104 VERMONT DAIRYMEN'S REPORT. 



Ignorance can not be bliss when we consider that in our 

 war with Spain more of our boys were killed by germs than by 

 bullets. 



The annual meetings of the Woman's Auxiliary to the 

 Vermont Dairymen's Association should be a means of gaining 

 knowledge and arousing more interest in home-making, and all 

 that pertains thereto. May we each set our standard of home- 

 making high and never weary until we have done all we can for 

 God and home and all mankind. 



DOMESTIC AFFAIRS. 



Mrs. Helen Higgins of St. Johnsbury read a paper upon 

 domestic affairs. 



In speaking of the average housekeeper's many and varied 

 duties she referred to the need of her knowing how to do 

 a greater number of things well than any other class of workers, 

 using judgment and energy. It requires a great deal of knowl- 

 edge to make, mend, wash, bake, clean, also to be preacher, 

 teacher, doctor, etc., using tact and patience to go on with her 

 numberless tasks. In referring to the care of the dairy utensils, 

 she said use a five cent vegetatable brush outside and in to 

 remove everything from seam or rim before pouring in boiling 

 hot water. Use a brush for cleaning vegetables. She spoke of 

 the need of a thorough knowledge of food suitable for this 

 climate, and how to secure a variety from the winter's supply of 

 meat. Make a pie similar to a chicken pie from beef and pork 

 seasoned well and plenty of gravy. Then make a "mock 

 oyster soup," cut part of a hard head of white cabbage into 

 pieces smaller than an oyster, boil in water enough to cover 

 till done, add milk or cream, thicken slightly and season to 

 taste, use with croutons, hot crackers, or toast for supper on a 

 cold night when the children come from school. 



Hot milk taken before or after a cold ride warms, stimu- 

 lates, nourishes and helps to resist cold. 



She said lack of skill was a waste of time, so learn to be 

 skillful in doing everything that comes to you. She urged the 

 mid day rest, a nap if possible, to freshen one for the remaining 

 duties, that we may feel glad all our days till we are eighty or 

 ninety. Ruskin says : "God gave us strength enough and 

 sense enough for everything He wants us to do." 



Give the children the best of your time and thought ; give 

 if possible an undisturbed hour daily to them. Make the most 

 of your opportunities and determine to achieve success wherever 

 you are. 



