ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

An Anxious Waiter(Bank Clerkship).—In the Bank of England, and in one or two other banks in London, girls are employed as clerks, but in each case it is necessary for the would-be clerk to obtain a director’s nomination. If you have any relations or friends employed at the Bank of England, or at Messrs. Rothschild’s or Baring’s banks, it would be advisable to make your wish known to them, and to ask whether they could give you an introduction to a director. You write a neat clear hand, which is an important advantage for clerical work. Should you fail in these quarters, you might apply to the Prudential Life Assurance Company, High Holborn. Otherwise we recommend you to work hard at shorthand, type-writing, and book-keeping, as, if you could make yourself really competent in these three branches of work, you would have no difficulty at present in obtaining employment, notwithstanding the melancholy accounts that clerks give of the “overcrowdedness” of their business. The majority of unsuccessful clerks either possess none of the accomplishments we have enumerated, or only possess one or two of them imperfectly.Yellow Crocus(Qualifications of a Clerk or Secretary).—These are, a clear neat handwriting—yours, by the way, though excellent in other respects, covers rather too much space—impeccable type-writing, rapid shorthand, and, if possible, some knowledge of a modern language. A good general English education ought to be indispensable, and though we cannot say that it is so, it makes the difference between a permanently low salary and promotion. From your letter we infer that you have had a good education; it therefore only remains to study the subjects we have mentioned. Many thanks for your kindly expressed wishes for the future of the “G. O. P.” It is interesting to learn that you, in common with so many of our readers, have derived pleasure fromThe Girl’s Own Papersince its first appearance.S. B. F. (Laundry Manageress).—We are glad to see that you corroborate the advice we constantly give to girls to learn the laundry business in all its branches. The vacancy you mention you might try to fill by applying to the Central Bureau for the Employment of Women, 60, Chancery Lane, though it is not always easy, as you know, to find girls possessed of the requisite trade experience. For the benefit of some of our readers we will quote a passage from your letter—“I can assure you on behalf of my colleagues in the trade that there is a great demand for women of fair education, who are sober, trustworthy, and able to take the oversight of the work in laundries. The great failings of nearly all capable laundry manageresses are drink and a low standard of morals, especially as regards honesty; and if a woman of superiority went in for the work, she would never lack a good berth, as all the hard work in laundries is now done by men.” We quote what you tell us with the more satisfaction in view of the statement sometimes made by ill-informed persons that girls are likely to be ousted by men from the laundry trade. The demand for expert and honest laundresses and manageresses was manifestly never greater than it is at present.Ida(Book-keeping).—If you wish to learn book-keeping by double entry in a thorough manner, you should attend classes at some technical institute in your neighbourhood. Were you living in London, we should advise you to join the Birkbeck Institute, Bream’s Buildings, Chancery Lane, or the Regent Street Polytechnic. Many excellent handbooks have been published on the subject, by the aid of which every determined and persevering girl could master the subject alone; but, of course, lessons in class make the difficulties much more readily surmountable.Fatherless Lassie(Additional Work).—As your present work consists in taking orders for a business firm, would it not be wiser to increase your utility in this line of work than to supplement your earnings with your needle, as you suggest? In these days it is almost always best to specialise, that is to say, to become peculiarly efficient in some one department of work. Now, if you could make yourself a thoroughly capable clerk, and could master as much about the coal trade, in which you are engaged, as it is in your power to learn, you would have the preference over an inexperienced girl for any better post in a coal order office later. Work hard at book-keeping and type-writing, and attend any good business classes that may be held in your neighbourhood.Olive(Laundry-Work, etc.).—It appears doubtful from what you say concerning your health whether you would be strong enough for laundry-work; but it is quite certain that intellectual work is too severe for you, and it would be wise to give up the latter at once. We know too many teachers who break down under the strain in middle life to advise any girl to persevere who has already found the profession so trying as you have done. If you attempt laundry-work, you might take a year’s training at some large steam-laundry (such as the London and Provincial Steam-Laundry, Battersea Park Road, S.W.), and afterwards try to start a hand-laundry, or to join someone in such an enterprise. But we fear the regular business of a steam-laundry would prove fully as trying to you as teaching. Consequently the best posts in the laundry business might always be beyond your reach. Dairy-work seems more likely to suit you, together perhaps with some other forms of country occupation, such as the care of poultry. It would be worth considering whether you should not go to the Agricultural College, Reading, unless you could obtain good instruction in some County Council classes in your own part of England.Muriel(Dressmaking, etc.).—1. Unless you have friends in Paris with whom you could stay, we should not advise you to try to enter a dressmaking firm in that city. It is possible that the Secretary of the Foreign Registry, Girls’ Friendly Society, 10, Holbein Place, Sloane Square, S.W., could advise you in the matter; but probably the best firms might have no vacancy for an English girl, and the less good might prove to be extremely undesirable. It would be far wiser, in our opinion, to apprentice yourself to a London firm, concerning which your relations and friends could make the requisite inquiries.—2. On the subject of voice-production you should inquire of some large bookseller whether a volume was not published by the late M. Emile Behnke, who was a great authority. We think you will find that such a book exists.Another Anxious Mother(Dispensing).—This occupation offers fair chances of a livelihood to a girl, as not only are medical men often willing to employ a woman as dispenser in their private dispensaries, but various hospitals have women dispensers, and there are many localities in which women might establish dispensaries of their own. The Pharmacy Act requires that a pupil should study for three years. The time may be spent either in working under a qualified chemist, or in the dispensary of some institution. Several lady chemists and dispensers now take pupils, and addresses of these could be obtained by applying to the Secretary of the Pharmaceutical Society, 17, Bloomsbury Square, London, or to the Secretary, London School of Medicine for Women, Arundel Street, W.C. The total expense of the course, including apprenticeship and examination fees ranges from £100 to £130. In this estimate board and lodging are not, of course, included. Your daughter would probably be advised to wait a year or two before beginning the course, as she is still so young.

