86 gates, when he sitteth among the elders of "the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth "it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. "Strength and honour are her clothing; and she "shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread "of idleness. Her children arise up, and call "her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth ❝ her."

"What a description is here! Can it be attended to without emotion or have modern manners so warped our minds, that the simplicity of ancient virtue, instead of appearing an object of veneration, should look romantic and ridiculous. Say, in-good earnest, were the women of those days the less estimable, or the less attractive, that they did not waste their lives in a round of dissipation and folly, but employed themselves in works of ingenuity and usefulness. The women of the first rank, as we are informed by the oldest and best Authors, took delight in the occupation of good

housewifery in all its extent.

After looking at

the sublime standard of female excellence given by the mother of Lemuel, I am aware that any thing I am able to offer on this subject will appear vapid; but since it must be so, let the mortifying sentiment be felt by all, as a just satire on the declension of the age we live in. In truth, when we speak of good housewifery now a days, we must submit to speak in a lower key. What do families suffer daily from the incapacity, or inattention of those mistresses that leave all to bousekeepers and other servants! How many estates might have been saved from ruin by a wiser conduct! I have no hesitation in saying, that no woman ought to think it beneath her to pay an attention to economy. In every station, an economist is a respectable character. To see that time which should be laid out in examining the accounts, regulating the operations, and watching over the interests of perhaps a numerous familyto see it lost, worse than lost, in visiting and amusements, is a circumstance truly lamentable. Country gentlemen of moderate fortunes, merchants, and tradesmen, who marry women uninstructed in cookery and the management of a family, are

objects of singular compassion; if indeed they were deceived into an opinion, that the women they have chosen for their partners for life were taught this necessary piece of knowledge. But very seldom, as matters are managed at present, have they such deception to plead for their choice. Is it possible that they can be ignorant in what manner young ladies are educated at our boarding-schools and do they not see in what manner they are too frequently attended to when their education is finished The great object is to bring the young lady "out," to show the accomplishments obtained at the boarding-school, or, in other words, to exhibit her as a show.. I most willingly acknowledge,. that some young ladies so unfortunately brought up, have, from their own good-sense, become excellent managers of their families; but is so great a chance, in an affair of such consequence, to be relied on Mothers have much to answer for ; and if they but knew the deep and silent reproaches often bestowed upon them, even by their most dutiful Daughters, they would pass a lamentable censure upon their own conduct

But to quit this unpleasant subject, let me now descend to my culinary system.

"In the present age, the order and figure of a table is pretty well understood as far as regards splendour and parade. But would it not be worth while to improve upon the art, by learning to connect frugality with elegance; to produce a gentecl, or however a good appearance, from things of less expense? However difficult, I am sure it is laudable, and deserves to be attempted. This may be depended upon, that most men are highly pleased to observe such economical talents in a young woman; and those talents in one that is married can scarce ever fail to animate the application, excite the generosity, and heighten the confidence of a husband. The contrary discourages and disgusts beyond expression; I mean in a discreet and prudent husband. A young woman who has turned her thoughts to those matters in her father's house, or in any other, where Providence may have disposed of her, and who has been accustomed to acquit herself well in any lesser department com mitted to her care, will afterwards, when her

The

province is enlarged, slide into the duties of it with readiness and pleasure. The particulars have already passed through her mind. different scenes as they rise, will not disconcert ber. Being acquainted with leading rules, and having had opportunities of applying them, or seeing them applied, her own good sense will dictate the rest, and render that easy and agreeable, which, to a fine lady, would appear strange, perplexing, and irksome."

A celebrated writer, well acquainted with the commercial part of the world, when consulted regarding the choice of a wife for the son of a wealthy merchant, made this reply:

"This bear always in mind, that if she is not

“frugal, if she is not what is called a good

manager, if she does not prize herself on her

"knowledge of family-affairs, and laying out her "money to the most advantage; let her be ever "so sweetly tempered, gracefully made, or elegantly accomplished, she is no wife for a "man in trade. All these, otherwise amiable "talents, will but open just so many roads to