ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Naiad.—Sea-sickness cannot be considered as a disease of the stomach. It is caused by the motion acting in some way upon the brain. How it acts is not quite certain; possibly it is by interfering with the blood supply of the brain, or it might be due to a succession of slight “concussions.” An exactly similar form of sickness occurs in some persons from swinging, or who have been patronising the “giddy-go-round.” Also any injury to the head may be followed by sickness. How to prevent sea-sickness is a question which is confessedly a puzzle to all. The peculiarity of this form of vomiting is that it bears no relation to food. It is no more common after than before meals, and the vomiting produces little or no relief. We think everybody has her own little specific for sea-sickness, and it is as useless as her neighbour’s. Obviously, from what has been said above, no remedy which acts upon the stomach can prevent sickness, because it is a nervous and not a gastric symptom. We may hope one day to discover how to prevent sea-sickness; at present we cannot do so by any means.An Anxious Girl.—Read our answer to “A Gaiety Girl.” The question of infection and epidemics is a most puzzling one for the public to understand. And yet it is of vast importance that it should understand it, for with the public, and not with the medical profession, lies the power of stamping out infectious diseases. As you only desire information about influenza, we will leave all other fevers out of court and confine our remarks to influenza alone. Influenza is an epidemic, possibly infectious, disease, chiefly characterised by inflammation of the mucous membranes, and by the exceedingly formidable list of its sequelæ and complications. It is due to the multiplication within the body of a definite germ. The disease never occurs without this germ, nor is the germ ever found in the human body except in those who are suffering from, or who have lately recovered from, influenza. The great question of its causation is, “How does the germ gain entrance into the body?” And this unfortunately we cannot answer. It is not commonly an infectious disease in the usual meaning of the term—that is, it is not commonly caught directly from person to person; but we feel certain that one person can inoculate her fellow. The disease is epidemic, and spreads in waves which have usually swept from the east westwards. For this reason it has been suggested that the germs are conveyed from place to place by the east wind—an utterly untenable theory. Most probably the disease is spread by water, or by dust infected with the dried spittle of persons suffering from the disease. It is by no means a modern disease. There were epidemics of it in 1833, 1847, 1848, and 1888. Nearly all the epidemics have started in Russia, and hence the disease has been called Russian fever. When a person has had pneumonia following influenza, it imports that she has had a large dose, and probably a very virulent dose of the poison. Such a person would be more likely to directly inoculate another. Up to the present it has not been customary to isolate influenza patients, but we think that isolation is unquestionably advisable wherever this is possible. To disinfect the room afterwards there are no measures to be compared with fresh air, and a pail of water, and a scrubbing brush. Thoroughly clean out the room in which an infectious case has been “warded”—use plenty of water, plenty of soap, and plenty of time. You may use chloride of lime or carbolic acid if you like. Afterwards, let the room get as much air and sunshine as possible, for both fresh air and sunshine are fatal to injurious germs. We do not know what is the incubation period of the disease, nor can we say for how long after recovery the patient remains capable of conveying infection.Lily.—When you have removed the redness—which is inflammation—of the eyebrows, the hairs will grow dark again. Apply a little zinc ointment to the place every morning and evening.

