Transcriber's Notes:
Text originally marked up as bold is surrounded by =, text in italics by
_. All footnotes can be found after the Appendix, before the Index.
Obvious printer's errors have been remedied, a list of all other changes
can be found at the end of the document. Note: There are many opening or
closing quotation marks missing in the text. As in most instances, it is
impossible to say where the quotation was meant to begin or end, those
errors have not been corrected. Only instances where quotation marks
were obviously missing or superfluous, were such added. Equally,
"Employee/s" is found in various different spellings throughout the
book; this inconsistency has been retained.
THE
EMPLOYMENTS OF WOMEN:
A Cyclopædia of Woman's Work.
BY
VIRGINIA PENNY.
BOSTON:
PUBLISHED BY WALKER, WISE, & COMPANY,
245 WASHINGTON STREET.
1863.
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1862, by
VIRGINIA PENNY,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the
Southern District of New York.
TO
WORTHY AND INDUSTRIOUS WOMEN
IN THE UNITED STATES,
STRIVING TO EARN A LIVELIHOOD,
This Book
IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY
THE AUTHOR.
PREFACE.
It is very easy to obtain book after book on "The Sphere of Woman," "The
Mission of Woman," and "The Influence of Woman." But to a practical mind
it must be evident that good advice is not sufficient. That is very
well, provided the reader is supplied with the comforts of life. But
plans need to be devised, pursuits require to be opened, by which women
can earn a respectable livelihood. It is the great want of the day. It
is in order to meet that want that this work has been prepared. The few
employments that have been open to women are more than full. To withdraw
a number from the few markets of female labor already crowded to excess,
by directing them to avenues where they are wanted, would thereby
benefit both parties.
At no time in our country's history have so many women been thrown upon
their own exertions. A million of men are on the battle field, and
thousands of women, formerly dependent on them, have lost or may lose
their only support. Some of the mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters
of soldiers, may take the vacancies created in business by their
absence--others must seek new channels of labor.
An exact estimate of woman as she has been, and now is, furnishes a
problem difficult to solve. Biographies and histories merely furnish a
clue to what she has been. Prejudice has exaggerated these portraitures.
Woman as she now is, save in fiction and society, is scarcely known. The
future position of woman is a matter of conjecture only. No mathematical
nicety can be brought to bear upon the subject, for it is one not
capable of data. More particularly is it difficult to define what her
future condition in a business capacity will be. Man will have much to
do with it, but woman more. I know of no work giving a true history of
woman's condition in a business capacity. Socially, morally, mentally,
and religiously, she is written about; but not as a working, every-day
reality, in any other capacity than that pertaining to home life. It has
been to me a matter of surprise that some one has not presented the
subject in a practical way, that would serve as an index to the opening
of new occupations, and present the feasibility of women engaging in
many from which they are now debarred. It is strange there is no book on
the subject, in any language, for it is a world-wide subject. Its roots
are in the very basis of society--its ramifications as numerous as the
nations of the earth--yes, as the individual members of the human
family. The welfare of every man, woman, and child is involved in the
subject. For who is entirely free from female influence--who is devoid
of interest in the sex--who exists free from relationship, or any
connection with woman? There is no man that is not involved in what
affects woman, and the reverse is also true. It should therefore be a
subject of paramount interest to all. Particularly does the subject
appeal to the heart of woman. If she does not need to make a practical
use of information on the subject, she will find its possession no
disadvantage. It may assist her, from motives of friendship, or
benevolent feelings, to advise and direct others. Is there any woman,
not entirely devoid of all sensibility, but desires an amelioration in
the condition of the working class of her sex--those who earn a mere
pittance, scarce enough to keep body and soul together?
The work of single women has never been very clearly defined. Those that
are without means are often without any to guide them; and the limited
avenues of employment open to women, and the fear of becoming a burden
on others, have poisoned some of their best hours, and paralyzed some of
their strongest powers. There is a large amount of female talent in the
United States lying dormant for the want of cultivation, and there has
been a large amount cultivated that is not brought into exercise for the
want of definite plans and opportunities of making it available. It
exists like an icicle, and requires the warmth of energy, thought, and
independence to render it useful. It shrinks from forcing itself into
notice, like the sensitive plant, and may live and die unseen and
unknown. Widen, then, the theatre of action and enterprise to woman.
Throw open productive fields of labor, and let her enter.
Of those who speak so bitterly of women engaging in some pursuits now
conducted by men, we would inquire, What would you have destitute single
women and widows do, by which to earn their bread? You surely would not
have women steal, that cannot obtain employment. What, then, can they
do? Why may they not have free access to callings that will insure them
a support? Those that oppose them, generally do so from selfish motives.
Many men would banish women from the editor's and author's table, from
the store, the manufactory, the workshop, the telegraph office, the
printing case, and every other place, except the school room, sewing
table, and kitchen. The false opinion that exists in regard to the
occupations suitable for women must be changed ere women have free
access to all those in which they may engage. Yet I would love to see
thrown open to women the door of every trade and profession in which
they are capable of working.
"Women have not devoted their time and talents to mechanical arts,
except to a very limited extent, and only within fifty years. How then
could they be expected to equal men in proficiency, who have from the
creation of the world been so employed, and who have had the advantage
not only of their own exertions, but the experience of their fathers and
forefathers to profit by? The superior mechanical talent of the United
States is becoming known throughout the civilized world, and some of the
work dictated by that talent is executed by women.
