CHINA MARKS.

CHINA MARKS.ENGLISH PORCELAIN.PART IV.Salopian Works, Caughley.TheSalopian Porcelain Works were founded by Thomas Turner, of Caughley Place, who had been employed in the Worcester factory, and becoming manager of the pottery works at Caughley, near Broseley, in 1772. To him are attributed the famous “willow pattern,” the “Nankin” and the “blue dragon,” and the production of the beautiful and distinguishing dark blue colour; Thomas Minton, of Stoke, assisted in the completion of the “Nankin,” being an articled engraver at Caughley. Of Turner the Messrs. John Rose bought the factory in 1799, and in 1814-15 it was broken up. This was a grievous loss, as the porcelain produced there was remarkable for the brilliancy of its glaze, the fineness of its substance, and the beauty of its blue colour. The name “Salopian” indicates its origin, but several other marks of very elaborate designs were employed, being a series of Arabic numerals, as here given, although some slight varieties are noticeable in the different illustrations published.Coalport and Colebrook Dale.John Rose, an apprentice of Thomas Turner, of Caughley, Salop, was also the founder of the Coalport and Colebrook Dale, Shropshire, manufactories, and after a time, having purchased the Caughley plant, he united the latter with Coalport, Swansea and Nantgarw factories; the paste of Coalport was a combination, and “felspar porcelain” was produced. Turner’s “willow” and “blue dragon” designs were again resuscitated to a great extent, and various sprig patterns, copied from Chelsea, Dresden and Sèvres porcelain, as well as bearing their marks. Besides these latter, the names and initial letters of the original factories are found on the early examples, and the more recent bear the marks next here following.The letters “C. B. D.” in monogram, “C. D.” and “C. Dale” stand for Colebrook Dale, and the Coalport mark is simply its name in writing hand. There are other marks that cannot be omitted in the series, such as the name “Salopian” in capitals, in smallroms.; the name “Turner” in capitals; the letter “S” in blue stands for “Salopian” (an early mark); the letters “So S” and “Sx.” Also, the crescent surmounting the name “Salopian,” the former in blue and the latter impressed only. One other mark may be named, a dot, and an “S” surmounting the crossed swords.(The Staffordshire Works—Shelton New Hall.)The porcelain manufacture was introduced into the Staffordshire potteries in 1777 on the purchase of Champion’s patent, obtained by him from Cookworthy, of Plymouth. The New Hall Works, Shelton, built by Whitehead, produced hard porcelain, much like that of Bristol. The blue tea-ware was in hard paste, with the “willow pattern,” and having Champion’s mark under the glaze, was made in this factory by Turner. Some seventeen or twenty celebrated manufacturers were connected with the Shelton China Works at the “New Hall.” One of these was the celebrated Josiah Spode, who in 1784 took the factory from Banks and Turner, and was in his turn succeeded by his son, J. Spode, junior. This latter introduced soft felspar and bones into the Staffordshire porcelain. Turner junior was followed by Copeland, and Garrett, Thomas Minton and his son, Herbert. Hard paste was introduced into the Staffordshire china by the latter. The second Josiah Spode was the most successful porcelain manufacturer of his time, and the new parish church at Stoke was mainly built and decorated by him. He contributed to it the best porcelain, jasper ware, patent stone pottery, and blue-painted ditto to beautify it.Mr. William Copeland was his partner, and the exquisite Parian biscuit china or Parian Carrara was carried to the utmost perfection by him. The firm of Josiah Spode and William Copeland, and then Copeland and Garrett, is now known as “Copeland and Sons.”The Spode china bore the maker’s name, painted or impressed, and surmounted by a crown and inscribed between the branches. Later on it bore “Copeland and Garrett,” or two C’s interlaced; also “Saxon Blue” and “New Blanche.”Thepâte sur pâte, or “slip painting,” was brought to great perfection by M. Solon, the principal artist employed by Messrs. Minton, as well as Mr. Toft.Josiah Wedgwood’s nephew, Thomas Brierly, introduced the soft paste porcelain at Etruria in 1808; but it was not of long existence. The examples to be seen are decorated with landscapes, birds, and flowers, and are, for the most part, distinguished with the name “Wedgwood” coloured red.The early marks on Minton’s porcelain are the following (the special mark of Solon Miles being the most ornate)—Specimens of the earths, clay, stone, sand, etc., were placed in Josiah Wedgwood’s hands by a Mr. Bradley Blake, a resident at Canton, such as employed at Nankin for porcelain. And Wedgwood produced very excellent examples, but he never manufactured this china ware for commerce, although his nephew, Thomas Brierly, did, in 1808, at Etruria. For himself he was a potter, and it was for beautiful varieties of this ware that the famous Flaxman worked designs for him.The names of Ridgway and Sons, and Heath, Warburton, Clowes, Hollins, and Daniel, are well known in connection with the New Hall China Works at Shelton. But during a course of many years and many successions of proprietorship, there is little space for lists of names in a brief article.I may here observe that when the Derby works began to decline, after 1825, many highly efficient workmen joined the factory at Stoke-upon-Trent, founded by Turner and rendered illustrious by Spode. Thus the artistic work of the Staffordshire factory at Stoke was greatly improved.Up to the year 1798 the Stoke manufactures were chiefly restricted to white ware decorated with blue, like ordinary Nankin. The factory was first established in 1790 by Thomas Minton, who had been an apprentice of Thomas Turner (of Caughley) as an engraver, and had then worked for Spode; and in 1788 he settled at Stoke.The next year he took Joseph Poulson into partnership—the late manager for Spode—and from the year 1793 to 1800 he continued to be a joint manager and proprietor. He died in 1809, when Thomas Minton carried on the business alone. Mr. Minton’s second son, Herbert, succeeded him. John Boyle was his partner for some years, and was succeeded by Daintry Hollins and Mr. Colin Minton Campbell, his nephews. After his death they owned the business.Steele, Bancroft and Handcock were Minton’s most distinguished painters, and John Simpson was his chief enamel painter of figures and of all the work of the highest class.M. Solon-Milès, from Sèvres, began work for him in 1870; and to the latter we owe the application ofengobe(white slip) on celadon grounds, toned chocolate, grey, andgreen, which is known aspâte sur pâte—originally a Chinese invention of some centuries old. Solon’s monogram, or “Solon” or “Miles” are sometimes found on his work. The other three given were Minton’s early marks. The ermine surmounting his name has been employed since the year 1851—painted in colours or in gold or else indented.Some services were produced in Felspar china, decorated with oriental flowers and birds. They were distinguished by a scroll in violet, enclosing a number in red, and below this the mark, “M. & B. Felspar Porcelain.”Nantgarw China.The factory of Nantgarw was a small one, founded in 1813, by Billingsley & Walker, at some ten or a dozen miles from Cardiff. The former had been an apprentice to Duesbury, of Derby, and had had great experience, having been in partnership with Coke at Pinxton, then acting as manager at Mansfield, working afterwards at Torksey, Lincolnshire, then at Bristol, and serving under Flight & Barr at Worcester, prior to his founding the manufactory at Nantgarw. In 1820, eight years before the death of Billingsley, John Rose, of Coalport, purchased the plant, Billingsley and Walker going into his service. The marks on the Nantgarw porcelain were either in red or impressed, as illustrated. The paste employed was exceedingly soft and fine in texture; the vases, with beautiful handles and covers, the table services and plaques were painted with landscapes, birds, insects, and flowers. At one time Mortlock (of London) purchased Billingsley’s porcelain in white and decorated and fired it himself. The extreme softness and vitreous fracture of the paste identifies it as of Nantgarw when the mark is lacking. Two other marks of this factory may be given. The name is in capital letters, either painted in red, or more usually impressed, and the second is in red. Sometimes the letters “C.W.” are found impressed underneath the name of the factory, which is supposed to mean “China Works.” Billingsley is supposed to have produced an excellent dessert service painted in flowers which is now the property of Mr. Firbank, M.P.The Rockingham Porcelain—Swinton, Yorks.The Rockingham factory was originally established for earthenware; but Thomas Brameld introduced the manufacture of the finest description of porcelain in the year 1820 or 1823, collecting his materials from Cornwall, Dorset, Sussex, and Kent. His dessert, dinner, and breakfast sets, and his ornamental pieces and figures, all highly decorated, were of first-class excellence. The mark usually employed—adopted in 1828—was the Rockingham crest—a Griffin—the Swinton Works being on the estate of Charles, Marquis of Rockingham, together with an inscription giving the name of the factory, and of Brameld—himself a painter on porcelain. The mark was in red. In 1826 they became embarrassed, no expense having been spared on the manufacture of the finest work; but they were kept open through the assistance of Earl Fitzwilliam until 1842. In some examples of the Rockingham china (preserved in the Scheiber collection) the mark varies to “Royal Rock Works, Brameld,” and the words “Manufacturers to the King” below the crest; also the name “Brameld” is sometimes enclosed in an oval design. Some genuine Rockingham ware is unmarked; some have incised marks such as “No. 22,” and “No. 31,” also “Brameld,” giving the batons and dots in addition.BRAMELD.There is a splendid specimen of this china to be seen in the South Kensington Museum—a highly decorated vase standing four feet high, and fired in a single piece, also having three handles, representing gold oak-branches, and the whole standing on three lions’ paws, a rhinoceros surmounting the lid or cover. The painter, Isaac Baguley, took over some part of this factory, Speight, Cordon, and Lucas being amongst the chief painters employed.Belleck White Porcelain.The factory at Belleck, County Fermanagh, Ireland, was established by Messrs. Armstrong and McBirney in 1856-7, and the porcelain was produced from the Felspar clays on the estate of J. C. Bloomfield, Esq. The use of salts of bismuth, resin, and oil of lavender produced the lustrous glaze for which this ware is remarkable, and the colours obtained from metallic oxides. So unique is this porcelain that no mark is required to identify it; but there is one stencilled or painted upon it in brown, green, or red, and the design is a round tower, a harp, shamrock, and greyhound—the former three being characteristic emblems of the country—but I do not know the origin of the latter. Perhaps it is the crest of the Bloomfields of Fermanagh, on whose estate the felspar was found.