An Anxious Girl.—Read our answer to “A Gaiety Girl.” The question of infection and epidemics is a most puzzling one for the public to understand. And yet it is of vast importance that it should understand it, for with the public, and not with the medical profession, lies the power of stamping out infectious diseases. As you only desire information about influenza, we will leave all other fevers out of court and confine our remarks to influenza alone. Influenza is an epidemic, possibly infectious, disease, chiefly characterised by inflammation of the mucous membranes, and by the exceedingly formidable list of its sequelæ and complications. It is due to the multiplication within the body of a definite germ. The disease never occurs without this germ, nor is the germ ever found in the human body except in those who are suffering from, or who have lately recovered from, influenza. The great question of its causation is, “How does the germ gain entrance into the body?” And this unfortunately we cannot answer. It is not commonly an infectious disease in the usual meaning of the term—that is, it is not commonly caught directly from person to person; but we feel certain that one person can inoculate her fellow. The disease is epidemic, and spreads in waves which have usually swept from the east westwards. For this reason it has been suggested that the germs are conveyed from place to place by the east wind—an utterly untenable theory. Most probably the disease is spread by water, or by dust infected with the dried spittle of persons suffering from the disease. It is by no means a modern disease. There were epidemics of it in 1833, 1847, 1848, and 1888. Nearly all the epidemics have started in Russia, and hence the disease has been called Russian fever. When a person has had pneumonia following influenza, it imports that she has had a large dose, and probably a very virulent dose of the poison. Such a person would be more likely to directly inoculate another. Up to the present it has not been customary to isolate influenza patients, but we think that isolation is unquestionably advisable wherever this is possible. To disinfect the room afterwards there are no measures to be compared with fresh air, and a pail of water, and a scrubbing brush. Thoroughly clean out the room in which an infectious case has been “warded”—use plenty of water, plenty of soap, and plenty of time. You may use chloride of lime or carbolic acid if you like. Afterwards, let the room get as much air and sunshine as possible, for both fresh air and sunshine are fatal to injurious germs. We do not know what is the incubation period of the disease, nor can we say for how long after recovery the patient remains capable of conveying infection.

Lily.—When you have removed the redness—which is inflammation—of the eyebrows, the hairs will grow dark again. Apply a little zinc ointment to the place every morning and evening.

Peggy.—We think you would find the comic song you mention by going to any good music-seller’s and giving the extract. Unless we are mistaken, it has been sung by some popular entertainer, and is well known.Winton.—1. We have already recommended the “York Road Sketching Club,” and “Copying Club;” address, Miss H. E. Grace, 54, York Road, Brighton, W.—2. The three staves in Grieg’s music are used simply because there is not space in one set of five lines to clearly show the complicated air and accompaniment which fall to the lot of the treble.Miss Munn, Sandhurst, Hawkhurst, wishes to announce that a new year of her Sketching Club began in June, but members may join at any time. The subscription is 2s. 6d. the year.Brenda.—There are plenty of such scholarships as you describe. You had better write to The Secretary, Technical Education Board, St. Martin’s Lane, W.C., or consult Mrs. Watson’s article on “What is the London County Council doing for Girls?” (The Girl’s Own Paper, March, 1897).Rita(New Zealand).—1. Your question fromIn Memoriamis a very thoughtful one. The poet is describing a man who, being troubled by religious doubts, does not try to stifle them by simply resting on the authority of a Church and telling himself, “I must not doubt, for it is wicked.” He looks these doubts—“the spectres of the mind”—fully in the face, searches for the answer, and, as Truth does not fear investigation, he succeeds in dispersing them; even as a fabled ghost can usually be disproved by someone who will bravely face the supposed apparition and find out what it really amounts to. The man who fights this battle honestly, and conquers, wins in the end a stronger faith than the man who merely asserts, without thought; and in the temporary darkness of his perplexity God is with him still—for God is the God both of the light and of the darkness. This magnificent passage you must understand as applying only to those who really seek in an earnest and reverent spirit after Truth, not to the flippant scoffer.—2. We answered this question in July, 1897, and must refer you to the volumeTwilight Hours(Messrs. Isbister & Co.) containing the poems of Sarah Williams (Sadie).A Merry Sunbeam(Belgium).—1. Certainly a young girl of 15½ may wear long skirts and put up her hair if she is unusually tall “without looking ridiculous.” She will be taken to be older than she really is, which may be a disadvantage to her.—2. The expression “teens” is taken from the termination of the numbers thirteen to nineteen inclusive, and “hazel” is brown, like the brown of the hazel nut. We go to press long before you receive your magazine, and we are sorry you have to wait so long for replies. You write English very well, considering it is not your native language, but we have no objection at all to receiving letters in French from any of our subscribers.Beatrice Cenci.—The heroine whose name you adopt lived in Rome during the sixteenth century, and a very touching and beautiful portrait of her by Guido exists in the Barberini Palace there. Her father was a monster of cruelty and wickedness, and she was driven at length to plot with her step-mother and brother to murder him, in order to escape from his tyranny. The deed was discovered, and Beatrice with the other criminals was put to death by order of the Pope. Her father had constantly bought his pardon from the Pope for the murdershehad committed on his own account, and the infamy of his life, combined with the natural gentleness of Beatrice, awoke a widespread feeling of compassion for her doom, in spite of the nature of her act.Erica.—Your quotation is from the first verse of a song by Thomas Linley (1798-1865), written and composed by him for Mr. Augustus Braham. The whole verse runs as follows:—“Tho’ lost to sight, to memory dearThou ever wilt remain;One only hope my heart can cheer—The hope to meet again.”We go to press long before you receive your magazine, so it would be quite impossible for you ever to see an answer in “next week.”Pilgrim.—1. We should think a good history for your purpose would be an illustrated abridgment by G. Masson of F. P. G. Guizot’sHistory of France from its Earliest Times(Low), published price 5s.; or W. H. Jervis’sStudent’s History of France, with maps and illustrations (Murray), published price 7s. 6d.—2. The only satisfactory general history of Russia is said to be Alfred Rambaud’s, illustrated and well translated (Low), but it is expensive—21s. There is a popular History of Russia in the “Story of the Nations Series” (Unwin) by W. R. Morfill, published at 5s. We hope these are neither “dry” nor “childish.”Florentia.—We have searched through Charles Kingsley’s poems in vain for the lines beginning—“In music there is no self-will.”Are you sure he is the author? Perhaps some reader may observe this reply and come to your help.Snowdrop.—We think your best way is to write to Messrs. Hachette & Co., 18, King William Street, Charing Cross, London, W.C., for a list of French magazines, and choose one that seems suitable. We do not know of one exactly answering toThe Girl’s Own Paper.

