uld be a letter the body of which would
resemble the following:

"The bearer, Mr. Mark W. Allen, who is an old friend and neighbor of
mine, represents the Altmann Irrigation Company, and is desirous of
obtaining information in regard to the system of waterways lately put
into your county. Knowing your influential position in regard to all
matters of public interest, I have sent him to you in the hope that
you may be able to put him in touch with the people who will give him
the desired information. Any favor that you may do Mr. Allen, or any
courtesy that you may extend to him, will be deeply appreciated by
me."

A purely social letter of introduction would say in substance: "Mrs.
Arthur L. Westmore, who presents this letter to you, is an intimate
and cherished friend of mine, and one whom I know you would desire to
meet. She is to spend some little time in your city, and any courtesy
that you may do her I shall deeply appreciate. I have told her of our
friendship, and she knows how highly I value you, and is eager to meet
you."

When a letter of introduction is given, it is well to write the
receiver concerning the friend who will present it, that he may not be
taken unawares, nor continue long ignorant of the claims of that
friend upon him.

A gentleman usually presents such a letter by calling in person and
sending in the letter, together with one of his personal cards, by the
servant who answers the bell, or by the office boy. A lady usually
mails the letter and one of her cards giving her address. She should
receive an acknowledgment with a call or offer of hospitality within a
day or two.

A person who makes use of a letter of introduction should acknowledge
to the giver the courtesy he has received, with due gratitude.

_Letters of Recommendation_

Letters of recommendation should be sparingly given. It is becoming
less and less important, in the minds of experienced employers, to
demand references. The personality of the applicant counts, and the
varying traits which different positions cultivate make the
experiences of the past of but little guidance, save in a broad and
general way.

The giving of recommendations at random, "To whom it may concern," is
also less done than formerly, as there is such uncertainty in regard
to their use. Instead of this, the servant is told that she may use
the former mistress's name as reference. The new, would-be employer
then writes a note of inquiry to the former