Water, a corrective for bad, 217 Water, hints respecting, 172 Waterproof boots, 217 Waterproof cements, 161 Waterproof cloth, 217 Waterproofing cloth, Chinese method, 218 Whey, lemon, 231 Whey, vinegar, 231 Whey, mustard, 231 Whisky toddy, 231 Whitebait, fried, 273 White-ears, roasted, 282 Whiting, boiled, 268 Whiting, fried, 268 Wine whey, 231 Wine, mulled, 231 Winter beverages, 221 Wood, to colour black, 195 Woodcocks ragout, 296 Woodcock, roasted, 291 Wounds, ointment for, 134 Zinc ointment, 130 THE PRACTICAL HOUSEWIFE. THOUGHTS AND MAXIMS ON HOUSEKEEPING. CHAPTER I. Importance of the Subject—Deficiencies in Practical Training—The Happiness of Home mainly depends upon the Housewife. The superintendence of a house, and the management, forethought, economy, and good sterling sense requisite properly to achieve this, demand as much study and perseverance as the acquisition of music, painting, or any other accomplishment. The latter are taught most sedulously; young girls are educated to delight our eyes and ears, and to shine in society: would it not be well if they were also educated to sustain a woman’s home, and often homely, duties? In no country is domestic comfort so prized as in England. It is in our happy land that the word Home is best felt and enjoyed; from the wealthy merchant to the peasant, home is the centre around which all else revolves; yet, strange to say, in all ranks there are thousands of girls brought up utterly in ignorance of home duties. They are taught a trade, or are educated for governesses, until that branch of female employment is so crowded with competitors, that upper servants obtain a better salary and are treated with more respect; or they are crammed with brilliant accomplishments and skilled in ornamental work, but of domestic duties they know little or nothing. Why is this? Surely elegance and utility are not incompatible. It is not alone the wife or mother who should be skilled in household knowledge. Every girl who has emerged from childhood, and who is approaching towards womanhood, is liable to be called upon to assume the reins of domestic government; the mother may be ill, bed-ridden, or die: why should the father, who has perhaps one or two daughters of sixteen years old or thereabouts, be obliged to seek elsewhere for a housekeeper?