Chapter I: Preface (1)

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As no relations in society are so numerous and universal as those of Masters and Servants—as those of Household Duties and the performers of them—so it is proportionally important that they should be well defined and understood. It is a species of knowledge as important to the head of a family as necessary to the servant; and, if thoroughly studied, would relieve life of half its anxieties and vexations.

Yet, till the present book, no special attempt to define these relations, and illustrate these duties has ever been made. We have had Sermons on the moral obligations of masters and servants, and many books of religious advice, addressed to the latter, all good in their way; but we have had no work, which, like the present, addresses itself to the actual personal practice of their duties; which defines them as they actually belong to the various classes; and instructs servants in the way and mode of performing them with skill, advantage, and success.

The want of such a manual of duty and practice having often been noticed in servants’ halls, in families in which the authors of this book have resided, it occurred to them, many years since, to make notes, with a view to a work like the present. They hoped long ago to have been able to submit them to the public; but the constant avocations of servitude rendering it impossible to digest their materials, the task has been deferred till they have been enabled to retire on a moderate competency; the publication may therefore be regarded as the legacy of their old age to servants of the present and future generations, and as the last duty which in this world they are likely to perform.

The author, educated in a foundation school, entered service as a footboy, in 1770, and during fifty years he served successively as groom, footman, valet, butler, and house-steward. His Wife began the world as maid of all work, then served as house-maid, laundry-maid, under-cook, housekeeper and lady’s maid, and, finally, for above twenty years, as housekeeper in a very large establishment. Their experience is, therefore, such as has fallen to the lot of few, and they have freely and fully displayed it in the following pages.

They profess no skill in authorship, their sole object having been to set down every thing likely to be useful, in language that may be understood by all.

At the same time, important and necessary as the book will be to all SERVANTS who desire to perform their duty with ability, and to rise in their career to higher and more profitable situations, yet it will prove equally useful in the parlour, by assisting MASTERS and MISTRESSES of families in arranging their establishments, advising them of their own duties, and enabling them to estimate the merits of valuable servants. It may, indeed, be a question, whether the volume will not be as desirable to those who are served as to those who serve.

Conviction of its probable use to all classes, led A LADY OF HIGH RANK, in whose family Mrs. Adams resided, to honour her with advice and assistance in some articles, particularly in that of Governess, and it is to be regretted that a delicate reserve prevents the acknowledgement being made by name.

At the time the work was prepared there existed no general collection of Receipts like that published two years since by Mr. MACKENZIE, consequently, a variety of practical receipts, which the Authors had taken much pains to assemble, were rendered less necessary. Nevertheless, as many of these receipts were identified with the duties of the several servants, they have retained the most important of them, and it is believed that they will be considered as adding much to the value of the work.

Being desirous of rendering the volume as perfect as possible, they will thankfully receive, and incorporate in new editions, any suggestions with which intelligent servants may favour them, if addressed to them at their publishers.

EDGEWARE ROAD,
_June, 1825_.

DEDICATION;

_Respectfully addressed to the Heads of Families_

OF THE

UNITED KINGDOM.

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We feel persuaded that the following work, professedly written for the use and instruction of Domestic Servants, may, with great propriety, be dedicated to the Illustrious Heads of Families in the United Kingdom;—to you, who are the immediate _Patrons_ of that numerous Class of the Community. We are aware too, that, by endeavouring to instruct and improve those around you in the moral and practical Duties of their respective Stations, we best evince our attention to your particular Interests, and indirectly promote your Domestic Comforts:—and we feel further assured, that the same precepts that are calculated to teach servants the duties of their several occupations, will serve to remind their masters and mistresses of what they have to expect from them. Under these impressions we presume, with the greatest deference and respect, to claim your patronage and protection.

And, though Domestic Servants are the principal Agents by means of whom the greater part of all Household Concerns are transacted, yet, there are many important branches of family arrangement, the direction and controul of which, either directly or indirectly, fall within the sphere of the Heads of Families, some of which are exclusively their own Concerns, and others necessarily and unavoidably connected with the business of Servants, but respecting which no instruction can be given to _them_. On these points, therefore, we shall, in this place, take the liberty, respectfully, to offer a few observations previous to entering on a subject of so comprehensive and complicated a nature as that of _A General Directory for Servants_.

DR. JOHNSON held as a _maxim_, that “_Every man’s first care is necessarily Domestic_.” Independent, therefore, of public Engagements,—of Politics, the Arts, Sciences, and Literature;—of attention to Horses, Hounds, &c. it is considered that the first care, and the peculiar province of the Master of a Family, is his _Revenue_; and that attention to his Land-Stewards, Agents, and Tenants, and to his _Expenditure_, are the principal objects that most immediately solicit his regard; and when a gentleman has satisfied himself that his real or _net_ Income exceeds his Expenditure, then, and _not till then_, may he consider himself as an Independent Man—for, “it is not abundance that maketh rich, but Economy;” and Lord Chesterfield has truly remarked, that “great Fortunes frequently seduce their possessors to ruinous profusion.” The great _Bacon_ has also observed, “that he would live _even_ with the world should calculate his Expenses at _half_ his Income, and he who would grow Rich; at _one-third_.” A few Minutes in every Day, spent in keeping a regular Account of all Monies _received_ and _spent_, _Dr._ and _Cr._ will afford any gentleman the satisfaction of knowing the true state of his affairs,—will operate actively against excess of Expenditure,—will imperceptibly teach him the art of _practical Economy_, and will enable him to appropriate due portions of his Income to the support of his different Establishments.

With a view to this latter point, the following _Rule_, though given in round numbers, may be considered as affording Gentlemen a brief, but tolerably correct, idea of the most eligible and practical mode of appropriating a large Income.—

Viz. 33 per Cent. or One-third, for Household Expenses, including
Provisions and all other Articles of Household Consumption.

