POST-OFFICE AND MAILS. 261 



ing on Nantucket that year than in 1880. It is be- 

 lieved that we have reached the- lowest point, and that 

 now the population will begin to increase; quite a num- 

 ber of persons having built or purchased houses with 

 the intention of making Nantucket their permanent 

 home, after testing the purity of its air and its even- 

 ness of temperature during the summer. 



The compiler regrets exceedingly that he was unable 

 in this edition to give facts and figures in regard to 

 the last census, particularly as regards the number of 

 females, old people, etc., upon the island. But under 

 the circumstances it was impossible, as it would have 

 involved too much of the limited time allotted him for 

 the completion of the book. 



Post-Office and Mails. 



The post-office at Nantucket is of the second class. 

 and during the summer season a large amount of mail 

 matter is handled, amounting to at least 3,000 pieces 

 daily. During the months of July, August, and Sep- 

 tember, the office is open from 6 A. M. to 9 P. m. on 

 week-days, and on Sundays from 1 to 4 and from 6 to 

 7 P. M. Through the remainder of the year the office 

 is opened at 7 A. m. and closed at 8 P. m., and on Sun- 

 days from 6 to 7 p. M. 



The box letters are usually distributed in about half 

 an hour after the arrival of the steamer. The general 

 public can usually secure their mail in less than an 

 hour after the blowing of the steamer's whistle as she 

 rounds Brant Point. There are two mails each week- 

 day during the summer, which arrive about 11.45 A. m. 

 and 6.30 P. m., and leave at 7 A. m. and 12.45 P. m.. 



