But what has a man to say to his friend,--or, for that matter, what has a woman?
A Horace Walpole may write to a Mr.Mann about all things under the sun, London gossip or transcendental philosophy, and if the Horace Walpole of the occasion can write well and will labour diligently at that vocation, his letters may be worth reading by his Mr.Mann, and by others; but, for the maintenance of love and friendship, continued correspondence between distant friends is naught.

Distance in time and place, but especially in time, will diminish friendship.

It is a rule of nature that it should be so, and thus the friendships which a man most fosters are those which he can best enjoy.

If your friend leave you, and seek a residence in Patagonia, make a niche for him in your memory, and keep him there as warm as you may.

Perchance he may return from Patagonia and the old joys may be repeated.