Their first duty, however, is to remind their readers that
India is not what it was when an order from England could
not be given and executed under nine months. Six Aveeks
is now sufficient ; and those Avho have recently gone out to
India generally have plenty of kindly eyes Avatching them,
and kindly hearts only too glad of an opportunity of doing
something for those who in most ways have gone beyond the
reach of practical sympathy. Therefore, as a ride, there is
little difficulty in ordering things to be sent out to meet
requirements as they arise. This point is not sufficiently
considered in the preparation of most outfits, and it is no
uncommon thing to find boxes and boxes full of uiiAvorn
clothing in a lady’s wardrobe. It is easy to understand what
a ghastly mistake this may be in a country like India, which
teems Avith insect life at all seasons, and Avith damp fungoid
growths during one-half of the year, and dry rot at the other !
In addition, clothes have a fatal habit of disappearing every
time they are unpacked for airing unless their owners keep
an eagle eye upon them. The authors therefore strongly
advise the utmost moderation, not only in dresses, but in
underclothing. In regard to this, it must not be forgotten
that the increased necessity for constant change is almost
counterbalanced by the corresponding facility in getting
things rapidly washed.
It is, of course, manifestly impossible to give a hard-and-
fast list of underclothing necessary, as this must vary largely;
but, roughly speaking, it may safely be said that no one needs
210
21 I
The Indian Housekeeper and Cook
more than a dozen all round of whatever under-garments may
be worn. It is a mistake to employ fine lawn or cambric for
underclothing, as the perspiration soaks into them, and they
o-et wispy anil stringy. Nothing is cooler or more wholesome
during the Indian hot weather than soft washing silk, and
its use does away with the necessity for flannel, which is so
irritating to some skins. The great secret of coolness and
comfort, however, lies in wearing one well-fitting, absorbent
under-garment, and one only. For this purpose nothing can
be better than a combination garment of silk or cellular
flannel, with the lower part made loose and roomy, without
any knickerbocker frills and furbelows. With this, a pair of
open net stays, on to the lower edge of which a fine white
petticoat buttons, and a spun-silk jersey bodice as a stay pro-
tector, and a lady will find the discomforts of clothing in a
temperature over 98° reduced to the minimum compatible
with European ideas.
Page 146
Presented as published in 1898. Historical recipes may not meet modern food-safety standards. Cook from the modern interpretation, not the original instructions.
AI-modernized reading of the original text
Their first duty, however, is to remind their readers that India is not what it was when an order from England could not be given and executed under nine months. Six weeks is now sufficient ; and those who have recently gone out to India generally have plenty of kindly eyes watching them, and kindly hearts only too glad of an opportunity of doing something for those who in most ways have gone beyond the reach of practical sympathy. Therefore, as a ride, there is little difficulty in ordering things to be sent out to meet requirements as they arise. This point is not sufficiently considered in the preparation of most outfits, and it is no uncommon thing to find boxes and boxes full of unworn clothing in a lady’s wardrobe. It is easy to understand what a ghastly mistake this may be in a country like India, which teems with insect life at all seasons, and with damp fungoid growths during one-half of the year, and dry rot at the other ! In addition, clothes have a fatal habit of disappearing every time they are unpacked for airing unless their owners keep an eagle eye upon them. The authors therefore strongly advise the utmost moderation, not only in dresses, but in underclothing. In regard to this, it must not be forgotten that the increased necessity for constant change is almost counterbalanced by the corresponding facility in getting things rapidly washed.
It is, of course, manifestly impossible to give a hard-andfast list of underclothing necessary, as this must vary largely; but, roughly speaking, it may safely be said that no one needs
21 I
The Indian Housekeeper and Cook
more than a dozen all round of whatever under-garments may be worn. It is a mistake to employ fine lawn or cambric for underclothing, as the perspiration soaks into them, and they get wispy and stringy. Nothing is cooler or more wholesome during the Indian hot weather than soft washing silk, and its use does away with the necessity for flannel, which is so irritating to some skins. The great secret of coolness and comfort, however, lies in wearing one well-fitting, absorbent under-garment, and one only. For this purpose nothing can be better than a combination garment of silk or cellular flannel, with the lower part made loose and roomy, without any knickerbocker frills and furbelows. With this, a pair of open net stays, on to the lower edge of which a fine white petticoat buttons, and a spun-silk jersey bodice as a stay protector, and a lady will find the discomforts of clothing in a temperature over 98° reduced to the minimum compatible with European ideas.