And how few there are who could, in case of need, make a cup of good gruel, or a glass of white-wine whey, or even a little broth or barley water. We do not say that they could not manage to produce something resembling these things, but the capricious appetite of the invalid rejects the tasteless messes. Some persons affirm that they have no capacity for this matter, no taste for that. To such we would reply, If the things alluded to are necessary parts of duty, cultivate a taste, persevere in endeavouring to improve a capacity for them. This world is a beautiful one, in spite of what grumblers say, and thousands would find it a much happier one if they studied their duties more, and sought their pleasure or indulged their fancies less. To all of us it is intended to be a place of trial and probation, and every human being in it exercises a greater or less influence upon the character, the happiness, and the destinies of many others, and is accountable for opportunities wasted, and blessings neglected or transformed; and women especially so. From the peeress to the peasant, a highly principled, sensible woman, is, or may be, a blessing to numbers; and not so much by great deeds or extraordinary exertions, but simply by a quiet, straightforward performance of those duties which God has given her to do. Thus far we have gone with our exordium; but in subsequent papers we shall proceed seriatim through the various duties and business appertaining to a house, endeavouring to map out a clear chart of what these are, to point to the sudden rocks, and show as simply and tersely as possible how these may be avoided, and the vessel floated always in tolerably peaceful waters. As it is the province of man to promote the necessaries and comforts of home, so it is the province of woman wisely to dispense them; and upon the due performance of her onerous duties rests the social joy and peace of the home, while nothing but muddle, misery, and ruin can follow neglect of them. For her guidance we have at much labour brought before her information upon subjects that fall within the true scope of housekeeping, and multifarious as those subjects are, it is our belief that in consulting the Index she will find a reference to most of those subjects upon which she may require information. CHAPTER II. The Beginning of House keeping—Importance of a proper Appreciation of Economy at the Commencement—Taking a House—Choice of Locality—Agreement with the Landlord—Relative Advantages and Disadvantages of Furnished Lodgings—Economy and Taste in the Selection of Furniture—Importance of a proper Selection of Kitchen Utensils. That sensible and oft-quoted old lady, Mrs. Glasse, in one of her recipes begins thus:—“First catch your hare.” Acting upon so good an example, we will first take a house and furnish it, previously to laying down axioms for its management.