ENGLISH PORCELAIN.

TheSalopian Porcelain Works were founded by Thomas Turner, of Caughley Place, who had been employed in the Worcester factory, and becoming manager of the pottery works at Caughley, near Broseley, in 1772. To him are attributed the famous “willow pattern,” the “Nankin” and the “blue dragon,” and the production of the beautiful and distinguishing dark blue colour; Thomas Minton, of Stoke, assisted in the completion of the “Nankin,” being an articled engraver at Caughley. Of Turner the Messrs. John Rose bought the factory in 1799, and in 1814-15 it was broken up. This was a grievous loss, as the porcelain produced there was remarkable for the brilliancy of its glaze, the fineness of its substance, and the beauty of its blue colour. The name “Salopian” indicates its origin, but several other marks of very elaborate designs were employed, being a series of Arabic numerals, as here given, although some slight varieties are noticeable in the different illustrations published.

John Rose, an apprentice of Thomas Turner, of Caughley, Salop, was also the founder of the Coalport and Colebrook Dale, Shropshire, manufactories, and after a time, having purchased the Caughley plant, he united the latter with Coalport, Swansea and Nantgarw factories; the paste of Coalport was a combination, and “felspar porcelain” was produced. Turner’s “willow” and “blue dragon” designs were again resuscitated to a great extent, and various sprig patterns, copied from Chelsea, Dresden and Sèvres porcelain, as well as bearing their marks. Besides these latter, the names and initial letters of the original factories are found on the early examples, and the more recent bear the marks next here following.

The letters “C. B. D.” in monogram, “C. D.” and “C. Dale” stand for Colebrook Dale, and the Coalport mark is simply its name in writing hand. There are other marks that cannot be omitted in the series, such as the name “Salopian” in capitals, in smallroms.; the name “Turner” in capitals; the letter “S” in blue stands for “Salopian” (an early mark); the letters “So S” and “Sx.” Also, the crescent surmounting the name “Salopian,” the former in blue and the latter impressed only. One other mark may be named, a dot, and an “S” surmounting the crossed swords.

The porcelain manufacture was introduced into the Staffordshire potteries in 1777 on the purchase of Champion’s patent, obtained by him from Cookworthy, of Plymouth. The New Hall Works, Shelton, built by Whitehead, produced hard porcelain, much like that of Bristol. The blue tea-ware was in hard paste, with the “willow pattern,” and having Champion’s mark under the glaze, was made in this factory by Turner. Some seventeen or twenty celebrated manufacturers were connected with the Shelton China Works at the “New Hall.” One of these was the celebrated Josiah Spode, who in 1784 took the factory from Banks and Turner, and was in his turn succeeded by his son, J. Spode, junior. This latter introduced soft felspar and bones into the Staffordshire porcelain. Turner junior was followed by Copeland, and Garrett, Thomas Minton and his son, Herbert. Hard paste was introduced into the Staffordshire china by the latter. The second Josiah Spode was the most successful porcelain manufacturer of his time, and the new parish church at Stoke was mainly built and decorated by him. He contributed to it the best porcelain, jasper ware, patent stone pottery, and blue-painted ditto to beautify it.

Mr. William Copeland was his partner, and the exquisite Parian biscuit china or Parian Carrara was carried to the utmost perfection by him. The firm of Josiah Spode and William Copeland, and then Copeland and Garrett, is now known as “Copeland and Sons.”

The Spode china bore the maker’s name, painted or impressed, and surmounted by a crown and inscribed between the branches. Later on it bore “Copeland and Garrett,” or two C’s interlaced; also “Saxon Blue” and “New Blanche.”

Thepâte sur pâte, or “slip painting,” was brought to great perfection by M. Solon, the principal artist employed by Messrs. Minton, as well as Mr. Toft.

Josiah Wedgwood’s nephew, Thomas Brierly, introduced the soft paste porcelain at Etruria in 1808; but it was not of long existence. The examples to be seen are decorated with landscapes, birds, and flowers, and are, for the most part, distinguished with the name “Wedgwood” coloured red.

The early marks on Minton’s porcelain are the following (the special mark of Solon Miles being the most ornate)—

Specimens of the earths, clay, stone, sand, etc., were placed in Josiah Wedgwood’s hands by a Mr. Bradley Blake, a resident at Canton, such as employed at Nankin for porcelain. And Wedgwood produced very excellent examples, but he never manufactured this china ware for commerce, although his nephew, Thomas Brierly, did, in 1808, at Etruria. For himself he was a potter, and it was for beautiful varieties of this ware that the famous Flaxman worked designs for him.

The names of Ridgway and Sons, and Heath, Warburton, Clowes, Hollins, and Daniel, are well known in connection with the New Hall China Works at Shelton. But during a course of many years and many successions of proprietorship, there is little space for lists of names in a brief article.

I may here observe that when the Derby works began to decline, after 1825, many highly efficient workmen joined the factory at Stoke-upon-Trent, founded by Turner and rendered illustrious by Spode. Thus the artistic work of the Staffordshire factory at Stoke was greatly improved.

Up to the year 1798 the Stoke manufactures were chiefly restricted to white ware decorated with blue, like ordinary Nankin. The factory was first established in 1790 by Thomas Minton, who had been an apprentice of Thomas Turner (of Caughley) as an engraver, and had then worked for Spode; and in 1788 he settled at Stoke.

