,,common ,,sense ,,for ,,housemaids4 ,,by ,a ,,lady4 ,second ,edition4 ,,london3 ,,thomas ,,hatchard1 #ahg1 ,,piccadilly4 #ahec4 ,,london3 ,g4 ,j4 ,,palmer1 ,,savoy ,,street1 ,,strand4 ,,contents4 ,,page ,brass1 how to clean #bb ,bug poison #i ,carefulness1 hints on #hf ,carpets1 how to clean #bf ,clear-starching #gg ,dress1 observations on #ij ,daily work1 ,housemaids' #cd-ge ,economy1 observations on #ia ,fire1 how to light #ch ,floor-cloth1 how to clean #cc ,french polish1 how to clean #ae-bj ,grates1 how to clean #h1 #ah1 #ce ,lamps1 how to clean #ei ,mahogany1 how to clean #af-ba ,marble1 how to clean #ai ,mirrors1 how to clean #af-bd ,nursing the sick1 hints on #id ,paint1 mixture for washing #aa ,painted walls1 how to clean #bj ,papered walls1 how to clean #ad ,picture frames1 how to clean #bd ,pipeclay1 how to prepare #ca ,plate1 how to clean #ha ,scouring floor1 different ways of #ab ,stairs1 how to clean #ca ,sweeping1 ways of #aa ,washing muslins and lace #gf ,windows1 how to clean #bc ,,extracts ,,from ,a ,,lady',s ,,journal1 ,,showing ,,the ,,absolute ,,necessity ,,for ,,writing ,,this ,,book4 ,arrived yesterday in ,cavendish ,square at half-past five o'clock1 for a visit of a few days4 ,much fatigued1 but wonderfully sustained in spirits during the journey1 by the prospect of seeing a dear friend1 the ten thousand comforts of her well-regulated establishment1 and the bright visions of the appearance of my accustomed bed-room4 ,again and again1 had it risen before my mind's eye1 in all its glory4 ,the inviting appearance of the smooth1 flat1 well-made bed1 with the light night quilt of snowy whiteness 7and the heavy creature folded aside72 the easy chair1 and footstool 7with their bright crimson covers71 turned towards the clear glowing fire2 the dear little kettle of silvery brightness1 on the hob1 singing its accustomed song to its grateful mistress4 ,a chair before the toilet1 with its pink and pure white drapery4 ,the bright looking-glass reflecting crystal candlesticks1 wax-lights1 and essence-bottles1 with all the perfumes of ,arabia4 ,the washhand-stand1 a perfect picture1 surrounded by a hundred towels4 ,the rose soap giving out sweet odours4 ,the additional large tumbler for the saline draft1 the cup and spoon1 for less pleasant powders4 ,alas1 alas6 how are all those glories buried in the dust1 and dust is now indeed the order of the day2 my friend is the same in heart and soul1 but she has sprained her ancle1 and changed her housemaid4 ,hurried to my room to dress1 as the dinner was to be at six o'clock2 went straight to the accustomed corner1 where my trunk1 resting upon a stand1 uncovered and uncorded1 used to be placed in readiness to be opened4 ,the stand was empty1 the trunk upon the carpet1 the ropes and cover still on and covered with dust4 ,rang the bell2 no one answered1 rang a second time2 the housemaid entered1 undid the ropes1 removed the dusty cover1 and left the room4 ,turned to unlock my trunk1 found it had been placed with the lock turned towards the wall2 tried to re-turn it--found it impossible--rang again for the housemaid1 and with our united efforts turned the trunk--stooped to unlock it1 and found too late that the dust of weeks was on the carpet--shook it in disgust from my silk dress1 and advanced in haste to the washhand-stand1 to wash the remembrance from my hands at least1--found no soap1 no warm water2 fortunately had soap in my dressing-box1 and1 unwilling to apply a third time to a bell-rope of most frail and suspicious appearance1 washed with ice-cold water1 and having performed my toilet with inconvenient haste1 descended to the drawing-room1 and found that the dinner had been on the table some minutes4 ,forgot my discomforts in most agreeable conversation--but much fatigued1 was thankful to retire at night1 though with secret misgivings as to the discomforts ,i might perceive on re-entering my room4 ,opened the door and perceived nothing1 the smoke impenetrable1 and the fire out2 rushed towards the window1 threw it open1 a rush also of wind and sleet1 and the candle became extinguished2 groped my way to the bell1 pulled it vigorously1 heard no sound1 felt only a blow upon my cheek1 and the bell-rope in my hand--wished it around the neck of a fellow-creature1 advanced a few steps1 got entangled in the ropes and cover of my trunk 7still left upon the ground71 stumbled and fell--found the door at last1 and rushing out upon the landing-place1 with the bell-rope in one hand1 and all that remained of the crystal candlestick in the other1 called franticly1 ,housemaid1 housemaid6 ,mr4 ,b---- sprang from his dressing-room en robe de chambre4 8,what is the matter1 is it fire80 he exclaimed4 8,alas1 it is neither fire nor candle10 was my melancholy answer1 and my dark history was given4 ,the housemaid1 half undressed and sulky was brought into the room4 ,the thick crust of small coal1 through which no air could penetrate was removed1 sufficient wood to light a dozen fires1 thrust into the grate1 pieces of small coal added1 and all was soon in a blaze2 the window was shut down1 and the water on the washhand-stand1 having once been warm1 ,i resolved to be thankful for small mercies1 and1 pretending not to feel the smoke which lurked in every corner of the room1 as well as in my throat1 undressed and went to bed--8,to bed1 but not to sleep40 ,o the variety of mountain heights1 and the scarcity of pleasant plains6 fell asleep at last holding fast by the side of the bed1 dreamt ,i was a swift rolling snow-ball1 and awoke upon the floor4 ,two more nights have passed--,no1 ,i will not detail them4 ,what is friendship but a name8 ,i will leave the house---- ,i ,,will ,,write ,a ,,book6 ,,common ,,sense ,,for ,,housemaids4 ,this little book is intended to convey instruction with regard to a housemaid's duties to the most ignorant in the simplest possible language4 ,many will throw it aside in indignation1 and exclaim1 8,does it require a book to be written to tell us that the drawing-room grate should be the first thing cleaned and polished1 and not left till a room is swept and dusted1 or that if the apartment has not been used for some time1 and the carpet carefully covered up1 it is better to leave it covered till the walls have been swept down1 and the window-curtains brushed80 ,strange as it may appear1 such advice we have more than once found necessary2 we therefore address ourselves to those who for want of regular training1 and from not bringing common sense into practice1 have fallen into similar errors to those here alluded to1 and to a still more numerous race1 who are every day leaving their father's cottage with the desire to obtain a housemaid's place1 and would therefore willingly learn something of a housemaid's duties4 ,a housemaid's duties are various1 and by no means easy of attainment2 for she has to contend against a host of enemies--dust1 soot1 smoke1 rust1 insects of various kinds1 and bad smells innumerable2 let her1 however1 not be discouraged2 all difficulties will give way before early rising1 habits of activity1 an acute nose1 frequent open windows1 and a teachable spirit2 let us therefore proceed without further preface to give our best advice as to cleaning a house thoroughly after the six winter months of smoke and dust4 ,let all the dusters and brushes which will be required1 be carefully washed the day before you begin the work of cleaning4 ,to sweep with a dirty brush will do more harm to a carpet than to leave it unswept2 and a chair-cover1 rubbed with a soiled duster1 is injured in a way which no after-dusting can remove4 ,let the stair-carpet be first taken up and folded to be beaten with the other carpets4 ,if the family are absent1 it is better that all the carpets which require to be beaten should be taken up at the same time and sent away1 and all the chimneys swept before the cleaning begins4 ,but if the family are at home1 this should not be done1 as the cleaning should then only begin in one room at a time1 so as to occasion as little discomfort and inconvenience as possible4 ,let the stairs be first swept down after the carpet has been removed1 taking care that all the bed-room doors be previously shut4 ,if the chimneys in the attics are to be swept1 place a mat on the upper landing-place1 and if the rooms have carpets1 let the carpets be taken up in as many of the rooms as can be cleaned in one day3 as the carpets in the upper rooms are1 generally small1 they are in most families beaten in the court below2 the window and bed-curtains should also be taken down and well shaken and brushed below stairs1 and the beds carefully covered up with a covering-sheet1 well tucked in all round1 that no soot may penetrate2 then remove the tables and chairs into the landing-place1 if there is space sufficient1 turning the bottom of one chair down upon the bottom of another2 if the landing-place is too small1 remove them into one of the attics1 and let this room be the last swept and scoured4 ,as soon as the chimney is swept1 let the soot be carefully collected1 and the housemaid follow the sweep down stairs1 taking care that he previously has rubbed his feet upon the mat1 and also that he does not allow the bag of soot which he carries to touch the walls as he passes down1--this should be still more attended to1 when some one chimney in a house may require to be swept at a time when the stair-carpet is not taken up2 to have a handsome brussels carpet stained with soot is no light misfortune to a feeling heart1 to trace the creature at every step is no pleasant journey4 ,the grate is next to be cleansed1 and if polished with black lead1 two brushes are to be used1 one for putting on the lead1 and the other for polishing4 ,the fire-irons and fender to be scoured with emery cloth1 and then rubbed quickly with a woollen cloth4 ,all the articles required for the grates should be kept in a box for the purpose1 and a coarse sheet should also be kept in the housemaid's closet to be laid down whenever a grate is to be scoured3 this may seem unnecessary in an attic room where the carpet may be shabby1 or perhaps where there may be no carpet1--but the habit acquired is everything2 where no sheet is laid down above-stairs1 pokers1 tongs1 even dust-pans1 are often put down on the drawing-room carpet1 without a feeling of remorse2 a well-trained housemaid would shudder at such a spectacle4 ,the sweeping down of the cornices and walls should now be attended to4 ,let a pair of steps be brought into the room1 and 7taking care that they are stretched out to their full extent1 so as to stand quite steady on the floor71 let the housemaid1 mounted on them with a long broom1 sweep away the cobwebs and dust from the ceiling and cornices1 sweeping also behind each window-shutter1 and round the ceilings and shelves of the different presses in the room4 ,the long broom should then be covered with a bag of coarse flannel1 and the walls thoroughly swept down4 ,after this has been done1 spread a large sheet on the floor1 and let the bedding be removed upon it and covered up1 the frame of the bed thoroughly well brushed1 and also all the edges and corners of the sacking bottom1 where dust can lodge1 and let the bed-posts and stock be well rubbed till no soil remains on the duster4 ,then with a feather or small hair-brush1 anoint every joint and crevice with the following mixture3-- ,put one ounce of corrosive sublimate into a pint of spirits of wine--shake the phial well1 and keep it closely corked except when in use4 ,poison should be written in large letters on the phial1 and great care taken to keep it in a safe place out of the reach of children4 ,should the housemaid be called away1 even for a moment1 while she is using this mixture1 let her not leave the room till she has put this phial out of the reach of every one4 ,if the beds are kept free from dust1 and every spring anointed with this mixture1 there will be no risk of their becoming infested by those creatures which it is impossible to name1 but which are very dreadful4 ,clothes-baskets from the laundress for this reason should never be brought into the bed-rooms4 ,the clean linen should be carefully looked over below1 and hung upon a screen before the fire1 to be made thoroughly dry before it is put into the drawers or wardrobes4 ,the dusting and anointing of the bed-frames being completed1 proceed next to switch and brush the bedding--an old riding whip is an excellent thing for switching bedding or the cushions of chairs1 as anything heavy and unyielding is apt to cut them2 as soon as you have made the bedding free from dust1 replace it on the bed1 and cover all up with a sheet1 well tucked in1 leaving the bed-curtains to be put up1 and the bed-linen put on after the cleaning of the room has been completed4 ,we come next to sweeping the floor previous to having it scoured4 ,there are various modes of sweeping1 and of non-sweeping2 the non-sweepers follow the principle of letting the wee pickle stour lie 7as they say in ,scotland7--they wash on the top of the dust1 and the inky appearance of the boards brings no feeling of shame to their darkened minds2 other young housemaids1 again1 sweep with an air1 giving a slight toss up with the broom1 at every motion of the hand1 so as to make the dust mount up and settle on all that has been previously cleaned2 a tidy young woman1 on the contrary1 sprinkles the floor first with tea-leaves1 she then lays the broom close to the boards as she moves along1 sweeping gently1 but thoroughly1 and leaving no spot unswept4 ,if there are closets in the room1 let them be first swept1 and the doors shut1 then sweep under the beds and chests of drawers1 c41 before sweeping the other parts of the room4 ,the scouring should then commence3 the first thing to be washed is the paint of the window shutters1 doors1 chimney-piece1 and wainscots all round1 and this should be done with the following mixture4 ,to every quart of soft boiling water1 add half an ounce of soft soap1 and half an ounce of pearlash4 ,soda is too strong1 and injures the paint4 ,let this mixture dissolve before using it4 ,if the room is to be in immediate use1 boiled yellow soap may be used with the pearlash1 as the smell of the soft soap is disagreeable at first4 ,scour the paint 7a small portion at a time7 with a coarse flannel and this mixture2 rub straight up and down1 then wash with a clean flannel and plenty of water a little warm 7cold water makes paint look clouded71 and dry with a linen cloth1 rubbing briskly3 where there is carving above doors or mouldings1 use a painter's brush1 with the soap and pearlash instead of the flannel1 as it gets better into the carved wood1 and then wash with a flannel and water4 ,the floor is next to be scoured1 with a little soda mixed in soft warm water--wet a small portion of the floor with your washing-cloth of coarse flannel1 rub yellow soap upon your scrubbing-brush1 and scrub hard up and down the boards1 but never across1 then wash well off with clean cold water1 and dry with a coarse cloth4 ,in ,yorkshire a wisp of straw1 tightly rolled up and doubled1 is used in scrubbing floors instead of a scouring-brush1 and sand instead of soap1 and the floors are beautifully clean and white2 but this method is not understood in ,london2 the sand there is generally of a dull grey colour1 and the dust and smoke of a large city require soap and hard scrubbing4 ,except in country-houses1 the ,german method of sweeping and washing at the same time would not answer either2 there the sleeping apartments are generally without carpets1 and a broom is seldom used in sweeping them2 a coarse cloth is passed through water1 and being wrung out1 is drawn across the floor in every direction1 and by this method no dust is raised upon the furniture4 ,the windows and doors should be left open that the floor may dry quickly1 and while it is drying1 the furniture outside the room should be dusted and rubbed4 ,the furniture in the attics being generally painted wood1 will require to be washed twice a-year with the same mixture as the other paint in the room1 taking care to do it lightly1 and to wash it quickly off with water4 ,the carpet having been well beaten1 should then be put down1 straight and tight1 upon the clean floor2 a few small nails are requisite for this2 but as the carpets in the attics are generally small1 they require to