It is very important to be able to make a prÉcis of a number of letters or telegrams.

Rule VIII.—In making a prÉcis of a number of letters DO NOT PROCEED LETTER BY LETTER. Get the gist of the whole story; then pick out the important points and arrange them in the order in which the events happened. Several letters or telegrams may be combined in one paragraph, if they are on the same topic, but the topics must be kept separate.

Rule IX.—Never omit the principal DATES AND TIMES.