The next year he took Joseph Poulson into partnership—the late manager for Spode—and from the year 1793 to 1800 he continued to be a joint manager and proprietor. He died in 1809, when Thomas Minton carried on the business alone. Mr. Minton’s second son, Herbert, succeeded him. John Boyle was his partner for some years, and was succeeded by Daintry Hollins and Mr. Colin Minton Campbell, his nephews. After his death they owned the business.

Steele, Bancroft and Handcock were Minton’s most distinguished painters, and John Simpson was his chief enamel painter of figures and of all the work of the highest class.

M. Solon-Milès, from Sèvres, began work for him in 1870; and to the latter we owe the application ofengobe(white slip) on celadon grounds, toned chocolate, grey, andgreen, which is known aspâte sur pâte—originally a Chinese invention of some centuries old. Solon’s monogram, or “Solon” or “Miles” are sometimes found on his work. The other three given were Minton’s early marks. The ermine surmounting his name has been employed since the year 1851—painted in colours or in gold or else indented.

Some services were produced in Felspar china, decorated with oriental flowers and birds. They were distinguished by a scroll in violet, enclosing a number in red, and below this the mark, “M. & B. Felspar Porcelain.”

The factory of Nantgarw was a small one, founded in 1813, by Billingsley & Walker, at some ten or a dozen miles from Cardiff. The former had been an apprentice to Duesbury, of Derby, and had had great experience, having been in partnership with Coke at Pinxton, then acting as manager at Mansfield, working afterwards at Torksey, Lincolnshire, then at Bristol, and serving under Flight & Barr at Worcester, prior to his founding the manufactory at Nantgarw. In 1820, eight years before the death of Billingsley, John Rose, of Coalport, purchased the plant, Billingsley and Walker going into his service. The marks on the Nantgarw porcelain were either in red or impressed, as illustrated. The paste employed was exceedingly soft and fine in texture; the vases, with beautiful handles and covers, the table services and plaques were painted with landscapes, birds, insects, and flowers. At one time Mortlock (of London) purchased Billingsley’s porcelain in white and decorated and fired it himself. The extreme softness and vitreous fracture of the paste identifies it as of Nantgarw when the mark is lacking. Two other marks of this factory may be given. The name is in capital letters, either painted in red, or more usually impressed, and the second is in red. Sometimes the letters “C.W.” are found impressed underneath the name of the factory, which is supposed to mean “China Works.” Billingsley is supposed to have produced an excellent dessert service painted in flowers which is now the property of Mr. Firbank, M.P.

The Rockingham factory was originally established for earthenware; but Thomas Brameld introduced the manufacture of the finest description of porcelain in the year 1820 or 1823, collecting his materials from Cornwall, Dorset, Sussex, and Kent. His dessert, dinner, and breakfast sets, and his ornamental pieces and figures, all highly decorated, were of first-class excellence. The mark usually employed—adopted in 1828—was the Rockingham crest—a Griffin—the Swinton Works being on the estate of Charles, Marquis of Rockingham, together with an inscription giving the name of the factory, and of Brameld—himself a painter on porcelain. The mark was in red. In 1826 they became embarrassed, no expense having been spared on the manufacture of the finest work; but they were kept open through the assistance of Earl Fitzwilliam until 1842. In some examples of the Rockingham china (preserved in the Scheiber collection) the mark varies to “Royal Rock Works, Brameld,” and the words “Manufacturers to the King” below the crest; also the name “Brameld” is sometimes enclosed in an oval design. Some genuine Rockingham ware is unmarked; some have incised marks such as “No. 22,” and “No. 31,” also “Brameld,” giving the batons and dots in addition.

BRAMELD.

There is a splendid specimen of this china to be seen in the South Kensington Museum—a highly decorated vase standing four feet high, and fired in a single piece, also having three handles, representing gold oak-branches, and the whole standing on three lions’ paws, a rhinoceros surmounting the lid or cover. The painter, Isaac Baguley, took over some part of this factory, Speight, Cordon, and Lucas being amongst the chief painters employed.