be but slightly nailed down1 and should be frequently raised3 the furniture should now be restored to its proper place1 and the door of the room shut2 and after each of the attics has been cleaned in a similar manner the housemaid will proceed to the bed-room story4 ,there all will be done as before2 the furniture removed1 the window-curtains and bed-curtains taken down to be switched and brushed1 the beds covered up1 and the carpet lifted1 the chimney having been previously swept and the soot removed4 ,the grate and fire-irons will next be scoured1 the beds switched and brushed1 and the mixture used for the bed-stock2 the cornices will be swept1 and the paint of the doors1 window-shutters1 c41 c41 taking care that in sweeping the paper on the walls the long broom be covered with a clean flannel bag1 which should be frequently shaken and turned during the operation2 for if the flannel is not clean the paper will look worse than it did before4 ,paper on walls can be made to look almost new by being cleaned with stale bread2 this is a more tedious process2 when it is to be done1 however1 after sweeping the walls with the broom covered with flannel1 take a quartern loaf of stale bread three days old1 cut it into four pieces1 and holding the crust in your hand1 rub lightly downwards1 taking about half a yard at each stroke2 the next time of going round the room begin a little above where the last stroke ended1 and take care not to rub across the paper or to go up again4 ,the floor having been sprinkled with tea-leaves1 should be swept before the bread is used for the walls1 and it will require to be swept a second time before washing the paint of the window-shutters1 doors1 chimney-piece1 and scouring the floor commences4 ,if the carpet does not entirely cover the room1 attention should be observed in scouring thoroughly those places not covered1 as nothing gives a greater look of cleanliness to a room than nicely cleaned boards3 scrub hard straight up and down with the scrubbing-brush and soap1 and then wash well off with clean cold water2 it is a mistake to think that warm water is necessary for the washing off2 cold water does quite as well1 and is better1 as it is more easily changed3 to change the water often is most necessary in scouring floors3 many housemaids scour the floor constantly1 and yet they have always a black soiled look1 from the water not being sufficiently clean4 ,the bed-room furniture is next to be attended to3 where the mahogany is ,french-polished1 rubbing lightly with a dry soft cloth is generally all that is necessary2 but if the furniture is soiled in any way1 then wash it over with a sponge and water 7a little warm71 and rub lightly with the cloth till quite dry and clear4 ,where there is no ,french polish1 dust the mahogany well1 and with cold drawn linseed oil1 mixed with a little turpentine1 wash it over with a sponge1 and rub briskly and well with a soft woollen or linen cloth2 the rubbing does more1 in polishing the wood1 than any mixture you can use4 ,many people mix bees'-wax with the oil1 and this makes the furniture look well at the moment1 but it gives a fictitious brightness1 which every finger-touch or drop of water will dim2 the polish produced by rubbing is superior to ,french polish or any other4 ,the oil should not often be put on1 and never while the slightest dampness remains on the mahogany4 ,some servants use a great deal of oil and very little rubbing1 the consequence of which is1 that little or no lasting polish is acquired2 the dust sticks to the furniture1 and gives it a dull soiled look4 ,nothing gives one a greater idea of care and cleanliness than to see all the mahogany looking bright and clear2 the legs and rims of tables1 and all that is below as well as above1 should be attended to2 amongst other bright things the looking-glass must not be omitted3 after the mahogany frame has been well rubbed up1 the glass should be washed with pure cold water1 dried with a clean soft cloth1 and polished with a silk handkerchief3 if the bed-room chairs have loose chintz covers1 they should be taken off and well shaken before the mahogany of the chairs is rubbed up1 then put on again as tightly as possible1 and rubbed lightly with a clean cloth2 all this having been done1 before the furniture is brought into the room1 the carpet1 having been beaten1 should be put down perfectly straight1 drawn as tight as possible1 and slightly nailed2 there is nothing looks worse in a room than to see a carpet all pulled awry1 and the stripes and seams running across instead of straight up and down4 ,the furniture should now be replaced1 the bed-curtains put on1 the bed made up for use1#a and the blinds let down1 so as to keep the room cool and preserve the carpet4 ,all the bed-rooms having been thoroughly cleaned in the same manner1 the drawing-room should be next attended to4 ,if there are two drawing-rooms1 the chairs and lighter furniture should be removed into the one while the other is being cleaned2 if there is but one room1 and there is not space on the landing-place1 the chairs should be placed1 one turned down upon another1 in the most convenient corner of the room that can be found for them2 the carpet and rug should be taken up to be beaten1 and the window-curtains taken down to be well shaken in the court below1 then spread upon a table and thoroughly brushed1 and if winter curtains1 folded up and laid aside1 or1 if summer muslin curtains1 washed4 ,in putting aside winter-curtains1 coverlids1 c41 when not in use1 a sheet should be spread in the bottom of a drawer1 the curtains folded to the size of the drawer1 laid perfectly smooth1 and the sheet brought over them1 so that no dust can get in at the sides4 ,curtains or any other things1 put into a drawer uncovered1 get marked at the edges if they lie any length of time4 ,next1 the pictures1 if easily removed1 should be taken down1 and china and chimney ornaments1 books1 c41 c41 put into some closet or safe place1 and dusting sheets thrown over the sofas1 mirrors1 c41 c43 all this1 if it can be managed1 should be done at night1 that the room may be ready for the sweeps in the morning4 ,the chimneys of sitting-rooms1 where there is constant fire1 should be swept at least twice a year2 a third time1 in the middle of winter1 may be necessary for some chimneys2 in this case it will be necessary to pin up the curtains1 and enclose them in bags similar to pillow-cases1 and to cover the carpet and furniture completely with sheets1 as1 even with the most careful sweeps1 a great deal of soot finds its way into the room4 ,as soon as the soot has been removed the scouring of the grate should commence2 if a bright polished steel grate1 it should be rubbed with fine emery cloth1 or with a paste of fine emery powder1 ,no4 #c1 mixed with boiled soap2 after rubbing well with a piece of woollen cloth and this paste1 polish with glass-paper 7not sand-paper71 and finish off with soft dry chamois leather1 rubbing quickly and lightly till quite bright4 ,the marble chimney-piece should then be first dusted carefully and thoroughly with the small dusting-brush1 and afterwards washed1 rubbing soap on a soft brush or sponge1 so as to get the dust and smoke out of all the ornaments2 if they are deeply carved1 so that the brush does not get into the crevices1 use a little bit of wood bluntly pointed1 for nothing gives a marble chimney-piece a worse appearance than dust lodging in the ornaments2 whether flowers or figures1 let the roses1 if roses there be1 be pure and white1 and ,cupid's face particularly clean4 ,all this having been done1 cover the whole up with a covering sheet1 putting one end of the sheet on the marble chimney-piece1 with a weight to keep it down1 and letting the rest hang like a curtain before the grate1 to preserve it also free from dust2 sweep the room then for the first time1 sprinkling the floor first with tea-leaves1 to keep down the dust as much as possible2 after this let the long steps be brought into the room3 place them alongside the wall at such a distance as to give the full use of the broom2 before getting upon the steps1 see that the feet are put out as far as they can stretch1 so that they stand quite firm2 then fearlessly mount upon them1 and with the long broom covered with a clean flannel bag sweep the cornice and walls straight down1 leaving no spot untouched2 shake the dust frequently from the bag1 and turn it during the operation4 ,the small dusting-brush should next be used1 for dusting the paint of the doors1 window-shutters1 and wainscoting all round the room1 and the floor should be swept a second time3 proceed then to wash the paint which you have dusted with the mixture of boiled soap and pearlash1 and scour the floor with yellow soap and soda1 in the same manner as directed in the bed-rooms4 ,while the floor and the paint are drying the furniture should be cleaned2 if either the rose-wood or mahogany furniture is ,french polished1 dusting and rubbing it1 as has already been mentioned1 with a soft dry cloth1 is all that is necessary1 or1 if spotted or stained in any way1 let it be first washed over with a sponge and warm water 7but not too hot71 as warm water is better than cold for ,french polish2 then rub briskly but lightly with a soft cloth till the brightness is restored4 ,a mixture is now sold for reviving ,french polish1 which has considerable effect for a short time1 but requires to be frequently repeated1 and is by no means sufficient to give lustre to any article which has not been previously polished2 in this case the cold drawn linseed oil1 for unpolished articles1 with a little turpentine1 is the best mixture to be used1 and will1 in time1 with a great deal of rubbing1 produce a lustre equal to ,french polish1 and much more durable1 as not liable to be worn off or easily scratched1 but on the contrary1 increasing with years1 and kept bright with very little labour after the polish has once been obtained4 ,as directions have been given with regard to cleaning mahogany in the bed-rooms1 it is needless so particularly to repeat them here2 the rubbing is at first the great matter1 and cannot be done too often2 very little oil and a great deal of rubbing is the root of the business2 it is not enough to rub the furniture of a room with a view to polish it on the great cleaning days1 a little every day makes1 in time1 a great impression2 a really good housemaid should never be able to be alone in a room with a table or a chair without giving it a good rub1 or1 if the room is occupied1 without wishing to do so4 ,tables and chairs should be to her objects of deep interest2 after her own family and the family of her mistress1 they should claim the next place in her affections2 she should steadily contemplate them between her and the light1 and in all various points of view1 and if they present themselves to her sight without spot or blemish1 shedding a bright lustre over her past labours1 she may rejoice in the work of her hands4 ,all the brass in the room comes next to be polished2 the plates and handles of the doors and of the bells1 the castors1 c41 c41 should be cleaned with rotten-stone and oil1 and rubbed with leather till quite bright2 care should be taken not to soil the paint in doing this2 there is nothing so ugly as a black rim round the handle1 or to see the mark of dirty fingers on the door itself1 giving evidence that the housemaid's mode of shutting the door is not by turning the handle1 but by pulling the door itself4 ,this strange dislike to touching the handle of a door1 this constant habit of putting the hand either above the handle or below it1 anywhere1 in short1 but on the handle itself1 seems a prevailing disease amongst housemaids2 the consequence is1 that one often sees the paint1 either above or below the handle1 entirely rubbed off1 and the wood shining through from the necessity of frequent scouring1 or1 if there are brass plates to prevent this1 they have constantly a dull and smeared appearance3 in scouring either the handle or brass plate all marks of the rotten-stone may be prevented by having a duster in one hand to cover the paint1 while the other hand is employed in scouring the brass4 ,where there is a balcony1 and the drawing-room windows can be cleaned in safety1 this should next be done2 the footman generally assists in this work4 ,the window1 both outside and in1 should be first dusted with a light dusting-brush1 and the footman being outside1 and the housemaid mounted on the steps within1 each should clean the same pane at the same time1 that it may be more easily cleaned1 and not left in streaks1 which is apt to be the case where only one side is cleaned at a time3 a little ,spanish whiting1 mixed with very little water1 should be rubbed over each pane and washed off with a woollen cloth or sponge 7but sponge1 unless after long use1 is liable to have particles of sand in it1 which may scratch the glass1 and injure its appearance72 each pane should be finished and rubbed bright with a clean dry linen cloth1 and particular attention paid to cleaning well at the edges and corners1 as dim corners will entirely spoil the look of the most newly-cleaned window2 the sun should not strike on the window when it is being cleaned1 nor should this work ever be attempted during frost1 as the glass will then be much more apt to crack4 ,the frequency with which windows should be thus thoroughly cleaned on both sides will depend much on the situation of the house2 in the country three or four times during the year may be sufficient1 while in ,london1 in many situations1 once a month may not suffice3 the inside of each window should be rubbed at least once a week1 when the room is regularly done out1 but a cleanly housemaid will give many a rub between times2 nothing improved the look of everything within the room so much as transparent windows4 ,the windows being all cleaned1 and the bannisters brushed outside1 the balcony should be washed over with soap and water1 and the work within the room again proceeded with4 ,the frames of the pictures and mirrors must next be attended to4 ,the frames should be lightly dusted1 for the flowers or other projecting parts1 being generally made of plaster1 are easily broken1 and even when in carved wood the edges and corners may be chipped off and disfigured2 a feather-brush should therefore be used for this purpose2 the glass of both mirrors and pictures should be washed over with a woollen cloth and pure cold water1 dried with a soft clean linen cloth1 and polished with a silk handkerchief1 which should be kept for the purpose2 but if the glass be either dimmed by fly marks or smoke1 it may be necessary to wash it over with spirits1 then dust it over with powder-blue in a small muslin bag1 rub it up with a soft linen cloth1 and finally polish it with a silk handkerchief4 ,if there are portraits in the room not glazed1 which appear to require cleaning1 they might be gently washed over with cold water without being injured1 but on no account touched with soap2 it is however safer merely to dust them1 and even this should be with a feather-brush1 and very lightly done2 it is impossible to take too great care of such precious possessions2 an injury given to a valuable portrait or painting no money can repair4 ,should much dust have fallen from the pictures and mirrors1 c41 c41 it may be necessary to sprinkle with tea-leaves and sweep round the sides of the room very lightly before laying down the carpet1 or else remove the dust by drawing a coarse damp cloth round the room as they do in ,germany2 this method of sweeping answers extremely well when there is not a great deal of dust to be removed1 and is much in favour of keeping the furniture clean4#b ,if the carpet is made so that it can be turned each time that it is laid down1 then care should be taken that the same part does not always lie before the door1 so as to be worn out before the rest1 for a shabby piece of carpet1 on entering a room1 immediately strikes the eye2 but if the carpet is cut to fit into recesses1 this cannot be avoided4 ,as soon as the carpet has been put down quite even on the floor1 and tightly stretched and nailed 7which is generally done by the man who has the charge of beating it71 the housemaid1 with a clean coarse cloth1 should rub down each breadth1 taking care to turn to different parts of the cloth