Yellow Crocus(Qualifications of a Clerk or Secretary).—These are, a clear neat handwriting—yours, by the way, though excellent in other respects, covers rather too much space—impeccable type-writing, rapid shorthand, and, if possible, some knowledge of a modern language. A good general English education ought to be indispensable, and though we cannot say that it is so, it makes the difference between a permanently low salary and promotion. From your letter we infer that you have had a good education; it therefore only remains to study the subjects we have mentioned. Many thanks for your kindly expressed wishes for the future of the “G. O. P.” It is interesting to learn that you, in common with so many of our readers, have derived pleasure fromThe Girl’s Own Papersince its first appearance.

S. B. F. (Laundry Manageress).—We are glad to see that you corroborate the advice we constantly give to girls to learn the laundry business in all its branches. The vacancy you mention you might try to fill by applying to the Central Bureau for the Employment of Women, 60, Chancery Lane, though it is not always easy, as you know, to find girls possessed of the requisite trade experience. For the benefit of some of our readers we will quote a passage from your letter—“I can assure you on behalf of my colleagues in the trade that there is a great demand for women of fair education, who are sober, trustworthy, and able to take the oversight of the work in laundries. The great failings of nearly all capable laundry manageresses are drink and a low standard of morals, especially as regards honesty; and if a woman of superiority went in for the work, she would never lack a good berth, as all the hard work in laundries is now done by men.” We quote what you tell us with the more satisfaction in view of the statement sometimes made by ill-informed persons that girls are likely to be ousted by men from the laundry trade. The demand for expert and honest laundresses and manageresses was manifestly never greater than it is at present.

Ida(Book-keeping).—If you wish to learn book-keeping by double entry in a thorough manner, you should attend classes at some technical institute in your neighbourhood. Were you living in London, we should advise you to join the Birkbeck Institute, Bream’s Buildings, Chancery Lane, or the Regent Street Polytechnic. Many excellent handbooks have been published on the subject, by the aid of which every determined and persevering girl could master the subject alone; but, of course, lessons in class make the difficulties much more readily surmountable.

Fatherless Lassie(Additional Work).—As your present work consists in taking orders for a business firm, would it not be wiser to increase your utility in this line of work than to supplement your earnings with your needle, as you suggest? In these days it is almost always best to specialise, that is to say, to become peculiarly efficient in some one department of work. Now, if you could make yourself a thoroughly capable clerk, and could master as much about the coal trade, in which you are engaged, as it is in your power to learn, you would have the preference over an inexperienced girl for any better post in a coal order office later. Work hard at book-keeping and type-writing, and attend any good business classes that may be held in your neighbourhood.