The factory at Belleck, County Fermanagh, Ireland, was established by Messrs. Armstrong and McBirney in 1856-7, and the porcelain was produced from the Felspar clays on the estate of J. C. Bloomfield, Esq. The use of salts of bismuth, resin, and oil of lavender produced the lustrous glaze for which this ware is remarkable, and the colours obtained from metallic oxides. So unique is this porcelain that no mark is required to identify it; but there is one stencilled or painted upon it in brown, green, or red, and the design is a round tower, a harp, shamrock, and greyhound—the former three being characteristic emblems of the country—but I do not know the origin of the latter. Perhaps it is the crest of the Bloomfields of Fermanagh, on whose estate the felspar was found.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.MEDICAL.Troubled One.—Yours is a complaint which often causes great uneasiness to girls of your age. It is usually of very little import, and its greatest harm results, not from the condition itself, but from the patient’s fixed idea that she is suffering from some serious ailment. Almost anything can cause it. Indigestion and anæmia are among the most common causes. You will probably find that carefully treating your indigestion will cure your trouble. A short course of iron, if your digestion will stand it, will do you good.Kanowna.—Try washing your face with warm water and sulphur soap. A very little sulphur ointment applied to your face at night-time will help you.S. D.—1. Yes; vaseline is not a bad preparation for the hair. It is rather messy, and does not suit some persons’ hair. As regards the question, “How often should you wash your hair?” it depends a good deal upon yourself and the condition of your hair. If the hair is quite healthy, it need not be washed more often than once a month.—2. Simply a curiosity. It means nothing.Mavis.—Read our advice to “Troubled One.” Of course, in a case like that of your friend, the question of a local cause for her symptoms must be considered. A course of iron, or of iron with some astringent, such as aromatic sulphuric acid is often of extreme value when the annoyance is due to constitutional causes. When taking iron in any form, constipation must be carefully guarded against.Anxious Topsy.—Drinking excessively does cause profuse perspiration. But profuse perspiration produces excessive thirst; so that it is difficult to say which is the cause and which the effect. People who perspire freely should avoid tea and coffee, as these stimulate the sweat glands. They should wash in warm (not hot) water, and sponge over those parts which perspire most profusely with toilet vinegar and water. When the hands and feet are the members chiefly at fault, a powder consisting of one part of salicylic acid to ninety-nine parts of powdered silica may be dusted inside the gloves and socks. When the face perspires more freely than the other parts of the body, sulphur soap should be used to wash with, or the face may be bathed occasionally in toilet vinegar and water.Muriel.—We see alas! that constant repetition is forced upon us in this column. One would have thought that every one of our readers had by this time grasped the chief points in the treatment of chronic indigestion. But we see that we are mistaken! And that we must repeat time after time. Well, here is the treatment of indigestion in a nutshell! We can divide indigestion into three grades of severity. First, those forms which need merely a few hints about diet; secondly, those forms in which a considerable amount of care must be taken, but which do not completely incapacitate the sufferers; and thirdly, the most serious cases which require great skill on the part of the physician and the patient to keep the latter from starvation. It is to those suffering from the second of these grades that the following remarks are addressed. As regards diet and eating. Take three, four, or five meals a day; but let them besmallmeals, and the intervals between them of nearly equal time. Eat very slowly; masticate properly. Give twenty bites to each mouthful of solid food. Never eat in a hurry or bolt your food. Sit down and do nothing for at least half an hour after each meal. Avoid pastry, cheese, potatoes, the coarser vegetables, pork, veal, made dishes (except such as are very simple), liver, kidneys, goose, duck, and sweet puddings. Take white bread in preference to brown or patent breads, for it is more digestible and more nutritious. It is preferable to have it toasted. Bread, biscuits, and any foods containing sugar must be partaken of in moderation. As regards liquids. Drink little, never more than half-a-pint of fluid at each meal, and drink it when you have finished eating. Avoid alcohol in all forms, tea, coffee, andcocoa—all of these are indigestible. Never take soup, beef-tea, or meat essences. Let your chief drinks be warm milk and aerated waters. Never drink anything very hot or very cold. Ices are especially to be avoided. In addition look to your teeth; have any bad teeth which may be present removed. Where you have lost teeth have false ones put in. Beware of tight lacing. Corsets are a fertile cause of indigestion, and are one reason why dyspepsia is so much more common in women than in men. Take a good walk every day. Guard against constipation from all causes. A little stewed fruit and plenty of green vegetables will help to relieve this complication. When intractable, a teaspoonful of liquorice powder or a pill of aloes and nux vomica may be taken at night. A glassful of hot water taken the last thing at night is also of value. As regards drugs, the first necessity is to point out that these are very commonly the cause of indigestion, and the less that dyspeptics have to do with them the better they will be. Never have a “bottle of medicine” as a “cure” for dyspepsia. Indigestion cannot be cured by drugs. Above all, avoid pepsin, and acids and bitters. The former drug relieves indigestion for a time, but makes it worse afterwards. It is only when normal digestion is impossible that pepsin should be used. In nine cases out of ten acids make indigestion worse; in the tenth case they are unnecessary. But unfortunately we must occasionally resort to drugs to relieve indigestion. A tablespoonful of bicarbonate of soda, or a “tabloid” of sodamint, taken when fulness, or flatulency, or oppression, or nausea is severe will often give instant relief. The severer grades of dyspepsia require further treatment, but we are not considering them now.STUDY AND STUDIO.Miss Bailey.—We have already informed you that we send no answers through the post. See our Rules.Edith.—Write to the Registrar, University of London, Burlington Gardens, W. After matriculation, you can take the intermediate and B.A. degree examinations. The B.A. degree would help you in the profession of teaching. You do not tell us of your attainments; so we can hardly judge what is within your reach.Marguerite.—Write to Messrs. S. A. Partridge & Co., 8 and 9, Paternoster Row, London, enclosing a stamp, and asking them if they publish the hymn you quote. It is constantly to be seen on cards or sheets, printed in large type for hanging in bedrooms.Ivy.—The lines on the loss of your cat are more neatly written than the others. “Elfin” is not a noun but an adjective, and “prancing” is not a suitable expression for fairies. You should not use the form “sigheth” only for the sake of making the line long enough, as you use the form “flickers” immediately afterwards.Emily C. Cox(Tasmania).—1. We are inserting your request.—2. Your writing is a little stiff and childish. It needs more freedom; but it is quite plain and legible.Maria Grillo(Italy).—1. Your request we insert below.—2. You would have to write formally to the Editor ofThe Girl’s Own Paperabout any particular story you wished to translate.Catriona.—The verses you enclose are not at all bad for a child of eleven. At the same time, it is not unusual for intelligent children thus to string their fancies into rhyme, and it is no proof at all of latent poetic genius. Your little friend may become a poetess—or she may not.Veronica.—Your story shows lack of experience. In order to make us really interested in the love affairs of “Agatha,” there should have been opportunity for the reader to study her character and circumstances. There is no special point in the mere fact of her receiving an offer of marriage from someone who is little more than a name. A short story should as far as possible have its action in the present, and not expect the reader to draw overmuch on his imagination.An Interested Reader.—1. You are certainly not too old to be coached for the London Matriculation Examination. We hold in our hand a prospectus of the “Queen Margaret Correspondence Classes,” which prepare for that amongst other examinations. If you write to Miss Birrell, 31, Lansdowne Crescent, Glasgow, she will send you full particulars of subjects and fees. Tell her that you are a governess, and wish to prepare for the London Matriculation.—2. “The Legend of Bregenz” is by Adelaide Anne Proctor, and may be found in any collection of her poems.A New Reader.—The metre of your lines is defective, and they would not be accepted for publication. You give a vigorous description of the well-known picture; but every poem should have some metre or “form” in which it is written, and your “third lines” are wrong in every respect. Study the laws of versification.An Ardent Admirer of The “G. O. P.”—We like the spirit of your verses, and the substance of them, but are obliged to tell you that the form is very imperfect. The metre halts continually. Your ear can perhaps discern that these first lines are not of the same cadence.“O knowledge, replied the thinker.”“All these and more the secrets are.”The number of syllables may be the same, but the accent varies. You should read good poetry, and if you wish to write verse, study the laws of versification.Black and White.—Your sketches are full of promise, but are not up to the standard for publication. As you are so young, and have had no Art-education, it seems to us that your father should strive to send you to Art schools, as it undoubtedly would pay in the long run. You have decided though unformed talent for black and white figure work.INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENCE.Miss L. Myles, 13, Upper Mallow St., Limerick, Ireland, would like a German correspondent to whom she could write in English, the lady replying in German.C. Rahier’snote has arrived too late for its purpose. “Highland Lassie,” c/o Post Office, St. Cyrus, Scotland, would be pleased to correspond with some nice French girl of good family. She would like her correspondent to be about sixteen or seventeen years of age, and “Highland Lassie” begs to say that she speaks French, and that she is very fond of literature, music, and drawing.Mademoiselle Louise François, of Anzin, Nord, France, will be pleased to correspond and exchange stamps with girls living in South and North America, New Zealand, or any part of Australia.EmilyandAgnes Cox, Buckland, Tasmania, Oceania, aged 18 and 16, wish to correspond with a French and also with a German girl with a view to improving their knowledge of the languages. They will write in English, French, or German.Margaret Speedie, Surrey Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria, would like to correspond with P. and H. Pierson (Dutch correspondents) and Adelina Grillo (Italian) if they have not found anyone else. Perhaps they will write to her once in any case.Maria Grillo, an Italian girl aged 22, would be glad to correspond with a German girl of about her own age, in order to improve her knowledge of German. She would be ready to give any help in her power towards the study of Italian. Address, Miss M. Grillo, Admiral Grillo, Via del Carmine 6, Spezia, Italy.Edith Coates(who does not say whether we may give her address) wishes to correspond with a French and a German girl aged from 18 to 25.C. A. D. (formerly engaged in teaching) wishes for a French correspondent.A Cardiff Girlwould like to correspond with a fairly educated American girl about 16 years of age.Margaret E. Baker, Villa Hoffnung, Godesberg, bei Bonn, Germany, would like to correspond with Miss Jeffrey, whose request appeared in September. Miss Baker is leading a life full of interest as a student in Germany, and hopes soon to go to France or French Switzerland.Miss E. C. Hepper, Clareville, Headingley, Leeds, would be glad to correspond with a well-educated French lady not under 30 years of age. Each should write in the other’s language, and the letters would be corrected and returned.A Russian Girlwhose name and address we find some difficulty in deciphering from her pleasant letter, wishes to correspond with “Miss Inquisitive.” Here is our rendering of the address—Miss Ovana Thyne, Riga, VI., Weidendam Hause 1.MISCELLANEOUS.Joan.—When friends or strangers say that it has given them pleasure to meet you, you must respond graciously, and say that you are likewise glad that you have had the opportunity of meeting, or of making their acquaintance, if a first introduction. Try to look pleasant when you say so. It is not a time for looking stiff and solemn.Nightingale.—If you have read all the books which we have recommended on the subject of nursing, we can help you no further in that line. But some useful manual might be obtained with reference to ambulance work, and “First Aid.” Apply to the St. John Ambulance Association, St. John’s Gate, Clerkenwell, E.C., inaugurated by the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.Clarice.—If you hear “a ticking in the wall like that of a watch,” it may be occasioned by a particular kind of little beetle which is known to make just such a sound. If you have no ear for music, spare those within hearing the nuisance of listening to inharmonious sounds and incorrect time. Your hand is legible and of moderate size, and is not very much to be condemned. On the contrary. But people differ in taste.White Rose.—There is a “Factory Helpers Union” which is worked under the auspices of the “Y.W.C.A.” The Hon. Secretary is Miss Skirrow, and the office at 26, George Street, Hanover Square, W. There are branches of this society at most of our large provincial cities. Amongst these we may name Birmingham, Bristol, Eastbourne, Manchester, Ipswich, Derby, and Leicester.Margaret H.—Put an advertisement in some of the leading papers, and put up notices in the windows of the shops. Many of the owners would so far oblige you, especially the grocer’s, butcher’s, and baker’s where you deal, or propose to do so.Mary and Katherine.—We are very sorry for you; but your first duty is to obey your parents. Take each some permanent address and in course of time a correspondence may meet with no opposition. You are both minors only.Nell.—We give a notice of your “Invalid Home” at 10, Terrace Road, Buxton, Derbyshire. The terms for board and lodging, with nursing, etc., from two to five guineas a week. When visitors need only rest and change of air, the terms are two and a half guineas, or three and a half when two persons share the same room.Lilly H. Y. Y.—Your letter impressed us very painfully. For a young woman, or anyone, to “despise everybody” is a bad sign. There must be grievous mental or moral disease (we do not mean in the sense of insanity). Some of these light-hearted and apparently frivolous young people may have fine, generous, unselfish natures, tender, loving hearts; people who, whatever their tastes may be, or capabilities, or deficiencies for intellectual culture, might willingly sacrifice any selfish gratification to serve, or afford a little kindly attention to another. Our divine Father made us all, with diversities both of gifts and of opportunities. He does not “gather where He does not straw,” nor does He permit anyone to judge his brother, nor to despise him. To his own Master he will stand or fall. When your mother has a visitor, is it not your duty as a daughter of the house to remain with and help her? “Little children, love one another,” so said “the beloved disciple.” Are you trying to profit by his teaching? We ask it in all kindliness of feeling.Claudia.—Spilling salt was held to be an unlucky omen by the Romans, and it is from them the idea has descended to us. You have perhaps seen Leonardo da Vinci’s great picture of the “Last Supper,” and in that Judas Iscariot is known by the salt cellar knocked over accidentally by his arm. Salt was used by the Jews in sacrifice, and spilling it after it was placed on the head of the victim was held to be a bad omen; and this is according to Brewer, the origin of the superstition. Salt was an emblem of purity, and the sanctifying influence of a holy life upon others, hence our Lord tells His disciples that they are “the salt of the earth.” There are also two references to “a covenant of salt” in the Old Testament, see Numbers xviii. 19 and 2 Chron. xiii. 5. By this we understand that salt was a symbol of incorruption, and thus of perpetuity, as the “covenant of salt” meant one which could not be broken. There is of course no mention of the spilling of the salt by Judas in the Bible. It was put in by the Italian painter as a suggestion of what might have happened, a kind of significant accessory to the great scene, and a suggestion of the great trouble to come—according to the national superstition.St. Marie.—We do not think that the hole in the top of a meat pie had originally any reason, save that gravy is usually put in after the pie is cooked, so as to ensure plenty of it, and also to allow the escape of the steam, which, if allowed to remain in, would make the pastry heavy and soft. There is nothing in the vapour of beef that could injure the meat, and the same may be said of mutton and veal; nor should there be any need for special ventilation, save in the case of “high” game or venison. You will find this subject fully dealt with in the sixth chapter of Mathieu Williams’sChemistry of Cookery.

