ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

L. M. D. (Suisse).—We have no charge whatever to make against the moral or intellectual training given in Swiss schools, having had opportunities for making ourselves well acquainted with some of them. But we speak advisedly in stating that, on the score of diet, and certain other matters, English habits differ from those of foreign countries, and many English constitutions cannot bear so great a change with impunity, especially young growing girls. Thus it is better that they should be educated at schools in their own country; or, if abroad, should attend day schools, or engage visiting masters, and sleep and board at home. We have many Swiss friends, and are partial to them and their country. We are glad you like our paper, being one of “our girls.”Young Antiquary.—The word “cromleac” is a compound of two Irish words—viz,crom, “to adore,” or “worship,” andleac, “a stone.”Cromwas likewise one of the Irish names of the supreme God. These ancient remains are therefore very clearly those of altars or places of worship. You would learn all that is known of them by reading Higgins’ rare work on the round towers, etc., in the British Museum.

Young Antiquary.—The word “cromleac” is a compound of two Irish words—viz,crom, “to adore,” or “worship,” andleac, “a stone.”Cromwas likewise one of the Irish names of the supreme God. These ancient remains are therefore very clearly those of altars or places of worship. You would learn all that is known of them by reading Higgins’ rare work on the round towers, etc., in the British Museum.

Duchess.—To tan a tennis net, soak it in boiled oil, and let it dry under cover, hung up in the air. Your writing is too full of flourishes.Young Mother, Helen C.—Get a shilling manual with knitting and crochet patterns. Our space cannot be occupied by them.Florence Gobbler.—We thank you for your communication about hat cleaning.Courts.—Clothing for Ceylon should consist of what we here call summer clothing—white and pale-coloured cambrics, tussore and Surah silks, very thin cashmere, silk gauze webs for undervests, etc. Go to an Indian outfitter’s, and you will be shown the materials which are the most suitable.T. A. and C. M.—The best dress for tricycle-riding is a tailor-made short habit, or tight short jacket, and a plain narrow cloth skirt, without any trimmings, festooning, and draping.C. C.—Table centres are much used for dinner parties, but not of gathered up plush. They are made of straight pieces of silk, German canvas, or satin sheeting, ornmented with an appliqué of plaited straw, or plush edged with fine cord or tinsel.

Duchess.—To tan a tennis net, soak it in boiled oil, and let it dry under cover, hung up in the air. Your writing is too full of flourishes.

Young Mother, Helen C.—Get a shilling manual with knitting and crochet patterns. Our space cannot be occupied by them.

Florence Gobbler.—We thank you for your communication about hat cleaning.

Courts.—Clothing for Ceylon should consist of what we here call summer clothing—white and pale-coloured cambrics, tussore and Surah silks, very thin cashmere, silk gauze webs for undervests, etc. Go to an Indian outfitter’s, and you will be shown the materials which are the most suitable.

T. A. and C. M.—The best dress for tricycle-riding is a tailor-made short habit, or tight short jacket, and a plain narrow cloth skirt, without any trimmings, festooning, and draping.

C. C.—Table centres are much used for dinner parties, but not of gathered up plush. They are made of straight pieces of silk, German canvas, or satin sheeting, ornmented with an appliqué of plaited straw, or plush edged with fine cord or tinsel.

