By domestic education, I do not mean the sending daughters
into the kitchen some half dozen times, to weary the patience of the
cook, and to boast of it the next day in the parlor. I mean two
or three years spent with a mother, assisting her in her duties,
instructing brothers and sisters, and taking care of their own
clothes. This is the way to make them happy, as well as good wives;
for, being early accustomed to the duties of life, they will sit
lightly as well as gracefully upon them.
But what time do modern girls have for the formation of quiet,
domestic habits? Until sixteen they go to school; sometimes these
years are judiciously spent, and sometimes they are half wasted;
too often they are spent in acquiring the _elements_ of a thousand
sciences, without being thoroughly acquainted with any; or in a
variety of accomplishments of very doubtful value to people of
moderate fortune. As soon as they leave school, (and sometimes
before,) they begin a round of balls and parties, and staying with
gay young friends. Dress and flattery take up all their thoughts. What
time have they to learn to be useful? What time have they to cultivate
the still and gentle affections, which must, in every situation
of life, have such an important effect on a woman's character and
happiness?
As far as parents can judge what will be a daughter's station,
education should be adapted to it; but it is well to remember that it
is always easy to know how to spend riches, and always safe to know
how to bear poverty.
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