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turned on Greek literature, had not courage to take part in it lest she should be thought deficient in modesty; though she would have felt little or no scruple had the topic been the literature of France or Italy. Another point worth considering is, whether the works of Roman and Greek authors, defiled as they too generally are by impurities unfit for the eye of a chaste maiden, are suitable to form the basis of instruction in female schools. It will be said that many English authors are quite as exceptionable, and some French authors more so. But in spite of this, most productions of recent date may be taken up without fear of raising a blush on the cheek of modesty; and from those of an earlier period a good selection may be made. We have indeed of late seen the mighty genius of Byron prostituted to the base purpose of pandering to the corrupt appetites of sensualists, but we have at the same time seen a manifestation of public feeling hostile to such degradation of intellect. To the credit of the American ladies be it recorded, that since the character of Don Juan has become known, it has been proscribed. Their good sense and native modesty have made them refuse to read it. Upon the whole then, I am brought to the conclusion, that a change in the system of female education may be properly

made in New England, and that in the southern and middle States some considerable additions are requisite. With a more enlarged education, and some increase of latitude in their acquaintance with the gentlemen in the same sphere as themselves, they will become more conspicuously beneficial to their country. That their present influence is inadequate to the production of all the improvement in society which they are capable of effecting, is evident from one simple circumstance. They are universally averse to the practice of chewing tobacco, and yet cannot persuade their friends of the other sex to discontinue it.

The female poor are reared with more modest feelings than the same class in Europe. This I give as the general case, deferring a consideration of the exceptions to it to a future chapter where it will be more in place. In no instance, either at a public or private house, was I shown to my bed-room by a female servant; and considering the character of chamber-maids in England, I think the Americans have done right in establishing a custom different to ours. The daughters of the petty traders are in much the same condition as those in England. They are more retired but less animated. They are not

so much employed as shopmaids as is desirable; hence they find it difficult to obtain suitable situations. The case is different in France, and so it ought to be in England and America. To put poor girls to learn millinery, is to put their virtue to a strong test. Fondness for dress is the natural result of employing girls in making dresses; their wages are insufficient to its indulgence, and they too often become the victims of the wealthy seducer: but millinery is almost the only occupation except servitude which their parents can get for them. This is a disadvantage. Why should not women act as clerks in countinghouses? They are competent to the required duties, and would be quite in a becoming station. Why should they not be taught surgery, at least that part of it relative to parturition? In short, there are a variety of employments from which custom excludes them, though on insufficient grounds, which they would be glad to follow if public opinion were not at variance with their own. The hardship is more felt in America than with us, from the paucity of manufactories requiring female help. I am now alluding to the town population. In country villages, more especially in the western parts, spinning and weaving are done at home.

CHAPTER VI.

DOMESTIC LIFE.

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Ir is remarked by Hume, in one of the notes in his History of England, that as luxury spreads, the hours of rising and of meals become later and that this takes place in all countries. In America, early hours are general with all ranks, a proof that luxury has not yet had so much. baneful influence as in Europe. The ball, beginning at midnight and ending at daylight, is unknown; when one is given, it is seldom continued to an unseasonable hour. Some of the fashionable follies are altogether alien, and it is to be hoped will so continue. The Americans are eminently a domestic people, and consequently a happy people; for notwithstanding all that may be urged in favour of midnight assemblies, where the young may display the charms of person and the elegance of dress, it is unquestionable, that purer happiness is to be found in the quiet domestic circle. The excitement of spirits produced by the former, is like the waves of the ocean, rising high for a moment, then sinking below the medium level; that of

the latter, is like the waters of a lake, seldom swelling beyond the natural limits, but always smooth, clear, and reflecting the light of heaven. He, whose home has not more attractions for him than extraneous pleasures, is in a distempered state, and needs a moral physician.

From the familiar intercourse I maintained with several families, I had the opportunity of entering their houses at any time, without being treated as a formal visiter; the most agreeable mode by far to me, and certainly the best to get an insight into the real character and habits of the people. The breakfast hour may be fixed at eight o'clock for cities, and something earlier for the country. Those who are fond of a substantial breakfast should visit the United States, though the Scotch and the French would probably prefer such a one as they find at home. Coffee is the usual beverage. For eatables, besides rolls and eggs, broiled fish, beef-steaks, ham, and sausages are placed on the table; and in Connecticut, cheesecake and pumpkin-pie, with cyder to drink. Buck-wheat cakes are in much estimation as a winter diet. I tried to be pleased with them, but all in vain, and fancied they did not suit my stomach. In Virginia, small cakes of wheat flour are almost universal,

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