Troubled One.—Yours is a complaint which often causes great uneasiness to girls of your age. It is usually of very little import, and its greatest harm results, not from the condition itself, but from the patient’s fixed idea that she is suffering from some serious ailment. Almost anything can cause it. Indigestion and anæmia are among the most common causes. You will probably find that carefully treating your indigestion will cure your trouble. A short course of iron, if your digestion will stand it, will do you good.Kanowna.—Try washing your face with warm water and sulphur soap. A very little sulphur ointment applied to your face at night-time will help you.S. D.—1. Yes; vaseline is not a bad preparation for the hair. It is rather messy, and does not suit some persons’ hair. As regards the question, “How often should you wash your hair?” it depends a good deal upon yourself and the condition of your hair. If the hair is quite healthy, it need not be washed more often than once a month.—2. Simply a curiosity. It means nothing.Mavis.—Read our advice to “Troubled One.” Of course, in a case like that of your friend, the question of a local cause for her symptoms must be considered. A course of iron, or of iron with some astringent, such as aromatic sulphuric acid is often of extreme value when the annoyance is due to constitutional causes. When taking iron in any form, constipation must be carefully guarded against.Anxious Topsy.—Drinking excessively does cause profuse perspiration. But profuse perspiration produces excessive thirst; so that it is difficult to say which is the cause and which the effect. People who perspire freely should avoid tea and coffee, as these stimulate the sweat glands. They should wash in warm (not hot) water, and sponge over those parts which perspire most profusely with toilet vinegar and water. When the hands and feet are the members chiefly at fault, a powder consisting of one part of salicylic acid to ninety-nine parts of powdered silica may be dusted inside the gloves and socks. When the face perspires more freely than the other parts of the body, sulphur soap should be used to wash with, or the face may be bathed occasionally in toilet vinegar and water.Muriel.—We see alas! that constant repetition is forced upon us in this column. One would have thought that every one of our readers had by this time grasped the chief points in the treatment of chronic indigestion. But we see that we are mistaken! And that we must repeat time after time. Well, here is the treatment of indigestion in a nutshell! We can divide indigestion into three grades of severity. First, those forms which need merely a few hints about diet; secondly, those forms in which a considerable amount of care must be taken, but which do not completely incapacitate the sufferers; and thirdly, the most serious cases which require great skill on the part of the physician and the patient to keep the latter from starvation. It is to those suffering from the second of these grades that the following remarks are addressed. As regards diet and eating. Take three, four, or five meals a day; but let them besmallmeals, and the intervals between them of nearly equal time. Eat very slowly; masticate properly. Give twenty bites to each mouthful of solid food. Never eat in a hurry or bolt your food. Sit down and do nothing for at least half an hour after each meal. Avoid pastry, cheese, potatoes, the coarser vegetables, pork, veal, made dishes (except such as are very simple), liver, kidneys, goose, duck, and sweet puddings. Take white bread in preference to brown or patent breads, for it is more digestible and more nutritious. It is preferable to have it toasted. Bread, biscuits, and any foods containing sugar must be partaken of in moderation. As regards liquids. Drink little, never more than half-a-pint of fluid at each meal, and drink it when you have finished eating. Avoid alcohol in all forms, tea, coffee, andcocoa—all of these are indigestible. Never take soup, beef-tea, or meat essences. Let your chief drinks be warm milk and aerated waters. Never drink anything very hot or very cold. Ices are especially to be avoided. In addition look to your teeth; have any bad teeth which may be present removed. Where you have lost teeth have false ones put in. Beware of tight lacing. Corsets are a fertile cause of indigestion, and are one reason why dyspepsia is so much more common in women than in men. Take a good walk every day. Guard against constipation from all causes. A little stewed fruit and plenty of green vegetables will help to relieve this complication. When intractable, a teaspoonful of liquorice powder or a pill of aloes and nux vomica may be taken at night. A glassful of hot water taken the last thing at night is also of value. As regards drugs, the first necessity is to point out that these are very commonly the cause of indigestion, and the less that dyspeptics have to do with them the better they will be. Never have a “bottle of medicine” as a “cure” for dyspepsia. Indigestion cannot be cured by drugs. Above all, avoid pepsin, and acids and bitters. The former drug relieves indigestion for a time, but makes it worse afterwards. It is only when normal digestion is impossible that pepsin should be used. In nine cases out of ten acids make indigestion worse; in the tenth case they are unnecessary. But unfortunately we must occasionally resort to drugs to relieve indigestion. A tablespoonful of bicarbonate of soda, or a “tabloid” of sodamint, taken when fulness, or flatulency, or oppression, or nausea is severe will often give instant relief. The severer grades of dyspepsia require further treatment, but we are not considering them now.