Winton.—1. We have already recommended the “York Road Sketching Club,” and “Copying Club;” address, Miss H. E. Grace, 54, York Road, Brighton, W.—2. The three staves in Grieg’s music are used simply because there is not space in one set of five lines to clearly show the complicated air and accompaniment which fall to the lot of the treble.

Miss Munn, Sandhurst, Hawkhurst, wishes to announce that a new year of her Sketching Club began in June, but members may join at any time. The subscription is 2s. 6d. the year.

Brenda.—There are plenty of such scholarships as you describe. You had better write to The Secretary, Technical Education Board, St. Martin’s Lane, W.C., or consult Mrs. Watson’s article on “What is the London County Council doing for Girls?” (The Girl’s Own Paper, March, 1897).

Rita(New Zealand).—1. Your question fromIn Memoriamis a very thoughtful one. The poet is describing a man who, being troubled by religious doubts, does not try to stifle them by simply resting on the authority of a Church and telling himself, “I must not doubt, for it is wicked.” He looks these doubts—“the spectres of the mind”—fully in the face, searches for the answer, and, as Truth does not fear investigation, he succeeds in dispersing them; even as a fabled ghost can usually be disproved by someone who will bravely face the supposed apparition and find out what it really amounts to. The man who fights this battle honestly, and conquers, wins in the end a stronger faith than the man who merely asserts, without thought; and in the temporary darkness of his perplexity God is with him still—for God is the God both of the light and of the darkness. This magnificent passage you must understand as applying only to those who really seek in an earnest and reverent spirit after Truth, not to the flippant scoffer.—2. We answered this question in July, 1897, and must refer you to the volumeTwilight Hours(Messrs. Isbister & Co.) containing the poems of Sarah Williams (Sadie).

A Merry Sunbeam(Belgium).—1. Certainly a young girl of 15½ may wear long skirts and put up her hair if she is unusually tall “without looking ridiculous.” She will be taken to be older than she really is, which may be a disadvantage to her.—2. The expression “teens” is taken from the termination of the numbers thirteen to nineteen inclusive, and “hazel” is brown, like the brown of the hazel nut. We go to press long before you receive your magazine, and we are sorry you have to wait so long for replies. You write English very well, considering it is not your native language, but we have no objection at all to receiving letters in French from any of our subscribers.

