Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-09-12

a GAIN the preparation of the
~ school lunch becomes a five DAYS
- week ordinance, to be taken
II into account and added to the
list of duties mother must look
after. And again the wheels of custom
grown rusty during the long summer va
cation, may need a little jogging, lest We
forget the best way of going about it,
Variety in contents is one of the first es-
sentials: for even the normal childish
appetite welcomes surprises and the deli
cate one needs coaxing while both re-
qure the attractive presentation of nour-
ishing foods that shall give them some
daily proving that. other things being
equal. 1t is only the well-nourished child
physically who is capable of sustained
mental effort. In homes where a wait
ress is kept the packing of the lunch
basket is one of her stated duties; but
full eye over its contents. Some years
ago l knew a well-to-do home where the
children themselves or a green maid of
all work We're left day after day to put
up the chldren's luncheon. The conse-
quence was that half the time they took
nothing. thinking it too much bother. or
else made such a mess of pickles, buns
and the like that the result was a most
ufidppe'iZIIlS LueldHSe, tlldt OlteHeT lildll
not they threw away. The breakfast
was happy-go-lucky meal, the mother
never getting up to see about 1t. The
children drank coffee that had stood boil
ing on the range for an hour or two. until
II was as bitter as gall \ waXy cheese
omelet was the usual observation-disclosures.
Now after Il score of years every one of
these children has dyspeptic troubles.
more or less pronounced. Many children
object to the cold luncheon carried from
home. Drpfprripp satisfy their wing
for sweets at the bake shop or confec-
toners, to the exclusion of wholesome
foods. This objection might be obviated
If individual preference and taste were
more carefully studied at home.
The Carrying Receptacle.
The carrying receptacle itself is
matter worthy of consideration. In the
city a box that can be shut fiat after US
ing or a dainty Japanese telescope basket
is usually preferred. but in the country
the rows of shining tin pals visible
through the opened schoolhouse door at
test the fact that their popularity has
never waned.
The country lunch differs materially
from that required in the city. being at
once more generous in quantity and
heartier in quality. This is natural. as
the long walk or drive In the country
air and the luncheon eaten. picnic fashion.
under a tree or while all are socially
gathered in a circle about the stove is
vastly more provocative of appetite than
in the close air Of the city school room
where luncheon must be eaten alone or in
solemn silence.
Arrangement Of the Luncheon.
In the arrangement of the luncheon,
however. the same nicely should prevail.
Paraffin paper, which can be bought in
quantity at any confectioner's or depart
ment store. should be plentifully used to
wrap each article on the bill of fare.
while a fresh linen or paper Japanese
napkin should be furnished daily.
The odor of a stale napkin is enough
to discourage a delicate appetite at the
start. Pack the things in the order in
which they are to be eaten. Wrap the
fruit, If juicy, and lay at the bottom,