selected article. As nearly as possible, the copy of the advertisement prepared by the students of each group is to look as it will in the magazine. In order to do this, they may clip both illustrations and type from any available sources, pasting in this matter. This can be made effective, if pains are taken.

(m) Class Letter. - Let each member of the class write a letter containing the description of a hard-fought snowball battle. These letters are to be submitted to a committee of three who are to select the three letters that in their judgment bring out the most interesting points. Let these be read aloud, and let the class compose a descriptive letter to some English class in a city where they are unused to snow. Ask a letter in return, describing something familiar to them, but which would seem new to you. Make the letter as nearly perfect as you can before mailing it. Address it to the instructor in English, care of the high school in the city decided upon.

(n) Business Letters. Opening Sentences. - In the opening sentence of a letter replying to a business letter, be careful to refer definitely to the date and contents of the letter to which you are replying. For this purpose, let several brief business letters be read aloud, or written upon the blackboard. Let the class write letters in reply, and give in the opening sentence the substance of the letter to be answered.

(0) Long Themes in Form of Letters. Let the class prepare a long theme on some selected topic. Put it in the form of a letter, and inclose it in an envelope properly addressed to the residence of your instructor in English. Use official envelopes, and fold correctly.

(p) Both Sides of a Correspondence. - Take both attitudes, that of a customer and of the representative of some large business house advertising a staple article. Clip the advertisement from one of the leading magazines. Write a letter of inquiry, as from a prospective purchaser, in response to the advertisement. Write in reply, stating terms, description, arguments for the purchase, and whatever else may seem advisable. Make both strictly business letters.

(q) Talk on Letters. — Prepare a five-minute talk on letter-writing, and proper form in letters and notes. Discuss appropriate headings, salutations, conclusions, signatures, and superscriptions. Speak also of good taste in the choice of stationery and ink. Use the blackboard. If possible, submit sample letters, correctly written.

(r) Address by a Trained Writer. — Let a competent business stenographer or private secretary address the class on "Up-to-date Re quirements of Form in Letter Writing."

Mexican Water Carrier. Imagine having to depend upon this sort of service for your water supply in these days of water works, of artesian wells, and of irrigation. Under what conditions do people live who are satisfied with a supply system like this?

Think a little, look up information, and write an article on "Unusual Sources of Water Supply."

Aqueducts in Old Mexico. - When the Spaniards came to Mexico, they found an elaborate system of aqueducts, some of which are still in use. Look this up, and write a paper on it, if it interests you.

CHAPTER XIII

KINDS OF LETTERS

Let your letter be written as accurately as possible.

-Chesterfield.

I. BUSINESS LETTERS

Business Requirements. The first requisite of a business letter is accuracy. The writer should be sure of his facts, and he must say what he means. The second item of importance is that of neatness and legibility. The letter should be clear, clean, and well written. Then the letter should be concise. The writer should express himself in as few words as possible, consistent with a clearness that will render his meaning unmistakable.

The recipient of the letter is supposed to be able to act promptly on the information this letter contains. If for a full understanding of the letter it is necessary to refer to certain previous letters, the letter should cite them. Lastly, the letter should be courteous in tone.

Clear Statement. — In making your statement of facts, you should endeavor to make each fact stand out by itself so as to catch the reader's attention at a glance. If any explanation is necessary, make it item by item. Clear up one point before touching upon the next. Postscripts are out of place in business letters.

In urging any special consideration designed to influence your reader's mind, try to put yourself in his place, and when you have finished your letter, read it over to

see whether you have clearly stated your points. If not, do not hesitate to recast your letter.

In important letters, it may often be advisable to make a first draft of your letter and then to recast it, asking yourself the question whether your letter says just what you mean or not.

It is best to avoid undue brevity. The so-called telegraphic style, where the pronouns and the less important particles and connectives are omitted, is not permissible in business correspondence. This applies even to what are termed "day or night letters," that is, telegrams of fifty words or less, which are wired at reduced rates, and which are now much in use. A good business writer should be able to make almost any transaction clear in fifty words. If not, he should not hesitate to use words enough for his purpose. Business Answers. In answering a business letter, first acknowledge the receipt of your correspondent's letter, giving its date, and, in case of a large business house or corporation, its file number. At the same time, acknowledge the check, receipt, bill of lading, or other inclosure or inclosures, by saying, "with inclosure as stated," or by naming the inclosures.

It may be wise to restate briefly the letter to which you are replying, after which you may deal with it point by point. This will facilitate matters, especially if your letters should be referred to some one who has not seen the previous correspondence. If questions have been asked in the letter to which you are replying, these should be answered definitely and clearly.

Business letters should be answered at once, if possible. Otherwise, a brief letter of acknowledgment promising an immediate reply should be sent.

Business "Don'ts."— Never seal a business letter without rereading it.

Never hesitate to rewrite a letter, if after reading it over you think that it fails to say exactly and unmistakably what you intended it to say.

Never let a letter leave your desk that is lacking in courtesy, or that savors of disrespect.

Paradise Road and Mt. Rainier. There is a certain joy of living felt in the open air, especially in the mountains, and on horseback. The writer, Mary Roberts Rinehart, is shown at