as they get soiled4 ,many people approve of rubbing it over in this way with a damp flannel1 but the practice is not a good one2 it has the effect of brightening for the moment1 but gives it afterwards a duller and more soiled look2 a greater degree of dampness than that produced by the use of tea-leaves when brushing the carpet is injurious4 ,when a carpet is much soiled1 by having been used for years1 it may be made to look perfectly clean1 and even the colours greatly restored again1 by being washed with a mixture of boiled soap and ox-gall1 but in a very short time it will look worse than before2 even if clean cold water is spilt upon the carpet1 though no stain is left at first1 that part will very soon have a soiled appearance4#c ,the room being now ready to receive the furniture1 the chairs having been previously dusted1 washed over1 and rubbed bright1 as directed1 and the cushions taken off1 switched1 and wiped with a clean cloth1 they should be restored to their proper places in the room2 the window-curtains having been properly switched and brushed below1 should be put up1 the fire-irons and coal-scuttle brought back1 having been scoured1 and all the china ornaments1 after being carefully washed in cold water1 should be arranged as before1 together with books1 writing-desks1 and work-boxes1 and behold the room complete4 ,the housemaid may now look round with modest triumph1 and exclaim1 ,sublime4 ,a drawing-room in perfect order1 how lovely is it6 ,the dining-room1 breakfast-parlour1 and study1 should each be cleaned in the same perfect manner1 but as the mode of proceeding is in no way different1 it is unnecessary here to enter into any further detail2 a few words1 however1 may be necessary with regard to arranging a gentleman's study2 those days of thorough cleaning are days of horror to the literary man2 he would rather have a lion let loose upon him than a cleanly housemaid2 and certainly1 with regard to dusting either books or papers1 too much attention cannot be shown1 as much mischief may be done by even shifting their places2 books upon a table should be taken up only one at a time1 dusted1 and replaced in exactly the same spot1 or1 if the table requires to be rubbed up1 the books should be placed on the floor in the same position in which they stood on the table1 then taken up one by one1 dusted and replaced on the table as at first4 ,a housemaid should never exercise her own taste in arranging books in a gentleman's study2 however her contempt of #ast1 #bnd1 or #crd volume may be overlooked in a drawing-room1 it is a serious annoyance to the literary man to be obliged to hunt for the #bnd or #crd volume of a work of which he has finished the first1 through1 perhaps1 fifty others2 but it is a still greater grievance to have a written paper misplaced1 torn1 or destroyed2 the smallest scrap of writing1 though found on the floor1 or in any odd corner1 should be considered sacred1 and placed on the table in such a position as to be easily discovered2 a weight should be put on any parcel of papers so as to prevent the draught blowing them away when the windows are opened1 and the housemaid had better be content with carefully dusting round them rather than run the risk of misplacing them in any way2 let it be remembered1 however1 that this is perhaps the only case in which it is better to dust round a moveable article than to dust under it1 for this dusting round is a slovenly practice too often indulged in4 ,a lazy servant will dust round a writing-desk or work-box1 for a week together1 without once taking the trouble to remove it1 till1 when taken up by some one1 her negligence is discovered by the line of dust which surrounds each article4 ,where books in a book-case require dusting1 one shelf only should be emptied at a time1 and the books placed on the floor 7after the carpet has been lifted7 in exactly the same order as they stood in the book-case2 the shelf should then be washed1 and the books taken up1 one by one1 dusted1 and restored to their former places1 as soon as the shelf is thoroughly dry2 care should be taken not to replace them while the slightest dampness remains4 ,the rooms having been all cleaned1 and the doors carefully shut1 the stairs must now be swept down1 beginning from the attic story4 ,the long brush called the ,turk's head1 should be used first1 to sweep away the cobwebs from the ceiling and corners1 and to dust down the walls2 the bannisters must be brushed between all the rails with a bannister-brush1 and the hand-rail washed over and well rubbed up4 ,the hand-rail should always be polished with ,french polish that oil may not be required1 as almost every person who goes up stairs lays a hand upon the rail of the bannisters1 and it is difficult to rub the oil off sufficiently to prevent its being unpleasant to the touch3 wherever oil is used too great care cannot be taken to rub it completely off4 ,a lady was heard to complain1 that a set of books which had recently been sent home1 beautifully bound1 were all found1 soon after1 to be spotted with oil2 on inquiry being made1 it was discovered that the housemaid1 wishing to make everything look particularly bright in the drawing-room1 for expected company1 had washed the table over with oil1 and1 after very slight rubbing1 had exercised her taste by putting all the best bound books round in a circle upon it1 with a bullfinch in its gilt cage in the middle4 ,this setting out of drawing-room tables with all the best-bound books had better be avoided2 a small stand of books on a table1 or a few scattered up and down1 together with writing-desks and work-boxes1 give a look of freedom and comfort to a room which it is very agreeable to see2 but to find a table set out with a couple of books1 splendidly bound1 at each corner1 the bible and prayer-book1 in velvet1 with their gold clasps1 very probably opposite to a couple of volumes of ,shakspeare and ,lord ,byron1 and sacred poetry at the alternate corners3 to see these books put out in ,january1 #ahej1 to remain till ,january1 #ahea 7unless the family should remove for a time into the country71 is a melancholy picture of the general literature of the inmates4 ,but to leave this literary discussion1 and return again to the uncarpeted staircase4 ,the next thing to be done1 after rubbing well the hand-rail1 is to wash down the stairs1 and then1 with a painter's brush and pipeclay1 go over the sides of each step where the carpet does not cover it3 the pipeclay used for this purpose is generally mixed with glue1 or what painters call size2 but this size is often not quite fresh1 which produces a bad air on the staircase2 to boil the pipeclay with equal parts of water and milk1 or with water and beer1 is a very good substitute for size2 it will rub off a little1 but not nearly so easily as when water alone is used in mixing it4 ,if there are any spots of grease on the stairs1 before using the pipeclay1 scrape them off2 then on each spot put a little of a mixture of strong soap lees and unslaked lime1 let it lie for a few minutes1 then rub hard and wash it off4 ,a bottle of this mixture1 well corked1 should be kept always at hand1 to take spots of candle grease or oil1 either out of floors or stone passages2 when used for floors it should be washed more quickly off1 or it may be necessary also to lower it with cold water1 as this mixture will discolour the boards if left on for any time4 ,the stairs being finished with the pipeclay1 sheets of very coarse brown paper should be laid down under each carpet1 and each sheet turned in1 so as to make it lie double at the edge of each step2 this prevents the carpet wearing so fast as it is apt to do at the edges4 ,care also should be taken that the same part of the carpet is not always brought to the edge of the step1 so as to cause that part to be worn shabby while the rest looks fresh3 a little arrangement in shifting1 sometimes higher1 sometimes lower1 will1 in a great measure1 prevent this4 ,a stair-carpet should be cut at least half-a-yard longer than required for covering the stairs1 and turned in at top and bottom1 which will allow for this shifting4 ,attention also is necessary to stretch the carpet as tight as possible in laying it down1 so that there should be no creases to be worn by passing feet2 and also to see that the rods1 after being well scoured with rotten stone and oil1 and rubbed bright1 should be so driven through the rings as not to get loose4 ,by attending to these particulars1 a stair carpet will look well as long again as when it is ill kept and neglected1 and allowed to lie so long without being taken up1 as to wear a mark at the edge of each step1 which it is impossible afterwards to efface4 ,the floorcloth in the lobby should next be swept1 then washed over with soap and water1 with a sponge or flannel 7but never with a scouring-brush1 which some housemaids use71 and rubbed up with a dry cloth2 a little bees'-wax may be rubbed in1 which improves the appearance1 and also preserves the surface1 but brisk light rubbing will be particularly required when the wax is used1 both to give it a bright look1 and to prevent the dust from sticking to it4 ,floorcloths should not be much washed with soap1 as it injures the paint4 ,when not very dirty1 washing them first with cold water1 and then with milk1 will be sufficient2 the milk gives them a very pretty gloss1 and they are more easily rubbed up than when the bees'-wax is used4 ,as the steps from the outer door1 the door itself1 and all in the under-story belongs in general to the cook's work1 the housemaid may now be considered as having fulfilled her task1 with regard to a thorough cleaning4 ,we proceed1 now1 to mention the routine of daily work she has to go through in keeping all clean1 and will also combine this with the parlour work1 which1 in families where there is no footman1 frequently falls to the housemaid's portion4 ,with early rising and active habits much may be done before breakfast1 and much should be done1 or confusion will ensue for the rest of the day4 ,the housemaid's work should be begun both in winter and summer by six o'clock1 for as in winter a good deal must be done by candle light1 it is less difficult to accustom oneself to awake always by a little after five o'clock1 than to leave off the habit in winter1 and have to begin it again2 half an hour1 or even a whole hour1 of longer sleep will make very little difference in the feeling of comfort at the moment1 and will greatly add to the difficulties of the day4 ,as the sitting-rooms will require to be done out thoroughly1 each in turn once a week1 this will require three mornings from six o'clock1 and even the time this will give may not be sufficient2 some things may have to be left undone1 which a considerate mistress will give the opportunity of being completed after breakfast4 ,in some houses where the cook has assistance1 the dining-room is under her care1 this will give more time to the housemaid for the drawing-rooms and study2 but still as the stair carpet will require to be brushed down oftener than once a week1 and should always be done if possible before breakfast1 the necessity of early rising at all seasons is very apparent4 ,the housemaid1 before leaving her room in the morning1 should throw open the window1 draw off the bed-clothes and hang them over a couple of chairs1 at the foot of the bed1 and then carefully shut the door on leaving the room4 ,wherever there is a window to open to air the bed-room1 the door should never be left open1 as nothing is so untidy as for any one passing by to see the beds unmade1 and the washhand-stand in disorder4 ,she should next go round the lower rooms and drawing-rooms to unclose the shutters1 and open the windows1 that all may be properly aired2 let her then proceed to prepare the sitting-room1 which will be first wanted1 and in which the family are to breakfast4 ,the grate is the first thing to be attended to1 as it is a general rule that what is to make most dust in cleaning a room should be done first4 ,begin by folding up the rug1 and carrying it into the court below to be shaken1 then spread a covering sheet before the fire-place4 ,if it is the season when no fire is required1 all that is necessary is to dust out the grate and sweep the hearth1 giving the shavings a shake from dust--if there are shavings in the grate1 or if white paper is beyond the bars removing it if necessary1 she should then rub the bars and sides of the grate briskly with a soft cloth1 which should be previously held before a fire to remove the possibility of any dampness1 for the slightest damp will cause polished steel to rust4 ,but in winter the grate will require much more labour3 having carefully spread the covering sheet1 let her place upon it the coal-scuttle and wood for kindling the fire1 also her box1 which should be well stocked with the following articles4 ,emery paste for polished steel1 and black lead for grates which are not polished2 soft brushes for putting on the emery paste and lead1 blacking and polishing brushes1 emery-cloth1 now used for cleaning the bars in preference to emery paper1 and a soft leather for giving the last polish4 ,it is only now and then that the sides of a grate which is brightly polished will require to be cleaned with emery paste1 and then rubbed up1 first with a soft cloth1 and then with leather2 but every day the sides of the grate will require to be rubbed with a soft cloth1 which has been previously heated1 and the bars rubbed with emery-cloth1 the dust and ashes having been taken away in the dust-pan before this is done1 and the sides of the vent and the back swept down very gently1 that the soot may not fly out into the room1 with a brush kept for the purpose4 ,much smoke and discomfort may be avoided by the housemaid regularly1 once a week1 when the room is thoroughly done out1 sweeping the soot from the vent1 as high as the arm can reach2 it is not possible to get a brush with a very long handle up the vent1 but in the bed-room story1 where the vents are shorter1 the top almost may be reached by putting up first a short hearth brush1 then tying it to a longer handle1 and to another and another1 as you raise it in the vent4 ,it may appear almost unnecessary to describe how it is to be got down again1 but to prevent all distress of mind to the young and inexperienced1 it may be mentioned that it is to be untied at the different joints as it is lowered again1 and also that when this operation is to be performed1 which will be necessary only once1 or perhaps twice1 during the winter1 a fellow servant should assist by holding a sheet before the vent to prevent the soot getting out into the room4 ,great care must be taken1 that after the brush has been raised high in the vent1 it be not flourished about in a triumphant manner1 but used with the greatest gentleness in removing the soot4 ,as soon as all has been cleared away1 carried down stairs1 and the grate rubbed up and cleaned1 proceed to lay the fire and to light it4 ,if the fire is properly laid1 one half of the wood generally used would suffice2 a clever housemaid has been known to light even the drawing-room fire 7which requires more wood than the bed-rooms71 with seven pieces of wood2 this however requires the skilful hand of what would be called1 in the language of the day1 a talented housemaid2 with moderate abilities1 however1 she maybe taught to light four fires with one bundle of wood1 but even this will require attention and the exercise of common sense4 ,if part of the ashes are left in a slovenly way in the bottom of the grate1 so as to prevent the air from passing up1 the wood thrust in without arrangement1 a mass of cinders put on the top1 and the window and door kept carefully shut1 what is to be expected but that1 as soon as the paper below the wood is lighted1 the room should fill with smoke1 and the fire go out before even the wood is burned away8 ,the chief art in lighting a fire is to arrange it so that a stream of flame is carried up amongst the small coals1 till they are so warmed and kindled as to burn of themselves3 to effect this1 the ashes and cinders should be entirely cleared out from the grate2 then1 having put a piece of paper1 crushed together1 in the bottom1 and a few small pieces of the half-burned coal quite at the back1 lay the wood above the paper so as to rest on