PURCHASING.

      78. A few REMARKS as to the best MODES and PLACES of BUYING articles of DOMESTIC CONSUMPTION may be useful here.

      79. It is not enough to have plenty of money ; one must try to become a really clever buyer. A "clever" buyer is not one who beats down the price of every article until she is well known, and prices are put up to come down to their smallest value only. She must know the real value of every article at each season of the year, and either give that exact value or know how to go without gracefully, or to make up by purchasing an equivalent at less cost. American women are wonderfully clever buyers: they know exactly what they want, and will have it.  Before purchasing, they inquire at many shops various prices, or, as they quaintly say, go "pricing, not shopping."

      80. The Civil Service Co-operative Association is invaluable to the members and friends of members possessing tickets. These tickets cost 5s. annually, and are renewed at the end of February in each year. It is now considered a great favour to obtain one of these tickets, as the number is restricted. At the stores every article of grocery, housekeeping, and drapery requirements is sold at little more than cost price, while the shops in connection with the stores allow members 15, 20, 25, and 30 per cent. discount off the sums spent with them. Of course, all this is the advantage of the ready-money system of cash payments ; but the saving is undoubted, and one has the great satisfaction of feeling that every article one has is paid for. In short, whether for making or for mending, the stores, and shops in connection with the stores, are invaluable.

      81. When the weather allows of meat hanging, and the larder is commodious, it is well to purchase a week's consumption at once, and hang the articles until in prime condition.