Maud.—Go to the police office and inform the inspector of your trouble and the cruel treatment to which you are subjected, and he will take you to the proper quarters, where you may obtain a separation and an allowance. Do nothing rashly and nothing wrong, be your trials and provocations what they may. What you suggested to us would be very wrong indeed, and we think and hope you must have done so under great excitement. If by word or act you thoughtlessly gave cause for jealousy, you might not obtain the separation and allowance, to which otherwise you could lay just claim. Pray God to guide you and preserve you from evil.Blush Rose.—Requiescat in pacemeans “Rest in peace.”Lotta.—Try to live much in prayer during each day while at your business, or in little intervals of leisure. The responsibility of either turning to God and accepting or “neglecting so great salvation” lies on you. You are not a mere puppet, but a reasonable being, and have been given to distinguish between good and evil. “Yewillnot come unto Me,” not “Yeshallnot come.” “Why will ye die?” etc. Do not let anyone deceive you with the idea that you have no free will. God does not unjustly “gather where He does not strew.” He had already given the one pound to the idle servant, and thus supplied the means for trading, or would not have expected any return. May He guide you aright.Kittie.—Perhaps some glycerine or vaseline might remove the roughness from your face and neck. Get some nice nursery hairwash and apply it to the skin of your head with a small sponge.Harry’s Wife.—We sympathise with you in your trouble and your sister in her sufferings. Certainly, the prayer offered in faith, resting on God’s promises, will certainly be answered. He who bestows faith will accept His own gift with favour. It is He who is drawing your heart towards Him.Emma Walker.—There is the Royal Free Hospital in Gray’s-inn-road, W.C., for the relief of the sick poor of all nations, without any letter of recommendation or other claim beyond sickness and destitution. Write to the secretary, James S. Blyth, Esq. About 2,000 in-patients and 25,000 out-patients are annually under its care.Beatrice Marie.—1. The 16th July, 1869, was a Friday. 2. A series of articles on girls’ pets was given in vol. iv., pages 83, 274, 602, and 731.A Dark LadyandSussex.—When a married man dies intestate, having children, the widow can claim one-third of his property, and the remaining two-thirds are divided between his children in equal portions. If he die without children, the widow can claim one-half of his property, and the rest is divided in equal portions between his nearest of kin. “Sussex” is quite wrong in his ideas respecting a brother’s claims taking precedence of those of the widow and the children, and it would be most unjust if such were the law. The “Dark Lady” writes well.Priscilla.—Your digestion needs attention, and perhaps your diet and mode of life. If you get a bad headache whenever you read for long at a time, why do you attempt it? Read a little from time to time, and rest your eyes and the feeble nerves connected with the brain.Adelaide.—What you name are designed as acts expressing respect and veneration for Him whom we worship on bended knee. We cannot enter more fully into the subject of your letter. We have no remembrance of any letter signed “Ade.”Antoinette R.informs us that “she is pretty,” and that gentlemen whom she serves in her father’s shop “stare at her as if she were an unseen object.” (?) We fail to understand what that means. She should resolutely try to forget herself, and give her whole attention to selling her father’s gloves, etc.Julia F. E.must count the feet of her verses, so as to get them even. It will not do to have nine feet in one line and eight in another. “Heaven” and “driven” do not rhyme, and in the poem to a “Skylark” here are many mistakes in the length of the feet. But, after all, to an invalid the pleasure of writing down the “thoughts that oppress” and “the words which burn” is very great, and the relief is excellent both for brain and the feelings.An English Voice from Ireland.—We certainly could not advise you to marry under the circumstances that you “neither love nor respect” the man to whom you have promised your hand. Perhaps you do not know your own mind, and had better ask to wait a year before you decide finally.Marion, Newcastle.—The new volume of the G. O. P. begins with the November part. You could improve your writing by crossing your “t’s” and dotting your “i’s.”Rilly.—The Malvern Home of Rest might suit you. Particulars may be had from the Hon. Mrs. Hewett, Barnard’s Green, Great Malvern. There is also Fern House, Coleshill, Warwickshire, standing high, having a large garden, etc. Apply for terms to Miss Price, Fern House, Coleshill, Warwickshire. We think that one of these might suit you. If a boarder were willing to share a bedroom, the charge would be 17s. per week, everything included except washing, which would be 9d. a dozen.Annie.