CHAP. X.] EXPENCES OF HOUSE-KEEPING. 341 



rally speaking, Domestics of both sexes are far 

 from good. They are honest; but they are not 

 obedient. They are careless. Wanting fre 

 quently in the greater part of those qualities, 

 which make their services conducive to the 

 neatness of houses and comfort of families. 

 What a difference would it make in this coun 

 try, if it could be supplied with nice, clean, 

 dutiful English maid servants ! As to the mm, it 

 does not much signify ; but, for the want of the 

 maids, nothing but the absence of grinding taxa 

 tion can compensate. As to bringing them with 

 you, it is as wild a project as it would be to 

 try to carry the sunbeams to England. They 

 will begin to change before the ship gets on 

 soundings; and, before they have been here a 

 month, you must turn them out of doors, or 

 they will you. If, by any chance, youjind them 

 here, it may do ; but bring them out and keep 

 them you cannot. The best way is to put on 

 your philosophy; never to look at this evil 

 without, at the same time, looking at the many 

 good things that you find here. Make the best 

 selection you can. Give good wages, not too 

 much work, and resolve, at all .events, to treat 

 them with civility. 



340. However, what is this plague, compared 

 with that of the tax gatherer ? What is this 

 plague compared with the constant sight of 



