THELADY'S COUNTRY COMPANION;

OR,
HOW TO ENJOY A COUNTRY LIFERATIONALLY.

BY
MRS. LOUDON,

AUTHOR OF "GARDENING FOR LADIES," ETC.

WITH
An Engraving on Steel, and Illustrations on Wood.

FOURTH EDITION.
LONDON:
LONGMAN, BROWN, GREEN, AND LONGMANS.
1852.

[Pg iii]

PREFACE.

In the present edition of the "Lady's CountryCompanion," a reduction has been made in theprice, to render the work still more generallyuseful than it has hitherto been; but in all otherrespects it is essentially the same.

The principal object of this work is to saveyoung housekeepers the pain and trouble ofbuying their own experience; and though it isparticularly addressed to those residing in thecountry, I have had the satisfaction of findingthat it has been in many cases almost equallyuseful to those living in towns. It may, however,be interesting to my readers to know thatit was originally written for the benefit of ayoung friend, who was precisely in the position Ihave represented Annie to be in, and who, knowingI had resided in the country in my youth,asked my advice. Of course, in preparing thework for publication, many things were added or[Pg iv]enlarged on, particularly in the parts relating tocooking and gardening, and in the suggestionsfor altering and furnishing the house; but nearlyall the housekeeping and farm-yard details werethe result of my personal experience. It happenedin my youth, that my father, who was inthe law, was obliged, from ill health, to give uphis profession, and to reside in the country; andas my mother was dead I kept his house. I hadthus to practise what I have here attempted toteach; and I shall be only too happy if I am themeans of sparing others the annoyances I sufferedmyself.

I have stated these facts now, as it is possible,from the gradually declining state of my health,I may not have another opportunity of mentioningthem in their proper place, and as Ithink my readers will be likely to place moreconfidence in my counsels when they know theyare founded on realities. I have always beenanxious to make my books useful, but I am nowstill more so than ever I was before.

J. W. LOUDON.

Bayswater, Dec. 10, 1851.

[Pg v]

CONTENTS.