TABLE-TALK.

DID any of our lady friends take a note of the vast variety of topics that is introduced-and naturally, tooin the course of an evening's talk, when some three or four friends have met? If they have not, it will be a novel amusement, which we recommend them to try. We give a list that really was pencilled from an ordinary evening's chat-six persons being clustered around the pleasantest centre-table we know of in this city: "Weather-BostonSpain-French-Dr. Jenkins-John Smith-Modesty-Caps -Gas Light-Weather-Savages-Lawyers-Flowers-Apple Orchards-Albums-Bouquets-Manners of Gentlemen -Caps-Queechy-Railroads-New York-Industry-Caps -Sea-Sickness-Washing-Needle Books-Economy-Mercantile Library-Jane Eyre-The Cat-Major Jones-Cold Weather-Christmas-Snow-Quarrelling-Sewing Mate

rials-Peaches and Cream-Elephants-Knitting-Gloves -Jealousy-Craig's Riding School-Polkas-Coal-California Settlers-Twelve Acquaintances discussed-Relations," etc. etc.

This is about one-third of our list, and the precise order in which the subjects were introduced. And this reminds us to suggest the importance of cultivating conversational talents-for it is as much a talent, and as much to be improved by cultivation, as a taste for music or drawing, and often gives as great pleasure. A disposition to talk, and a command of language, are the foundation in all cases; but this may degenerate to mere garrulity or gossip, that wearies or disgusts the listener. Our sex are fatally prone to this, and, on the contrary, they have ever been distinguished as brilliant conversationists. In cultivating this excellent gift, a refined taste in the choice of both delicate and forcible words and expressions; a well-stored and observing mind; and politeness that can bear defeat in argument, or contradiction in statement, amiably-are all brought to bear. The topic is to be suited to the company -never suffering scandal or egotism to intrude, either in fact or in narrative. Exaggerated forms of expression, or vehement gesture, should be discarded, though animated and varied expression adds much either to the force or grace of what is spoken. And, again, variety of topics should be at command, as well as facts and illustrations, and adroitly brought forward when the interest begins to flag-not pushed into notice, but quietly and naturally introduced. As an entertainer, it seems to be the duty of every lady to study the subject as much as possible, that many a weary hour or dull guest may be saved from lagging by the swift wings of agreeable and sparkling conver

sation.

MUSICAL EDUCATION

WE are often asked, What is the best age to commence with a music pupil? some being under the impression that no child can understand the first principles before the age of ten; others thinking even that quite too early, and that nothing is lost by waiting until a young lady applies in serious earnest to the work of school education.

As regards the first, one of the most correct performers that we know, both as to time and expression, is just ten years of age. She had practised nearly through the very

difficult method of "Bertini"-which is a sealed book to many older hands-and plays compositions of six and eight pages, not as an automaton, but with style and apparent feeling. Her mother has been her only teacher, and commenced her course of instruction at first only as a pastime. Gradually, the lessons came to be half an hour in length, seldom more, so that the child was not wearied with her "new play." We have tried the method with great success on a little pupil in our own family-weariness being a great drawback to the advancement of any study, as it almost always becomes disgust in the end. After a time, an hour, but never more, may be given morning and after noon to practise with advantage. Advanced players who are studying difficult music rarely limit themselves as to time, but we are speaking more particularly of children. If it is possible, they should not be allowed to practise alone for a year at least, as bad habits are easily formed, and may annoy the pupil through a long course of study. We shall give other hints under this head from time to time, as music is becoming so important a branch in female education.

MODERN VARIATIONS.

ONE of the most entertaining books of the season is, without doubt, "Thackeray's Book of Snobs," a volume of "Appleton's Popular Library." Like all the satire in which this clever writer indulges, it has its philosophy, which, if sometimes harsh and severe, is never wanting in truth. Thackeray is not one of those authors who "state in one line, and retract in another;" he is always in earnest, almost always in the right, and does not hesitate to shoot at any folly, be it visible in court or commons. As one of the best things, we quote his description of the modern popular variations-some one has called their authors "the old-clothes men of music"-wherein an insignificant air of four or five lines is made to do duty through six or seven pages.

"For the performance of 'Gettin' up Stairs,' I have no other name but that it was a stunner. First, Miss Wirt, with great deliberation, played that original and beautiful melody, cutting it, as it were, out of the instrument, and firing off each note.