—The office of the Poor Clergy Relief Corporation, an institution intended to give aid in temporary distress to them, their widows, or orphans, is at 36, Southampton-street, Strand, W.C.ThyraandCassy.—There is no “usual time” for giving answers. There is very little space allowed for putting them in. In reference to your question, the use of tweezers and pumice-stone is all that we can recommend.Auntie Laurie.—Your parents’ objection to an engagement with the man you name is fully justified by his conduct. The fact that he has endeavoured to induce you, a minor, to rebel against them and “marry him secretly,” shows him to be devoid of all honour and right principle. He is taking a disgraceful advantage of your youth, weakness, and inexperience.Maude Scott.—1. When a cemetery is closed it is generally because the neighbourhood has become overcrowded near it. We never heard of a cemetery being re-opened. 2. The colours of the hoods worn by clergymen and their linings show the university or college from which they come.A Perplexed One.—We know of no remedy so good as golden ointment. But why not consult a doctor, as your house and its surroundings must be in fault?A Scotchwoman.—“Edward Garrett” is thenom de plumeunder which Isabella Fyvie Mayo has written several popular works, amongst others, “Occupations of a Retired Life,” and “Premiums Paid to Experience.”Virginia Maud.—We could not answer your letter at the length you desire, as we have no space in our columns. We should advise you to write to the secretary, Girls’ Friendly Society, central office, 3, Victoria Mansions, Victoria-street, Westminster, S.W., with a view to joining the Girls’ Friendly Society, which will offer you all the aid and information you may require.Lily.—Ten extra summer and Christmas numbers have now been published.Hermon’s Servant.—Ember Week is a corruption ofQuatuor tempora, through the DutchQuatemperand GermanQuatember. The four times are after Quadragesima Sunday, Whit Sunday, Holyrood Day (September), and St. Lucia’s Day (December). The ancient belief that persons sat in embers or ashes on those days is without foundation.RanceandGypsy.—Canaries’ claws when too long can be cut with a small pair of sharp scissors, but it is a very delicate business to perform.Portia.—Your sending out cards of thanks for kind inquiries is an intimation that you are prepared to receive the visits of the friends who made them. That will decide the time for you. Until you send the cards, they would be most indiscreet and intrusive in calling, unless the very nearest relations, or an exceptionally intimate and privileged friend.Rowena.—It is a fixed and general rule that for a girl to ride out only with a riding master is very far from expedient. Of course, if he were an uncle or brother, or a very old and respectable married man, the objection would be lessened, especially if riding up and down the sea sands in full sight, instead of taking a country ride out of sight. There should always be a second lady or a brother, though quite young.Jerboais thanked for her kind letter, and the Editor feels much obliged to those who proposed his health at the dinner party “Jerboa” attended. She makes the tails of her letters too long below the lines. Those above are of a suitable and prettier length. Make them correspond.Priscillamay probably outgrow her headaches, as she is so young. They may arise from various causes. Thus, we could not prescribe without due acquaintance with her constitution and many surrounding circumstances.A COQUETTE.Louie.—Your informant was right, and probably drew his information from Major A. B. Ellis’s work, entitled “West African Islands,” published last year. Canaries have no song in their wild state; it is of artificial origin, and the song our birds give us in no way resembles their natural shrill chirp. They are placed in cages near those of birds already trained to sing, and when accustomed to imprisonment they strive hard to imitate the notes of their educated fellows. The natives of the Canary Islands keep a large stock on hand in process of training. The young of those trained and taught naturally learn from the parent birds.Ella Brown.—The statue of the Venus de Medici is only 4 feet 11½ inches in height. It is believed to be the production of Cleomenes, of Athens, of the second century. It was exhumed in the seventh century near Tivoli, in the villa of Hadrian, and was removed in 1680, by Cosmo III., to the Imperial Gallery at Florence, from the Medici Palace at Rome. It was broken into eleven pieces when discovered, all in a perfect state, one arm only missing, which has been added.Twin Sisters.—The 5th of June, 1876, was a Monday.C. of Rudolstadt,Ida, andStella.