PROSE.
The chief varieties of prose composition are Letters, Narrations, Descriptions, and Expositions.
Letters are of two kinds, familiar letters or letters of friendship, and business letters.
Note.—In letter-writing of all kinds, the style should be simple, and the manner of expression natural. Neatness and correctness are essential.
THE PARTS OF A LETTER.
The parts of a letter are the heading, the address, the salutation, the body, the conclusion, and the signature.
The heading should show where and when the letter was written. It should include the address of the writer in full, and the date.
Every important part of the heading should begin with a capital letter. Every abbreviated word should be followed by a period, and the parts of the heading should be separated by commas. A period should be placed at the close of the heading.
The heading should be placed about an inch and a half from the top of the page, and should begin about the middle of the sheet. It may occupy a part of a line, or of two lines.