pleasant and agreeable intercourse among all the members. If left to themselves to take seats, the most entertaining people may happen to occupy the same end of the table, and monopolize the conversation and attention.

The carving.-Every young person should learn to carve, so that in case of necessity, no embarrassment may be occasioned by the neglect of so valuable an accomplishment. To carve well requires a knowledge of the anatomy of the fowl or joint, and skill in the use of the knife. Neatness and dispatch are essential to the work, while gracefulness is not without its charm. A sharp carving-knife should always be prepared and ready when wanted; it is very awkward to keep a company waiting until the knife is sharpened.

Helping the guests.-See to it that each person is well served. Be generous, but not profuse. Never force your friends to eat and drink for fear of offending you. Such hospitality is not kind, because it is not thoughtful; and it is very impolite to overfeed your guests. If a guest declines to receive any article of food, it is rude to insist upon it or to make any comments upon the refusal, since there may be reasons which it is unnecessary to make public.

The wash. It is polite, both before and after the meal, to offer the guest an opportunity to wash. It is a thoughtful attention, and is sometimes very gratefully received.

"The old Indian's rebuke."-John Trumbull, the celebrated American painter, when a boy, resided with his father, Governor Trumbull, at his residence in Lebanon, Conn., in the neighborhood of the Mohegans.

The government of this tribe was hereditary in the family

What is said of learning to carve? Why is it important? What is said of the knife and fork? What is the rule for helping the guests? Is it polite to insist upon any one's eating? Why? What is said of washing before and after meals? Give the anecdote of the old Indian.

of the celebrated Uncas. Among the heirs to the chieftainship was an Indian named Zachary, who, though a brave man and an excellent hunter, was as drunken and worthless an Indian as could well be found. By the death of the intervening heirs, Zachary found himself entitled to the royal power. In this moment, the better genius of Zachary assumed sway, and he reflected seriously. "Now, can such a drunken wretch as I aspire to be chief of this noble tribe? What will my people say? How shall the shades of my glorious ancestors look down indignant upon such a successor? Can I succeed to the great Uncas? I WILL DRINK NO MORE!" And he solemnly resolved that henceforth he would drink nothing stronger than water; and he kept his resolution.

Zachary succeeded to the rule of his tribe. It was usual for the governor to attend at the annual election in Hartford; and it was customary for the Mohegan chief also to attend, and on his way to stop and dine with the governor. John, the governor's son, was but a boy, and on one of these occasions a scene occurred, which I will give in Trumbull's own words:

"One day the mischievous thought struck me to try the sincerity of the old man's temperance. The family were seated at dinner, and there was excellent home-brewed ale on the table. I thus addressed the old chief:

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Zachary, this beer is very fine; will you not taste it?' "The old man dropped his knife, and leaned forward, with a stern intensity of expression, and his fervid eyes, sparkling with indignation, were fixed upon me.

"John,' said he, 'you don't know what you are doing. You are serving the devil, boy! Do you know that I am an Indian? If I should taste your beer, I should not stop till I got rum, and I should become again the same drunken, contemptible wretch your father remembers me to have

What was his rebuke? What did the Indian mean by saying John was serving the devil?

been. JOHN, NEVER AGAIN WHILE YOU LIVE TEMPT A MAN TO BREAK A GOOD RESOLUTION.'

"I was thunderstruck. My parents were deeply affected. They looked at me, and then turned their gaze upon the venerable chieftain with awe and respect. They afterward frequently reminded me of the scene and charged me never to forget it." This rule applies at table and everywhere.

Observation. The customs of society are constantly changing in reference to apparently little things. Young people, who wish to appear to advantage, will be obliged to be cool and self-possessed in order to observe closely, without appearing to be curious, everything that is passing around. Eyes and ears should be in constant requisition, noticing quietly the language and manners of those who are well versed in the rules of polite society. By neglecting to give close attention to all that transpires, people often make ridiculous and sometimes serious blunders. These may be avoided by tact and prudence. It is never safe to affect a knowledge which is not possessed. If we hear a new word, or receive a new impression, it would be better to ask for an explanation than to pretend that the subject is understood, when it is not. The following anecdote illustrates the danger of such a silly and untruthful affectation:

Anecdote.-In one of the villages of New York, a certain lady thought she would call on her nearest neighbor. She was about entering the door, but hesitated, thinking that the family might be taking their supper. "Come in," said the hostess, "we are having tableaux." "Yes," replied the visitor, "I thought I smelt 'em." She was about equal in honesty and intelligence to the boy who insisted that he knew what sardines were: "It is a kind of fruit that grows on trees."

What must young people do to keep up with the times? Is it right to make a pretense of knowledge? Why? Give the anecdote. What are tableaux? What are sardines? What would have been the better way in both cases? Is it truthful to make pretense in that way?

CHAPTER XLIII.

BEHAVIOR IN TRAVELING.

The facilities for traveling are so great in our country that it is not uncommon for young people to make long journeys in the public conveyances, unaccompanied by their friends. A few hints upon the courtesies which will be expected of them by polite society may assist in securing the greatest amount of pleasure for themselves, and in giving the most satisfaction to their friends and fellow-travelers.

The cars.-The rule which governs in the selection of seats in the car is the same that is adopted wherever the tickets are all the same price: the first that comes has the choice. When a passenger buys a ticket, he or she is entitled to all the rights it affords, and no more. It conveys no privilege to claim two seats, since the use of but one was purchased. It sometimes happens that selfish persons will usurp two full seats, piling their baggage about them in a manner which plainly says that they recognize the comfort and convenience of no one save themselves.

To exhibit such a disregard of the rights of those who are entitled to equal advantage, is impolite and ungenerous. On entering a car, and finding that the seats are occupied by the baggage of those who seem unwilling to accommodate, it is not well to try to force them to recognize your rights. As it is the business of the conductor to see that all are seated, a polite request to him will relieve your em

What is the subject of Chapter XLIII? Why is it proper to offer some hints on traveling? What is the rule for choosing seats in a car? What rights does one ticket give? How do persons sometimes show their selfishness? If persons are unwilling to give us a seat, what shall we do? Who regulates the passengers on the cars?

barrassment, without the danger of insult or annoyance. Persons who leave their seat temporarily may show that it is taken by leaving a shawl or garment in the place during their absence.

Respect for the aged.-There is something very beautiful in the way in which well-trained youth of either sex look after the comfort of old people in traveling. Many little acts of courtesy and kindness may be performed, which will admirably illustrate the spirit of the moral law, which says," Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honor the face of the old man.”

The Lacedæmonians." One of the lessons," says Rollin, the historian, "oftenest and most strongly inculcated upon the Lacedæmonian youth, was to entertain great reverence and respect for old men, and to give them proof of it on all occasions-by saluting them; by making way for them, and giving them place in the streets; by rising up to show them honor in all companies and public assemblies; but above all, by receiving their advice, and even their reproofs, with docility and submission. By these characteristics, a Lacedæmonian was known wherever he came. If he had behaved otherwise, it would have been looked upon as a reproach to himself and a dishonor to his country."

The conductor.-The conductor of a train is usually polite and attentive to his passengers; but he has many annoyances, arising from the ignorance, impertinence, and selfishness of ill-bred people. He can easily recognize the gentleman and lady, and is always willing to treat them with kindness and respect. To secure his attention, it is only necessary to be observant of all the rules of the train;

How may young persons show their good culture toward the aged? What law of politeness does the moral law teach? What was the training of the Lacedæmonians? What were they expected to do? What conditions are necessary that ladies may travel securely?