Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1834-10-16

In the latter case, 1t Is evident, tnat you "ouiu
render it extremely inconvenient to the lacy 70
play any more, since it has ever been observer
that musicians without tips to their fingers, hao
by no means that fine touch which Is SO essen
tial to melody. "You smile" adds our author-
ity, "but these things are often done, neverthe-
less" 1t has not happened where we nave oeeIi,
to be sure, but We see no cause loT uouotIhs TIC
assertion of so respectable and relneo per
son: and we dare believe he has witnessed lour
or five hundred sets of fingers so demolished;
the ten digits tipped as though they were nine
pins Again:
"If YOU take part in duet, be sure your voice
| is in order: for | have known whole company
afflicted by pain in the stomach, throu On some
screech-owl of fellow pretending TO sing"
The danger in these cholera times, rs greatly
increased and every man OF compassion VIII
guardedly abstain from falling into this aft1lct
ING error. Consider the condition of whole
company rendered uneasy at the same time,
from the same cause!-refect on the conse
quences that might ensue, and do moderate
the rancour of your tongue" Screech-owls,
unquestonably, love to hear themselves screen;
but we never met with any one, however iona
of music, who preferred them to the thrush or
nightingale. Besides, they produce bad noe
turnal effect upon the nerves oil SICK or delcate
people; and in the very select and lastldio9s So
| ciety for whose sphere alone the Book oil Ell
uuelte can be intended, there may be invalids
of both classes-the very poorly, and very al
fected.
The ballroom comes in its turn to be desert
bed, and the conduct becoming in those VINO
frequent il is clearly pointed out as if it were
done with the toe in pirouette.
GA ballroom should exhibit the ne plus ul-
ira Of elegance and fashionable ease? The
least deviation from grace-the least want OF
| polite attention--is there remarked, and LAID
tT, | therefore better
than to recommend you to pay the most impll'
cit regard to your dancing -master and also
advise you to attend his public balls"
| The author mentions a particular friend OF
his in this line, who, he tells us, is very Apollo
for the elegancies; and he adds:
"For want of such advantages as he offers, |
have known young men tumble about like pigs
let loose-kicking the ladies' shins, treading on
their toes, tearing their dresses, &C.! Really it
| is shocking to think that people will dare to
dance ;dance forsoothD ina quadrille under
such circumstances"
This is, indeed, very shocking, and ought to
be reformed altogether: but there are other
| things almost as bad.
| elbow many people," observes our arbiter
elegantiarun,, Sin other respects extremely ami
able have certain unaccountable habits! Some
are perpetually hitching up their clothes this is
not in the ladies' chapter partcuarly;] others
have kind of a snort, like young elephant;
and others, again, make faces as ii for wa
ger-a very, pery bad habits. Putting the feet
upon the fender is an offence not to be toerat-
ed clumsily knocking down the hire irons is
another; as, also, is blowing the nose hare With
out turning the head away. Keeping your
thumb and finger for any length of time in ano-
ther persons snuff: box, is highly improper. AS
to seizing any one by the button hole, that is
now exploded; would as soon that person
seized me by the nose"
This, we think (and we venture the remark
with profound deference,) is going ieette too
far. The nose is delicate and sensitive mem.
Der to be handled; and no man except barber,
can be allowed TO pull it with lmpunlty;-at least
this is the doctrine which has been held by
considerable number of persons accustomed to
wear their own noses; and, indeed, even ta!io-
cotans might be expected to object to have that
rudely assaed when ransplanted, which they
would not suffer to be kicked in its original, tho
lower, situation.
In respect 70 conversation, the author is,
the other hand, unusually correct and intelli-
gent
GAS general rule, it is well not to interrupt
those who are talking to you. There are
some, who, when they hear word wrongly
pronounced. Immediately set the person right;
this is very faulty In the present day,
puns are much in vogue. | am extremely sorry
for it; think them only fit for the parterre of
Yankee theatre. They are Goths, that overrun
the empire Of conversation to lay it in ruins!-
TWhy call them Cloths? Huns would have been
nearer the mark. AS to small-toik, am
happy to say it is nowadays held in utter dis
repute. What is it but another name for idiot
ic twaddle2 l will conclude this part of
my subject by enjoining you to pay an unswerv-
ing attention to the persons who address you and
to look them in the face, not staringly, but with
earneStnesS."
The ensuing chapter (XII.) is rather tick
lish one but our author has great tact. 1t is
"Advice to young ladies on the art of pleas
ing"-as if young ladies could help pleasing!
To be natural, is strongly recommended; and
whispering is as strenuously condemned. Young
ladies ought not to play at whist or chess but,
! ifthey like round game, or hit at backgam-
mon, these are "admrable." They ought not
to sit % looping" upon their seats; and clean
illness" is declared to be positive. At court, on
levee days, the appearance Of such as observe
these excellent rules fills the author with too
seousyism:
"I cannot Che exclaims) better describe their
appearance, crowded together on the staircase
| baI N than nv SuppOSinp the