Democratic Sentinel, Volume 7, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 November 1883 — Mexican Table Customs. [ARTICLE]

Mexican Table Customs.

During eight months’ residence in Mexico, I have not seen a bit of butter, potato, egg cooked by itself, chop or steak, tea, sauce, cake, pie or pudding, or those ordinary vegetables which we consider. indispensable. Napkins are rarely used; each person wiping his o» her face and hands on that portion of the tahje-cloth which is nearest, and .afterward patronizing one of the beforementioned comer wash-stands. Eating with the fork is not at all according to etiquette, but the knife or spoon must be used —or more properly a tortilla. Mexicans manage the latter with as much dexterity as the Chinese does his

chop-sticks, curving it between the fingers till it forms something like a spoon, and scooping up the food with it, eating spoon and aIL The very old people and the lower classes use tortillas altogether, instead of knives, forks, or spoons, the latter being of comparatively recent introduction. It requires considerable practice to successfully manage the tortilla scoop, as I have learned from sad experience. After the meal is finished, and at intervals during its progress if one feels so inclined, the month is filled with water from the goblet, rinsed wit. more or less emphasis between the teeth, and then spurted upon the floor. In this process all beoome expert, from the lady of the house to the smallest child. When fresher water is required that in she glasses is carelessly tossed upon the dirt floor, where it does no harm.— Cor. Indianapolis Journal.