Few things in life are more pathetic than a household in which no organization exists, no systematic direction of activities, no appreciation of Heaven's first law, order. The haphazard, aimless living in such homes leaves an unmistakable stamp upon the inmates. Without knowing it, the housewife in such a home suffers infinitely more friction, loss of time, strength and money than it would cost her to keep her housekeeping better in hand.

To have sufficient system and organization so that one knows (1) what is to be done, (2) who is to do it, and (3) when is it to be done, is to have the chief requisites for the successful working out of ideals, coupled with ease and comfort of mind. Applying this knowledge each day, one may utilize whatever time is at her disposal for other enjoyments, conscious that she is not thereby neglecting what should ever constitute her first duty-the care of her home and family. It makes little difference whether it be the mother of several boys with limited means at her command or the woman who can afford to hire several helpers; there is keen pleasure and satisfaction for all in work so carefully divided that each has the gratification of knowing the importance of his portion and feels a commendable pride in his own contribution toward the whole. This gratification may be made as real for the helpers as for the one for whom the work is performed. The joy of definite duties carefully related to the whole, in contrast with the lifeless routine of ill-defined, meaningless details, appeals to the one as truly as to the other.

Each thoughtful housekeeper finds her own best methods of accomplishing this organization. Some general suggestions as to necessary equipments may be an aid. Certain things are absolutely essential for success, such as the following:

Brain Power with Mental Alertness and Activity. Method is impossible to one unwilling to contribute these.

A Knowledge as to how to perform the details of housework in a superior manner. Unless one understands what is necessary in the preparation of a certain dish, or the length of time it ought to require to clean a room properly, it is quite impossible to direct it so that the requisite amount of time and strength shall be expended upon it, and no more.

Health plays no small part. Much failure has poor physical conditions at the foundation. No truer criticism has been made of American women in general than that of a leader in the study of home problems, when she affirms that too many are content to be

"just able to be about." Home is the place where suffering resulting from this low standard is certain to be most keenly felt. Without excellent physical vitality, the cares of a house must, perforce, seem mountain-high. The exuberance of spirits of one full of life and energy is transmitted like an electric current to all who come in contact with it, and inspiration, each for his task, is the inevitable result. Very unfortunately, the reverse is equally true. Failure to possess the cheerfulness and optimism born of perfect health creates conditions well suited to spread a contagion of a very depressing nature. Inability on the part of a leader to do his share is soon followed by a lessening of interest on the part of the helpers. A dropping off of punctual and hearty performance of duties results.

Self-control is another necessity. Ability to think coolly and calmly, even under pressure, and to "plan carefully and intelligently at all times, goes a long way in directing others. This characteristic is too often thought to be entirely a matter of temperament, beyond individual control. It is a great mistake. Individuals do differ in a marked degree, it is true, in the natural possession of it; nevertheless with good normal conditions of health, especially of "nerves," that bane of woman's existence, this virtue is as possible of attainment as any other and well worth a struggle to secure.

A large Sympathy, which appreciates the difficulties encountered in doing the work, proves a priceless aid to the successful superintendent.

Forethought is an important requisite. One must have in mind a broad survey of the work to be accomplished. The outline of at least a week at a time should be clearly defined to oneself, each day being assigned its special work in addition to a regular routine preserved from week to week. In this scheme all work such as washing, ironing, sweeping, cleaning and the like will find a place, if these are all done in the home. The routine should not be infringed upon, unless extraordinary emergencies arise. A system broken is hard to restore, and something is sure to be crowded out, if postponed. Each day's work should be so planned that the menu will be given to the cook, if one is employed, at least the day before, and marketing will be attended to, so as to secure early and prompt delivery next morning. A careful mental, or better, written note should be made of all details liable to escape notice at the proper time. This avoids a confusion in the morning of being needed in several places at once, while the machinery will not be at a standstill, waiting to be set in motion again. It avoids waste of time at a very valuable part of the day. The early hours count for much in starting the work so that tiring haste and over-pressure may be prevented later. If helpers know, when they arise, what the day's work is to include, they can plan to far greater advantage, saving time and strength. Written orders are a great help here.

Forethought

Routine

Written Notes

Adaptability of means to ends is a thing that the would-be organizer may well study in successful business men. A business man's office is so arranged that it is to the highest degree labor and time-saving. It is compact, orderly, simple, with nothing unnecessary filling space. Every thing is at hand and adapted to make his work swift and easy. The successful workman's tools are good in quality, in perfect order, and so arranged that every motion counts. He knows that it is economy to have them so. How many of our kitchens would stand the test satisfactorily in these particulars? Most kitchens, pantries and laundries are so arranged that there is a prodigal waste of time and strength in passing from one thing to another. One should see to it that the cooking table is not on the side of the kitchen opposite the pantry of supplies or cooking utensils, and both as far as possible from the stove. A little trouble and perhaps no expense will often better conditions.

It would seem far more ideal a condition than has yet been reached were it possible to give certain fixed standards for the division of the work of a house so that helpers going from one to another would find practically the same duties expected of them. To attempt such outline, would be too hazardous to undertake. Were housewives who employ, asked to define the duties of "second girl," "nursery maid," or even of laundress or cook, hardly two would be found to agree, so individual has been the assignment according to the particular needs of each household. One expects assistance in one line of work, another in another. In one house the housewife rarely appears, gives no assistance and maintains the most formal relations with those employed. In another she prefers to direct minutely and to assist in the performance of portions of the work, attempting at the same time to make her helpers feel a home-like enjoyment of what she is able to provide them. Such diversity renders it impossible to arrive at any general plan or division for each helper which shall be adapted to meet the needs of all who employ.

Even in homes where several are employed something of the same irregularity is found. A "second girl" at one place is expected to look after the doorbell, wait on table and do nursery work. Perhaps with her first change of place she is asked to assist the cook by preparing vegetables and does laundry work.

The best guide at present is a patient, thoughtful study of the problems of one's own house until as equitable and consistent division is attained as can be made, meanwhile praying for speedy release from a condition so unsystematic and chaotic as that of the present time, and resolutely setting one's face toward the ultimate solution of some, at least, of the difficulties through better adaptation of household management to the demands of the age.

A woman has no right to a servant until she knows the value of time and strength in relation to the work to be done. She cannot understand her servant's problems until she understands a servant's duties.

Diversity of Requirement

Study the Only Solution

The Right to Servants