

LETTER XVI. 



Canandaigua. June, 1920. 



My Dear Sir, 



All wood that is susceptible of a fine polish, 

 will make good furniture, and where the texture 

 is compact, and the grain fine and concentrated, 

 a polish can be made, an almost invariable ac- 

 companiment. I have been not a little surprised 

 at the extravagance of the Americans in import- 

 ing mahogany, satin wood, he. for cabinet work, 

 when they have as good, if not better materials at 

 home. 1 find cabinet makers in full employ all 

 over this country, and it is an occupation which 

 deserves encouragement. It adds greatly to our 

 comfort to sit down at a table which reflects like a 

 mirror — and I always judge of the house-wifery 

 of the lady of the mansion, by the appearance of 

 the sideboard and tables. A man of observation 

 will form a judgment in this respect by a single 

 glance, apparently without taking any notice, and 

 certainly without a scrutinizing stare : All young 

 ladies that are candidates for matrimony ought 

 to understand that they cannot place too much 



