354 HOME LIFE IN FLORIDA. 



it from the kitchen itself, but between whiles tobacco- 

 smoke reigned. 



The end of it all was, that we finally concluded to be re- 

 signed and do our own work, as being the easiest method, 

 having a woman to come in and do the washing and scrub 

 floors or do extra work; and we have held to that resolve 

 ever since ; it is certainly more peaceful. 



The washer-women, like the Florida cows and "cooks," 

 are " curous critters ; " they are usually moderately good 

 washers, if watched; but it is very rare to find a good 

 ironer among them ; the housekeeper must, as a rule, make- 

 up her mind to do her own ironing. 



The charge for ' ' a wash " is from fifty to seventy-five 

 cents, and the same amount (it varies as to localities) is 

 asked for a day's work. But a wash is " a wash," whether 

 finished by noon or by night; in the latter case more pay 

 may sometimes be expected ; but in the former no deduc- 

 tion is made — that is a difierent case altogether. 



Nor can they ever be depended upon to be punctual to 

 any set day ; like the majority of their race, and, unhap- 

 pily, many of our own, they have no idea of the sanctity 

 of a promise; they are quick to make one, and as quick 

 to break it. It is almost useless to expect one to come on 

 a Monday; they are usually "too sick" — cause, too much 

 shouting and singing at church on Sunday, their evening 

 meetings frequently being prolonged till nearly midnight. 



Once, on a special occasion, we engaged a young negro 

 girl to come and iron ; she was a total stranger, a new- 

 comer in the neighborhood, and we knew of her only by 

 hearsay. 



As she approached the house later than she should have 

 been, she heard the sound of a piano in the parlor, and, 

 instead of directing her footsteps to the kitchen, came in 

 through the front door and startled the performer by sud- 



