qual disregard of use and effectiveness.

A good quality of paper is essential to elegance. Plain white or cream
white paper, unlined, with either rough or smooth finish, is always
correct, and is the only kind for formal social correspondence. For
more intimate letters ladies sometimes use a pale blue, delicate
pearl-gray, light lavender or heliotrope, or a Colonial buff. There
has lately been imported the style of an envelope with lining of
another color and paper to match, in a variety of bright tints and
striking designs. These styles, even in the daintier variations of
them, appeal only to the younger members of the "smart set." Gentlemen
never use any but white stationery.

Correspondence cards are a great convenience for the very shortest of
messages, where even the small note paper is too large. They are to
social letter writing what the postal is in business. They, like the
postal, should be used only for brief messages of no special
importance, or for notifications.

It is a matter of taste and of expense to have one's monogram or home
address engraved at the top of choice note paper or letter paper. This
may be in gilt, silver, or colors.

The more common forms of heading are centered an inch below the top of
the paper, but may be placed somewhat lower down, and to the right,
leaving about three-quarters of an inch margin. In this case the date
line follows. Engraved and embossed headings are the most elegant, and
printed ones should be used only for business purposes. There can,
however, be no objection to a very neatly printed small heading for
personal business correspondence, if it is tastefully done in a quiet
color. While it would not be acceptable for formal social
correspondence, it does very well on more intimate letters and saves
the necessity of writing each time the home address. It is best to use
printed letterheads, rather than commit the blunder now so common,
among those who do not habitually use engraved paper, of omitting the
address from the letter. This, in case the letter is misdirected, and
travels to the Dead-Letter Office, prevents effectually its
restoration to the writer.

The size of note paper suited to the letter to be written should be
used. Do not start with a small note size, and run on over several
sheets. The letter size should have been taken in the first place, as
the note is only for such messages as are essentially short.

The forms of heading which are permissible