264 THE HOME, FA'RM AND BUSINESS CYCLOPEDIA. 



It is well to remember in the choice of jewellery that mere costliness 

 is not always the test of value ; and that an exquisite work of art, such 

 as a fine cameo, or a natural rarity, such as a black pearl, is a more dis- 

 tingue possession than a large brilliant, which any rich and tasteless vul- 

 garian can buy as easily as yourself. For a ring, the gentleman of fine 

 taste would prefer a precious antique intaglio to the handsomest diamond 

 or ruby that could be bought at Tiffany's. 



Of all precious stones, the opal is one of the most lovely and the least 

 commonplace. No vulgar man purchases an opal. He invariably prefers 

 the more showy diamond, ruby, sapphire, or emerald. 



Unless you are a snuff-taker, never carry any but a white pocket- 

 handkerchief. 



In the morning you wear a long cravat fastened by a pin, be careful to 

 avoid what may be called alliteration of colour. We have seen a tur- 

 quoise pin worn in a violet-coloured cravat, and the effect was frightful. 

 Choose, if possible, complementary colours, and their secondaries. For 

 instance, if the stone in your pin be torquoise, wear it with brown, or 

 crimson mixed with black, or black and orange. If a ruby, contrast it 

 with shades of green. The same rule holds good with regard to the mix- 

 ture and contrast of colours in your waistcoat and cravat. Thus, a buff 

 waistcoat and blue tie, or brown and blue, or brown and green, or brown 

 and magenta, green and magenta, green and mauve, are all good arrange- 

 ments of colour. 



Coloured shirts may be worn in the morning, but they should be small 

 in pattern and quiet in colour. 



In these days of public baths and universal progress, we trust that it is 

 unnecessary to do more than hint at the necessity of the most fastidious 

 personal cleanliness. The hair, the teeth, the nails, should be faultlessly 

 kept ; and a soiled shirt, a dingy pocket-handkerchief, or a light waist- 

 coat that has been worn once too often, are things to be scrupulously 

 avoided by any man who is ambitious of preserving the exterior of a 

 gentleman. 



RIDING AND DRIVING. 



Riding, as in walking, give the lady the wall. 



If you assist a lady to mount, hold your hand at a convenient distance 

 from the ground that she may place her foot in it. As she springs, you 

 aid her by the impetus of your hand. In doing this, it is always better 

 to agree upon a signal, that her spring and your assistance may come at 

 the same moment. 



