Ten Years Among the Mail Bags Part 55

The rows of letters of the alphabet running horizontally, from left to right, represent the surname, and are several times repeated for convenience, and as an aid to the eye in tracing given initials; while the perpendicular rows of letters stand for the Christian name, and are used doubly, to reduce the size of the case. Where it is necessary, however, the Christian initials can also be placed singly, by enlarging the case, or making it in two sections, using only half of the alphabet for each, placing the two sections in an angular form, or backing one against the other, and putting the entire frame on an upright shaft turning upon a pivot at top and bottom, near the general delivery, so as to admit of turning the case, as the locality of the initials inquired for may require.

The plan for example works thus:--John Jones calls for a letter.

The person in attendance glances at the J. on the horizontal line, and then runs the eye to the range of the J. on the perpendicular line, and that is the box in which Jones' letter ought to be. One for Isaac Jones would be in the same place, in a case constructed after the above arrangement.

Its dimensions are as follows:--

Size of the entire case, 5 feet 1-1/4 inches, by 4 feet 2-1/2 inches.

Size of pigeon holes or letter boxes, 3-3/4 by 2-1/4 inches.

Thickness of outside of case and lettered shelves, 3/4 of an inch.

Intermediate shelves, 1/4 inch thick.

Upright part.i.tions of boxes, 1/8 inch thick--part.i.tions cut out concave in front.

The legs or supports of the case should be about 2 feet in length, and "white wood" is considered the best material for the entire case.

Paint can be used for the lettering, or letters printed upon paper, and pasted on separately, will answer the purpose.

THE END.