[We are quite alive to the importance of our correspondent's
suggestion. The excuse for such corrections by compositors and
readers is, that copy frequently comes into their hands in such a
state, that if they did not exercise a power somewhat beyond the
strict limit of their duty, they would commit greater sins, and
give more of offence both to writers and readers. It may be feared
that some compositors would not know what was meant by an indented
line, and would (especially if it was not carefully made) take it
as a direction for _Italics_. The object may, however, probably be
attained by the writer's placing in the margin, or in the line, or
between the lines, so as to be either above or below the
particular word or phrase to which it is meant to refer, the word
"sic," with a line completely round it. All persons concerned in
the practical part of printing understand, that "matter" which is
thus circumscribed or circumlineated, is not to be printed, but is
a private communication for the benefit of such readers of the
written copy as it may concern. If there are many lines which
require this caution, it will generally be enough to mark one or
two of the first instances, for that will suffice to show that the
writer knows that he is doing, and means to do, what looks as if
it wanted correction.
We are inclined to add one suggestion, for which this seems to be
a good opportunity, because it is peculiarly inapplicable to the
correspondent who has drawn from us these remarks. It is this,
that as those who know that they are telling a story which is
likely to excite doubt, take more than usual care to put on a
grave and honest countenance, so those who know that they are
writing what is bad or questionable in grammar, spelling, &c.,
should use the precaution of being peculiarly legible.]