crust of port or other wines, add a little
muriatic acid to the water, and let it remain for some time.

2199. When required to go out with the carriage, it is the footman's
duty to see that it has come to the door perfectly clean, and that the
glasses, and sashes, and linings, are free from dust. In receiving
messages at the carriage door, he should turn his ear to the speaker, so
as to comprehend what is said, in order that he may give his directions
to the coachman clearly. When the house he is to call at is reached, he
should knock, and return to the carriage for orders. In closing the door
upon the family, he should see that the handle is securely turned, and
that no part of the ladies' dress is shut in.

2200. It is the footman's duty to carry messages or letters for his
master or mistress to their friends, to the post, or to the
tradespeople; and nothing is more important than dispatch and exactness
in doing so, although writing even the simplest message is now the
ordinary and very proper practice. Dean Swift, among his other quaint
directions, all of which are to be read by contraries, recommends a
perusal of all such epistles, in order that you may be the more able to
fulfil your duty to your master. An old lady of Forfarshire had one of
those odd old Caleb Balderston sort of servants, who construed the Dean
of St. Patrick more literally. On one occasion, when dispatch was of
some importance, knowing his inquiring nature, she called her Scotch
Paul Pry to her, opened the note, and read it to him herself, saying,
"Now, Andrew, you ken a' aboot it, and needna' stop to open and read it,
but just take it at once." Probably most of the notes you are expected
to carry might, with equal harmlessness, be communicated to you; but it
will be better not to take so lively an interest in your mistress's
affairs.

2201. Politeness and civility to visitors is one of the things masters
and mistresses have a right to expect, and should exact rigorously. When
visitors present themselves, the servant charged with the duty of
opening the door will open it promptly, and answer, without hesitation,
if the family are "not at home," or "engaged;" which generally means the
same thing, and might be oftener used with advantage to morals. On the
contrary, if he has no such orders, he will answer affirmatively, open
the door wide to admit them, and precede them to open the door of the
drawing-room. If the family are not there, he w