" But yet I run before my horse to market."

Shakspere.

Few housekeepers know how to market wisely and economically. They trust the butcher's opinion entirely or else give their orders to the market-boy, and then are obliged in consequence to take what is sent and to pay the weekly or monthly bill without knowing whether it is correct or not. Circumstances are often such that "order boys" are of necessity the only avenue of communication ; but when this is the case, the mistress should insist on a bill being sent with each purchase of supplies and also that every article be weighed in the kitchen, thus relieving the tradesman of any temptation to give under weight.

In some cities it is the fashion to go to market, and all ladies do so except those favored ones who can employ servants enough to relieve them of all care of the house and housekeeping. Skill and experience are certainly required in purchasing meat, and it is our endeavor here to give directions by which the inexperienced housewife may be aided in choosing good food.