274 THE HOME, FARM AND BUSINESS CYCLOPAEDIA. 



ties, or two round dances, at the same time. In a perfectly square room 

 this arrangement is not so practicable or pleasant. A very Jong and nar- 

 row room, and their number in this country is legion, is obviously of the 

 worst shape for the purpose of dancing, and is fit only for quadrilles and 

 country dances. 



The top of the ball-room is the part nearest the musicians. In a private 

 room, the top is where it would be if the room were a dining-room. It is 

 generally at the farthest point from the door. Dancers should be careful 

 to ascertain the top of the room before taking their places, as the top 

 couples always lead the dances. 



A good floor is of the first importance in a ball-room. In a private 

 house, nothing can be better than a smooth, well-stretched holland, with 

 the carpet beneath. 



Abundance of light and free ventilation are indispensable to the spirits 

 and comfort of the dancers. 



Good music is as necessary to the prosperity of a ball as good wine to 

 the excellence of a dinner. No hostess should tax her friends for this part 

 of the entertainment. It is the most injurious economy imaginable. La- 

 dies who would prefer to dance are tied to the pianoforte ; and as few 

 amateurs have been trained in the art of playing dance music, with that 

 strict attention to time and accent which is absolutely necessary to the 

 comfort of the dancers, a total and general discontent is sure to be the re- 

 sult. To play dance music thoroughly well is a branch of the art which 

 requires considerable practice. It is as different from every other kind of 

 playing as whale fishing is from fly fishing. Those who give private balls 

 will do well ever to bear this in rnind, and to provide skilled musicians for 

 the evening. For a small party, a piano and cornopean make a very plea- 

 sant combination. Unless where several instruments are engaged we do 

 not recommend the introduction of the violin ; although in some respects 

 the finest of all solo instruments, it is apt to sound thin and shrill when 

 employed on mere inexpressive dance tunes, and played by a mere dance 

 player. 



Invitations to a ball or dance should be issued in the name of the lady 

 of the house, and written on small note-paper of the best quality. Elegant 

 printed forms, some of them printed in gold or silver, are to be had at every 

 stationer's by those who prefer them. The paper may be gilt-edged, but 

 not coloured. 



An invitation to a ball should be sent out at least ten days before the 

 evening appointed, A fortnight, three weeks, and even a month may be 

 allowed in the way of notice. 



