Where Directories Are Valuable

It would make a very interesting study to determine how many times a city directory is consulted in the course of a day. When we consider that it is used constantly in offices and stores to say nothing of those who have a directory in their homes, the number would reach far up into the thousands.

There is probably no place where it is used so much and where its careful preparation and reliability is of more importance than in the post office. Here it is quite invaluable. Because of its constant use an especially well bound book is necessary. This is bound in good sheep and even that does not keep it intact for the present volume, although it has only been in use in the office since the first of March is old and dilapidated and has the appearance of a book that had been used for years. lts leaves are torn and dog-eared and if it was not for the fact that it is interleaved in such a manner that as the pages become so torn and worn that the names are illegible, a reproduction of the page can be made on the inserted blank leaves, its days of usefulness would be over. Then, too, this interleaving of the book gives those consulting it an opportunity to keep the directory up-to-date for as removals are made the change of address can be entered on the blank pages. During the school year the student's directory has to be replaced a number of times as it soon becomes worn out by the constant and hasty use of it by the carriers.

The student's directory at Calkins' drug store is probably the most consulted next to the post office and has to be replaced every two months to keep at readable.