Mrs. Beeton's Book of Household Management (1861)
by Mrs. Isabella Beeton (1836 - 1865)
(text copied from Lee Jackson's The Victorian Dictionary: Exploring Victorian London: http://www.victorianlondon.org/publications7/beeton-00.htm)
THE BOOK OF HOUSEHOLD
MANAGEMENT;
Comprising Information for the
MISTRESS, HOUSEKEEPER, COOK, KITCHEN-MAID, BUTLER, FOOTMAN, COACHMAN, VALET,
UPPER AND UNDER HOUSE-MAIDS, LADY'S-MAID, MAID-OF-ALL-WORK, LAUNDRY-MAID, NURSE
AND NURSE-MAID, MONTHLY, WET, AND SICK NURSES, ETC. ETC.
ALSO, SANITARY, MEDICAL, & LEGAL MEMORANDA;
WITH A HISTORY OF THE ORIGIN, PROPERTIES, AND USES OF ALL THINGS CONNECTED WITH
HOME LIFE AND COMFORT.
BY MRS. ISABELLA BEETON.
Nothing lovelier can be found In Woman, than to study household good.--MILTON.
Published Originally By S. O. Beeton in 24 Monthly Parts 1859-1861.
First Published in a Bound Edition 1861.
PREFACE.
I must frankly own, that if I had
known, beforehand, that this book would have cost me the labour which it has,
I should never have been courageous enough to commence it. What moved me, in
the first instance, to attempt a work like this, was the discomfort and suffering
which I had seen brought upon men and women by household mismanagement. I have
always thought that there is no more fruitful source of family discontent than
a housewife's badly-cooked dinners and untidy ways. Men are now so well served
out of doors,--at their clubs, well-ordered taverns, and dining-houses, that
in order to compete with the attractions of these places, a mistress must be
thoroughly acquainted with the theory and practice of cookery, as well as be
perfectly conversant with all the other arts of making and keeping a comfortable
home.
In this book I have attempted to give, under the chapters devoted to cookery,
an intelligible arrangement to every recipe, a list of the ingredients, a plain
statement of the mode of preparing each dish, and a careful estimate of its
cost, the number of people for whom it is sufficient, and the time when it is
seasonable. For the matter of the recipes, I am indebted, in some measure, to
many correspondents of the "Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine," who
have obligingly placed at my disposal their formulas for many original preparations.
A large private circle has also rendered me considerable service. A diligent
study of the works of the best modern writers on cookery was also necessary
to the faithful fulfilment of my task. Friends in England, Scotland, Ireland,
France, and Germany, have also very materially aided me. I have paid great attention
to those recipes which come under the head of "COLD MEAT COOKERY."
But in the department belonging to the Cook I have striven, too, to make my
work something more than a Cookery Book, and have, therefore, on the best authority
that I could obtain, given an account of the natural history of the animals
and vegetables which we use as food. I have followed the animal from his birth
to his appearance on the table; have described the manner of feeding him, and
of slaying him, the position of his various joints, and, after giving the recipes,
have described the modes of carving Meat, Poultry, and Game. Skilful artists
have designed the numerous drawings which appear in this work, and which illustrate,
better than any description, many important and interesting items. The coloured
plates are a novelty not without value.
Besides the great portion of the book which has especial reference to the cook's
department, there are chapters devoted to those of the other servants of the
household, who have all, I trust, their duties clearly assigned to them.
Towards the end of the work will be found valuable chapters on the "Management
of Children"----"The Doctor," the latter principally referring
to accidents and emergencies, some of which are certain to occur in the experience
of every one of us; and the last chapter contains "Legal Memoranda,"
which will be serviceable in cases of doubt as to the proper course to be adopted
in the relations between Landlord and Tenant, Tax-gatherer and Tax-payer, and
Tradesman and Customer.
These chapters have been contributed by gentlemen fully entitled to confidence;
those on medical subjects by an experienced surgeon, and the legal matter by
a solicitor.
I wish here to acknowledge the kind letters and congratulations I have received
during the progress of this work, and have only further to add, that I trust
the result of the four years' incessant labour which I have expended will not
be altogether unacceptable to some of my countrymen and countrywomen.
ISABELLA BEETON.
CHAPTER I: THE MISTRESS.
"Strength, and honour are
her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with
wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways
of her household; and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up,
and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her."--Proverbs,
xxxi. 25-28.
I. AS WITH THE COMMANDER OF AN ARMY,
or the leader of any enterprise, so is it with the mistress of a house. Her
spirit will be seen through the whole establishment; and just in proportion
as she performs her duties intelligently and thoroughly, so will her domestics
follow in her path. Of all those acquirements, which more particularly belong
to the feminine character, there are none which take a higher rank, in our estimation,
than such as enter into a knowledge of household duties; for on these are perpetually
dependent the happiness, comfort, and well-being of a family. In this opinion
we are borne out by the author of "The Vicar of Wakefield," who says:
"The modest virgin, the prudent wife, and the careful matron, are much
more serviceable in life than petticoated philosophers, blustering heroines,
or virago queens. She who makes her husband and her children happy, who reclaims
the one from vice and trains up the other to virtue, is a much greater character
than ladies described in romances, whose whole occupation is to murder mankind
with shafts from their quiver, or their eyes."
2. PURSUING THIS PICTURE, we may
add, that to be a good housewife does not necessarily imply an abandonment of
proper pleasures or amusing recreation; and we think it the more necessary to
express this, as the performance of the duties of a mistress may, to some minds,
perhaps seem to be incompatible with the enjoyment of life. Let us, however,
now proceed to describe some of those home qualities and virtues which are necessary
to the proper management of a Household, and then point out the plan which may
be the most profitably pursued for the daily regulation of its affairs.
3. EARLY RISING IS ONE OF THE MOST
ESSENTIAL QUALITIES which enter into good Household Management, as it is not
only the parent of health, but of innumerable other advantages. Indeed, when
a mistress is an early riser, it is almost certain that her house will be orderly
and well-managed. On the contrary, if she remain in bed till a late hour, then
the domestics, who, as we have before observed, invariably partake somewhat
of their mistress's character, will surely become sluggards. To self-indulgence
all are more or less disposed, and it is not to be expected that servants are
freer from this fault than the heads of houses. The great Lord Chatham thus
gave his advice in reference to this subject:--"I would have inscribed
on the curtains of your bed, and the walls of your chamber, 'If you do not rise
early, you can make progress in nothing.'"
4. CLEANLINESS IS ALSO INDISPENSABLE
TO HEALTH, and must be studied both in regard to the person and the house, and
all that it contains. Cold or tepid baths should be employed every morning,
unless, on account of illness or other circumstances, they should be deemed
objectionable. The bathing of children will be treated of under the head of
"MANAGEMENT OF CHILDREN."
