They no longer work in the fields, nor milk the goats, nor pick up faggots.

The mother of the family buys all the clothing, not only already spun and woven but made up into garments, of a cut and fashion beyond her powers.

It is, indeed, the most economical thing for her to do.

Her house-cleaning and cooking are of the simplest; the bread is usually baked outside of the house, and the macaroni bought prepared for boiling.

All of those outdoor and domestic activities, which she would naturally have handed on to her daughters, have slipped away from her.