only leisure is at night, and then they hurry over their things in a
careless manner.

Where your circumstances permit, a good man-servant is a valuable
acquisition; and they are sometimes more easily governed than females.

If mistresses were better informed, they would not complain so much of
the ignorance and awkwardness of their domestics. Always give them their
orders in time. If a new dish is to be cooked, superintend its
preparation yourself.

If you are capable of directing, a cook will soon learn to do without
your constant attention.

If they are slow in their movements, insist on their beginning early to
prepare a meal, so that there will be time sufficient for every thing to
be done properly.

If you expect company, have every thing prepared, that can be done with
safety, the day previous. In summer there are but few things that can be
done without risk of spoiling: a ham or tongue may he washed ready to
boil; castors and salt-stands put in order, and pastry or dessert
prepared, that will not spoil by being kept a day.

In winter, many things can be kept for days in a state of preparation
for cooking; and it greatly assists the work of the family, to have
every thing done beforehand.

Do with as few domestics as possible; assist with the work yourself,
rather than keep one too many. Those that take orphan children to bring