5. FRUGALITY AND ECONOMY ARE HOME
VIRTUES, without which no household can prosper. Dr. Johnson says: "Frugality
may be termed the daughter of Prudence, the sister of Temperance, and the parent
of Liberty. He that is extravagant will quickly become poor, and poverty will
enforce dependence and invite corruption." The necessity of practising
economy should be evident to every one, whether in the possession of an income
no more than sufficient for a family's requirements, or of a large fortune,
which puts financial adversity out of the question. We must always remember
that it is a great merit in housekeeping to manage a little well. "He is
a good waggoner," says Bishop Hall, "that can turn in a little room.
To live well in abundance is the praise of the estate, not of the person. I
will study more how to give a good account of my little, than how to make it
more." In this there is true wisdom, and it may be added, that those who
can manage a little well, are most likely to succeed in their management of
larger matters. Economy and frugality must never, however, be allowed to degenerate
into parsimony and meanness.
6. THE CHOICE OF ACQUAINTANCES is
very important to the happiness of a mistress and her family. A gossiping acquaintance,
who indulges in the scandal and ridicule of her neighbours, should be avoided
as a pestilence. It is likewise all-necessary to beware, as Thomson sings,
"The whisper'd tale, That, like the fabling Nile, no fountain knows;--
Fair-laced Deceit, whose wily, conscious aye Ne'er looks direct; the tongue
that licks the dust But, when it safely dares, as prompt to sting."
If the duties of a family do not
sufficiently occupy the time of a mistress, society should be formed of such
a kind as will tend to the mutual interchange of general and interesting information.
7. FRIENDSHIPS SHOULD NOT BE HASTILY
FORMED, nor the heart given, at once, to every new-comer. There are ladies who
uniformly smile at, and approve everything and everybody, and who possess neither
the courage to reprehend vice, nor the generous warmth to defend virtue. The
friendship of such persons is without attachment, and their love without affection
or even preference. They imagine that every one who has any penetration is ill-natured,
and look coldly on a discriminating judgment. It should be remembered, however,
that this discernment does not always proceed from an uncharitable temper, but
that those who possess a long experience and thorough knowledge of the world,
scrutinize the conduct and dispositions of people before they trust themselves
to the first fair appearances. Addison, who was not deficient in a knowledge
of mankind, observes that "a friendship, which makes the least noise, is
very often the most useful; for which reason, I should prefer a prudent friend
to a zealous one." And Joanna Baillie tells us that "Friendship is
no plant of hasty growth, Though planted in esteem's deep-fixed soil, The gradual
culture of kind intercourse Must bring it to perfection."
8. HOSPITALITY IS A MOST EXCELLENT
VIRTUE; but care must be taken that the love of company, for its own sake, does
not become a prevailing passion; for then the habit is no longer hospitality,
but dissipation. Reality and truthfulness in this, as in all other duties of
life, are the points to be studied; for, as Washington Irving well says, "There
is an emanation from the heart in genuine hospitality, which cannot be described,
but is immediately felt, and puts the stranger at once at his ease." With
respect to the continuance of friendships, however, it may be found necessary,
in some cases, for a mistress to relinquish, on assuming the responsibility
of a household, many of those commenced in the earlier part of her life. This
will be the more requisite, if the number still retained be quite equal to her
means and opportunities.
9. IN CONVERSATION, TRIFLING OCCURRENCES,
such as small disappointments, petty annoyances, and other every-day incidents,
should never be mentioned to your friends. The extreme injudiciousness of repeating
these will be at once apparent, when we reflect on the unsatisfactory discussions
which they too frequently occasion, and on the load of advice which they are
the cause of being tendered, and which is, too often, of a kind neither to be
useful nor agreeable. Greater events, whether of joy or sorrow, should be communicated
to friends; and, on such occasions, their sympathy gratifies and comforts. If
the mistress be a wife, never let an account of her husband's failings pass
her lips; and in cultivating the power of conversation, she should keep the
versified advice of Cowper continually in her memory, that it "Should flow
like water after summer showers, Not as if raised by mere mechanic powers."
In reference to its style, Dr.
Johnson, who was himself greatly distinguished for his colloquial abilities,
says that "no style is more extensively acceptable than the narrative,
because this does not carry an air of superiority over the rest of the company;
and, therefore, is most likely to please them. For this purpose we should store
our memory with short anecdotes and entertaining pieces of history. Almost every
one listens with eagerness to extemporary history. Vanity often co-operates
with curiosity; for he that is a hearer in one place wishes to qualify himself
to be a principal speaker in some inferior company; and therefore more attention
is given to narrations than anything else in conversation. It is true, indeed,
that sallies of wit and quick replies are very pleasing in conversation; but
they frequently tend to raise envy in some of the company: but the narrative
way neither raises this, nor any other evil passion, but keeps all the company
nearly upon an equality, and, if judiciously managed, will at once entertain
and improve them all."
10. GOOD TEMPER SHOULD BE CULTIVATED
by every mistress, as upon it the welfare of the household may be said to turn;
indeed, its influence can hardly be over-estimated, as it has the effect of
moulding the characters of those around her, and of acting most beneficially
on the happiness of the domestic circle. Every head of a household should strive
to be cheerful, and should never fail to show a deep interest in all that appertains
to the well-being of those who claim the protection of her roof. Gentleness,
not partial and temporary, but universal and regular, should pervade her conduct;
for where such a spirit is habitually manifested, it not only delights her children,
but makes her domestics attentive and respectful; her visitors are also pleased
by it, and their happiness is increased.
11. ON THE IMPORTANT SUBJECT OF
DRESS AND FASHION we cannot do better than quote an opinion from the eighth
volume of the "Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine." The writer there
says, "Let people write, talk, lecture, satirize, as they may, it cannot
be denied that, whatever is the prevailing mode in attire, let it intrinsically
be ever so absurd, it will never look as ridiculous as another, or as any other,
which, however convenient, comfortable, or even becoming, is totally opposite
in style to that generally worn."
12. IN PURCHASING ARTICLES OF WEARING
APPAREL, whether it be a silk dress, a bonnet, shawl, or riband, it is well
for the buyer to consider three things: I. That it be not too expensive for
her purse. II. That its colour harmonize with her complexion, and its size and
pattern with her figure. III. That its tint allow of its being worn with the
other garments she possesses. The quaint Fuller observes, that the good wife
is none of our dainty dames, who love to appear in a variety of suits every
day new, as if a gown, like a stratagem in war, were to be used but once. But
our good wife sets up a sail according to the keel of her husband's estate;
and, if of high parentage, she doth not so remember what she was by birth, that
she forgets what she is by match.
