NELLICA.—We thank you for your kind and grateful letter, and rejoice that you enjoy our paper and are allowed to read it. You write a very fair, legible handwriting.

A HOTHOUSE PLANT.—Pampas grass must be bleached in a solution of chloride of lime. You had better consult the chemist of whom you procure the drug as to the proportion of water. Perhaps he would prepare it for you. You write well, but use a bad pen—we mean an old, worn-out one.

BEDWAEEN (Hyderabad).—We acknowledge your kind letter with our best wishes and thanks. You do not ask any special question; but as you regret a want of acquaintance with the rules of English grammar, we recommend "The Handbook of the English Tongue," by Dr. Angus, published at our office, 56, Paternoster-row, E.C.; address Mr. Tarn.

AMELIA should take her "twopenny mulready envelope" to a shop where stamps are sold for collections. This is the only plan, if not disposed of to a private collector. We do not think she will make very much on the sale.

THE BIRD.—Kindly refer to the article in question, where all information is already given.

ORMONDE should call after all invitations, whether she accept them or not.

LILY WALKER.—The bridegroom presents the bride and bridesmaids with their bouquets; but it is not needful that the latter should have them. The health of the bride and bridegroom respectively are proposed by the oldest friend of the family present; but other healths are no longer drunk as a universal rule, we believe.

ITALIA.—The competition papers are in no case returned. Your quotation is very good, but is useless under the circumstances.

DULCIE WESTON should consult a doctor and take a tonic. We should decidedly object to cold baths in her case. They should be rather warmer than tepid.

DEWDROP.—When the right time comes for the hatching of silkworms, they should be kept in the sun. Before that they should be kept cool, as their coming out should be delayed until that of the new mulberry leaves. The worms need not to be kept in the sun.

BLUEBELL and DOLLY.—Many thanks for your kind letter.

MAYFLOWER.—We should think, from the price you name, that you are buying spirits of wine. Send your own bottle to an oilshop for methylated spirits. But why not do this:—Get a small oil-lamp and kettle, enough to boil a quart of water; when quite boiling it will be enough for two gallons of cold water, and, using a sponge bath, you can have a comfortable bath?

GRACE should wear the backboard and faceboard, so often recommended by us, for an hour every day while reading or learning her lessons. The book could be set on a stand or shelf, and she could learn while walking to and fro.

GUELDER ROSE.—Some words and names have been given an arbitrary pronunciation by that tyrant—the fashion of the day. There is a rule for each class of society, by which all within those respective circles is bound, unless its members wish to make themselves remarkable. Amongst the "Upper Ten" the name Derby is pronounced "Darby," Shrewsbury as "Shrowsbury," and clerk as "clark." Balmoral is "Bal-moral," the "mo" chiefly accentuated. Writing fairly good.

TRY AGAIN is thanked for her kind letter. That a competitor should not be successful is no discredit to her work, because the number of papers sent in is so enormous, none but the most remarkably perfect amongst the good ones can be awarded even certificates, not to say prizes.

COMING THRO' THE RYE.—You form your letters fairly well, but reverse the heavy and light strokes. The down strokes should be heavy, and the up strokes light. Also, if you did not make the ends of your final letters in every word turn up like pig-tails, your writing would be improved. Perhaps your handwriting may be formed, or begin to be so, at sixteen. No children write running hands.

ROSE.—No "gentlemen" presume to speak to girls in their own rank of life without an introduction; it would be an insult. And as to proposing to walk with you, as a stranger, if you have no father, brother, nor uncle to warn him away, he deserves to be handed over to the police. But men do not usually take such liberties unless they have had some encouragement. Beware of looking at strange men in passing them. Look away when they come near.

EDITH.—Sage tea is good for cooling the face and healing the skin when much sunburnt; but it should be used the same day. Lie on a sofa, and lay the wet leaves over your face.



AUTUMN.



BY HELEN MARION BURNSIDE.

The chestnut burrs are falling On the shining dew-steeped lawn, Where the swallows have been calling To each other since the dawn; For again the forest leaves, And the upland's crown of sheaves, Wear the fair pathetic glory, which so quickly is withdrawn.

And a youthful pair goes straying, As we used to do of old, With the sunlight on them playing, Through the elm trees' paling gold; And I wonder as they go, Pacing slowly to and fro, Are they telling one another just such secrets as we told?

In the cool and fragrant dunlight Of the woodlands, wet with dew, Looking out towards the sunlight Here I stand—but where are you? Where are summer's lusty leaves, Where the swallows from the eaves, And the hopes, and dreams, and longings that in those old days we knew?

Many a spring has blossomed brightly On the grave of a dead past, Many a summer has tossed lightly Her cast leaves upon the blast; And as autumn fades away Into winter's quiet grey, Comes the hope: eternal springtide will give back my friend at last!

THE END