25 per Cent. or One-fourth, for Servants and Equipage including
Horses, Carriages, and Liveries.

25 per Cent. or One-fourth, for Clothes, Education of Children,
Medical Assistance, Pocket, Private, and Extra Expenses; including
Entertainments, &c.

12½ per Cent. or One-eighth, for Rent, Taxes, and Repairs of
House and Furniture.

4½ per Cent. as a Reserve for Contingencies.

Hence may be deduced the following general Table of Expenses according to Income, viz.—

+--------+----------+----------+----------+-----------+--------+
|Net Ann.|Househ^d. |Servants &|Clothes & | Rent and | |
|Income. |Expenses. |Equipage. | Extras. | Repairs. |Reserve.|
+--------+----------+----------+----------+-----------+--------+
| |33 pr. Ct.|25 pr. Ct.|25 pr. Ct.|12½ pr. Ct.| 4½ per |
| |or 1-3rd. |or 1-4th. |or 1-4th. |or 1-8th. | Cent. |
+--------+----------+----------+----------+-----------+--------+
| £. | £. | £. | £. | £. | £. |
| 1000 | 333 | 250 | 250 | 125 | 42 |
| 2000 | 666 | 500 | 500 | 250 | 84 |
| 3000 | 1000 | 750 | 750 | 375 | 126 |
| 4000 | 1333 | 1000 | 1000 | 500 | 168 |
| 5000 | 1666 | 1250 | 1250 | 625 | 210 |
| 6000 | 2000 | 1500 | 1500 | 750 | 252 |
| 7500 | 2500 | 1875 | 1875 | 937 | 315 |
| 10,000 | 3333 | 2500 | 2500 | 1250 | 420 |
+--------+----------+----------+----------+-----------+--------+

Thus may any Gentleman, with very little trouble, apportion his Income:—and as no two Gentlemen live _exactly_ alike, this Table will shew, by inspection only, what branch of Expense may best be curtailed, so as to afford an addition to any other branch, and still keep his whole Expenses short of his actual Revenue. It will also point out, to those who are economically disposed, in what departments _saving_ may best be effected, as an addition to the fund of reserve, for the augmentation of the fortunes of Children, or for unforeseen Contingencies.

Smaller Incomes must be appropriated in a different manner; and according to the number of Children in the family: thus the Expense of a family with Children will be from 1-4th to 1-3rd for each of the Principals, and about 1-10th or 1-12th for each Child.

As Hints to the _Formation_ of a Household, or the _Reformation_ of an Establishment, we insert the following list of the number and description of Servants that are usually employed, according to Income; viz.—

Income per Annum.

£100 or guineas. _A Widow_ or other _unmarried Lady_, may keep a
_Young Maid Servant_, at a low salary; say from
5 to 10 Guineas a year.

£150 to £180. _A Gentleman and Lady without Children_, may afford
to keep a better _Servant-Maid_, at about 10 or 12
Guineas.

About £200. _Ditto. A professed Servant-Maid of All-Work_, at
from 12 to 14 Guineas.

£300. _Ditto, with one, two, or three Children._ Two
Maid-Servants.

£400. _Ditto, Ditto._ Three female Servants, or two and
a Boy; viz.—A Cook, House-Maid, and Nursery-Maid, or
else, instead of the latter, a Boy,—with a Gardener
occasionally.

£500. _Ditto, Ditto._ Three females and a Boy; viz.—A Cook,
House-Maid, and Nursery-Maid, with a Boy as Groom, and
to assist in the House and Garden. A Gardener
occasionally.

£500 to £600. _A Gentleman and Lady with Children._ Three Females and
one Man; viz.—A Cook, House-Maid, and a Nursery-Maid,
or other Female-Servant; with a Livery-Servant, as Groom
and Footman. A Gardener occasionally.

£600 to £750. _Ditto, Ditto._ Three Females and two Men; viz.—A Cook,
House-Maid, and another Female servant; a Footman, and
a Groom, who may assist in the Garden, and a Gardener
occasionally.

£1000 to £1500. _Ditto, Ditto._ Four Females and three Men;
viz.—A Cook, two House-Maids, a Nursery-Maid,
or other Female Servant; a Coachman, Footman,
and a Man to assist in the Stable and Garden.

£1500 to £2000. _Ditto, Ditto._ Six Female and five Men-Servants;
viz.—A Cook, Housekeeper, two House-Maids,
Kitchen-Maid, and Nursery-Maid, or other Female
Servant; with a Coachman, Groom, Footman, Gardener,
and an assistant in the Garden and Stable.

£2000 to £3000. _Ditto, Ditto._ Eight Female and eight Men-Servants;
viz.—A Cook, Lady’s-Maid, two House-Maids, Nurse,
Nursery-Maid, Kitchen-Maid, and Laundry-Maid; with
a Butler, Valet, Coachman, two Grooms, a Footman, and
two Gardeners.

£3000 to £4000. _Ditto, Ditto._ Nine Female and eleven Male
Servants; viz.—A Housekeeper, Cook, Lady’s-Maid,
Nurse, two House-Maids, a Laundry-Maid, Kitchen-Maid,
and a Nursery-Maid; with a Butler, Coachman, two
Grooms, Valet, two Footmen two Gardeners, and a
Labourer.

£4000 to £5000. _Ditto, Ditto._ Eleven Female and thirteen Male
Servants; viz.—A Housekeeper, Cook, Lady’s-Maid,
Nurse, two House-Maids, Laundry-Maid, Still-Room
Maid, Nursery-Maid, Kitchen-Maid, and Scullion,
with Butler, Valet, House-Steward, Coachman, two
Grooms, one Assistant Ditto, two Footmen, three
Gardeners, and a Labourer.