Olive(Laundry-Work, etc.).—It appears doubtful from what you say concerning your health whether you would be strong enough for laundry-work; but it is quite certain that intellectual work is too severe for you, and it would be wise to give up the latter at once. We know too many teachers who break down under the strain in middle life to advise any girl to persevere who has already found the profession so trying as you have done. If you attempt laundry-work, you might take a year’s training at some large steam-laundry (such as the London and Provincial Steam-Laundry, Battersea Park Road, S.W.), and afterwards try to start a hand-laundry, or to join someone in such an enterprise. But we fear the regular business of a steam-laundry would prove fully as trying to you as teaching. Consequently the best posts in the laundry business might always be beyond your reach. Dairy-work seems more likely to suit you, together perhaps with some other forms of country occupation, such as the care of poultry. It would be worth considering whether you should not go to the Agricultural College, Reading, unless you could obtain good instruction in some County Council classes in your own part of England.

Muriel(Dressmaking, etc.).—1. Unless you have friends in Paris with whom you could stay, we should not advise you to try to enter a dressmaking firm in that city. It is possible that the Secretary of the Foreign Registry, Girls’ Friendly Society, 10, Holbein Place, Sloane Square, S.W., could advise you in the matter; but probably the best firms might have no vacancy for an English girl, and the less good might prove to be extremely undesirable. It would be far wiser, in our opinion, to apprentice yourself to a London firm, concerning which your relations and friends could make the requisite inquiries.—2. On the subject of voice-production you should inquire of some large bookseller whether a volume was not published by the late M. Emile Behnke, who was a great authority. We think you will find that such a book exists.

Another Anxious Mother(Dispensing).—This occupation offers fair chances of a livelihood to a girl, as not only are medical men often willing to employ a woman as dispenser in their private dispensaries, but various hospitals have women dispensers, and there are many localities in which women might establish dispensaries of their own. The Pharmacy Act requires that a pupil should study for three years. The time may be spent either in working under a qualified chemist, or in the dispensary of some institution. Several lady chemists and dispensers now take pupils, and addresses of these could be obtained by applying to the Secretary of the Pharmaceutical Society, 17, Bloomsbury Square, London, or to the Secretary, London School of Medicine for Women, Arundel Street, W.C. The total expense of the course, including apprenticeship and examination fees ranges from £100 to £130. In this estimate board and lodging are not, of course, included. Your daughter would probably be advised to wait a year or two before beginning the course, as she is still so young.

