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GENERAL REMARKS.

LETTER-WRITING, in its true excellence, can scarcely be regarded as an art. Instruction may no doubt be imparted through the medium of rules; but those applicable to the subject are few, and at the same time of the simplest character. The following observations will, it is hoped, be found of some practical use to young persons, and assist them in avoiding error, and in acquiring a degree of proficiency in epistolary composition.

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It should always be borne in mind that letter-writing is but "speaking by the pen.' The first endeavor of a writer should therefore be to express himself as easily and naturally as in conversation, though with more method and conciseness.

I.-STYLE.

The style should be determined, in some measure, by the nature of the subject, but in a still greater degree by the relative positions of the writer and the person addressed. On important subjects, the composition is expected to be forcible and impressive; on lighter subjects, easy and vivacious ; in condolence, tender and sympathetic; in congratulation, lively and joyous. To superiors it should be respectful; to inferiors, courteous; to friends, familiar; and to relatives, affectionate. An old writer justly remarks: "Much has

been said on the epistolary style, as if any one style could be appropriated to the great variety of subjects which are treated of in letters. Ease, it is true, should distinguish familiar letters, written on the common affairs of life, because the mind is usually at ease while they are composed. But even in these, topics incidentally arise which require elevated expression and an inverted construction. Not to raise the style on these occasions is to write unnaturally; for nature teaches us to express animated emotions of every kind in animated language. The dependent writes unnaturally to a superior in the style of familiarity; the suppliant writes unnaturally if he rejects the figures dictated by distress. Conversation admits of every style but the poetic; and what are letters but written conversation?

II.-ARRANGEMENT OF IDEAS.

The purport of any letter should be well considered before its commencement, not only with a view to the attainment of a thorough clearness of expression, which is of primary importance, but likewise that the principal points to be discussed may be prominently brought forward, while those of a trivial nature are slightly mentioned. It requires, however, not only a certain amount of tact, but some quickness of perception, to avoid that stiffness and formality which are incident to the arrangement of the subject, and which are great defects in letter-writing.

III.-ORNAMENTATION.

A redundancy of ideas and of language is a common fault with those capable of writing with facility. As a rule, therefore, all striving at effect or attempt at ornamentation should be avoided; and as the chief charm of a letter is its originality, writers should not avail themselves either of hackneyed expressions or of ideas borrowed from others. An exhibition of epistolary talent is far less likely to gratify a correspondent than an easy, free, and faithful expression

of the sentiments of the writer; and by thus expressing himself he will also naturally avoid any excess of flattery or exaggerated professions of regard, so peculiarly objectionable in a letter, and at variance with all delicacy of taste. At the same time, a strict adherence to the natural expression of the thoughts will gradually introduce a degree of ease, fluency, and force, which may be carried to a high degree of perfection.

IV.-LONG SENTENCES.

Unpracticed persons will at first find it desirable to make their sentences as short as possible, that they may have them completely under control. Long sentences, even when well constructed, frequently occasion some degree of obscurity, and are less forcible tha ushort ones. Parentheses, though sometimes necessary, likewise tend to obscure the meaning of a writer, besides weakening the effect of sentences; they should therefore be avoided as much as possible.

V.-COMPOSITION OF LETTERS.

As regards the composition of letters, it is generally desirable, except with those upon business matters, to commence with some introductory remarks, not as a mere formality, but for the purpose of conciliating attention to the main subject of communication, which may otherwise strike too abruptly upon the mind of the reader. The introduction should be followed by the development of the topics for discussion, according to the importance attaching to each; and the conclusion should, when occasion requires, be devoted to the confirmation or summing up of what has been previously stated, and to expressions of regard or affection.

VI. TAUTOLOGY.

Tautology or the repetition of the same words, should be

guarded against, as forming a blemish of a striking character. In this effort, the continual need of words of like meaning will soon render a writer familiar with a variety of synonyms; and the possession of a copious vocabulary will conduce greatly to the general freedom of the composition. ì

VII-POSTSCRIPTS.

Postscripts are generally indicative of thoughtlessness and should be avoided, except when necessary for the purpose of mentioning some circumstance that has occurred after a letter has been written. To convey any assurances of regard or affection by means of a postscript is a great impropriety, as appearing to imply that the sentiments are so slightly impressed upon the mind of the writer as to be almost forgotten. There are special circumstances, however, which may render an expression of feeling in a postscript even more impressive than in the body of the letter; but such cases are exceptional, and must be left to the judgment of the practiced writer.

VIII.-QUOTATIONS.

Quotations should not be introduced too frequently, for, though a short and appropriate one, occasionally given, is both effective and elegant, yet to give them prominence in a letter appears pedantic and affected. The common use of French or proverbial phrases also offends against good taste.

IX.-UNDERLININGS.

Underlinings and interlineations are objectionable, and greatly deface a letter. A well constructed sentence will seldom require the emphasis to be marked by underlining any of the words, and a frequent repetition of the practice is not complimentary to the understanding of a correspondent. Any occasion for interlineations may usually be superseded by the exercise of care in writing, and by a little forethought.

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