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14
In the second, there were twelve girls who slept on the
premises, and two day workers. They worked in a well
lighted and ventilated room, which afforded each worker 668
cubic feet of space.
Four of them slept in two double beds in a top attic,
where they had 378 cubic feet a-piece.
Two others in another front attic, with 420 cubic feet
a-piece.
Four others in a back attic, with 252 cubic feet a-piece.
Two others with a servant in a third attic, with 351 cubic
feet a-piece.
The working hours, during the three months of the season,
were from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; during the rest of the year,
from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The other two milliners' establishments which were visited,
were not inspected so minutely, but there was nothing in any
one of them to justify any allegation that they were worse
than their neighbours; and in all, the food, and the general
comfort and moral tone were good.
We are perfectly willing to enter into more minute investigations,
and to suggest remedies for any evils that may
be detected, if we should be invited by the proprietors of
these establishments, or if we should be desired by the Vestry.
Meanwhile there are one or two practical points which we have
on several occasions spoken of, with regard to the treatment of
the younger girls, and may here repeat. 1. Many young
girls enter that business, whose health is quite unfit for any
sedentary indoor occupation; scrofula, consumption, and debility,
have already marked them for victims. Such apprentices
should be rejected. 2. Girls so occupied, require
great care of the skin ; but it is not easy to induce them to
use cold water in the mornings. 3. They should be allowed a
little exercise early in the day. 4. They should have a