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passing affairs. In this country, our boys are only too apt to think for themselves, and assert their opinions with a dogmatism worthy of the Seven Wise Men. But the knowledge we refer to is such as should enable them to look at a question on every side, and exercise the judgment so as to decide without being swayed by popular clamor or party prejudice.

With regard to a man's opinions, it has been well said, "Whatever his views, he should be able, as a man of sense, and in order to be agreeable, to look upon them independently, to support them reasonably, or abandon them gracefully."

It may possibly be thought too trifling to allude here to the art of carving, or to apply to it the term " accomplishment;" and yet, were a little more attention given to education upon this point, many awkward scenes might be avoided.

We must all at some time have had our appetite destroyed by the mangling process carried on by our host on an unfortunate fowl, in defiance of every law of anatomy or even common sense. We have often felt thankful, when receiving some nondescript piece, haggled off, and triumphantly presented, as though the carver were proud of his successful effort of detaching some portion, no matter in what condition, that the bird had been subjected to the process of fire, lest it should have flown at its torturer, and picked out his eyes in revenge.

Awkwardness in small things suggests awkwardness in

great ones; and there is much to be mentally overcome before one could connect such fowl cutting with fair dealing, or expect to find a wise counsellor in a clumsy

carver.

"Ceremony is the phantom of friendliness." We should not forget, nevertheless, that free and easy familiarity is in as bad taste as ceremony is pretentious. It is far removed from exquisite politeness and good taste, and should be banished from society.

We may define the character of politeness. We cannot fix its practice; it follows usage and received customs; it is bound to times, to places, to people; it is not the same in the two sexes, nor under different conditions; the mind alone cannot divine it; we must pursue it by imitation, and improve ourselves in it.

But it is, above all, in conversation, that a man of society ought to shine, and it is for that he must cultivate his mind; for there he is exposed to the encounter of reefs against which he may go to pieces.

La Bruyère says, "Very slight resources are necessary for politeness of manner; very abundant resources, for politeness of spirit."

This thought is confirmed by the following from Chateaubriand:

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"Conversation of superior minds is unintelligible to mediocre wits, because there is a great part of the discussion which is understood and taken for granted."

"Indeed, we often compare Napoleon to Cromwell, and

how can he who does not know what Cromwell was understand what we intend to say in comparing Napoleon with him?"

HINTS.

1. Never nod to a lady in the street, neither be satisfied with touching your hat; but take it off: it is a courtesy her sex requires.

2. Remember that all your guests are equal for the time being, and have a similar claim to your courtesies; or, if there be a difference shown, those of the lesser rank require a little more attention than the rest, that they may not be made to feel their inferiority.

3. Nothing more clearly indicates the true gentleman than a desire evinced to oblige or accommodate, whenever it is possible or reasonable: it forms the broad distinction between the well-bred man of society, and the coarse and brutal crowd, the irreclaimably vulgar, — vulgar, not from their inferiority of station, but because they are coarse and brutal.

4. A perfect freedom from affectation, and an observance of the feelings of others, will always exempt a person from the charge of vulgarity.

5. In round games, which are patronized by people who have not the accomplishments to supply their place, or the wit to do without them, the main fault to be avoided is eagerness.

6. Of single games, you should know as many as pos

sible. The finest of them is chess, which is worthy of any man, and a splendid mental exercise.

7. A man should never permit himself to lose his temper in society, nor show that he has taken offence at any supposed slight: it places him in a disadvantageous position, betraying an absence of self-respect, or, at the least, of self-possession.

8. In meeting a lady of your acquaintance in the street, it is her part to notice you first, unless, indeed, you are very intimate. The reason is, if you bow to the lady first, she may not choose to acknowledge you, and there is no remedy; but, if she bow to you, you, as a gentleman, cannot cut her.

9. No man may stop to speak to a lady until she stops to speak to him. The lady, in short, has the right in all cases to be friendly or distant.

10. Do not shake hands unless the lady puts out hers, which you may take as a sign of particular good will. In this case, you must not stop long; but the lady has again the right to prolong the interview at pleasure. It is she, not you, who must make the move onwards. If she does this in the middle of a conversation, it is a proof that she is willing you should join her; and, if you have no absolute call to go your way, you ought to do so. But, if she does so with a slight inclination, it is to dismiss you; and you must then again bow, and raise your hat.

11. Do not take upon yourself to do the honors in another man's house, or constitute yourself master of the

ceremonies, as you will thereby offend the host and hostess.

12. Gentility is neither in birth, manner, nor fashion, but in the MIND. A high sense of honor, a determination never to take a mean advantage of another; an adherence to truth, delicacy, and politeness towards those with whom you may have dealings, are the essential and distinguishing characteristics of a gentleman.

III.-ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF WOMEN.

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HERE is certainly no lack of amusements or accomplishments for women and girls; but, in these days of ours, we have come to consider too many healthy, innocent sports as unladylike.

In the training of young girls, it has become far too much the custom to forbid any thing which may lead to rough play or rudeness in any shape; and thus, in avoiding the Scylla of hoydenism, we have fallen upon the Charybdis of premature young ladyism, a thing to be far more seriously deprecated.

Contrast for a moment the children of the present day - little men and women, in velvet and fine lace, sent forth for a promenade, with directions not to spoil their clothes with the youngsters of the day of our grand

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