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Common Sense Hours

Meals should be timed by common sense. It is probably more healthful to take a rather light breakfast, which, in a malarious country, should always include coffee. At noon a more substantial meal is in order, but as, in this country, several hours of hard work are to follow, it should not be too heavy, and a quarter or half an hour's rest after it is time well spent.

The dyspepsia so common in this country comes from taking, as a habit, more food than is necessary, and then working with head or body immediately afterwards. Digestion requires repose and most people eat far more than nature calls for.

The best time for a heavy dinner is after the hard work of the day is over and a couple or more of hours can be given to comfortable rest, reading, conversation or light amusement. Eat slowly, not too much at any one meal, take small pieces which can be easily masticated, and do not go directly from the table to violent exercise or severe brain work. Make your dinner (or evening meal, by whatever name you choose to call it,) a pleasant, social affair, which tempts you to linger over it; not a place to bolt, in haste, a certain amount of unmasticated food, and then fly from. Cultivate the beauties and the social aspects of the meal daily, and it will prove not only a delight, but a source of health as well as of civilization. Then your dinner parties to strangers will need only a little more care than the daily event, not a contrast which upsets the household.

XVII. Luncheon-Invitations and Service. 1. THIS is a strictly orthodox affair, and to provide a suitable luncheon is almost as great a test of one's catering powers as to triumph in a dinner. It is true that it is usually considered only a light repast, made up of elegant little trifles, but amongst fashionable people, the table is often dressed and garlanded as if for a ceremonious dinner, and a great variety of dishes are served.

To this affair, invitations are sent out, which may be autographic, or the visiting card, with date and hour added, will answer, thus:

— Mrs. John Smythe

Luncheon at 12½ Wednesday, Oct. 9th, '83.