I observe, by the tone of your last letter, that you are becoming very intimate with Henry Hubbard and Barney McIntosh. I need not tell you that your letter has given me much uneasiness. These young men are bad characters, and you cannot continue your association with them, without contaminating your morals.

I am an old man, and I write this, my boy, with a most earnest desire for your happiness. You have acquired a fine education, and have entered upon your profession with every prospect of success. You have a widowed mother to support, and an orphaned sister looking to you for guidance. It becomes you, therefore, to maintain a reputation unsullied, and obtain a good credit, which, to a young man in the commencement of a business career, is equal to a large capital of itself. Association with these young men will certainly carry you downward. They are both without employment, they drive fast horses, they wear flash jewelry, they frequent gambling-houses, they both use intoxicating drink, chew tobacco, and talk profane language. What would you think of another that might be seen in their company? People will judge you as you would judge any one else. There is much truth in the old proverb," A man is known by the company he keeps," and I would have your company such as will reflect the highest honor upon yourself.

I have written this letter earnestly and strongly, for I believe your good judgment will take it kindly; and I trust, when you sincerely reflect upon the matter, you will at once dismiss that class of associates from your company. Your Earnest Well-Wisher and Sincere Friend, DAVID CLINE.

You ask me if you will not act the wiser part by marrying Miss Manchester at once, and settling yourself permanently; and yet you inform me that it has been but three weeks since you first made her acquaintance. You may possibly be in jest, and perhaps in earnest; in either case, as you ask my advice, I can but give it.

The choosing of a life-companion, dear Charles, is a too serious matter to be so hastily decided. The selection of a partner for a dance or a ride may be of little moment; the choice of an associate for business may be determined in a short time; but the acceptance of a partner for life requires the most serious deliberation. You should take ample time for the study of the character, temperament, disposition and accomplishments of the lady whom you choose to be the sharer of your labors, joys, sorrows, reverses and prosperity.

Upon this step hangs a large share of your happiness in life. Do not act too hastily. Trusting, however, that I will some day see you happily married and settled, I am, as ever,

Your Most Sincere Friend,

GEORGE BATCHELDER.

Advice to a Gentleman on the Subject of Health. BOSTON, MASS., May 6, 18-.

MY DEAR FRIEND:

Yours of the 2d inst. is before me. I am pleased with the prospect that you report in your business, but regret that you should be discouraged about your health. You ask me what you had better do; I will answer.

The first great secret of good health is good habits; and the next is regularity of habits. They are briefly summed up in the following rules:

1.-Sleep. Give yourself the necessary amount of sleep. Some men require five hours of the twenty-four; others need eight. Avoid feather beds. Sleep in a garment not worn during the day. To maintain robust health, sleep with a person as healthy as yourself, or

no one.

2.-Dress. In cold weather, dress warmly with underclothing. Remove muffler, overcoat, overshoes, etc., when remaining any considerable length of time in a warm room. Keep your feet warm and dry. Wash them, in warm water, two or three times a week. Wear warm stockings, large boots, and overshoes when in the snow or wet. Wear a light covering on the head, always keeping it cool.

3.-Cleanliness. Have always a pint or quart of water in the sleeping room. In the morning, after washing and wiping hands and face, then wet, with the hands, every part of the body. Cold water will not be disagreeable when applying it with the bare hands. Wipe immediately; follow by brisk rubbing over the body. The whole operation need not take over five minutes. The result of this wash is, the blood is brought to the surface of the skin, and made to circulate evenly throughout the body. You have opened the pores of the skin, allowing impurities in the body to pass off, and have given yourself in the operation a good, vigorous morning exercise. Pursue this habit regularly, and you will seldom take cold.

4.-Inflation of the Lungs. Five minutes spent in the open air, after dressing, inflating the lungs by inhaling as full a breath as possible, and pounding the breast during the Inflation, will greatly enlarge the chest, strengthen the lung power, and very effectually ward off consumption.

5.-Diet. If inclined to be dyspeptic, avoid mince pie, sausage and other highly seasoned food. Beware of eating too freely of soups; better to eat food dry enough to employ the natural saliva of the mouth in moistening it. If inclined to over-eat, partake freely of rice, cracked wheat, and other articles that are easily digested.

Eat freely of ripe fruit, and avoid excessive use of meats. Eat at regular hours, and lightly near the hour of going to bed. Eat slowly. Thoroughly masticate the food. Do not wash it down with continual drink while eating. Tell your funniest stories while at the table and for an hour afterwards. Do not engage in severe mental labor directly after hearty eating.

6.-Exercise. Exercise, not too violent, but sufficient to produce a gentle perspiration, should be had each day in the open air.