Beatrice Cenci.—The heroine whose name you adopt lived in Rome during the sixteenth century, and a very touching and beautiful portrait of her by Guido exists in the Barberini Palace there. Her father was a monster of cruelty and wickedness, and she was driven at length to plot with her step-mother and brother to murder him, in order to escape from his tyranny. The deed was discovered, and Beatrice with the other criminals was put to death by order of the Pope. Her father had constantly bought his pardon from the Pope for the murdershehad committed on his own account, and the infamy of his life, combined with the natural gentleness of Beatrice, awoke a widespread feeling of compassion for her doom, in spite of the nature of her act.

Erica.—Your quotation is from the first verse of a song by Thomas Linley (1798-1865), written and composed by him for Mr. Augustus Braham. The whole verse runs as follows:—

“Tho’ lost to sight, to memory dearThou ever wilt remain;One only hope my heart can cheer—The hope to meet again.”

“Tho’ lost to sight, to memory dear

Thou ever wilt remain;

One only hope my heart can cheer—

The hope to meet again.”

We go to press long before you receive your magazine, so it would be quite impossible for you ever to see an answer in “next week.”

Pilgrim.—1. We should think a good history for your purpose would be an illustrated abridgment by G. Masson of F. P. G. Guizot’sHistory of France from its Earliest Times(Low), published price 5s.; or W. H. Jervis’sStudent’s History of France, with maps and illustrations (Murray), published price 7s. 6d.—2. The only satisfactory general history of Russia is said to be Alfred Rambaud’s, illustrated and well translated (Low), but it is expensive—21s. There is a popular History of Russia in the “Story of the Nations Series” (Unwin) by W. R. Morfill, published at 5s. We hope these are neither “dry” nor “childish.”

Florentia.—We have searched through Charles Kingsley’s poems in vain for the lines beginning—

“In music there is no self-will.”

Are you sure he is the author? Perhaps some reader may observe this reply and come to your help.

Snowdrop.—We think your best way is to write to Messrs. Hachette & Co., 18, King William Street, Charing Cross, London, W.C., for a list of French magazines, and choose one that seems suitable. We do not know of one exactly answering toThe Girl’s Own Paper.

“Winton” again has answers, from “An Old Subscriber” and an anonymous writer, referring the hymn, “Come ye yourselves apart and rest awhile,” to theHymnal CompanionandSacred Songs and Solos.