To Brunettes, or those ladies having
dark complexions, silks of a grave hue are adapted. For Blondes, or those having
fair complexions, lighter colours are preferable, as the richer, deeper hues
are too overpowering for the latter. The colours which go best together are
green with violet; gold-colour with dark crimson or lilac; pale blue with scarlet;
pink with black or white; and gray with scarlet or pink. A cold colour generally
requires a warm tint to give life to it. Gray and pale blue, for instance, do
not combine well, both being cold colours.
13. THE DRESS OF THE MISTRESS should
always be adapted to her circumstances, and be varied with different occasions.
Thus, at breakfast she should be attired in a very neat and simple manner, wearing
no ornaments. If this dress should decidedly pertain only to the breakfast-hour,
and be specially suited for such domestic occupations as usually follow that
meal, then it would be well to exchange it before the time for receiving visitors,
if the mistress be in the habit of doing so. It is still to be remembered, however,
that, in changing the dress, jewellery and ornaments are not to be worn until
the full dress for dinner is assumed. Further information and hints on the subject
of the toilet will appear under the department of the "LADY'S-MAID."
The advice of Polonius to his son
Laertes, in Shakspeare's tragedy of "Hamlet," is most excellent; and
although given to one of the male sex, will equally apply to a "fayre ladye:"--
"Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy, But not express'd in fancy; rich,
not gaudy; For the apparel oft proclaims the man."
14. CHARITY AND BENEVOLENCE ARE
DUTIES which a mistress owes to herself as well as to her fellow-creatures;
and there is scarcely any income so small, but something may be spared from
it, even if it be but "the widow's mite." It is to be always remembered,
however, that it is the spirit of charity which imparts to the gift a value
far beyond its actual amount, and is by far its better part.
True Charity, a plant divinely nursed, Fed by the love from which it rose at
first, Thrives against hope, and, in the rudest scene, Storms but enliven its
unfading green; Exub'rant is the shadow it supplies, Its fruit on earth, its
growth above the skies.
Visiting the houses of the poor
is the only practical way really to understand the actual state of each family;
and although there may be difficulties in following out this plan in the metropolis
and other large cities, yet in country towns and rural districts these objections
do not obtain. Great advantages may result from visits paid to the poor; for
there being, unfortunately, much ignorance, generally, amongst them with respect
to all household knowledge, there will be opportunities for advising and instructing
them, in a pleasant and unobtrusive manner, in cleanliness, industry, cookery,
and good management.
15. IN MARKETING, THAT THE BEST
ARTICLES ARE THE CHEAPEST, may be laid down as a rule; and it is desirable,
unless an experienced and confidential housekeeper be kept, that the mistress
should herself purchase all provisions and stores needed for the house. If the
mistress be a young wife, and not accustomed to order "things for the house,"
a little practice and experience will soon teach her who are the best tradespeople
to deal with, and what are the best provisions to buy. Under each particular
head of FISH, MEAT, POULTRY, GAME, &c., will be described the proper means
of ascertaining the quality of these comestibles.
16. A HOUSEKEEPING ACCOUNT-BOOK
should invariably be kept, and kept punctually and precisely. The plan for keeping
household accounts, which we should recommend, would be to make an entry, that
is, write down into a daily diary every amount paid on that particular day,
be it ever so small; then, at the end of the month, let these various payments
be ranged under their specific heads of Butcher, Baker, &c.; and thus will
be seen the proportions paid to each tradesman, and any one month's expenses
may be contrasted with another. The housekeeping accounts should be balanced
not less than once a month; so that you may see that the money you have in hand
tallies with your account of it in your diary. Judge Haliburton never wrote
truer words than when he said, "No man is rich whose expenditure exceeds
his means, and no one is poor whose incomings exceed his outgoings."
When, in a large establishment,
a housekeeper is kept, it will be advisable for the mistress to examine her
accounts regularly. Then any increase of expenditure which may be apparent,
can easily be explained, and the housekeeper will have the satisfaction of knowing
whether her efforts to manage her department well and economically, have been
successful.
17. ENGAGING DOMESTICS is one of
those duties in which the judgment of the mistress must be keenly exercised.
There are some respectable registry-offices, where good servants may sometimes
be hired; but the plan rather to be recommended is, for the mistress to make
inquiry amongst her circle of friends and acquaintances, and her tradespeople.
The latter generally know those in their neighbourhood, who are wanting situations,
and will communicate with them, when a personal interview with some of them
will enable the mistress to form some idea of the characters of the applicants,
and to suit herself accordingly.
We would here point out an error--and
a grave one it is--into which some mistresses fall. They do not, when engaging
a servant, expressly tell her all the duties which she will be expected to perform.
This is an act of omission severely to be reprehended. Every portion of work
which the maid will have to do, should be plainly stated by the mistress, and
understood by the servant. If this plan is not carefully adhered to, domestic
contention is almost certain to ensue, and this may not be easily settled; so
that a change of servants, which is so much to be deprecated, is continually
occurring.
18. IN OBTAINING A SERVANT'S CHARACTER,
it is not well to be guided by a written one from some unknown quarter; but
it is better to have an interview, if at all possible, with the former mistress.
By this means you will be assisted in your decision of the suitableness of the
servant for your place, from the appearance of the lady and the state of her
house. Negligence and want of cleanliness in her and her household generally,
will naturally lead you to the conclusion, that her servant has suffered from
the influence of the bad example.
The proper course to pursue in order
to obtain a personal interview with the lady is this:--The servant in search
of the situation must be desired to see her former mistress, and ask her to
be kind enough to appoint a time, convenient to herself, when you may call on
her; this proper observance of courtesy being necessary to prevent any unseasonable
intrusion on the part of a stranger. Your first questions should be relative
to the honesty and general morality of her former servant; and if no objection
is stated in that respect, her other qualifications are then to be ascertained.
Inquiries should be very minute, so that you may avoid disappointment and trouble,
by knowing the weak points of your domestic.
19. THE TREATMENT OF SERVANTS is
of the highest possible moment, as well to the mistress as to the domestics
themselves. On the head of the house the latter will naturally fix their attention;
and if they perceive that the mistress's conduct is regulated by high and correct
principles, they will not fail to respect her. If, also, a benevolent desire
is shown to promote their comfort, at the same time that a steady performance
of their duty is exacted, then their respect will not be unmingled with affection,
and they will be still more solicitous to continue to deserve her favour.
