In offering to the public a new edition of "The Young Housekeeper's Friend," I wish gratefully to acknowledge the 'favor with which it has been regarded during the twenty-five years since its first publication. I have aimed to render it more worthy of patronage by a thorough revision, the omission of a few receipts of least value; the addition of full directions for canning fruits, and more than one hundred and fifty new receipts, which have been tested by experienced housekeepers. I am indebted to several friends for kindly furnishing me some of the most valuable of these. While the lessons of economy taught by the late war have not been forgotten, I have endeavored to meet the demands of the present customs of society for a greater variety of dishes than used to be thought requisite for the ample supply of a gentleman's table.

In the additions which I have made, I have, as heretofore, given much more minute directions than would be appropriate in writing for experienced housekeepers. My earnest wish still is, as it was when I first wrote a cook-book, to give real aid to ladies who have never been accustomed to family cares.

I have to request that those who use this book would give special attention to the general Directions at the head of each chapter.

Mary H. Cornelius. Newton Centre, August, 1871.