ning,
the width of the black border varies according to the nearness of the
deceased relative or the length of time since the loss, though some
never use more than the narrowest line of black, while others still,
with the most perfect propriety, discard it altogether. Its use is a
matter of taste simply, and must cease so soon as the mourning garb is
dropped. Never be guilty, however, of writing a letter of
congratulation on black-edged paper, even if in mourning; use plain
white for this purpose. At the same time, it is never necessary to
write a letter of condolence on black-bordered paper, unless the
writer himself is in mourning.

[Illustration: IMPROPER POSITION. PROPER POSITION.]

The careful writing of a note or letter is a mark of respect to the
recipient, and blots, erasures and mended words should never be
permitted to disfigure it. Erasing cannot be done without marring the
entire page and a mended or rewritten word is an offense to the eye.
To copy the letter afresh is the only real remedy, and those who value
their own standing will not grudge the pains spent in the composition
of a letter that shall be a credit to the writer and a pleasure to the
receiver.

This comes under the general recommendation of doing everything you do
as it ought to be done. There should be no slipshod way of writing a
letter by which you are to be judged.

Figures and abbreviations are often used. Few numerals are allowable,
except the dates, the street number and the hour of the day. Very
large sums of money are also stated in figures unless they begin a
sentence, when all numbers must be written out fully. Figures are also
preferable in uneven sums of money too long to be written with one, or
at most two words; per cent., as well, is rulable in figures. Degrees
should be either written "75 deg.," or "seventy-five degrees." Fractions,
given alone, should be in words, and all other numerals occurring in a
letter must follow the same rule, except quotations from stock and
market reports. For extra precaution, sometimes sums of money are
written, followed by figures representing the same, in parenthesis.

Common Abbreviations.

Abbreviations proper to social and formal letter-writing are few in
number. Honorary titles, such as Dr., Prof., Hon., Rev., Messrs.,
Esq., Capt., etc., are usually abbreviated as above, though very good
authorities advocate, and with much reason, the use of the full word
"Reverend," as also the ti