M. J. Gray.—We discussed the question of the best hydropathic establishments for rheumatism a few weeks ago. In England, Harrowgate, with its sulphurous waters, is the most generally useful. But living at any of the hydropathic stations is expensive, and the English ones are about the most expensive of all. It is rather difficult for us to answer your question because we never advise any person to go “to take waters” unless her income is above the average, so we cannot tell you (at all events, not in this column), what a stay at any of the stations would cost. Aix-la-Chapelle, Barèges, Harrowgate, Kissingen, Carlsbad, Contrèxeville, Homburg, Marienbad, Selters, Vais and Vichy, are the springs most generally used. If you cannot afford a stay at one of these places, you may derive some benefit from taking the waters at home. Nowadays all these waters are exported. But the benefit of taking the waters at home is not comparable with the value of a stay at the place where they came from, probably not because the waters degenerate, but because the strict regimen and the good effects of travel are absent.Fifteen Stone.—The latest thing for excessive obesity is extract of the thyroid gland. The preparation chiefly used is “thyroglandin,” and is made from the thyroid gland of the sheep. We cannot say at present whether this treatment is going to be of any value, but we are investigating its action. Like all animal extracts, thyroid is a very powerful drug, and sometimes gives rise to very alarming symptoms. If it is going to be valuable, it will only be used for very marked cases of obesity.Simple Susan.—Certainly round shoulders can be remedied by gymnastic exercises. The best of these are the dumb-bells or clubs—but light bells and light clubs. Half an hour’s exercise or less every morning before breakfast. Dumb-bells should not weigh more than two pounds apiece.Grandmamma.—Eczema is exceedingly common on the legs where varicose veins are present. The treatment is mainly that of the veins. Locally calamine ointment is very useful.Another Anxious One.—1. Yes. Follow the advice that we gave to “Mary Noble.” We fear there is not much prospect of cure in your case. We have never found the chloride of ammonia inhaler of any value; now we never use it.—2. Wash your feet in warm water and borax every evening, and look to your boots. Almost every complaint of the feet is due to misshapen boots.Matron.—A jagged tooth in the jaws of a woman aged fifty is a most undesirable thing. The “white patch” upon your tongue is caused, as you know, by the tooth. If you let the tooth remain in your head, that “white patch” will become a cancer. Go to a dentist and have the tooth out at once. Do not delay, for in a short time it will be too late.Miriam.—Obviously your toothache is due to the decayed teeth. You must have these thoroughly seen to, either stopped or else removed, according to their condition. Toothache is an inflammation of the pulp of the tooth; the pain is due to pressure upon the nerves. The reason why pain is so severe in inflammation of a tooth is because the pulp cavity is an unyielding structure, and so the nerves are compressed between the “matter” formed by the inflammation and the wall of the cavity.Uvula.—We discussed the causes of bad breath at some length a short while ago. Your trouble is doubtless due to the double cause of bad teeth and an unhealthy condition of the nose. As you are going to do the right thing and have your teeth seen to, we need not say much about this. But as regards your nose, you have a condition which is unfortunately exceedingly common among young women. It is a most difficult disease to eradicate, but with care can be kept in check, and the offensive smell altogether banished. Use as a spray or wash, and also as a gargle, four times a day, the following lotion:—bicarbonate of soda, 200 grains; carbolic acid, 30 grains; glycerine, one ounce, and water to the pint. Use the lotion warm. Afterwards apply to the interior of the nose, with the little finger, benzoated zinc ointment, and apply this ointment many other times a day.Uvea.—Enlarged uvula is a common complaint. It gives rise to cough and other signs of throat irritation. Rarely is the uvula enlarged without other parts of the throat being unhealthy. The best treatment for an enlarged uvula is to have part of it cut away. Failing this, painting the uvula with menthol in paraleine, or better, with glycerine of tannic acid, will reduce its size.

Fifteen Stone.—The latest thing for excessive obesity is extract of the thyroid gland. The preparation chiefly used is “thyroglandin,” and is made from the thyroid gland of the sheep. We cannot say at present whether this treatment is going to be of any value, but we are investigating its action. Like all animal extracts, thyroid is a very powerful drug, and sometimes gives rise to very alarming symptoms. If it is going to be valuable, it will only be used for very marked cases of obesity.

Simple Susan.—Certainly round shoulders can be remedied by gymnastic exercises. The best of these are the dumb-bells or clubs—but light bells and light clubs. Half an hour’s exercise or less every morning before breakfast. Dumb-bells should not weigh more than two pounds apiece.

Grandmamma.—Eczema is exceedingly common on the legs where varicose veins are present. The treatment is mainly that of the veins. Locally calamine ointment is very useful.

Another Anxious One.—1. Yes. Follow the advice that we gave to “Mary Noble.” We fear there is not much prospect of cure in your case. We have never found the chloride of ammonia inhaler of any value; now we never use it.—2. Wash your feet in warm water and borax every evening, and look to your boots. Almost every complaint of the feet is due to misshapen boots.

Matron.—A jagged tooth in the jaws of a woman aged fifty is a most undesirable thing. The “white patch” upon your tongue is caused, as you know, by the tooth. If you let the tooth remain in your head, that “white patch” will become a cancer. Go to a dentist and have the tooth out at once. Do not delay, for in a short time it will be too late.

Miriam.—Obviously your toothache is due to the decayed teeth. You must have these thoroughly seen to, either stopped or else removed, according to their condition. Toothache is an inflammation of the pulp of the tooth; the pain is due to pressure upon the nerves. The reason why pain is so severe in inflammation of a tooth is because the pulp cavity is an unyielding structure, and so the nerves are compressed between the “matter” formed by the inflammation and the wall of the cavity.

