Dr. Stark says, "The only test of the utility of knowledge is its promotion of the happiness of mankind." Viewed thus, the subject we are about to treat presents claims superior to most others, and is eminently worthy of study. The superintendence of a house, and the management, forethought, domestic economy, and good sterling sense requisite for the discharge of this duty, demand application and perseverance, and ought to receive as much, at least, as is bestowed on the acquisition of music, painting, or any of the ornamental accomplishments. Young ladies are educated to shine in society; would it not be well if they were also sedulously taught - by a system of training - to perform the homely duties which make home the abode of comfort?

It has been said that Americans in general have little attachment to home. Often, indeed, is the domestic comfort, so prized in England, absent from the abodes even of the wealthy, in our land. May not this undeniable fact, and the roving propensity of young people in this country, be attributable to the circumstance that girls, whose condition exempts them from servitude, are brought up wholly without reference to home duties? Even those who may depend on their own labor for a subsistence, are taught some trade, or superficially qualified as teachers, or instructed in various branches of needlework; while they know little or nothing of household matters; though such knowledge would enable them to command an independence. It is not alone the wife and mother who should be skilled in domestic affairs; every girl who has emerged from childhood, is liable to be called on to take charge of a house. If the mother is bedridden, or deceased, why should the father of daughters sixteen or eighteen years old be compelled to look elsewhere for a housekeeper, and intrust the management to the hands of a stranger?

The general cultivation of this valuable knowledge, too, would make the occupation of a "help," or servant, more acceptable to thousands who now prefer starvation in a garret, or the ruin of health in sedentary employments. The more attention is turned to this branch of learning, the more will its importance be recognized, and the higher place will it assume in the list of useful arts; and a degree of respect being accorded to those who excel, more will be found ready to engage in it as a profession. What an improvement would be made, by such a result, in our social and domestic life!

We would not be understood to say that we would have a woman merely an upper servant in the house it is her province to guide, or that we undervalue intellectual attainments and elegant occupations. But it will not detract from the charm of these, nor from the dignity of the well-bred lady - to be familiar with the routine of domestic duties, well acquainted with the minutiae of household economy, and competent to direct, or if need be, teach her servants; ay, even, to do things herself in cases of necessity. On the other hand, will it not enhance admiration and strengthen regard, to see that she possesses these acquirements, and is willing to exercise them to promote the comfort of others? Who can tell that she may not, at some period of life, be thrown into circumstances where the mere fine lady would be utterly helpless, or where intellectual refinement and distinguished position may prove less available than industry, ingenuity, and practical common sense 3

What is a kingdom, a merchant's counting-house, or a mechanic's workshop without a head? We do not mean a mere master, but a presiding intellect to plan, contrive, direct, and guide. Not less absolute or important is the rule of a sensible woman in her own home. She has full scope for the exercise of good taste, prudence, and refinement. She is invested with an amount of responsibility she perhaps never dreamed of, for her influence over the temper, habits, actions, and dispositions of those about her is very great, and great in proportion should be her self-government, for with self the command must begin, if it is to be worth having.

There is much talk, nowadays, about the "rights" and "mission" of woman. Without entering into the merits of the subject, we would only say, that if women, from the highest to the lowest, were systematically educated to wield properly the great power they indubitably possess a power which can be made to move the secret springs of action and the machinery of business - they would have little reason to complain of the want of influence; and were they so trained to enter actively and energetically into domestic employments and affairs, that none could deem it a pursuit unworthy of them, they would find ample scope for the exercise of their faculties, and the acquisition of means to live.

There is a medium, however, in all things. A woman who worries all within her reach by her ultra-housewifery, who damps one down with soap and water, poisons one with furniture polish, takes away one's appetite by the trouble there is about cooking the simplest thing, and fidgets one by over-done tidiness and cleanliness, is almost as much to be avoided as a downright slut, or the veriest simpleton who ever took counsel with her stupid servant as to how long a potato ought to be boiled; she exercises a pernicious influence on all, and is a misery to herself and others.