We have been favoured with the following as the present Household Establishment of a respectable Country Gentleman, with a young family, whose Net Income is from 16,000l. to 18,000l. a Year, and whose expenses do not exceed 7000l.; viz.—

_Guineas._
House-Keeper 24
Female Teacher 30
Lady’s-Maid 20
Head Nurse 20
Second Ditto 10
Nursery-Maid 7
Upper House-Maid 15
Under House-Maid 14
Kitchen-Maid 14
Upper Laundry-Maid 14
Under Ditto 10
Dairy-Maid 8
Second Ditto 7
Still-Room Maid 9
Scullion 9
A French Man-Cook 80
Butler 50
Coachman 28
Footman 24
Under Ditto 20
Groom.—His Liveries and a Gratuity.
Lady’s Groom 12
Nursery-Room Boy, Clothes and a gratuity.
Head Game-Keeper 70 Guineas a year, and
13s. per Week for Board-Wages;—a
Cottage and Firing.
Under Ditto, one Guinea per Week.
Gardener 40 Guineas a year, and 13s. per
Week for Board-Wages;—a House and
Firing.
Assistant Ditto, 12s. per Week.

The Board Wages of Servants in general, when the family is absent, is 10s. per Week, for the females, and 12s. per Week for males.—Perhaps all the servants on a large establishment may be reckoned at an average of 10s. per head, per Week, expense, for Board. The Men are allowed a Pot of Ale per day, and the Women a Pint, besides table-beer.

Besides the ordinary Establishment of Servants, Noblemen and Gentlemen of superior fortune employ Land-Stewards, Bailiffs, Wood-Wards, Game-Keepers, Park-Keepers, Hunts-Men, Whippers-in, Racing-Grooms, Jockies, and others of inferior capacities: also Men-Cooks, Groom of the Chambers, Page, Lady’s-Coachman, Postillion and Footman, Seamstress, Second Lady’s-Maid, Chamber-Maids, Boy for the Steward’s Room, another for the Hall, and various other Servants.

Having premised thus much as to income, and its proportionate appropriation, we next proceed to offer a few hints on such parts of interior management, as in most families are considered as belonging to the lady, or mistress of the house.

The first is, naturally, the attention due to her husband and children—to make home, “_sweet home_,” the pleasing refuge of a husband, fatigued, perhaps, by his intercourse with a jarring world,—to be his enlightened companion, and the chosen friend of his bosom.

“Oh, speak the joy, ye, whom the tender tear
Surprizes often, when ye look around,
And nothing strikes your eyes but sights of bliss.”

The attention of an amiable woman, will next be directed to the care of her offspring,—to raise them up in the ways of virtue and usefulness,—

“——To rear the tender thought,
To teach the young idea how to shoot,—
To pour the fresh instruction o’er the mind,—
To breathe the enlivening spirit,—and to fix
The gen’rous purpose in the glowing breast;”

“these, these are woman’s duties, and delightful ones they are! Happy the man who can call her his wife; blessed are the children who call her mother!” For the foregoing sentiments we are indebted to an amiable and celebrated authoress of the present day, and to the no less celebrated and amiable _Thomson_; and we feel impelled to quote the concluding sentence of the above-mentioned lady, on this interesting subject.

“When we thus observe the mistress of a family exercising her activity and best abilities in appropriate cares and increasing excellence, are we not ready to say she is the agent for good, of that benevolent being who placed her on earth to fulfil such sacred obligations, and not to waste the talents committed to her charge.”

“Next to the care and attention due to your husband and children,” says another female writer, “your servants claim, as your nearest dependents; and to promote their good, both spiritual and temporal, is your indispensable duty.—Let them join your family devotions, and endeavour to make them spend their Sabbath properly.” She further adds, “It was the remark of an old domestic, that the worst mistresses a servant can live with are young married women—They are unreasonable,” said she, “in their commands; they expect too much; nor do they rightly know when to commend, or when to blame.”

In your manner to your servants, be firm, without being severe, and kind, without being familiar. Never converse familiarly with them, unless on business, or on some point connected with their improvement; but with this reserve, and distance of manner, be particularly careful to maintain kindness, gentleness, and respect for their feelings. Their patience is often unnecessarily exercised, and their tempers wantonly irritated. “I have been sometimes shocked,” says the same amiable writer, “with the want of politeness, by which masters and mistresses provoke impertinence from their servants.”—A lady, who filled every station of life with honour, both to her head and heart, attending the death-bed of an old domestic, who had been thirty years in her service—“How do you find yourself, to-day, Mary?” said the mistress, taking hold of her withered hand. “Is that you, my _darling mistress_!” and a beam of joy overspread the old woman’s face; “O, yes,” she added, looking up, “it is you, my kind, my _mannerly_ mistress!” The poor old creature said no more; but she had, by that last simple sentence, expressed volumes of panegyric on her amiable mistress. Human nature is the same in all stations; and if you strive to convince your servants that you have a generous and compassionate regard for their comfort, they will, in return, evince their gratitude. If to protect and encourage virtue be the best preventive from vice, then will your deserving female servants be liberally encouraged.

Let your commands to your servants be consistent and reasonable; and then mildly, but firmly, insist on obedience to them.—“My servants never remember what I tell them to do,” is a complaint but too common, but that might, in some degree, be obviated. Let them see that you will not pass over any neglect of orders; and when they find that this decisive measure is accompanied with kindness and consideration, and that you are not to be disobeyed with impunity, they will soon learn to remember what you command them to do. A little effort very easily overcomes a bad memory.