Cleopatra II.—The term or nickname of a British soldier, i.e., “Tommy Atkins,” had its origin in the little pocket-ledgers, at one time supplied to them, in which all the necessary memoranda connected with them—their name, age, date of enlistment, length of service, wounds, or medals, received, etc., were entered. With this the War Office gave a form to be filled in; the hypothetical name of “Thomas Atkins” was entered, just as “John Doe and Richard Roe” are employed by lawyers; “M. or N.” by the Church, and “Jack Tar” to designate a sailor. The books at once were called by the name, which was afterwards applied as a comprehensive name for the men themselves. We thank you for your good wishes for the continued success of our magazine.S. A.—There are five Homes for Aged Poor People in the suburbs of town, respecting which you must write to the Misses Harrison, 5, Grandacre Terrace, Anerley, S.E. There is also the “Aged Pilgrims’ Friend Society,” which grants annual pensions to aged Christians of both sexes, and of all Protestant denominations. This institution has homes at Camberwell, Hornsey Rise, Stamford Hill, and Brighton. Pensions are granted to some not received into the homes. The Secretary is Mr. J. E. Hazelton, office, 82, Finsbury Pavement, E.C.F. W.—We do not undertake to return answers in the next magazine after hearing from correspondents. Boil sufficient milk for the amount of wholemeal you wish to knead, adding a piece of butter of the size of an egg (for a small cake), and melt it in the milk. Mix some bread-soda with the meal; and then knead the milk with the latter, and roll out on a paste-board. Make a round flat cake, and cut across, to make four divisions, and bake on a girdle, putting dry flour on the girdle, or a sufficient space on a hot oven. Butter-milk is much used for the purpose in Ireland. Of course yeast may be had, instead of the soda, from any baker.O’Hara.—The Celts were the first Aryan settlers in Europe. This fact is placed beyond all doubt by their language, which bears a close resemblance to Sanscrit, alike in grammatical structure and vocables. Herodotus speaks of them (B.C.450) under the nameKeltai, as mingling with the Iberians, who dwelt round the river Ebro. The Romans called themGalli. It is maintained by many that these Aryans in Spain, the French Pyrenees, and in Britain, found before them a Turanian people, the descendants of whom are to be seen in the Lapps and Finns, and the Basques of Spain and Portugal. The Aryans’ original home was the plateau of Central Asia, from whence they spread south-westward; and the Eastern tribes took possession of India and Persia.Puzzled One.—Adults do not need sponsors at their baptism, as in the case of infants; but witnesses are essential; because the persons baptised make thereby a public profession of their faith. Special “witnesses” usually accompany adults; but you will observe (in the last Rubric), that the baptised “answer for themselves,” and only the godly counsel of “their chosen witnesses” is required, whose duty it is to “put them in mind” of the “vow, promise, and profession they have made.” Should there be no desirably religious and God-fearing friends to present the adult, she should communicate this difficulty to the rector or vicar of her parish, and he will, doubtless, provide for this lack, as well as see to her preparation for the rite himself.Marcia.—We are certainly of opinion that in earlier times the term “Merry (or Merrie) England” was justly so applied, as distinguished from its general condition in these days of strikes. It was enough for the little educated to have their Maypole festivities, their Christmas and Easter entertainments; and so they enjoyed a greater light-heartedness, simpler recreations and brighter views of life; and the people were united more closely together in a boyishcamaraderie. But, as the Anglo-Saxon wordmærasignifies “famous, great and mighty,” andmerin the old Teutonic means “illustrious,” the original signification is probably not “mirthful.”Dot.—A nice little cake for home use is made with 1 pint of wholemeal, 1 teacupful of milk, a piece of butter of about the size of a walnut, and a teaspoonful of baking powder. Mix well and bake for about half an hour.Hope.—The correct pronunciation of the Italian phrase,Dolce far niente(Sweet do nothing) is, “Dole-che far ne-ente.” We are glad that our magazine gives you so much satisfaction.Dix-huit.—There is no way of improving your hand but the daily copying of the copper-plate examples, or of some hand you admire. The pronunciation of surnames is often very arbitrary. The name “Besant” ought to be pronounced as having a double “s,” and the accent laid on the first syllable, “Bes.” But its present owner, Sir Walter, pronounces it “Besant,” and of course he has the right to do so.Carnation.—If you are a daughter of a younger brother, no matter how old you may be, the eldest daughter of the eldest brother has precedence of you. Should your father and uncle have a sister living, neither of you could claim precedence of her. She is Miss —— so long as she remains single; and she takes precedence, moreover, of all her younger brothers and their wives.Miss H. Mason’s“Holiday Home, and Home of Rest” we always have pleasure in naming for the benefit of our readers, who are engaged in either teaching or business, or are clerks. Charge for board and lodging 15s. a week; for a short visit, from Saturday afternoon till Monday morning, 5s.; and till Tuesday, 7s. 6d. Oakwood Lodge, Ide Hill, Sevenoaks.Marguerite.—There is a society for milliners and dressmakers, the “Provident and Benevolent Institution,” 32, Sackville Street, for members within twelve miles of the General Post Office, and which gives grants in illness, and pensions from £25 to £35. You do not give an address, therefore we are unable to tell you whether you be eligible.

S. A.—There are five Homes for Aged Poor People in the suburbs of town, respecting which you must write to the Misses Harrison, 5, Grandacre Terrace, Anerley, S.E. There is also the “Aged Pilgrims’ Friend Society,” which grants annual pensions to aged Christians of both sexes, and of all Protestant denominations. This institution has homes at Camberwell, Hornsey Rise, Stamford Hill, and Brighton. Pensions are granted to some not received into the homes. The Secretary is Mr. J. E. Hazelton, office, 82, Finsbury Pavement, E.C.

