226 ON FEMALE EDUCATION AND OCCUPATIONS, 



jects are the more to be relied on as they are the unbiassed dictates 

 of good sense. Her extensive knowledge and refined sense have 

 not, however, raised her above the necessary avocations of female 

 science; they have only taught her to fulfil that part of her charac- 

 ter with higher grace and dignity. She enters into the domestic 

 duties of her station with the most consummate skill and prudence. 

 Her economical department is calm and steady; she presides over 

 her family like the intelligence of some planetary orb, conducting it, 

 without violence or disturbed effort, in all its proper directions." 



To make " well-ordered home man's best delight,'* 

 mind is necessary ; a presiding intellect, without which 

 activity degenerates into a troublesome restlessness, a 

 teasing interference, and even cleanliness and neatness 

 into a tiresome scrupulosity. 



But every woman has not a domestic establishment 

 to occupy her, every woman has not a family to nurse 

 and train, every woman has not a husband able to 

 maintain her and that family. The greatest benefits 

 conferred upon society have been in general by the 

 agency of men unconnected with, undisturbed by 

 family cares. It is not necessary that every one 

 should marry ; in populous states, under expensive 

 governments, prudence keeps many in ceUbacy. This, 

 if it is an evil, is now likely to be increased ; various 

 channels are open to single men, into which to divert 

 their energies and render them honourable to them- 

 selves and useful to their fellow citizens. But what 

 has been the fate of unmarried women ? If not 

 wealthy, and large fortunes rarely devolve on women, 

 if not endowed with strength of mind and character 

 that falls to the lot of few, the situations into which 

 the majority of them sink, when unsupported and un- 

 protected by male relatives, (and even by these they 

 are often plundered and oppressed) is indeed pitiable ; 

 and even for their very misfortunes, instead of sympa- 

 thy, they meet with insult. And why is this ? Be- 

 cause they are allowed no reputable productive means, 

 in which they might employ their time and talents, 

 and by independence enforce respect. If created 

 merely to blossom, to fade, and to be trampled under 



