A good memory is very necessary, for the papers that have been filed must be found when wanted. Letters signed by an individual may be filed with the correspondence of his firm. When the manager calls for "that letter from Whitcomb," it is embarrassing to ask him with what firm Mr. Whitcomb is connected; still more so to keep the manager waiting while an index is consulted. A comprehensive index is necessary, of course, and the efficient file clerk will be fortified against all possible contingencies with proper indexes, but a memory which will permit of ignoring indexes, except in special cases, is a valuable asset. It may be stated as a rule that it should not be necessary to refer to special indexes to locate the letters of a regular correspondent. Accuracy is another very necessary qualification. Accuracy is a habit--the habit of first finding the right way to do a thing, and then doing it that way every time. The habit of doing a thing the same way every time is very important in filing. If the rule is to file all correspondence in the name of the firm from whom it is received, no matter by whom signed, it is very essential that all letters from the firm be filed in exactly the same way--not a part of them in the name of the individual. Accuracy is necessary also in placing letters in the files. Letters that belong in the _Be_ division of the index must be filed there--not in the _Ba_ division; letters intended for folder _No. 19_ are to all intents lost, if placed in _No. 91_. To be able to read confusing chirography is a talent that is much appreciated in more than one line of endeavor; it is especially valuable to the file clerk. The signatures of many men are notoriously difficult to read, and large numbers of such signatures come to the filing division of every concern having an extensive correspondence. Spelling might seem to be an accomplishment not absolutely essential to the equipment of a file clerk, but the ability to spell correctly is very helpful. It is a great help in indexing. Especially when a finely subdivided index is used, correct spelling is necessary to determine the division under which a paper should be filed. Speed is an absolute requirement. When the manager wants a letter, he wants it at once. When the day's mail reaches the filing division, it must be filed as quickly as possible. Some one may call for a letter within an hour after it reaches the files, and to find it in the unfiled correspondence means inevitable delay. Nowhere is prompt service more thoroughly appreciated than in the filing division.