those pieces of coal and on the front bar1 taking care that they do not come out beyond the bar2 lay some of the pieces of wood across the others1 and1 having formed this support for the coals1 pile very small pieces1 not larger than a nut1 and very loosely1 upon the wood1 so as to leave room for the flame to pass up between them3 the grate having been cleaned from the ashes1 the air which comes in from the bottom will feed the flame1 and drive it up through the spaces amongst the small coals1 which1 lying loosely together1 will soon take a red heat2 a sprinkling of the smallest coal should be added1 as it flames easily1 and is of assistance to the wood4 ,it is a very general practice with housemaids to pile cinders on the top of the wood1 and then throw a quantity of small coal above them1 the consequence of which is1 that the air1 not passing through to carry up the flame1 the wood is burned away before the coals are lighted1 and the smoke1 not being able to penetrate this cake of coal1 puffs out through the front bars of the grate1 instead of going up the chimney1 and soon fills the room1 and 7as the door is very generally left open1 and the window kept shut71 we may add the house also2 for a careless servant1 instead of waiting a few minutes to see how the fire is disposed to kindle1 often leaves the room the moment she has set fire to the paper in the grate1 and1 having returned to the under story before the smoke begins1 it is frequently first discovered by having reached the drawing-room1 and1 on examination1 the bed-room is found to be in such a state from impenetrable smoke1 that it is difficult to find one's way to the window to throw open the sash4 ,the paper on the walls1 the curtains1 and everything in the room1 will receive more injury by being even once thoroughly smoked in this way than by six months of careful use4 ,care also should be taken that the register is opened before lighting a fire2 in rooms where there is not fire during the day the register is generally shut1 to prevent the back smoke getting down into the room1 and the first thing a careful servant should do is to open the register before lighting the fire4 ,some chimneys vent better when the register is only half screwed back1 so as to open only half the vent2 some require to be entirely opened4 ,a little attention will soon make the housemaid acquainted with the degree of draught which is necessary to carry up the smoke freely1 and in most cases it will be found necessary to shut the door and open the window before lighting the fire2 it is not the proper time to open the window after she has set light to the fire1 for the chimney1 being the only part in the room open to the air1 the draught comes down the chimney1 and brings out with it into the room the smoke of the new-made fire1 so that before she has time to get to the window to open it the room is already half filled with smoke2 she should therefore open the window first1 which will make the proper draught for carrying up the smoke1 and then set light to the fire4 ,there are very few chimneys that will not vent well if care is taken to make a proper draught1 and not to choke the fire up with too much coal2 very little should be put on at first1 and more added as the fire burns up4 ,the general practice of putting the cinders next the wood1 is not favourable to lighting the fire quickly1 or1 with little wood2 a few cinders may be thrown at the back of the fire1 and the rest had better be carried down into the kitchen to be burned there1 as small sharp-pointed pieces of fresh coal kindle much more easily than cinders4 ,it is astonishing what a difference there will be1 even in a very short time1 in the appearance of a room where there is carelessness in lighting the fire2 the curtains1 the books1 everything in the room1 gets a soiled appearance1 and is unpleasant to the touch4 ,can there be anything more disagreeable than to find one's bed-room1 at night1 cold as a cellar1 from the necessity of keeping the window open to the last minute to dispel the smoke which inattention at first has produced1 and the smell of which still adheres to every article1 instead of finding a warm room1 a comfortable arm-chair turned towards a bright fire1 a shining kettle singing a quiet tune1 and a clean-swept hearth8 ,some housemaids have a habit of constantly turning the arm-chair away from the fire1 and placing it against the wall1 and though1 morning after morning1 they find it has been turned towards the fire1 yet they never take the hint1 unless an express order is given2 and even then1 such is the force of careless habits1 that it is often not attended to1 and they continue so long steadily turning the chair from the fire1 that it appears as if they had made a secret vow against both warmth and comfort3 an attentive servant1 on the contrary1 will make use of her own common sense1 and will not always wait to be told4 ,if the chair has been turned from the wall to the fire1 she will continue to place it there2 if more than once she finds the bed-quilt taken off and thrown aside1 she will understand that it is found too heavy to be an agreeable covering1 and will in future fold it off and leave only the light covering sheet on the bed2 if a blanket is pushed down1 then let her not carry it away altogether1 as there may come a sudden change to cold1 and much discomfort may be experienced1 but let her leave it tucked in at the bottom of the bed1 with the rest of the bed-clothes1 and folded down in folds1 leaving the end uppermost1 so that in a moment the blanket can be drawn up again over the bed3 it is vexatious when feeling chilly and half asleep1 to find that the end of the blanket has been carefully folded in1 and that one must be colder still1 and broad awake1 before there is a chance of finding it4 ,such observations may be thought trifling and too minute1 but the neglect of many such trifles occasions much discomfort1 particularly to those who may be only occasional guests in a family2 they may be days in the house without seeing the housemaid to explain their wishes1 and even if they have the opportunity1 they feel a delicacy in giving orders as to how their fire should be lighted1 or their bed-room comfortably arranged1 yet much silent annoyance1 particularly to the invalid1 has been occasioned by a careless housemaid4 ,a few words may be added here as to carrying fire from room to room in an open pan1 and also on leaving the poker in the fire with a view to make it burn up more quickly2 both practices are attended with danger2 sparks may be blown about by the current of air through which the bearer passes in carrying fire from room to room1 and houses have been burned down1 and lives lost1 by this practice4 ,leaving the poker in the fire is also attended with much danger1 for as the coals which kept it firm at first1 burn away1 the poker gets loose and falls out1 burning the rug through to the floor1 and1 if not discovered in time1 setting fire to the floor itself4 ,to return1 however1 to the drawing-room again1 after this somewhat long digression4 ,the grate having been cleaned1 and the fire lighted1 the carpet should now be swept2 this does not require to be done every day1 except round the table where the family may have been working1 and at the door1 or in any other corners of the room most in use2 and this may be done with a soft hand-brush1 making use of the dust-pan to carry away the dust1 or any shreds of paper1 as you sweep4 ,using a carpet-brush every day wears the carpet4 ,every article in the room should now be dusted1 the ledges round the walls1 the window-frames1 the mantelpiece1 the backs of the sofas and chairs1 shaking the dust1 from time to time1 over the window while doing it2 also the writing-desks1 work-boxes1 and books1 on the different tables1 should each be taken up and dusted separately2 a duster is preferable to a dusting-brush for all this1 as it removes the dust from the article entirely1 instead of only scattering it to alight somewhere else2 but for the gilt frames of mirrors or pictures1 a soft feather-brush should be used4 ,the covers of the sofas and chairs should next be stretched free from creases1 and wiped with a perfectly clean duster1 not that which has been in use for dusting the furniture4 ,a little management is required in this1 as in all other well-regulated arrangements3 the duster used for wiping the chair-covers the one day should be laid aside1 and kept for dusting the furniture on the next1 so that each day a clean duster is made use of for the cushions of the chairs and sofas2 from this not being attended to1 they are often more dirtied in being cleaned than if they had been left with the dust upon them2 with careful management the drawing-room chintz will look long well1 even in ,london4 ,the chair-covers should be stretched very tight over the cushions2 if put on loosely they will get into creases1 and look soiled in half the time2 the cushions on the sofas should also be well shaken up4 ,care also should be taken in arranging neatly the articles on the different tables2 if books are left scattered about1 arrange them on the table1 putting two or three together1 above each other1 but do not put a large book above a smaller one2 arrange them according to sizes1 the largest first4 ,a small basket should be kept on one of the tables1 into which should be put any small articles found lying about1 such as scissors1 thimbles1 odd gloves1 c41 c42 and before leaving the room give a glance round to see that everything is in perfect order1 and draw down the blinds1 and shut the door2 but in summer leave a little bit of the window open1 to keep the room well aired1 or if there is wind and dust flying about1 keep the window shut and air the room by leaving the door open4 ,if there are cut flowers in the room change the water in which they are frequently1 and pick out any withered ones3 withered flowers1 which have remained long in the same water1 not only give a very untidy look to the room1 but also produce a very disagreeable air4 ,too great attention cannot be given to keep the whole house well aired1 by frequently opening the windows1 both in the rooms and staircase4 ,some housemaids have a horror of opening the windows1 for fear of admitting the dust1 but the dust is not always flying about4 ,opportunities can be seized1 for instance1 in a quiet summer evening1 when the family are walking out2 all the windows and doors of the different rooms should be thrown open for some time1 and the house receive a thorough airing2 and besides this1 each room should be aired at some part of each day by leaving the window open4 ,the daily routine of the drawing-room work has thus been mentioned1 but once a-week more will be required1 as the carpet1 once a-week1 should be thoroughly swept with tea-leaves1 and the hearth-rug carried down to the court and well beaten4 ,as soon as the rug has been removed1 the grate cleaned and rubbed up1 the mantelpiece washed with a sponge and soap and water1 and the fire laid1 shake the window-curtains1 roll them up to the top1 and pin them1 throw covering-sheets over the sofas and chiffonnieres1 remove the chairs to the next room or landing-place1 and having sprinkled the carpet over with damp tea-leaves1 brush every corner carefully1 shifting the sofas and tables1 so as to get at every particle of dust that may have gathered under them1 and leaving no remote corner untouched in the hope that the eye of the mistress may not penetrate so far4 ,the carpet being swept1 carry away the tea-leaves in the dust-pan1 either to be thrown out1 or1 if there is a scarcity1 to be put through water1 and used a second time in sweeping the floors4 ,the mirrors and picture-frames should be lightly dusted with the feather brush1 the mirrors wiped1 the furniture1 before being carried back to the room1 should be dusted and rubbed up in the manner already mentioned1 the articles on the different tables dusted and arranged1 the inside of the windows wiped1 and the china ornaments carefully dusted4#d ,all this will require so much time that1 even with early rising1 it may be necessary to leave some part of the dusting-work to be done after breakfast1 as the hour for putting the heater for the tea-urn into the hottest part of the kitchen fire1 and taking the breakfast-cloth from the napkin-press will have arrived1 and preparations must immediately be made for breakfast4 ,before laying the cloth let the housemaid wash her hands1 and put on a clean white apron1 then1 having dusted the table and spread the table-cloth quite smooth upon it1 taking care that the fold which marks the middle of the table-cloth should be exactly in the centre of the table1 let her bring1 on a large tray1 the things necessary for breakfast1--the teapot1 slop-basin1 cups and saucers1 plates1 knives1 silver forks1 and tea-spoons1 and having arranged them on the table1 let the tray be taken down stairs again for the cream1 butter1 eggs1 rolls1 and bread2 let the butter-dish be filled with the freshest spring-water in summer1 the colder the better1 and in winter a few drops of warm water should be added1 not much1 or it will oil the butter1 but enough to give the water summer warmth4 ,in arranging all this on the table1 attention should be given that all that is necessary has been brought into the room2 that each person has1 besides his cup and saucer1 a plate1 knife1 and fork2 that there is a large knife for cutting bread1 a butter-knife1 and a spoon for each egg-cup1 the salt-cellars filled with salt1 and a couple of small breakfast-knives and of tea-spoons laid upon the table1 which last articles may at first appear to be the property of no one1 but which are generally of essential service1 in making it unnecessary for the servant to be rung for during breakfast2 it is a rare thing when more knives and spoons are not called for before breakfast is over1 and yet the difficulty of getting a servant to attend to this simple order is very great2 and if it should chance that on any one morning the spoons or knives have not been made use of1 they are sure to be omitted the next4 ,it is the same1 often1 with regard to the toast at breakfast or tea2 if all is not consumed on any one particular day there is less sent up on the next1 and often a gradual diminution takes place daily1 till the toast-rack presents itself with one solitary piece1 which no one has courage to touch4 ,these are the tricks of lazy servants1 who1 to save a few moments of trouble1 bring much discredit upon themselves4 ,if a friend steps in at breakfast or tea1 the maid1 after having announced him1 should not leave the room till she has put a seat for the guest1 and should immediately return with a cup and saucer1 plate1 and small knife1 and not wait till the mistress of the family has had to desire the bell to be rung to order these things4 ,should it be while dinner is going on that a guest is announced1 then the soup1 meat and vegetables should quickly be brought back if still warm1 if not1 immediately warmed up1 and replaced on the table4 ,the maid-servant should exercise her own judgment in all this1 and not wait for orders1 which may make the visitor feel that he is giving trouble2 common sense should tell her that1 if a guest comes at that hour he expects to dine1 and that a warm dinner is better than a cold one4 ,to return to the morning work1 breakfast having been served1 the bed-rooms must now be attended to2 the first thing is to open the window in each room1 and to strip the bed1 which is done by placing two chairs at the foot1 hanging the bed-clothes over them1 and raising up the mattress 7which is generally on the top of the feather-bed7 in an arch1 so that the air can pass through between2 having done this in each room in succession1 proceed to empty the slops in each1 rinsing out the basins1 bottles1 and ewers1 with plenty of cold water1 that fresh water may be put into the bottles and ewers each day1 and carefully wipe the soap-box1 tooth-brush-tray1 c42 the pail should never be left a moment in the room after this is done1 but carried down into the court to be instantly emptied1 well rinsed out with water and left in the air2 two pitchers of water should next be carried up1 the one with soft water for the ewers1 and the other with spring-water for the bottles2 but if it is sweeping-day when the room is to be completely done