—We are inundated with verses from girls, young and untaught; and, as a rule, the same opinion and criticism would be suitable for all alike. But in the case of “Ida’s” verses there is some promise of better to come; as, at least, she has a good ear for rhythm. Our young friend with the long name should count the feet and make each line correspond with its fellow, observing where the beat falls in every line, and placing it uniformly on the same syllable in each verse. Those that follow her first verse neither correspond with it in feet nor in the beat. Though quite incorrect, there is some little poetic feeling in “Stella’s” lines.Vevey.—We are much obliged for your article, but are unable to give it a place in our columns owing to lack of space.Lulu.—Consult our series of articles on “Good Breeding,” and “The Habits of Polite Society.” At page 314, vol. ii., you will find “Dinners in Society,” and from this you can glean all the information you require. You only show your good sense in making inquiries when unacquainted with any subject. There is nothing to be ashamed of in so doing.Bulb.—You should put out a good-sized barrel or tub to catch any rainfall in a garden, backyard, or on the leads, where accessible, and use it at least for the face and hands.Lily Leaves.—To prevent moths from eating your clothes in the summer, keep them constantly brushed and aired. Camphor, Keating’s powder, or sandal-wood shavings should be placed about all clothing that is kept in boxes and cupboards. The 23rd of September, 1867, was a Monday.Millicent Leigh.—St. Catharine was a virgin martyr, who suffered at Alexandria under Maximin in 307, and whose relics were said to have been miraculously conveyed to Mount Sinai, where they are preserved in a monastery. The celebrated Duchess of Devonshire was the youngest daughter of John, Earl of Spencer, born, June, 1757; died, March, 1806. Her beauty, wit, and audacity made her one of the most celebrated women of her day.A Ward in Chancery.—Rice thrown at a bride is a relic of thepanis farreusin the most honourable form of marriage amongst the ancient Romans, and it was calledConfarreatio. Orange blossoms were first worn by Saracen brides, but the modern custom of wearing them is a fashion introduced by dressmakers, and is referrable to the “language of flowers.”Armistice.—The redness of the scar can only be removed by time. Nature has produced a new skin, but, like that of a new-born infant, it is tender and red. Leave it alone.Maud Kinsley.—Au revoiris the French for “to see again,” and is pronounced as “o-rev-voir,” andretroussémeans “turned up,” or “tucked up,” and is pronounced as “re-troo-say.”Anahuac(Mexico).—The individual who is desirous of being naturalised as a British subject should have resided seven years in Great Britain. Did the applicant do so when being educated in England? Children belong to the father’s nationality, not the mother’s. The British consul would give all necessary instructions and assistance.T. M. B.—Your nice letter deserves a kindly acknowledgment. You may send as much as would fill a sheet of notepaper as a specimen of your style and originality of ideas, and we shall hope to give you our opinion, as you desire.Will’s Darling.—We do not know how to advise you, save to marry and live with your aged grandmother. You cannot possibly leave her, and in all probability she will be glad to have you comfortably settled with a kind husband before she is called away. Your writing is rather careless.Shiny Face.—It is not the so-called working men whose wives enter learned professions and neglect home duties. They enter public-houses instead. The complete monopoly of almost all occupations for bread-earning for such a length of time by men could not continue amongst an ever-increasing population; so many suitable fields of intellectual and manual work have been shut out from women by their “natural protectors.” It is sad to see the latter selling tapes and ribbons behind counters. They can be clergymen, schoolmasters, soldiers, sailors, emigrants to prepare new settlements, lumberers, navvies, engine-drivers, stokers, mechanics, chimney sweepers, masons, etc., and the women will leave all such work to them. But dairy, fruit, flower, poultry, and other farming may be very suitably directed by women; also printing, binding, engraving, designing, china painting, and very many other ways of bread-earning should be equally open to them as to men.Roseleaf.—An ell (cloth measure) was fixed at 45 inches by Henry I.,A.D.1101. The word is derived fromulna, “the arm,” although much longer than that member; but even now measurements are made by it.Lady Adelaide.—Edelweiss is pronounced as “A-dle-vice.”Anxious One.—Lessons can be had to cure stammering. Fill your lungs well with air, and consider what you wish to say before you speak. Make your sentences very short, and open your mouth well. When alone, read aloud, and beat time with your foot or hand regularly at every second syllable.

