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 always presented with the freedom of the kitchen, which in private residences is as neat, as picturesque, and as fresh-looking as the toy-kitchens which are the delight of children. And a Dutch kitchen is the ideal of what a kitchen ought to be, for all is therein in its place, all is bright and clean, and the shining saucepans complete with the blue-and-white chinaware a perfect interior.

Cleanliness (netheid or zindelijkheid) is a ruling passion of the Dutch vrouw or meisje, and polishing, scrubbing, rubbing, and sluicing are unceasingly carried on with a continuity and thoroughness unknown elsewhere. The outside paintwork, the windows, even the brick pavement, are all the subject of sedulous attention; and rain does not stop the Dutch maid from her outdoor work, which she will engage in while holding an umbrella over her head.