INTRODUCTION.
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Among the many and varied employments which have of late years been opened up for women, there are few which promise to be so remunerative and permanent as that of Printing (composing department). It is an employment which gives scope for the exercise of the highest faculties as well as the nimblest fingers; it requires but very little physical strength; it is not in any way injurious to health; it can be performed either sitting or standing; and is, at the same time, one in which there is always a demand for employés.
This latter is a great consideration, as it is well known that many very suitable employments for women are rendered almost unprofitable because there is so little demand for labour in them, and so many applicantsfor each situation. We have no hesitation in saying that if women will only take up this employment with a determination to surmount any difficulties which may appear at the outset, they will find themselves in a few years in a position to demand such remuneration as few other employments can offer.
It may be objected by some that women of education will not care to be placed on the same level as journeymen compositors. This we admit, but only in a qualified sense. They need not object to being on the same level as regards remuneration (if they prove to be equally skilful), and there is no fear of their being so in any other respects.
The following pages are written for the information of such as are desirous of learning the Art of Printing. Of course they are quite elementary, but they will give a good general idea of themodus operandi.