be more simple than the process of machine knife-cleaning; and
although, in a very limited household, the substitution of the machine
for the board may not be necessary, yet we should advise all
housekeepers, to whom the outlay is not a difficulty, to avail
themselves of the services of a machine. We have already spoken of its
management in the "Duties of the Footman," No. 2177.

2352. When the servant is dressed, she takes in the tea, and after tea
turns down the beds, sees that the water-jugs and bottles are full,
closes the windows, and draws down the blinds. If the weather is very
warm, these are usually left open until the last thing at night, to cool
the rooms.

2353. The routine of a general servant's duties depends upon the kind of
situation she occupies; but a systematic maid-of-all-work should so
contrive to divide her work, that every day in the week may have its
proper share. By this means she is able to keep the house clean with
less fatigue to herself than if she left all the cleaning to do at the
end of the week. Supposing there are five bedrooms in the house, two
sitting-rooms, kitchen, scullery, and the usual domestic offices:--on
Monday she should thoroughly clean the drawing-room; on Tuesday, two of
the bedrooms; on Wednesday, two more; on Thursday, the other bedroom and
stairs; on Friday morning she should sweep the dining-room very
thoroughly, clean the hall, and in the afternoon her kitchen tins and
bright utensils. By arranging her work in this manner, no undue
proportion will fall to Saturday's share, and she will then have this
day for cleaning plate, cleaning her kitchen, and arranging everything
in nice order. The regular work must, of course, be performed in the
usual manner, as we have endeavoured to describe.

2354. Before retiring to bed, she will do well to clean up glasses,
plates, &c. which have been used for the evening meal, and prepare for
her morning's work by placing her wood near the fire, on the hob, to
dry, taking care there is no danger of it igniting, before she leaves
the kitchen for the night. Before retiring, she will have to lock and
bolt the doors, unless the master undertakes this office himself.

2355. If the washing, or even a portion of it, is done at home, it will
be impossible for the maid-of-all-work to do her household duties
thoroughly, during the time it is about, unless she have some
assistance. Usually, if all the washing is done at home, the mistress
hire