Some persons complain that women would become more material--less
spiritual--if engaged in manual labor. We think not, if it is of a kind
suited to their nature. Contact with the world does not always wear out
the fineness and delicacy that we love in woman. She does not
necessarily lose that softness and gentleness that render her so lovely.
A few women may by nature have a fondness for masculine pursuits; but
the number of men that have from training and circumstances a partiality
for feminine pursuits, is much greater. It has been estimated that there
are 95,000 females earning a livelihood in New York city and its
vicinity, by their labor, aside from those engaged in domestic pursuits;
and I am confident there are at least 100,000 men in the same city
engaged in pursuits well adapted to women.
As women become more generally educated, their energies will be
increased--their limits of thought expanded. They will seek employments
consistent with honor and delicacy. They will desire the elevation of
their sex, and do what they can to bring it about, regardless of the
shafts of ridicule sent by selfish men and heartless women.
"By elevating the standard and augmenting the compensation of woman's
labor," a complete revolution would be wrought in the social and
political standing of woman. Let woman once surmount the difficulties
that now oppose her, and take her stand with dignified reserve, laboring
and claiming what is her right as much as men--free labor and fair
wages--and liberal men will applaud and admire her.
As a friend of my sex, I have made investigations, and obtained
statistics that show the business position of woman at present in the
United States. I present such employments as have been, are, or may be
pursued by them, and give what information I can obtain of each one. I
may have omitted a few, and there may be some that are not yet
recognized as a distinct business. I have made the study a speciality
for three years, and spent an almost incredible amount of labor and
money in doing so. I have visited factories, workshops, offices, and
stores, for the purpose of seeing women at their vocations. I have gone
through wind and snow, cold and rain. If I could have had the time and
opportunity, I would have endeavored to see, also, something of their
home-life.
Much of the verbal information I give is impartial, as it has been given
by those with whom I talked in a casual way, they not knowing I had any
object in view; and frequently it was done in a respectful, yet off-hand
way, when making purchases. I have often bought articles merely for an
excuse to talk with people, and gain information on their occupations.
I desire to present to those interested a clear and succinct view of the
condition of business in the United States, the openings for entering
into business, the vacancies women may fill and the crowded marts they
may avoid, the qualifications needed for a selected pursuit, and the
pursuits to which they are best adapted; also the probable result
pecuniarily of each calling honorably pursued: in short, it is intended
as a business manual for women. I wish to make it a practical
work--useful, not ornamental. It is more a bringing together of facts,
than a presentation of ideas--more a book of research than reflection.
Yet the statements given are important, not merely as facts, but as
being suggestive of things essential to or connected with occupations.
The limits of each subject must necessarily be short, as I wish to form
a volume to come within the reach of every one that would desire a copy.
Any female who has in view the learning of any occupation mentioned in
this book, would do well to go and see the process before making
arrangements to that effect. And she should exercise her own judgment in
making a practical use of that information. Many pursuits are now
followed by women for which it was once thought they were incapable.
My book is not sectional in its feelings. It is intended to benefit
women of the North, South, East, and West of this vast Republic. In the
large cities of the North, most working women are acquainted with others
engaged in different occupations, and so may learn of places to be
filled in them. In the South, a smaller number of women have been
dependent on their own exertions, owing to the existence of slave-labor,
and the comparative smallness of immigration.
I strongly advocate the plan of every female having a practical
knowledge of some occupation by which to earn a livelihood. How do men
fare that are raised without being fitted for any trade or profession,
particularly those in the humbler walks of life? They become our most
common and ill-paid laborers. So it is with woman's work. If a female is
not taught some regular occupation by which to earn a living, what can
she do, when friends die, and she is without means? Even the labor that
offers to men, situated as she is, is not at her disposal.
No reproach should be cast upon any honest employment. The dignity and
value of labor in the most menial occupation is superior to idleness or
dependence upon others for the requirements of life. What destitute but
industrious woman would not be glad to earn for herself a snug little
cottage, to which she may resort in her old age, from the cares and
conflicts of life; to enjoy the independence of a competency, earned by
remunerative and well-applied labor?
I will not be responsible for all the opinions advanced by those who
have furnished me with information. The reader will often have to form
her own deductions from the statements made. My work may not accomplish,
by a great deal, the end proposed, but I hope it may be the means of
securing, by honest industry, a livelihood to many now dependent and
desponding. If it does not in itself accomplish any visible good, it may
be the means of bringing forward some better method by which the desired
end may be effected. It may perhaps impart information by which the
philanthropic may best employ their time and means in advancing the
welfare of others, by pointing out the wants of dependent women, and how
best to meet those wants. It may open the way of usefulness to women of
leisure and talents. If it saves any of my sex from an aimless and
profitless life, I will feel that something has been done. In that way
some may be kept from despair and sin. And it is certainly better to
prevent evil than to cure it. Some have means, and if a plan were
presented to them, they would engage in its execution.
Connected with this subject is a fervent desire on the part of the
writer to see houses of protection and comfort provided in our cities
for respectable and industrious women when out of employment. Wealthy,
benevolent people might build them, and appropriations be granted by the
cities in which they are planted. Such a structure in each of our cities
and towns would be a refuge to the weary, a home to the oppressed, a
sanctuary to the stranger in a strange land.
