s some one to assist at the wash-tub, and sees to little matters
herself, in the way of dusting, clearing away breakfast things, folding,
starching, and ironing the fine things. With a little management much
can be accomplished, provided the mistress be industrious, energetic,
and willing to lend a helping hand. Let washing-week be not the excuse
for having everything in a muddle; and although "things" cannot be
cleaned so thoroughly, and so much time spent upon them, as ordinarily,
yet the house may be kept tidy and clear from litter without a great
deal of exertion either on the part of the mistress or servant. We will
conclude our remarks with an extract from an admirably-written book,
called "Home Truths for Home Peace." The authoress says, with respect to
the great wash--"Amongst all the occasions in which it is most difficult
and glorious to keep muddle out of a family, 'the great wash' stands
pre-eminent; and as very little money is now saved by having
_everything_ done at home, many ladies, with the option of taking
another servant or putting out the chief part of the washing, have
thankfully adopted the latter course." She goes on to say--"When a
gentleman who dines at home can't bear washing in the house, but gladly
pays for its being done elsewhere, the lady should gratefully submit to
his wishes, and put out anything in her whole establishment rather than
put out a good and generous husband."

2356. A bustling and active girl will always find time to do a little
needlework for herself, if she lives with consistent and reasonable
people. In the summer evenings she should manage to sit down for two or
three hours, and for a short time in the afternoon in leisure days. A
general servant's duties are so multifarious, that unless she be quick
and active, she will not be able to accomplish this. To discharge these
various duties properly is a difficult task, and sometimes a thankless
office; but it must be remembered that a good maid-of-all-work will make
a good servant in any capacity, and may be safely taken not only without
fear of failure, but with every probability of giving satisfaction to
her employer.

DUTIES OF THE DAIRY-MAID.

2357. The duties of the dairy-maid differ considerably in different
districts. In Scotland, Wales, and some of the northern counties, women
milk the cows. On some of the large dairy farms in other parts of
England, she takes her share in the milking, but in private families the