New York Tours

y is the most utterly corrupt. ETIQUETTE OF CARDS. From the following article, which appeared recently in the _Evening Mail_, the reader will obtain a clear insight into some of the outside customs of society: Even the cut of the pasteboard upon which a man announces his name is regulated by fashion. The man who wishes to have his note-paper, envelopes and cards, 'on the square' must know what the mode is. Visiting cards for the present season will be rather larger than formerly, and of the finest unglazed Bristol board. The new sizes will tend rather to the square than otherwise. The shape of the card may be varied, according to taste, the proper adaptation to the size of the lettering being maintained. [Illustration: Fifth Avenue, near Thirty-Fourth Street.] Among the various texts in use, nothing will supercede the English script, and those inimitable styles of old English text; the most novel being those with dropped capitals, and the extremely neat, extra- shaded. Visiting cards, with the familiar words denoting the object of the call, will remain in use, to some extent, especially for calls of congratulation or condolence. The word _visite_, on the left hand upper corner, will be engraved on the reverse side. The corner containing the desired word will be turned down, so as to denote the object of the call. The word on the right-hand corner, _Felicitation_, will be used for visits of congratulation on some happy event, as, for instance, a marriage, or a birth; on the left lower corner, the word _Conge_, used for a visit previous to leaving town; the other corner is to be marked _Condolence_. Cards sent to friends before leaving for a long journey, are issued with the addition of P. P. C. in the left hand corner. These cards are inclosed in heavy and elegant, though plain, envelopes, ornamented with a tasteful monogram or initial. In wedding invitations, all abbreviations, like eve. for evening, will be avoided, as well as P. M.; the word afternoon being preferable. Invitations to ceremonious weddings consist of a square note-sheet, embellished with a large monogram in relief, entwining the combined initials of the bride and groom. The individual cards of both bride and groom must be also inclosed, united with a neat white satin tie; and, in some cases, another card, with reception days for the following month. A very neat style of card has the customary 'at home' on a note-sheet, a ceremony card, (at fixed hour,) and the united cards of bride and groom, all enclosed in a splendid large envelope, of the very finest texture, with an elaborate monogram, or ornamental initial. Among the neater forms for a quiet wedding at home is the following: MR. AND MRS.-- Request the pleasure of M.---'s company at breakfast, on Wednesday, December 16, at one o'clock. '--_Hamilton Square_.' Cards of bride and groom must be inclosed for general invitations. Very simple forms are in the best taste. They may be varied to suit the occasion, either of _dejeuner_, dinner reception or evening parties. For example: MRS. WILSON. AT HOME, Wednesday evening, January 7. '--_Fifth Avenue_. 'Cotillion at 9.' Or; Soiree Dansante. MR. AND MRS. E. DAY Request the pleasure of your company on Monday evening, at 9 o'clock. R.S.V.P. An afternoon wedding reception may be announced in terms like the following: MR. AND MRS. HENRY ROBINSON Request the pleasure of your company at the wedding reception of their daughter, on Thursday, October 15, from 2 until 4 o'clock. '--_Maple Grove_.' Or again: MR. AND MRS. RICHARD WILSON Request the pleasure of your presence at the marriage ceremony of their daughter Adelaide to Mr. Jones, at Trinity Chapel, on Wednesday evening, October 5, at 8 o'clock. Reception from 9 until 11 o'clock. '--_West Hamilton street_.' The mode for private dinners may claim a paragraph. Of late, private dinners have been conducted with great ceremony. The menu, or bill of fare, is laid at each plate, an illuminated monogram embellishing the top of the menu. The list of dishes, tastefully written, and a beautifully adorned illuminated card are laid on each plate, to designate the seat of the particular guest. Another style of these cards is pla