is no excuse for bad writing, because any one of sense
knows that everything hurried is liable to be ruined. Dispatch may be
acquired, but hurry will ruin everything. If, however, you must write
slowly to write well, then be careful not to hurry at all, for the few
moments you will gain by rapid writing will never compensate you for the
disgrace of sending an ill-written letter.

7. NEATNESS.--Neatness is also of great importance. A fair white sheet with
handsomely written words will be more welcome to any reader than a blotted,
bedaubed page covered with erasures and dirt, even if the matter in each be
of equal value and interest. Erasures, blots, interlineations always spoil
the beauty of any letter.

8. BAD SPELLING.--When those who from faulty education, or forgetfulness
are doubtful about the correct spelling of any word, it is best to keep a
dictionary at hand, and refer to it upon such occasions. It is far better
to spend a few moments in seeking for a doubtful word, than to dispatch an
ill-spelled letter, and the search will probably impress the spelling upon
the mind for a future occasion.

9. CARELESSNESS.--Incorrect spelling will expose the most important or
interesting letter to the severest sarcasm and ridicule. However perfect in
all other respects, no epistle that is badly spelled will be regarded as
the work of an educated gentleman or lady. Carelessness will never be
considered, and to be ignorant of spelling is to expose an imperfect
education at once.

10. AN EXCELLENT PRACTICE.--After writing a letter, read it over carefully,
correct all the errors and re-write it. If you desire to become a good
letter writer, improve your penmanship, improve your language and grammar,
re-writing once or twice every letter that you have occasion to write,
whether on social or business subjects.

11. PUNCTUATION.--A good rule for punctuation is to punctuate where the
sense requires it, after writing a letter and reading it over carefully you
will see where the punctuation marks are required, you can readily
determine where the sense requires it, so that your letter will convey the
desired meaning. {36}

[Illustration]

12. CORRESPONDENCE.--There is no better school or better source for
self-improvement than a pleasant correspondence between friends. It is not
at all difficult to secure a good list of correspondents if desired. The
young people who take advantage of such opportunities for self-improvement
will