It is very disheartening to a poor servant to be continually found fault with. Praise and reward them when you can;—human nature will not bear constant chiding.

Never keep servants, however excellent they may be in their stations, whom you know to be guilty of immorality.

When servants are ill, their mistress will, doubtless, recollect that she is their _patroness_ as well as their employer, and will not only remit their labour, but render them all the assistance of proper medicine, food, and comfort, in their power.—_Tender assiduity is half a cure_; it is a balsam to the mind, which has a powerful effect on the body—soothes the severest pains, and strengthens beyond the richest cordial. The poor _dependent_ creatures may have no where to go to—no one else to turn to; and their pale and impaired looks will always have a claim on your sympathy.

As we shall have occasion to make further remarks on the management of servants, when treating of the business of the _Housekeeper_, we beg leave, in order to avoid repetition, to refer to that subject, under the head—HOUSEKEEPER.

“Economy,” says Mr. Cobbett, “is management.”—The fact is, that _management and regularity, is Economy verified by practice_; and all persons ought to regulate their conduct by circumstances. A moderate income, appropriated to the expenses of housekeeping with prudence and economy, without _parsimony_, but banishing _superfluities_ and _preventing waste_, may be made sufficient to furnish every comfort in life; and, strange as it may appear to those in affluence, an income of from 150l. to 200l. a year, will be enough to maintain a man and wife, with two or three children, and a servant girl; _nor “beyond that amount, need they spend one shilling per week_, whatsoever may be their income.”

It is an excellent plan to have a set of rules for regulating the ordinary expenses of a family, (such as are given in the Appendix to the PRACTICAL ECONOMY,) in order to check any innovation or excess, which otherwise might, unawares, have occurred to derange the proposed distribution of the annual income.

The mistress of a family will always recollect that, _in all cases_, the welfare and good character of her household depends on her own active superintendance.

Though habits of domestic management are now generally precluded in the education of young ladies of the superior class, yet, happily, attention to family concerns is not unfrequently found in those of less exalted rank, whose minds, amidst the blandishments of modern accomplishments, have been taught to relish, as in days of yore, the more rational, solid, and lasting pleasures, of a social and comfortable home. And were young ladies early instructed in the delights of domestic occupation, before they enter the delusive scenes, presented by modern modes of dissipation, we should probably find the number of votaries to private happiness greatly increased, and a life of domestic employment would become the source of numberless gratifications. In short, were they on all occasions, when at home, under the immediate eye of their mother, to be taught the science of practical economy—the business of examining and keeping accounts,—and a few other of the leading points in the management of a family, they would imperceptibly become competent, and the happiest results, as to their future conduct in life, might be most pleasingly anticipated. Many families have owed much of their advancement in life to the propriety of female management.

One of the principal objects of the mistress of the house is, the economy or management of the _table_, the general display of which will evince her judgment and taste; and this will be shown, not so much by the profusion with which the table is covered, as by its _neat and pleasing appearance_, according to the present fashion, so far as regards elegance, combined with frugality,—the circumstances of fortune and condition being also considered.—People in business should not imitate the pomp and splendour of high rank, nor should those of the higher circles descend to such frugal arrangements as in them would appear to be parsimonious.

The prudent manager will consider the _number_ of her guests, and consult their appetites, rather than feast their _eyes_; thus will she be enabled to entertain them _much oftener_, and _much better_, at the same expense.

It is well understood that the mistress of a family should have, at least, a competent knowledge in the art of carving, not only as it enables her to do _the honours of the table_ with propriety, but with a view to frugality also; and if the young ladies of a family were to practise, under the direction of their mother, when there is no company, they would, in time, become quite _au fait_ to this graceful and elegant accomplishment; as much practice is required to make a good carver, even when the theory has been previously acquired. (_See Instructions for Carving_, under the head HOUSEKEEPER.)

An esteemed writer of the present day, has introduced to public view, a pleasing picture of a small and well-regulated family, of which the following is a slight sketch:—

“The mistress of the family is a good manager, without any ostentatious display of it.—Elegantly nice, without being a slave to dress or furniture—Easy and affable with her servants, but firm in her commands,—every one appearing to be contented and happy.—The household business going on regularly, like a good clock;—and every thing being kept in its proper place. No scolding in the kitchen or servants’-hall.—The table plentifully covered, but not with incitements to luxury; the food plain and in season, and sent up well dressed;—with a few well chosen luxuries introduced, when company is asked.”

Ladies, whose minds are framed for the practical enjoyment of domestic comforts, will admire and copy this beautiful picture!

ADVICE

TO SERVANTS IN GENERAL.

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The supreme Lord of the universe has, in his wisdom, rendered the various conditions of mankind necessary to our individual happiness:—some are rich, others poor—some are masters, and others servants.—Subordination, indeed, attaches to your rank in life, but not _disgrace_. All men are servants in different degrees. The nobles and ministers of state are subservient to the king, and the king himself is the servant of the nation, and is wisely submissive to its laws. It manifests a divine superintendance, that civil society should thus be composed of _subordinate_ and superior classes. By this wise arrangement, all _may_ enjoy an equal share of real happiness, while each possesses a due opportunity to communicate and to receive the various benefits and kindnesses of human life. Every wise and good person will therefore enquire, what are the _special_ duties of his or her station; with a steady purpose, by the assistance of God, to discharge them faithfully; and those are the most worthy characters who best perform the various duties incumbent on them, _in that state of life unto which it has pleased God to call them_. Perhaps, there is not a more _useful_,—a more numerous,—nor a more indispensably necessary description of persons in society, than those who are denominated _Servants_; and so entirely dependent are mankind on each other, that it may truly be said of _these_, in relation of the _social system_, as Pope has said of the several parts of nature in relation to the _universe_; that

“—from this chain whatever link you strike,
Tenth or ten-thousandth, breaks the chain alike.”

