The post office and its story an interesting account of the activities of a great government department

“I beg to say I am writing a history of the Highlanders in America, in which I shall attempt an extended sketch of Flora in this country.” But even when correspondents write on Post Office business they are almost as hopeless. The postmaster of Enniskillen received this communication: “I wonder if you will be so kind as to address and mail a letter to me for a party I wish to reach and have forgotten their address and even their name.” All that the man knew about “the party” was that she lived with an aunt and was engaged to be married. It was impossible, at least in Enniskillen, to locate a lady with so conventional a record. Questions of this kind are much easier: “I am taking the liberty of writing to ask if you will kindly refer me to some good responsible forage merchants, fruit salesmen or commission agents, greengrocers, &c., as I am desirous of ascertaining information relative to turnips (principally), potatoes and apples, and oblige— Your's, &c.” The postmaster of Southsea saw a week's work before him if he attempted to answer this letter:—