It is also quite easy to arrange for a proper supply from
home, while nothing is more annoying to a reasonable woman
than to be obliged to wear out old and yet unworn things
because she has been foolish enougli to buy them on the
chance of their being wanted. A large supplj'^ of haber-
dashery should be taken out, and also all work materials,
colours, paint-boxes, &c., as these are not to be j)rocured at a
pinch. Perhaps the best advice the authors can give to any
one going out to India is this — Life is uncertain. More
uncertain, if not as to duration, at any rate as to circum-
Housekeeper and Cook 217
stance, in India than elsewhere. Therefore look six months
ahead, and no more. Have an official document transferring
you and your dresses to Ultima Thule in your mind’s eye
whenever you look at a shop window, and think, “ How
would that lovely costume look folded up with camphor in
an air-tight tin box.?” Such reflections take the gilt off the
gingerbread very efficiently. On the other hand, if life is
certain for six months, dress becomingly during that period,
and never, even in the wilds, exist without one civilised
evening and morning dress. That important envelope with
the big red seal may come any day, and you may find your-
self in the paradise of a big station yet unable to appear
from Avant of clothes !
Ceylon.
The climate being as a rule warm and damp, a large
supply of under-linen is required. It is a good plan, how-
ever, to take out only a dozen of everything made up, as
they can be copied most admirably by the tailors if material
be also brought out. This should be fine India long-cloth
and torchon lace. The nightdress should not have short
sleeves or low neck, and everything should be plain to stand
the rough usage. The following list is given as sufficient : —
1 doz. night-dresses.
1 ,, combinations.
8 Avhite petticoats.
4 coloured ,, thin.
4 flannel ,, thin.
1 dozen Indian gauze vests.
1 doz. Lisle
4 pair silk stockings.
4 pair stays.
1 doz. petticoat bodies.
3 ,, pocket handkerchiefs.
3 pairs liouse shoes.
3 ,, walking shoes.
■ead stockings.
Stockings should not be open-work, nor black in colour.
Tan is as good a colour as any. Dresses should be of wash-
ing material, and of the sort requiring little starch, on account
of the damp. Summer cashmere, washing silks, and delaines
are suitable. For the colder hills, serge and tweeds, Avith
one or two really Avarm dresses. Avoid gauze and tulle for
evening Avear. The damp soon makes it drop to pieces.
Native tailors will always make a dress for Rs. 5, therefore
take materials. Not many floAvers, gloves, ribbons, &c., as
they spot quickly. Gloves should be rolled up in pairs in
2I8
The Complete Indian
Page 151
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
A modernized reading is not available for this page yet. You are seeing the original text.
It is also quite easy to arrange for a proper supply from
home, while nothing is more annoying to a reasonable woman
than to be obliged to wear out old and yet unworn things
because she has been foolish enougli to buy them on the
chance of their being wanted. A large supplj'^ of haber-
dashery should be taken out, and also all work materials,
colours, paint-boxes, &c., as these are not to be j)rocured at a
pinch. Perhaps the best advice the authors can give to any
one going out to India is this — Life is uncertain. More
uncertain, if not as to duration, at any rate as to circum-
Housekeeper and Cook 217
stance, in India than elsewhere. Therefore look six months
ahead, and no more. Have an official document transferring
you and your dresses to Ultima Thule in your mind’s eye
whenever you look at a shop window, and think, “ How
would that lovely costume look folded up with camphor in
an air-tight tin box.?” Such reflections take the gilt off the
gingerbread very efficiently. On the other hand, if life is
certain for six months, dress becomingly during that period,
and never, even in the wilds, exist without one civilised
evening and morning dress. That important envelope with
the big red seal may come any day, and you may find your-
self in the paradise of a big station yet unable to appear
from Avant of clothes !
Ceylon.
The climate being as a rule warm and damp, a large
supply of under-linen is required. It is a good plan, how-
ever, to take out only a dozen of everything made up, as
they can be copied most admirably by the tailors if material
be also brought out. This should be fine India long-cloth
and torchon lace. The nightdress should not have short
sleeves or low neck, and everything should be plain to stand
the rough usage. The following list is given as sufficient : —
1 doz. night-dresses.
1 ,, combinations.
8 Avhite petticoats.
4 coloured ,, thin.
4 flannel ,, thin.
1 dozen Indian gauze vests.
1 doz. Lisle
4 pair silk stockings.
4 pair stays.
1 doz. petticoat bodies.
3 ,, pocket handkerchiefs.
3 pairs liouse shoes.
3 ,, walking shoes.
■ead stockings.
Stockings should not be open-work, nor black in colour.
Tan is as good a colour as any. Dresses should be of wash-
ing material, and of the sort requiring little starch, on account
of the damp. Summer cashmere, washing silks, and delaines
are suitable. For the colder hills, serge and tweeds, Avith
one or two really Avarm dresses. Avoid gauze and tulle for
evening Avear. The damp soon makes it drop to pieces.
Native tailors will always make a dress for Rs. 5, therefore
take materials. Not many floAvers, gloves, ribbons, &c., as
they spot quickly. Gloves should be rolled up in pairs in
2I8
The Complete Indian