When the place of gaining information is not mentioned in this work, it
will be understood that New York city was the place. It will be
remembered that most of the information was obtained from October, 1859,
to February, 1861.
I hope much anxiety of mind, and uncertainty in the selection of a
pursuit, will be prevented by my book, and many precious hours thereby
saved for active, cheerful employment. If there should seem to be a want
of practicability in any of the subjects I have treated upon, I think,
after some reflection, it will disappear. Some of the employments
presented may not find encouragement and proper compensation until our
country becomes older, and calls for more variety in labor. I hope I may
not hold out any unreasonable expectations of employment, or excite any
hope that may not be realized. My ideas may appear vague and indefinite
to some, but even such may perhaps pick out a few grains from the pile
of chaff. But we must be doing, not saying--moving, not
sitting--accomplishing something, not folding our hands in indolent
ease. The active, restless spirit that pervades our people calls for
action. It will not do to rest passive and let events take their own
course. The progress of the age calls for earnest labor.
INTRODUCTION.
The great, urgent, universal wants of mankind, in all classes of
society, are food, clothing, shelter, and fuel. After these come the
comforts and luxuries pertaining to the condition of those in easy
circumstances. Above and beyond these animal wants, but of nearly equal
importance, are those relating to the mind--written and printed matter,
oral instructions, as lectures and sermons, and the handiwork of the
fine arts. These, in addition to health, freedom, and friends, comprise
the greatest blessings man enjoys. I would add that the means of transit
are necessary to make him entirely independent. Nearly all honest
occupations are founded on these wants; but they have been divided and
subdivided until their name is legion.
The contents of this volume might be arranged in the same way that the
articles exhibited in the Crystal Palace of London were, under the
heads--Producer, Importer, Manufacturer, Designer, Inventor, and
Proprietor. But we think the arrangement pursued, though rather
irregular, may be quite as convenient. So great is the variety of
subjects treated, that it is difficult to condense the contents in a
smaller compass.
The general difference in character and habits of those engaged in
various occupations--their comparative morality and intelligence, the
effects of a decline in wages, the effects of trades-unions, are all,
more or less, involved in this subject of employments; also the opinions
of the working classes on machinery and its results. Employments that
have for their object the health, comfort, and protection of
mankind--those that produce the necessaries and the luxuries of
life--those for amusement and capable of being dispensed with--are all
treated of to some extent.
Numbers of women have been lost to society from the want of a systematic
organization for their employment, and by a deficiency in the number of
remunerative pursuits open to them. The destinies of thousands are daily
perilled, mentally, morally, and physically, by the same cause. The
disease has raised a great and turbulent cry; but, strange to say, few
means, and they limited and inefficient, have been used as a cure.
Indeed, a remedy has scarcely been devised. To open new and suitable
occupations to women, and secure for them fair wages, would, I believe,
be an effectual mode of relief. But to bring about a favorable change,
not only must more occupations be opened to women, but, as Mr. Walker
says, "employments of an equally indispensable character with those of
the other sex." Many persons would be surprised to find the large number
of people employed in such occupations as pertain only to civilized
life--such as could be dispensed with in an emergency; and the small
number employed in such occupations as really furnish us with the
necessaries of life. In the first class, aside from those engaged in
domestic duties and labors, the majority of women are employed.
In the selection of a pursuit, it would be well to take into
consideration what occupations are most likely to increase in this
country. Those absolutely necessary for the preservation of life are
permanent. Those essential to the health and comfort of mankind must be
pursued by some. The steadiness of employment the year round should also
be considered. Another item is the danger attending a trade, and the
effects of the occupation on the health of the individual. A better
compensation should be given to those prosecuting either a dangerous or
unhealthy pursuit. There is at present more danger of women suffering
from either an excess of work, or the entire want of it, than from any
peculiarity pertaining to an occupation. A matter of some importance is
the ability of an individual to furnish herself with the implements of a
trade, goods for merchandizing, or the appurtenances of a profession, if
she intends to conduct business on her own responsibility and at her own
expense. If she has friends to advance her the money, she might perhaps
make an arrangement to refund as she advances in business.
It is a matter of doubt with us whether the labors of women are on an
average less laborious than those of men. That they are generally
performed indoors, is not saying anything in their favor as regards
health. If we include domestic employments, we cannot say they are
neater on an average. They may be better adapted to the constitution of
the female sex, but the question arises, Are those in which women now
engage, except domestic duties, more congenial to their taste, more
acceptable to their feelings, more likely to develop their mental
powers, and rightly direct their moral nature, than many others in which
they might engage?
We find that the class of workers, both men and women, having the most
steady employments, are the most steady and reliable people.
There are some employments in which it is well for a man and his wife to
unite, as bankers, picture restorers, house painters, &c.
There is probably as much diversity in the abilities of individual men
to acquire a trade, as in those of women. We doubt not but women,
generally, are as capable of acquiring a knowledge of any vocation as
men, if they spend as much time and application in doing so. Could not
women learn those occupations quite as thoroughly that require of men an
apprenticeship of three, five, or seven years, if they could give the
same time? We are confident the majority of women could, particularly
those who have had equal advantages in the way of education and society
with men engaged in the same pursuit.