Kanowna.—Try washing your face with warm water and sulphur soap. A very little sulphur ointment applied to your face at night-time will help you.

S. D.—1. Yes; vaseline is not a bad preparation for the hair. It is rather messy, and does not suit some persons’ hair. As regards the question, “How often should you wash your hair?” it depends a good deal upon yourself and the condition of your hair. If the hair is quite healthy, it need not be washed more often than once a month.—2. Simply a curiosity. It means nothing.

Mavis.—Read our advice to “Troubled One.” Of course, in a case like that of your friend, the question of a local cause for her symptoms must be considered. A course of iron, or of iron with some astringent, such as aromatic sulphuric acid is often of extreme value when the annoyance is due to constitutional causes. When taking iron in any form, constipation must be carefully guarded against.

Anxious Topsy.—Drinking excessively does cause profuse perspiration. But profuse perspiration produces excessive thirst; so that it is difficult to say which is the cause and which the effect. People who perspire freely should avoid tea and coffee, as these stimulate the sweat glands. They should wash in warm (not hot) water, and sponge over those parts which perspire most profusely with toilet vinegar and water. When the hands and feet are the members chiefly at fault, a powder consisting of one part of salicylic acid to ninety-nine parts of powdered silica may be dusted inside the gloves and socks. When the face perspires more freely than the other parts of the body, sulphur soap should be used to wash with, or the face may be bathed occasionally in toilet vinegar and water.

Muriel.—We see alas! that constant repetition is forced upon us in this column. One would have thought that every one of our readers had by this time grasped the chief points in the treatment of chronic indigestion. But we see that we are mistaken! And that we must repeat time after time. Well, here is the treatment of indigestion in a nutshell! We can divide indigestion into three grades of severity. First, those forms which need merely a few hints about diet; secondly, those forms in which a considerable amount of care must be taken, but which do not completely incapacitate the sufferers; and thirdly, the most serious cases which require great skill on the part of the physician and the patient to keep the latter from starvation. It is to those suffering from the second of these grades that the following remarks are addressed. As regards diet and eating. Take three, four, or five meals a day; but let them besmallmeals, and the intervals between them of nearly equal time. Eat very slowly; masticate properly. Give twenty bites to each mouthful of solid food. Never eat in a hurry or bolt your food. Sit down and do nothing for at least half an hour after each meal. Avoid pastry, cheese, potatoes, the coarser vegetables, pork, veal, made dishes (except such as are very simple), liver, kidneys, goose, duck, and sweet puddings. Take white bread in preference to brown or patent breads, for it is more digestible and more nutritious. It is preferable to have it toasted. Bread, biscuits, and any foods containing sugar must be partaken of in moderation. As regards liquids. Drink little, never more than half-a-pint of fluid at each meal, and drink it when you have finished eating. Avoid alcohol in all forms, tea, coffee, andcocoa—all of these are indigestible. Never take soup, beef-tea, or meat essences. Let your chief drinks be warm milk and aerated waters. Never drink anything very hot or very cold. Ices are especially to be avoided. In addition look to your teeth; have any bad teeth which may be present removed. Where you have lost teeth have false ones put in. Beware of tight lacing. Corsets are a fertile cause of indigestion, and are one reason why dyspepsia is so much more common in women than in men. Take a good walk every day. Guard against constipation from all causes. A little stewed fruit and plenty of green vegetables will help to relieve this complication. When intractable, a teaspoonful of liquorice powder or a pill of aloes and nux vomica may be taken at night. A glassful of hot water taken the last thing at night is also of value. As regards drugs, the first necessity is to point out that these are very commonly the cause of indigestion, and the less that dyspeptics have to do with them the better they will be. Never have a “bottle of medicine” as a “cure” for dyspepsia. Indigestion cannot be cured by drugs. Above all, avoid pepsin, and acids and bitters. The former drug relieves indigestion for a time, but makes it worse afterwards. It is only when normal digestion is impossible that pepsin should be used. In nine cases out of ten acids make indigestion worse; in the tenth case they are unnecessary. But unfortunately we must occasionally resort to drugs to relieve indigestion. A tablespoonful of bicarbonate of soda, or a “tabloid” of sodamint, taken when fulness, or flatulency, or oppression, or nausea is severe will often give instant relief. The severer grades of dyspepsia require further treatment, but we are not considering them now.

Miss Bailey.—We have already informed you that we send no answers through the post. See our Rules.Edith.—Write to the Registrar, University of London, Burlington Gardens, W. After matriculation, you can take the intermediate and B.A. degree examinations. The B.A. degree would help you in the profession of teaching. You do not tell us of your attainments; so we can hardly judge what is within your reach.Marguerite.—Write to Messrs. S. A. Partridge & Co., 8 and 9, Paternoster Row, London, enclosing a stamp, and asking them if they publish the hymn you quote. It is constantly to be seen on cards or sheets, printed in large type for hanging in bedrooms.Ivy.—The lines on the loss of your cat are more neatly written than the others. “Elfin” is not a noun but an adjective, and “prancing” is not a suitable expression for fairies. You should not use the form “sigheth” only for the sake of making the line long enough, as you use the form “flickers” immediately afterwards.Emily C. Cox(Tasmania).—1. We are inserting your request.—2. Your writing is a little stiff and childish. It needs more freedom; but it is quite plain and legible.Maria Grillo(Italy).—1. Your request we insert below.—2. You would have to write formally to the Editor ofThe Girl’s Own Paperabout any particular story you wished to translate.Catriona.—The verses you enclose are not at all bad for a child of eleven. At the same time, it is not unusual for intelligent children thus to string their fancies into rhyme, and it is no proof at all of latent poetic genius. Your little friend may become a poetess—or she may not.Veronica.—Your story shows lack of experience. In order to make us really interested in the love affairs of “Agatha,” there should have been opportunity for the reader to study her character and circumstances. There is no special point in the mere fact of her receiving an offer of marriage from someone who is little more than a name. A short story should as far as possible have its action in the present, and not expect the reader to draw overmuch on his imagination.An Interested Reader.—1. You are certainly not too old to be coached for the London Matriculation Examination. We hold in our hand a prospectus of the “Queen Margaret Correspondence Classes,” which prepare for that amongst other examinations. If you write to Miss Birrell, 31, Lansdowne Crescent, Glasgow, she will send you full particulars of subjects and fees. Tell her that you are a governess, and wish to prepare for the London Matriculation.—2. “The Legend of Bregenz” is by Adelaide Anne Proctor, and may be found in any collection of her poems.A New Reader.—The metre of your lines is defective, and they would not be accepted for publication. You give a vigorous description of the well-known picture; but every poem should have some metre or “form” in which it is written, and your “third lines” are wrong in every respect. Study the laws of versification.An Ardent Admirer of The “G. O. P.”—We like the spirit of your verses, and the substance of them, but are obliged to tell you that the form is very imperfect. The metre halts continually. Your ear can perhaps discern that these first lines are not of the same cadence.“O knowledge, replied the thinker.”“All these and more the secrets are.”The number of syllables may be the same, but the accent varies. You should read good poetry, and if you wish to write verse, study the laws of versification.Black and White.—Your sketches are full of promise, but are not up to the standard for publication. As you are so young, and have had no Art-education, it seems to us that your father should strive to send you to Art schools, as it undoubtedly would pay in the long run. You have decided though unformed talent for black and white figure work.

Miss Bailey.—We have already informed you that we send no answers through the post. See our Rules.

Edith.—Write to the Registrar, University of London, Burlington Gardens, W. After matriculation, you can take the intermediate and B.A. degree examinations. The B.A. degree would help you in the profession of teaching. You do not tell us of your attainments; so we can hardly judge what is within your reach.