out1 a wooden pail should be brought up with warm water1 and all the chamber utensils carefully washed with soap and a sponge before the ewers are filled with fresh water1 the bed in each room should next be made up1 and a fellow-servant is required to assist in this4 ,few things are more unpleasant than an ill-made bed2 it is generally the first thing which strikes guests on being shown their bed-rooms2 if the bed looks as if it had been well shaken up1 perfectly smooth1 and the counterpane nicely put on1 folding neatly over at the corners1 pleasant anticipations of the night present themselves1 and a good opinion of the housemaid is immediately formed2 a well-made bed gives promise that other things will also be well attended to2 it is1 in fact1 one of the tests of a well-trained housemaid4 ,in making up the bed1 the mattresses should be turned every day1 and if there is a feather-bed1 it should be turned1 shaken up1 and beaten1 that the feathers may not get into lumps1 then smoothed and made perfectly flat1 the feathers being spread equally over the whole surface1 before the mattress is laid on the top4 ,some housemaids have a way of shaking the feathers into the middle of the bed1 leaving the sides in such a sloping condition1 that there is some chance of passing part of the night on the floor1 others of shaking the feathers to the top of the bed1 forming an inclined plane1 so that the constant feeling of sliding down lower and lower leaves people very uncertain as to where they are to find themselves at last4 ,it is impossible to make a bed too flat or smooth1 the bolster and pillows being well shaken up also2 the binding blanket should next be spread1 and tucked in1 and in putting on the under sheet1 care must be taken to put it on as tightly as possible1 so that not a crease should be seen1 and the sheet should be tucked under the lowest mattress1 so as to cover the whole bedding2 it is very untidy to see the sheet tucked in under the upper mattress and feather-bed1 as is frequently the case1 leaving the rest of the bedding uncovered1 besides exposing it to dust and smoke 7the counterpane not being sufficient protection72 the blankets being spread1 should be tucked in during the day1 but at night1 if broad enough1 should be allowed to fall over at each side1 and only tucked in at the foot of the bed4 ,the top sheet is next to be put on1 and lastly the counterpane1 which last in the evening should be taken off1 and folded up1 leaving the top sheet only during the night1 the curtains1 being put neatly into folds1 should be turned in on the counterpane at each side of the top and foot of the bed1 and if it is the day for the room being thoroughly cleaned1 the valences should be turned up all round1 and the whole covered up with a large dusting sheet3 the washhand-stand should also be covered1 the grate having been cleared out1 rubbed up1 and the fire laid as already directed4 ,if there is room on the landing-place1 the chairs should be rubbed up and removed before the sweeping begins2 if there is not1 let them be collected in the middle of the room1 moved up when the top of the room is swept1 and rubbed up and dusted afterwards4 ,the carpet being all strewed over with tea-leaves and brushed--a sweeping-broom1 with a wet cloth wrapped round it1 should be put in under the bed1 and gently moved about1 so as to collect the dust which gathers there1 without raising it so as to settle in the bed1 and the same should be done under the chest of drawers1 or any other piece of furniture too heavy to be moved4 ,the sweeping being over1 and the dust-pan1 with the dust and tea-leaves1 carried away1 that the draught when the windows are opened may not blow the dust about again1 the wardrobe1 chest of drawers1 looking-glass1 c41 c41 should then be rubbed up1 the window-frames1 the chimney-piece1 the pannels of the door1 and everything in the room carefully dusted1 and the chairs brought back to their proper places2 the housemaid goes to another room to commence the same work there1 leaving the bed and washhand-stand covered for a little while1 till the dust which is flying in the air will have settled4 ,as soon as this is the case1 she has only to remove the covering sheets1 to fill the bottles and ewers with fresh water1 to place the looking-glass in a safe situation1 that it may not be blown over by the window being open1 and carefully to shut the door1 that no dust may fly in from the other rooms2 if it is summer and the blinds are let down to keep the room cool1 care must be taken not to leave the blind loose1 so as to blow about at the risk of breaking the window or looking-glass2 the blinds should be only half drawn down1 or if more is necessary1 the window may be left only a little open4 ,the brushing the carpet1 and removing and rubbing the furniture1 are not in general required to be done more than once a week2 but as every day cleaning the grate1 making the bed1 wiping everything on the washhand-stand1 and dusting everything in the room1 are necessary1 most of this work will have to be done in the early part of the forenoon1 for probably before one chamber even is finished1 the housemaid will be rung for to take away the breakfast-things4 ,the urn is the first thing to be removed1 then the plates1 put one above another1 the cups and saucers1 knives1 forks1 and every other article collected together with the least possible noise1 should be carried away on a large tray1 taking care not to put more on at one time than it can safely hold1 for it is painful to see the way in which some servants load the breakfast-tray so as to clear the table of everything at once1 decidedly indicating that they would rather risk the whole being broken1 than have the trouble of returning to the room a second time4 ,on removing the cloth1 any crumbs which may have fallen on the carpet1 should be swept into the dust-pan with a small brush1 kept in a corner of the room for that purpose2 the carpet should never on any account be touched with the hearth-brush2 a most slovenly practice1 and all from a miserable saving of trouble1 for if no second brush be kept in the room for this purpose1 the time which it will take the housemaid to fetch her own carpet-brush1 will be short compared to that which she must bestow on brushing the carpet again and again with tea-leaves1 to get rid of the dust and soil which it has contracted during a week of improper management4 ,it is not cleaning a room once a week1 and giving to it little time and trouble1 that will give it a clean1 fresh appearance2 it is attention in doing a little daily1 and in doing that little in a proper manner4 ,a carpet had better not be brushed at all1 than touched with a dirty brush1 and the chintz covers are less injured even by the dust lying upon them1 than by having it rubbed off with a soiled duster1 which may have been used the moment before in rubbing the furniture1 or in wiping the fire-irons4 ,the crumbs having been swept away1 fresh coal should be put on the fire1 and the hearth-brush used in sweeping in the hearth before the maid leaves the room4 ,having shaken the breakfast cloth1 folded it in exactly the same folds as it had at first1 and put it into the napkin press1 she will next proceed to have her own breakfast1 and that being finished1 she will put away the tea-leaves into a jar kept for that purpose1 and having put aside the bread1 butter1 milk1 c41 which may remain1 into their proper places1 she will carefully wash the plates1 cups1 saucers1 c41 c41 in a large wooden bowl1 and with warm water--the vessel for washing either china or crystal should always be of wood1 as it is much less liable to chip the articles1 and the water used should be warm1 but by no means at boiling heat1 or accidents are sure to happen1 particularly in winter1 when there is frost in the air1 as glass or china are then more easily cracked3 many a beautiful crystal butter-dish has been cracked by being hastily plunged into hot water1 and even a far less degree of heat will crack either crystal or china1 if warm water is poured upon it1 while standing on any cold surface4 ,the warm water is required for the butter-dish2 crystal in general should always be washed in cold water1 as glass is made to look much clearer by being washed in cold water4 ,so if any glasses have been used the night before1 let them now be washed in cold water1 and well rubbed up with a glass cloth1 till they look quite clear4 ,the tea-spoons1 cups1 saucers1 and milk-jug1 come next to be washed in warm water1 and lastly1 the silver forks1 plates1 and butter-dish2 by this arrangement the articles not greasy will not be dimmed by those that are2 the knives should be put aside in a knife-box1 to be taken away by the person who is to clean them1 and the tray1 after being washed over1 and well rubbed up1 should be placed in the butler's pantry1 with its face to the wall1 and each tea-cup hung up on a nail1 with the saucers ranged below on shelves for the purpose2 every article should be put in its place1 that all may be out of the way of breakage1 and ready when again wanted2 it is scarcely necessary to add that the linen cloths1 used for drying the cups1 glasses1 c41 should be perfectly clean4 ,the work still to be done above stairs should next be attended to and completed1 and the chamber candlesticks brought down to be cleaned1 and the lamps for the sitting rooms to be trimmed and filled with fresh oil3 this should be done in a tidy manner1 the drawer for the ends of candles should be lined with coarse brown paper1 which will require to be frequently changed1 and a large sheet of brown paper spread on a small table for the lamps and candlesticks to stand upon4 ,it is a dirty practice to clean the candlesticks on the kitchen dresser 7as is sometimes done71 for even if the paper be spread beneath them1 particles of tallow may be left on the dresser1 which are not perceived1 and may be mixed with the food preparing for dinner2 it is also an exceedingly bad practice to place the candlesticks on the upper bar of the kitchen-grate to melt the tallow2 a most disagreeable smell is raised in the house by the tallow dropping into the fire1 and the japan of the candlestick is often injured by the heat4 ,the knife kept for scraping the candles should be wiped with a bit of paper each time it is used1 and put back instantly into the candle-drawer1 and the oil-can also wiped4 ,great care should be taken in cleaning the lamp3 if all the passages are not quite clear1 so that the air can pass through1 it cannot burn well4 ,there is now a small instrument sold with the lamps which is of great assistance in freeing them from the coagulated oil and dust1 and renders the necessity of washing them less frequent2 when they do require to be washed1 it must be done with boiling water and soda mixed in it1 then all the parts rinsed quite clean in a second water1 also very hot1 and the lamp put down before the fire for some hours before it is filled with oil1 so that all the parts inside may be perfectly dry2 if there is the least remains of the soda or of water in the lamp1 it will burn dim4 ,attention also is required in filling it quite full2 a lamp often1 after some hours1 begins to burn quite dim for want of sufficient oil1 yet the servant declares it cannot be for this reason1 as she filled it completely4 ,an air-bubble often rises in pouring in the oil1 which gives the appearance of its being full1 and deceives them--they must wait for a moment till this subsides1 and then continue gently to pour in the oil till it is quite full4 ,it is not necessary to pour out any oil which may remain from the night before2 it is only required to fill it up2 and if in winter1 the lamp should be put down near a fire for some time before it is brought into the room1 as the oil congeals in cold weather1 which also prevents its burning bright4 ,pay particular attention in cutting the wick quite smooth all round with a pair of lamp-scissors3 if it is ragged or cut uneven1 the light is flickering and uncertain--the wick should be very little raised when the lamp is first lighted1 and turned higher up a few minutes after1 and by slow degrees2 if it is raised high at first1 besides the risk of cracking not only the chimney of the lamp1 but the shade itself by a sudden flame2 it never burns so bright again when turned down1 as when slowly raised to the proper height4 ,the chimney should each day be cleaned and made bright as a mirror--if smoked or dirty1 the light can never be clear2 the shade should be washed once a week with soap and water1 and during the day it is well to have the lamp covered over with a paper cap1 or a towel put over it1 as the dust flying into the works makes it difficult to clean4 ,it is not easy to convince servants that attending to those little things which they may think trifles1 saves a great deal of time in the end4 ,if much dust is allowed to fly in from day to day1 washing with soda and boiling water will not be sufficient1 the works of the lamp will require to be boiled before it can be made perfectly clean4 ,when candles are required in the sitting-rooms1 in addition to the lamp1 let the candlesticks be properly cleaned1 and fresh candles set in them1 and the shorter pieces made use of for the bed-rooms2 where wax-candles are not used1 see that the snuffers for the different candlesticks are completely emptied and carefully wiped1 and that there is a pair of snuffers for each bed-room candlestick1 as well as for each sitting-room4 ,the lights being thus prepared for night1 and the work in the different rooms finished1 if it is not sweeping-day1 the housemaid will still have some time for needlework before laying the cloth for dinner4 ,before sitting down to work1 she will of course wash her face and hands1 change her working-dress for a gown with long sleeves1 a white apron instead of a coloured one1 and a tidy modest-looking bobbin-net cap1 coming close to the face1 and tied with a ribbon of some quiet colour2 nothing is more unbecoming in her station1 than a flying out cap hanging on the back of the head1 with gaudy soiled ribbons streaming down in all directions4 ,the style of dress adopted by servants of late years is much to be regretted2 it is a loss of their money1 of their time1 and above all1 of their respectability2 a maid-servant can never be too scrupulously clean and quiet in her dress4 ,a few more observations on this subject may be added in another place4 ,in sitting down to work1 she will take care to be within hearing of the drawing-room bell1 and the knocker of the street door4 ,by proper regulation there will always be some part of each day for needlework1 and in the country1 where less sweeping and dusting is required1 a great deal may be done in this way4 ,it is a pleasant sight to see a young girl neatly and quietly dressed1 busily plying her needle1 her tidy work-basket beside her well stocked with cotton-reels1 rolls of worsted1 tapes1 needles1 pins1 scissors1 and thimble4 ,it will probably be her business to mend the bed and table-linen1 to watch over the state of the carpets1 table-covers1 c41 and repair them when necessary2 a slit or tear in the carpet1 even of an attic1 is sure to give a bad impression of the housemaid4 ,the bed-linen should be carefully looked over each time before going to the wash1 and the slightest fracture or slit repaired2 and instead of allowing the middle of the sheet to wear into holes1 while the sides are quite good1 as soon as the sheet begins to wear1 the breadths should be unripped1 and the sides turned into the middle and joined again4 ,care should also be taken that the buttons or strings for each pillow-slip are complete2 it is most desirable that the housemaid should be a good darner of table-cloths1 and also of stockings1 for where there is no ladies'-maid the darning of the ladies' stockings will be part of her work2 and even where there is1 the charge of the gentleman's stockings generally falls to her care2 but anxiety to get on with her work must not lead her to forget when the time for laying the cloth for dinner shall have arrived4 ,having previously rung a bell precisely half-an-hour before dinner1 as a signal for the family to dress1 which bell should be punctual as the clock itself1 and having at the same time added fresh coal to the fire1 swept the hearth1 and placed the plate-warmer before