Young persons, on their first entering into service, should endeavour to divest themselves of former habits, and devote themselves to the controul of those whom they engage to serve. They will probably find every thing different from what they have been accustomed to at home, or in common life; and as their mode of living will be greatly altered, if not wholly changed, so must be their minds and manners. They should endeavour to discard every low habit and way of thinking, if such they have; and as there will be set before them, by those of superior rank, and cultivated understandings, the best modes of conduct and the most approved behaviour, they will wisely take advantage of the opportunity which Providence fortunately presents to them, to cultivate their _minds_ and improve their _principles_: perhaps, the best proof they can give of their wisdom, in this respect, is to resolve to conform with alacrity to the duties required of them, so far as is consistent with justice and moral government; to be respectful and faithful to their superiors, obliging and good-natured to their equals, and charitable to all; as the most grateful return they can make for the emolument, superior comforts, and gratification they will enjoy. They will eagerly embrace every opportunity of learning every thing that may be useful to themselves, and of doing any thing that may be useful to others. Young persons are too apt to fancy themselves wise, but that, generally speaking, is impossible, for wisdom is the result of experience and reflection; and youth must of course be almost as much strangers to one as to the other.[1] But the instruction we are about to give, is not intended merely for the _young_ and uninitiated;—but will be found, we trust, of great advantage to those of _riper years_, and of some experience; as we are never too old to learn, and can only approach towards perfection by regular gradations, and, as it were, step by step:—to those of greater experience our labours may serve as a _Remembrancer_.

The grand foundation of your good character must be _Industry_, _fidelity_ to your employers, and an inviolable attachment to _truth_, both in words and deeds. To utter a _falsehood_ to the prejudice of others, argues malice and baseness—to _lie_ in excuse of one’s self, guilt and cowardice;—in both cases it evinces a design to deceive, with a view to benefit one’s self by the deceit;—besides, a liar is always in fear of being detected, and if once found out, he sinks into contempt, and is deservedly divested of all credit—all confidence—and all society.

But truth in speech must be accompanied by integrity and fidelity in all your dealings; for it is impossible for a dishonest person to be a good servant; therefore, let no temptation prevail on you to part with these inestimable jewels; nor suffer yourself even to wish to convert the property of another to your own use; more especially when it is _confided_ to your charge; for breach of trust is a heinous aggravation of dishonesty.[2] And, always remember, that “_Honesty is the best policy_.” Moreover, it is not only incumbent on you to be honest yourself, but you must scorn to connive at the dishonesty of others. _He that winks at an injury he might prevent shares in it_; and it is as scandalous to fear blame or reproach for doing your duty, as it is to deserve reproof for the neglect of it; therefore, should there be a confederacy among your fellow servants to abuse the confidence or credulity of your employer, divulge it the very instant you perceive it, for fear your very silence might give rise to a suspicion of your participation in their guilt.

On the contrary, avoid _Tale-bearing_, for that is a vice of a pernicious nature, and generally turns out to the disadvantage of those who practise it. Those who cannot help telling _all_ that they hear, will be supposed to tell _more_ than they _know_, and will, consequently, be discredited.

Carefully avoid all reproachful, indecent, or even familiar terms in speaking of your master, mistress, or superiors; and, on the other hand, endeavour, at all times, to vindicate them from the open aspersions or latent insinuations of others. There is nothing more detestable than defamation.—Avoid it.

“The man who filches from me my good name,
Robs me of that which not enriches him,
But makes me poor indeed!” SHAKSPEARE.

To know—to be thoroughly master of your business in the department you undertake, is indispensably necessary; and not only to know the several branches of your duty, both by theory and practice, but to be determined, from principle, to do it. In order to this, let your whole conduct be actuated by _diligence_, and governed by _temperance_. Banish _sloth_ and the love of ease; and, as poor Richard says, “_up, and be doing_.”—Be ever active.—Let your whole mind be in your business.—Think of what you have to do—of what must be done, and _do it_,—even before it is wanted,—and do not wait till you are ordered to do it. Never think any part of your business _too trifling_ to be _well done_. Consider your business as a pleasurable amusement and you will make it so—and,—“do not leave till to-morrow, that which may be done to-day.”

_Idleness_ is a great source of evil, and whilst we give way to its enjoyment, we sacrifice both the duties and the best purposes of our existence.

“Delays are dangerous;—take a friend’s advice,
Begin,—be bold, and venture to be wise:—
He who defers his work from day to day,
Does on a river’s bank expecting stay,
Till the whole stream that stopt him shall be gone,
Which, as it runs, for ever will run on.”

But, it is not enough merely to avoid sloth, for you must be guarded against the allurements of pleasure—_Pleasure_, when it becomes a business, but too frequently makes business a torment; and as it is impossible to attend to your duty and follow your pleasures, the inevitable consequence must be loss of place, disgrace, and poverty.—Not that you are to debar yourself from innocent amusement, _at proper times_, and with moderation; it is not, nor can it be expected of you, who are to get your bread by the sweat of your brow, that you are not to reap the harvest of your labours; neither the laws of God nor man exact this of you; but unlawful and intemperate pleasures are interdicted, as alike detrimental to your employers,—your morals,—your character,—your health,—and your purse.

_Intemperance_, or excess, is a pleasurable evil,—it smiles and seduces—enchants and destroys. It assumes a variety of shapes, all tending to flatter the appetite and inflame desires;—it presents to each the allurement to which he is most prone, and to all a pleasing poison that impairs the body, enervates the mind, and imperceptibly destroys all the energies necessary to our happiness and advancement in life.