We think the time spent in acquiring a knowledge of different
occupations is not at all proportioned to the variety of work and the
skill required for proficiency in each. For instance, an occupation that
could be learned in six months, must have three years' labor given;
while an occupation that it requires twenty years to excel in, has the
usual apprenticeship of three years. By the way, could not the most of
those pursuits now requiring three years' time of serving be mastered in
a shorter period?
Supply and demand must ever regulate, to a great extent, the wages of
women as well as men. We think, in the different departments of woman's
labor, both physical and mental, there exists a want of harmony of labor
done and the compensation; also, between the time given and the
occupation. For instance, a gilder in a bookbindery gets $6 a week, or
$1 a day of ten hours, which is equal to ten cents an hour. A girl, at
most mechanical employments, receives, for her sixty hours' labor, $3 a
week, which is equal to five cents an hour. A cook, who requires as much
preparation as either, for ninety hours' labor will receive her board
and washing, say $2, and $2 a week as wages, $4, equal to four and a
half cents an hour. Confectioners' girls, in some of the best
establishments in New York, spend seventeen, and some even eighteen
hours, attending to their duties, and receive only $2, and board and
washing, $4.50, equal to two and a half cents an hour. Some seamstresses
sew fifteen hours a day, and earn but thirty cents, equal to two cents
an hour, without board.
Where there are discrepancies about the seasons for any particular kind
of work, as given by different parties, it will usually be found to
arise from some of the number being engaged in the wholesale business,
selling to people from the South and West; others selling to city
traders, or retail merchants selling to city customers.
When there is a repetition of statements on the same subject, it will be
observed that it arises from the information being given by different
individuals.
I have used the words girl and woman indiscriminately, except when
mention is made of the age of the girls.
I would take this opportunity of returning my thanks to all who have
been so kind as to furnish me with any information, or directed me how
to obtain it.
Some errors will no doubt be observed by persons in their special
branches of labor. By writing to the author, attention will hereafter be
paid to the correction of such errors.
NATURE OF THE CONTENTS.
This work contains five hundred and thirty-three articles, more than
five hundred of which are descriptions of the occupations in which women
are, or may be engaged--the effect of each on the health--the rate of
wages paid for those carried on in the United States--a comparison in
the prices of male and female labor of the same kind--the length of time
required to learn the business fully, and the time required to learn the
part done by women--whether women are paid while learning--the
qualifications needed--the prospect of future employment in each
branch--the seasons best for work, and if in any season the women are
thrown entirely out of work--the usual number of hours employed, and, if
the working time exceeds ten hours, whether it could be shortened
without serious loss of profit--and the comparative superiority or
inferiority of women to men in each branch. Also, openings in the
Southern States for certain branches of business--the prices of board
for workwomen, and the remarks of employers--with a list of the
occupations suitable for the afflicted. In addition are articles on
unusual employments in the United States, England, France, and other
countries--minor employments in the United States, England, and France.
Also, a notice of the occupations in which no women are engaged in any
country--those in which none are engaged in this country--those in which
very few are engaged.
HEADS OF SUBJECTS.
Professional Women. Artists. Those in Mercantile Pursuits. Employments
pertaining to Grain, Birds, Flowers, Fruits, and Vegetables. Raisers,
Makers, Preparers, and Disposers of Articles of Food. Textile
Manufacturers--Cotton, Linen, Woollen, Silk, Lace. Metal
Manufacturers--Iron, Brass, Steel, Copper, Tin, Britannia, Silver,
Silver Plating, Bronze, Gold. Miscellaneous Workers on Indian Goods,
Inkstands, Lithoconia, Marble, Mineral Door-Knobs, Paper Cutting, Papier
Maché, Pipes, Porcelain, Pottery, Stucco Work, Terra Cotta, and
Transferring on Wood. Glass Manufacturers. China Decorators. Leather
Manufacturers. Whalebone Workers. Brush Manufacturers. Ivory Cutters.
Pearl Workers. Tortoise-Shell Workers. Gum-Elastic Manufacturers.
Gutta-Percha Manufacturers. Hair Workers. Willow Ware. Wood Work.
Agents. Manufacturers, and Colorers of Ladies' Apparel. Fitters,
Cutters, and Sewers of Ladies' and Children's Wear. Upholsterers.
Manufacturers of Books, Ink, Paper, and Pencils. Chemicals. Those who
serve as a Communicating Medium between Employers and others. Those that
contribute to the Comfort or Amusement of others. Mistresses and
Domestics. Miscellaneous Occupations. Employments for the Afflicted.
Unusual Employments. Minor Employments. Occupations in which no Women
are engaged, &c. Openings in the South for certain branches of business.
Prices of Board for Workwomen, and Remarks of Employers. Number of Work
Hours. Extracts from the Census Report of 1860. Industrial Statistics of
Paris.
CONTENTS.