20. IN GIVING A CHARACTER, it is
scarcely necessary to say that the mistress should be guided by a sense of strict
justice. It is not fair for one lady to recommend to another, a servant she
would not keep herself. The benefit, too, to the servant herself is of small
advantage; for the failings which she possesses will increase if suffered to
be indulged with impunity. It is hardly necessary to remark, on the other hand,
that no angry feelings on the part of a mistress towards her late servant, should
ever be allowed, in the slightest degree, to influence her, so far as to induce
her to disparage her maid's character.
21. THE FOLLOWING TABLE OF THE AVERAGE
YEARLY WAGES paid to domestics, with the various members of the household placed
in the order in which they are usually ranked, will serve as a guide to regulate
the expenditure of an establishment:--
|
|
These quotations of wages are those usually given in or near the metropolis; but, of course, there are many circumstances connected with locality, and also having reference to the long service on the one hand, or the inexperience on the other, of domestics, which may render the wages still higher or lower than those named above. All the domestics mentioned in the above table would enter into the establishment of a wealthy nobleman. The number of servants, of course, would become smaller in proportion to the lesser size of the establishment; and we may here enumerate a scale of servants suited to various incomes, commencing with--
About £1,000 a year--A cook, upper housemaid, nursemaid, under housemaid,
and a man servant.
About £750 a year--A cook, housemaid, nursemaid, and footboy.
About £500 a year--A cook, housemaid, and nursemaid.
About £300 a year--A maid-of-all-work and nursemaid.
About £200 or £150 a year--A maid-of-all-work (and girl occasionally).
22. HAVING THUS INDICATED some of
the more general duties of the mistress, relative to the moral government of
her household, we will now give a few specific instructions on matters having
a more practical relation to the position which she is supposed to occupy in
the eye of the world. To do this the more clearly, we will begin with her earliest
duties, and take her completely through the occupations of a day.
23. HAVING RISEN EARLY, as we have
already advised (see 3), and having given due attention to the bath, and made
a careful toilet, it will be well at once to see that the children have received
their proper ablutions, and are in every way clean and comfortable. The first
meal of the day, breakfast, will then be served, at which all the family should
be punctually present, unless illness, or other circumstances, prevent.
24. AFTER BREAKFAST IS OVER, it
will be well for the mistress to make a round of the kitchen and other offices,
to see that all are in order, and that the morning's work has been properly
performed by the various domestics. The orders for the day should then be given,
and any questions which the domestics desire to ask, respecting their several
departments, should be answered, and any special articles they may require,
handed to them from the store-closet.
In those establishments where there
is a housekeeper, it will not be so necessary for the mistress, personally,
to perform the above-named duties.
25. AFTER THIS GENERAL SUPERINTENDENCE
of her servants, the mistress, if a mother of a young family, may devote herself
to the instruction of some of its younger members, or to the examination of
the state of their wardrobe, leaving the later portion of the morning for reading,
or for some amusing recreation. "Recreation," says Bishop Hall, "is
intended to the mind as whetting is to the scythe, to sharpen the edge of it,
which would otherwise grow dull and blunt. He, therefore, that spends his whole
time in recreation is ever whetting, never mowing; his grass may grow and his
steed starve; as, contrarily, he that always toils and never recreates, is ever
mowing, never whetting, labouring much to little purpose. As good no scythe
as no edge. Then only doth the work go forward, when the scythe is so seasonably
and moderately whetted that it may cut, and so cut, that it may have the help
of sharpening."
Unless the means of the mistress
be very circumscribed, and she be obliged to devote a great deal of her time
to the making of her children's clothes, and other economical pursuits, it is
right that she should give some time to the pleasures of literature, the innocent
delights of the garden, and to the improvement of any special abilities for
music, painting, and other elegant arts, which she may, happily, possess.
26. THESE DUTIES AND PLEASURES BEING
PERFORMED AND ENJOYED, the hour of luncheon will have arrived. This is a very
necessary meal between an early breakfast and a late dinner, as a healthy person,
with good exercise, should have a fresh supply of food once in four hours. It
should be a light meal; but its solidity must, of course, be, in some degree,
proportionate to the time it is intended to enable you to wait for your dinner,
and the amount of exercise you take in the mean time. At this time, also, the
servants' dinner will be served.
In those establishments where an
early dinner is served, that will, of course, take the place of the luncheon.
In many houses, where a nursery dinner is provided for the children and about
one o'clock, the mistress and the elder portion of the family make their luncheon
at the same time from the same joint, or whatever may be provided. A mistress
will arrange, according to circumstances, the serving of the meal; but the more
usual plan is for the lady of the house to have the joint brought to her table,
and afterwards carried to the nursery.
27. AFTER LUNCHEON, MORNING CALLS
AND VISITS may be made and received. These may be divided under three heads:
those of ceremony, friendship, and congratulation or condolence. Visits of ceremony,
or courtesy, which occasionally merge into those of friendship, are to be paid
under various circumstances. Thus, they are uniformly required after dining
at a friend's house, or after a ball, picnic, or any other party. These visits
should be short, a stay of from fifteen to twenty minutes being quite sufficient.
A lady paying a visit may remove her boa or neckerchief; but neither her shawl
nor bonnet.
When other visitors are announced,
it is well to retire as soon as possible, taking care to let it appear that
their arrival is not the cause. When they are quietly seated, and the bustle
of their entrance is over, rise from your chair, taking a kind leave of the
hostess, and bowing politely to the guests. Should you call at an inconvenient
time, not having ascertained the luncheon hour, or from any other inadvertence,
retire as soon as possible, without, however, showing that you feel yourself
an intruder. It is not difficult for any well-bred or even good-tempered person,
to know what to say on such an occasion, and, on politely withdrawing, a promise
can be made to call again, if the lady you have called on, appear really disappointed.
28. IN PAYING VISITS OF FRIENDSHIP,
it will not be so necessary to be guided by etiquette as in paying visits of
ceremony; and if a lady be pressed by her friend to remove her shawl and bonnet,
it can be done if it will not interfere with her subsequent arrangements. It
is, however, requisite to call at suitable times, and to avoid staying too long,
if your friend is engaged. The courtesies of society should ever be maintained,
even in the domestic circle, and amongst the nearest friends. During these visits,
the manners should be easy and cheerful, and the subjects of conversation such
as may be readily terminated. Serious discussions or arguments are to be altogether
avoided, and there is much danger and impropriety in expressing opinions of
those persons and characters with whom, perhaps, there is but a slight acquaintance.
(See 6, 7, and 9.)