Above all things, then—Be temperate.—Avoid excess in eating and drinking—“One expensive mouth, will wear out several pairs of hands,”—and, “one shilling will appease the wants of nature as effectually as a pound.” Nor is it because you may for a time be able to indulge those vicious habits at the expense of others, that they are the less exceptionable.

The loss of health and the loss of character are the certain consequences; and the debauch of the evening is followed by pains and sickness in the morning, when that which was before poison, is administered as the cure! Practice becomes habitual, and thus a whole life is frequently wasted in debauchery; poverty itself only cutting off the means, not the inclination; and the unhappy object himself, destitute of health, character, and friends, is left to pine and sink in misery and contempt.

Intemperance in _dress_ is another evil that ought to be carefully guarded against. In most men this argues both weakness and effeminacy; but in _men-servants_ an affectation of this kind is unpardonable—and in _females_ it opens a door to temptation and extravagance, which but too frequently ends in ruin.

The virtue of _Silence_ is highly commendable, and will contribute greatly to your ease and prosperity. Those who talk much cannot always talk well; and many much oftener incur censure than praise. The best proof of wisdom is to talk little, but to hear much—Remember, “_A silent tongue argues a wise head_.” Never talk of yourself,—but when others speak of themselves, listen to them;—such attention will please them, and probably profit yourself, as it is a chance but something escapes them that may afford a clue to their whole character. If it be thus dangerous to speak much of one’s self, it is much more so to take _freedoms_ with others. A jest may tickle, but if it hurt any one, resentment may follow, that in some way or other may be injurious.—Always remember to _hold the secrets of the family sacred_, as none, not even the least of _these_, may be divulged with impunity.

Quarrels are much more easily avoided than made up; let it not, therefore, be in the power of trifles to ruffle your temper. A weathercock is the sport of every wind; and a choleric man is sometimes exposed to the scorn, at others to the resentment, and always to the abhorrence of all around him. For these reasons rather wink at all small injuries than study to avenge them—“He that to destroy a single bee that has offended him, should throw down the hive, instead of one enemy will have made a thousand.”

It is abundantly better to study the good will of all, than to excite the resentment of any. Make a trial, therefore, of your _affability_, and you will find your own happiness and the goodwill of all around you, to be the certain result.

We would further recommend to you to practise _frugality_; it is a virtue which is intimately connected with, and leads to our best prospects in life; and if it be expedient to any, it is more especially so to such as you, who have, like the silk-worm, to spin your riches out of your own bosoms. It gives you credit with others, confidence in yourself, and enables you to look forward with satisfaction.—In short, it renders even the independent man _doubly independent_. Nothing is more true, than the old proverb, that, “_a penny saved is a penny got_;”—nor is that saying less true, that “_if you have sense to save your pence, your pounds will take care of themselves_.” If out of every shilling you get you save something, you will soon find yourself in the direct road to wealth.—Remember, that the most magnificent edifice is raised from a single stone, and every accession thereto, however small, helps to raise the superstructure.

Whilst on the important subject of frugality, we cannot do better than to recommend to your notice THE SAVINGS BANK.

These most useful and excellent establishments are to be found in every district, and offer, to provident and well-disposed servants, a means of depositing small sums, in perfect safety, for the purpose of accumulating with interest, to be resorted to in case of illness,—any unforeseen occurrence,—or for the purpose of establishing themselves in some way of business that may make them comfortable to the end of their days. Indeed, the advantages of savings-banks are become so well known, that almost every one can appreciate the result of _small savings_ and prudent foresight. It is an axiom universally admitted, that he who rests his expectations more on his own care and diligence, than on the aid of others, will escape many wants and disappointments, and enjoy many gratifications, which those who are not possessed of this happy spirit of prudence and independence, can never hope to attain; and we may add, that the sufferings of those in poverty and distress have been but too frequently increased, by the recollection that they might have been averted or decreased by proper attention.

The encouragement which these depositories hold out to young persons for the safe deposit of _trifling_ sums, (even so low as a shilling,) is not unfrequently attended with the salutary effect of inducing a perseverance in saving, and of stimulating to habits of industry and frugality that lead to the happiest results. Those who adopt this plan, soon begin to feel their independence; and this feeling once acquired, the most pleasing consequences inevitably follow; for he who labours for his daily bread, and has _learnt to live within his income_, has learnt the _art of independence_; and he that is _above want_, though _but a little_, looks upon every fellow subject for his equal: indeed, so advantageous is an early habit in the art of _saving_, that no patrimony can be equal to it, and it will generally be found, that he who is sagacious enough to save a fortune, will enjoy it infinitely better than he who inherits it by patrimony, or has one given to him.

Every savings-bank has its appointed days and hours for transacting business, at which times, a committee of trustees and managers attend to pay and receive monies. Among other advantages which these banks give, they admit of the deposits and interest being taken out at a very short notice, at any time, by the depositers themselves, or by his or her executors, administrators, or other lawful claimants. Printed particulars of the specific terms and regulations, may be had _gratis_, at the respective offices.

The following is a sketch of the way in which _money is made by saving_, according to the terms of many savings-banks, established in and near the metropolis; and there are some (the Southwark, Limehouse, and others,) that give interest at the rate of a halfpenny per calendar month for every twelve shillings deposited, which is upwards of four per cent. per annum.

