the extent of one-fourth the width of the
entire paper so as to leave a broad margin on the left side of the
paper.

v. Number the pages; in the order of their succession.

vi. Write in a plain, bold, legible hand, without regard to beauty
of appearance.

vii. Use no abbreviations which are not to appear in print.

viii. Punctuate the manuscript as it should be printed.

ix. For italics underscore one line; for small capitals, two;
capitals, three.

x. Never interline without the caret (^) to show its place.

xi. Take special pains with every letter in proper names.

xii. Review every word, to be sure that none is illegible.

xiii. Put directions to the printer at the head of the first page.

xiv. Never write a private letter to the editor on the printer's
copy, but always on a separate sheet.

248. Hints to those who have Pianofortes.

i. Damp is very injurious to a pianoforte; it ought therefore to be
placed in a dry place, and not exposed to draughts.

ii. Keep your piano free from dust, and do not allow needles, pins, or
bread to be placed upon it, especially if the key-board is exposed, as
such articles are apt to get inside and produce a jarring or whizzing
sound.

iii. Do not load the top of a piano with books, music, &c., as the
tone is thereby deadened, and the disagreeable noise alluded to in the
last paragraph is often produced likewise.

iv. Have your piano tuned about every two months; whether it is used
or not, the strain is always upon it, and if it is not kept up to
concert pitch it will not stand in tune when required, which it will
do if it be attended to regularly.

v. An upright instrument sounds better if placed about two inches from
the wall.

vi. When not in use keep the piano locked.

vii. To make the polish look nice, rub it with an old silk
handkerchief, being careful first of all to dust off any small
particles, which otherwise are apt to scratch the surface.

viii. Should any of the notes keep down when struck, it is a sure sign
that there is damp somewhere, which has caused the small note upon
which the key works to swell.

249. Gardening Operations for the Year.

250. January.--Flowers of the Month.

Christmas Rose, Crocus, Winter Aconite, Alyssum, Primrose, Snowdrop.

251. Gardening Operations.

In-door preparations for future operations must