George Washington's Rules of Civility Traced to their Sources and Restored by Moncure D. Conway
Chapter viii. 9. Prenant du sel, gardez que le cousteau ne soit
gras: quand il le faut nettoyer, ou la fourchette on le peut faire honnestement auec vn peu de pain, ou comme il se pratique en certains lieux, auec la serviette, mais iamais sur le pain entier.
In taking salt be careful that the knife is not greasy: when necessary your knife or fork may with propriety be cleaned on a piece of bread,--or, as is done in some places, with the napkin,--but it must never be wiped on the whole loaf.
93d. Entertaining any one at table it is decent to present him w't meat, Undertake not to help others undesired by y'e Master