPER IN A HOUSEKEEPER.
CHAPTER XIII. ON THE PRESERVATION OF A GOOD TEMPER IN A HOUSEKEEPER.
There is nothing, which has a more abiding influence on the happiness of a family, than the preservation of equable and cheerful temper and tones in the housekeeper. A woman, who is habitually gentle, sympathizing, forbearing, and cheerful, carries an atmosphere about her, which imparts a soothing and sustaining influence, and renders it easier for all to do right, under her administration, than in any other situation. The writer has known families, where the mother's presence seemed the sunshin
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CHAPTER XIV. ON HABITS OF SYSTEM AND ORDER.
CHAPTER XIV. ON HABITS OF SYSTEM AND ORDER.
The discussion of the question of the equality of the sexes, in intellectual capacity, seems frivolous and useless, both because it can never be decided, and because there would be no possible advantage in the decision. But one topic, which is often drawn into this discussion, is of far more consequence; and that is, the relative importance and difficulty of the duties a woman is called to perform. It is generally assumed, and almost as generally conceded, that woman's business and cares are con
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CHAPTER XV. ON GIVING IN CHARITY.
CHAPTER XV. ON GIVING IN CHARITY.
It is probable, that there is no point of duty, where conscientious persons differ more in opinion, or where they find it more difficult to form discriminating and decided views, than on the matter of charity. That we are bound to give some of our time, money, and efforts, to relieve the destitute, all allow. But, as to how much we are to give, and on whom our charities shall be bestowed, many a reflecting mind has been at a loss. Yet it seems very desirable, that, in reference to a duty so cons
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CHAPTER XVI. ON ECONOMY OF TIME AND EXPENSES.
CHAPTER XVI. ON ECONOMY OF TIME AND EXPENSES.
The value of time, and our obligation to spend every hour for some useful end, are what few minds properly realize. And those, who have the highest sense of their obligations in this respect, sometimes greatly misjudge in their estimate of what are useful and proper modes of employing time. This arises from limited views of the importance of some pursuits, which they would deem frivolous and useless, but which are, in reality, necessary to preserve the health of body and mind, and those social a
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CHAPTER XVII. ON HEALTH OF MIND.
CHAPTER XVII. ON HEALTH OF MIND.
There is such an intimate connection between the body and mind, that the health of one, cannot be preserved, without a proper care of the other. And it is from a neglect of this principle, that some of the most exemplary and conscientious persons in the world, suffer a thousand mental agonies, from a diseased state of body, while others ruin the health of the body, by neglecting the proper care of the mind. When the brain is excited, by stimulating drinks taken into the stomach, it produces a co
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CHAPTER XVIII. ON THE CARE OF DOMESTICS.
CHAPTER XVIII. ON THE CARE OF DOMESTICS.
There is no point, where the women of this Country need more wisdom, patience, principle, and self-control, than in relation to those whom they employ in domestic service. The subject is attended with many difficulties, which powerfully influence the happiness of families; and the following suggestions are offered, to aid in securing right opinions and practice. One consideration, which it would be well to bear in mind, on this subject, is, that a large portion of the peculiar trials, which Amer
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CHAPTER XIX. ON THE CARE OF INFANTS.
CHAPTER XIX. ON THE CARE OF INFANTS.
Every young lady ought to learn how to take proper care of an infant; for, even if she is never to become the responsible guardian of a nursery, she will often be in situations where she can render benevolent aid to others, in this most fatiguing and anxious duty. The writer has known instances, in which young ladies, who, having been trained, by their mothers, properly to perform this duty, were, in some cases, the means of saving the lives of infants, and in others, of relieving, by their bene
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CHAPTER XX. ON THE MANAGEMENT OF YOUNG CHILDREN.
CHAPTER XX. ON THE MANAGEMENT OF YOUNG CHILDREN.
In regard to the physical education of children, Dr. Clarke, Physician in Ordinary to the Queen of England, expresses views, on one point, in which most physicians would coincide. He says, "There is no greater error in the management of children, than that of giving them animal diet very early. By persevering in the use of an overstimulating diet, the digestive organs become irritated, and the various secretions, immediately connected with, and necessary to, digestion, are diminished, especially
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CHAPTER XXI. ON THE CARE OF THE SICK.
CHAPTER XXI. ON THE CARE OF THE SICK.
Every woman who has the care of young children, or of a large family, is frequently called upon, to advise what shall be done, for some one who is indisposed; and often, in circumstances where she must trust solely to her own judgement. In such cases, some err, by neglecting to do any thing at all, till the patient is quite sick; but a still greater number err, from excessive and injurious dosing. The two great causes of the ordinary slight attacks of illness, in a family, are, sudden chills, wh
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CHAPTER XXII. ON ACCIDENTS AND ANTIDOTES.
CHAPTER XXII. ON ACCIDENTS AND ANTIDOTES.