7.-Condition of Mind. The condition of the mind has much to do with health. Be hopeful and joyous. To be so, avoid business entanglements that may cause perplexity and anxiety. Keep out of debt. Live within your income. Attend church. Walk, ride, mix in jovial company. Do as nearly right as you know how. Thus, conscience will always be at ease. If occasionally disappointed, remember that there is no rose without a thorn, and that the darkest clouds have a silver lining; that sunshine follows storm, and beautiful spring follows the dreary winter. Do your duty, and leave the rest to God, who doeth all things well.

Hoping to hear of your continued prosperity and recovery of health, I am, Your Very Sincere Friend,

I received your letter last evening. I was greatly pleased to hear that you have secured a position with Colby, Henderson & Co., and that your sisters are comfortably situated in their new homes. You ask me for advice as to what you shall do to maintain the good opinion of your employers, and thus ultimately prosperously establish yourself.

This desire that you evince to please is one of the very best evidences that you will please. Your question is very commendable. How can you succeed? That should be the great question with all young men. It is best answered, perhaps, by the reply of the wealthy and honored old man, who gave this advice to his grandson:

"My boy, take the admonition of an old man who has seen every phase of human life.

"If I could give you but one precept to follow, it would be, Keep good company. But, adding more, I will say:

"Be truthful; you thus always have the confidence of others. "Be temperate; thus doing, you preserve health and money. "Be industrious; you will then be constantly adding to your acquisitions.

"Be economical; thus, you will be saving for the rainy day. "Be cautious; you are not then so liable to lose the work of years. "Be polite and kind; scattering words of kindness, they are reflected back upon yourself, continually adding to your happiness." Observe these directions, and you will prosper. With many wishes for your success, remember I am always,

Your Friend,

ABEL MATTOCK.

101

ETTERS of Excuse should be written as promptly as may be.

Any damage that may have been caused by yourself, you should, if possible, repair immediately, with inter

est.

In apologizing for misconduct, failing to meet an engagement, or for lack of punctuality, always state the reason why.

By fulfilling every engagement promptly, discharging every obligation when due, and always being punctual, you thereby entirely avoid the necessity for an excuse.

Any article borrowed by measure, be certain to return in larger quantity and better quality, to make up the interest. To fail to make good that which has been borrowed is the certain loss of credit and business reputation in the neighborhood where you live. No letter of apology can make amends for neglecting to pay your debts.

I fear that you will feel injured at my failure to keep my appointment this evening. You will, however, I know, forgive me when I explain. When about to proceed to your residence, my horse, being very restive, became so frightened at an object by the roadside as to cause his runaway, throwing me violently to the ground, breaking an arm, and completely demolishing my carriage. Regretting my failure to keep my engagement, I am yet rejoiced that the accident occurred before you had entered the carriage. Trusting that my excuse is a sufficient apology, I remain, Your Faithful Friend,

ALBERT BIGBEE.

Apology for Delay in Returning a Book.

KENTLAND, IND., Nov. 19, 18-. MY DEAR AMY: You must excuse my long delay in returning your book. The truth is, it has been the rounds for several to read, though it has not been out of our house. When I had nearly finished its reading, Aunt Mary became interested in its contents and read it through. Her glowing description of the character of the work caused mother to peruse it; so that we have kept it from you several weeks. We feel very grateful to you, however, for furnishing us such an intellectual feast, and hope to have the pleasure of doing you a like favor.

Truly Your Friend,

LIZZIE BRAINARD.

102

FRIEND HASKINS: I regret that all the money I have at liberty I am compelled to use this afternoon; else I would comply with your request with pleasure. Respectfully,

I start for Boston to-morrow, to make arrangemente

In conferring a favor, avoid

conveying the impression that the recipient is greatly under obligation to you. Rather imply that the granting and accepting of the favor is mutually a pleasure.

Letters refusing a favor should be very kindly worded, and, while expressing regret at your inability to comply with the request, state the reason why.

as the Holy Land. Be so kind, if you please, as to give me a letter of introduction to Prof. Wm. Kidder, whom I hope, also, to enlist in the scheme.

With warmest regards to your family, I remain,

DEAR MABEL:

THURSDAY AFTERNOON, April 7, 18-.

Accompanied by cousin Fred and Jennie Masters, I am going to the theater to-night, and in behalf of Fred I wish you would loan me your opera-glass for the evening.

DEAR BECKIE:

BECKIE HOWELL.

Answer Refusing the Request.

THURSDAY, April 7, 18-. Charlie Hackney called and borrowed my glass about an hour since; otherwise, I would take the greatest pleasure in granting your request. Wishing you a delightful evening, I am, Your Devoted Friend,

MABEL GALE.

Requesting the Loan of a Pistol.