It is not advisable, at any time, to take favourite dogs into another lady's
drawing-room, for many persons have an absolute dislike to such animals; and
besides this, there is always a chance of a breakage of some article occurring,
through their leaping and bounding here and there, sometimes very much to the
fear and annoyance of the hostess. Her children, also, unless they are particularly
well-trained and orderly, and she is on exceedingly friendly terms with the
hostess, should not accompany a lady in making morning calls. Where a lady,
however, pays her visits in a carriage, the children can be taken in the vehicle,
and remain in it until the visit is over.
29. FOR MORNING CALLS, it is well
to be neatly attired; for a costume very different to that you generally wear,
or anything approaching an evening dress, will be very much out of place. As
a general rule, it may be said, both in reference to this and all other occasions,
it is better to be under-dressed than over-dressed.
A strict account should be kept
of ceremonial visits, and notice how soon your visits have been returned. An
opinion may thus be formed as to whether your frequent visits are, or are not,
desirable. There are, naturally, instances when the circumstances of old age
or ill health will preclude any return of a call; but when this is the case,
it must not interrupt the discharge of the duty.
30. IN PAYING VISITS OF CONDOLENCE,
it is to be remembered that they should be paid within a week after the event
which occasions them. If the acquaintance, however, is but slight, then immediately
after the family has appeared at public worship. A lady should send in her card,
and if her friends be able to receive her, the visitor's manner and conversation
should be subdued and in harmony with the character of her visit. Courtesy would
dictate that a mourning card should be used, and that visitors, in paying condoling
visits, should be dressed in black, either silk or plain-coloured apparel. Sympathy
with the affliction of the family, is thus expressed, and these attentions are,
in such cases, pleasing and soothing.
In all these visits, if your acquaintance or friend be not at home, a card should
be left. If in a carriage, the servant will answer your inquiry and receive
your card; if paying your visits on foot, give your card to the servant in the
hall, but leave to go in and rest should on no account be asked. The form of
words, "Not at home," may be understood in different senses; but the
only courteous way is to receive them as being perfectly true. You may imagine
that the lady of the house is really at home, and that she would make an exception
in your favour, or you may think that your acquaintance is not desired; but,
in either case, not the slightest word is to escape you, which would suggest,
on your part, such an impression.
31. IN RECEIVING MORNING CALLS,
the foregoing description of the etiquette to be observed in paying them, will
be of considerable service. It is to be added, however, that the occupations
of drawing, music, or reading should be suspended on the entrance of morning
visitors. If a lady, however, be engaged with light needlework, and none other
is appropriate in the drawing-room, it may not be, under some circumstances,
inconsistent with good breeding to quietly continue it during conversation,
particularly if the visit be protracted, or the visitors be gentlemen.
Formerly the custom was to accompany all visitors quitting the house to the
door, and there take leave of them; but modern society, which has thrown off
a great deal of this kind of ceremony, now merely requires that the lady of
the house should rise from her seat, shake hands, or courtesy, in accordance
with the intimacy she has with her guests, and ring the bell to summon the servant
to attend them and open the door. In making a first call, either upon a newly-married
couple, or persons newly arrived in the neighbourhood, a lady should leave her
husband's card together with her own, at the same time, stating that the profession
or business in which he is engaged has prevented him from having the pleasure
of paying the visit, with her. It is a custom with many ladies, when on the
eve of an absence from their neighbourhood, to leave or send their own and husband's
cards, with the letters P. P. C. in the right-hand corner. These letters are
the initials of the French words, "Pour prendre congé," meaning,
"To take leave."
32. THE MORNING CALLS BEING PAID
OR RECEIVED, and their etiquette properly attended to, the next great event
of the day in most establishments is "The Dinner;" and we only propose
here to make a few general remarks on this important topic, as, in future pages,
the whole "Art of Dining" will be thoroughly considered, with reference
to its economy, comfort, and enjoyment.
33. IN GIVING OR ACCEPTING AN INVITATION
FOR DINNER, the following is the form of words generally made use of. They,
however, can be varied in proportion to the intimacy or position of the hosts
and guests:--
Mr. and Mrs. A---- present their compliments to Mr. and Mrs. B----, and request
the honour, [or hope to have the pleasure] of their company to dinner on Wednesday,
the 6th of December next.
A---- STREET, November 13th, 1859. R. S. V. P.
The letters in the corner imply "Répondez, s'il vous plaît;"
meaning, "an answer will oblige." The reply, accepting the invitation,
is couched in the following terms:--
Mr. and Mrs. B---- present their compliments to Mr. and Mrs. A---, and will
do themselves the honour of, [or will have much pleasure in] accepting their
kind invitation to dinner on the 6th of December next.
B---- SQUARE, November 18th, 1859.
Cards, or invitations for a dinner-party,
should be issued a fortnight or three weeks (sometimes even a month) beforehand,
and care should be taken by the hostess, in the selection of the invited guests,
that they should be suited to each other. Much also of the pleasure of a dinner-party
will depend on the arrangement of the guests at table, so as to form a due admixture
of talkers and listeners, the grave and the gay. If an invitation to dinner
is accepted, the guests should be punctual, and the mistress ready in her drawing-room
to receive them. At some periods it has been considered fashionable to come
late to dinner, but lately nous avons changé tout cela.
34. THE HALF-HOUR BEFORE DINNER
has always been considered as the great ordeal through which the mistress, in
giving a dinner-party, will either pass with flying colours, or, lose many of
her laurels. The anxiety to receive her guests,--her hope that all will be present
in due time,--her trust in the skill of her cook, and the attention of the other
domestics, all tend to make these few minutes a trying time. The mistress, however,
must display no kind of agitation, but show her tact in suggesting light and
cheerful subjects of conversation, which will be much aided by the introduction
of any particular new book, curiosity of art, or article of vertu, which may
pleasantly engage the attention of the company. "Waiting for Dinner,"
however, is a trying time, and there are few who have not felt-- "How sad
it is to sit and pine, The long half-hour before we dine! Upon our watches oft
to look, Then wonder at the clock and cook, * * * * * "And strive to laugh
in spite of Fate! But laughter forced soon quits the room, And leaves it in
its former gloom. But lo! the dinner now appears, The object of our hopes and
fears, The end of all our pain!"
In giving an entertainment of this
kind, the mistress should remember that it is her duty to make her guests feel
happy, comfortable, and quite at their ease; and the guests should also consider
that they have come to the house of their hostess to be happy. Thus an opportunity
is given to all for innocent enjoyment and intellectual improvement, when also
acquaintances may be formed that may prove invaluable through life, and information
gained that will enlarge the mind. Many celebrated men and women have been great
talkers; and, amongst others, the genial Sir Walter Scott, who spoke freely
to every one, and a favourite remark of whom it was, that he never did so without
learning something he didn't know before.
