e of irrelevant matter; for instance:

MENDOTA, Ill., April 4, 189-.

MESSRS. BLANK & CO.

Please send me:

10 yards of black silk, at $1 per yard $10 00
14 yards of green cashmere, at 75c. per yard 10 50
1 pair black kid gloves 1 50
1 pair tan kid gloves, undressed 2 00
------
Total $23 00

Enclosed find money order for the above amount. Goods to be
sent by American Express. By filling the above order quickly
as possible, you will greatly oblige,

MARY MCNETT.

Address: MRS. W.D. MCNETT, Mendota, Ill.

If there is any special reason for filling an order hastily, such as a
birthday gift or wedding present, mention the fact briefly, and care
will be taken that it is sent in time. Always make use of money order,
draft or registered letter, when sending other than very small amounts
of money by mail. Should you have anything to say in such a letter
aside from the affair in hand, attend first and briefly to the matter
of business, and then add whatever remarks may seem necessary.

Answers to Advertisements

should also be concisely worded, as for example:

61 DELAWARE PLACE, February 19, 189-.

MRS. GENERAL CHANNING:

Seeing your advertisement for a governess in to-day's
"Herald," I wish to inform you that I am a graduate of
Wellesley, and have, for the two years since being
graduated, taught French and German in the college.

Any references which you may desire as to my efficiency for
completing the education of your daughter will be furnished
you by the College Faculty.

Hoping to hear favorably from you,

I am, respectfully,

(MISS) ELIZABETH STUART.

A letter of inquiry might be something as follows:

DR. J.H. GRATIOT:

In making some inquiries relative to the present residence
of a friend of mine, Miss Grace Gage, a mutual acquaintance
of ours, Mrs. Emmons B. Corthell, of this place, gave me
your address, suggesting that you could afford me the
desired information.

This being the case, would you be so kind as to send the
lady's present address, or, by handing her this note, permit
her personally to furnish the desired information. Any
communication addressed, from now on,