+--+------------------------------------+---------+--------+---------+
|Y | | | | |
|e | | | | |
|a | | SAVINGS |INTEREST| TOTAL |
|r | | | | |
|s | | | | |
| | +---------+--------+---------+
| 1| Suppose, that in the course of this| £ |s.|d.|£ |s.|d.| £ |s.|d.|
| |year, you deposit in the Savings | | | | | | | | | |
| |Bank, the sum of | 4| 0| 0| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| |In the last day of next year, the | | | | | | | | | |
| |Savings Bank will add as interest | | | | | | | | | |
| |on that deposit, at least, | | | | | | | | | |
| |the sum of | | | | 0| 3| 0| | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| |And suppose that in the same year, | | | | | | | | | |
| |you deposit the further sum of | 4| 0| 0| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2|Your Stock at the end of the 2nd | | | | | | | | | |
| |year, will be, at least |.. |..|..|..|..|..| 8| 3| 0|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| 3|On the course of the third year, | | | | | | | | | |
| |add | 4| 0| 0| 0| 6| 6| 12| 9| 6|
| 4| 4th year | 4| 0| 0| 0|10| 0| 16|19| 6|
| 5| 5th year | 4| 0| 0| 0|13| 6| 21|13| 0|
| 6| 6th year | 4| 0| 0| 1|17| 6| 26|10| 6|
| 7| 7th year | 4| 0| 0| 0| 1| 0| 31|11| 6|
| 8| 8th year | 4| 0| 0| 1| 5| 0| 36|16| 6|
| 9| 9th year | 4| 0| 0| 1| 9| 6| 42| 6| 0|
|10| 10th year | 4| 0| 0| 1|14| 0| 48| 0| 0|
|11| 11th year | 4| 0| 0| 1|18| 6| 53|18| 6|
|12| 12th year | 4| 0| 0| 2| 3| 0| 60| 1| 6|
|13| 13th year | 4| 0| 0| 2| 8| 0| 66| 9| 6|
|14| 14th year | 4| 0| 0| 2|13| 0| 73| 2| 6|
|15| 15th year | 4| 0| 0| 2|18| 6| 80| 1| 0|
|16| 16th year | 4| 0| 0| 3| 4| 0| 87| 5| 0|
|17| 17th year | 4| 0| 0| 3|10| 0| 94|15| 0|
|18| 18th year | 4| 0| 0| 3|16| 0|102|11| 0|
|19| 19th year | 4| 0| 0| 4| 2| 0|110|13| 0|
|20| 20th year | 4| 0| 0| 4| 8| 6|119| 1| 6|
| | |---|--|--|--|--|--| | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Principal deposited £ | 80| 0| 0|39| 1| 6| | | |
| | Interest added £ | 39| 1| 6| | | | | | |
| | |---|--|--| | | | | | |
| |Total made by saving in 20 years £ |119| 1| 6| | | | | | |
+--+------------------------------------+---+--+--+--+--+--+---+--+--+

Again, let us admonish you, as at first, to _be Industrious_. “Teach a man to be industrious and you will soon make him rich.” And, “money got by Industry, is heaven’s gift.” Frugality and temperance, are virtues to be practised chiefly on _your own account_, but _Industry_ is an indispensable duty that you owe to your employers and to society. “Without frugality few would be rich, and with it few would be poor.” The man who promises himself success without endeavours, or despairs at the sight of difficulties, is always disappointed; but, on the contrary, he that is determined, and is indefatigable, succeeds even beyond his expectation. Depend upon it, there is not a more certain sign of a cowardly spirit than to have the edge of one’s activity soon blunted by opposition: on the other hand, there is no disputing the fortitude of him who boldly contends with obstacles, and pursues his object till he has attained it. To men of such temper few things are impossible. It was an ingenious device that a man made use of, by way of sign:—A pair of compasses, with this motto, _By constancy and labour_; one foot being _fixed_ and the other in _motion_.—Make this _your motto_, and you will be very little in the power of chance or fortune.

What we have already said, may be considered as addressed chiefly to _men_ servants; we have therefore to add a few admonitory precepts, particularly appropriated to our _female_ readers.

One of the most advantageous qualifications in all servants, and particularly in females, is that of preserving a _good temper_, and endeavouring, to the utmost of their abilities, to give satisfaction. Possessed of a strong desire to please, you will seldom fail of doing so. Persons of a good disposition will be charmed with your readiness, and those of a bad one, will be disarmed of a great part of their harshness; and though you may, in some instances, be deficient in the due performance of your business, if it be apparent that your fault proceeds not from disobedience, indolence, or obstinacy, great allowance will be made, and you will rather be _instructed as to the future_ than _blamed_ for the past. If you are fearful of offending you will scarcely ever offend. In short, _humility_ is a commendable virtue, and, combined with good temper, is the most valuable of female qualifications, and will, infallibly, conduct its possessors with ease and tranquillity through life.

_Cleanliness_ is another qualification incumbent on every female servant, and particularly in _Cooks_, and those employed in the department of the kitchen. These should be very careful to keep themselves,—every place,—and all the utensils used in cooking, perfectly clean and neat.

We have already remarked, that those who are fond of telling all that they hear, are very naturally suspected of telling more than they hear. The best rule is, to do your own duty conscientiously, and leave others to take care of theirs: by this means you will preserve peace and acquire the love of all your fellow servants, without offending your employers; who, even though they may appear to give countenance to your tale, will not in their hearts approve of your conduct.

Take great care how you contract _new Acquaintances_, for to be easily drawn into a familiarity with strangers must be attended with ill consequences to yourselves, and those with whom you live. Never accept the invitations of other servants, nor go to feast at the expense of their masters and mistresses; as you must, in that case, be deemed an interloper, at least;—besides, it lays you under an obligation to return the treat, and induces you, after their example, to make free with the property of your own employers, under a consciousness of guilt, and a continual fear of detection.

Give nothing away without the knowledge and approbation of your employers, nor commit wilful waste, for that is a crime which seldom goes unpunished.