=Professional Women.=
PAGE
1. Amanuenses, 1
2. Astronomers, 1
3. Authors, 2
4. Bankers and Clerks, 7
5. Bible Readers, 5
6. Brokers, 8
7. Colonizationists, 9
8. Colportors, 9
9. Copyists, 10
10. Deaconesses, 11
11. Dentists, 14
12. Editresses, 14
13. Government Clerks, 16
14. Lawyers, 17
15. Lecturers, 18
16. Librarians, 19
17. Magazine Contributors, 21
18. Missionaries, 22
19. Medical Missionaries, 23
20. Physicians, 24
21. Preachers, 30
22. Proof Readers, 30
23. Publishers, 31
24. Readers to the Working Classes, 32
25. Reporters, 33
26. Reviewers, 34
27. Teachers, 36
28. Bookkeeping, 39
29. Calisthenics and Dancing, 41
30. Drawing and Painting, 41
31. Fancy Work, 42
32. Horsemanship, 42
33. Infant Schools, 43
34. Languages, 44
35. Music, 44
36. Navigation, 45
37. Swimming, 45
38. Translators, 45
Artists.
39. Actresses, 47
40. Aquaria Makers, 50
41. Architects, 51
42. Cameo Cutters, 52
43. Copperplate Engravers, 53
44. Daguerreans, 53
45. Design, Schools of, 55
46. Designers (Miscellaneous), 59
47. Calico Prints, 60
48. Wall Paper, 61
49. Draughtswomen, 61
50. Employés in the United States Mint, 61
51. Engravers and Chasers of Gold and Silver, 62
52. Equestrians and Gymnasts, 64
53. Etchers and Stamp Cutters, 65
54. Herbarium Makers, 65
55. Lapidaries, 66
56. Landscape Gardeners, 67
57. Lithographers, 68
58. Map Makers, 71
59. Medallists, 73
60. Modellers, 73
61. Modellers of Wax Figures, 74
62. Mineral Labellers, 75
63. Musicians, 75
64. Music Engravers, 77
65. Opera Performers, 77
66. Painters, 79
67. Animals, 81
68. Banners, 81
69. Crayon and Pastel, 81
70. Flowers and Fruit, 82
71. Fresco, 82
72. Historical, 82
73. Landscape, 82
74. Marine, 83
75. Miniature, 83
76. Panorama, 84
77. Portrait, 84
78. Water Colors, 85
79. Painters of Dial Plates, 85
80. Picture Restorers, 85
81. Piano Tuners, 86
82. Plaster Statuary, 87
83. Painters of Plates for Books, 88
84. Photographers, 90
85. Preparers of Scientific Plates, 94
86. Seal Engravers, 94
87. Sculptors, 94
88. Steel and other Engravers, 96
89. Bank Note, 97
90. Card, 98
91. Door Plate, 98
92. Map, 98
93. Pictorial and Heraldry, 99
94. Telegraph Operators, 100
95. Vocalists, 102
96. Wax Work, 102
97. Wood Engravers, 103
Mercantile Pursuits.
98. Merchants, 104
99. Bookkeepers, 106
100. Book Merchants, 108
101. China Merchants, 109
102. Clothiers, 110
103. Curiosity Dealers, 115
104. Druggists and Clerks, 115
105. Keepers of Fancy Stores, 119
106. Gentlemen's Furnishing Stores, 119
107. Furniture Sellers, 120
108. Grocers, 121
109. Junk Dealers, 122
110. Music Sellers, 122
111. Sellers of Artists' Materials, 123
112. Seeds, Roots, and Herbs, 124
113. Small Wares, 124
114. Tobacco, Snuff, and Cigars, 125
115. Saleswomen, 125
116. Street Sellers, 131
117. Toy Merchants, 134
118. Wall Paper, 134
119. Worn Clothes, 134
120. Variety Shops, 136
Employments pertaining to Grain, Birds, Flowers, Fruits, and Vegetables.
121. Agriculturists, 136
122. Bee Dealers, 137
123. Bird Importers and Raisers, 137
124. Bird and Animal Preservers, 138
125. Florists, 140
126. Flower Girls, 142
127. Fruit Growers, 142
128. Fruit Venders, 143
129. Gardeners, 144
130. Makers of Cordial, &c., 144
131. Root, Bark, and Seed Sellers, 145
132. Seed Envelopers and Herb Packers, 145
133. Sellers of Pets, 147
134. Wine Manufacturers and Grape Growers, 147
Raisers, Makers, Preparers, and Disposers of Articles of Food.
135. Bakers (Bread), 148
136. Brewers, 150
137. Candy Manufacturers, 150
138. Cheese Makers, 152
139. Coffee and Chocolate Packers, 153
140. Cracker Bakers, 154
141. Fancy Confectionery, 154
142. Fish women, 158
143. Macaroni, 159
144. Maple Sugar, 159
145. Market Women, 159
146. Meat Sellers, 161
147. Milk Sellers and Dairy Women, 162
148. Mince Meat, Apple Butter, &c., 163
149. Mustard Packers, 164
150. Oyster Sellers, 164
151. Pie Bakers, 164
152. Picklers of Oysters, 166
153. Poulterers, 166
154. Restaurant Keepers, 167
155. Sealed Provisions, 168
156. Sugar Boilers, 170
157. Tea Packers, 170
158. Vermicelli, 171
159. Vinegar, 171
160. Yeast, 172
Textile Manufactures.