"When she had banged out the tune slowly, she began a different manner of 'Gettin' up Stairs,' and did so with a swiftness and fury quite incredible. She spun up stairs; she whirled up stairs; she galloped up stairs; she rattled up stairs; and then, having got the tune to the top landing, as it were, she hurled it down shrieking, as it were, to the lower floor, where it sank in a crash, as if exhausted by the breathless rapidity of the descent. Then Miss Wirt played the 'Gettin' up Stairs' with most pathetic and ravishing solemnity, plaintive moans and sobs issued from the keys; you wept and trembled as you were getting up stairs. Miss Wirt's hands seemed to faint, and wail, and die in variations: again, and she went up with a savage rush, and clang of trumpets, as if Miss Wirt were storming a breach; and, although I knew nothing of music, as I sat and listened with my mouth open, at this wonderful display, I wondered the windows did not crack, and the chandelier start out of the beam, at this earthquake of a piece of music!"

THE PERILS OF A CROSSING.

WE give our young lady readers a paragraph from a popular modern writer, leaving them to "point the mo

ral:"

"I hardly know a more interesting sight than that of a young lady going to school on a wet day, with books to carry in one hand, and an umbrella to sustain in the other. To see the struggles she makes in such circumstances to keep her skirts from dragging in the mud, or the patience with which she submits to their unavoidably doing so, and to think of the sad condition of her lower extremities all the time to reflect, moreover, that all this trouble and suffering could be avoided by merely having skirts of a sufficient, but not over-sufficient length-presents such an affecting picture of evils voluntarily encountered and heroically sustained, as but rarely occurs in the course of human life. It is justly held as a strong proof of patience, that you should calmly submit to be spat upon or have mud thrown upon you by some infuriated crowd; but here is a gentle creature who literally goes out every day to endure the certain contact of these nuisances, and comes home to dinner not in much better plight than one who has sat (unpopularly) in the pillory for an hour. I really must give such martyrdom the meed of my admiration; and the more so, that I feel myself, under the hardening effects of worldly common sense, totally unprepared to go through such hardships without some useful end to be served by it."

RESPONSE TO THE AUGUST POETICAL ENIGMA. WE have received a very clever poetical answer to this enigma, in which the writer very naturally considers that "take a wife" would be the advice which the affectionate aunt would, on most occasions, administer to her nephew; but still it is not exactly the thing in all cases, as will appear from the following correct and clever solution:

MY AUNT'S ADVICE.

When my aunt, to her mansion on MULBERRY GREEN,
In the best-natured manner that ever was seen,
Invited me down, with my friends, to partake
Of the best that her house and her larder could make,
Of course, our "day's shooting" extended to four,
Nor then had we yawned, or cried out "what a bore!"
For the country is pleasant, with "birds in the hand,"
With wine, horses, servants at constant command.
Such dogs! and we used them, from pointer to setter,
My dear relative's wish carried out to the letter;
For how beaming her smile, and how kindly her tone,
When she said, “ Pray consider them all as your own!”
So I mentioned one day, as I smoked my cigar,
Balanced just on the top of her best china jar-
"You see, I'm not backward to do as you say-
In fact, I have thought of prolonging my stay."
A smile full of meaning then instantly beams,
As she answered so coolly, "Indeed! So it seems!"

No wonder I blushed, as I mounted my horse,
And, to hide my vexation, dashed over the course;
But then came the ditch-that inglorious fall,
With the mud, bruises, laughter, the torn coat and all;
And those very same words, as her smile once more beams,
But now in good nature, "Indeed! Sew its seams!"

TO CORRESPONDENTS. "LOUISA" will find care of white crape shawls very neessary. It is not well to keep them in the box in which

they come, as it is a great deal of useless trouble to fold them so closely. Miss Leslie tells us that a cake of white wax, laid in the box or drawer in which they are kept, will grow quite yellow, while the crape remains white. They should be folded and laid away as soon as taken off, as every contact with dust soils them, especially the fringe, which is apt to get dingy from trailing on the sidewalk, or brushing a dusty wall. It is true, they can be cleaned, but they never look so well again, having that washed and stiffened appearance peculiar to colored silks, and the embroidery is pressed quite flat. The usual charge for cleaning, which is done by most dyers, is $1 50.