the fire1 she should enter the dining-room to lay the cloth a quarter of an hour before the dinner-hour strikes4 ,to enable her to be ready in this time1 however1 all must have been prepared before sitting down to work2 the clean knives and forks put into the tray1 the mustard and vinegar replenished1 the tops of the cruets carefully wiped1 and the salt-cellars filled4 ,to avoid as much as possible having to open and shut the door often when laying the cloth1 collect as many of the articles necessary as you can bring in at one time in a large tray1 glasses1 tumblers1 spoons1 knife-tray1 bread-basket1 and beer and water jugs4 ,all being prepared1 see that the stand for placing your tray in while you bring in the glasses1 c41 is placed in a convenient corner of the room1 and that the basket for carrying the plates and the trays for the knives and forks which have been used1 are placed near the sideboard1 but not in the way to prevent passing easily4 ,having brought everything into the room which is necessary1 shut the door1 and having laid the cloth perfectly straight on the table1 place a plate for each person1 with a napkin neatly folded upon it1 and on the right side of the plate1 place a knife and spoon1 and on the left a silver fork4 ,the soup-plates should be placed before the person who is to help the soup1 and a carving-knife and fork1 and a gravy-spoon1 put at the top and bottom of the table4 ,place a salt-cellar at each corner of the table1 lay a couple of spoons on each side of it1 and a crystal caraffe filled with clear spring-water2 see that those caraffes1 and the tumblers and glasses 7which should be placed all round the table for each person7 are perfectly clear and bright3 a clean glass-cloth should be brought into the room to wipe off any dimness which a finger may have caused4 ,when the different articles on the table are perfectly bright-looking1 and the dishes neatly sent up1 the plainest dinner has a look of comfort1 and even elegance about it4 ,a knife1 fork1 or spoon1 which has not been properly cleaned1 cannot be taken into the hand without being discovered1 and leaving a disagreeable impression2 a visitor may not have the courage to send it away1 but the comfort of his dinner is destroyed4 ,having cut some slices of bread rather thick1 cut each slice into four1 and with a fork1 put a piece all round for each person1 leaving the loaf in the room in case more may be required2 when more is called for1 hand some additional pieces in the bread-basket4 ,place a chair for each person4 ,the sideboard should next be laid out with a supply of knives1 silver forks1 spoons1 tumblers1 glasses1 and silver-waiters4 ,as considerable taste may be shown in the arrangement of those articles1 it may be well to take a lesson of laying out a sideboard from the first butler1 or experienced man-servant1 who may chance to be in waiting on any of the dinner-guests at your master's table4 ,all should be done without noise or bustle1 and with a quick hand and light foot2 jingling the glasses1 making a clashing noise in lifting the knives1 knocking the chairs against the legs of the table1 and moving about with a heavy foot1 7and often with the addition of creaking shoes17 are extremely disagreeable to whoever may be in the room at the moment1 and even should no one be present1 the servant should accustom herself to do all these with the least possible noise1 that the habit of doing things quietly may be acquired2 activity is a first-rate quality in a waiter at table1 but then it must be quiet activity4 ,all being prepared1 the first dish should be placed on the table as the appointed hour strikes2 the cook having brought the dishes as far as the dining-room door1 carry in the top and bottom dishes separately1 as they are generally large2 the side dishes may be brought in at once on the dinner tray1 which being placed upon the stand1 the dishes can easily be removed to the table4 ,all being neatly arranged1 the top and bottom dishes exactly opposite to each other1 and the side dishes perfectly straight1 and at equal distances from the top and bottom1 announce to the family in the drawing-room1 that the dinner is on the table4 ,standing back while they pass through the door1 which you have thrown open for them1 and having followed the last member of the family down stairs1 remain standing behind the chair of your master till grace is said1 then remove the covers unless there is soup1 in which case the covers should remain on the other dishes while the soup is being served2 be careful to go to the left hand of the persons you are serving1 when placing any thing before them1 or handing them anything2 those to be first served are any lady visitors who may be present1 the elder ladies first1 then the younger1 the lady of the house and her daughters1 and lastly the gentlemen4 ,in handing round the soup-plates1 remove the flat plates put at first on the table2 and in the first leisure moment place them on the plate-warmer before the fire2 let each soup-plate be taken away the moment it is empty1 having another warm plate in your hand to replace it4 ,the covers on the other dishes should now be removed4 ,in handing round the soup-plates at first1 be careful not to spill the soup by placing them hastily before any one2 and in changing them for others1 make no clatter of plates2 attend in going round the table1 not to push against any chair1 or touch any one as you pass1 and take particular care that no one's dress should be injured by spilling gravy or melted butter upon it2 in handing the sauce-boats1 lower them as near as you can to the left side of the plate1 the person requiring sauce can then help himself with the right hand1 without any danger of spilling it4 ,if there are any side dishes of meat1 such as cutlets1 patties1 c41 they should be handed round first1 while the joint is being carved4 ,the spoons on each side of the salt cellars now come into use in helping the side dishes4 ,beware of offering a side dish to any one till you have first placed a spoon in it4 ,as soon as each person has been helped to meat1 carry round the vegetable-dishes1 then offer melted-butter1 pickles1 c41 c41 as may be required4 ,have your eye constantly on the table1 taking in by a glance all that is necessary for you to do4 ,those that have been eating cutlets1 will require their plates to be changed before being helped to the joint2 and those that have commenced with the joint1 will now be ready to be helped a second time1 and to have another plate given for the second helping4 ,when waiting at table there should be no gazing out of the windows1 or amusing one's self with one's own thoughts2 neither should the conversation going on at table be attended to3 this is difficult1 but if one accustoms one's self from the first to watch the numerous wants of the party1 and not their words1 there will be sufficient employment fully to engross the servant4 ,vegetables will require to be taken round a second time1 and more bread to one1 and beer or water to another2 in short1 there is scarcely a moment in which there will not be something required1 and if the servant is attentive and quick-sighted1 she will not find that she is standing idle at one moment1 and that in the next more of the party will require to be served than she can attend to2 if there is a leisure moment1 she can employ herself by stirring the fire 7if in winter71 and if this is not necessary1 let her remain in quiet readiness1 with her eye upon the table1 and her ear open to the first request for her services4 ,as each finishes with the first course1 let her place a plate of smaller size generally used for tart or pudding before him1 with a silver fork and spoon3 in some families the spoon is not approved of1 it is thought that even custard should be eaten with a silver fork2 but the practice 7or rather the attempt7 is more refined than agreeable or convenient4 ,as soon as the last person has finished eating1 ring the bell for the tart and pudding2 and having gone round the table with a knife-tray1 in which you should put the carving knife and fork and gravy spoons from the different dishes1 carry away all that is on the table1 and bring in the tart and pudding4 ,as soon as each person has finished with the second course1 place a cheese-plate and small knife before them1 and when the tart and pudding have been carried out into the hall 7having rung for the cook to carry them down into the kitchen71 clear the table-cloth with a spoon of the broken pieces of bread1 before setting down the cheese4 ,have fresh pieces of bread cut in the bread-basket to be handed to each person the moment they have been helped to cheese4 ,stand behind your master's chair while he is cutting the cheese1 that you may be ready to carry it instantly round3 a good waiter will manage to offer the bread immediately after the cheese1 or even at the same moment2 but this is too little attended to2 bread has often to be cut after it is called for1 and sometimes there is no bread in the room1 and before more can be brought in1 the cheese has been eaten alone1 and the waiter considered a very intolerable person4 ,the cheese being carried away1 any pieces of bread remaining should be removed with a silver fork1 the table-cloth folded over at each side1 doubled up1 and taken out of the room2 the table wiped with a nice cloth1 and the wine decanters set before the master of the house--having previously1 before removing them from the sideboard1 wiped them gently with a glass cloth1 without shaking the wine4 ,put a couple of wine glasses to each person--they are generally of two sizes2 the dessert-plates should next be set round to each person with a napkin neatly folded upon the plate1 with a finger-glass half filled with water1 and a small dessert knife and fork upon it4 ,in winter1 bring a jug of warm water into the room1 and pour a little into each finger-glass1 before placing it on the table4 ,let the fruit be neatly arranged in the dishes1 higher in the middle than at the sides1 but no dish so full as to endanger any falling over when helped2 neither at dinner nor dessert should the dishes be full4 ,place the larger kinds of fruit1 such as apples1 pears1 grapes1 or oranges at top and bottom1 the smaller fruits and sweetmeats at the sides4 ,place a crystal jug of clear water1 with a tumbler on each side of it in the middle of the table1 and pounded sugar at top and bottom1 which to look well1 should be in cut crystal glasses4 ,if cream is required for strawberries or raspberries1 that also should be served in crystal4 ,glance your eye over the table to see that all the dishes are standing straight1 and exactly opposite to each other1 and all being properly arranged2 leave the room1 shutting the door behind you4 ,having removed everything from the hall1 you will next shake and fold the table-cloth1 lay it in the napkin press1 and carry the plates into the scullery to be washed by the cook4 ,it will then be time to proceed to the drawing-room to put it in order1 before the return of the family4 ,you will smooth the sofa1 shake up the pillows1 dust the table1 and arrange any books or newspapers 7that may be scattered about7 neatly upon it2 but beware of removing any book 7which some one member of the family may have been reading71 and stuffing it into an odd corner1 or even carefully replacing it in the book-case2 common sense should regulate in such matters1 and common sense should tell you1 that it is most disagreeable to have to hunt all over the room for a book1 in which one is interested1 and which had been left on the table half an hour before4 ,having closed the curtains1 put fresh coals on the fire1 and swept the hearth1 it will now be time to sit down to your own dinner with the rest of the servants 7unless the servants' dinner has been at an earlier hour73 as soon as you have finished1 carry away the dessert things from the dining-room1 and having washed the dessert plates1 and the spoons1 silver forks1 tumblers1 and glasses1 place all in order in the butler's pantry1 and before you leave it1 arrange the cups and saucers in the tea-tray1 so that if the family is small1 and you have not a great many articles to wash1 you can again sit down to work till within a quarter of an hour of the time for tea1 when it will be necessary to get the butter and cream in readiness1 and to toast the bread or cake for tea4 ,be sure to remember also to put the heater for the urn into the kitchen fire in such time that it may be completely red-hot before putting it into the urn4 ,be careful also that the water in the tea-kettle boils before it is poured into it2 the finest tea which can be used becomes tasteless and bad1 if the water in the urn does not boil1 and in some families this happens day after day2 the servant is either obstinate or careless1 and contents herself with assuring you1 either that it does boil or has boiled4 ,no such excuses should be listened to2 the most effectual cure in such cases is to send the urn from the table each time that the rising of the steam does not prove the water to be at boiling heat4 ,while the family are at tea1 the slops should be emptied in the bed-rooms2 the ewers and bottles filled up with fresh water1 and the beds folded down4 ,if in summer1 the windows are generally left open1 and shut before the housemaid retires to bed2 and if in winter1 the fire should be lighted1 taking care to shut the door and open a little bit of the window before setting fire to the paper in the grate1 and to return again in a little time to shut the window1 and add more coals to the fire1 as more particularly mentioned already4 ,where there is no lady's-maid1 the housemaid will also be required to lay out the combs and brushes on the toilet1 to stretch out the curl-papers1 or cut fresh ones2 to lay out the nightcap1 neatly smoothed1 and to unfold the nightclothes1 and hang them over a screen4 ,where there is a lady's-maid1 the frills and nightcap are generally ironed2 but where the housemaid has much to do1 there is not time for this4 ,once a week or fortnight1 the hair-brushes will require to be washed2 they never should be plunged into warm water1 as it warps the back of the brush1 and destroys the polish1 or discolours the ivory1 and softens the hair2 a little soda should be mixed in warmish water1 and the surface of the brush moved swiftly up and down in it1 taking care not to wet the back at all4 ,the soda will sufficiently clean it1 and preserve the colour of the hair1 if too much soda is not used2 if too strong it will burn the hair1 or turn it yellow2 the brush should be left to dry for some time in the same position1 with the face turned down1 that the water may run out4 ,when brushes are left to dry with the face up1 the water lodges in all the holes pierced for the hair1 and discolours the back4 ,be careful never to wash the tortoise-shell combs1 it makes them brittle and apt to crack over2 they should be cleaned with a comb-brush1 and rubbed with the palm of the hand to keep up the polish4 ,the cover of the toilet pincushion should be regularly changed1 as soon as it gets soiled2 though the washing is generally given out1 yet there are small articles to be washed from time to time in all families where things are well attended to1 such as the tidies1 for the backs of sofas and chairs1 the pincushion covers1 and where there is no lady's-maid1 and the family is small1 the housemaid may be also required to do up the lady's muslins4 ,it is the greatest advantage to all housemaids to be able to get up fine linen1 and to have a knowledge of clear starching3 besides making a servant doubly useful to her mistress1 it may be the means at any time when out of a situation1 of her gaining a respectable maintenance4 ,one who gets up muslins and laces in a superior manner1 is sure to find employment1 and it may also lead to her filling one day1 the superior situation of lady's-maid4 ,her excellence in this department1 is not only valuable as adding to the elegant appearance of her mistress1 but is productive of great saving in expense4 ,a fine worked collar1 with expensive lace1 may be torn or frayed1 the very first time it is done up1 by improper management1 and it is seldom that fine muslins or lace have the elegant appearance they should have1 or last the proper time1 from ignorance1 or the want of due attention in getting them up4 ,nothing spoils the appearance of dress more than torn lace1 battered and stiff1 and fine muslin with the starch clouded upon it or frayed and ironed awry4 ,it will require considerable practice to attain perfection in this department1 and the best way to learn is to see others do it3 still a few instructions may be useful4 ,muslin or lace should never be rubbed in washing4 ,take white soap1 in proportion to the muslins you have to wash1 shave it down1 and boil it with soft water till it dissolves4 ,when cold1 it should be as thick as jelly2 mix a part of this jelly with soft tepid water1 so as to be strong of the soap2 let the muslins lie in this for a night1 then add boiling water2 move them up and down in the water1 repeatedly squeezing them through the hands1 so as to wash them1 but do not rub them4 ,having steeped them well in soap and water before1 makes rubbing quite unnecessary2 tie them loosely up in a pillow-case1 and with soft water1 and the rest of the boiled soap1 boil them for a couple of hours2 if in the country1 they should be laid out on the grass to bleach 7without the soap being washed out71 and watered when necessary1 so as to keep them moist4 ,if in town1 where no bleaching on the grass can be procured1 put them into a washing-tub1 and having poured boiling water over them1 leave them in the back court in the air for the rest of the day1 and during the night in the water2 this has a great effect in whitening them2 in either case1 after being bleached1 rinse them twice through cold water1 to clear them completely from the soap1 and hang them up to dry before being starched4 ,a piece of lace1 or any small article can be very well bleached by being put outside the window in the sun1 in a crystal bottle of water1 having been previously washed1 and the soap left in it4 ,it is a frequent practice not to boil the starch1 but to mix it with boiling water1 to hang up the muslins or laces the moment they have been put through the starch1 and squeezed out1 and when dry1 and as hard as a piece of board1 then they water them down 7as it is called71 leaving one spot dry1 and the rest wet1 so that to stretch them out for ironing1 without tearing them1 is almost impossible4 ,this mode of proceeding may account for the melancholy frequency of torn lace1 and the dull heavy appearance of beautiful worked collars1 looking as if they had been partially rubbed over with flour and water4 ,to give them that light transparent look which adds so much to their beauty1 the treatment must be very different2 the starch should be mixed in a little cold soft water1 and bruised down with the back of a spoon till quite smooth3 more water should be added1 till it resembles thin milk1 then boiled in a glazed-stone pipkin1 till it becomes clear and thick1 so as to jelly when cold4 ,the muslins and laces should be put through the starch1 while it is still warm2 squeezed out first in the hand1 then gently in a clean smooth cloth1 so as to get as much as possible of the starch out without fraying them in any way4 ,the cloth must not be twisted round in the slightest degree1 but gently pressed between the hands1 putting but a few of the articles in at one time2 each article should then be taken separately1 held lightly by the two ends with the forefinger and thumb of each hand1 and beaten between the palms of both hands for a few minutes2 next shaken out and drawn1 so that each thread in the muslin is perfectly straight1 and the shape of the collar is carefully preserved4 ,if after holding it up between you and the light1 you find that in some parts it is not sufficiently clear1 then a little drawing up and down on those spots will be necessary1 so as to free every thread from the starch4 ,it should then be folded up in a damp cloth1 and each article put beside it1 as soon as it has gone through the same process1 so that the whole may have a slight degree of dampness when ironed4 ,when it is not convenient to do up muslins the moment they are starched1 it answers well after they have been squeezed in the cloth1 to fold up each article1 and to leave them wrapped up together in a cloth for some hours1 or a night1 to clear themselves4 ,when this is done1 they generally require only to be drawn a little1 and folded up for ironing2 but where great clearness is to be obtained1 the stiffer the starch1 and the more they are beaten1 the better4 ,in getting up fine things well much also depends on the ironing4 ,the ironing-blanket should be thick1 so that the work on the collars1 c41 c41 should have a raised look after being ironed2 where the blanket is thin the hard surface of the table flattens the work1 and injures the appearance4 ,the ironing-blanket should be covered with a piece of thin1 smooth1 long-cloth1 kept for the purpose1 and washed each time it is used4 ,in spreading out the collar1 or whatever you are about to iron1 see that it lies perfectly even1 and that each thread is straight up and down2 also that the iron has been carefully cleaned1 first rubbed on a piece of old carpet1 and then wiped with a cloth2 and also that it is not too hot4 ,singing is a common fault with the inexperienced1 and it is a very bad one2 for1 even when it is not to such a degree as to burn1 which may easily happen with a very thin muslin1 still it leaves a yellow shade1 which not only destroys the appearance at the time1 but is very difficult to get rid of4 ,a little practice in handling the irons will soon accustom one to the degree of heat necessary1 and till that is the case1 an old pocket-handkerchief1 or some such thing1 should be at hand to try each iron upon before you venture to iron anything of consequence4 ,do not pass your iron frequently over the same place if you wish the muslin to retain the stiffness1 and also you should hang the article on a screen before the fire the moment it is ironed2 it becomes soft if folded up with the slightest dampness upon it4 ,lace which1 to look well1 should not be stiff1 is improved and cleared by being put through cold water as soon as it has been starched2 it should then be squeezed out held by each hand1 very slightly beaten between the palms of the hands1 and gently drawn out2 in drawing out the edge the nails must never touch it2 it should all be done by the ball of the thumb and forefinger1 and ironed once or twice over to take out the stiffening4 ,when lace is sewed to a muslin collar1 and washed with it1 as the collar requires to be stiffer than the lace1 it will be necessary1 after putting it through the starch1 and clearing it by beating and drawing it1 to gather the lace together in the hand1 and dip it into cold water1 so as to take out a good deal of the starch 7taking care not to wet the collar72 but this is only necessary where the lace is put on with very little fulness1 or quite plain2 where it is put on full enough to be set up in small pipes with the ,french irons1 or rather1 curling tongs 7as they may be called71 it is not necessary to extract any portion of the starch2 the lace is the better for being stiff1 and1 if rather damp when set up in these small pipes1 they will retain a regular and tidy appearance as long as the collar can be worn4 ,these small ,french irons are to be got of different sizes1 and answer remarkably well for nightcap-borders1 or frills of any kind4 ,when making use of them you should be near a stove or fire1 where they can be frequently heated1 for1 as they cannot be used when very hot1 for fear of singing the lace1 they require to be constantly heated1 and must be wiped with a cloth each time before being used4 ,the care of the silver plate will also be part of the housemaid's occupation in a family where no footman is kept4 ,every day1 what is in daily use will require to be washed perfectly free from grease1 in boiling water1 then rinsed through cold water1 wiped with a clean linen cloth1 and rubbed up with soft chamois leather2 very little daily rubbing will be required if1 once every week1 the different articles are washed with a sponge in pretty strong soap lye1 well rinsed in warm water1 and rubbed up with the chamois leather2 it is the rubbing well that gives polish and brightness1 and where plate is cleaned regularly once a week with soap1 it has a beautiful pale bright silvery look1 very different from that dark lustre which plate1 cleaned with rouge1 presents4 ,quicksilver is generally mixed with those plate-powders sold in the shops1 and the high lustre which it gives at first is soon effaced1 and gives place to a dark1 tarnished appearance2 besides1 if plate-powder of this nature is frequently used1 the article becomes so brittle that a silver spoon or fork may be broken by a fall on a stone floor4 ,once in the three months it may be well to clean all the plate thoroughly by washing it first with soap-lye and hot water1 and then rubbing it1 either with the finest sifted whiting and spirits of wine1 or strong spirits1 or with prepared hartshorn and spirits of wine1 and1 when quite dry1 polishing briskly with the soft chamois leather1 and also with the palm of the hand--the longer plate is rubbed the brighter it will look4 ,the rouge sold by silversmiths is generally composed of prepared hartshorn mixed with quicksilver1 and coloured with a little rose-pink1 and an extravagant price is demanded for it3 but in many houses1 where the plate has been remarked for having a particularly beautiful appearance1 it has been ascertained1 that washing with soap lye1 and polishing with chamois leather and the palm of the hand1 had done all1 and that only twice during the year had the plate been cleaned with plate-powder2 prepared hartshorn1 with only so much rouge as to give it a pale pinkish appearance1 were then used4 ,it is painful to see the way in which1 sometimes1 the silver spoons1 forks1 c41 are scratched by coarse dry whiting being used4 ,where the finest whiting and spirits of wine cannot conveniently be made use of1 it is well1 at the time of the general cleaning of plate1 after the soap has been used1 to boil whiting in water1 then dip the different articles into this mixture1 and1 when the whiting has dried upon them1 polish them with the chamois leather4 ,a soft brush will also be required in cleaning plate1 to brush the whiting well out of the carved places4 ,plated articles should be cleaned in the same way1 and rouge had better be avoided altogether in cleaning them4 ,nothing stronger than spirits of wine and whiting should be used1 and that as seldom as possible2 and they should not be rubbed more than can be avoided to clean them4 ,when not in use they should be kept in flannel1 or green baize1 or buried in well-dried bran1 so as to be kept quite free from damp1 and from the air4 ,it has been found from experience1 that plated articles1 once cleaned with plate powder in which there was some injurious mixture1 have never recovered it2 they look bright for a short time after being cleaned1 but each time they are put aside for a little they become so completely discoloured1 and it requires such hard rubbing to clean them1 that the silver plating must be very soon entirely effaced4 ,when candlesticks are spotted with wax or tallow1 do not scrape them1 but pour boiling water upon the spots before cleaning them4 ,whether in town or country1 it is necessary to fix particular days for such operations as are not of daily occurrence2 such as cleaning plate1 washing brushes1 arranging the butler's pantry1 comparing lists1 c41 c4 ,as the linen is generally given out in the beginning of the week1 and two days of each week will be required to clean the rooms thoroughly1 ,friday might be fixed for washing brushes1 cleaning plate1 and dusting the butler's pantry2 and ,saturday and ,monday for mending the linen1 previous to its being given to be washed4 ,in the bustle of a town life particularly1 the plate will get tarnished1 the pantry dusty1 and all will get into confusion in a housemaid's work1 unless certain days are appointed1 and regularity in observing them enforced2 even in the country1 without regularity in cleaning1 all will soon assume a slovenly appearance2 and if a mistress has not given written instructions for the arrangement of the work1 it would be well that the housemaid wrote them down for herself1 and strictly adhered to them4 ,in cleaning her pantry her labour will be greatly diminished by attention in placing the trays always with their faces to the wall1 turning the wine-glasses1 tumblers1 c41 up-side-down on the shelves1 placing paper covers on the lamps1 and keeping the drawers carefully shut2 dust will still penetrate1 however1 in some degree1 and make it necessary1 from time to time1 to wash the pantry itself1 and all it contains2 but where the things in daily use are put by perfectly clean1 and wiped dry1 so that the dust does not adhere to them1 a little weekly attention in dusting will keep all as it should be for a considerable time4 ,the plate1 when rubbed up weekly1 should be compared with the written list1 so that any missing article may be instantly looked for4 ,and the china1 glass1 c41 should be counted over the same way when the pantry is thoroughly cleaned1 and the mistress informed of any breakage or want which may be discovered4 ,in some houses it is a rule that a servant is forgiven if she instantly gives information of having broken any article4 ,with a truly careful1 conscientious servant this may answer very well1 but it has been found to render others only more careless1 as they get over the shame and distress of such confessions1 and it may be well that they should be made aware1 that in proportion as those accidents 7as they are always called7 happen1 a part of the price of each article will be required4 ,it is quite wonderful the difference in expense which a careful or a careless servant will make in a family4 ,some servants will go on for months without cracking or chipping a single article1 either of glass or china1 while others1 both from mismanagement and carelessness1 are meeting with a misfortune 7as they generally call it7 every week4 ,it is careless management when a servant seizes upon a vessel of earthenware to wash the china or glass1 instead of the wooden bowl which her mistress has appointed for that purpose2 the slightest touch against the hard surface of the earthenware may be the means of cracking or chipping a valuable cup or glass2 and1 even with the wooden bowl1 care and management are required4 ,if the cups and saucers are all put into the bowl at once1 they may be knocked against each other1 and injured in the same way2 whereas1 if the warm water 7not too warm7 is poured into the wooden bowl1 and only one article dipped in at a time1 it is almost impossible that either cup or glass1 however fragile1 can be injured4 ,it is also careless management when a servant attempts to cut bread from a loaf lying across a plate much too small for it2 in this case the loaf only rests on the edges of the plate1 without touching the middle1 and the additional pressure1 in attempting to cut it1 may split the plate in two4 ,the same is likely to happen where large plates are heaped upon the top of small ones2 and1 in cleaning lamps1 the shade 7which is a very expensive article7 is frequently broken by being laid on its side1 and rolling off the table2 it may often be the oily appearance of the rim1 and the fear of soiling the table1 which leads to this1 but a moment's reflection will show1 that both a safe and a clean mode of disposing of it would be by turning the shade up1 and placing it on its upper rim on the table4 ,many lamp-shades are also cracked by the lamp1 after it has been cleaned1 being pushed hastily against the wall when placing it on the shelf in the butler's pantry2 it is right and orderly to place it on the shelf1 to be out of the way of accidents1 but it is wrong to do it in so careless a manner as to produce the very accident it was meant to avoid4 ,the shades are often cracked1 also1 by the lamp being turned up too hastily when first lighted2 the sudden strong flame cracks the glass immediately4 ,and tumblers and wine-glasses are generally cracked by hot water being poured hastily into them4 ,with a careful servant none of these things will happen4 ,she will put the loaf on end before cutting from it1 she will place the largest plates at bottom1 and not pile too many on each other1 and the lamp will be set carefully on