There is, however, one special department of woman's work
demanding the earnest attention of all true female reformers,
though it is one which has hitherto been unaccountably neglected.
We mean the better economizing and preparation of human food, the
waste of which at present, for want of the most ordinary culinary
knowledge, is little short of scandalous. If that man is to be
regarded as a benefactor of his species who makes two stalks of
corn to grow where only one grew before, not less is she to be
regarded as a public benefactor who economizes and turns to the
best practical account the food-products of human skill and
labour. The improved use of even our existing supply would be
equivalent to an immediate extension of the cultivable acreage of
our country--not to speak of the increase in health, economy, and
domestic comfort. Were our female reformers only to turn their
energies in this direction with effect, they would earn the
gratitude of all households, and be esteemed as among the greatest
of practical philanthropists.
NOTES
(1) Civic virtues, unless they have their origin and consecration in
private and domestic virtues, are but the virtues of the theatre.
He who has not a loving heart for his child, cannot pretend to
have any true love for humanity.--Jules Simon's LE DEVOIR.
(2) 'Levana; or, The Doctrine of Education.'
(3) Speaking of the force of habit, St.
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