35. DINNER BEING ANNOUNCED, the
host offers his arm to, and places on his right hand at the dinner-table, the
lady to whom he desires to pay most respect, either on account of her age, position,
or from her being the greatest stranger in the party. If this lady be married
and her husband present, the latter takes the hostess to her place at table,
and seats himself at her right hand. The rest of the company follow in couples,
as specified by the master and mistress of the house, arranging the party according
to their rank and other circumstances which may be known to the host and hostess.
It will be found of great assistance
to the placing of a party at the dinner-table, to have the names of the guests
neatly (and correctly) written on small cards, and placed at that part of the
table where it is desired they should sit. With respect to the number of guests,
it has often been said, that a private dinner-party should consist of not less
than the number of the Graces, or more than that of the Muses. A party of ten
or twelve is, perhaps, in a general way, sufficient to enjoy themselves and
be enjoyed. White kid gloves are worn by ladies at dinner-parties, but should
be taken off before the business of dining commences.
36. THE GUESTS BEING SEATED AT THE
DINNER-TABLE, the lady begins to help the soup, which is handed round, commencing
with the gentleman on her right and on her left, and continuing in the same
order till all are served. It is generally established as a rule, not to ask
for soup or fish twice, as, in so doing, part of the company may be kept waiting
too long for the second course, when, perhaps, a little revenge is taken by
looking at the awkward consumer of a second portion. This rule, however, may,
under various circumstances, not be considered as binding.
It is not usual, where taking wine is en règle, for a gentleman to ask
a lady to take wine until the fish or soup is finished, and then the gentleman
honoured by sitting on the right of the hostess, may politely inquire if she
will do him the honour of taking wine with him. This will act as a signal to
the rest of the company, the gentleman of the house most probably requesting
the same pleasure of the ladies at his right and left. At many tables, however,
the custom or fashion of drinking wine in this manner, is abolished, and the
servant fills the glasses of the guests with the various wines suited to the
course which is in progress.
37. WHEN DINNER IS FINISHED, THE
DESSERT is placed on the table, accompanied with finger-glasses. It is the custom
of some gentlemen to wet a corner of the napkin; but the hostess, whose behaviour
will set the tone to all the ladies present, will merely wet the tips of her
fingers, which will serve all the purposes required. The French and other continentals
have a habit of gargling the mouth; but it is a custom which no English gentlewoman
should, in the slightest degree, imitate.
38. WHEN FRUIT HAS BEEN TAKEN, and
a glass or two of wine passed round, the time will have arrived when the hostess
will rise, and thus give the signal for the ladies to leave the gentlemen, and
retire to the drawing-room. The gentlemen of the party will rise at the same
time, and he who is nearest the door, will open it for the ladies, all remaining
courteously standing until the last lady has withdrawn. Dr. Johnson has a curious
paragraph on the effects of a dinner on men. "Before dinner," he says,
"men meet with great inequality of understanding; and those who are conscious
of their inferiority have the modesty not to talk. When they have drunk wine,
every man feels himself happy, and loses that modesty, and grows impudent and
vociferous; but he is not improved, he is only not sensible of his defects."
This is rather severe, but there may be truth in it.
In former times, when the bottle circulated freely amongst the guests, it was
necessary for the ladies to retire earlier than they do at present, for the
gentlemen of the company soon became unfit to conduct themselves with that decorum
which is essential in the presence of ladies. Thanks, however, to the improvements
in modern society, and the high example shown to the nation by its most illustrious
personages, temperance is, in these happy days, a striking feature in the character
of a gentleman. Delicacy of conduct towards the female sex has increased with
the esteem in which they are now universally held, and thus, the very early
withdrawing of the ladies from the dining-room is to be deprecated. A lull in
the conversation will seasonably indicate the moment for the ladies' departure.
39. AFTER-DINNER INVITATIONS MAY
BE GIVEN; by which we wish to be understood, invitations for the evening. The
time of the arrival of these visitors will vary according to their engagements,
or sometimes will be varied in obedience to the caprices of fashion. Guests
invited for the evening are, however, generally considered at liberty to arrive
whenever it will best suit themselves,--usually between nine and twelve, unless
earlier hours are specifically named. By this arrangement, many fashionable
people and others, who have numerous engagements to fulfil, often contrive to
make their appearance at two or three parties in the course of one evening.
40. THE ETIQUETTE OF THE DINNER-PARTY
TABLE being disposed of, let us now enter slightly into that of an evening party
or ball. The invitations issued and accepted for either of these, will be written
in the same style as those already described for a dinner-party. They should
be sent out at least three weeks before the day fixed for the event, and should
be replied to within a week of their receipt. By attending to these courtesies,
the guests will have time to consider their engagements and prepare their dresses,
and the hostess will, also, know what will be the number of her party.
If the entertainment is to be simply
an evening party, this must be specified on the card or note of invitation.
Short or verbal invitations, except where persons are exceedingly intimate,
or are very near relations, are very far from proper, although, of course, in
this respect and in many other respects, very much always depends on the manner
in which the invitation is given. True politeness, however, should be studied
even amongst the nearest friends and relations; for the mechanical forms of
good breeding are of great consequence, and too much familiarity may have, for
its effect, the destruction of friendship.
41. AS THE LADIES AND GENTLEMEN
ARRIVE, each should be shown to a room exclusively provided for their reception;
and in that set apart for the ladies, attendants should be in waiting to assist
in uncloaking, and helping to arrange the hair and toilet of those who require
it. It will be found convenient, in those cases where the number of guests is
large, to provide numbered tickets, so that they can be attached to the cloaks
and shawls of each lady, a duplicate of which should be handed to the guest.
Coffee is sometimes provided in this, or an ante-room, for those who would like
to partake of it.
42. AS THE VISITORS ARE ANNOUNCED
BY THE SERVANT, it is not necessary for the lady of the house to advance each
time towards the door, but merely to rise from her seat to receive their courtesies
and congratulations. If, indeed, the hostess wishes to show particular favour
to some peculiarly honoured guests, she may introduce them to others, whose
acquaintance she may imagine will be especially suitable and agreeable. It is
very often the practice of the master of the house to introduce one gentleman
to another, but occasionally the lady performs this office; when it will, of
course, be polite for the persons thus introduced to take their seats together
for the time being.
The custom of non-introduction is
very much in vogue in many houses, and guests are thus left to discover for
themselves the position and qualities of the people around them. The servant,
indeed, calls out the names of all the visitors as they arrive, but, in many
instances, mispronounces them; so that it will not be well to follow this information,
as if it were an unerring guide. In our opinion, it is a cheerless and depressing
custom, although, in thus speaking, we do not allude to the large assemblies
of the aristocracy, but to the smaller parties of the middle classes.
