that it is jnst as necessary to rest the body by using the mind a little 

 to read — if the floor doesn't get scrubbed so often — you will do 

 much good. I think I stopped to read your letter, with a table full 

 of dishes to wash, and a boy down with the measles." 



Stoj) and think how inany things are needed hefoi'e traveling to 

 and from the cellar. — " When one is clearing away and washinej 

 the dishes from one meal decide what is to be had for the next 

 meal, and if there is anything in the cellar or stoi'eroom that will 

 reqnire time for preparation, bring it back with you when you go 

 there with the remains of the last meal. Before beginning to get a 

 meal, stop and think how niany things one will need from the cellar, 

 and bring as many as possible at a time, and not climb these 12 or 

 15 stairs as many times as there are articles needed." 



" I save steps by putting refuse all together, and one trip empties 

 it, without going to the pail with each separate contribution. As I 

 go out to empty something, I bring back some wood, if in summer ; 

 if in winter, I take the coal pail, so do not return empty handed. I 

 keep a small crock containing brine in my cupboard that will hold 

 about as much salt meat as I use in a week ; that saves going down 

 cellar every time the meat is wanted. I pack up my dishes as com- 

 pact as may be to take from the table, but carry them on a tray 

 instead of putting them in the dish-pan to carry, for they would 

 have to be taken out upon reaching the kitchen, as I do not wash 

 all my dishes together. It is well to have one's meals planned for 

 the day, and then should a friend happen in to dine, it does not 

 make extra work, nor throw one into a fever of excitement in 

 wondering what will be had for dinner. Our friends do not 

 w^ant to make us extra w^ork, and I enjoy having someone drop 

 in about meal time and take just what I have prepared for the 



familv. 



?j 



Thinlc more of the comfort of the family than to outdo the neigh- 

 bors. — " I think that many of the unnecessary steps 1 take are 

 caused by forgetfulness. Another cause of extra steps is putting 

 up things that someone else has left out of place. I find a great 

 saving in having the stove near the sink and cupboards. A cup- 

 board half way down the cellar stairs to put provisions in is better 



485 



