INTRODUCTION.

"Finding we consumed a vast deal of soap, I sat down in my thinking-chair and took the soap question into consideration, and found reason to suspect we were using a very expensive article where a much cheaper one would serve the purpose better. I ordered half a dozen pounds of both sorts, but took the precaution of changing the papers on which the prices were marked before giving them into the hands of Betty. 'Well, Betty, which soap do you find washes best?' Oh, please sir, the dearest, in the blue paper; it makes a lather as well again as the other.' 'Well, Betty, you shall always have it then; and thus the unsuspecting Betty saved me some pounds a year, and washed the clothes better."-REV. SIDNEY SMITH.

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ECONOMY with us is little understood, and less practiced. Since we have so far departed from the sterling and better habits of our ancestors as to leave the execution of our plans mostly to employees, it is certainly important to our own success, comfort, and happiness that we be able, at least, to lay good plans and to give intelligent and proper directions. The losses and discomforts which arise from our inability to do this are incalculable. In the various arts of practical household management how very deficient are many of the hundreds of thousands who, in this country, are annually assuming the positions of heads of families! And among those who long have held that position, how many mistakes are constantly committed, simply from ignorance of correct processes, or an unwillingness to investigate and understand the improvements which have been made in the arts of life. How much disappointment attends. the practice of the simplest, yet most important of household arts. Bread-making is but imperfectly understood, and success is rather the exception than the rule; when, by a proper

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understanding of the true process, a failure to have light, sweet, and healthy bread would be a wonder. So with the various other departments of practical cookery. We too blindly follow the traditionary practices of the past, and give too little heed to the discoveries, improvements, and progress of the present. Washing, that most difficult and laborious of household arts, is now, by the assistance afforded by modern chemistry, performed with less than half the labor and in one-fourth of the time that were formerly bestowed upon it, and yet but few are aware of the fact; and the old patience-tiring, clothes and muscle wearing process is still generally in vogue among us. The saving that may be effected by substituting the use of soda for sugar, in correcting the acids in fruits, pies and puddings, is equally unknown; while the relative nutriment and healthfulness of the various alimentary substances are but imperfectly understood.

It is the design of this work to arrange in a form for convenient reference the latest and best discoveries and improvements relating to the practical details of household affairs in their various and complicated relations. The aim has been to exclude all unnecessary matter, and to condense the most important information within the shortest compass, so that any desired fact or direction could not only be quickly found, but when found could be easily understood and practiced. The latest and most reliable authorities have been consulted, and the work, it is believed, will be found accurate, and worthy the attention of every American family.

THE FAMILY.

THE FAMILY GUIDE.

This

DOMESTIC RULES.-1. Do every thing in its proper time. 2. Keep every thing to its proper use. 3. Put every thing in its proper place. THE HOUSE claims primary attention. It is too often built more to gratify the public than its owner-to suit it to the wants of company rather than those who are to be its daily occupants; and the inconveniences resulting from such false notions are constant and severe. folly, it is hoped, will soon cease. The house should be planned and constructed for a home for the family, and should combine, in the highest attainable degree, the requisites for their comfort and convenience. This should be the first object. At the same time, if the owner's means allow, a proper arrangement for the entertainment of friends should not be overlooked; for the cultivation of our social natures, and the exercise of hospitality, are important duties, which no discreet householder will overlook, as from them flow our choicest pleasures. It is not the sum invested in a dwelling, but the neatness, taste, and conveniences which it embodies, and its adaptation to the circumstances and wants of its owner that constitute its true harmony and beauty. The first point to be regarded in a house is its position. Carefully regard the healthfulness of the situation. Avoid the neighborhood of grave-yards, and of factories giving forth unhealthy vapors; avoid low and damp districts, the course of canals, and localities of reservoirs of water, gas-works, etc.; make inquiries as to the drainage of the neighborhood, and inspect the drainage and water supply of the premises. A house standing on an incline is likely to be better drained than one standing upon the summit of a hill, or on a level below a hill. Endeavor to obtain a position where the direct sunlight falls upon the house, for this is absolutely necessary to health, and give preference to a house the openings of which are sheltered from the north and east winds.

Consider the distance of the house from your place of occupation, and also its relation to provision markets, and the prices that prevail in the neighborhood.

Furnishing the House. If you are about to furnish a house, do not spend all your money, be it much or little. Do not let the beauty of this thing, and the cheapness of that, tempt you to buy unnecessar articles. Doctor Franklin's maxim was a wise one-"Nothing is cheap that we do not want." Buy merely enough to get along with at first.

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