Blush Rose.—Requiescat in pacemeans “Rest in peace.”

Lotta.—Try to live much in prayer during each day while at your business, or in little intervals of leisure. The responsibility of either turning to God and accepting or “neglecting so great salvation” lies on you. You are not a mere puppet, but a reasonable being, and have been given to distinguish between good and evil. “Yewillnot come unto Me,” not “Yeshallnot come.” “Why will ye die?” etc. Do not let anyone deceive you with the idea that you have no free will. God does not unjustly “gather where He does not strew.” He had already given the one pound to the idle servant, and thus supplied the means for trading, or would not have expected any return. May He guide you aright.

Kittie.—Perhaps some glycerine or vaseline might remove the roughness from your face and neck. Get some nice nursery hairwash and apply it to the skin of your head with a small sponge.

Harry’s Wife.—We sympathise with you in your trouble and your sister in her sufferings. Certainly, the prayer offered in faith, resting on God’s promises, will certainly be answered. He who bestows faith will accept His own gift with favour. It is He who is drawing your heart towards Him.

Emma Walker.—There is the Royal Free Hospital in Gray’s-inn-road, W.C., for the relief of the sick poor of all nations, without any letter of recommendation or other claim beyond sickness and destitution. Write to the secretary, James S. Blyth, Esq. About 2,000 in-patients and 25,000 out-patients are annually under its care.

Beatrice Marie.—1. The 16th July, 1869, was a Friday. 2. A series of articles on girls’ pets was given in vol. iv., pages 83, 274, 602, and 731.

A Dark LadyandSussex.—When a married man dies intestate, having children, the widow can claim one-third of his property, and the remaining two-thirds are divided between his children in equal portions. If he die without children, the widow can claim one-half of his property, and the rest is divided in equal portions between his nearest of kin. “Sussex” is quite wrong in his ideas respecting a brother’s claims taking precedence of those of the widow and the children, and it would be most unjust if such were the law. The “Dark Lady” writes well.

Priscilla.—Your digestion needs attention, and perhaps your diet and mode of life. If you get a bad headache whenever you read for long at a time, why do you attempt it? Read a little from time to time, and rest your eyes and the feeble nerves connected with the brain.

Adelaide.—What you name are designed as acts expressing respect and veneration for Him whom we worship on bended knee. We cannot enter more fully into the subject of your letter. We have no remembrance of any letter signed “Ade.”

Antoinette R.informs us that “she is pretty,” and that gentlemen whom she serves in her father’s shop “stare at her as if she were an unseen object.” (?) We fail to understand what that means. She should resolutely try to forget herself, and give her whole attention to selling her father’s gloves, etc.

Julia F. E.must count the feet of her verses, so as to get them even. It will not do to have nine feet in one line and eight in another. “Heaven” and “driven” do not rhyme, and in the poem to a “Skylark” here are many mistakes in the length of the feet. But, after all, to an invalid the pleasure of writing down the “thoughts that oppress” and “the words which burn” is very great, and the relief is excellent both for brain and the feelings.

An English Voice from Ireland.—We certainly could not advise you to marry under the circumstances that you “neither love nor respect” the man to whom you have promised your hand. Perhaps you do not know your own mind, and had better ask to wait a year before you decide finally.

Marion, Newcastle.—The new volume of the G. O. P. begins with the November part. You could improve your writing by crossing your “t’s” and dotting your “i’s.”

Rilly.—The Malvern Home of Rest might suit you. Particulars may be had from the Hon. Mrs. Hewett, Barnard’s Green, Great Malvern. There is also Fern House, Coleshill, Warwickshire, standing high, having a large garden, etc. Apply for terms to Miss Price, Fern House, Coleshill, Warwickshire. We think that one of these might suit you. If a boarder were willing to share a bedroom, the charge would be 17s. per week, everything included except washing, which would be 9d. a dozen.

Annie.—The office of the Poor Clergy Relief Corporation, an institution intended to give aid in temporary distress to them, their widows, or orphans, is at 36, Southampton-street, Strand, W.C.

ThyraandCassy.—There is no “usual time” for giving answers. There is very little space allowed for putting them in. In reference to your question, the use of tweezers and pumice-stone is all that we can recommend.

Auntie Laurie.—Your parents’ objection to an engagement with the man you name is fully justified by his conduct. The fact that he has endeavoured to induce you, a minor, to rebel against them and “marry him secretly,” shows him to be devoid of all honour and right principle. He is taking a disgraceful advantage of your youth, weakness, and inexperience.

Maude Scott.—1. When a cemetery is closed it is generally because the neighbourhood has become overcrowded near it. We never heard of a cemetery being re-opened. 2. The colours of the hoods worn by clergymen and their linings show the university or college from which they come.

A Perplexed One.—We know of no remedy so good as golden ointment. But why not consult a doctor, as your house and its surroundings must be in fault?

