To every mistress of a family, we cannot too strenuously recommend the superintendence of her domestic concerns, the investigation of all accounts, particularly those of her tradesmen and her servants; and the most strict scrutiny into the. characters of those she may admit as inmates of her house. Amongst the minor duties inseparable from her situation, are, the attention to her storeroom, and linen of every description. In the former, should be a selection of the most unperish-able stores, of which description are groceries, candles, soap, starch, etc.; and of the latter, no more should be delivered to the housekeeper, than are absolutely requisite for constant use ; and of these a correct inventory made, as a check upon the housekeeper, who will thereby be compelled to account for every deficiency.

The Housekeeper

Should take her orders for the day, early in the morning by which means all the under-servants will have sufficient time to perform their several duties, without either hurry or neglect: it is also her indispensable duty, not only to see that all the female servants perform their work in the most perfect manner; but that, in the discharge of it, they do not waste any thing. As all the linen in constant use is committed to her charge, she should see that it is neatly mended if torn ; and should take care that it is not heedlessly torn or unnecessarily soiled : and before any more is given out, that the different articles already used, have been put in their proper places. As under-servants are ever too ready to consider coarse cloths, such as dusieis, &.c. of little value; no more should be given them, unless they produce the remains of the old ones, and sufficiently account for their being worn out. As she will have the care of the stores for immediate consumption, she should be sparing in the distribution of them; particularly groceries, soap, and candles : the former are too often demanded for the purpose of entertaining friends; and the latter, frequently for a worse purpose. She should daily register the notes of the butcher, baker, fishmonger, and others; and see that the articles specified in those notes, are actually of the implied weight and quality. As the housekeeper has more confidence placed in her than any other servant, of course her responsibility is greater ; and she cannot do better than consider herself as the faithful steward of her master. Her bill of fare should contain a sufficient variety; and the different articles selected should, when dressed, be so placed upon the table, as to accord with each other, thereby forming a picture, that, by pleasing the eye, may excite an appetite.