43. A SEPARATE ROOM OR CONVENIENT
BUFFET should be appropriated for refreshments, and to which the dancers may
retire; and cakes and biscuits, with wine negus, lemonade, and ices, handed
round. A supper is also mostly provided at the private parties of the middle
classes; and this requires, on the part of the hostess, a great deal of attention
and supervision. It usually takes place between the first and second parts of
the programme of the dances, of which there should be several prettily written
or printed copies distributed about the ball-room.
In private parties, a lady is not to refuse the invitation of a gentleman to
dance, unless she be previously engaged. The hostess must he supposed to have
asked to her house only those persons whom she knows to be perfectly respectable
and of unblemished character, as well as pretty equal in position; and thus,
to decline the offer of any gentleman present, would be a tacit reflection on
the master and mistress of the house. It may be mentioned here, more especially
for the young who will read this book, that introductions at balls or evening
parties, cease with the occasion that calls them forth, no introduction, at
these times, giving a gentleman a right to address, afterwards, a lady. She
is, consequently, free, next morning, to pass her partner at a ball of the previous
evening without the slightest recognition.
44. THE BALL IS GENERALLY OPENED,
that is, the first place in the first quadrille is occupied, by the lady of
the house. When anything prevents this, the host will usually lead off the dance
with the lady who is either the highest in rank, or the greatest stranger. It
will be well for the hostess, even if she be very partial to the amusement,
and a graceful dancer, not to participate in it to any great extent, lest her
lady guests should have occasion to complain of her monopoly of the gentlemen,
and other causes of neglect. A few dances will suffice to show her interest
in the entertainment, without unduly trenching on the attention due to her guests.
In all its parts a ball should be perfect,-- "The music, and the banquet,
and the wine; The garlands, the rose-odours, and the flowers."
The hostess or host, during the
progress of a ball, will courteously accost and chat with their friends, and
take care that the ladies are furnished with seats, and that those who wish
to dance are provided with partners. A gentle hint from the hostess, conveyed
in a quiet ladylike manner, that certain ladies have remained unengaged during
several dances, is sure not to be neglected by any gentleman. Thus will be studied
the comfort and enjoyment of the guests, and no lady, in leaving the house,
will be able to feel the chagrin and disappointment of not having been invited
to "stand up" in a dance during the whole of the evening.
45. WHEN ANY OF THE CARRIAGES OF
THE GUESTS ARE ANNOUNCED, or the time for their departure arrived, they should
make a slight intimation to the hostess, without, however, exciting any observation,
that they are about to depart. If this cannot be done, however, without creating
too much bustle, it will be better for the visitors to retire quietly without
taking their leave. During the course of the week, the hostess will expect to
receive from every guest a call, where it is possible, or cards expressing the
gratification experienced from her entertainment. This attention is due to every
lady for the pains and trouble she has been at, and tends to promote social,
kindly feelings.
46. HAVING THUS DISCOURSED of parties
of pleasure, it will be an interesting change to return to the more domestic
business of the house, although all the details we have been giving of dinner-parties,
balls, and the like, appertain to the department of the mistress. Without a
knowledge of the etiquette to be observed on these occasions, a mistress would
be unable to enjoy and appreciate those friendly pleasant meetings which give,
as it were, a fillip to life, and make the quiet happy home of an English gentlewoman
appear the more delightful and enjoyable. In their proper places, all that is
necessary to be known respecting the dishes and appearance of the breakfast,
dinner, tea, and supper tables, will be set forth in this work.
47. A FAMILY DINNER AT HOME, compared
with either giving or going to a dinner-party, is, of course, of much more frequent
occurrence, and many will say, of much greater importance. Both, however, have
to be considered with a view to their nicety and enjoyment; and the latter more
particularly with reference to economy. These points will be especially noted
in the following pages on "Household Cookery." Here we will only say,
that for both mistress and servants, as well in large as small households, it
will be found, by far, the better plan, to cook and serve the dinner, and to
lay the tablecloth and the sideboard, with the same cleanliness, neatness, and
scrupulous exactness, whether it be for the mistress herself alone, a small
family, or for "company." If this rule be strictly adhered to, all
will find themselves increase in managing skill; whilst a knowledge of their
daily duties will become familiar, and enable them to meet difficult occasions
with ease, and overcome any amount of obstacles.
48. OF THE MANNER OF PASSING EVENINGS
AT HOME, there is none pleasanter than in such recreative enjoyments as those
which relax the mind from its severer duties, whilst they stimulate it with
a gentle delight. Where there are young people forming a part of the evening
circle, interesting and agreeable pastime should especially be promoted. It
is of incalculable benefit to them that their homes should possess all the attractions
of healthful amusement, comfort, and happiness; for if they do not find pleasure
there, they will seek it elsewhere. It ought, therefore, to enter into the domestic
policy of every parent, to make her children feel that home is the happiest
place in the world; that to imbue them with this delicious home-feeling is one
of the choicest gifts a parent can bestow.
Light or fancy needlework often
forms a portion of the evening's recreation for the ladies of the household,
and this may be varied by an occasional game at chess or backgammon. It has
often been remarked, too, that nothing is more delightful to the feminine members
of a family, than the reading aloud of some good standard work or amusing publication.
A knowledge of polite literature may be thus obtained by the whole family, especially
if the reader is able and willing to explain the more difficult passages of
the book, and expatiate on the wisdom and beauties it may contain. This plan,
in a great measure, realizes the advice of Lord Bacon, who says, "Read
not to contradict and refute, nor to believe and take for granted, nor to find
talk and discourse, but to weigh and consider."
49. IN RETIRING FOR THE NIGHT, it is well to remember that early rising is almost impossible, if late going to bed be the order, or rather disorder, of the house. The younger members of a family should go early and at regular hours to their beds, and the domestics as soon as possible after a reasonably appointed hour. Either the master or the mistress of a house should, after all have gone to their separate rooms, see that all is right with respect to the lights and fires below; and no servants should, on any account, be allowed to remain up after the heads of the house have
retired.
50. HAVING THUS GONE FROM EARLY RISING TO EARLY RETIRING, there remain only
now to be considered a few special positions respecting which the mistress of
the house will be glad to receive some specific information.
51. WHEN A MISTRESS TAKES A HOUSE
in a new locality, it will be etiquette for her to wait until the older inhabitants
of the neighbourhood call upon her; thus evincing a desire, on their part, to
become acquainted with the new comer. It may be, that the mistress will desire
an intimate acquaintance with but few of her neighbours; but it is to be specially
borne in mind that all visits, whether of ceremony, friendship, or condolence,
should be punctiliously returned.