F. W.—We do not undertake to return answers in the next magazine after hearing from correspondents. Boil sufficient milk for the amount of wholemeal you wish to knead, adding a piece of butter of the size of an egg (for a small cake), and melt it in the milk. Mix some bread-soda with the meal; and then knead the milk with the latter, and roll out on a paste-board. Make a round flat cake, and cut across, to make four divisions, and bake on a girdle, putting dry flour on the girdle, or a sufficient space on a hot oven. Butter-milk is much used for the purpose in Ireland. Of course yeast may be had, instead of the soda, from any baker.

O’Hara.—The Celts were the first Aryan settlers in Europe. This fact is placed beyond all doubt by their language, which bears a close resemblance to Sanscrit, alike in grammatical structure and vocables. Herodotus speaks of them (B.C.450) under the nameKeltai, as mingling with the Iberians, who dwelt round the river Ebro. The Romans called themGalli. It is maintained by many that these Aryans in Spain, the French Pyrenees, and in Britain, found before them a Turanian people, the descendants of whom are to be seen in the Lapps and Finns, and the Basques of Spain and Portugal. The Aryans’ original home was the plateau of Central Asia, from whence they spread south-westward; and the Eastern tribes took possession of India and Persia.

Puzzled One.—Adults do not need sponsors at their baptism, as in the case of infants; but witnesses are essential; because the persons baptised make thereby a public profession of their faith. Special “witnesses” usually accompany adults; but you will observe (in the last Rubric), that the baptised “answer for themselves,” and only the godly counsel of “their chosen witnesses” is required, whose duty it is to “put them in mind” of the “vow, promise, and profession they have made.” Should there be no desirably religious and God-fearing friends to present the adult, she should communicate this difficulty to the rector or vicar of her parish, and he will, doubtless, provide for this lack, as well as see to her preparation for the rite himself.

Marcia.—We are certainly of opinion that in earlier times the term “Merry (or Merrie) England” was justly so applied, as distinguished from its general condition in these days of strikes. It was enough for the little educated to have their Maypole festivities, their Christmas and Easter entertainments; and so they enjoyed a greater light-heartedness, simpler recreations and brighter views of life; and the people were united more closely together in a boyishcamaraderie. But, as the Anglo-Saxon wordmærasignifies “famous, great and mighty,” andmerin the old Teutonic means “illustrious,” the original signification is probably not “mirthful.”

Dot.—A nice little cake for home use is made with 1 pint of wholemeal, 1 teacupful of milk, a piece of butter of about the size of a walnut, and a teaspoonful of baking powder. Mix well and bake for about half an hour.

Hope.—The correct pronunciation of the Italian phrase,Dolce far niente(Sweet do nothing) is, “Dole-che far ne-ente.” We are glad that our magazine gives you so much satisfaction.

Dix-huit.—There is no way of improving your hand but the daily copying of the copper-plate examples, or of some hand you admire. The pronunciation of surnames is often very arbitrary. The name “Besant” ought to be pronounced as having a double “s,” and the accent laid on the first syllable, “Bes.” But its present owner, Sir Walter, pronounces it “Besant,” and of course he has the right to do so.

Carnation.—If you are a daughter of a younger brother, no matter how old you may be, the eldest daughter of the eldest brother has precedence of you. Should your father and uncle have a sister living, neither of you could claim precedence of her. She is Miss —— so long as she remains single; and she takes precedence, moreover, of all her younger brothers and their wives.

Miss H. Mason’s“Holiday Home, and Home of Rest” we always have pleasure in naming for the benefit of our readers, who are engaged in either teaching or business, or are clerks. Charge for board and lodging 15s. a week; for a short visit, from Saturday afternoon till Monday morning, 5s.; and till Tuesday, 7s. 6d. Oakwood Lodge, Ide Hill, Sevenoaks.

Marguerite.—There is a society for milliners and dressmakers, the “Provident and Benevolent Institution,” 32, Sackville Street, for members within twelve miles of the General Post Office, and which gives grants in illness, and pensions from £25 to £35. You do not give an address, therefore we are unable to tell you whether you be eligible.

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