FRIEND GODARD:

FRIDAY MORN., MAY 8, 18-. Please loan me your pistol this forenoon, and oblige JOHN OGDON.

Reply Granting the Request.

Will you do me the kindness to loan me one hundred dollars until Wednesday of next week. Having several large collections to make during the next three days, I may return the loan before then. Yours Truly,

GEORGE HASKINS.

FRIEND JOHN:

FRIDAY, May 8, 18-. Accept the pistol. Beware that you do not get hurt. I shall want it to-morrow. Truly Yours, BEN GODARD.

SUALLY, in sending gifts, it is customary to accompany the same with a prettily written note. Such letters, with their answers, are very brief, and are usually written in the third person, unless among relatives or very intimate friends.

Bear Helen

Will you accept the accom=

immediately, no haste need be made in repaying the gift, else it would seem that you feel the obligation, and will experience relief by paying the debt.

Accompanying a Betrothal Gift of a Ring.

No. 84 ELDRIDGE COURT, Jan. 1, 18-.

DEAR ANNIE: Will you accept the accompanying ring, and wear it as a pledge of the undying affection of,

Yours Constantly,

WILLIAM.

humble servant, in lieu of the visit that we anticipated making you

month?

to make

this

We want the photos of all your family our album complete, and I shall watch the mail, expecting to get them. Hap= ing to hear from you soon,

I remain,

Your Friend,

MY FRIEND JOSEPH:

FREEPORT, ILL., Dec. 10, 18-. Your very valuable and welcome gift came to-day. I lean on it, and look back. The noonday of our life has passed. Gradually we are descending the slope towards the going-down of our life's sun. It is appointed for all to reach life's meridian, stand there for a little while, and go down on the other side. Youth may not be recovered here, but I doubt not that we may be young again, in that bourne towards which we are fast passing. During my remaining years I will cherish your gift. Accept my warmest thanks, and remember me as,

Your Constant Friend,

DAVID BINNINGER.

Accompanying a Donation to a Clergyman.

TO THE REV. WASHINGTON SMITH,
Pastor of the --th St. M. E. Church.

Dear Sir:

Will you confer upon us the great pleasure of appropriating to your own use the accompanying check? It is presented by your many friends in your congregation, as a slight token of the very high esteem in which you are held by the people, as a Christian gentleman and a most eloquent and instructive preacher. Trusting that its acceptance will afford you as much pleasure as is given us in the presentation, we are,

Very Respectfully,
MARTIN FULLER,

WM. B. KING,

CHAS. H. SNOW.

Answer to the Foregoing.

ST. LOUIS, MO., Jan. 1, 18-. MESSRS. MARTIN FULLER, Wm. B. KING, AND CHAS. H. SNOW. Gentlemen:

Your very kind and courteous letter, accompanied by your valuable testimonial, is received, for which please accept my grateful acknowledgments. The gift itself, however, is not more valued than the golden words of sympathy and encouragement that accompany its presentation. Trusting that, through God's blessing, I may be able to serve the generous donors as acceptably in the future as your testimonial leads me to suppose I have in the past, I am, Your Very Obedient Servant, WASHINGTON SMITH.

Accompanying a Gift to a Superintendent upon Retirement.

MR. ARTHUR P. STEPHENS.

Dear Sir:

CHICAGO, ILL., Feb. 2, 18

The undersigned, employes of the Northwestern Sheet Lead and Zinc Works, deeply regretting your departure from among us, desire your acceptance of the accompanying memorial, in testimony of our affection and respect for you as a gentleman and a mechanic, and as a faint expression of our appeciation of your kindly efforts to render our connection with this manufactory not only pleasant and agreeable to ourselves, but profitable to the company. Deeply regretting that our connection must be severed, we shall gratefully remember our association in the past, and hope always to be held in pleasurable remembrance by you.

(SIGNED BY THE EMPLOYES.)

Answer to the Foregoing.

CHICAGO, ILL., Feb. 3, 18-. TO THE EMPLOYES OF THE NORTHWESTERN SHEET LEAD AND ZINC WORKS.

Gentlemen:

I am in receipt of your kind letter and testimonial. Wherever fortune may cast my lot, I shall never cease to remember the pleasant associations of the past few years, and the many kind attentions I have received at your hands. If our relations and labors have been pleasant, I do not forget that they were largely made so by your always generous efforts and willing coöperation.

I will ever cherish your beautiful gift as a memorial of our pleasant years together, and can only wish that each of you, when occupying positions of trust, may be as warmly supported and as ably assisted by those in your charge as I have been since my connection with yourselves. Thanking you for this testimonial and your generous words of approval, I remain,

Your Friend,

ARTHUR P. STEPHENS.