Gather ye rosebuds

In his most enduring poem, Robert Herrick urged young women to make much of time and to “gather ye rosebuds while ye may.” What lovely work is made of the task may leave your hands in rough shape. In 1854, Godey’s Lady’s Book offered this recipe for relief for chapped hands: wash them in rose water, followed by the yolk of a new-laid egg and a large spoonful of honey and fine oatmeal or almond paste.