tricks!

One great cause of the vanity, extravagance and idleness that are
so fast growing upon our young ladies, is the absence of _domestic
education_. By domestic education, I do not mean the sending daughters
into the kitchen some half dozen times, to weary the patience of the
cook, and to boast of it the next day in the parlor. I mean two
or three years spent with a mother, assisting her in her duties,
instructing brothers and sisters, and taking care of their own
clothes. This is the way to make them happy, as well as good wives;
for, being early accustomed to the duties of life, they will sit
lightly as well as gracefully upon them.

But what time do modern girls have for the formation of quiet,
domestic habits? Until sixteen they go to school; sometimes these
years are judiciously spent, and sometimes they are half wasted;
too often they are spent in acquiring the _elements_ of a thousand
sciences, without being thoroughly acquainted with any; or in a
variety of accomplishments of very doubtful value to people of
moderate fortune. As soon as they leave school, (and sometimes
before,) they begin a round of balls and parties, and staying with
gay young friends. Dress and flattery take up all their thoughts. What
time have they to learn to be useful? What time have they to cultivate
the still and gentle affections, which must, in every situation
of life, have such an important effect on a woman's character and
happiness?

As far as parents can judge what will be a daughter's station,
education should be adapted to it; but it is well to remember that it
is always easy to know how to spend riches, and always safe to know
how to bear poverty.

A superficial acquaintance with such accomplishments as music and
drawing is useless and undesirable. They should not be attempted
unless there is taste, talent, and time enough to attain excellence. I
have frequently heard young women of moderate fortune say, 'I have not
opened my piano these five years. I wish I had the money expended upon
it. If I had employed as much time in learning useful things, I should
have been better fitted for the cares of my family.'

By these remarks I do not mean to discourage an attention to
the graces of life. Gentility and taste are always lovely in all
situations. But good things, carried to excess, are often productive
of bad consequences. When accomplishments and dress interfere with
the duties and permanent happiness of life, they