We agree with "JEANNETTE F." that white, during the summer season, is the most ladylike and suitable dress a young girl can wear. We know of some who keep two bodies, made differently, to one skirt, which may be tacked on, thus making a little change. Swiss muslin is almost too thin for the street, cambric or grass cloth is more suitable, while Swiss muslin and tarleton are the best evening dresses. Nansook cambric keeps its color better than any other material, save linen or grass cloth; a grass cloth will outlast two of ordinary cambric, though more expensive at first, and always looks well.

The patterns for embroidery inquired for by "L. N. C.," can be had in the city. Copies of all those that have ap peared in the "Lady's Book" can be had by applying to the publisher.

"MRS. L." will find the following a very good plan to keep iron goods, such as coal-scuttles, etc., from rusting: Heat them gradually, and then brush them over with common linseed oil, which is decomposed by the heat, and forms a thin, but very firm coating of varnish, which is quite impervious to water, and, unlike paint and Japan black, does not chip off. Garden-chairs, railings, and everything exposed to the action of the outer air, should have two or three good coatings of paint.

"THE HEAD OF OUR FAMILY" shall have the most unexceptionable receipts for dressing salads in our next. We condole with her on the numerous onerous duties which devolve upon her in her mother's absence, and shall be happy to render her any assistance in our power. Salad dressing requires not only directions, but judgment and practice; but it is an accomplishment every lady should possess. Rose vinegar is a novelty in salads, and, by some, thought very desirable. To every quarter of a pound of rose leaves, add two quarts of good vinegar; put it in a large jar, cover it firmly, and leave it to infuse, till a fine tincture is obtained, when strain for use.

fashions.

NOTICE TO LADY SUBSCRIBERS. Having had frequent applications for the purchase of jewelry, millinery, etc., by ladies living at a distance, the Editress of the Fashion Department will hereafter execute commissions for any who may desire it, with the charge of a small percentage for the time and research required. Bridal wardrobes, spring and autumn bonnets, dresses, jewelry, bridal cards, cake-boxes, envelopes, etc. etc., will be chosen with a view to economy, as well as taste; and boxes or packages forwarded by express to any part of the country. For the last, distinct directions must be given.

Orders, accompanied by checks for the proposed expenditure, to be addressed to the care of L. A. Godey, Esq., who will be responsible for the amount, and the early execution of com

missions.

Instructions to be as minute as is possible, accompanied by a note of the height, complexion, and general style of

the person, on which much depends in choice. Dress goods from Levy's or Stewart's, bonnets from Miss Wharton's, jewelry from Bailey's, Warden's, Philadelphia, or Tiffany's, New York, if requested.

DESCRIPTION OF STEEL FASHION PLATE.

We would call attention to the artistic and picturesque grace of this whole engraving, making it quite as valuable as a picture as a representative of tasteful fashions. Had it been called "The Zoological Garden," it would have been noticed as a clever picture; for the half shy, half delighted air of the child, the admirable figure of the negro nurse in her striped Madras handkerchief, and the pleased interest of the young mother, make a charming group. As it is, it combines, with this grace, southern fashions for October.

The first figure has a walking-dress of dark moir d'antique, a very rich silk, which requires little trimming: the front is cut out in a diamond pattern, to display the richly wrought white cambric robe beneath. Sleeves demi-long, with undersleeves edged by a broad lace falling over the hand. White silk bonnet, with an edging of spotted blonde, and a wreath of clematis buds and leaves. Light mantle of India muslin, with a rich fall of lace. As our southern ladies walk but little, this will be recognized as a carriage costume.

The child in the arms of her sable attendant is attired in a richly wrought cambric dress. The mantle is of pink cashmere, simply trimmed with a ruché of pink silk, and may be fastened by a broad pink ribbon sash around the waist. The hat is of leghorn, with a small plume on the right of the brim.

The nurse has a brown stuff dress, white apron and neck-handkerchief, with a brilliant Madras twisted about her head.

WOOD-CUT.-ROBE DE CHAMBRE.

This is intended for the invalid receiving visits in her room, or may be worn as a summer morning-dress with perfect propriety. It is made of white jaconet, or thick Nansook muslin, very full, the front breadths being continued up to the shoulder, and fastened by a girdle around the waist. The trimming down the front is a broad ruffie, gathered in the centre, both edges being finished by a scollop of button-hole work; a collar of the same should be tied by a bow of thick Mantua ribbon, some plain color. Loose sleeves, finished by a double ruffle to correspond. This is one of the most simple and tasteful dresses we have

seen.

