by showing that they have better and surer means of commanding
respect--Let them prove, by the exertion of ingenuity and economy,
that neatness, good taste, and gentility, are attainable without great
expense.

The writer has no apology to offer for this cheap little book of
economical hints, except her deep conviction that such a book is
needed. In this case, renown is out of the question, and ridicule is a
matter of indifference.

The information conveyed is of a common kind; but it is such as the
majority of young housekeepers do not possess, and such as they
cannot obtain from cookery books. Books of this kind have usually
been written for the wealthy: I have written for the poor. I have said
nothing about _rich_ cooking; those who can afford to be epicures
will find the best of information in the 'Seventy-five Receipts.'
I have attempted to teach how money can be _saved_, not how it can
be _enjoyed_. If any persons think some of the maxims too rigidly
economical, let them inquire how the largest fortunes among us have
been made. They will find thousands and millions have been accumulated
by a scrupulous attention to sums 'infinitely more minute than sixty
cents.'

In early childhood, you lay the foundation of poverty or riches, in
the habits you give your children. Teach them to save everything,--not
for their _own_ use, for that would make them selfish--but for _some_
use. Teach them to _share_ everything with their playmates; but never
allow them to _destroy_ anything.

I once visited a family where the most exact economy was observed; yet