Let themes of conversation be of general interest, in which all may take a part.  If there are children, a pleasant custom for the breakfast hour is to have each in turn relate something new and instructive, that he or she has read or learned in the interval since the breakfast hour of the previous day.  This stimulates thought and conversational power, while music, history, adventure, politics, and all the arts and sciences offer ample scope for securing interesting items.

Another excellent plan is the selection of a special topic for conversation for each meal or for the meals of a day or a week, a previous announcement of the topic being made, that all, even the youngest, may have time to prepare something to say of it.  The benefits from such social intercourse around the board can hardly be over-estimated; and if thus the mealtime is prolonged, and too much appears to be taken out of the busy day, be sure it will add to their years in the end, by increasing health and happiness.

TABLE MANNERS.—­Good breeding and true refinement are nowhere more apparent than in manners at table.  These do not relate alone to the proper use of knife and fork, napkin and spoon, but to habits of punctuality, neatness, quietness, order, and that kind thoughtfulness and courteous attention which spring from the heart—­“in honor preferring one another.”  The purpose of eating should not be merely the appeasement of hunger or the gratification of the palate, but the acquiring of strength for labor or study, that we may be better fitted for usefulness in the world.  Consequently, we should eat like responsible beings, and not like the lower orders of animals.

Good table manners cannot be put on for special occasions and laid aside like a garment.  Persons not wont to observe the rules of politeness in the every-day life of their own households can never deceive others into thinking them well bred on “company” occasions.  Ease and refinement of manners are only acquired by habitual practice, and parents should early accustom their children by both precept and example to observe the requirements of good behavior and politeness at table.  Elaborate details are not necessary.  We subjoin a few of the more simple rules governing table etiquette:—­

1.  Eat slowly, never filling the mouth very full and avoiding all appearance of greediness.

2.  Masticate thoroughly, keeping the lips closed.  Eating and drinking should be noiseless.

3.  Never speak with the mouth full, nor interrupt another when talking.  Any remark worthy of utterance will keep.

4.  Do not express a choice for any particular portion or dish, unless requested to do so; and do not find fault with the food.  If by chance anything unpleasant is found in it, do not call the attention of others to the fact by either remark or manner.

5.  Sit conveniently near the table, but not crowded up close against it; and keep the hands, when not in use to convey food to the mouth, in the lap, beneath the table, never resting upon the table, toying with knife, fork, or spoon.