Marguerite.—Write to Messrs. S. A. Partridge & Co., 8 and 9, Paternoster Row, London, enclosing a stamp, and asking them if they publish the hymn you quote. It is constantly to be seen on cards or sheets, printed in large type for hanging in bedrooms.

Ivy.—The lines on the loss of your cat are more neatly written than the others. “Elfin” is not a noun but an adjective, and “prancing” is not a suitable expression for fairies. You should not use the form “sigheth” only for the sake of making the line long enough, as you use the form “flickers” immediately afterwards.

Emily C. Cox(Tasmania).—1. We are inserting your request.—2. Your writing is a little stiff and childish. It needs more freedom; but it is quite plain and legible.

Maria Grillo(Italy).—1. Your request we insert below.—2. You would have to write formally to the Editor ofThe Girl’s Own Paperabout any particular story you wished to translate.

Catriona.—The verses you enclose are not at all bad for a child of eleven. At the same time, it is not unusual for intelligent children thus to string their fancies into rhyme, and it is no proof at all of latent poetic genius. Your little friend may become a poetess—or she may not.

Veronica.—Your story shows lack of experience. In order to make us really interested in the love affairs of “Agatha,” there should have been opportunity for the reader to study her character and circumstances. There is no special point in the mere fact of her receiving an offer of marriage from someone who is little more than a name. A short story should as far as possible have its action in the present, and not expect the reader to draw overmuch on his imagination.

An Interested Reader.—1. You are certainly not too old to be coached for the London Matriculation Examination. We hold in our hand a prospectus of the “Queen Margaret Correspondence Classes,” which prepare for that amongst other examinations. If you write to Miss Birrell, 31, Lansdowne Crescent, Glasgow, she will send you full particulars of subjects and fees. Tell her that you are a governess, and wish to prepare for the London Matriculation.—2. “The Legend of Bregenz” is by Adelaide Anne Proctor, and may be found in any collection of her poems.

A New Reader.—The metre of your lines is defective, and they would not be accepted for publication. You give a vigorous description of the well-known picture; but every poem should have some metre or “form” in which it is written, and your “third lines” are wrong in every respect. Study the laws of versification.

An Ardent Admirer of The “G. O. P.”—We like the spirit of your verses, and the substance of them, but are obliged to tell you that the form is very imperfect. The metre halts continually. Your ear can perhaps discern that these first lines are not of the same cadence.

“O knowledge, replied the thinker.”

“All these and more the secrets are.”

The number of syllables may be the same, but the accent varies. You should read good poetry, and if you wish to write verse, study the laws of versification.

Black and White.—Your sketches are full of promise, but are not up to the standard for publication. As you are so young, and have had no Art-education, it seems to us that your father should strive to send you to Art schools, as it undoubtedly would pay in the long run. You have decided though unformed talent for black and white figure work.

Miss L. Myles, 13, Upper Mallow St., Limerick, Ireland, would like a German correspondent to whom she could write in English, the lady replying in German.C. Rahier’snote has arrived too late for its purpose. “Highland Lassie,” c/o Post Office, St. Cyrus, Scotland, would be pleased to correspond with some nice French girl of good family. She would like her correspondent to be about sixteen or seventeen years of age, and “Highland Lassie” begs to say that she speaks French, and that she is very fond of literature, music, and drawing.Mademoiselle Louise François, of Anzin, Nord, France, will be pleased to correspond and exchange stamps with girls living in South and North America, New Zealand, or any part of Australia.EmilyandAgnes Cox, Buckland, Tasmania, Oceania, aged 18 and 16, wish to correspond with a French and also with a German girl with a view to improving their knowledge of the languages. They will write in English, French, or German.Margaret Speedie, Surrey Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria, would like to correspond with P. and H. Pierson (Dutch correspondents) and Adelina Grillo (Italian) if they have not found anyone else. Perhaps they will write to her once in any case.Maria Grillo, an Italian girl aged 22, would be glad to correspond with a German girl of about her own age, in order to improve her knowledge of German. She would be ready to give any help in her power towards the study of Italian. Address, Miss M. Grillo, Admiral Grillo, Via del Carmine 6, Spezia, Italy.Edith Coates(who does not say whether we may give her address) wishes to correspond with a French and a German girl aged from 18 to 25.C. A. D. (formerly engaged in teaching) wishes for a French correspondent.A Cardiff Girlwould like to correspond with a fairly educated American girl about 16 years of age.Margaret E. Baker, Villa Hoffnung, Godesberg, bei Bonn, Germany, would like to correspond with Miss Jeffrey, whose request appeared in September. Miss Baker is leading a life full of interest as a student in Germany, and hopes soon to go to France or French Switzerland.Miss E. C. Hepper, Clareville, Headingley, Leeds, would be glad to correspond with a well-educated French lady not under 30 years of age. Each should write in the other’s language, and the letters would be corrected and returned.A Russian Girlwhose name and address we find some difficulty in deciphering from her pleasant letter, wishes to correspond with “Miss Inquisitive.” Here is our rendering of the address—Miss Ovana Thyne, Riga, VI., Weidendam Hause 1.

Miss L. Myles, 13, Upper Mallow St., Limerick, Ireland, would like a German correspondent to whom she could write in English, the lady replying in German.

C. Rahier’snote has arrived too late for its purpose. “Highland Lassie,” c/o Post Office, St. Cyrus, Scotland, would be pleased to correspond with some nice French girl of good family. She would like her correspondent to be about sixteen or seventeen years of age, and “Highland Lassie” begs to say that she speaks French, and that she is very fond of literature, music, and drawing.

Mademoiselle Louise François, of Anzin, Nord, France, will be pleased to correspond and exchange stamps with girls living in South and North America, New Zealand, or any part of Australia.

EmilyandAgnes Cox, Buckland, Tasmania, Oceania, aged 18 and 16, wish to correspond with a French and also with a German girl with a view to improving their knowledge of the languages. They will write in English, French, or German.

Margaret Speedie, Surrey Road, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria, would like to correspond with P. and H. Pierson (Dutch correspondents) and Adelina Grillo (Italian) if they have not found anyone else. Perhaps they will write to her once in any case.

Maria Grillo, an Italian girl aged 22, would be glad to correspond with a German girl of about her own age, in order to improve her knowledge of German. She would be ready to give any help in her power towards the study of Italian. Address, Miss M. Grillo, Admiral Grillo, Via del Carmine 6, Spezia, Italy.

Edith Coates(who does not say whether we may give her address) wishes to correspond with a French and a German girl aged from 18 to 25.

C. A. D. (formerly engaged in teaching) wishes for a French correspondent.

A Cardiff Girlwould like to correspond with a fairly educated American girl about 16 years of age.

Margaret E. Baker, Villa Hoffnung, Godesberg, bei Bonn, Germany, would like to correspond with Miss Jeffrey, whose request appeared in September. Miss Baker is leading a life full of interest as a student in Germany, and hopes soon to go to France or French Switzerland.

Miss E. C. Hepper, Clareville, Headingley, Leeds, would be glad to correspond with a well-educated French lady not under 30 years of age. Each should write in the other’s language, and the letters would be corrected and returned.

A Russian Girlwhose name and address we find some difficulty in deciphering from her pleasant letter, wishes to correspond with “Miss Inquisitive.” Here is our rendering of the address—Miss Ovana Thyne, Riga, VI., Weidendam Hause 1.

