little worthy of imitation as the form of their government.
Good sense and convenience are the foundations of good
breeding; and it is assuredly vastly more reasonable and more
agreeable to enjoy a passing gratification, when no sequent
evil is to be apprehended, than to be rendered uncomfortable
by an ill-founded pride. It is therefore better to carry on
an easy and civil conversation. A snuff-box, or some polite
accommodation rendered, may serve for an opening. Talk only
about generalities,--the play, the roads, the weather. Avoid
speaking of persons or politics, for, if the individual is of
the opposite party to yourself, you will be engaged in a
controversy: if he holds the same opinions, you will be
overwhelmed with a flood of vulgar intelligence, which may
soil your mind. Be reservedly civil while the colloquy lasts,
and let the acquaintance cease with the occasion.

When you are introduced to a gentleman do not give your hand,
but merely bow with politeness: and if you have requested the
introduction, or know the person by reputation, you may make
a speech. I am aware that high authority might easily be
found in this country to sanction the custom of giving the
hand upon a first meeting, but it is undoubtedly a solecism
in manners. The habit has been adopted by us, with some
improvement for the worse, from France. When two Frenchmen
are presented to one another, each _presses_ the other's hand
with delicate affection. The English, however, never do so:
and the practice, if abstractly correct, is altogether
inconsistent with the caution of manner which is
characteristic of their nation and our own. If we are to
follow the French, in shaking hands with one whom we have