6 



than going down the full length of the stairs. Two or three shelves 

 on the side, that can be reached hy just opening the door, will hold 

 many things very conveniently. I wish housekeepers could be made 

 to tliink more of the comforts and pleasures of their families, and 

 less of trying to outdo someone else, and keep in the latest fashion. 

 When we visit a neighbor and she gives us about three times as 

 manv kinds of food as we need, what is there left to do when she 

 visits lis? Plain living and high thinking would put money in 

 many a farmer's pocket, and make possible some extra pleasures." 



Eliminate j^^^ cmd cake. — " Most families would no doubt be 

 more healthy and therefore more comfortable, with pie and cake 

 nearly eliminated from tlieir bill of fare, and more fruit and vegeta- 

 bles used instead. In studying to determine what willbe a most 

 healthful diet for the family, we can also learn to prepare those 

 thinojs which will save steps and economize time." 



More than a washhoard^ tuh^ churn and i^ans needed. — ^' In the 

 general farm houses there is little thought given of the steps the 

 housewife and mother take, as farmers too often think it is not 

 necessary for her to have improved kitchen furnishings. He fre- 

 quently thinks if she has a washboard, a tub, a churn, a few pans 

 and pails and a garden hoe, that is enough — while he has all the 

 late improvements to make his work easy and save his steps. I 

 tried to count my steps while getting breakfast this morning. I 

 traveled about two miles while preparing the meal, doing the dishes, 

 preparing chicken feed, pig feed and waiting on the children — for 

 1 have five small ones." 



Scientific hiowledge needed. — "What house-keeping needs is just 

 what farming has needed : the application of thorough scientific 

 knowledge and methods. To this end tliere must be thoroughly 

 trained women who are perfectly acquainted with the details of 

 house-keeping, and who are ingenious in the application of their 

 ktiowledge to these conditions." 



Appreciation conijjensates fo7' extra labor. — " My kitchen is off 

 from the main part of the house about seven feet, and there are two 

 steps for me to go up and down. Our dining-room is in the main 

 house. I often wondered just how many times I went back and 



486 