Uvula.—We discussed the causes of bad breath at some length a short while ago. Your trouble is doubtless due to the double cause of bad teeth and an unhealthy condition of the nose. As you are going to do the right thing and have your teeth seen to, we need not say much about this. But as regards your nose, you have a condition which is unfortunately exceedingly common among young women. It is a most difficult disease to eradicate, but with care can be kept in check, and the offensive smell altogether banished. Use as a spray or wash, and also as a gargle, four times a day, the following lotion:—bicarbonate of soda, 200 grains; carbolic acid, 30 grains; glycerine, one ounce, and water to the pint. Use the lotion warm. Afterwards apply to the interior of the nose, with the little finger, benzoated zinc ointment, and apply this ointment many other times a day.

Uvea.—Enlarged uvula is a common complaint. It gives rise to cough and other signs of throat irritation. Rarely is the uvula enlarged without other parts of the throat being unhealthy. The best treatment for an enlarged uvula is to have part of it cut away. Failing this, painting the uvula with menthol in paraleine, or better, with glycerine of tannic acid, will reduce its size.

“THE BRIDE.” (Gladiolus Colvillei Alba.)

Edie.—We prefer not to give recommendations as to the use of cosmetics. Unless analytical chemists, we could not say of what they are composed; unless skin-doctors, we could not pronounce of their efficacy, nor even their harmlessness; and unless we were personally acquainted with you, we could form no idea of what would suit your individual case. A recipe of the Empress Josephine’s has been found, and it appears that she used to pour boiling milk over a basinful of violets, with which she bathed her face and neck every morning. This very simple bath is used by French ladies to this day, from the time they discovered the treatment adopted by the Empress, so beautiful in complexion, and an enormous trade in this flower, and for this purpose, is carried on in Paris at this present time. We think it wrong to waste so much milk.Irene.—Situations of this kind, as nurse or maid for the one voyage, are generally obtained by advertisement in a daily paper, or perhaps in one of the weeklies which deal with the subject, such as theQueen. No remuneration perhaps in some cases, or very little. This would be, of course, a subject for personal agreement. But there are many people who advertise themselves as willing to give their services, their passage-money being paid.Goosie Gander.—1. If an assumed name or pseudonym be sent with a manuscript, the sender should also include his or her real name and address.—2. The length of stories is in accordance with what the Editor needs, and a story should not be difficult to shorten, or, in the reverse case, to lengthen, if required.Omenica.—Jackets are all worn short this year in England, as well as elsewhere. Our personal opinion is that the constant use of files, knives, and all steel instruments to the nails is very detrimental to their beauty. The habit of pushing down the quick round the nail with an instrument, or even cutting it away, is a very bad one. It should be gently pushed down with the wet towel when the hands are washed. Indeed most of the cleaning can be done in this way. The nails should be cut in a rounded form, and should never be permitted to extend beyond the top of the finger itself; and filing them at the sides would be foolish and unnecessary too.Ungraceful Pigeon and Others.—Judging from your letters, you each and all need a course of gymnastics. This would probably make “Pigeon” grow a little also. There are five systems of gymnastic exercises—the German, Swedish, military, English, and those of Miss Chreiman. Gymnastic classes are held in London at Board schools, polytechnics, Young Women’s Christian Associations, High schools, and at many other places; so, by inquiry, you can very easily find a place. Then there is swimming, which is a capital exercise, the training for which can be had in many places in London. You might like that better perhaps. The terms are very moderate.Jessica.—Write a separate answer for those of your party who refuse the invitation. If not a very special one, where the number would make a difference, or if uncertain, accept for all on one card, and apologise for those absent as you enter and greet your hostess.Gladys.—We suppose you know the glass bottles that are sold for fly-catching. In America what is known as the feverfew, queen’s daisy, or pyrethrum, is thought to keep flies away. You might try a few pots of that. It may be either grown from seed, or can be obtained at a nurseryman’s. Darkness is one of the best remedies against flies, and so the more shaded you can keep your windows the better and the darker the shop on a bright day.Sister Edith.—Not admitted under twenty-one years of age, we should think; but we can find no limit of age. Deaconesses must be under thirty-five years of age when admitted.Ignorant One.—1. For a seed cake the following, from a well-known cookery book, is excellent and cheap. Rub six ounces of butter into three-quarters of a pound of flour, add a pinch of salt, five ounces of the best moist sugar, and a dessertspoonful of caraway seed. Dissolve half a small teaspoonful of soda in a teaspoonful of hot milk. Beat up this with two eggs, already well beaten, and stir the whole into the cake. Put the mixture into a buttered tin, and bake in a moderately-heated oven—from thirty to forty minutes will suffice.—2. Hyacinth bulbs deteriorate after the first year, and would not do for water after planting in the ground.