All duties are reciprocal. If you hope to obtain favour, endeavour to deserve it. A steady perseverance in the duties of your station is the only sure course infallibly to promote your progress to independence.

In addition to the foregoing, we should deem ourselves guilty of the sin of omission, were we not to insert the very excellent _moral hints to female servants_, written by the Rev. H. G. Watkins, in furtherance of the views of the LONDON SOCIETY, for the improvement and encouragement of female servants.

[_We have great pleasure in mentioning this society, the object of which is, to promote the moral and religious improvement of female servants._

The society bestows _annual rewards_, on those who are _duly nominated_, to encourage them to view their employers as their friends, to be correct and trust-worthy in their conduct, and to continue as long as possible in the same service.

To prevent, also, the hazard to good servants of resorting to _common_ Register Offices, a Registry is instituted, to which—cooks, house-maids, and nurses, wanting situations, who have lived two years in one service—servants of all work who have lived one year in their last place—and young women _above sixteen_, who have never been in service—may apply, without any expense whatever.

Plans of the institution, and rules of the registry, may be had gratis, at the society’s house, No. 110, Hatton Garden, where attendance is given on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays only, from ten o’clock to four.]

Though much of this address is applicable to servants of both _sexes_, yet, it is for the assistance of _domestic female servants_, that such plain advice is here offered, as, it is hoped, may be found useful in the direction of their conduct, and for the promotion of their comfort. As many servants cannot enjoy the daily counsel of their _parents_, we endeavor to supply their place, by entering into _more particulars_, in the way of caution and advice, than we otherwise should have thought it right to do.

When young persons _first enter upon service_, they should be thankful to God if they have obtained a situation where they may be _instructed_ in those domestic duties which are to be the business of their lives. They ought also to be very thankful, and very submissive, to those who will take the trouble to teach them. Such cannot shew their gratitude in a better way than by continuing, as long as possible, in their _first_ service. Endeavour, during this season, to remember, by thinking often upon, every direction you receive. This will prevent the trouble and vexation of often repeating to you the same thing—a circumstance which frequently makes even good mistresses fretful, and occasions many changes of places and servants.—Habituate yourself, as much as possible, to _every_ kind of domestic service; it will make you to be more generally useful, and less likely to be long unengaged. Here may be hinted, the great importance to your character, of lodging, when out of place, with only _respectable_ persons. Avoid sauntering in the street, especially in the evening, and ask your way, not from those who are passing, but at a shop.

Make it your daily study and concern in all things to _maintain an unblemished character_. You may then always hope to find a new situation, if you need one, through the medium of your last mistress, or your own _friends_; for _very_ good employers, or _very_ good servants, seldom need apply to _common_ Register Offices. It is a fact well ascertained, that many females, totally unconscious of their danger, have been hired from such offices, _as servants_, by keepers of infamous houses, for no other actual purpose than that of seduction, or prostitution! Many decent looking, but wicked _women_, are employed, even in the streets, to find out, and strongly recommend, young girls to places as servants. By this horrible deceit, many artless females are unawares drawn into disgrace, disease, and hasty death!

In your application at any time for a _new service_, express yourself with frankness and sincerity on every point of enquiry—Avoid the error of requiring too high wages—many good situations have been lost through it. Do not undertake a service to which you are not competent. It is no disgrace not to know every thing; but it is dishonest to say you can do things which are beyond your capacity.

It is really important to your good here and hereafter, to stipulate for attending _public worship_ once at least on every _Sabbath-day_. A _good_ mistress, who wishes to keep a good servant, will afford _other_ and better opportunities for seeing your friends. _Sunday pleasures_, in which there is generally a sad mixture of company, put a young woman in the highway of danger—and of ruin!

In _commencing_ a new service, determine to do your duty in it; and avoid every thing that you found was displeasing in your former place. Judge of your employers from your _own_ observation, and _their_ behaviour to _you_, and not from any idle reports you may hear to their prejudice. Should you find yourself in a reputable situation, but yet are _uncomfortable_, through the unkind or unfeeling tempers of your superiors, double your own diligence and _civility_, and avoid every thing, as much as possible, that might, however unwarrantably, excite their suspicion. By this you may improve their temper and conduct towards yourself; and the very vexation they _have_ occasioned, may dispose them to make their domestics more comfortable, and themselves more happy.

Endeavour to serve with such _good will_, readiness of mind, and attention to the _lawful_ interest and convenience of your employers, as to render your services almost _necessary_ to them; that they may know and feel that they are blessed, above many of their neighbours, in having gotten a _good servant_, one who serves, not with eye-service as a man-pleaser, but in simplicity of heart as a Christian. You will be sure to gain esteem by _cheerfully_ doing any lawful necessary service; though it were not agreed for when you were hired.

Whatever qualifications you may possess, if you are not _scrupulously_ HONEST, you will soon be detected—considered as worthless—and dismissed your service. No civility or diligence can be a recompence for dishonesty. The more you are entrusted, the more careful you should be to maintain the confidence reposed in you. Avoid all _lotteries_, gaming, and _secret_ modes of spending money. Take care that you are not deceived by the name of _privileges and perquisites_, beyond what _was agreed_ upon.

A WASTE of household necessaries, and the breaking of articles through _carelessness_, are a sort of robbery of your employer—raise bad passions—and mostly deprive a servant of many extra encouragements that she would otherwise receive. These things are therefore to be strictly guarded against. There should be painted over every kitchen fire-place, “WANT NOT—WASTE NOT.”

Every employer has a right to establish _rules_ for his household; therefore, do nothing in your master’s house, or with your mistress’s business, that you feel obliged to conceal, _to keep your situation_; for then, you may depend upon it, whatever it be, it is wrong in itself, and will bring you to harm.