A Scotchwoman.—“Edward Garrett” is thenom de plumeunder which Isabella Fyvie Mayo has written several popular works, amongst others, “Occupations of a Retired Life,” and “Premiums Paid to Experience.”

Virginia Maud.—We could not answer your letter at the length you desire, as we have no space in our columns. We should advise you to write to the secretary, Girls’ Friendly Society, central office, 3, Victoria Mansions, Victoria-street, Westminster, S.W., with a view to joining the Girls’ Friendly Society, which will offer you all the aid and information you may require.

Lily.—Ten extra summer and Christmas numbers have now been published.

Hermon’s Servant.—Ember Week is a corruption ofQuatuor tempora, through the DutchQuatemperand GermanQuatember. The four times are after Quadragesima Sunday, Whit Sunday, Holyrood Day (September), and St. Lucia’s Day (December). The ancient belief that persons sat in embers or ashes on those days is without foundation.

RanceandGypsy.—Canaries’ claws when too long can be cut with a small pair of sharp scissors, but it is a very delicate business to perform.

Portia.—Your sending out cards of thanks for kind inquiries is an intimation that you are prepared to receive the visits of the friends who made them. That will decide the time for you. Until you send the cards, they would be most indiscreet and intrusive in calling, unless the very nearest relations, or an exceptionally intimate and privileged friend.

Rowena.—It is a fixed and general rule that for a girl to ride out only with a riding master is very far from expedient. Of course, if he were an uncle or brother, or a very old and respectable married man, the objection would be lessened, especially if riding up and down the sea sands in full sight, instead of taking a country ride out of sight. There should always be a second lady or a brother, though quite young.

Jerboais thanked for her kind letter, and the Editor feels much obliged to those who proposed his health at the dinner party “Jerboa” attended. She makes the tails of her letters too long below the lines. Those above are of a suitable and prettier length. Make them correspond.

Priscillamay probably outgrow her headaches, as she is so young. They may arise from various causes. Thus, we could not prescribe without due acquaintance with her constitution and many surrounding circumstances.

A COQUETTE.

Louie.—Your informant was right, and probably drew his information from Major A. B. Ellis’s work, entitled “West African Islands,” published last year. Canaries have no song in their wild state; it is of artificial origin, and the song our birds give us in no way resembles their natural shrill chirp. They are placed in cages near those of birds already trained to sing, and when accustomed to imprisonment they strive hard to imitate the notes of their educated fellows. The natives of the Canary Islands keep a large stock on hand in process of training. The young of those trained and taught naturally learn from the parent birds.

Ella Brown.—The statue of the Venus de Medici is only 4 feet 11½ inches in height. It is believed to be the production of Cleomenes, of Athens, of the second century. It was exhumed in the seventh century near Tivoli, in the villa of Hadrian, and was removed in 1680, by Cosmo III., to the Imperial Gallery at Florence, from the Medici Palace at Rome. It was broken into eleven pieces when discovered, all in a perfect state, one arm only missing, which has been added.

Twin Sisters.—The 5th of June, 1876, was a Monday.

C. of Rudolstadt,Ida, andStella.—We are inundated with verses from girls, young and untaught; and, as a rule, the same opinion and criticism would be suitable for all alike. But in the case of “Ida’s” verses there is some promise of better to come; as, at least, she has a good ear for rhythm. Our young friend with the long name should count the feet and make each line correspond with its fellow, observing where the beat falls in every line, and placing it uniformly on the same syllable in each verse. Those that follow her first verse neither correspond with it in feet nor in the beat. Though quite incorrect, there is some little poetic feeling in “Stella’s” lines.

Vevey.—We are much obliged for your article, but are unable to give it a place in our columns owing to lack of space.

Lulu.—Consult our series of articles on “Good Breeding,” and “The Habits of Polite Society.” At page 314, vol. ii., you will find “Dinners in Society,” and from this you can glean all the information you require. You only show your good sense in making inquiries when unacquainted with any subject. There is nothing to be ashamed of in so doing.

Bulb.—You should put out a good-sized barrel or tub to catch any rainfall in a garden, backyard, or on the leads, where accessible, and use it at least for the face and hands.