Neither would we have domestic economy and home duties vaunted, or made the constant theme of conversation; they are the private employments of a woman; she must study other things in order to entertain her, relatives and friends. Those who talk most of their duties are generally those who perform them most imperfectly. When a man returns to his home, or enters his sitting-room, fatigued and perhaps disappointed by the business of the day, he does not want to be annoyed by the detail of domestic accidents, the misdemeanors of servants, and the cheating of tradespeople; he has had hit worries during the day, too, and, with that pride, or reserve, or want of confidence which is peculiar to most men, he perhaps keeps them to himself. Let his example be followed in all cases where advice, or support, of assistance is not absolutely necessary, and pleasant, cheerful themes be chosen, or some amusement selected which shall render the evening and leisure hours those of relaxation and enjoyment, and .tend to give a charm and zest to home which no other place can possess. Men are free to come and go as they list, they have so much liberty of action, so many out-door resources if wearied with indoors, that it is good policy, if nothing else, to make home attractive as well as comfortable.

An education in household matters should be complete - comprising the knowledge requisite for use in all departments.

Many a girl can make good pastry, jellies, etc, for an evening party, and being much complimented for her labors by those who relish the produce, forthwith fancies herself a capital housewife, while, in all probability, she scarcely knows how vegetables are cooked, is profoundly ignorant of the prices of the commonest articles of daily consumption, and could not tell of what material a housecloth ought to be made. And how few there are who could, in case of need, make a cup of good gruel, or a glass of white-wine whey, or even a little broth or barley-water! We do not say that they could not manage to produce something resembling these things, but the capricious appetite of the invalid would reject the tasteless messes. Many have suffered martyrdom from this one neglected branch of female education.

Perhaps few branches of female education are more useful than great readiness in figures. Accounts should be regularly kept, and not the smallest article omitted to be entered. If balanced every week or month, the income and outgoings will be ascertained with facility, and their proportions to each other duly observed. Some people fix on stated sums to be appropriated to each different article, as house, clothes, pocket, education of children, etc "Whatever may be the amount of household expenditure, a certain mode should be adopted and strictly adhered to. Besides the regular account-book. in which the receipt of money and every payment should be regularly entered, a common-place book should be always at hand for the entry of observations regarding agreements with servants, tradesmen, and various other subjects, so as to enable the lady at once to ascertain the exact state of the affairs under her immediate management.

A minute account of the annual income and the times of payment should be taken in writing; likewise an estimate of the supposed amount of each article of expense; and those who are early accustomed to calculations on domestic articles will acquire so accurate a knowledge of what their establishment requires, as will enable them to keep the happy medium between prodigality and parsimony.

Some aver that they have no capacity for this matter, no taste for that. But if the things referred to are duties, cultivate a taste - persevere in endeavoring to improve a capacity for them. This world is a beautiful one, spite of what grumblers say, and thousands would find it a much happier one if they studied more what they ought to do, and sought their pleasure or indulged their fancies less. Every human being exercises some influence on the character, happiness and destinies of others, and is accountable for opportunities wasted, and blessings neglected or transformed. This is especially true of women. Every sensible, high-minded, right-hearted woman, be she peeress or peasant - is, or may be, a blessing to many; if not by great deeds or achievements the world calls heroic, by a simple, quiet, straightforward performance of the duties which lie before her, and are therefore given her to do.

As it is the business of man to provide the means of living comfortably, so it is the province of woman to dispose judiciously of those means, and maintain order and harmony in all things. On her due performance of her part rest the comfort and social peace of home; while misery and ruin follow her neglect. Some women, it is true, are placed in an unnatural position by having the burden of supporting the family thrown upon them. They have double duties, and a harder part to sustain; but their toils may be materially lightened by care and method in what they have to do.

So much by way of exordium. We shall now proceed through the various matters appertaining to a house, endeavoring to present a clear chart of the necessary business, pointing out hidden rocks, and showing how these may be avoided, and the vessel sent to float in calm waters. With much labor we have collected information on all subjects that fall within the proper scope of housekeeping; and multifarious as these are, it is our belief that she who consults our index will be sure to find whatever she can wish to know.