With regard to a locality, you must be guided very much by the number of the inhabitants, the nature of the neighbourhood, the requirements and the customs of the resident population; and if possible you should ascertain whether there is any one in the same business who may already have obtained the best connexion. Many small capitalists, in going into a new neighbourhood, have been bitterly disappointed in their expectations of making a good connexion. It is really a fact, that the first shops established in a new place generally fail. Should your neighbourhood be a poor one, guard against laying in a supply of luxuries. Necessaries will be certain to sell. Being agent to one of the large wine firms that supply grocers is a great advantage, as many a customer coming for wine is induced to purchase another article. There is one thing necessary to success in business, and that is civility, an amount of which in stock will cost nothing. And by treating all your customers, rich and poor, with due deference but not servility, you will find your custom very much increase. Let your customers see that it is a pleasure for you to oblige, and that it is not done with a view only of selfish greed or gain. Should you require advice at any future time, I shall be very glad indeed to give you any information you may require. I will close my letter with one more word of counsel, which is this--do not get into debt. Wishing you every success, Believe me, Your sincere friend, ---- _From a Merchant abroad to his Brother, forwarding Goods for Sale, and requesting others._ Leghorn, May 4th, 187-- DEAR FRED, According to promise by last mail, I send you by first steamer twelve bales of raw silk, marked R. N. I need not tell you to dispose of them to the best advantage; they are in first-rate condition, warranted good; I examined each bale myself before shipping. I enclose an order for several different articles of British manufacture, to be sent at an early date; let them be as good and as _cheap_ as you can possibly procure. That class of goods is in great demand at present. Your affectionate brother, J. T. ---- _Brother answering his Brother or Friend, relative to receipt of Goods._ London, May 16th, 187-- DEAR JOHN, Yours of the 4th was duly received, and the goods therein mentioned have since been delivered at the Custom-house. I immediately advertised them for sale in twelve different lots, but they were all bought up by one of the principal manufacturers in Spitalfields for a good sum, which I have lodged in the bank to your credit. I forwarded last week, by the _Orion_, the different articles you ordered. There are twenty bales, marked "A. X." I am told, by judges in the trade, that they are the best and cheapest that can be had. I shall be glad to hear they have realized your expectations. Your affectionate brother,