Lily Leaves.—To prevent moths from eating your clothes in the summer, keep them constantly brushed and aired. Camphor, Keating’s powder, or sandal-wood shavings should be placed about all clothing that is kept in boxes and cupboards. The 23rd of September, 1867, was a Monday.

Millicent Leigh.—St. Catharine was a virgin martyr, who suffered at Alexandria under Maximin in 307, and whose relics were said to have been miraculously conveyed to Mount Sinai, where they are preserved in a monastery. The celebrated Duchess of Devonshire was the youngest daughter of John, Earl of Spencer, born, June, 1757; died, March, 1806. Her beauty, wit, and audacity made her one of the most celebrated women of her day.

A Ward in Chancery.—Rice thrown at a bride is a relic of thepanis farreusin the most honourable form of marriage amongst the ancient Romans, and it was calledConfarreatio. Orange blossoms were first worn by Saracen brides, but the modern custom of wearing them is a fashion introduced by dressmakers, and is referrable to the “language of flowers.”

Armistice.—The redness of the scar can only be removed by time. Nature has produced a new skin, but, like that of a new-born infant, it is tender and red. Leave it alone.

Maud Kinsley.—Au revoiris the French for “to see again,” and is pronounced as “o-rev-voir,” andretroussémeans “turned up,” or “tucked up,” and is pronounced as “re-troo-say.”

Anahuac(Mexico).—The individual who is desirous of being naturalised as a British subject should have resided seven years in Great Britain. Did the applicant do so when being educated in England? Children belong to the father’s nationality, not the mother’s. The British consul would give all necessary instructions and assistance.

T. M. B.—Your nice letter deserves a kindly acknowledgment. You may send as much as would fill a sheet of notepaper as a specimen of your style and originality of ideas, and we shall hope to give you our opinion, as you desire.

Will’s Darling.—We do not know how to advise you, save to marry and live with your aged grandmother. You cannot possibly leave her, and in all probability she will be glad to have you comfortably settled with a kind husband before she is called away. Your writing is rather careless.

Shiny Face.—It is not the so-called working men whose wives enter learned professions and neglect home duties. They enter public-houses instead. The complete monopoly of almost all occupations for bread-earning for such a length of time by men could not continue amongst an ever-increasing population; so many suitable fields of intellectual and manual work have been shut out from women by their “natural protectors.” It is sad to see the latter selling tapes and ribbons behind counters. They can be clergymen, schoolmasters, soldiers, sailors, emigrants to prepare new settlements, lumberers, navvies, engine-drivers, stokers, mechanics, chimney sweepers, masons, etc., and the women will leave all such work to them. But dairy, fruit, flower, poultry, and other farming may be very suitably directed by women; also printing, binding, engraving, designing, china painting, and very many other ways of bread-earning should be equally open to them as to men.

Roseleaf.—An ell (cloth measure) was fixed at 45 inches by Henry I.,A.D.1101. The word is derived fromulna, “the arm,” although much longer than that member; but even now measurements are made by it.

Lady Adelaide.—Edelweiss is pronounced as “A-dle-vice.”

Anxious One.—Lessons can be had to cure stammering. Fill your lungs well with air, and consider what you wish to say before you speak. Make your sentences very short, and open your mouth well. When alone, read aloud, and beat time with your foot or hand regularly at every second syllable.

FOOTNOTES:[1]A lofty chain of mountains lying to the south of the province of Silesia.[2]A ball of this kind is a favourite gift in Germany. It looks like a very unskilfully-wound ball of knitting wool. You are bound in honour to knit it up, and as you do so you disclose, one by one, a variety of gifts, the most precious being generally the innermost of all.[3]Nobility.

FOOTNOTES:

[1]A lofty chain of mountains lying to the south of the province of Silesia.

[2]A ball of this kind is a favourite gift in Germany. It looks like a very unskilfully-wound ball of knitting wool. You are bound in honour to knit it up, and as you do so you disclose, one by one, a variety of gifts, the most precious being generally the innermost of all.

[3]Nobility.

[Transcriber’s note—the following changes have been made to this text.

Page 180: flocked to flock—“with his washed flocked”.]

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