QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.
Training in Housewifery.—“As a regular and appreciative reader ofThe Girl’s Own Paper, I have become much interested in the question of higher grade housekeeping. I have obtained the consent of my parents to enter a home to be trained. Would you kindly furnish me with the addresses of some establishments where training is given?—Kate.”
“Kate’s” determination to equip herself thoroughly for the duties of housekeeping, is a most wise one. The girl who is trained in all departments of domestic work can turn her knowledge to account in every situation in life in which she may be placed, and is never likely to find the problem of earning her bread a difficult one. “Kate,” doubtless, knows already the National Training School of Cookery and Domestic Economy, Buckingham Palace Road. This institution is principally intended for the training of teachers, and we judge from “Kate’s” letter that in her case a school would be preferred that trains girls specifically for domestic employment. A School of Housewifery and Domestic Science of this kind has lately been established in connection with the North Hackney High School for Girls, at 101, Stamford Hill, N. “Kate” would be well advised to visit this school and see the classes at work. In the country are many excellent schools. Good housewifery training can be obtained at several institutions in the country. The following are all well recommended: Belsize House, Brunswick Square, Gloucester, in connection with the Gloucestershire School of Cookery and Domestic Economy, principal, Miss Florence Baddeley; Camp End School for Household Training, near Malvern, conducted by Miss Buck and Miss Brander; Fryerne School of Household Management, Fryerne, Caterham, principal, Miss Mitchell; and the Wiltshire School of Cookery and Domestic Economy, Trowbridge, secretary, Miss A. Bridgman. At each of these institutions, resident pupils are received, and the course of training consists not only of cookery, but of household work generally.
Book Illustration.—“I have taken lessons in drawing and painting for five years, and except for holding a second-class certificate instead of a first in one subject, I have gained the art class teacher’s certificate. Just lately I have been taking lessons in black and white work, and should like to become a book-illustrator.—J. L. R.”
We do not wish to damp the hopes of “J. L. R.,” but it takes much more than lessons in the technique of black and white drawing to make a book-illustrator. Girls who become successful illustrators show early a real talent for drawing. They can not only copy an object before them, but they can express in a few strokes certain clever, effective, or humorous ideas, which are born within their own brain. Without the possession of this rare gift, we could not advise a girl to turn her thoughts towards book-illustration or even towards drawing of any kind, if it is necessary for her to earn money by it. All the best illustrators, fashion artists, designers of covers, etc., seem to be agreed that an artist cannot be taught much more than the principles of drawing, but that everything else must be acquired by the individual through constant study and thought. No doubt the beginner is much helped by observing good illustrative work, and even by trying to copy it. It is also a good plan to enter for some of the competitions which are held by the editors of the art magazines. We would, however, seek to dissuade “J. L. R.” from becoming a teacher of art, as it is most difficult for all but the most gifted women to obtain permanent employment as teachers of drawing and painting alone.
A correspondent, E. A. E., asks the association connected with the words “Quo vadis?”
When the persecution under Nero first broke out in Rome, the tradition runs that St. Peter was persuaded by his friends to flee from the city. He was hurrying along the Appian Way, when suddenly he was encountered face to face by his risen Lord. In amazement he asked, “Domine, quo vadis?” (Master, whither goest Thou?) “I go to Rome,” was the answer, “to be crucified afresh.” “But, Lord, wast Thou not crucified once for all?” “I saw thee fleeing from death,” replied the Master, “and I go to be crucified in thy stead.” Abashed at the implied rebuke, St. Peter turned again, cheered by the Divine utterance, “Fear not, for I am with thee.” A little church now marks the legendary site of the interview. This beautiful story is given by Origen, and is also found in the “Acts of Peter and Paul” inApocryphal Writings(Ante-Nicene fathers).