ADVERTISEMENT. THE writer of this little volume has long been accustomed to observe the habits, resources, and privations of the labouring classes of society, and to cherish a lively interest in their welfare and happiness. Under a conviction that the outward condition of these classes might be materially ameliorated by an improvement in their moral and prudential habits, she has often indulged the wish that some enlightened and benevolent friend to their true interests, would furnish them with a familiar compendium, calculated to meet their daily round of wants, feelings, circumstances, and duties, and to suggest friendly and profitable hints relative to each. Several performances of the kind have appeared, some, probably, with which the present writer is unacquainted. Those that have fallen in her way she has found either deficient on account of the scanty circle of topics embraced, or unsuitable from the mixture of irrelevant and objectionable sentiments. The need appeared still to exist, and from circumstances which it is unnecessary here to detail, the task which she would fain have assigned to an abler hand has fallen to her own. It has been pursued with diffidence under a deep conviction of her own inability, yet not without deriving considerable pleasure from the subjects that have passed under her notice; and should her little work prove subservient to the well-being of those classes for whose use it is designed, and auxiliary to the instructions and endeavours of their benefactors, she will feel satisfied that she has not wholly failed in attaining the desired object. Nov. 1825. SEVENTEENTH EDITION. SUCH were the sentiments expressed on first sending forth this little volume. The degree of public estimation in which it is held, may be inferred from the fact that about 26,000 copies have been sold in little more than fifteen years. While by no means indifferent to this circumstance, the author is still more gratified by receiving frequent testimonies to its practical usefulness. Although from time to time expense has not been spared in repairing the stereo-plates, the late editions, it must be confessed, have presented an appearance by no means satisfactory either to the author or the purchaser. The present edition therefore has been entirely new set. This has afforded an opportunity of introducing many important additions. The work, in its new and improved form, is again committed to public acceptance; and devoted to the domestic interests of the working classes. June 1841. WORKS BY THE SAME AUTHOR. SECOND EDITION. 1. A HISTORY of SLAVERY and its ABOLITION. Embellished with a correct and highly finished portrait of THOMAS CLARKSON, ESQ., and bringing down the History to the close of the Apprenticeship system. Price 6s. cloth, lettered. THIRD THOUSAND. 2. A WORD to PARENTS, NURSES, and TEACHERS, on the Rearing and Management of Children. More particularly adapted to the Working Classes. Price 1s. 6d. cloth, lettered. 3. A BRIEF VIEW of SACRED HISTORY, from the CREATION of the WORLD to the DESTRUCTION of JERUSALEM by the ROMANS. With Questions for Examination on each lesson, and a Glossary of words and phrases. Designed for the Use of Families and Schools. Price 3s. bound. 4. COVETOUSNESS, its PREVALENCE, EVILS, and CURE. Price 2s. 6d. cloth, lettered. CONTENTS. CHAP. I. MORAL CHARACTER. Integrity, Anecdotes-Sin- cerity, Anecdote-Prudence-Forecast, or Good Management -Self-denial-Industry-Sobriety-Frugality-Teachable- ness-Cleanliness-Subordination-Cheerfulness and Con- PAGE CHAP. IV. ENTERING UPON THE COTTAGE. Comfort and Con- venience-Fanaticism-A foolish freak-The garden-Linen- CHAP. V. FURNISHING THE COTTAGE. Scale of expense- Larger and smaller articles-Brewing utensils--Deal and oak-Tables-Drawers-Ironing-board-Second-hand goods -Bed furniture -Calico and linen-Remnants-Chairs- Tea-kettle and other hardware-Nottingham ware- - Dish tubs Brooms and brushes-General decency CHAP. VI. INCOME AND EXPENDITURE. Industry-Over work in summer-Work at home-The wife's employment -Washing-Needlework-Lace-making-Knitting-Bind- ing shoes-Going out to work-The husband's comfort- Nursing-Gardening-Selling fruit-Young trees-Flowers -Seeds-Vegetables-An example-Field work-Turnip greens-Cowslips-Elder-berries-Milk-Keeping cows- Pigs-Manure-Poultry-Frugality-Clear accounts-Re- trenchments-Allotment of income-Rent-The savings' bank-Clothing-Firing-Buying at the best hand-Provi- sion for sickness and lying-in-Dram shops-Pawnbrokers- Lotteries-Good management-Brewing calculations-Bak- ing calculations-Use of milk-Pig-killing time-Butchers' |