161. COTTON MANUFACTURE, 172
162. Batting and Wadding, 175
163. Calicoes, 175
164. Canton Flannel, 176
165. Carpet Chains, 176
166. Cord, 177
167. Dyers, 177
168. Factory Operatives, 180
169. Gingham, 183
170. Hose, 184
171. Men's Wear, 186
172. Print Works, 186
173. Spinners, 189
174. Spool Cotton, 189
175. Tape, 190
176. Weavers, 190
177. LINEN MANUFACTURE, 191
178. Thread, 193
179. WOOLLEN MANUFACTURE, 194
180. Blankets, 195
181. Carpets, 195
182. Carpet Bags, 196
183. Cassimeres, 197
184. Cloths, 198
185. Coverlets, 201
186. Dry-Goods Refinishers, 201
187. Flannels, 201
188. Gloves, 203
Woollen, 205
189. Linseys, 205
190. Shawls, 207
191. Shoddy, 207
192. Yarn, 207
193. SILK MANUFACTURE, 208
194. Ribbons, 209
195. Sewing Silk, 210
196. LACE MANUFACTURE, 211
197. " Menders, 212
198. HAIR CLOTH MANUFACTURE, 213
Metal Manufactures.
199. IRON MANUFACTURE, 214
200. Files, 215
201. Guns, 215
202. Hinges, 215
203. Locks, 216
204. Nails, 217
205. Rivets, 217
206. Screws, 217
207. Skates, 218
208. Shovels, 218
209. Wire Workers, 218
BRASS MANUFACTURE, 219
210. Candlesticks, 219
211. Hooks and Eyes, 220
212. Lamps, 221
213. Pins, 221
214. Rings, 223
215. Scales, 223
216. Stair Rods, 224
217. STEEL MANUFACTURE, 224
218. Buckles, 224
219. Edge Tools, 225
220. Electrical Machines, 226
221. Fire Arms, 226
222. Knives and Forks, 226
223. Needles, 227
224. Pens, 228
225. Philosophical Apparatus, 229
226. Saws, 230
227. Scissors, 230
228. Spectacles, 230
229. Surgical Instruments, 232
230. Telescopes, 232
231. Thermometers, 232
232. COPPER MANUFACTURE, 232
233. TIN MANUFACTURE, 233
234. Lanterns, 233
235. BRITANNIA WARE, 234
236. SILVER MANUFACTURE, 234
237. Burnishers, 234
238. Thimbles, 236
239. SILVER PLATING, 237
240. BRONZE MANUFACTURE, 237
241. GOLD MANUFACTURE, 237
242. Assayers, 238
243. Enamellers, 238
244. Gold and Silver Leaf, 239
245. Jewellers' Findings, 240
246. Pencils, 241
247. Pens, 241
248. Watches, 242
249. Watch-Case Polishers, 244
250. Watch Chains, 246
251. Watch Jewels, 248
=Miscellaneous Works.= 248
252. Indian Goods, 248
253. Inkstands, 248
254. Lithoconia, 249
255. Marble Workers, 249
256. Mineral Door-Knobs, 250
257. Paper Cutters, 250
258. Papier-Maché Finishers, 250
259. Pipes, 251
260. Porcelain, 251
261. Pottery, 252
262. Stucco Work, 253
263. Terra Cotta 253
264. Transferrers on Wood, 253
265. =Glass Manufacture.= 253
266. Blowers, 255
267. Beads, 255
268. Cutters, 256
269. Embossers, 256
270. Enamellers, 256
271. Engravers, 257
272. Painters, 257
273. Stainers, 258
274. Watch Crystals, 259
275. =China Decorators and Burnishers.= 260
276. =Leather.= 261
277. Currying, 262
278. Harnesses, 262
279. Jewel and Instrument Cases, 263
280. Morocco Sewers, 263
281. Pocket Books, 264
282. Saddle Seats, 265
283. Tanning, 265
284. Trunks, 266
285. Whips, 266
286. =Whalebone Workers.= 267
287. =Brush Manufacturers.= 268
288. =Ivory Cutters and Workers.= 269
289. Combs, 271
290. Piano Keys, 271
291. Rulers (Paper), 272
292. =Pearl Workers.= 273
293. =Tortoise-Shell Workers.= 273
294. =Gum-Elastic Manufacture.= 274
295. Men's Clothing, 276
296. Shoes, 276
297. Toys, 276
298. =Gutta Percha Manufacture.= 277
299. =Hair Workers.= 277
299. Artists, 277
300. Dressers, 278
301. Dyers, 280
302. Growers, 281
303. Manufacturers, 281
304. Merchants, 281
305. =Willow Ware.= 282
Wood Work.
306. Carvers, 284
307. Kindling Wood, 285
308. Pattern Makers, 286
309. Rattan Splitters, 286
310. Cigar Boxes, 286
311. Turners, 287
Agents.
312. Express and other Conveyances, 287
313. General, 288
314. Literary, Book, and Newspaper, 289
315. Mercantile, 291
316. Pens, 291
317. Sewing Machines, 291
318. School, 292
319. Telegraph Instruments, 292
320. Washing Machines, 292
Manufacturers and Colorers of Ladies' Apparel.
321. Artificial Flowers, 292
322. Belts, 295
323. Bonnet Ruches, 295
324. Dress Trimmings, 296
325. Embroidery, 298
326. Feathers, 300
327. Hoop Skirts, 301
328. Muslin Sets, 304
329. Parasols and Umbrellas, 305
330. Sempstresses, 308
331. Sewing Machine Operatives, 310
Fur Workers.