When serious accidents occur, medical aid should be immediately procured. Till that can be done, the following directions may be useful. When a child has any thing in its throat, first try, with the finger, to get the article up. If this cannot be done, push it down into the stomach, with a smooth elastic stick. If the article be a pin, sharp bone, glass, or other cutting substance, give an emetic which will immediately operate. In the case of a common cut, bind the lips of the wound together, w
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CHAPTER XXIII. ON DOMESTIC AMUSEMENTS AND SOCIAL DUTIES.
CHAPTER XXIII. ON DOMESTIC AMUSEMENTS AND SOCIAL DUTIES.
Whenever the laws of body and mind are properly understood, it will be allowed, that every person needs some kind of recreation; and that, by seeking it, the body is strengthened, the mind is invigorated, and all our duties are more cheerfully and successfully performed. Children, whose bodies are rapidly growing, and whose nervous system is tender and excitable, need much more amusement, than persons of mature age. Persons, also, who are oppressed with great responsibilities and duties, or who
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CHAPTER XXIV. ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSES.
CHAPTER XXIV. ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSES.
There is no point of domestic economy, which more seriously involves the health and daily comfort of American women, than the proper construction of houses. There are five particulars, to which attention should be given, in building a house; namely, economy of labor, economy of money, economy of health, economy of comfort, and good taste. Some particulars will here be pointed out, under each of these heads. The first, respects economy of labor . In deciding upon the size and style of a house, th
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CHAPTER XXV. ON FIRES AND LIGHTS.
CHAPTER XXV. ON FIRES AND LIGHTS.
A shallow fireplace saves wood, and gives out more heat than a deeper one. A false back, of brick, may be put up in a deep fireplace. Hooks, for holding up the shovel and tongs, a hearth-brush and bellows, and brass knobs to hang them on, should be furnished to every fireplace. An iron bar, across the andirons, aids in keeping the fire safe, and in good order. Steel furniture is more genteel, and more easily kept in order, than that made of brass. Use green wood, for logs, and mix green and dry
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CHAPTER XXVI. ON WASHING.
CHAPTER XXVI. ON WASHING.
There is nothing, which tends more effectually to secure good washing, than a full supply of all conveniences; and among these, none is more important, than an abundance of warm and cold water: but, if this be obtained, and heated, at a great expense of time and labor, it will be used in stinted measure. The accommodations described on page 275 , (Fig. 34 ,) are very convenient in this respect. A plenty of soft water is a very important item. When this cannot be had, ley or soda can be put in ha
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CHAPTER XXVII. ON STARCHING, IRONING, AND CLEANSING.
CHAPTER XXVII. ON STARCHING, IRONING, AND CLEANSING.
To prepare Starch. Take four tablespoonfuls of starch; put in as much water; and rub it, till all lumps are removed. Then, add half a cup of cold water. Pour this into a quart of boiling water, and boil it for half an hour, adding a piece of spermaceti, or a lump of salt, or sugar, as large as a hazelnut. Strain it, and put in a very little blueing. Thin it with hot water. Glue and Gum-Starch. Put a piece of glue, four inches square, into three quarts of water, boil it, and keep it in a bottle,
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CHAPTER XXVIII. ON WHITENING, CLEANSING, AND DYEING.
CHAPTER XXVIII. ON WHITENING, CLEANSING, AND DYEING.
Wet white clothes in suds, and lay them on the grass, in the sun. Lay muslins in suds made with white soap, in a flat dish; set this in the sun, changing the suds, every day. Whiten tow-cloth, or brown linen, by keeping it in ley, through the night, laying it out in the sun, and wetting it with fair water, as fast as it dries. Scorched articles can often be whitened again, by laying them in the sun, wet with suds. Where this does not answer, put a pound of white soap in a gallon of milk, and boi
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CHAPTER XXIX. ON THE CARE OF PARLORS.
CHAPTER XXIX. ON THE CARE OF PARLORS.
In selecting the furniture of parlors, some reference should be had to correspondence of shades and colors. Curtains should be darker than the walls; and, if the walls and carpets be light, the chairs should be dark, and vice versa . Pictures always look best on light walls. In selecting carpets, for rooms much used, it is poor economy to buy cheap ones. Ingrain carpets, of close texture, and the three-ply carpets, are best for common use. Brussels carpets do not wear so long as the three-ply on
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CHAPTER XXX. ON THE CARE OF BREAKFAST AND DINING-ROOMS.
CHAPTER XXX. ON THE CARE OF BREAKFAST AND DINING-ROOMS.
An eating-room should have in it a large closet, with drawers and shelves, in which should be kept all the articles used at meals. This, if possible, should communicate with the kitchen, by a sliding window, or by a door, and have in it a window, and also a small sink, made of marble or lined with zinc, which will be a great convenience for washing nice articles. If there be a dumb-waiter, it is best to have it connected with such a closet. It may be so contrived, that, when it is down, it shall
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CHAPTER XXXI. ON THE CARE OF CHAMBERS AND BEDROOMS.
CHAPTER XXXI. ON THE CARE OF CHAMBERS AND BEDROOMS.
