on a couple of plumes, an aigrette, or flowers,
converting it into a dress hat.

Men's Wear.--The man wears the ordinary business suit for travelling, sack
or cutaway. He wears in the country in the morning a suit of flannel,
tweed or cheviot, a straw hat and tan shoes. His shirt may be of striped
madras or linen, with a white collar. The cutaway coat is correct for
ordinary afternoon wear, with a white waistcoat, white shirt and
four-in-hand tie. This takes the place in summer of the frock coat, which
is the formal day wear. He will seldom, if ever, have occasion for a dress
suit at a week-end visit in summer. Of course, the size of the party and
the gayeties in which one will participate have a bearing on the dress
question, but the tendency is for men's dress to be more comfortable and
less formal in summer, especially in the country.

[MANNERS AND SOCIAL CUSTOMS 713]

THE DUTIES OF A HOSTESS.

The woman who is entertaining guests must remember two things: that she
must not neglect them, and that she must not tire them out with too much
attention. There is a "happy mean" to be attained, which is the climax of
pleasure and comfort to both.

One woman makes her visitor feel that "the domestic veal" has been
slaughtered in her behalf. The usual manner of living and habits of life
have been put aside that she may be "entertained." Elaborate meals are
planned; there is a straining after hospitality which defeats its own
purpose and makes the visitor uncomfortable, because the hostess has so
manifestly incommoded herself. The fussy hostess puts too much endeavor
into her entertainment.

On the other hand, there is the hostess who announces her intention of
regarding her visitor as "one of the family," "making no fuss" on account
of her being in the house. This sounds much better than it works out in
actual practice. Unless we are prepared to modify our routine in
accordance with our friend's pleasure and convenience, at least to some
extent, we should not invite her. We do not ask people to our houses to
make them more uncomfortable than they would be at home. A visit is in the
nature of a holiday, or vacation, to the visitor; we are to see to it that
she is deferred to and efforts made to please her.

The Visitor's Comfort.--It is hospitable to consult her tastes in the
matter of food. It is uncomfortable for both hostess and guest if the
principal dish at dinner is something the latter dislikes. Nor should we