CHITCHAT ON PHILADELPHIA FASHIONS
FOR OCTOBER.

As our warm weather continues later than in New York even, this is the transition month in Philadelphia, as far as styles are concerned. There are no fall openings of millinery as yet, though several are announced for the next two weeks; therefore, straw bonnets with silk linings, replacing those of crape, and trimmed with rich ribbons, are most generally seen. The ribbons are of deep colors, with a bright spot, figure, or stripe enlivening them. For instance, a black ground and small crimson palm-leaf, royal purple with a bright green spot, etc. etc. The varieties of style in which bonnets are trimmed defics all description; some have simply a wide, rich ribbon passed over the brim, and confined at the top with a knot or band of straw, spreading out at the ear, and drawn in again to tie beneath the chin. If the straw is fine, and the ribbon wide and thick, this, with a cape of the same, is all that is necessary.

There is another style, the ribbon brought very far forward in a point on top of the bonnet, a second band of ribbon follows it, only not inclining so far forward. Others, whose white trimmings of the summer are still in good order, consult economy and taste at the same time, by ornamenting the cape by two rows of narrow velvet ribbon, in some bright color, as cherry or bright green, with inside bows to correspond. However, each town and village has its own prevailing fashion in this matter, and we leave it to the taste of our readers, with a general rule to avoid, as far as possible, a multiplicity of hows and dangling ends.

The winter dress goods are not fairly in the market, although the shop windows are full of bright mousselines, and silks, and merinos. There are many novelties among them; for instance, several styles of figured mousseline de bagé, on the plain brown ground: it is "something different," it is true, but, as a general rule, figured goods of any description are never as invariably ladylike as those in solid colors. There is also a chence de bagé, in several shades of brown, shot with green and dark crimson. This still continues to be a favorite fabric, and more of the plain shades, and of a heavier, better quality, are imported than ever before. They are trimmed either in scollops of button-hole stitch, or with several rows of narrow velvet ribbon. The Albanian, or Albanese robes, are mousselines of dark, rich, plain colors, with the skirt printed in bright wreaths of flowers, or bands of stripes, at the distance of several inches apart, having something the effect of flowers à disposition. The top of the skirt, waist, and sleeves is plain. Others have only a border in gay stripes or plaids, like the chintzes of the past season. The richest brocades are à disposition, which, as we have before explained, means that the skirt, waist, and sleeves are woven separately, the pattern of the skirt being a much larger figure than the rest of the dress. We shall speak more particularly of silks and other dress goods in our next. Merinos, of every shade, are imported, and of exquisite fineness; they will be worn as much as ever, with a trimming of velvet ribbon. There is a beautiful new shade, which we can only describe as a red stone color, looking as if the last had been washed over by a soft shade of carmine.

The pretty fashion of aprons has by no means gone out, though they are not worn as full so they have been. Fine white cambric, or cross-barred muslin, are the neatest for morning-dresses, though many wear black silk, with capacious pockets. For silk, only two breadths are now used; the second one is divided so that the seam may not come in the centre. The waistband is, of course, shorter than in the robe aprons, only reaching little more than a third of the waist. Two or three narrow gaugings make a neat finish for the top. In dress aprons, small outside pockets are worn, the corners rounded and put on with a cord, and a ribbon run across the top, meeting in the centre in a neat bow. Nothing is prettier than a small handkerchief just peeping from one of these pockets. Aprons are also made of rich watered and moire silks, very short, and edged with two rows of narrow velvet. The corners are rounded. The pockets placed sideways are also trimmed with velvet.

We must defer further information of the making up until our next number, as we have been requested to give the new styles of riding-habits. There are two, which differ very little, except in color and material. The one is dark brown merino, made with side bodies and a short basque, rounded in front, from the waist back to the hip. The sleeves are rather loose for a tight sleeve, and turn back in a broad cuff almost to the elbow; a close cambric undersleeve is worn beneath; a linen collar, and embroidered neck-tie of black silk, finishes the dress. The other is very nearly the same, in light habit cloth, of a deep shade of gray.

FASHION.