Every mistress of a family should see, not only that all sleeping-rooms in her house can be well ventilated at night, but that they actually are so. Where there is no open fireplace to admit the pure air from the exterior, a door should be left open into an entry, or room where fresh air is admitted; or else a small opening should be made in a window, taking care not to allow a draught of air to cross the bed. The debility of childhood, the lassitude of domestics, and the ill-health of families,
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CHAPTER XXXII. ON THE CARE OF THE KITCHEN, CELLAR, AND STOREROOM.
CHAPTER XXXII. ON THE CARE OF THE KITCHEN, CELLAR, AND STOREROOM.
If parents wish their daughters to grow up with good domestic habits, they should have, as one means of securing this result, a neat and cheerful kitchen. A kitchen should always, if possible, be entirely above ground, and well lighted. It should have a large sink, with a drain running under ground, so that all the premises may be kept sweet and clean. If flowers and shrubs be cultivated, around the doors and windows, and the yard near them be kept well turfed, it will add very much to their agr
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CHAPTER XXXIII. ON SEWING, CUTTING, AND MENDING.
CHAPTER XXXIII. ON SEWING, CUTTING, AND MENDING.
Every young girl should be taught to do the following kinds of stitch, with propriety. Over-stitch, hemming, running, felling, stitching, back-stitch and run, buttonhole-stitch, chain-stitch, whipping, darning, gathering, and cross-stitch. In doing over-stitch, the edges should always be first fitted, either with pins or basting, to prevent puckering. In turning wide hems, a paper measure should be used, to make them even. Tucks, also, should be regulated by a paper measure. A fell should be tur
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CHAPTER XXXIV. ON THE CARE OF YARDS AND GARDENS.
CHAPTER XXXIV. ON THE CARE OF YARDS AND GARDENS.
The authorities consulted in the preparation of this and kindred chapters, are, Loudon's Encyclopædia of Gardening, Bridgeman's Young Gardener, Hovey's Magazine of Horticulture, the writings of Judge Buel, [T] and Downing's Landscape Gardening. If the garden soil be clayey, and adhesive, put on a covering of sand, three inches thick, and the same depth of well-rotted manure. Spade it in, as deep as possible, and mix it well. If the soil be sandy and loose, spade in clay and ashes. Ashes are good
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CHAPTER XXXV. ON THE PROPAGATION OF PLANTS.
CHAPTER XXXV. ON THE PROPAGATION OF PLANTS.
Bulbous roots are propagated by offsets; some growing on the top, others around the sides. Many plants are propagated by cutting off twigs, and setting them in earth, so that two or three eyes are covered. To do this, select a side shoot, ten inches long, two inches of it, being of the preceding year's growth, and the rest, the growth of the season when it is set out. Do this, when the sap is running, and put a piece of crockery at the bottom of the shoot, when it is buried. One eye, at least, m
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CHAPTER XXXVI. ON THE CULTIVATION OF FRUIT.
CHAPTER XXXVI. ON THE CULTIVATION OF FRUIT.
By a little attention to this matter, a lady, with the help of her children, can obtain a rich abundance of all kinds of fruit. The writer has resided in families, where little boys, of eight, ten, and twelve years old, amused themselves, under the direction of their mother, in planting walnuts, chestnuts, and hazelnuts, for future time; as well as in planting and inoculating young fruit-trees, of all descriptions. A mother, who will take pains to inspire a love for such pursuits, in her childre
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CHAPTER XXXVII. MISCELLANEOUS DIRECTIONS.
CHAPTER XXXVII. MISCELLANEOUS DIRECTIONS.
Every woman should know how to direct in regard to the proper care of domestic animals, as they often suffer from the negligence of domestics. The following information, in reference to the care of a horse and cow, may be useful. A stable should not be very light nor very dark; its floor should be either plank or soil, as brick or stone pavements injure the feet. It should be well cleaned, every morning. A horse, kept in a stable, should be rubbed and brushed every day. A stable-horse needs as m
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NOTE.
NOTE.
A volume, entitled the American Housekeeper's Receipt Book , prepared by the author of this work, under the supervision of several experienced housekeepers, is designed as a Supplement to this treatise on Domestic Economy. The following Preface and Analysis of the Contents will indicate its design more fully: The following objects are aimed at in this work: First , to furnish an original collection of receipts, which shall embrace a great variety of simple and well-cooked dishes, designed for ev
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A GLOSSARY OF SUCH WORDS AND PHRASES AS MAY NOT EASILY BE UNDERSTOOD BY THE YOUNG READER.
A GLOSSARY OF SUCH WORDS AND PHRASES AS MAY NOT EASILY BE UNDERSTOOD BY THE YOUNG READER.
[Many words, not contained in this Glossary , will be found explained in the body of the Work, in the places where they first occur. For these, see Index .] Academy, the Boston , an association in Boston, established for the purpose of promoting the study and culture of the art of music. Action brought by the Commonwealth , a prosecution conducted in the name of the public, or by the authority of the State. Alcoholic , made of, or containing, alcohol, an inflammable liquid, which is the basis of
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