To Cut Paper Correct Size: Place box or object on sheet of paper. Cut length, leaving enough paper at ends to fold to top edge. Fold one side of paper over top to the middle of box; fold the other side of paper over top to a little beyond the middle of box and cut there.

This method makes the neatest package, but, when gifts are to be sent by mail or express, it is safer to cut the paper longer at the ends and lap the end portions over the top, to be held firmly down by the string.

Cable twine will be found of sufficient strength for packages to go by mail. On large packages to be expressed, linen finished twine should be used.

Gifts to be mailed or expressed should have for an outer covering a strong manila paper. It is much more attractive, however, to first wrap them in Fine White Paper No. 22, crepe or tissue paper, bind with silk or gummed ribbons and decorate with seals, tags and labels, as one would a package to be handed a friend or put on a tree. Then, if the gift is not in a box, it is safer to fold around it a piece of cardboard before adding the outer wrapping.

Christmas seals and decorations may be placed on the back of packages sent through the mail. The post-office rules, however, forbid their use on the front.

Christmas gifts may be most inexpensively sent by Parcel Post. Formerly the rule has been that they must be only tied, not sealed, but the new law says a Parcel Post package may now be mailed sealed if on a special label appears the name and address of sender, word as to the nature of the contents, and the statement, "This parcel may be opened for postal inspection if necessary."

The price of Parcel Post mailing is according to weight and distance traveled, the zone system of miles being used.

The limit of weight which will be carried is 70 pounds for delivery within the first, second and third zones (300 miles) and 50 pounds for all other zones in the United States.

Parcel Post packages may not exceed 84 inches in length and girth combined. The greatest distance in a straight line between the ends is taken for the length; the distance around the parcel at its thickest point is called its girth.

A Parcel Post package may be insured for its actual value by the payment of a fee of 3 cents up to $5.00 value, 10 cents up to $50.00, etc.

It may also be sent Special Delivery by the payment of an additional 10 cents.