the shelf1 and when lit1 by turning it slowly up1 the flame will be gently raised1 so that the glass will be heated by degrees4 ,but when an accident does happen1 from whatever cause1 let instant information be given1 and reproof borne patiently4 ,remember that the fault of concealment is infinitely the worse fault of the two2 it is not only mean and dishonourable to an earthly master1 but it is a sin against ,god4 8,for ,god will bring every work into judgment1 whether it be good or whether it be evil40#e ,and servants may break the eighth commandment1 8,thou shalt not steal10 in many ways besides actually taking what does not belong to them4 ,a servant has many things under her care4 ,if therefore she indulges in dirty and careless habits1 she injures her master's property1 and is in this respect dishonest4 ,all wastefulness is a species of dishonesty1 for to waste or destroy her master's property is to deprive him of what is his4 ,eye-service is also dishonest2 by eye-service is meant1 doing well only as long as the eye of a mistress is upon you1 forgetting ,st4 ,paul's exhortation-- 8,servants1 obey in all things your masters according to the flesh2 not with eye-service1 as men-pleasers1 but in singleness of heart1 fearing ,god40 8,and whatsoever ye do1 do it heartily1 as to the ,lord and not unto men40 8,knowing that of the ,lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance1 for ye serve the ,lord ,christ40#f ,yes1 service is honourable1 and vice and virtue belong to no one station in life4 ,the ,gospel teaches1 that all are servants1 and that with ,god there is no respect of persons1 but all alike are called upon to do their duty in that station of life in which heaven has placed them4 ,it is the duty of a master and mistress to watch over the conduct of their servants4 ,in allowing them to continue in error1 they become partners in their fault1 and it is the duty of servants to bear reproof with patience--8,not answering again0--and to render an implicit obedience1 and a willing service1 daily imploring assistance from a higher power1 to withstand the temptations to which they are hourly exposed1 and to fulfil the duties of the situation in which they have been placed4 ,a few words have already been said on the propriety of a servant dressing in a quiet and modest manner4 ,neatness and economy are the points most necessary to be attended to4 ,nothing gives a more unpleasant idea of a servant1 than to see her flaunting about in dirty finery4 ,muslin dresses1 artificial flowers1 c41 c41 are all unbecoming in her station in life4 ,in a gown neatly made of cotton-cloth or stuff1 a tidy white apron1 and a neat little clean cap of bobbin net1 with coloured worsted drawn through the cases1 she will be genteelly and well dressed1 for she will be dressed according to her station4 ,one cannot see a servant dressed in this modest and becoming manner1 without feeling respect for her1 and forming a good opinion of her general conduct and character2 in her daily work there will probably be the same spirit of cleanliness and regulation1 and in her mind also4 ,a mistress has been heard to observe1 that in looking out for housemaids1 her mind always turns to the remembrance of a young girl1 who was with her but for six weeks1 during the illness of her own servant4 ,this girl was regularly and cleanly in doing her work1 but by no means remarkably clever4 ,it was her quiet1 neat1 modest appearance1 that left so favourable an impression4 ,it was her grey stuff gown1 white apron1 and pure white muslin cap1 with the border plaited close in about her young and blooming face1 that was still remembered with interest4 ,no ribbon or lace was ever seen on this young girl1 and her mistress learned on inquiry1 that during a dangerous illness she had been visited by a worthy clergyman1 who had earnestly endeavoured to raise her mind above the vanities of this world4 ,she had made a resolution then1 that she never would again dress beyond her station in life1 and never spend another farthing on lace1 ribbon1 or finery of any kind1 or even wear them if given to her2 and she had at that period kept her resolution for many years4 ,how differently does one feel towards a girl flaunting about in vulgar finery1 with bright ribbons1 and coarse artificial flowers1 mimicking her mistress in manners1 and attempting to outshine her in dress6 ,it is impossible not to conceive a bad opinion of that servant1 both as to her judgment and heart4 ,it is very evident that more attention is given to dressing up her own person1 than to doing her mistress's work1 and that she prefers a bright ribbon1 or gaudy artificial flower1 to the power of occasionally helping an old father and mother1 or a sick sister1 or relation1 or if no such claims are upon her1 of putting what she can spare from necessary articles of clothing into the savings' bank1 so as to ensure a small fund for times of sickness or for her own old age4 ,let no one think that a shilling1 or even a much smaller sum1 is not worth the laying up1 and that it may therefore be as well made use of in the indulgence of some piece of dress or amusement1 and that those presents of money which a servant may occasionally receive from her mistress's visitors1 may lawfully be employed in the purchase of imitation lace1 or some such piece of useless finery4 ,there is certainly no moral law against her spending1 as she chooses1 what is her own1 but in so spending it she injures herself materially4 ,it is not meant that in anxiety to save she should be shabby or mean in her appearance1 but a gown of cotton1 or woollen stuff1 will last double the time of one of a thinner texture1 and in it she will be better dressed because made properly2 and she would do well to remember1 that even a few half-pence saved at a time1 will soon amount to a shilling1 and even a single shilling will be received in a savings' bank2 and that if the half-crowns given to her from time to time were added to those lesser savings1 and such a wise habit were begun on a girl first going to service1 and continued as her wages increase1 the money thus placed will have doubled itself again and again before old age comes on1 and the feeling of independence will not only increase the enjoyment of the present moment1 but greatly brighten the future1 for even the most unthinking servants must sometimes look forward with dread to that day1 when their services will be rejected1 and when old age will come upon them1 before either friends or money have been provided4 ,a silly flaunting girl1 who spends all upon her person1 and is for ever changing her situation1 from the hope of higher wages1 or getting into a gayer family1 cannot expect1 in poverty or old age1 to be assisted by those who probably were only too happy to get rid of her imperfect services4 ,whereas1 a girl whose heart is in her work1 and in the wish to save her mistress trouble in every possible way1 and who never enters her presence but with an appearance so neat and modest1 as constantly to ensure her respect and approbation1 may one day come to be looked upon more as a friend than a servant1 and to assist her endeavours at independence in the time of sickness or old age1 will be considered as a real pleasure4 ,a good mistress will esteem the possession of a perfectly faithful and attached servant as a blessing which no money can either purchase or repay2 in times of sickness1 particularly 7for sickness will come in all families71 what comfort and alleviation have been experienced from the unwearied1 watchful care of an attached servant2 and though the care of the sick does not usually fall to the housemaid's duty1 yet a few words on this subject may one day or other be found useful4 ,in a good nurse1 a light foot and very gentle movements are indispensable requisites2 the most watchful care cannot atone for the absence of such qualities2 it is only those who have suffered from illness themselves that can tell all the misery of a heavy foot1 or quick or hasty movements in a sick room3 all bustle or noise should be carefully avoided2 the rustling sound of folding or unfolding a newspaper1 or even turning hastily the leaves of a book1 is painful to a sick person2 loud speaking is generally refrained from1 but whispering is often indulged in1 and1 to the sick ear1 nothing is more fatiguing than the indistinct buzzing sound of words which cannot be understood4 ,by attention and forethought almost every noise which is hurtful in a sick-room can be avoided4 ,if you have creaking shoes let them immediately be changed for light slippers4 ,if the door has a rusty lock1 or creaking hinges1 let them be oiled4 ,avoid the noise of throwing small coal upon the fire 7which often rattles down upon the hearth71 by lifting small pieces of coal with the tongs2 or1 have an old glove to hand1 and lift them with your hand2 and1 when the fire requires to be poked1 use a bit of wood1 so as to avoid all clatter of poker and tongs against the grate4 ,keep in mind1 that at all times the absence of noise and bustle is desirable1 but to the sick1 whose nerves are in a proportionally weak state with the rest of the body1 it is of the very greatest importance4 ,have a table covered with a nicely clean napkin1 so that no noise is made in putting down a glass or spoon1 and to avoid as much as possible going out and in of the room1 have a tray covered in the same way1 and filled with all you are likely to require1 such as a few cups1 glasses1 spoons1 c41 c4 ,a pitcher of fresh water should also be in the room1 and1 if in cold weather1 it is better to have a small kettle by the fire than to have to send to the kitchen every time warm water is required4 ,the cups1 glasses1 c41 should not be sent from the room to be washed1 but a wooden bowl1 and a supply of clean towels1 kept on a table in a corner in which they can be washed up the moment they are used4 ,the greatest possible cleanliness should be observed in a sick-room3 a nauseous draught may be made infinitely more so to the patient by being presented in a smeared1 sticky glass4 ,when it is necessary to taste anything before giving it to a sick person1 take a clean spoon1 which you should immediately put aside to be washed1 but never put your lips to the cup or glass4 ,in giving anything to the sick1 spread a napkin1 for the moment1 on the upper sheet1 that no drop1 should it fall1 may give an untidy look to the bed4 ,the washing and arranging the necessary things should not be done in the patient's sight1 but in some quiet corner of the room2 to witness continued movement1 or even occupation of any kind1 is often most fatiguing to a sick person4 ,never leave the room without thinking of all you can take away and bring back at the same time1 that your opening and shutting the door may be as little frequent as possible4 ,if the patient is too weak to be able to leave her bed1 the linen may be changed by rolling the under sheet up at both sides1 towards the middle1 and putting the clean one1 with one half rolled up1 in its place2 the patient can then gently be lifted up over those rolls to where the clean half of the sheet has been spread2 the two rolls of the original sheet should be removed1 and the other half of the clean one unrolled on the opposite side of the bed to where the patient has been placed4 ,to change the upper sheet1 a person should stand on each side of the bed1 and holding each a corner of the top of the sheet1 let them insert it at the bottom of the bed1 and then pull it gently up2 the other sheet can be removed by being pulled down in the same manner4 ,the bed-linen should be hung before a fire for some hours1 and thoroughly aired1 before it is put upon the bed2 and when it is necessary that1 in changing the linen of the patient1 it should be put on warm1 hold the collar of the nightgown to the fire2 when thoroughly warmed turn that part in1 warm the next part1 and fold it in1 in the same manner1 and continue warming and folding till the whole is one close roll1 which should be instantly carried to the bed of the patient4 ,it is not sufficient to hold a nightgown before the fire1 and then carry it unfolded across the room1 to be cooled by the outer air before it reaches the sick-bed4 ,body linen should be changed even oftener in sickness than in health1 and no clothing worn during the day should be continued to be worn during the night2 every article should be hung up1 so as to be completely aired before morning2 in the same manner1 what has been used during the night should be left off in the day4 ,when the patient is able to sit up long enough to have it done1 the bed-clothes should be regularly carried out1 and aired before an open window in another room1 and the bed left uncovered1 and the mattress turned2 where the patient is so weak as generally to be confined to bed1 considerable relief may be experienced by being raised in bed by means of a bed-chair1 for much support is required by the back when in an upright position4 ,where there is no bed-chair1 a small footstool1 put behind the bolster1 doubled1 and the pillows1 is a tolerably good substitute2 it adds greatly to the comfort of this position to have something for the feet to rest against1 something solid1 which will not change its place when pushed against4 ,where there is a foot-board it is easy to place some such article on the bed2 and even where this is not the case1 it can be managed by a strong brace of linen being first fastened across the foot of the bed4 ,by attention to this manner of raising the patient1 the stress is taken off the spine1 without which there can be no relief in the change of position4 ,a light shawl or mantle should be at hand1 to be thrown over the shoulders of the sick person when sitting up in bed1 and while lying down2 the air of the sick-room may be often changed1 by throwing a shawl over the bed1 or even drawing it over the face if necessary1 while the window is opened for a few minutes4 ,it is often refreshing to a sick person to have a few drops of vinegar sprinkled about the room1 and to have their temples and hands spunged with vinegar and lukewarm water2 even such small changes as these are generally an expressible relief to the sick1 if administered gently1 without haste or bustle4 ,preparations should be begun in good time for laying a patient quiet for the night1 as they may be made feverish by not having perfect quietness in the room at an early hour4 ,a small table should be set by the bed-side1 on which fresh toast and water1 and any medicine to be taken during the night1 should be placed within reach of the patient2 or1 if they are so ill as to require any one to watch by them1 let the person seat herself1 not too near the bed1 but still within reach of perceiving the slightest sign1 or hearing the gentlest whisper2 and let her be careful so to shade the light1 which it is necessary to have in the sick-room1 so that no ray1 either from candle or rushlight1 may fall upon the eyes of the patient1 or on any part of the bed4 ,the necessary medicine1 or toast and water1 when required1 should be given to the sick without entering into anything like conversation1 or asking needless questions1 which1 by awakening them completely1 may break their rest for the remainder of the night4 ,young nurses in particular1 often err from over anxiety to make themselves useful1 and the idea that they must for ever be doing something for the patient3 they are constantly urging them to take a little nourishment1 or to change their position1 or to allow their pillow to be beat up1 while they are only anxious to be left in peace1 and to rest their weary head in the position in which they themselves have placed it4 ,,footnotes #a ,loose white wrappers kept for that purpose1 should be thrown over the working dress1 while the beds are being made4 #b ,to cover the floor with brown paper before the carpet is put down is a great preservative4 #c ,spots of grease on the carpet should not be washed out4 ,fullers' earth1 in fine powder should be rubbed in dry and left for some days before it is brushed off4 #d ,attention should be given to the manner in which the ,china ornaments are placed before they are taken up to be dusted1 so as to replace them exactly in the same position4 #e ,eccles4 xii4 #ad4 #f ,colossians iii4 #bb1 #bc4 ,titus ii4 #i4 ,,london3 ,g4 ,j4 ,,palmer1 ,,savoy ,,street1 ,,strand4