Kelp-burners, the
Netters, and the
Bathers,
or women who manage the bathing machines used on the coast. Then come
two hundred thousand female servants; of which, largest in number,
shortest in life, and, of course, the worst paid, are the general
housemaids, or unhappy servants-of-all-work. Then come--
Brewers,
Custom-house and Police searchers,
Matrons of jails,
Lighthouse-keepers, and
Pew-openers.
I cannot mention the Matrons of jails, without a sigh, when I remember,
that at our common jail and at Charlestown there is no proper matron;
and sickness, death, and childbirth meet only with such care as women
detained as witnesses, or inebriates, can offer. Surely a Christian
community should furnish Christian, womanly ministrations to its
prisoners; and I would that some noble soul in an able body might be
found to take up this work! Pew-opening has never been a trade in this
community; but, as there are signs that it may become so, I advise our
women to keep an eye upon it!