LETTER VIII.

ECONOMY.

I HAVE a few words to say to mothers on a point of domestick economy. In a country like ours, where there are few large estates, and where almost every father of a family is subjected to some kind of labour, either for the maintenance of those who are dear, or the preservation of possessions on which they are to depend when he shall be taken from them, the duty of the "help-meet," to lighten as far as possible these burdens, by a consistent economy, is too obvious to need illustration. To adapt whatever may be entrusted to her care, to the best ends, and to make it subservient to the greatest amount of good, should be her daily study. There is, perhaps, no community of women, who more faithfully, or dexterously, than the wives and mothers of New England, carry this wisdom and forethought into all the details of that science by which the table is spread, and the apparel adapted, to the ever-changing seasons. The same judgment which so admirably regulates food and clothing, it would be desirable to apply to another and a higher

department. It is to mothers, with the care of young children, that these remarks on economy are peculiarly addressed. They have the charge of immortal beings, whose physical, mental and moral temperament, are for a long period, exclusively in their hands. Nothing save the finger of God has written on the tablet, when it is committed to them. It is important that they secure time to form deep and lasting impressions.

Let them, therefore, devote their first strength, and their utmost effort, to the highest duties. The heart soon developes itself, and asks culture. Through the feelings and affections it bursts forth, even while the infant is considered not to have advanced beyond animal nature. The preferences, the passions, reveal themselves, like the young tendrils of the vine, reaching out feebly and blindly. The mother must be assiduous, in teaching them where to twine. While the character of the babe is forming, let every action and indication of motive be a subject of observation. But how can she be adequate to this, if the whole attention to the personal comfort of several young children devolves upon herself? If she is to make and mend their articles of dress, bear them in her arms during their period of helplessness, and exhaust herself by toils throughout the day, and watchings by night, how can she have leisure to study their varying shades of disposition, and adapt to each

the fitting mode of discipline, as the skilful gardener suits the plant to the soil? Will she not be sometimes moved to apostrophize them, like the leader of the wandering, repining Israelites, "how can I alone bear your cumbrance, and your burden, and your strife ?"

The remedy is, for the mother to provide herself with competent assistance, in the sphere of manual labour, that she may be enabled to become the constant directress of her children, and have leisure to be happy in their companionship. This would seem to be a rational economy. The thrifty village-matron, when she returns from church, takes off her Sunday dress, and deposites it in its accustomed place, substituting one better fitted to her household duties. She is not blamed for preserving her most valuable garment for its appropriate uses. Let every mother pay herself the same respect, which the good farmer's lady pays her "bettermost gown:" not the homage of a miserly parsimony, but a just protection in freshness and order, for fitting and dignified offices.

"My husband cannot afford to hire a nurse for the little ones," said a young friend. "We have so many, that we must economize."

Her mother suggested that the expenditure should be saved in some other department of housekeeping, in the toilette, or in luxurious entertainment. But the counsel was not accepted

by the daughter, who, in her zeal for economy, failed to comprehend its elementary principles.

She commenced her task with vigour, and confidence in the correctness of her own decision. Sickness in the various forms that mark the progress of dentition, and neglect of slight diseases in their first symptoms, came upon her young family. Uninstructed by experience, she gave powerful medicines for trifling maladies, or summoned and teazed physicians, when Nature was simply perfecting her own operations. The children who had emerged from infancy, were indulging bad dispositions, and acquiring improper habits. She knew it. But what could she do? She was depressed by fatigue. The wardrobe of her numerous little ones continually required her attention. It would not do for them to be unfashionably clad, or appear worse than their neighbours. So, the soul being most out of sight, must suffer most. Blindness to evil, or hasty punishment, rendering it still more inveterate, were the only resources of her hurried and hurrying mode of existence. For her, there seemed no rest. If health returned to her young family, mental diseases were disclosed. She became spiritless, nervous and discouraged. She was harrassed by the application of force among the inferior machinery. When it was necessary that power should be brought to bear upon the minds committed to

her care, she was painfully conscious that her energies had spent themselves in other channels. Running up the shrouds like a ship-boy, the helm, where she should stand, was left unguided. The pilot, steering among rocks, does not weary himself with the ropes and rigging, which a common sailor as well manages, and better understands.

The temper and constitution of the young mother became equally impaired. Her husband complained of the bad conduct and rude manners of the children. "What could she do? She was sure there was nothing but toil and trouble, by night, and by day." This was true. There was an error in economy. The means were not adapted to their highest ends. She was an educated woman, and a christian. Her children should have reaped the advantage of her internal wealth, as soon as their unfolding minds cast forth the first beam of intelligence. But she led the life of a galley-slave, and their heritage was in proportion.

Is this an uncommon example? Have we not often witnessed it? Have we not ourselves exhibited some of its lineaments?

The proposed remedy, is to employ an efficient person in the nurse's department. I say efficient, for the young girls, to whom this responsibility is sometimes entrusted, are themselves an additional care. "I am not willing," said a judicious father,