of this city.
As her principal for a number of months, I can truthfully
recommend her as capable of filling any position for which
she may apply.

JAMES H. BLANCHARD,
Principal of Livingston School,
New York City.

Letters of Condolence

should be written very soon after the occurrence of the sorrowful
event, and, while brief, should not be cold and formal; neither should
they touch the opposite extreme, and, by dwelling with maddening
iteration upon the fresh sorrow, harrow anew the stricken soul of the
mourner. The occasion should never be seized upon as a text for a
sermon on resignation, nor should frequent reference be made to
various like bereavements suffered by the writer. These comparisons
only wound, for "there is no sorrow like unto my sorrow," has ever
been the cry of the stricken soul. And when friends have done their
little all, each mourner still feels the truth of Lowell's lines:

"Condole if you will, I can bear it,
'Tis the well-meant alms of breath,
Yet all of the preachings since Adam
Cannot make Death other than Death."

Yet friends cannot deny themselves the privilege of a few loving
words, and a letter on the loss of a beloved daughter might be as
follows:

CAPE MAY, June 1, 189-.

MY DEAR MRS. SUTHERLAND:

I cannot resist my desire to write you a few words of love
and sorrow; only a few, for my heart is full and words seem
very weak. Thank God, my friend, for the nineteen beautiful
years that ended that morning in May.

If you could but know how sweet and tender a recollection
she has left enshrined in the hearts of her friends, and all
the loving, gracious utterances that are offered to her
memory! It is well with Alice in heaven; that it may be well
with you on earth, in the days that are to come, is the
prayer of

Your loving friend,

MARIE.

To a friend who has sustained a financial loss might be written:

TONAWANDA, N.Y., November 12, 189-.

MY DEAR BLAKE:

The first announcement that I had of your severe financial
loss was through the morning paper. I can only express my
sorrow at the event and my indignation over the falsity of
the cashier in whom you placed so much confidence.

Hoping that you have employed the best of detective skill,
and that you will succeed in recovering a portion, at least,
o