Joan.—When friends or strangers say that it has given them pleasure to meet you, you must respond graciously, and say that you are likewise glad that you have had the opportunity of meeting, or of making their acquaintance, if a first introduction. Try to look pleasant when you say so. It is not a time for looking stiff and solemn.Nightingale.—If you have read all the books which we have recommended on the subject of nursing, we can help you no further in that line. But some useful manual might be obtained with reference to ambulance work, and “First Aid.” Apply to the St. John Ambulance Association, St. John’s Gate, Clerkenwell, E.C., inaugurated by the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.Clarice.—If you hear “a ticking in the wall like that of a watch,” it may be occasioned by a particular kind of little beetle which is known to make just such a sound. If you have no ear for music, spare those within hearing the nuisance of listening to inharmonious sounds and incorrect time. Your hand is legible and of moderate size, and is not very much to be condemned. On the contrary. But people differ in taste.White Rose.—There is a “Factory Helpers Union” which is worked under the auspices of the “Y.W.C.A.” The Hon. Secretary is Miss Skirrow, and the office at 26, George Street, Hanover Square, W. There are branches of this society at most of our large provincial cities. Amongst these we may name Birmingham, Bristol, Eastbourne, Manchester, Ipswich, Derby, and Leicester.Margaret H.—Put an advertisement in some of the leading papers, and put up notices in the windows of the shops. Many of the owners would so far oblige you, especially the grocer’s, butcher’s, and baker’s where you deal, or propose to do so.Mary and Katherine.—We are very sorry for you; but your first duty is to obey your parents. Take each some permanent address and in course of time a correspondence may meet with no opposition. You are both minors only.Nell.—We give a notice of your “Invalid Home” at 10, Terrace Road, Buxton, Derbyshire. The terms for board and lodging, with nursing, etc., from two to five guineas a week. When visitors need only rest and change of air, the terms are two and a half guineas, or three and a half when two persons share the same room.Lilly H. Y. Y.—Your letter impressed us very painfully. For a young woman, or anyone, to “despise everybody” is a bad sign. There must be grievous mental or moral disease (we do not mean in the sense of insanity). Some of these light-hearted and apparently frivolous young people may have fine, generous, unselfish natures, tender, loving hearts; people who, whatever their tastes may be, or capabilities, or deficiencies for intellectual culture, might willingly sacrifice any selfish gratification to serve, or afford a little kindly attention to another. Our divine Father made us all, with diversities both of gifts and of opportunities. He does not “gather where He does not straw,” nor does He permit anyone to judge his brother, nor to despise him. To his own Master he will stand or fall. When your mother has a visitor, is it not your duty as a daughter of the house to remain with and help her? “Little children, love one another,” so said “the beloved disciple.” Are you trying to profit by his teaching? We ask it in all kindliness of feeling.Claudia.—Spilling salt was held to be an unlucky omen by the Romans, and it is from them the idea has descended to us. You have perhaps seen Leonardo da Vinci’s great picture of the “Last Supper,” and in that Judas Iscariot is known by the salt cellar knocked over accidentally by his arm. Salt was used by the Jews in sacrifice, and spilling it after it was placed on the head of the victim was held to be a bad omen; and this is according to Brewer, the origin of the superstition. Salt was an emblem of purity, and the sanctifying influence of a holy life upon others, hence our Lord tells His disciples that they are “the salt of the earth.” There are also two references to “a covenant of salt” in the Old Testament, see Numbers xviii. 19 and 2 Chron. xiii. 5. By this we understand that salt was a symbol of incorruption, and thus of perpetuity, as the “covenant of salt” meant one which could not be broken. There is of course no mention of the spilling of the salt by Judas in the Bible. It was put in by the Italian painter as a suggestion of what might have happened, a kind of significant accessory to the great scene, and a suggestion of the great trouble to come—according to the national superstition.St. Marie.—We do not think that the hole in the top of a meat pie had originally any reason, save that gravy is usually put in after the pie is cooked, so as to ensure plenty of it, and also to allow the escape of the steam, which, if allowed to remain in, would make the pastry heavy and soft. There is nothing in the vapour of beef that could injure the meat, and the same may be said of mutton and veal; nor should there be any need for special ventilation, save in the case of “high” game or venison. You will find this subject fully dealt with in the sixth chapter of Mathieu Williams’sChemistry of Cookery.

Nightingale.—If you have read all the books which we have recommended on the subject of nursing, we can help you no further in that line. But some useful manual might be obtained with reference to ambulance work, and “First Aid.” Apply to the St. John Ambulance Association, St. John’s Gate, Clerkenwell, E.C., inaugurated by the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.

Clarice.—If you hear “a ticking in the wall like that of a watch,” it may be occasioned by a particular kind of little beetle which is known to make just such a sound. If you have no ear for music, spare those within hearing the nuisance of listening to inharmonious sounds and incorrect time. Your hand is legible and of moderate size, and is not very much to be condemned. On the contrary. But people differ in taste.

White Rose.—There is a “Factory Helpers Union” which is worked under the auspices of the “Y.W.C.A.” The Hon. Secretary is Miss Skirrow, and the office at 26, George Street, Hanover Square, W. There are branches of this society at most of our large provincial cities. Amongst these we may name Birmingham, Bristol, Eastbourne, Manchester, Ipswich, Derby, and Leicester.

Margaret H.—Put an advertisement in some of the leading papers, and put up notices in the windows of the shops. Many of the owners would so far oblige you, especially the grocer’s, butcher’s, and baker’s where you deal, or propose to do so.

Mary and Katherine.—We are very sorry for you; but your first duty is to obey your parents. Take each some permanent address and in course of time a correspondence may meet with no opposition. You are both minors only.

Nell.—We give a notice of your “Invalid Home” at 10, Terrace Road, Buxton, Derbyshire. The terms for board and lodging, with nursing, etc., from two to five guineas a week. When visitors need only rest and change of air, the terms are two and a half guineas, or three and a half when two persons share the same room.

Lilly H. Y. Y.—Your letter impressed us very painfully. For a young woman, or anyone, to “despise everybody” is a bad sign. There must be grievous mental or moral disease (we do not mean in the sense of insanity). Some of these light-hearted and apparently frivolous young people may have fine, generous, unselfish natures, tender, loving hearts; people who, whatever their tastes may be, or capabilities, or deficiencies for intellectual culture, might willingly sacrifice any selfish gratification to serve, or afford a little kindly attention to another. Our divine Father made us all, with diversities both of gifts and of opportunities. He does not “gather where He does not straw,” nor does He permit anyone to judge his brother, nor to despise him. To his own Master he will stand or fall. When your mother has a visitor, is it not your duty as a daughter of the house to remain with and help her? “Little children, love one another,” so said “the beloved disciple.” Are you trying to profit by his teaching? We ask it in all kindliness of feeling.

Claudia.—Spilling salt was held to be an unlucky omen by the Romans, and it is from them the idea has descended to us. You have perhaps seen Leonardo da Vinci’s great picture of the “Last Supper,” and in that Judas Iscariot is known by the salt cellar knocked over accidentally by his arm. Salt was used by the Jews in sacrifice, and spilling it after it was placed on the head of the victim was held to be a bad omen; and this is according to Brewer, the origin of the superstition. Salt was an emblem of purity, and the sanctifying influence of a holy life upon others, hence our Lord tells His disciples that they are “the salt of the earth.” There are also two references to “a covenant of salt” in the Old Testament, see Numbers xviii. 19 and 2 Chron. xiii. 5. By this we understand that salt was a symbol of incorruption, and thus of perpetuity, as the “covenant of salt” meant one which could not be broken. There is of course no mention of the spilling of the salt by Judas in the Bible. It was put in by the Italian painter as a suggestion of what might have happened, a kind of significant accessory to the great scene, and a suggestion of the great trouble to come—according to the national superstition.

St. Marie.—We do not think that the hole in the top of a meat pie had originally any reason, save that gravy is usually put in after the pie is cooked, so as to ensure plenty of it, and also to allow the escape of the steam, which, if allowed to remain in, would make the pastry heavy and soft. There is nothing in the vapour of beef that could injure the meat, and the same may be said of mutton and veal; nor should there be any need for special ventilation, save in the case of “high” game or venison. You will find this subject fully dealt with in the sixth chapter of Mathieu Williams’sChemistry of Cookery.

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