332. Dyers, 312
333. Sewers, 312
Fitters, Cutters, and Sewers of Ladies' and Children's Wear.
334. Bonnets, 314
335. Bonnet Frames, 319
336. Bonnet Wire, 320
337. Children's Clothes, 321
338. Cloaks and Mantillas, 321
339. Costumes, 323
340. Dresses, 324
341. Dress Caps and Headdresses, 326
342. Fans, 328
343. Ladies' Under Wear, 329
344. Over Gaiters, 330
345. Patterns of Ladies' and Children's Clothes, 330
346. Shoes, 331
347. Stays, 334
Straw Workers.
348. Bleachers and Pressers, 335
349. Braiders, 336
350. Sewers, 337
Renovators.
351. Gentlemen's Wear, 339
352. Ladies' Wear, 340
Gentlemen's Clothing.
353. Army and Navy Uniform, 340
354. Buttons, 340
355. Canes, 342
356. Caps, 342
357. Coats, 345
358. Cravats, 345
359. Hats (Hat Braiders, 349), 345
360. Oil Clothing, 350
361. Pantaloons, 350
362. Regalias, 350
363. Shirts, 350
364. Suspenders, 354
365. Tailoresses, 355
366. Vests, 356
367. =Upholsterers.= 357
368. Beds, 358
369. Carpets, 358
370. Curled Hair Pullers, 359
371. Curtain Trimmings, 359
372. Furniture Goods, 360
373. Mattresses, 360
374. Venetian Blinds, 361
375. Window Shades, 361
Manufacturers of Books, Ink, Paper, and Pencils.
376. Book Folders, 363
377. Book Sewers, 365
378. Card Makers, 367
379. Card Stencillers, 369
380. Cover and Edge Gilders, 370
381. Electrotypers, 370
382. Envelope Makers, 370
383. Folders and Directors of Newspapers, 372
384. Ink, 373
385. Label Cutters, 373
386. Lead Pencils, 374
387. Operatives in Paper Factories, 374
388. Paper Bag Makers, 376
389. Box Makers, 376
390. Marblers, 379
391. Rulers, 379
392. Press Feeders, 380
393. Printers, 380
394. Sealing-Wax Makers, 385
395. Stereotypers, 385
396. Type Rubbers and Setters, 386
397. Wall-Paper Gilders, 387
398. =Chemicals.= 389
399. Baking Powder, 390
400. Bar Soap, 390
401. Blacking, 390
402. Candles, 391
403. Chalk, 392
404. Emery Paper, 392
405. Fancy Soap, 392
406. Fire Works, 392
407. Flavoring Extracts, 393
408. Glue, 394
409. Gunpowder, 394
410. Oils, 394
411. Paints, 394
412. Patent Medicines, 395
413. Pearlash, 395
414. Perfumery, 395
415. Quinine, 397
416. Salt, 397
417. Soda, 399
418. Starch, 399
419. White Lead, 400
420. Whiting, 400
Communicating Mediums between Employers and Others.
421. Assistants in Benevolent Institutions, 400
422. Commissioners of Deeds, 402
423. Housekeepers, 402
424. Keepers of Intelligence Offices, 403
425. Lighthouse Keepers, 405
426. Pawnbrokers, 406
427. Postmistresses, 407
428. Sewing-Machine Instructors, 408
429. Shepherdesses, 409
430. Toll Collectors, 409
Contributors to the Comfort or
Amusement of Others.
431. Bathhouse Attendants, 409
432. Brace and Truss Makers, 410
433. Chiropodists, 411
434. Cuppers and Leechers, 413
435. Fishing-Tackle Preparers, 413
436. Fortune Tellers, 415
437. Guides and Door Attendants, 415
438. Lodging and Boarding House Keepers, 415
439. Makers of Artificial Eyes, 416
440. Limbs, 418
441. Teeth, 418
442. Nurses for the Sick, 419
443. Steamboat and Railroad Newsvenders, 421
444. Street Musicians, 421
445. Tavern Keepers, 422
446. Travelling Companions, 423
Mistresses and Domestics.
447. Mistresses, 423
448. Domestics, 424
449. Chambermaids, 426
450. Cooks, 428
451. Dining-Room Waiters, 429
452. Ladies' Maids, 430
453. Nurses for Children, 430
454. Saloon Attendants, 431
455. Washers, Ironers, and Manglers, 431
Miscellaneous Occupations, and Workers therein.
