PAGE
January 1
February 20
March 43
April 64
May 78
June 94
July 110
August 128
September 142
October 166
November 188
December 209
Index 233
_Author's Note_
BEFORE dipping into this book very far, reader (pray note that I cozen
you with neither "gentle" nor "dear"), allow me to suggest that you
familiarize yourself with the spirit of Emerson, who has allowed that
the truly consistent person changes his mind whenever occasion offers.
Then you will be in a frame of mind to acknowledge that I have but
exercised my privilege if you chance upon passages that seem to put me
in a self-contradictory position. I hold to one opinion till new or
increased light shows me I would do well to change, no longer.
Is it necessary, I wonder, to say that this compilation of
_persiflage_ and cookery is not intended to be the whole culinary
library of any housekeeper? In case it may be believed that I have any
such inflated idea of its value, let me say at once that any
housekeeper who secures this book, by buying or by borrowing, will
want just as many of the old-line "cook-books" at hand as if she had
never heard of it. Its mission is a supplementary one. It is for those
dark and dreary days when the housekeeper "wants something good," but
cannot say what. It suggests. Therein is all of beauty and use, for
"beauty is truth, truth beauty, that is all ye know and all ye need to
know."
Furthermore, it is for the housekeeper who knows by experience, or
intuition, how to lay a fire, and how to broil a steak. With
kindergarten methods it does not deal--it rather takes it for granted
that it will fall into the hands of those who have been graduated from
kindergarten cookery. Neither does it attempt to set forth the duties
of butlers or of housemaids. It goes on the principle rather that the
housekeeper who supports these factotums knows what their duties
should be. And is there any necessity for those who cannot attain to
such appointments burdening their minds with knowledge never to be
used? Think on all these things omitted when you are getting
inspiration from this slender source, and be thankful that I have
shown so much consideration for you.
"Read my little fable:
He that runs may read.
Most can raise the flowers now,
For all have got the seed."
_I Go A-Marketing_