d places, all appellations of the Deity, the first word of every
line of poetry, and show themselves in the pronoun "I," and the
exclamation "O."

Sealing wax is to be used, or not, as inclination directs, but
neatness and skill are necessary in its use, or an unsightly blotch
will result, than which the self-sealing envelope is far preferable. A
heavy cream-white envelope sealed with a large, perfect seal of rich
red, or bronze-brown wax with a clear monogram or initial stamped
thereon, is always pleasing to the eye. To very slightly oil the seal
will prevent it adhering to the wax and thereby spoiling the
impression. In a foreign correspondence, the self-sealing envelopes
are better since in tropical countries the great heat often melts the
wax, and it is always liable, during transportation in the holds of
vessels, to become cracked and loosened from the paper by the weight
of other goods, and close packing in the hold.

Final remarks are scarcely necessary, but it might be suggested that
it is rather fashionable to write one's full name, as more elegant
than initials. A lady never signs herself simply by initials. Mary
Creighton Cutter should so write her name, or, at least, Mary C.
Cutter. Never M.C. Cutter. A gentleman is privileged to do this in
business or formal letters, but in any others, instead of L.B.
Bancroft he is Lucius Bright Bancroft or Lucius B. Bancroft.

Points to be Remembered.

Margins are no longer a necessity even in the most formal letters.
Sometimes in writing a long, friendly, not formal, letter, instead of
utilizing one side only of the paper, it is written across the sheet
upon the first and fourth pages, and then lengthwise upon the second
and third, though of course it is perfectly correct to write upon the
pages consecutively.

Tautology, or a continued repetition of the same word, is a
disagreeable and inelegant fault in writing, as: "If John will _come_
home, we will all _come_, but if he fails to _come_, we will not
_come_ until he can _come_ also."

One other point remains to touch upon: Any one that has ever glanced
at the "Correspondence Column" of any paper will see how often young
women ask if it is proper to write to gentlemen who have requested
the favor of corresponding with them, and which should write first.
This point is rightfully one that should be settled by the mother or
other guardian of the girl; but let it be said here that while this is
the only country in