Irene.—Situations of this kind, as nurse or maid for the one voyage, are generally obtained by advertisement in a daily paper, or perhaps in one of the weeklies which deal with the subject, such as theQueen. No remuneration perhaps in some cases, or very little. This would be, of course, a subject for personal agreement. But there are many people who advertise themselves as willing to give their services, their passage-money being paid.

Goosie Gander.—1. If an assumed name or pseudonym be sent with a manuscript, the sender should also include his or her real name and address.—2. The length of stories is in accordance with what the Editor needs, and a story should not be difficult to shorten, or, in the reverse case, to lengthen, if required.

Omenica.—Jackets are all worn short this year in England, as well as elsewhere. Our personal opinion is that the constant use of files, knives, and all steel instruments to the nails is very detrimental to their beauty. The habit of pushing down the quick round the nail with an instrument, or even cutting it away, is a very bad one. It should be gently pushed down with the wet towel when the hands are washed. Indeed most of the cleaning can be done in this way. The nails should be cut in a rounded form, and should never be permitted to extend beyond the top of the finger itself; and filing them at the sides would be foolish and unnecessary too.

Ungraceful Pigeon and Others.—Judging from your letters, you each and all need a course of gymnastics. This would probably make “Pigeon” grow a little also. There are five systems of gymnastic exercises—the German, Swedish, military, English, and those of Miss Chreiman. Gymnastic classes are held in London at Board schools, polytechnics, Young Women’s Christian Associations, High schools, and at many other places; so, by inquiry, you can very easily find a place. Then there is swimming, which is a capital exercise, the training for which can be had in many places in London. You might like that better perhaps. The terms are very moderate.

Jessica.—Write a separate answer for those of your party who refuse the invitation. If not a very special one, where the number would make a difference, or if uncertain, accept for all on one card, and apologise for those absent as you enter and greet your hostess.

Gladys.—We suppose you know the glass bottles that are sold for fly-catching. In America what is known as the feverfew, queen’s daisy, or pyrethrum, is thought to keep flies away. You might try a few pots of that. It may be either grown from seed, or can be obtained at a nurseryman’s. Darkness is one of the best remedies against flies, and so the more shaded you can keep your windows the better and the darker the shop on a bright day.

Sister Edith.—Not admitted under twenty-one years of age, we should think; but we can find no limit of age. Deaconesses must be under thirty-five years of age when admitted.

Ignorant One.—1. For a seed cake the following, from a well-known cookery book, is excellent and cheap. Rub six ounces of butter into three-quarters of a pound of flour, add a pinch of salt, five ounces of the best moist sugar, and a dessertspoonful of caraway seed. Dissolve half a small teaspoonful of soda in a teaspoonful of hot milk. Beat up this with two eggs, already well beaten, and stir the whole into the cake. Put the mixture into a buttered tin, and bake in a moderately-heated oven—from thirty to forty minutes will suffice.—2. Hyacinth bulbs deteriorate after the first year, and would not do for water after planting in the ground.

FOOTNOTES:[1]Full particulars of the Guild can be obtained from its founder, Sister Grace (Mrs. Kimmins) at the Bermondsey Settlement, where its headquarters are.[2]Life and Letters of Mrs. Ewing, p. 283 (S.P.C.K.).[3]Stanley,Lectures on the Jewish Church.

FOOTNOTES:

[1]Full particulars of the Guild can be obtained from its founder, Sister Grace (Mrs. Kimmins) at the Bermondsey Settlement, where its headquarters are.

[2]Life and Letters of Mrs. Ewing, p. 283 (S.P.C.K.).

[3]Stanley,Lectures on the Jewish Church.

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

Page 779: scence to scene—“upon the scene”.

Page 784: unhealthly to unhealthy—“being unhealthy”.]

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