52. YOU MAY PERHAPS HAVE BEEN FAVOURED
with letters of introduction from some of your friends, to persons living in
the neighbourhood to which you have just come. In this case inclose the letter
of introduction in an envelope with your card. Then, if the person, to whom
it is addressed, calls in the course of a few days, the visit should be returned
by you within the week, if possible. Any breach of etiquette, in this respect,
will not readily be excused.
In the event of your being invited
to dinner under the above circumstances, nothing but necessity should prevent
you from accepting the invitation. If, however, there is some distinct reason
why you cannot accept, let it be stated frankly and plainly, for politeness
and truthfulness should be ever allied. An opportunity should, also, be taken
to call in the course of a day or two, in order to politely express your regret
and disappointment at not having been able to avail yourself of their kindness.
53. IN GIVING A LETTER OF INTRODUCTION,
it should always be handed to your friend, unsealed. Courtesy dictates this,
as the person whom you are introducing would, perhaps, wish to know in what
manner he or she was spoken of. Should you receive a letter from a friend, introducing
to you any person known to and esteemed by the writer, the letter should be
immediately acknowledged, and your willingness expressed to do all in your power
to carry out his or her wishes.
54. SUCH ARE THE ONEROUS DUTIES
which enter into the position of the mistress of a house, and such are, happily,
with a slight but continued attention, of by no means difficult performance.
She ought always to remember that she is the first and the last, the Alpha and
the Omega in the government of her establishment; and that it is by her conduct
that its whole internal policy is regulated. She is, therefore, a person of
far more importance in a community than she usually thinks she is. On her pattern
her daughters model themselves; by her counsels they are directed; through her
virtues all are honoured;--"her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband, also, and he praiseth her." Therefore, let each mistress always
remember her responsible position, never approving a mean action, nor speaking
an unrefined word. Let her conduct be such that her inferiors may respect her,
and such as an honourable and right-minded man may look for in his wife and
the mother of his children. Let her think of the many compliments and the sincere
homage that have been paid to her sex by the greatest philosophers and writers,
both in ancient and modern times. Let her not forget that she has to show herself
worthy of Campbell's compliment when he said,-- "The world was sad! the
garden was a wild! And man the hermit sigh'd, till woman smiled."
Let her prove herself, then, the
happy companion of man, and able to take unto herself the praises of the pious
prelate, Jeremy Taylor, who says,--"A good wife is Heaven's last best gift
to man,--his angel and minister of graces innumerable,--his gem of many virtues,--his
casket of jewels--her voice is sweet music--her smiles his brightest day;--her
kiss, the guardian of his innocence;--her arms, the pale of his safety, the
balm of his health, the balsam of his life;--her industry, his surest wealth;--her
economy, his safest steward;--her lips, his faithful counsellors;--her bosom,
the softest pillow of his cares; and her prayers, the ablest advocates of Heaven's
blessings on his head."
Cherishing, then, in her breast
the respected utterances of the good and the great, let the mistress of every
house rise to the responsibility of its management; so that, in doing her duty
to all around her, she may receive the genuine reward of respect, love, and
affection!
Note.--Many mistresses have experienced the horrors of house-hunting, and it
is well known that "three removes are as good (or bad, rather) as a fire."
Nevertheless, it being quite evident that we must, in these days at least, live
in houses, and are sometimes obliged to change our residences, it is well to
consider some of the conditions which will add to, or diminish, the convenience
and comfort of our homes.
Although the choice of a house must
be dependent on so many different circumstances with different people, that
to give any specific directions on this head would be impossible and useless;
yet it will be advantageous, perhaps, to many, if we point out some of those
general features as to locality, soil, aspect, &c., to which the attention
of all house-takers should be carefully directed.
Regarding the locality, we may say,
speaking now more particularly of a town house, that it is very important to
the health and comfort of a family, that the neighbourhood of all factories
of any kind, producing unwholesome effluvia or smells, should be strictly avoided.
Neither is it well to take a house in the immediate vicinity of where a noisy
trade is carried on, as it is unpleasant to the feelings, and tends to increase
any existing irritation of the system.
Referring to soils; it is held as
a rule, that a gravel soil is superior to any other, as the rain drains through
it very quickly, and it is consequently drier and less damp than clay, upon
which water rests a far longer time. A clay country, too, is not so pleasant
for walking exercise as one in which gravel predominates.
The aspect of the house should be
well considered, and it should be borne in mind that the more sunlight that
comes into the house, the healthier is the habitation. The close, fetid smell
which assails one on entering a narrow court, or street, in towns, is to be
assigned to the want of light, and, consequently, air. A house with a south
or south-west aspect, is lighter, warmer, drier, and consequently more healthy,
than one facing the north or north-east.
Great advances have been made, during
the last few years, in the principles of sanitary knowledge, and one most essential
point to be observed in reference to a house, is its "drainage," as
it has been proved in an endless number of cases, that bad or defective drainage
is as certain to destroy health as the taking of poisons. This arises from its
injuriously affecting the atmosphere; thus rendering the air we breathe unwholesome
and deleterious. Let it be borne in mind, then, that unless a house is effectually
drained, the health of its inhabitants is sure to suffer; and they will be susceptible
of ague, rheumatism, diarrhoea, fevers, and cholera.
We now come to an all-important
point,--that of the water supply. The value of this necessary article has also
been lately more and more recognized in connection with the question of health
and life; and most houses are well supplied with every convenience connected
with water. Let it, however, be well understood, that no house, however suitable
in other respects, can be desirable, if this grand means of health and comfort
is, in the slightest degree, scarce or impure. No caution can be too great to
see that it is pure and good, as well as plentiful; for, knowing, as we do,
that not a single part of our daily food is prepared without it, the importance
of its influence on the health of the inmates of a house cannot be over-rated.
Ventilation is another feature which
must not be overlooked. In a general way, enough of air is admitted by the cracks
round the doors and windows; but if this be not the case, the chimney will smoke;
and other plans, such as the placing of a plate of finely-perforated zinc in
the upper part of the window, must be used. Cold air should never be admitted
under the doors, or at the bottom of a room, unless it be close to the fire
or stove; for it will flow along the floor towards the fireplace, and thus leave
the foul air in the upper part of the room, unpurified, cooling, at the same
time, unpleasantly and injuriously, the feet and legs of the inmates.
The rent of a house, it has been
said, should not exceed one-eighth of the whole income of its occupier; and,
as a general rule, we are disposed to assent to this estimate, although there
may be many circumstances which would not admit of its being considered infallible.