There are numberless writers upon this subject, from Chesterfield to Willis, but the great fault with all of them is, that their works are designed exclusively for the bon ton. They are very well for those who spend their whole lives in the fashionable circles; but if a plain, unpretending man or woman were to follow their directions, they would only make themselves ridiculous.

In view of this fact, I now present a few plain directions fashioned not after an imaginary model, but upon the world as it is. I address only sensible persons, and expect them to be satisfied with such rules and principles as shall form well-bred men and women, and not coxcombs and dandies. My directions are the result of my own observation and experience, and may be relied upon as being the actual practices of respectable people, both in this country and Europe; for the manners of well-ored people are the same in all parts of the world.

In all your associations, keep constantly in view the adage, "too much freedom breeds contempt."

Never be guilty of practical jokes; if you accustom yourself to them, it is probable you will become so habituated as to commit them upon persons who will not allow of such liberties: I have known a duel to arise from a slap on the back.

If there be another chair in the room, do not offer a lady that from which you have just risen.

Always suspect the advances of any person who may wish for your acquaintance, and who has had no introduction: circumstances may qualify this remark, but as a general principle, acquaintances made in a public room or place of amusement are not desir able.

Never converse while a person is singing; it is an insult not only to the singer, but to the company.

The essential part of good breeding is the practical desire to afford pleasure, and to avoid giving pain. Any man possessing this desire, requires only opportunity and observation to make him a gentleman.

Always take off your hat when handing a lady to her carriage, or the box of a theatre, or a public room.

If, in a public promenade, you pass and re-pass persons of 3-our acquaintance, it is only necessary to salute them on the first occasion.

Do not affect singularity of dress by wearing anything that is so conspicuous as to demand attention; and particularly avoid what I believe I must call the ruffian style.

Never lose your temper at cards, and particularly avoid the exhibition of anxiety or vexation at want of suc cess. If you are playing whist, not only keep your temper, but hold your tongue; any intimation to your partner is decidedly ungentlemanly.

Let presents to a young lady be char acterized by taste - not remarkable for intrinsic value.

Except under very decided circum stances, it is both ungentlemanly and dangerous to cut a person: if you wish to rid yourself of any one's society, a cold bow is the street, and particular ceremony in the circles of your mutual acquaintance, is the best mode of con duct to adopt.

Never introduce your own affairs for the amusement of a company; it show? a sad want of mental cultivation, or ex cessive weakness of intellect: recol lect, also, that such a discussion can not be interesting to others, and that the probability is that the most patient listener is a complete gossip, laying the foundation for some tale to make you appear ridiculous.

When you meet a gentleman with whom you are acquainted, you bow raising your hat slightly with the left hand, which leaves your right at liberty to shake hands if you stop. If the gentleman is ungloved, you must take off yours, not otherwise.

Meeting a lady, the rule is that she should make the first salute, or at least indicate by her manner that she recognizes you. Your bow must be lower, and your hat carried further from your head; but you never offer to shake hands; that is her privilege.

The right, being the post of honor, is given to superiors and ladies, except in the street, when they take the wall, as farthest from danger from passing carriages, in walking with or meeting them.

In walking with a lady, you are not bound to recognize gentlemen with whom she is not acquainted, nor have they, in such a case, any right to salute, much less to speak to you.

Whenever or wherever you stand, to converse with a lady, or while handing her into or out of a carriage, keep your hat in your hand.

Should her shoe become unlaced, or her dress in any manner disordered, fail not to apprize her of it, respectfully, and offer your assistance. A gentleman may hook a dress or lace a shoe with perfect propriety, and should be able to do so gracefully.

Whether with a lady or gentleman, a street talk should be a short one; and in either case, when you have passed the customary compliments, if you wish to continue the conversation, you must say,"Permit me to accompany you."

Don't sing, hum, whistle, or talk to yourself, in walking. Endeavor, besides being well dressed, to have a calm good-natured countenance. A scowl always begets wrinkles. It is best not to smoke at all in public, but none but a ruffian in grain will inflict upon society the odor of a bad cigar, or that of any kind, on ladies.

Ladies are not allowed, upon ordinary occasions, to take the arm of any one but a relative or an accepted lover in the street, and in the day time; in the evening - in the fields, or in a crowd, wherever she may need protection - she should not refuse it. She should pass her hand over the gentleman's arm, merely, but should not walk at arm's length apart, as country girls sometimes do. In walking with a gentleman, the step of the lady must be lengthened, and his shortened, to prevent the hobbling appearance of not keeping step. Of course, the conversation of a stranger, beyond asking a necessary question, must be considered as a gross insult, and repelled with proper spirit.

Having dressed yourself, pay no further attention to your clothes. . Few things look worse than a continual fussing with your attire.

Never scratch your head, pick your teeth, clean your nails, or worse than all, pick your nose in company; all these things are disgusting. Spit as little as possible, and never upon the floor.

Do not lounge on sofas, nor tip back your chair, nor elevate your feet.

If you are going into the company of ladies, beware of onions, spirits, and tobacco.

If you can sing or play, do so at once when requested, without requiring to be pressed, or make a fuss. On the other hand, let your performance be brief, or, if ever so good, it will be tiresome. When a lady sits down to the pianoforte, some gentleman should attend her, arrange the music-stool, and turn over the leaves.

Meeting friends in a public promenade, you salute them the first time in passing, and not every time you meet.

Never tattle, nor repeat in one society any scandal or personal matter you hear in another. Give your own opinion of people, if you please, but never repeat that of others.

Meeting an acquaintance among strangers, in the street or a coffee-house, never address him by name. It is vul gar and annoying.