Meals In The Dark Ages

Few referenoes can be found as to the marnier in which a meal was served and eaten during the dark ages. As near as we can learn, tho soup was put in a big bowl with ears, called a "porringer. " i There was seldom a spoon for each per. son. Tliose who had spoons dipped tliem into tho porringer, and the liquid was carried directly to each mouth. Those who were without spoons drank their soup from the porringer, holdiug it by one of the ears, or else borrowed a spoon of their neighbor. The meats were placed in a large vessel in the center of the table. Each person present at the meal picked out with his flngers such bits as he desired. One or two knives answered for half a dozen guests. Those who were without knife borrowed from those who had one. As a rule, the guests at table used their own knives. There is no evidence that napkins were supplied to guests at this period. At any rate, no mention is made of