er is so difficult to decipher that one
is justified in destroying it unread. One is supposed to have sufficient
letter paper on hand. A half sheet should never be used as a means of
eking out an epistle. Don't send a blotted, smeared letter.

[758 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

Placing the Stamp.--Several years ago silly girls occasionally inquired
through the newspapers as to "the significance" of the postage stamp when
placed in certain positions on the envelope. One paper made reply that to
place it anywhere but on the upper right hand corner of the envelope
indicated that the sender was a first-class idiot. The answer was widely
copied and the inquiries ceased. The stamp is placed there for convenience
in canceling, that being done by a machine in all but the smaller offices.

The last item to be remembered is, spell correctly, though it is one of
much importance. A mis-spelled word is a grievous error in a letter--worse
than a blot. Keep a dictionary on the desk; when in doubt look up the
word, and then take pains to fix it in mind so as to have no further
trouble with it.

When to Write.--Notes of invitation should be promptly answered. So should
business letters. As for friendly letters, were they answered at once, by
both parties, the exchange would be so brisk that too much time would be
thus occupied. One may let a reasonable time elapse before replying; this
depending upon the intimacy. Friends whose time is much taken up with
other cares, but who do not wish to lose touch with each other, not
infrequently agree to exchange letters at certain dates or anniversaries.
Both may write simultaneously, or one write and the other reply.

Make it a point to re-read the letter you are about to answer, and take
pains to reply to any questions your correspondent may have asked. Nothing
is more maddening than to make several important inquiries and find them
wholly ignored while your friend tells you how busy she is, how many
engagements she has in the future, how tired she is, and prefaces these
uninteresting details with a long apology for her silence. Who was it said
"An apology is a mistaken explanation"?

Postal cards are not considered in correspondence. They are to be used
only for business, or where one is traveling and wishes to inform her
friends of her whereabouts. The picture or souvenir postals are largely
used for this purpose. But the postal card, in correspondence, is like a
call when the lady is out and y