456. Backgammon-Board Finishers, 433
457. Balloon Makers, 433
458. Billiard-Table Finishers, 434
459. Bill Posters, 434
460. Block Cutters, 434
461. Boatwomen, 435
462. Bone Collectors, 435
463. Bottlers and Labellers, 435
465. Broom Makers, 436
464. Bronzers, 436
466. Canvas and Cotton Bag Makers, 437
467. Car and Carriage Painters, 438
468. Carriage Trimmers, 489
469. Chair Seaters, 440
470. China Menders, 441
471. Cigar Makers, 442
472. Cigar-End Finders, 444
473. Cinder Gatherers, 444
474. Clear Starchers, 444
475. Clock Makers, 444
476. Clothes-Pin Makers, 445
477. Clothes Repairers, 445
478. Cork Assorters and Sole Stitchers, 445
479. Daguerreotype Apparatus, 446
480. Feather Dressers, 447
481. Flag Makers, 447
482. Furniture Painters, 448
483. Gilders of Mirror Frames, 449
484. Globe Makers, 450
485. Hobby-Horse Finishers, 450
486. Horse Coverings, 451
487. House Painters, 452
488. Japanners, 452
489. Knitters, 454
490. Lace Bleachers, 457
491. Lacquerers, 458
492. Life Preservers, 458
493. Lucifer Matches, 458
494. Mat Makers, 460
495. Manufacturers of Musical Instruments, 460
Melodeons and Organs, 461
Pianos, 462
Seraphines, 463
496. Musical-String Makers, 463
497. Netters, 464
498. Oakum Pickers, 464
499. Paper Hangers, 465
500. Polishers, 465
501. Pin Finders, 465
502. Rag Cutters, 465
503. Rag Gatherers, 466
504. Rope and Twine Makers, 468
505. Sail and Awning Makers, 470
506. Shoe-Peg Makers, 470
507. Shroud Makers, 470
508. Sign Painters, 471
509. Snuff Packers, 472
510. Stencil Makers, 473
511. Street Sweepers, 473
512. Tip Gilders, 473
513. Tobacco Strippers, 474
514. Toy Makers, 475
515. Varnishers and Varnish Makers, 476
516. Water Carriers, 476
Employments for the Afflicted.
517. Blind Women, 477
518. Deaf Mutes, 477
519. The Lame, 477
Unusual Employments.
520. United States, 477
521. England, 478
522. France, 481
523. Other Countries, 482
Minor Employments.
524. United States, 484
525. England, 484
526. France, 485
527. =Occupations in which no Women are Engaged.= 486
528. None in the United States, 486
529. Very few, 486
530. OPENINGS IN THE SOUTH FOR CERTAIN branches of business, 487
531. PRICE OF BOARD FOR WORKWOMEN, AND REMARKS OF EMPLOYERS, 488
532. NUMBER OF WORK HOURS, 489
532. EXTRACTS FROM CENSUS REPORT OF 1860, in advance of
publication, 490
=Industrial Statistics of Paris.=
France, in 1848, 492
THE EMPLOYMENTS OF WOMEN.
PROFESSIONAL, LITERARY, AND SCIENTIFIC PURSUITS.
=1. Amanuenses.= Amanuenses are employed to write from dictation,
generally by authors. Prescott, who was nearly blind for several years,
employed one or more. Editors whose papers have an extensive
circulation, sometimes require the services of an amanuensis. Female
secretaries, or writers out of books, were not unusual in Rome.
"Origen," says Eusebius, "had not only young men, but young women to
transcribe his works, which they did with peculiar neatness." Some
persons in London (whose employment, perhaps, scarcely brings them under
this title, yet we know not where else to place them) make it a business
to write letters for beggars, for which they are paid a small sum by
each applicant. Amanuenses are usually employed by the week, month, or
year. Some education is of course necessary, and will doubtless
influence their pay. Experience increases their value still more; and
those who have to exercise their brains, are of course best paid. I have
been told by competent authority, that amanuenses are usually paid
according to agreement; that authors of distinction can afford to pay a
good price, and that the most common salary is $600.
=2. Astronomers.= Maria Cunitz is mentioned as an astronomer of the
seventeenth century in Germany. Miss Caroline Herschel discovered two
moons and several comets. Miss Maria Mitchell, of Nantucket, Mass.,
discovered a new planet, and received, in consequence, a medal from the
King of Denmark. She formerly observed for the Coast Survey, but was not
officially recognized. She computes for the _Nautical Almanac_. She
writes: "I know of no lady astronomers who are practical observers. Very
good works have been written on the subject by women. An observing room
is never warmed by a fire; and as a small part, at least, of the roof
must be opened to the air, the exposure is according to the weather, as
the observations must be made in clear evenings. I do not consider the
danger to the health great. I know of no way in which astronomical
observations can be made to pay women. They could, without doubt, make
better observers than men, with the same amount of practice. The same
delicacy of touch and of perception that makes them good at the needle,
would make them efficient in the delicate manipulations of the
micrometer. But I know of no man well paid as an observer only. There
are always volunteer candidates in this department of an observatory.
Women can make as good computations as men, and do their work more
neatly; but here, also, the field is occupied by men, although, I think,
never as volunteers without pay. I have no doubt many of the
computations professedly made by men, are really the work of women
employed as assistants. This has always been the case in the long and
tedious computations made for astronomical objects in the early efforts
of the science. My own observatory is wholly a private affair, and
supported entirely by my own means, which are my daily earnings as
computer to the _Nautical Almanac_. I employ no assistant." I am happy
to say Miss Mitchell receives the same salary for the observations and
reckonings of the _Nautical Almanac_ that would be given to a man. In
1856, at the Smithsonian Institute, a paper was read by Professor Foote,
on the heat of the sun's rays; after which a paper by Mrs. Foote was
read by Professor Henry, giving an account of experiments made by
herself on the same subject. Miss Harriet Bouvier (now Mrs. Peterson)
has written a very good work on astronomy for schools. Mrs. Somerville,
a distinguished astronomer of England, has added much information to the
science by her discoveries. "Miss Anne Sheepshanks, sister to the late
astronomer, has been elected a fellow of the Astronomical Society."